bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does participation in acoustic experiments improve welfare in captive animals? A case study of three grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Ortiz Sara T. , Maxwell Alyssa , Hernandez Ariana , Hansen Kirstin Anderson 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBoth mental and physiological conditions determine the well-being state in an animal. Enrichment is a way to increase an animals’ well-being and may require problem solving through thinking, tolerance of ambiguity, openness, and intrinsic motivation. It is unclear if it is enriching when an animal participates in different types of research. Therefore, it is important to answer the question of whether research can be used as an enrichment tool in zoological facilities. Here, we examine if participation in psychophysical research affected the mental stimulation of three grey seals under human care. The effects varied amongst the three individuals that took part in the research, and indicated that their participation in the research task was dependent on their individual personalities and life history. Two seals indicated that their involvement in the research was positive and motivating, and therefore can be considered enriching. In comparison, the third seal displayed a tendency for frustration and low motivation. Our results indicate that research can be a powerful enrichment tool with animals that find research motivating.
Electronic cigarettes induce mitochondrial DNA damage and trigger toll-like receptor 9-mediated atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Jieliang , Huynh Do Luong , Tang Moon-Shong , Simborio Hannah , Huang Jing , Kosmider Beata , Steinberg Michael B. , Le Le Thu Thi , Pham Kien , Liu Chen , Wang He 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveBoth electronic cigarette (e-cig) use and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation have been implicated in promoting atherosclerosis. In this study we aimed to investigate the causative relationship of e-cig exposure on TLR9 activation and atherosclerosis development.Approach and ResultsEight-week-old ApoE-/- mice fed normal chow diet were exposed to e-cig vapor (ECV) for 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 16 weeks. We found that ECV exposure significantly induced atherosclerotic lesions as examined by Oil Red O staining of aortic root and greatly upregulated TLR9 expression in classical monocytes and in the atherosclerotic plaques, which the latter was corroborated by upregulated TLR9 expression in human femoral artery atherosclerotic plaques in e-cig smokers. Intriguingly, we found a significant increase of damaged mitochondria DNA level in the circulating blood of ECV exposed mice. Furthermore, administration of TLR9 antagonist prior to ECV exposure not only alleviated atherosclerotic lesion and the upregulation of TLR9 in plaques, but also attenuated the increase of plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, reduced the accumulation of lipid and macrophages, and decreased the frequency of blood CCR2+ classical monocytes. Surprisingly, we found that the cytoplasmic mtDNA isolated from ECV extract-treated cells can greatly enhance the expression of TLR9 in reporter cells.ConclusionE-cig induces mtDNA damage and the mtDNA in circulating blood stimulates the expression of TLR9, which elevate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in monocyte/macrophage and consequently lead to atherosclerosis. Our results raise the possibility that intervention of TLR9 activation is a potential pharmacologic target of ECV-related inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
Fishing for contact: Modeling perivascular glioma invasion in the zebrafish brain
Authors: Umans Robyn A. , ten Kate Mattie , Pollock Carolyn , Sontheimer Harald 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive, central nervous system (CNS) cancer for which there is no a cure. Invading tumor cells evade treatment, limiting the efficacy of the current standard of care regimen. Understanding the underlying invasive behaviors that support tumor growth may allow for generation of novel GBM therapies. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are attractive for genetics and live imaging, and have in recent years, emerged as a model system suitable for cancer biology research. While other groups have studied CNS tumors using zebrafish, few have concentrated on the invasive behaviors supporting the development of these diseases. Previous studies demonstrated that one of the main mechanisms of GBM invasion is perivascular invasion, i.e. single tumor cell migration along blood vessels. Here, we characterize phenotypes, methodology, and potential therapeutic avenues for utilizing zebrafish to model perivascular GBM invasion. Using patient derived xenolines or an adherent cell line, we demonstrate tumor expansion within the zebrafish brain. Within 24 hours post-intracranial injection, D54-MG-tdTomato glioma cells produce finger-like projections along the zebrafish brain vasculature. As few as 25 GBM cells were sufficient to promote single cell vessel co-option. Of note, these tumor-vessel interactions are CNS specific, and do not occur on pre-existing blood vessels when injected into the animal’s peripheral tissue. Tumor-vessel interactions increase over time and can be pharmacologically disrupted through inhibition of Wnt signaling. Therefore, zebrafish serve as a favorable model system to study perivascular glioma invasion, one of the deadly characteristics that make GBM so difficult to treat.
Bird populations most exposed to climate change are less responsive to climatic variation
Authors: Bailey Liam D. , van de Pol Martijn , Adriaensen Frank , Barba Emilio , Bellamy Paul E. , Bouvier Jean-Charles , Burgess Malcolm D. , Charmantier Anne , Cusimano Camillo , Doligez Blandine , Drobniak Szymon M. , Dubiec Anna , Eens Marcel , Eeva Tapio , Ferns Peter N. , Goodenough Anne E. , Hartley Ian R. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Ivankina Elena , Juskaitis Rimvydas , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar B. , Lauriere Anne , Lavigne Claire , Leivits Agu , Mainwaring Mark C. , Matthysen Erik , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Orell Markku , Rytkönen Seppo , Senar Juan Carlos , Sheldon Ben C. , Sorace Alberto , Stenning Martyn J. , Török János , Vatka Emma , Vriend Stefan J.G. , Visser Marcel E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe phenology of many species shows strong sensitivity to climate change; however, with few large scale intra-specific studies it is unclear how such sensitivity varies over a species’ range. We document large intra-specific variation in phenological sensitivity to temperature using laying date information from 67 populations of two European songbirds covering a large part of their breeding range. Populations inhabiting deciduous habitats showed stronger phenological sensitivity compared with those in evergreen and mixed habitats. Strikingly, however, the lowest sensitivity was seen in populations that had experienced the greatest change in climate. Therefore, we predict that the strongest phenological advancement will not occur in those populations with the highest sensitivity. Our results show that to effectively assess the impact of climate change on phenology across a species range it will be necessary to account for intra-specific variation in phenological sensitivity, climate change exposure, and the ecological characteristics of a population.
An early Sox2-dependent gene expression program required for hippocampal dentate gyrus development
Authors: Mercurio Sara , Alberti Chiara , Serra Linda , Meneghini Simone , Bertolini Jessica , Berico Pietro , Becchetti Andrea , Nicolis Silvia K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe hippocampus is a brain area central for cognition. Mutations in the human SOX2 transcription factor cause neurodevelopmental defects, leading to intellectual disability and seizures, together with hippocampal dysplasia. We generated an allelic series of Sox2 conditional mutations in mouse, deleting Sox2 at different developmental stages. Late Sox2 deletion (from E11.5, via Nestin-Cre) affects only postnatal hippocampal development; earlier deletion (from E10.5, Emx1-Cre) significantly reduces the dentate gyrus, and the earliest deletion (from E9.5, FoxG1-Cre) causes drastic abnormalities, with almost complete absence of the dentate gyrus. We identify a set of functionally interconnected genes (Gli3, Wnt3a, Cxcr4, p73 and Tbr2), known to play essential roles in hippocampal embryogenesis, which are downregulated in early Sox2 mutants, and (Gli3 and Cxcr4) directly controlled by SOX2; their downregulation provides plausible molecular mechanisms contributing to the defect. Electrophysiological studies of the Emx1Cre mouse model reveal altered excitatory transmission in CA1 and CA3 regions.
The first thousands of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Algeria: some risk factors
Authors: Taleb Salima , Boussakta Marwa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesProviding valuable information on the prevalence of Covid-19 is a crucial step to improve and accentuate the disease surveillance and prevention system as this can limit the spread of the virus.MethodsCOVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is essential to understand the epidemiological characteristics of the first cases in each country. The purpose of this study is to describe the geographic distribution and some risk factors in the first thousands of cases in Algeria. This descriptive study was carried out to examine recent data published by public health institutions in Algeria, websites and the world health organization.ResultsThe 8306 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Algeria. By sex, men with 55.76% predominate, the most affected age group was 25 to 49 years old (41.1%), 600 cases of death were reported, subjects aged over 60 years are the most likely to die from COVID-19. Most of the confirmed subjects came from the cities of Blida and Algiers. All cases are human-to-human transmissions.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the lack of dical equipment in Algeria and in all countries of the world. This requires better management of the health sector on an international scale.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF9c Is a Membrane-Associated Protein that Suppresses Antiviral Responses in Cells
Authors: Dominguez Andres Ana , Feng Yongmei , Campos Alexandre Rosa , Yin Jun , Yang Chih-Cheng , James Brian , Murad Rabi , Kim Hyungsoo , Deshpande Aniruddha J. , Gordon David E. , Krogan Nevan , Pippa Raffaella , Ronai Ze’ev A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDisrupted antiviral immune responses are associated with severe COVID-19, the disease caused by SAR-CoV-2. Here, we show that the 73-amino-acid protein encoded byORF9cof the viral genome contains a putative transmembrane domain, interacts with membrane proteins in multiple cellular compartments, and impairs antiviral processes in a lung epithelial cell line. Proteomic, interactome, and transcriptomic analyses, combined with bioinformatic analysis, revealed that expression of only this highly unstable small viral protein impaired interferon signaling, antigen presentation, and complement signaling, while inducing IL-6 signaling. Furthermore, we showed that interfering with ORF9c degradation by either proteasome inhibition or inhibition of the ATPase VCP blunted the effects of ORF9c. Our study indicated that ORF9c enables immune evasion and coordinates cellular changes essential for the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle.One-sentence summarySARS-CoV-2 ORF9c is the first human coronavirus protein localized to membrane, suppressing antiviral response, resembling full viral infection.
Multiplex LAMP for Simplified MonitoringCryptosporidiumandGiardiain Surface Water
Authors: Ongerth Jerry E. , Saaed Frhat M. A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA detailed investigation was conducted into the application of an isothermal nucleic acid amplification procedure, LAMP, in conjunction with components of conventional procedure to determine ability to simplify water processing for monitoringCryptosporidiumandGiardiain surface water samples. Based on previous work demonstrating a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity of the LAMP procedure for detecting target organism DNA at low concentration in environmental media without significant interferences, this project sought to determine if LAMP primers for both organisms could be combined and applied to detect the target organisms collected from surface water samples after only minimal processing. Implementation consisted of optimizing previously described LAMPs for the SAM-1 gene ofCryptosporidiumand for the EF1-α gene ofGiardia; establishing their limits of detection on both specific DNA and on small numbers of oocysts and cysts processed by freeze-thaw cycles. Based on positive results from preliminary testing, a multiplexed LAMP for both organisms was applied. The multiplex lamp was able to detect the DNA ofCryptosporidiumand ofGiardiafrom samples seeded with replicates of 1, 2, 3 and 4 oocysts and cysts, both in clean water and in surface water processed by filtration and centrifuging to pellet followed only by freeze-thaw cycles. Positive and specific amplification was observed with potential for quantification using 25 µL reactions including 8 µL template, in RT qLAMP format by LightCycler. The procedure is significantly simpler and less time consuming presenting realistically practical procedure for improvement of surface water monitoring ofCryptosporidiumandGiardia, compared to the widely used USEPA Method 1623ImportancePathogen identification by LAMP is well established as a sensitive and highly selective procedure, insensitive to interferences, permitting specific detection of target DNA in samples containing extraneous DNA. This combination of features was shown effective for identifying numbers ofCryptosporidiumoocysts andGiardiacysts as few as 1 in unseparated particle assemblages subject only to freeze thaw cycles. Although LAMP has not been widely adopted for environmental monitoring, it has been previously demonstrated forCryptosporidiumand forGiardiain water and wastewater. Also, many clinical assays have demonstrated applicability to use where facilities and skills are limited. The simplified analysis sequence offers significant time and cost saving for routine monitoring ofCryptosporidiumandGiardiain surface water samples.
Transcription factor-based gene therapy to treat glioblastoma through direct neuronal conversion
Authors: Wang Xin , Pei Zifei , Hossain Aasma , Bai Yuting , Chen Gong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive adult primary cancer in the central nervous system (CNS). Therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma are under intense investigation, such as the emerging immunotherapy, but so far only marginal progress has been made due to the heterogeneity and highly invasive nature of glioblastoma. Here, we propose an alternative approach to tackle GBM through reprogramming proliferative GBM cells into non-proliferative neurons. We report efficient neuronal conversion from human GBM cells by overexpressing single neural transcription factor Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1), Neurogenin-2 (Neurog2) or Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1). Subtype characterization reveals that the majority of Neurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons are glutamatergic, while Ascl1 favors GABAergic neuron generation. The GBM cell-converted neurons not only express pan-neuronal markers, such as NeuN and MAP2, but also exhibit neuron-specific electrophysiological activities. We further conducted transcriptome analyses to investigate the underlying cell conversion mechanism. Our RNA-seq analyses discover that neuronal genes are activated among glioma cells after overexpression of neural transcription factors, and different signaling pathways are activated by different neural transcription factors. Importantly, the neuronal conversion of GBM cells is accompanied by significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation in bothin vitroandin vivomodels. Therefore, these results suggest that GBM cells can be reprogrammed into different subtypes of neurons, leading to a potential alternative approach to treat brain tumor.SignificanceConverting dividing glioblastoma cells into non-dividing neurons may provide an innovative therapeutic approach to treat glioblastoma.HighlightsEfficient neuronal conversion of human glioblastoma cells achieved by overexpression of neural transcription factorsNeurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons are mostly glutamatergic, while Ascl1-converted neurons are mainly GABAergicTranscriptome analyses reveal the activation of neuronal genes after overexpression of neural transcription factors in glioblastoma cellsInhibition of cell proliferation during glioblastoma cell conversion bothin vitroandin vivo
A Simulation Study Investigating Potential Diffusion-based MRI Signatures of Microstrokes
Authors: Damseh Rafat , Lu Yuankang , Lu Xuecong , Zhang Cong , Marchand Paul J. , Corbin Denis , Pouliot Philippe , Cheriet Farida , Lesage Frederic 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTRecent studies suggested that cerebrovascular micro-occlusions, i.e. microstokes, could lead to ischemic tissue infarctions and cognitive deficits. Due to their small size, identifying measurable biomarkers of these microvascular lesions remains a major challenge. This work aims to simulate potential MRI signatures combining arterial spin labeling (ASL) and multi-directional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Driving our hypothesis are recent observations demonstrating a radial reorientation of microvasculature around the micro-infarction locus during recovery in mice. Synthetic capillary beds, randomly- and radially-oriented, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiograms, acquired in the barrel cortex of mice (n=5) before and after inducing targeted photothrombosis, were analyzed. Computational vascular graphs combined with a 3D Monte-Carlo simulator were used to characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) response, encompassing the effects of magnetic field perturbations caused by deoxyhemoglobin, and the advection and diffusion of the nuclear spins. We quantified the minimal intravoxel signal loss ratio when applying multiple gradient directions, at varying sequence parameters with and without ASL. With ASL, our results demonstrate a significant difference (p<0.05) between the signal-ratios computed at baseline and 3 weeks after photothrombosis. The statistical power further increased (p<0.005) using angiograms measured at week 4. Without ASL, no reliable signal change was found. We found that higher ratios, and accordingly improved significance, were achieved at lower magnetic field strengths (e.g., B0=3) and shorter readout TE (<16 ms). Our simulations suggest that microstrokes might be characterized through ASL-DWI sequence, providing necessary insights for posterior experimental validations, and ultimately, future translational trials.
Time-of-day effects in resting-state fMRI: changes in Effective Connectivity and BOLD signal
Authors: Vaisvilaite Liucija , Hushagen Vetle , Grønli Janne , Specht Karsten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe current project explored the hypothesis that time-of-day dependent metabolic variations may contribute to reduced reliability in resting-state fMRI studies. We have investigated time-of-day effects in the spontaneous fluctuations (>0.1Hz) of the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. Using data from the human connectome project (HCP) release S1200, cross-spectral density dynamic causal modelling (DCM) was used to analyze time-dependent effects on the hemodynamic response and effective connectivity parameters. Hierarchical group-parametric empirical Bayes (PEB) found no support for changes in effective connectivity, whereas the hemodynamic parameters exhibited a significant time-of-day dependent effect. We conclude that these findings urge the need to account for the time of data acquisition in future MRI studies.
Investigation on performance and combustion of compression ignition aviation piston engine burning biodiesel and diesel
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhao Wanzhong , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Xiaqing 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This study aims to contrastively investigate the effects of biodiesel and diesel on the power, economy and combustion characteristics of a compression ignition aviation piston engine for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach
Biodiesel used as alternative fuel will not be mixed with diesel during experimental study. Pure diesel fuel is used for the comparative test. Same fuel injection strategies, including pilot and main injection, are guaranteed for two fuels in same test points.

Findings
The engine-rated power of biodiesel is lower than diesel, which results in higher specific fuel combustion (SFC) and effective thermal efficiency (ETE). Biodiesel has the faster burning rate, shorter combustion duration. The crank angle of 50% mass fraction burned (CA50) is earlier than diesel. The ignition delay angle of biodiesel and diesel in the pilot injection stage is almost the same at high engine speed. As the speed and load decrease, the ignition delay angle of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is smaller than diesel. At 100% high load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection is the same as diesel. The peak heat release rate (HRR) of biodiesel is slightly lower than diesel. At 20% part load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is lower than diesel. Because of the combustion participation of unburned pilot injected fuel, the peak HRR of biodiesel in the main injection is equal to or even higher than diesel.

Originality/value
The application feasibility of alternative fuel and its effects on aviation engine power, economy and combustion characteristics will be evaluated according to the “drop-in“ requirements and on the low-cost premise without changing the aviation engine structure and parameters.
Strengthening the affectivity of atmospheres in urban environments: the toolkit of multi-sensory experience
Authors: Abusaada Hisham 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe affectivity is conceptualised in the literary work of phenomenological theories as a significant factor in urban environments studies that are related to change people's feelings. This article aims to present toolkits for creating affective urban atmospheres, which is based on communications between people and place.Design/methodology/approachTo better comprehend the links between the felt body theory and reconstructing affective urban atmospheres in urban environments, this article has performed bibliographic investigations on the sensible approaches and presented Toolkit related to the multi-sensory experience.FindingsThis article breaks new ground to discuss the concepts of the felt body, vital drive and daily multi-sensory experience as a contribution to urban studies applications.Research limitations/implicationsThis article clarified the possibility of creating affective urban atmospheres through the concepts of affectivity as a process at a pre-design stage.Originality/valueIn conclusion, it is argued that work on multi-sensory experience in urban environments needs to address the felt body and vital drive to become a set of urban studies tools of perceptual dimension.