bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The molecular dynamics of bacterial spore and the role of calcium dipicolinate in core properties at the sub-nanosecond time-scale
Authors: Colas de la Noue Alexandre , Natali Francesca , Fekraoui Fatima , Gervais Patrick , Martinez Nicolas , Perrier-Cornet Jean-Marie , Peters Judith 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBacterial spores are among the most resistant forms of life on Earth. Their exceptional resistance properties rely on various strategies, among them the core singular structure, organization and hydration. By using elastic incoherent neutron scattering, we probed the dynamics of Bacillus subtilis spores to determine whether core macromolecular motions at the sub-nanosecond timescale could also contribute to their resistance to physical stresses. In addition, in order to better specify the role of the various spore components, we used different mutants lacking essential structure such as the coat (PS4150 mutant), or the calcium dipicolinic acid complex (CaDPA) located in the core (FB122 mutant). PS4150 allows to better probe the core’s dynamics, as proteins of the coat represent an important part of spore proteins, and FB122 gives information about the role of the large CaDPA depot for the mobility of core’s components. We show that core’s macromolecular mobility is not particularly constrained at the sub-nanosecond timescale in spite of its low water content as some dynamical characteristics as force constants are very close to those of vegetative bacteria such as Escherichia coli or to those of fully hydrated proteins. Although the force constants of the coatless mutant are similar to the wild-type’s ones, it has lower mean square displacements (MSDs) at high Q showing that core macromolecules are somewhat more constrained than the rest of spore components. However, no behavior reflecting the glassy state regularly evoked in the literature could be drawn from our data. As hydration and macromolecules’ mobility are highly correlated, the previous assumption, that core low water content might explain spores’ exceptional resistance properties seems unlikely. Thus, we confirm recent theories, suggesting that core water is mostly as free as bulk water and proteins/macromolecules are fully hydrated. The germination of spores leads to a much less stable system with a force constant of 0.1 N/m and MSDs ~2.5 times higher at low Q than in the dormant state. DPA has also an influence on core mobility with a slightly lower force constant for the DPA-less mutant than for the wild-type, and MSDs that are ~ 1.8 times higher on average than for the wild-type at low Q. At high Q, germinated and DPA-less spores were very similar to the wild-type ones, showing that DPA and core compact structure might influence large amplitude motions rather than local dynamics of macromolecules.
Morphological, elemental, and boron isotopic insights into pathophysiology of diseased coral growth anomalies
Authors: Andersson Erik R. , Stewart Joseph A. , Work Thierry M. , Woodley Cheryl M. , Schock Tracey B. , Day Rusty D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoral growth anomalies (GAs) are tumor-like lesions that are detrimental to colony fitness and are commonly associated with high human population density, yet little is known about the disease pathology or calcification behavior. SEM imagery, skeletal trace elements and boron isotopes (δ11B) have been combined as a novel approach to study coral disease. Low Mg/Ca, and high U/Ca, Mo/Ca, and V/Ca potentially suggest a decreased abundance of “centers of calcification” and nitrogen-fixation in GAs. Estimates of carbonate system parameters from δ11B and B/Ca measurements indicate reduced pH (−0.05 units) and [CO32−] within GA calcifying fluid. We theorize GAs re-allocate resources away from internal pH upregulation to sustain elevated tissue growth, resulting in a porous and fragile skeleton. Our findings show that dystrophic calcification processes could explain structural differences seen in GA skeletons and highlight the use of skeletal geochemistry to shed light on disease pathophysiology in corals.
Thymic resident NKT cell subsets show differential requirements for CD28 co-stimulation during antigenic activation
Authors: Shissler Susannah C. , Singh Nevil J. , Webb Tonya J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNatural killer T (NKT) cells rapidly respond to antigenic stimulation with cytokine production and direct cytotoxicity. These innate-like characteristics arise from their differentiation into mature effector cells during thymic development. A subset of mature NKT cells remain thymic resident, but their activation and function remain poorly understood. We examined the roles of CD28 and CTLA-4 in driving the activation of thymic resident NKT cells. In contrast to studies with peripheral NKT cells, the proliferation of thymic NKT cells was significantly impaired when CD28 engagement was blocked, but unaffected by CTLA-4 activation or blockade. Within NKT subsets, however, stage 3 NKT cells, marked by higher NK1.1 expression, were significantly more sensitive to the loss of CD28 signals compared to NK1.1− stage 2 NKT cells. In good agreement, CD28 blockade suppressed NKT cell cytokine secretion, lowering the ratio of IFN-γ:IL-4 production by NK1.1+ NKT cells. Intriguingly, the activation-dependent upregulation of the master transcription factor PLZF did not require CD28-costimulation in either of the thymic NKT subsets, underlining a dichotomy between requirements for early activation vs subsequent proliferation and effector function by these cells. Collectively, our studies demonstrate the ability of CD28 co-stimulation to fine tune subset-specific responses by thymic resident NKT cells and contextually shape the milieu in this primary lymphoid organ.
In-amplifier and cascaded mid-infrared supercontinuum sources with low noise through gain-induced soliton spectral alignment
Authors: Kwarkye Kyei , Jensen Mikkel , Engelsholm Rasmus D. , Dasa Manoj K. , Jain Deepak , Bowen Patrick , Moselund Peter M. , Petersen Christian R. , Bang Ole 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe pulse-to-pulse relative intensity noise (RIN) of near-infrared (near-IR) in-amplifier supercontinuum (SC) sources and mid-IR cascaded SC sources was experimentally and numerically investigated and shown to have significantly lowered noise due to the fundamental effect of gain-induced soliton-spectral alignment. The mid-IR SC source is based on a near-IR in-amplifier SC pumping a cascade of thulium-doped and ZBLAN fibers. We demonstrate that the active thulium-doped fiber not only extend the spectrum, but also to significantly reduce the RIN by up to 22% in the long wavelength region above 2 μm. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the noise reduction is the result of an interplay between absorption-emission processes and nonlinear soliton dynamics leading to the soliton-spectral alignment. In the same way we show that the RIN of the near-IR in-amplifier SC source is already significantly reduced because the spectral broadening takes place in an active fiber that also introduces soliton-spectral alignment. We further show that the low noise properties are transferred to the subsequent fluoride SC, which has a RIN lower than 10% (5%) in a broad region from 1.1–3.6 μm (1.4–3.0 μm). The demonstrated low noise significantly improves the applicability of these broadband sources for mid-IR imaging and spectroscopy.
Influence of climate variation on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of Medicago minima populations
Authors: Kabtni Souhir , Sdouga Dorra , Bettaib Rebey Ines , Save Mattew , Trifi-Farah Neila , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Marghali Sonia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMedicago minima is a pasture legume that grows almost all over the world. In Tunisia, it occupies various climatic environments and is considered the most abundant annual Medicago plant. However, this species is unconsumed and unused by humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical characteristics of Medicago minima selected from different provenances in Tunisia and subsequently investigate the influence of environmental factors on their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Therefore, a calorimetric method and DPPH tests provided the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant potential in roots, stems, leaves and seeds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified and quantified four phenolic acids and three flavonoids in the studied organs. Roots and leaves showed the greatest phenolic compound content and had high antioxidant activity. Rutin and syringic acid (leaves) represent a characteristic for this species. For each organ, principal component analysis of phenolic profiles showed that the root’s phenolic composition could be an indication of the plant adaptation to even small changes in its environments. Plants originating from a cold climate, higher altitude or semi-arid environment had the highest phenolic compound contents in their organs. Our findings provide useful information for the exploitation of the phenolic compounds in these weeds for the development of environmental sustainability.
Multi-objective optimization of tumor response to drug release from vasculature-bound nanoparticles
Authors: Chamseddine Ibrahim M. , Frieboes Hermann B. , Kokkolaras Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics of nanoparticle-borne drugs targeting tumors depends critically on nanoparticle design. Empirical approaches to evaluate such designs in order to maximize treatment efficacy are time- and cost-intensive. We have recently proposed the use of computational modeling of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery targeting tumor vasculature coupled with numerical optimization to pursue optimal nanoparticle targeting and tumor uptake. Here, we build upon these studies to evaluate the effect of tumor size on optimal nanoparticle design by considering a cohort of heterogeneously-sized tumor lesions, as would be clinically expected. The results indicate that smaller nanoparticles yield higher tumor targeting and lesion regression for larger-sized tumors. We then augment the nanoparticle design optimization problem by considering drug diffusivity, which yields a two-fold tumor size decrease compared to optimizing nanoparticles without this consideration. We quantify the tradeoff between tumor targeting and size decrease using bi-objective optimization, and generate five Pareto-optimal nanoparticle designs. The results provide a spectrum of treatment outcomes – considering tumor targeting vs. antitumor effect – with the goal to enable therapy customization based on clinical need. This approach could be extended to other nanoparticle-based cancer therapies, and support the development of personalized nanomedicine in the longer term.
Evaluation of an on-site surface enhanced Raman scattering sensor for benzotriazole
Authors: Wieduwilt Florian , Lenth Christoph , Ctistis Georgios , Plachetka Ulrich , Möller Michael , Wackerbarth Hainer 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBenzotriazole (BTAH) has been used for decades as corrosion inhibitor and antifreeze. Since it is fairly soluble in water but very stable and can only be partly removed from wastewater treatment plants, it represents a threat to the environment and thus also to human health. Therefore, it is of uttermost importance to have a detection method capable of monitoring the concentration of BTAH at trace level on-site. Here, we demonstrate that a sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is capable of detecting trace-level concentrations of BTAH. We carefully studied the concentration dependency and the time dependent coverage. Moreover, we could not only perform the measurements with clean solution but also with real samples from a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring that our method proposed works in a complex environment.
Estradiol-dependent axogenesis and Ngn3 expression are determined by XY sex chromosome complement in hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Cisternas Carla Daniela , Cabrera Zapata Lucas Ezequiel , Mir Franco Rafael , Scerbo María Julia , Arevalo María Angeles , Garcia-Segura Luis Miguel , Cambiasso María Julia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHypothalamic neurons show sex differences in neuritogenesis, female neurons have longer axons and higher levels of the neuritogenic factor neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than male neurons in vitro. Moreover, the effect of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on axonal growth and Ngn3 expression is only found in male-derived neurons. To investigate whether sex chromosomes regulate these early sex differences in neuritogenesis by regulating the E2 effect on Ngn3, we evaluated the growth and differentiation of hypothalamic neurons derived from the “four core genotypes” mouse model, in which the factors of “gonadal sex” and “sex chromosome complement” are dissociated. We showed that sex differences in neurite outgrowth are determined by sex chromosome complement (XX > XY). Moreover, E2 increased the mRNA expression of Ngn3 and axonal length only in XY neurons. ERα/β expressions are regulated by sex chromosome complement; however, E2-effect on Ngn3 expression in XY neurons was only fully reproduced by PPT, a specific ligand of ERα, and prevented by MPP, a specific antagonist of ERα. Together our data indicate that sex chromosomes regulate early development of hypothalamic neurons by orchestrating not only sex differences in neuritogenesis, but also regulating the effect of E2 on Ngn3 expression through activation of ERα in hypothalamic neurons.
Identifying priority conservation areas in a Saharan environment by highlighting the endangered Cuvier’s Gazelle as a flagship species
Authors: Herrera-Sánchez F. Javier , Gil-Sánchez Jose María , Álvarez Begoña , Cancio Inmaculada , de Lucas Jesus , Arredondo Ángel , Díaz-Portero Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Siles Javier , Sáez Juan Manuel , Pérez Joaquín , McCain Emil , Qninba Abdeljebbar , Abáigar Teresa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMonitoring populations and designing effective conservation actions for endangered species present significant challenges. An accurate understanding of current distribution, ecological traits and habitat requirements is imperative in formulating conservation strategies. Recent surveys on the southernmost Cuvier’s Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) population, an ungulate endemic to North Africa, showcase its importance in terms of numbers and genetic diversity. This population inhabits a remote region in the extreme north-western portion of the Sahara Desert and has not been well studied. Here, we examine the potential distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle and the environmental factors limiting the species in a Saharan environment, by combining broad-scale field survey data and species distribution models. Our objective was to identify high priority conservation areas in the southernmost known portion of the species’ distribution by modelling habitat selection at the landscape scale using a predictive distribution map. Our results show that the distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle is strongly related to mountainous areas with heterogeneous terrain and remoteness from large human settlements over other ecological factors that had less impact on the species’ presence and distribution. We also provide a quantitative estimate of the potential distribution range of Cuvier’s Gazelle in southern Morocco, identifying two well-demarcated key areas. The two core areas currently contain enough rugged terrain isolated from human encroachment to support the endangered species in this harsh desert environment. We encourage the implementation of conservation planning for Cuvier’s Gazelle as an “umbrella species”, which will confer effective protection to higher-quality habitat zones and co-occurring species, leading to sustainable and ecologically responsible development in the region.
Dynamic 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose PET/MRI in human renal allotransplant patients undergoing acute kidney injury
Authors: Pajenda Sahra , Rasul Sazan , Hacker Marcus , Wagner Ludwig , Geist Barbara Katharina 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPatients after solid organ kidney transplantation (KTX) often suffer from acute kidney injury (AKI). Parameters as serum creatinine indicate a loss of kidney function, although no distinction of the cause and prognosis can be made. Imaging tools measuring kidney function have not been widely in clinical use. In this observational study we evaluated 2-deoxy-2[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET/MRI in thirteen patients after KTX with AKI as a functional assessment of the graft. Twenty-four healthy volunteers served as control. General kidney performance (GKP), initial flow (IF) and renal response function (RF) were calculated by standardized uptake values (SUV) and time activity curves (TAC). The GKP measured for the total kidney and medulla was significantly higher in healthy patients compared to patients after KTX (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0004, respectively), but no difference was found for the GKP of the cortex (p = 0.59). The IF in KTX patients correlated with renal recovery, defined as change in serum creatinine 10 days after PET/MRI (r = 0.80, p = 0.001). With regard to the RF, a negative correlation for tubular damage was found (r = −0.74, p = 0.004). In conclusion, parameters obtained from FDG PET/MRI showed a possible predictive feature for renal recovery in KTX patients undergoing AKI.
Skin expression of IL-23 drives the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in mice
Authors: Chen Lili , Deshpande Madhura , Grisotto Marcos , Smaldini Paola , Garcia Roberto , He Zhengxiang , Gulko Percio S. , Lira Sergio A. , Furtado Glaucia C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPsoriasis (PS) is a chronic skin inflammation. Up to 30% of the patients with PS develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition characterized by inflammatory arthritis that affects joints or entheses. Although there is mounting evidence for a critical role of interleukin-23 (IL-23) signaling in the pathogenesis of both PS and PsA, it remains unclear whether IL-23-induced skin inflammation drives joint disease. Here, we show that mice expressing increased levels of IL-23 in the skin (K23 mice) develop a PS-like disease that is characterized by acanthosis, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, and inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis. Skin disease preceded development of PsA, including enthesitis, dactylitis, and bone destruction. The development of enthesitis and dactylitis was not due to high circulating levels of IL-23, as transgenic animals and controls had similar levels of this cytokine in circulation. IL-22, a downstream cytokine of IL-23, was highly increased in the serum of K23 mice. Although IL-22 deficiency did not affect skin disease development, IL-22 deficiency aggravated the PsA-like disease in K23 mice. Our results demonstrate a central role for skin expressed IL-23 in the initiation of PS and on pathogenic processes leading to PsA.
Per2 attenuates LPS-induced chondrocyte injury through the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhao Yu , Ma Ding , Dong Bingchen , Li Ming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis research aimed to explore the role of period circadian clock 2 (Per2) in the evolution of osteoarthritis (OA) and the relevant mechanisms. Per2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were markedly reduced in NHAC-kn cells treated with 5 µg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 h. Then, pcDNA3.1-Per2 and si-Per2 were recruited to boost and reduce the expression of Per2, respectively. MTT assay, apoptosis analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that Per2 increased cell proliferation, while inhibited apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was activated by Per2 overexpression; the CO-IP data confirmed that Per2 specifically bound to PTEN. Through employing IGF-1, a PI3K activator, we determined that Per2-mediated inflammation response in LPS-stimulated NHAC-kn cells through the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. In summary, the present study indicates that Per2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target through activating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphone GNSS data quality analysis and single‐frequency RTK positioning performance evaluation
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Yuying , Duan Shunli 
Published: May 2020

In this study, the authors mainly explore the relationship between the data quality of smartphones equipped with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) modules and the accuracy and reliability of single‐frequency real‐time kinematic (RTK) positioning. Specifically, the visible satellite number, code minus carrier and the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the GNSS raw observations were evaluated through static experiments and dynamic experiments, and the performance difference between single‐frequency global positioning system (GPS) RTK and single‐frequency BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) RTK positioning was compared and analysed. In the static experiment, the average values of visible satellites of BDS and GPS in Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphone are 7.4 and 8.4, respectively. The average code minus carrier error of GPS is 5.234 m, the BDS is 5.518 m, and the average signal‐to‐noise ratio of GPS is ∼29.092 dB Hz and the BDS is ∼28.718 dB Hz. The data quality of the dynamic experiment is similar to the static experimental result. The positioning accuracy obtained by the static experiment from the single‐frequency GPS RTK and single‐frequency BDS RTK in the east/north/up (E/N/U) directions is 0.146/0.555/0.464 m and 0.843/0.287/0.317 m, respectively. The instability of BDS‐locked satellite in dynamic experiment results the positioning accuracy of BDS RTK is lower than that of GPS.
Deep vein thrombosis after “Tennis Leg” injury: A clinical case
Authors: Gonell Alfonso Calvo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background “Tennis leg” is a common lesion in sports with quick accelerations and stops, consisting of an injury to the fascia joining the soleus muscle with the medial gastrocnemius. In these cases, a differential diagnosis must be performed, considering possible complications such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the veins of the deep musculature of the lower leg. The aim of this clinical case is to alert professionals regarding possible complications of these injuries and to train professionals to detect a possible vascular problem.
Case Description A 42 year old male who attends a physical therapy consultation 24 hours after suffering a “muscle pull” in the gastrocnemius. After a medical diagnosis of tennis leg he received appropriate standard regulated physical therapy treatment procedures. A follow-up ultrasound exam was performed eight days after the injury and at 14 days after a worsening of symptoms, at which point a vascular alteration was detected which was diagnosed and treated as DVT.
Results The patient came for consultation and we observed a vascular alteration and therefore we referred the person to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with DVT.
Discussion DVT is a possible complication of gastrocnemius injuries. The present case describes a clinical presentation of DVT after 14 days evolution. It is essential to evaluate and reevaluate the clinical condition of the patient with all the diagnostic tools possible to detect possible red flags.
Conclusion Ultrasound is an essential tool for the detection of possible complications after a musculoskeletal injury.