bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Median preoptic area neurons are required for the cooling and febrile activations of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in rat
Authors: da Conceição Ellen Paula Santos , Morrison Shaun F. , Cano Georgina , Chiavetta Pierfrancesco , Tupone Domenico 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWithin the central neural circuitry for thermoregulation, the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) determines the level of activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. We employed neuroanatomical and in vivo electrophysiological techniques to identify a source of excitation to thermogenesis-promoting neurons in the DMH that is required for cold defense and fever. Inhibition of median preoptic area (MnPO) neurons blocked the BAT thermogenic responses during both PGE2-induced fever and cold exposure. Disinhibition or direct activation of MnPO neurons induced a BAT thermogenic response in warm rats. Blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the DMH, or brain transection rostral to DMH, blocked cold-evoked or NMDA in MnPO-evoked BAT thermogenesis. RNAscope technique identified a glutamatergic population of MnPO neurons that projects to the DMH and expresses c-Fos following cold exposure. These discoveries relative to the glutamatergic drive to BAT sympathoexcitatory neurons in DMH augment our understanding of the central thermoregulatory circuitry in non-torpid mammals. Our data will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to induce therapeutic hypothermia for treating drug-resistant fever, and for improving glucose and energy homeostasis.
High frequency oscillations in epileptic and non-epileptic human hippocampus during a cognitive task
Authors: Pail Martin , Cimbálník Jan , Roman Robert , Daniel Pavel , Shaw Daniel J. , Chrastina Jan , Brázdil Milan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHippocampal high-frequency electrographic activity (HFOs) represents one of the major discoveries not only in epilepsy research but also in cognitive science over the past few decades. A fundamental challenge, however, has been the fact that physiological HFOs associated with normal brain function overlap in frequency with pathological HFOs. We investigated the impact of a cognitive task on HFOs with the aim of improving differentiation between epileptic and non-epileptic hippocampi in humans. Hippocampal activity was recorded with depth electrodes in 15 patients with focal epilepsy during a resting period and subsequently during a cognitive task. HFOs in ripple and fast ripple frequency ranges were evaluated in both conditions, and their rate, spectral entropy, relative amplitude and duration were compared in epileptic and non-epileptic hippocampi. The similarity of HFOs properties recorded at rest in epileptic and non-epileptic hippocampi suggests that they cannot be used alone to distinguish between hippocampi. However, both ripples and fast ripples were observed with higher rates, higher relative amplitudes and longer durations at rest as well as during a cognitive task in epileptic compared with non-epileptic hippocampi. Moreover, during a cognitive task, significant reductions of HFOs rates were found in epileptic hippocampi. These reductions were not observed in non-epileptic hippocampi. Our results indicate that although both hippocampi generate HFOs with similar features that probably reflect non-pathological phenomena, it is possible to differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic hippocampi using a simple odd-ball task.
Escherichia coli foster bladder cancer cell line progression via epithelial mesenchymal transition, stemness and metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Abd-El-Raouf Romaila , Ouf Salama A. , Gabr Mahmoud M. , Zakaria Mahmoud M. , El-Yasergy Khaled F. , Ali-El-Dein Bedeir 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBacteria is recognized as opportunistic tumor inhabitant, giving rise to an environmental stress that may alter tumor microenvironment, which directs cancer behavior. In vitro infection of the T24 cell line with E. coli was performed to study the bacterial impact on bladder cancer cells. EMT markers were assessed using immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR. Stemness characteristics were monitored using RT-PCR. Furthermore, the metabolic reprograming was investigated by detection of ROS and metabolic markers. A significant (p ≤ 0.001) upregulation of vimentin as well as downregulation of CK19 transcription and protein levels was reported. A significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in the expression level of stemness markers (CD44, NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4) was reported. ROS level was elevated, that led to a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in UCP2. This enhanced a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in PDK1 to significantly downregulate PDH (p ≤ 0.001) in order to block oxidative phosphorylation in favor of glycolysis. This resulted in a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.001) of AMPK, and a significant elevation (p ≤ 0.001) of MCT1 to export the produced lactate to extracellular matrix. Thus, bacteria may induce alteration to the heterogonous tumor cell population through EMT, CSCs and metabolic reprogramming, which may improve cancer cell ability to migrate and self-renew.
Increasing thermal stability and improving biodistribution of VEGFR2-binding affibody molecules by a combination of in silico and directed evolution approaches
Authors: Güler Rezan , Svedmark Siri Flemming , Abouzayed Ayman , Orlova Anna , Löfblom John 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe family of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ligands and their interactions with VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) play important roles in both pathological and physiological angiogenesis. Hence, agonistic and antagonistic ligands targeting this signaling pathway have potential for both studies on fundamental biology and for development of therapies and diagnostics. Here, we engineer VEGFR2-binding affibody molecules for increased thermostability, refolding and improved biodistribution. We designed libraries based on the original monomeric binders with the intention of reducing hydrophobicity, while retaining high affinity for VEGFR2. Libraries were displayed on bacteria and binders were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In parallel, we used an automated sequence- and structure-based in silico algorithm to identify potentially stabilizing mutations. Monomeric variants isolated from the screening and the in silico approach, respectively, were characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy and biosensor assays. The most promising mutations were combined into new monomeric constructs which were finally fused into a dimeric construct, resulting in a 15 °C increase in melting temperature, complete refolding capability after heat-induced denaturation, retained low picomolar affinity and improved biodistribution profile in an in vivo mouse model. These VEGFR2-binding affibody molecules show promise as candidates for further in vivo studies to assess their suitability as molecular imaging and therapeutic agents.
Anti-staphylococcal activity and mode of action of thioridazine photoproducts
Authors: Tozar Tatiana , Santos Costa Sofia , Udrea Ana-Maria , Nastasa Viorel , Couto Isabel , Viveiros Miguel , Pascu Mihail Lucian , Romanitan Mihaela Oana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAntibiotic resistance became an increasing risk for population health threatening our ability to fight infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of laser irradiated thioridazine (TZ) against clinically-relevant bacteria in view to fight antibiotic resistance. TZ in ultrapure water solutions was irradiated (1–240 min) with 266 nm pulsed laser radiation. Irradiated solutions were characterized by UV–Vis and FTIR absorption spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, laser-induced fluorescence, and dynamic surface tension measurements. Molecular docking studies were made to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of photoproducts action against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. More general, solutions were evaluated for their antimicrobial and efflux inhibitory activity against a panel of bacteria of clinical relevance. We observed an enhanced antimicrobial activity of TZ photoproducts against Gram-positive bacteria. This was higher than ciprofloxacin effects for methicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular docking showed the Penicillin-binding proteins PBP3 and PBP2a inhibition by sulforidazine as a possible mechanism of action against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA strains, respectively. Irradiated TZ reveals possible advantages in the treatment of infectious diseases produced by antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. TZ repurposing and its photoproducts, obtained by laser irradiation, show accelerated and low-costs of development if compared to chemical synthesis.
Atmospheric reaction of methyl mercaptan with hydroxyl radical as an acid rain primary agent
Authors: Douroudgari Hamed , Vahedpour Morteza , Mohammadi Samane 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor the CH3SH + OH atmospheric reaction, we study the mechanism, potential energy surface, thermodynamic parameters of all stationary points, and rate of generation of the main product channels at high, low, and intermediate pressures. In this study, the UMP2, UM062X, UB3LYP, and CCSD(T) methods by Dunning and Pople basis sets are used and the results are compared with the experimental data. It is theoretically predicted that the reaction has fourteen possible pathways with eight different products in the gas phase. The thermodynamic results show that OH radical extracts predominantly the hydrogen of the SH functional group compared to the hydrogen of the CH3 group of CH3SH. Also, the rate constant calculations indicate that the extraction of the hydrogen atom of the SH group has a major role in 150–3000 K, while a good contribution is observed for the hydrogen of methyl group above 1200 K. Our results show that the used methods lead to good agreement with experiment. Finally, we demonstrated that why the main path is the main path.
Reptile species richness associated to ecological and historical variables in Iran
Authors: Kafash Anooshe , Ashrafi Sohrab , Yousefi Masoud , Rastegar-Pouyani Eskandar , Rajabizadeh Mahdi , Ahmadzadeh Faraham , Grünig Marc , Pellissier Loïc 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpatial gradients of species richness can be shaped by the interplay between historical and ecological factors. They might interact in particularly complex ways in heterogeneous mountainous landscapes with strong climatic and geological contrasts. We mapped the distribution of 171 lizard species to investigate species richness patterns for all species (171), diurnal species (101), and nocturnal species (70) separately. We related species richness with the historical (past climate change, mountain uplifting) and ecological variables (climate, topography and vegetation). We found that assemblages in the Western Zagros Mountains, north eastern and north western parts of Central Iranian Plateau have the highest number of lizard species. Among the investigated variables, annual mean temperature explained the largest variance for all species (10%) and nocturnal species (31%). For diurnal species, temperature change velocity shows strongest explained variance in observed richness pattern (26%). Together, our results reveal that areas with annual temperature of 15–20 °C, which receive 400–600 mm precipitation and experienced moderate level of climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) have highest number of species. Documented patterns of our study provide a baseline for understanding the potential effect of ongoing climate change on lizard diversity in Iran.
Charge disproportionation and nano phase separation in $$\textit{R}\mathrm{SrNiO}_{4}$$
Authors: Guo H. , Li Z. W. , Chang C. F. , Hu Z. , Kuo C.-Y. , Perring T. G. , Schmidt W. , Piovano A. , Schmalzl K. , Walker H. C. , Lin H. J. , Chen C. T. , Blanco-Canosa S. , Schlappa J. , Schüßler-Langeheine C. , Hansmann P. , Khomskii D. I. , Tjeng L. H. , Komarek A. C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe have successfully grown centimeter-sized layered $$\textit{R}\mathrm{SrNiO}_{4}$$

R

SrNiO
4

single crystals under high oxygen pressures of 120–150 bar by the floating zone technique. This enabled us to perform neutron scattering experiments where we observe close to quarter-integer magnetic peaks below $$\sim 77~\mathrm{K}$$

∼
77

K

that are accompanied by steep upwards dispersing spin excitations. Within the high-frequency Ni–O bond stretching phonon dispersion, a softening at the propagation vector for a checkerboard modulation can be observed. We were able to simulate the magnetic excitation spectra using a model that includes two essential ingredients, namely checkerboard charge disproportionation and nano phase separation. The results thus suggest that charge disproportionation is preferred instead of a Jahn–Teller distortion even for this layered $$\mathrm{Ni}^{3+}$$

Ni

3
+

system.
The fast-acting “pulse” of Heinrich Stadial 3 in a mid-latitude boreal ecosystem
Authors: Badino Federica , Pini Roberta , Bertuletti Paolo , Ravazzi Cesare , Delmonte Barbara , Monegato Giovanni , Reimer Paula , Vallé Francesca , Arrighi Simona , Bortolini Eugenio , Figus Carla , Lugli Federico , Maggi Valter , Marciani Giulia , Margaritora Davide , Oxilia Gregorio , Romandini Matteo , Silvestrini Sara , Benazzi Stefano 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA 3800 year-long radiocarbon-dated and highly-resolved palaeoecological record from Lake Fimon (N-Italy) served to investigate the effects of potential teleconnections between North Atlantic and mid-to-low latitudes at the transition from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 to 2. Boreal ecosystems documented in the Fimon record reacted in a sensitive way to millennial and sub-millennial scale Northern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns. The high median time-resolution of 58 years allows the identification of five abrupt event-boundaries (i.e., main forest expansion and decline excursions) synchronous with the sharp stadial/interstadial (GS/GI) transitions within dating uncertainties. During Heinrich Stadial 3 (HS 3) we reconstruct more open and dry conditions, compared to the other GS, with a dominant regional scale fire signal. Linkages between local fires and climate-driven fuel changes resulted in high-magnitude fire peaks close to GI/GS boundaries, even exacerbated by local peatland conditions. Finally, palaeoecological data from the HS 3 interval unveiled an internal variability suggesting a peak between 30,425 and 29,772 cal BP (2σ error) which matches more depleted δ18O values in alpine speleothems. We hypothesise that this signal, broadly resembling that of other mid-latitudes proxies, may be attributed to the southward shift of the Northern Hemisphere storm tracks and the associated delayed iceberg discharge events as documented during other HS.
Moving in unison after perceptual interruption
Authors: Bardy Benoît G. , Calabrese Carmela , De Lellis Pietro , Bourgeaud Stella , Colomer Clémentine , Pla Simon , di Bernardo Mario 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHumans interact in groups through various perception and action channels. The continuity of interaction despite a transient loss of perceptual contact often exists and contributes to goal achievement. Here, we study the dynamics of this continuity, in two experiments involving groups of participants ($$N=7$$

N
=
7

) synchronizing their movements in space and in time. We show that behavioural unison can be maintained after perceptual contact has been lost, for about 7s. Agent similarity and spatial configuration in the group modulated synchronization performance, differently so when perceptual interaction was present or when it was memorized. Modelling these data through a network of oscillators enabled us to clarify the double origin of this memory effect, of individual and social nature. These results shed new light into why humans continue to move in unison after perceptual interruption, and are consequential for a wide variety of applications at work, in art and in sport.
A numerical study of pre-polarisation switching in ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging using dynamic permanent magnet arrays
Authors: Pellicer-Guridi Ruben , Vogel Michael W. , Vegh Viktor , Su Jiasheng , Rosen Matthew S. , Reutens David C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDynamically adjustable permanent magnet arrays have been proposed to generate switchable magnetic fields for pre-polarisation in Ultra-Low Field magnetic resonance imaging. However, the optimal switching dynamics of the pre-polarisation magnetic field as well as the energy requirements, mechanical forces and stresses during switching of the pre-polarisation field have not been evaluated. We analysed these requirements numerically and estimated the magnetic resonance signal strength and image quality for two practical switching modes in an instrument suitable for scanning the human head. Von Mises stress analysis showed that although magnetic forces were significantly higher for two specific rungs, the structural integrity of magnet rungs would not be compromised. Our simulations suggest that a significantly higher signal yield is obtained by switching off the pre-polarisation field with the angular velocity in each rung dependent on its location.
Kyoto probe-1 reveals phenotypic differences between mouse ES cells and iTS-P cells
Authors: Miyagi-Shiohira Chika , Saitoh Issei , Watanabe Masami , Noguchi Hirofumi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractKyoto probe 1 (KP-1) rapidly distinguishes between human ES/iPS (hES/iPS) cells and their differentiated cells. Recently, we generated induced tissue-specific stem cells from pancreas (iTS-P cells) using reprogramming factors and tissue-specific selection. The iTS-P cells have self-renewal potential, and subcutaneously transplanting them into immunodeficient mice did not generate teratomas. In this study, we applied KP-1 to analyze mouse ES (mES) cells and mouse iTS-P (miTS-P) cells. KP-1 completely stained mES cells in colonies, but only miTS-P cells at the edge of a colony. This difference was caused by cell type-specific expression of different ABC transporters. These finding suggest that KP-1 will be useful for distinguishing between iPS and iTS-P cells.
Route to high-$$T_{c}$$ superconductivity of $$\hbox {BC}_{{7}}$$ via strong bonding of boron–carbon compound at high pressure
Authors: Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong , Yang Xiaoyong , Pluengphon Prayoonsak , Luo Wei , Ahuja Rajeev , Bovornratanaraks Thiti 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe have analyzed the compositions of boron–carbon system, in which the $$\hbox {BC}_{{7}}$$

BC
7

compound is identified as structural stability at high pressure. The first-principles calculation is used to identify the phase diagram, electronic structure, and superconductivity of $$\hbox {BC}_{{7}}$$

BC
7

. Our results have demonstrated that the $$\hbox {BC}_{{7}}$$

BC
7

is thermodynamically stable in the diamond-like $$P{\bar{4}}m2$$

P

4

¯

m
2

structure at a pressure above 244 GPa, and under temperature also. Feature of chemical bonds between B and C atoms is presented using the electron localization function. The strong chemical bonds in diamond-like $$P{\bar{4}}m2$$

P

4

¯

m
2

structure are covalent bonds, and it exhibits the s–p hybridization under the pressure compression. The Fermi surface shape displays the large sheet, indicating that the diamond-like $$P{\bar{4}}m2$$

P

4

¯

m
2

phase can achieve a high superconducting transition temperature ($$\hbox {T}_{{c}}$$

T
c

). The outstanding property of $$\hbox {BC}_{{7}}$$

BC
7

at 250 GPa has manifested very high-$$\hbox {T}_{{c}}$$

T
c

of superconductivity as 164 K, indicating that the carbon-rich system can induce the high-$$\hbox {T}_{{c}}$$

T
c

value as well.
Population pharmacokinetics of levodopa gel infusion in Parkinson’s disease: effects of entacapone infusion and genetic polymorphism
Authors: Senek M. , Nyholm D. , Nielsen E. I. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLevodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) provides continuous drug delivery through intrajejunal infusion. The aim of this study was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of levodopa following LECIG and levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion to investigate suitable translation of dose from LCIG to LECIG treatment, and the impact of common variations in the dopa-decarboxylase (DDC) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes on levodopa pharmacokinetics. A non-linear mixed-effects model of levodopa pharmacokinetics was developed using plasma concentration data from a double-blind, cross-over study of LCIG compared with LECIG in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (n = 11). All patients were genotyped for rs4680 (polymorphism of the COMT gene), rs921451 and rs3837091 (polymorphisms of the DDC gene). The final model was a one compartment model with a high fixed absorption rate constant, and a first order elimination, with estimated apparent clearances (CL/F), of 27.9 L/h/70 kg for LCIG versus 17.5 L/h/70 kg for LECIG, and apparent volume of distribution of 74.4 L/70 kg. Our results thus suggest that the continuous maintenance dose of LECIG, on a population level, should be decreased by approximately 35%, to achieve similar drug exposure as with LCIG. An effect from entacapone was identified on all individuals, regardless of COMT rs4680 genotype. The individuals with higher DDC and COMT enzyme activity showed tendencies towards higher levodopa CL/F. The simultaneous administration of entacapone to LCIG administration results in a 36.5% lower apparent levodopa clearance, and there is a need for lower continuous maintenance doses, regardless of patients’ COMT genotype.
The endoluminal pressures during flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Ushimaru Yuki , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Hirota Masashi , Miyazaki Yasuaki , Yamashita Kotaro , Saito Takuro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn flexible gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, endoscopic insufflation is crucial and directly affects visualization. Optimal visualization enables endoscopists to conduct better examinations and administer optimal treatments. However, endoscopic insufflation is typically performed manually and is subjective. We aimed to measure the GI endoluminal pressure during flexible GI endoscopy. Participants underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at our endoscopy center. Pressure measurement was conducted after completing diagnostic or follow-up EGD. The endoluminal pressure in the esophagus and stomach was measured at 1-s intervals for 1 min while performing EGD for observational and diagnostic purposes. During the measurements, the endoscopists maintained what they subjectively considered to be adequate exposure for screening for lesions by dilating the lumen. Eighty patients were enrolled in this study. The upper GI endoluminal pressure was assessed during EGD without adverse events. The esophageal endoluminal pressure averaged 8.9 (− 3.0 to 20.7) mmHg, and the gastric endoluminal pressure averaged 10.0 (3.0–17.9) mmHg; the upper GI endoluminal pressures were not affected by patient-related factors or the number of endoscopists’ postgraduate years. We have successfully obtained the GI endoluminal pressures during EGD. Further accumulation of these data may lead to more stable and reproducible flexible endoscopic diagnosis and intervention.