bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Arctic Sea Ice Prediction Using a Newly Developed Fully Coupled Regional Model With the Assimilation of Satellite Sea Ice Observations
Authors: Yang Chao‐Yuan , Liu Jiping , Xu Shiming
Published: April 2020

To increase our capability to predict Arctic sea ice and climate, we have developed a coupled atmosphere‐sea ice‐ocean model configured for the pan‐Arctic with sufficient flexibility. The Los Alamos Sea Ice Model is coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and the Regional Ocean Modeling System in the Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere‐Wave‐Sediment Transport modeling system. It is well known that dynamic models used to predict Arctic sea ice at short‐term periods strongly depend on model initial conditions. Parallel Data Assimilation Framework is implemented into the new modeling system to assimilate sea ice observations and generate skillful model initialization, which aid in the prediction procedures. The Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder sea ice concentration, the CyroSat‐2, and Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity sea ice thickness are assimilated with the localized error subspace transform ensemble Kalman filter. We conduct Arctic sea ice prediction for the melting seasons of 2017 and 2018. Predictions with improved initial sea ice conditions show reasonable sea ice evolution and small biases in the minimum sea ice extent, although the ice refreezing is delayed. Our prediction experiments suggest that the use of appropriate uncertainty for the observed sea ice thickness can lead to improved spatial distribution of the initial ice thickness and thus the predicted sea ice distribution. Our new modeling system initialized by the output of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System seasonal forecasts with data assimilation can significantly increase the sea ice prediction skills in sea ice extent for the entire Arctic as well as in the Northern Sea Route compared with the predictions by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System.
Repeated horizontal gene transfers triggered parallel evolution of magnetotaxis in two evolutionary divergent lineages of magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Monteil Caroline L , Grouzdev Denis S , Perrière Guy , Alonso Béatrice , Rouy Zoé , Cruveiller Stéphane , Ginet Nicolas , Pignol David , Lefevre Christopher T
Published: April 2020

Under the same selection pressures, two genetically divergent populations may evolve in parallel toward the same adaptive solutions. Here, we hypothesized that magnetotaxis (i.e., magnetically guided chemotaxis) represents a key adaptation to micro-oxic habitats in aquatic sediments and that its parallel evolution homogenized the phenotypes of two evolutionary divergent clusters of freshwater spirilla. All magnetotactic bacteria affiliated to the Magnetospirillum genus (Alphaproteobacteria class) biomineralize the same magnetic particle chains and share highly similar physiological and ultrastructural features. We looked for the processes that could have contributed at shaping such an evolutionary pattern by reconciling species and gene trees using newly sequenced genomes of Magnetospirillum related bacteria. We showed that repeated horizontal gene transfers and homologous recombination of entire operons contributed to the parallel evolution of magnetotaxis. We propose that such processes could represent a more parsimonious and rapid solution for adaptation compared with independent and repeated de novo mutations, especially in the case of traits as complex as magnetotaxis involving tens of interacting proteins. Besides strengthening the idea about the importance of such a function in micro-oxic habitats, these results reinforce previous observations in experimental evolution suggesting that gene flow could alleviate clonal interference and speed up adaptation under some circumstances.
A high-content RNAi screen reveals multiple roles for long noncoding RNAs in cell division
Authors: Stojic Lovorka , Lun Aaron T. L. , Mascalchi Patrice , Ernst Christina , Redmond Aisling M. , Mangei Jasmin , Barr Alexis R. , Bousgouni Vicky , Bakal Chris , Marioni John C. , Odom Duncan T. , Gergely Fanni
Published: April 2020

Genome stability relies on proper coordination of mitosis and cytokinesis, where dynamic microtubules capture and faithfully segregate chromosomes into daughter cells. With a high-content RNAi imaging screen targeting more than 2,000 human lncRNAs, we identify numerous lncRNAs involved in key steps of cell division such as chromosome segregation, mitotic duration and cytokinesis. Here, we provide evidence that the chromatin-associated lncRNA, linc00899, leads to robust mitotic delay upon its depletion in multiple cell types. We perform transcriptome analysis of linc00899-depleted cells and identify the neuronal microtubule-binding protein, TPPP/p25, as a target of linc00899. We further show that linc00899 binds TPPP/p25 and suppresses its transcription. In cells depleted of linc00899, upregulation of TPPP/p25 alters microtubule dynamics and delays mitosis. Overall, our comprehensive screen uncovers several lncRNAs involved in genome stability and reveals a lncRNA that controls microtubule behaviour with functional implications beyond cell division.
Spatially resolved analyses link genomic and immune diversity and reveal unfavorable neutrophil activation in melanoma
Authors: Mitra Akash , Andrews Miles C. , Roh Whijae , De Macedo Marianna Petaccia , Hudgens Courtney W. , Carapeto Fernando , Singh Shailbala , Reuben Alexandre , Wang Feng , Mao Xizeng , Song Xingzhi , Wani Khalida , Tippen Samantha , Ng Kwok-Shing , Schalck Aislyn , Sakellariou-Thompson Donald A. , Chen Eveline , Reddy Sangeetha M. , Spencer Christine N. , Wiesnoski Diana , Little Latasha D. , Gumbs Curtis , Cooper Zachary A. , Burton Elizabeth M. , Hwu Patrick , Davies Michael A. , Zhang Jianhua , Bernatchez Chantale , Navin Nicholas , Sharma Padmanee , Allison James P. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Yee Cassian , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Hwu Wen-Jen , Lazar Alexander J. , Futreal P. Andrew
Published: April 2020

Complex tumor microenvironmental (TME) features influence the outcome of cancer immunotherapy (IO). Here we perform immunogenomic analyses on 67 intratumor sub-regions of a PD-1 inhibitor-resistant melanoma tumor and 2 additional metastases arising over 8 years, to characterize TME interactions. We identify spatially distinct evolution of copy number alterations influencing local immune composition. Sub-regions with chromosome 7 gain display a relative lack of leukocyte infiltrate but evidence of neutrophil activation, recapitulated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) samples, and associated with lack of response to IO across three clinical cohorts. Whether neutrophil activation represents cause or consequence of local tumor necrosis requires further study. Analyses of T-cell clonotypes reveal the presence of recurrent priming events manifesting in a dominant T-cell clonotype over many years. Our findings highlight the links between marked levels of genomic and immune heterogeneity within the physical space of a tumor, with implications for biomarker evaluation and immunotherapy response.
A gravity-based three-dimensional compass in the mouse brain
Authors: Angelaki Dora E. , Ng Julia , Abrego Amada M. , Cham Henry X. , Asprodini Eftihia K. , Dickman J. David , Laurens Jean
Published: April 2020

Gravity sensing provides a robust verticality signal for three-dimensional navigation. Head direction cells in the mammalian limbic system implement an allocentric neuronal compass. Here we show that head-direction cells in the rodent thalamus, retrosplenial cortex and cingulum fiber bundle are tuned to conjunctive combinations of azimuth and tilt, i.e. pitch or roll. Pitch and roll orientation tuning is anchored to gravity and independent of visual landmarks. When the head tilts, azimuth tuning is affixed to the head-horizontal plane, but also uses gravity to remain anchored to the allocentric bearings in the earth-horizontal plane. Collectively, these results demonstrate that a three-dimensional, gravity-based, neural compass is likely a ubiquitous property of mammalian species, including ground-dwelling animals.
XPO5 promotes primary miRNA processing independently of RanGTP
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Lee Jerome E. , Riemondy Kent , Yu Yang , Marquez Steven M. , Lai Eric C. , Yi Rui
Published: April 2020

XPO5 mediates nuclear export of miRNA precursors in a RanGTP-dependent manner. However, XPO5-associated RNA species have not been determined globally and it is unclear whether XPO5 has any additional functions other than nuclear export. Here we show XPO5 pervasively binds to double-stranded RNA regions found in some clustered primary miRNA precursors and many cellular RNAs. Surprisingly, the binding of XPO5 to pri-miRNAs such as mir-17~92 and mir-15b~16-2 and highly structured RNAs such as vault RNAs is RanGTP-independent. Importantly, XPO5 enhances the processing efficiency of pri-mir-19a and mir-15b~16-2 by the DROSHA/DGCR8 microprocessor. Genetic deletion of XPO5 compromises the biogenesis of most miRNAs and leads to severe defects during mouse embryonic development and skin morphogenesis. This study reveals an unexpected function of XPO5 for recognizing and facilitating the nuclear cleavage of clustered pri-miRNAs, identifies numerous cellular RNAs bound by XPO5, and demonstrates physiological functions of XPO5 in mouse development.
Regulation of reactive oxygen species during plant immunity through phosphorylation and ubiquitination of RBOHD
Authors: Lee DongHyuk , Lal Neeraj K. , Lin Zuh-Jyh Daniel , Ma Shisong , Liu Jun , Castro Bardo , Toruño Tania , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Coaker Gitta
Published: April 2020

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for successful activation of immune responses against pathogen infection. The plant NADPH oxidase RBOHD is a primary player in ROS production during innate immunity. However, how RBOHD is negatively regulated remains elusive. Here we show that RBOHD is regulated by C-terminal phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Genetic and biochemical analyses reveal that the PBL13 receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase phosphorylates RBOHD’s C-terminus and two phosphorylated residues (S862 and T912) affect RBOHD activity and stability, respectively. Using protein array technology, we identified an E3 ubiquitin ligase PIRE (PBL13 interacting RING domain E3 ligase) that interacts with both PBL13 and RBOHD. Mimicking phosphorylation of RBOHD (T912D) results in enhanced ubiquitination and decreased protein abundance. PIRE and PBL13 mutants display higher RBOHD protein accumulation, increased ROS production, and are more resistant to bacterial infection. Thus, our study reveals an intricate post-translational network that negatively regulates the abundance of a conserved NADPH oxidase.
Transcriptional repression of GIF1 by the KIX-PPD-MYC repressor complex controls seed size in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Zupei , Li Na , Zhang Yueying , Li Yunhai
Published: April 2020

Seed size is a key agronomic trait that greatly determines plant yield. Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying seed size regulation is also an important question in developmental biology. Here, we show that the KIX-PPD-MYC-GIF1 pathway plays a crucial role in seed size control in Arabidopsis thaliana. Disruption of KIX8/9 and PPD1/2 causes large seeds due to increased cell proliferation and cell elongation in the integuments. KIX8/9 and PPD1/2 interact with transcription factors MYC3/4 to form the KIX-PPD-MYC complex in Arabidopsis. The KIX-PPD-MYC complex associates with the typical G-box sequence in the promoter of GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 (GIF1), which promotes seed growth, and represses its expression. Genetic analyses support that KIX8/9, PPD1/2, MYC3/4, and GIF1 function in a common pathway to control seed size. Thus, our results reveal a genetic and molecular mechanism by which the transcription factors MYC3/4 recruit KIX8/9 and PPD1/2 to the promoter of GIF1 and repress its expression, thereby determining seed size in Arabidopsis.
Atomic imaging of mechanically induced topological transition of ferroelectric vortices
Authors: Chen Pan , Zhong Xiangli , Zorn Jacob A. , Li Mingqiang , Sun Yuanwei , Abid Adeel Y. , Ren Chuanlai , Li Yuehui , Li Xiaomei , Ma Xiumei , Wang Jinbin , Liu Kaihui , Xu Zhi , Tan Congbing , Chen Longqing , Gao Peng , Bai Xuedong
Published: April 2020

Ferroelectric vortices formed through complex lattice–charge interactions have great potential in applications for future nanoelectronics such as memories. For practical applications, it is crucial to manipulate these topological states under external stimuli. Here, we apply mechanical loads to locally manipulate the vortices in a PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattice via atomically resolved in-situ scanning transmission electron microscopy. The vortices undergo a transition to the a-domain with in-plane polarization under external compressive stress and spontaneously recover after removal of the stress. We reveal the detailed transition process at the atomic scale and reproduce this numerically using phase-field simulations. These findings provide new pathways to control the exotic topological ferroelectric structures for future nanoelectronics and also valuable insights into understanding of lattice-charge interactions at nanoscale.
Genome-wide analysis highlights contribution of immune system pathways to the genetic architecture of asthma
Authors: Han Yi , Jia Qiong , Jahani Pedram Shafiei , Hurrell Benjamin P. , Pan Calvin , Huang Pin , Gukasyan Janet , Woodward Nicholas C. , Eskin Eleazar , Gilliland Frank D. , Akbari Omid , Hartiala Jaana A. , Allayee Hooman
Published: April 2020

Asthma is a chronic and genetically complex respiratory disease that affects over 300 million people worldwide. Here, we report a genome-wide analysis for asthma using data from the UK Biobank and the Trans-National Asthma Genetic Consortium. We identify 66 previously unknown asthma loci and demonstrate that the susceptibility alleles in these regions are, either individually or as a function of cumulative genetic burden, associated with risk to a greater extent in men than women. Bioinformatics analyses prioritize candidate causal genes at 52 loci, including CD52, and demonstrate that asthma-associated variants are enriched in regions of open chromatin in immune cells. Lastly, we show that a murine anti-CD52 antibody mimics the immune cell-depleting effects of a clinically used human anti-CD52 antibody and reduces allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice. These results further elucidate the genetic architecture of asthma and provide important insight into the immunological and sex-specific relevance of asthma-associated risk variants.
Origin of micro-scale heterogeneity in polymerisation of photo-activated resin composites
Authors: Sirovica Slobodan , Solheim Johanne H. , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Hirschmugl Carol J. , Mattson Eric C. , Aboualizadeh Ebrahim , Guo Yilan , Chen Xiaohui , Kohler Achim , Romanyk Dan L. , Rosendahl Scott M. , Morsch Suzanne , Martin Richard A. , Addison Owen
Published: April 2020

Photo-activated resin composites are widely used in industry and medicine. Despite extensive chemical characterisation, the micro-scale pattern of resin matrix reactive group conversion between filler particles is not fully understood. Using an advanced synchrotron-based wide-field IR imaging system and state-of-the-art Mie scattering corrections, we observe how the presence of monodispersed silica filler particles in a methacrylate based resin reduces local conversion and chemical bond strain in the polymer phase. Here we show that heterogeneity originates from a lower converted and reduced bond strain boundary layer encapsulating each particle, whilst at larger inter-particulate distances light attenuation and monomer mobility predominantly influence conversion. Increased conversion corresponds to greater bond strain, however, strain generation appears sensitive to differences in conversion rate and implies subtle distinctions in the final polymer structure. We expect these findings to inform current predictive models of mechanical behaviour in polymer-composite materials, particularly at the resin-filler interface.
The optical conductivity of few-layer black phosphorus by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Huang Shenyang , Wang Fanjie , Xing Qiaoxia , Song Chaoyu , Wang Chong , Lei Yuchen , Huang Mingyuan , Yan Hugen
Published: April 2020

The strength of light-matter interaction is of central importance in photonics and optoelectronics. For many widely studied two-dimensional semiconductors, such as MoS2, the optical absorption due to exciton resonances increases with thickness. However, here we will show, few-layer black phosphorus exhibits an opposite trend. We determine the optical conductivity of few-layer black phosphorus with thickness down to bilayer by infrared spectroscopy. On the contrary to our expectations, the frequency-integrated exciton absorption is found to be enhanced in thinner samples. Moreover, the continuum absorption near the band edge is almost a constant, independent of the thickness. We will show such scenario is related to the quanta of the universal optical conductivity of graphene (σ0 = e2/4ħ), with a prefactor originating from the band anisotropy.
Increased burden of ultra-rare structural variants localizing to boundaries of topologically associated domains in schizophrenia
Authors: Halvorsen Matthew , Huh Ruth , Oskolkov Nikolay , Wen Jia , Netotea Sergiu , Giusti-Rodriguez Paola , Karlsson Robert , Bryois Julien , Nystedt Björn , Ameur Adam , Kähler Anna K. , Ancalade NaEshia , Farrell Martilias , Crowley James J. , Li Yun , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Gyllensten Ulf , Hultman Christina M. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Szatkiewicz Jin P.
Published: April 2020

Despite considerable progress in schizophrenia genetics, most findings have been for large rare structural variants and common variants in well-imputed regions with few genes implicated from exome sequencing. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can potentially provide a more complete enumeration of etiological genetic variation apart from the exome and regions of high linkage disequilibrium. We analyze high-coverage WGS data from 1162 Swedish schizophrenia cases and 936 ancestry-matched population controls. Our main objective is to evaluate the contribution to schizophrenia etiology from a variety of genetic variants accessible to WGS but not by previous technologies. Our results suggest that ultra-rare structural variants that affect the boundaries of topologically associated domains (TADs) increase risk for schizophrenia. Alterations in TAD boundaries may lead to dysregulation of gene expression. Future mechanistic studies will be needed to determine the precise functional effects of these variants on biology.
Effect of decades of corrosion on the microstructure of altered glasses and their radiation stability
Authors: Mir Anamul Haq , Jan Amreen , Delaye Jean-Marc , Donnelly Stephen , Hinks Jonathan , Gin Stephane
Published: April 2020

Understanding the microstructural evolution of glasses during their interaction with water and radiation is of fundamental importance in addressing the corrosion of nuclear waste forms under geological disposal conditions. Here we report the results of more than 21 years of corrosion of two borosilicate glasses showing the formation of mesoporous C–S–H gels in Ca-bearing glasses and a mainly microporous microstructure in Al-bearing glasses. These porous corroded glasses were then irradiated with heavy ions to simulate the effects of recoil nucleus damage and monitored in real time using transmission electron microscopy with in situ ion irradiation. The ballistic collisions remarkably healed the porous corroded glasses to a pore-free homogeneous microstructure. Besides providing new insights and predictions about how doped glasses and actual waste forms may evolve under corrosion and irradiation, the results highlight the non-universal nature of the existing corrosion models and the important role that the glass composition and radiation damage play in the evolution of the microstructure during corrosion.
Altered pathways in methylome and transcriptome longitudinal analysis of normal weight and bariatric surgery women
Authors: Nicoletti C. F. , Pinhel M. A. S. , Noronha N. Y. , de Oliveira B. A. , Salgado Junior W. , Jácome A. , Diaz-Lagares A. , Casanueva F. , Crujeiras A. B. , Nonino C. B.
Published: April 2020

DNA methylation could provide a link between environmental, genetic factors and weight control and can modify gene expression pattern. This study aimed to identify genes, which are differentially expressed and methylated depending on adiposity state by evaluating normal weight women and obese women before and after bariatric surgery (BS). We enrolled 24 normal weight (BMI: 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and 24 obese women (BMI: 43.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2) submitted to BS. Genome-wide methylation analysis was conducted using Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip (threshold for significant CpG sites based on delta methylation level with a minimum value of 5%, a false discovery rate correction (FDR) of q < 0.05 was applied). Expression levels were measured using HumanHT-12v4 Expression BeadChip (cutoff of p ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥2.0 was used to detect differentially expressed probes). The integrative analysis of both array data identified four genes (i.e. TPP2, PSMG6, ARL6IP1 and FAM49B) with higher methylation and lower expression level in pre-surgery women compared to normal weight women: and two genes (i.e. ZFP36L1 and USP32) that were differentially methylated after BS. These methylation changes were in promoter region and gene body. All genes are related to MAPK cascade, NIK/NF-kappaB signaling, cellular response to insulin stimulus, proteolysis and others. Integrating analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression evidenced that there is a set of genes relevant to obesity that changed after BS. A gene ontology analysis showed that these genes were enriched in biological functions related to adipogenesis, orexigenic, oxidative stress and insulin metabolism pathways. Also, our results suggest that although methylation plays a role in gene silencing, the majority of effects were not correlated.
Author Correction: Bis-biguanide dihydrochloride inhibits intracellular replication of M. tuberculosis and controls infection in mice
Authors: Shen Hongbo , Wang Feifei , Zeng Gucheng , Shen Ling , Cheng Han , Huang Dan , Wang Richard , Rong Lijun , Chen Zheng W.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Characterization of a recurrent missense mutation in the forkhead DNA-binding domain of FOXP1
Authors: Johnson Tyler B. , Mechels Keegan , Anderson Ruthellen H. , Cain Jacob T. , Sturdevant David A. , Braddock Stephen , Pinz Hailey , Wilson Mark A. , Landsverk Megan , Roux Kyle J. , Weimer Jill M.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Azimuthal multiplexing 3D diffractive optics
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Piestun Rafael
Published: April 2020

Diffractive optics have increasingly caught the attention of the scientific community. Classical diffractive optics are 2D diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and computer-generated holograms (CGHs), which modulate optical waves on a solitary transverse plane. However, potential capabilities are missed by the inherent two-dimensional nature of these devices. Previous work has demonstrated that extending the modulation from planar (2D) to volumetric (3D) enables new functionalities, such as generating space-variant functions, multiplexing in the spatial or spectral domain, or enhancing information capacity. Unfortunately, despite significant progress fueled by recent interest in metasurface diffraction, 3D diffractive optics still remains relatively unexplored. Here, we introduce the concept of azimuthal multiplexing. We propose, design, and demonstrate 3D diffractive optics showing this multiplexing effect. According to this new phenomenon, multiple pages of information are encoded and can be read out across independent channels by rotating one or more diffractive layers with respect to the others. We implement the concept with multilayer diffractive optical elements. An iterative projection optimization algorithm helps solve the inverse design problem. The experimental realization using photolithographically fabricated multilevel phase layers demonstrates the predicted performance. We discuss the limitations and potential of azimuthal multiplexing 3D diffractive optics.
Discovering the bacteriome of Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Noir in a conventionally managed vineyard
Authors: Gamalero Elisa , Bona Elisa , Novello Giorgia , Boatti Lara , Mignone Flavio , Massa Nadia , Cesaro Patrizia , Berta Graziella , Lingua Guido
Published: April 2020

The structure of the bacteriome associated with grapevine roots can affect plant development, health and grape quality. We previously investigated the bacterial biodiversity of the Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Noir rhizosphere in a vineyard subjected to integrated pest management. The aim of this work is to characterize the bacteriome of V. vinifera cv. Pinot Noir in a conventionally managed vineyard using a metabarcoding approach. Comparisons between the microbial community structure in bulk soil and rhizosphere (variable space) were performed and shifts of bacteriome according to two sampling times (variable time) were characterized. Bacterial biodiversity was higher at the second than at the first sampling and did not differ according to the variable space. Actinobacteria was the dominant class, with Gaiella as the most represented genus in all the samples. Among Proteobacteria, the most represented classes were Alpha, Beta and Gamma-Proteobacteria, with higher abundance at the second than at the first sampling time. Bradyrhizobium was the most frequent genus among Alpha-Proteobacteria, while Burkholderia was the predominant Beta-Proteobacteria. Among Firmicutes, the frequency of Staphylococcus was higher than 60% in bulk soil and rhizosphere. Finally, the sampling time can be considered as one of the drivers responsible for the bacteriome variations assessed.
Miyabeacin: A new cyclodimer presents a potential role for willow in cancer therapy
Authors: Ward Jane L. , Wu Yanqi , Harflett Claudia , Onafuye Hannah , Corol Delia , Lomax Charlotte , Macalpine William J. , Cinatl Jindrich , Wass Mark N. , Michaelis Martin , Beale Michael H.
Published: April 2020

Willow (Salix spp.) is well known as a source of medicinal compounds, the most famous being salicin, the progenitor of aspirin. Here we describe the isolation, structure determination, and anti-cancer activity of a cyclodimeric salicinoid (miyabeacin) from S. miyabeana and S. dasyclados. We also show that the capability to produce such dimers is a heritable trait and how variation in structures of natural miyabeacin analogues is derived via cross-over Diels-Alder reactions from pools of ortho-quinol precursors. These transient ortho-quinols have a role in the, as yet uncharacterised, biosynthetic pathways around salicortin, the major salicinoid of many willow genotypes.
Lack of interleukin-33 and its receptor does not prevent calcipotriol-induced atopic dermatitis-like inflammation in mice
Authors: Pietka Wojciech , Sundnes Olav , Hammarström Clara , Zucknick Manuela , Khnykin Denis , Haraldsen Guttorm
Published: April 2020

Current studies addressing the influence of interleukin-33 or its receptor (IL-33R/ST2) on development of atopic dermatitis-like inflammation in mice have reported conflicting results. We compared the response in single- and double-deficient IL-33−/−/ST2−/− C57BL/6J BomTac mice in the well-established calcipotriol-induced model of atopic dermatitis. All genotypes (groups of up to 14 mice) developed atopic dermatitis-like inflammation yet we observed no biologically relevant difference between groups in gross anatomy or ear thickness. Moreover, histological examination of skin revealed no differences in mononuclear leukocyte and granulocyte infiltration nor Th2 cytokine levels (IL-4 and IL-13). Finally, skin CD45+ cells and CD3+ cells were found at similar densities across all groups. Our findings indicate that lack of interleukin-33 and its receptor ST2 does not prevent the development of AD-like skin inflammation.
Effect of Vectashield-induced fluorescence quenching on conventional and super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Arsić Aleksandra , Stajković Nevena , Spiegel Rainer , Nikić-Spiegel Ivana
Published: April 2020

Finding the right combination of a fluorescent dye and a mounting medium is crucial for optimal microscopy of fixed samples. It was recently shown that Vectashield, one of the most commonly used mounting media for conventional microscopy, can also be applied to super-resolution direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). dSTORM utilizes conventional dyes and starts with samples in a fluorescent “ON” state. This helps in identifying structures of interest. Subsequently, labelled samples are induced into blinking, which is necessary for determining the position of single molecules and reconstruction of super-resolution images. This is only possible with certain fluorescent dyes and imaging buffers. One of the most widely used dyes for dSTORM, Alexa Fluor 647 (AF647), blinks in Vectashield. However, after preparing immunocytochemical samples in Vectashield, we noticed that the fluorescence intensity of AF647 is quenched. This is particularly evident for dimmer immunostainings, such as stainings of some components of neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal initial segment. Because structures of interest cannot be identified in quenched samples, loss of fluorescence intensity hinders imaging of AF647 in Vectashield. This has consequences for both conventional and dSTORM imaging. To overcome this, we provide: 1) a quantitative analysis of AF647 intensity in different imaging media, 2) a quantitative analysis of the suitability of Vectashield for dSTORM imaging of high and low-abundance AF647-labelled targets. Furthermore, for the first time, we quantitatively analyse the performance of Alexa Fluor Plus 647, a new variant of AF647-conjugated antibody, in dSTORM imaging.
Gut metagenomic and short chain fatty acids signature in hypertension: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Calderón-Pérez Lorena , Gosalbes Maria José , Yuste Silvia , Valls Rosa M. , Pedret Anna , Llauradó Elisabet , Jimenez-Hernandez Nuria , Artacho Alejandro , Pla-Pagà Laura , Companys Judit , Ludwig Iziar , Romero Maria-Paz , Rubió Laura , Solà Rosa
Published: April 2020

Hypertension is an independent and preventable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, however, little is known about the impact of gut microbiota composition in its development. We carried out comprehensive gut microbiota analysis and targeted metabolomics in a cross-sectional study of 29 non-treated hypertensive (HT) and 32 normotensive (NT) subjects. We determined fecal microbiota composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bacterial functions by metagenomic analysis. The microbial metabolites analysed were short chain fatty acids (SCFA) both in plasma and feces, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in plasma. The overall bacterial composition and diversity of bacterial community in the two groups were not significantly different. However, Ruminococcaceae NK4A214, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Christensenellaceae_R-7, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia hominis were found to be significantly enriched in NT group, whereas, Bacteroides coprocola, Bacteroides plebeius and genera of Lachnospiraceae were increased in HT patients. We found a positive correlation between the HT-associated species and systolic and diastolic blood pressure after adjusted for measured confounders. SCFA showed antagonistic results in plasma and feces, detecting in HT subjects significant higher levels in feces and lower levels in plasma, which could indicate a less efficient SCFA absorption. Overall, our results present a disease classifier based on microbiota and bacterial metabolites to discriminate HT individuals from NT controls in a first disease grade prior to drug treatment.
Telomere Maintenance Genes are associated with Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility in Northwest Indian Population Group
Authors: Sethi Itty , Sharma Varun , Sharma Indu , Singh Gurvinder , Bhat Gh. Rasool , Bhanwer A. J. S , Sharma Swarkar , Rai Ekta
Published: April 2020

Telomere length attrition has been implicated in various complex disorders including Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). However, very few candidate gene association studies have been carried out worldwide targeting telomere maintenance genes. In the present study, variants in various critical telomere maintenance pathway genes for T2D susceptibility in Northwest Indian population were explored. With case-control candidate gene association study design, twelve variants from seven telomere maintenance genes were evaluated. Amongst these five variants, rs9419958 (OBFC1), rs4783704 (TERF2), rs16847897 (TERC/LRRC31), rs10936599 (TERC/MYNN), and rs74019828 (CSNK2A2) showed significant association with T2D (at p-value ≤ 0.003, threshold set after Bonferroni correction) in the studied population. In silico analyses of these variants indicated interesting functional roles that warrant experimental validations. Findings showed that variants in telomere maintenance genes are associated with pathogenesis of T2D in Northwest Indian population. We anticipate further, such candidate gene association studies in other Indian populations and worldwide would contribute in understanding the missing heritability of T2D.
Distinct BOLD variability changes in the default mode and salience networks in Alzheimer’s disease spectrum and associations with cognitive decline
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Zuo Xi-Nian , Ng Kwun Kei , Chong Joanna Su Xian , Shim Hee Youn , Ong Marcus Qin Wen , Loke Yng Miin , Choo Boon Linn , Chong Eddie Jun Yi , Wong Zi Xuen , Hilal Saima , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Tan Boon Yeow , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Zhou Juan Helen
Published: April 2020

Optimal levels of intrinsic Blood-Oxygenation-Level-Dependent (BOLD) signal variability (variability hereafter) are important for normative brain functioning. However, it remains largely unknown how network-specific and frequency-specific variability changes along the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum and relates to cognitive decline. We hypothesized that cognitive impairment was related to distinct BOLD variability alterations in two brain networks with reciprocal relationship, i.e., the AD-specific default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). We examined variability of resting-state fMRI data at two characteristic slow frequency-bands of slow4 (0.027–0.073 Hz) and slow5 (0.01–0.027 Hz) in 96 AD, 98 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 48 age-matched healthy controls (HC) using two commonly used pre-processing pipelines. Cognition was measured with a neuropsychological assessment battery. Using both global signal regression (GSR) and independent component analysis (ICA), results generally showed a reciprocal DMN-SN variability balance in aMCI (vs. AD and/or HC), although there were distinct frequency-specific variability patterns in association with different pre-processing approaches. Importantly, lower slow4 posterior-DMN variability correlated with poorer baseline cognition/smaller hippocampus and predicted faster cognitive decline in all patients using both GSR and ICA. Altogether, our findings suggest that reciprocal DMN-SN variability balance in aMCI might represent an early signature in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline along the AD spectrum.
Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with psoriasis: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Miri , Park Hyo Eun , Lee Si-Hyung , Han Kyungdo , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: April 2020

Although the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unclear, neuroinflammation appears to play a role in its development. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has recently been found to genetically overlap with AD. We aimed to investigate the risk of AD in patients with psoriasis. Subjects with psoriasis (n = 535,927) and age- and sex-matched controls without psoriasis (at a 5:1 ratio; n = 2,679,635) who underwent ≥3 health examinations between 2008 and 2014 were included, drawn from the Korean National Health Insurance System database. There were 50,209 cases of AD (1.87%) in controls without psoriasis and 11,311 cases (2.11%) in patients with psoriasis, and the median follow-up was 3.35 years. In a multivariable-adjusted model, patients with psoriasis showed a significantly increased risk of AD (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07–1.12, p < 0.0001) compared to controls without psoriasis. Among patients with psoriasis, the risk of AD was significantly increased in psoriasis patients not receiving systemic therapy compared to those receiving systemic therapy (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08–1.12 vs. hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI: 0.90–1.09, p < 0.0001). The incidence of AD was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to control subjects without psoriasis. Of note, systemic treatment for psoriasis was associated with a reduced risk of AD.
Author Correction: Antenatal IL-1-dependent inflammation persists postnatally and causes retinal and sub-retinal vasculopathy in progeny
Authors: Beaudry-Richard Alexandra , Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Prairie Élizabeth , Maurice Noémie , Heckel Émilie , Nezhady Mohammad , Pundir Sheetal , Madaan Ankush , Boudreault Amarilys , Hou Xin , Quiniou Christiane , Sierra Estefania Marin , Beaulac Alexandre , Lodygensky Gregory , Robertson Sarah A. , Keelan Jeffrey , Adams Waldorf Kristina M. , Olson David M. , Rivera Jose-Carlos , Lubell William D. , Joyal Jean-Sebastien , Bouchard Jean-François , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Uniform Pt nanoparticles supported on urchin-like mesoporous TiO2 hollow spheres as stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: He Suqiong , Wu Chuxin , Sun Zhen , Liu Yang , Hu Rongtao , Guan Lunhui , Zhan Hongbing
Published: April 2020

Pt/UMTHS exhibited better ORR stability than the commercial Pt/C due to the strong metal support interaction and the effect of spatial restriction from the unique structure.
Oleogelation using pulse protein-stabilized foams and their potential as a baking ingredient
Authors: Mohanan Athira , Tang Yan Ran , Nickerson Michael T. , Ghosh Supratim
Published: April 2020

Canola oil was structured into oleogels using freeze-dried foam made with pea or faba bean protein concentrates or isolates and xanthan gum at pH 5, 7 and 9. The oleogels were used to bake cakes and compared with conventional shortening-based cakes.
A life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from direct air capture and Fischer–Tropsch fuel production
Authors: Liu Caroline M. , Sandhu Navjot K. , McCoy Sean T. , Bergerson Joule A.
Published: April 2020

Direct air capture chemically separates CO2 from ambient air for synthetic fuel production with renewable H2.
Mixed-valent antimony-induced disorder in substituted antiferromagnetic Mn2SnS4
Authors: Dash Tuhin Subhra , Kaushik S. D. , Sarangi Sachindra Nath , Samal Debakanta , Sheetal  , Yadav C. S. , Samal Saroj L.
Published: April 2020

The increase in the first magnetic transition temperature with Sb incorporation was attributed to the more Mn site disorder, making the magnetic lattice dilute.
Efficient alkane hydroxylation catalysis of nickel(ii) complexes with oxazoline donor containing tripodal tetradentate ligands
Authors: Terao Ikumi , Horii Sena , Nakazawa Jun , Okamura Masaya , Hikichi Shiro
Published: April 2020

Nickel(ii) complexes with oxazoline-based tripodal ligands are efficient catalysts for alkane oxidation, and reaction rates and oxidizing position selectivity are controlled by the structural properties of the substituent groups on the ligands.
Ascorbic acid, sucrose and olive oil lipids mitigate the inhibitory effects of pectin on the bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cellular uptake of ferulic acid and naringenin
Authors: Kruger Johanita , Sus Nadine , Frank Jan
Published: April 2020

Sucrose and olive oil successfully negate the inhibitory effect of pectin on the overall in vitro availability of ferulic acid and naringenin by substantially increasing the bioaccessibility and not cellular uptake of the phenolics.
Resveratrol-loaded biopolymer core–shell nanoparticles: bioavailability and anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Liu Ye , Liang Xiao , Zou Yan , Peng Yaqi , McClements David Julian , Hu Kun
Published: April 2020

The cellular uptake and simulated intestinal wall transportation of resveratrol-loaded zein/pectin nanoparticles were assessed using Caco-2 cells and monolayers, respectively.
Co-Modification of commercial TiO2 anode by combining a solid electrolyte with pitch-derived carbon to boost cyclability and rate capabilities
Authors: Kong Ling-Yun , An Jing , Kang Shu-Xian , Huang Meng , Yang Huan , Zhu Hui-Ling , Qi Yong-Xin , Bai Xue , Lun Ning , Bai Yu-Jun
Published: April 2020

The bad electrochemical performance circumscribes the application of commercial TiO2 (c-TiO2) anodes in Li-ion batteries.
Non-catalytic heteroepitaxial growth of aligned, large-sized hexagonal boron nitride single-crystals on graphite
Authors: Arai Hayato , Inoue Taiki , Xiang Rong , Maruyama Shigeo , Chiashi Shohei
Published: April 2020

Large-sized and well aligned h-BN single-crystals were grown on graphite without metal catalysts.
Exploring the direct synthesis of exchange-spring nanocomposites by reduction of CoFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles using in situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Ahlburg Jakob Voldum , Granados-Miralles Cecilia , Gjørup Frederik Holm , Andersen Henrik Lyder , Christensen Mogens
Published: April 2020

In situ neutron powder diffraction (NPD) was employed for investigating gram-scale reduction of hard magnetic CoFe2O4 (spinel) nanoparticles into CoFe2O4/CoFe2 exchange-spring nanocomposites via H2 partial reduction.
The synthesis of interface-modulated ultrathin Ni(ii) MOF/g-C3N4 heterojunctions as efficient photocatalysts for CO2 reduction
Authors: Zhao Lina , Zhao Zhenlong , Li Yuxin , Chu Xiaoyu , Li Zhijun , Qu Yang , Bai Linlu , Jing Liqiang
Published: April 2020

Interface-modulated ultrathin Ni(ii) MOF/g-C3N4 heterojunctions exhibit greatly improved charge separation and, consequently, 18-fold photoactivity enhancement for the CO2RR.
Self-crosslinking smart hydrogels through direct complexation between benzoxaborole derivatives and diols from hyaluronic acid
Authors: Figueiredo Tamiris , Ogawa Yu , Jing Jing , Cosenza Vanina , Jeacomine Isabelle , Olsson Johan D. M. , Gerfaud Thibaud , Boiteau Jean-Guy , Harris Craig , Auzély-Velty Rachel
Published: April 2020

By tailoring the structure of benzoxaborole (BOR), self-crosslinking hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) modified with BOR derivatives are obtained for the first time through the direct BOR-HA diol complexation at physiological pH.
Broadband emission from zero-dimensional Cs4PbI6 perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Bhaumik Saikat , Bruno Annalisa , Mhaisalkar Subodh
Published: April 2020

The broadband white light emission is realized in zero dimensional (OD) Cs4PbI6 nanocrystals at low temperatures. The white light emission originates from recombination of both self-trapped excitons and defect state trapped excitons.
Synthesis of 1-(β-coumarinyl)-1-(β-indolyl)trifluoroethanols through regioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with β-(trifluoroacetyl)coumarins catalyzed by Sc(OTf)3
Authors: Shi Lijun , Liu Ying , Wang Caixia , Yuan Xinxin , Liu Xiaobiao , Wu Lulu , Pan Zhenliang , Yu Qicheng , Xu Cuilian , Yang Guoyu
Published: April 2020

A Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with β-(trifluoroacetyl)coumarins catalyzed by Sc(OTf)3 to afford 1-(β-coumarinyl)-1-(β-indolyl)trifluoroethanols in a short time and high yield was developed.
Machine-enabled inverse design of inorganic solid materials: promises and challenges
Authors: Noh Juhwan , Gu Geun Ho , Kim Sungwon , Jung Yousung
Published: April 2020

The grand challenge of materials science, discovery of novel materials with target properties, can be greatly accelerated by machine-learned inverse design strategies.
Liquid crystal elastomers as substrates for 3D, robust, implantable electronics
Authors: Maeng Jimin , Rihani Rashed T. , Javed Mahjabeen , Rajput Jai Singh , Kim Hyun , Bouton Ian G. , Criss Tyler A. , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Black Bryan J. , Ware Taylor H.
Published: April 2020

Liquid crystal elastomers are used as substrates for robust, implantable electronics that are planar processed then morph into 3D shapes.
Robust fluorescent calcium coordination polymers as Cu2+ sensors with high sensitivity and fast response
Authors: Wu Zhao-Feng , Velasco Ever , Shan Chuan , Tan Kui , Zhang Zhi-Zhuan , Hu Qian-Qian , Xing Kai , Huang Xiao-Ying , Li Jing
Published: April 2020

Robust 3D Ca-CPs demonstrate selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing for Cu2+ ion.
Achievement of high efficiency with extremely low efficiency roll-off in solution-processed thermally activated delayed fluorescence OLEDs manufactured using xanthone-based bipolar host materials
Authors: Kim Chae Yeong , Lee Chiho , Kim Hyung Jong , Hwang Jinhyo , Godumala Mallesham , Jeong Ji-Eun , Woo Han Young , Cho Min Ju , Park Sungnam , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: April 2020

Two bipolar hosts as structural isomers were designed and synthesized for solution-processable green TADF-OLEDs. Corresponding devices showed excellent EQE over 21% and low efficiency roll-off.
Individualized Narrative Intervention for School-Age Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Hessling Alison , Schuele C. Melanie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study extends the research on narrative intervention by evaluating the effect of a standard treatment protocol,
Story Champs
(
Petersen & Spencer, 2012
), on personal narrative generations of school-age children with specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

Four second-grade, 8- to 9-year-old boys with SLI participated in this multiple baseline across behaviors, single-case design study that was repeated across participants. Each one-on-one intervention session involved eight steps across two intervention segments: story retell and personal story generation. The interventionist provided systematic scaffolding (visual and verbal supports) that was faded within each session. Three individualized story grammar elements per participant were targeted sequentially across the weeks of intervention based on each participant's needs identified in baseline. The dependent variable probe (personal narrative generation) was administered at the beginning of each twice-weekly session, and individualized story grammar elements were scored on a 4-point rubric (dependent variable).

Results

In this single-case research design study, a functional relation was evaluated for each participant (i.e., replication of an effect across three story grammar elements). A functional relation between
Story Champs
intervention and the dependent variable was observed for two participants.

Conclusion

Results provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of individually administered
Story Champs
intervention for children with SLI.