bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic light-adjusting electrochromic device powered by perovskite solar cell
Authors: Ling Huan , Wu Jianchang , Su Fengyu , Tian Yanqing , Liu Yan Jun
Published: February 2021

Electrochromic devices can modulate their light absorption under a small driving voltage, but the requirement for external electrical supplies causes response-lag. To address this problem, self-powered electrochromic devices have been studied recently. However, insensitivity to the surrounding light and unsatisfactory stability of electrochromic devices have hindered their critical applications. Herein, novel perovskite solar cell-powered all-in-one gel electrochromic devices have been assembled and studied in order to achieve automatic light adjustment. Two alkynyl-containing viologen derivatives are synthesized as electrochromic materials, the devices with very high stability (up to 70000 cycles) serves as the energy storage and smart window, while the perovskite solar cell with power-conversion-efficiency up to 18.3% serves as the light detector and power harvester. The combined devices can automatically switch between bleached and colored state to adjust light absorption with variable surrounding light intensity in real-time swiftly, which establish significant potentials for applications as modern all-day intelligent windows.
Persistence of self-reactive CD8+ T cells in the CNS requires TOX-dependent chromatin remodeling
Authors: Page Nicolas , Lemeille Sylvain , Vincenti Ilena , Klimek Bogna , Mariotte Alexandre , Wagner Ingrid , Di Liberto Giovanni , Kaye Jonathan , Merkler Doron
Published: February 2021

Self-reactive CD8+T cells are important mediators of progressive tissue damage in autoimmune diseases, but the molecular program underlying these cells’ functional adaptation is unclear. Here we characterize the transcriptional and epigenetic landscape of self-reactive CD8+T cells in a mouse model of protracted central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity and compare it to populations of CNS-resident memory CD8+T cells emerging from acute viral infection. We find that autoimmune CD8+T cells persisting at sites of self-antigen exhibit characteristic transcriptional regulation together with distinct epigenetic remodeling. This self-reactive CD8+T cell fate depends on the transcriptional regulation by the DNA-binding HMG-box protein TOX which remodels more than 400 genomic regions including loci such asTcf7, which is central to stemness of CD8+T cells. Continuous exposure to CNS self-antigen sustains TOX levels in self-reactive CD8+T cells, whereas genetic ablation of TOX in CD8+T cells results in shortened persistence of self-reactive CD8+T cells in the inflamed CNS. Our study establishes and characterizes the genetic differentiation program enabling chronic T cell-driven immunopathology in CNS autoimmunity.
Tumor cell plasticity, heterogeneity, and resistance in crucial microenvironmental niches in glioma
Authors: Jung Erik , Osswald Matthias , Ratliff Miriam , Dogan Helin , Xie Ruifan , Weil Sophie , Hoffmann Dirk C. , Kurz Felix T. , Kessler Tobias , Heiland Sabine , von Deimling Andreas , Sahm Felix , Wick Wolfgang , Winkler Frank
Published: February 2021

Both the perivascular niche (PVN) and the integration into multicellular networks by tumor microtubes (TMs) have been associated with progression and resistance to therapies in glioblastoma, but their specific contribution remained unknown. By long-term tracking of tumor cell fate and dynamics in the live mouse brain, differential therapeutic responses in both niches are determined. Both the PVN, a preferential location of long-term quiescent glioma cells, and network integration facilitate resistance against cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy—independently of each other, but with additive effects. Perivascular glioblastoma cells are particularly able to actively repair damage to tumor regions. Population of the PVN and resistance in it depend on proficient NOTCH1 expression. In turn, NOTCH1 downregulation induces resistant multicellular networks by TM extension. Our findings identify NOTCH1 as a central switch between the PVN and network niche in glioma, and demonstrate robust cross-compensation when only one niche is targeted.
Designing a next generation solar crystallizer for real seawater brine treatment with zero liquid discharge
Authors: Zhang Chenlin , Shi Yusuf , Shi Le , Li Hongxia , Li Renyuan , Hong Seunghyun , Zhuo Sifei , Zhang Tiejun , Wang Peng
Published: February 2021

Proper disposal of industrial brine has been a critical environmental challenge. Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) brine treatment holds great promise to the brine disposal, but its application is limited by the intensive energy consumption of its crystallization process. Here we propose a new strategy that employs an advanced solar crystallizer coupled with a salt crystallization inhibitor to eliminate highly concentrated waste brine. The rationally designed solar crystallizer exhibited a high water evaporation rate of 2.42 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun illumination when treating real concentrated seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine (21.6 wt%). The solar crystallizer array showed an even higher water evaporation rate of 48.0 kg m−2 per day in the outdoor field test, suggesting a great potential for practical application. The solar crystallizer design and the salt crystallization inhibition strategy proposed and confirmed in this work provide a low-cost and sustainable solution for industrial brine disposal with ZLD.
AA amyloid fibrils from diseased tissue are structurally different from in vitro formed SAA fibrils
Authors: Bansal Akanksha , Schmidt Matthias , Rennegarbe Matthies , Haupt Christian , Liberta Falk , Stecher Sabrina , Puscalau-Girtu Ioana , Biedermann Alexander , Fändrich Marcus
Published: February 2021

Systemic AA amyloidosis is a world-wide occurring protein misfolding disease of humans and animals. It arises from the formation of amyloid fibrils from serum amyloid A (SAA) protein. Using cryo electron microscopy we here show that amyloid fibrils which were purified from AA amyloidotic mice are structurally different from fibrils formed from recombinant SAA protein in vitro. Ex vivo amyloid fibrils consist of fibril proteins that contain more residues within their ordered parts and possess a higher β-sheet content than in vitro fibril proteins. They are also more resistant to proteolysis than their in vitro formed counterparts. These data suggest that pathogenic amyloid fibrils may originate from proteolytic selection, allowing specific fibril morphologies to proliferate and to cause damage to the surrounding tissue.
Magnetic crystalline-symmetry-protected axion electrodynamics and field-tunable unpinned Dirac cones in EuIn2As2
Authors: Riberolles S. X. M. , Trevisan T. V. , Kuthanazhi B. , Heitmann T. W. , Ye F. , Johnston D. C. , Bud’ko S. L. , Ryan D. H. , Canfield P. C. , Kreyssig A. , Vishwanath A. , McQueeney R. J. , Wang L. -L. , Orth P. P. , Ueland B. G.
Published: February 2021

Knowledge of magnetic symmetry is vital for exploiting nontrivial surface states of magnetic topological materials. EuIn2As2 is an excellent example, as it is predicted to have collinear antiferromagnetic order where the magnetic moment direction determines either a topological-crystalline-insulator phase supporting axion electrodynamics or a higher-order-topological-insulator phase with chiral hinge states. Here, we use neutron diffraction, symmetry analysis, and density functional theory results to demonstrate that EuIn2As2 actually exhibits low-symmetry helical antiferromagnetic order which makes it a stoichiometric magnetic topological-crystalline axion insulator protected by the combination of a 180∘ rotation and time-reversal symmetries: $${C}_{2}\times {\mathcal{T}}={2}^{\prime}$$

C

2

×
T
=

2

′

. Surfaces protected by $${2}^{\prime}$$

2

′

are expected to have an exotic gapless Dirac cone which is unpinned to specific crystal momenta. All other surfaces have gapped Dirac cones and exhibit half-integer quantum anomalous Hall conductivity. We predict that the direction of a modest applied magnetic field of μ0H ≈ 1 to 2 T can tune between gapless and gapped surface states.
Impact of the COVID-19 nonpharmaceutical interventions on influenza and other respiratory viral infections in New Zealand
Authors: Huang Q. Sue , Wood Tim , Jelley Lauren , Jennings Tineke , Jefferies Sarah , Daniells Karen , Nesdale Annette , Dowell Tony , Turner Nikki , Campbell-Stokes Priscilla , Balm Michelle , Dobinson Hazel C. , Grant Cameron C. , James Shelley , Aminisani Nayyereh , Ralston Jacqui , Gunn Wendy , Bocacao Judy , Danielewicz Jessica , Moncrieff Tessa , McNeill Andrea , Lopez Liza , Waite Ben , Kiedrzynski Tomasz , Schrader Hannah , Gray Rebekah , Cook Kayla , Currin Danielle , Engelbrecht Chaune , Tapurau Whitney , Emmerton Leigh , Martin Maxine , Baker Michael G. , Taylor Susan , Trenholme Adrian , Wong Conroy , Lawrence Shirley , McArthur Colin , Stanley Alicia , Roberts Sally , Rahnama Fahimeh , Bennett Jenny , Mansell Chris , Dilcher Meik , Werno Anja , Grant Jennifer , van der Linden Antje , Youngblood Ben , Thomas Paul G. ,   NPIsImpactOnFlu Consortium, Webby Richard J.
Published: February 2021

Stringent nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as lockdowns and border closures are not currently recommended for pandemic influenza control. New Zealand used these NPIs to eliminate coronavirus disease 2019 during its first wave. Using multiple surveillance systems, we observed a parallel and unprecedented reduction of influenza and other respiratory viral infections in 2020. This finding supports the use of these NPIs for controlling pandemic influenza and other severe respiratory viral threats.
Genomic aberrations after short-term exposure to colibactin-producing E. coli transform primary colon epithelial cells
Authors: Iftekhar Amina , Berger Hilmar , Bouznad Nassim , Heuberger Julian , Boccellato Francesco , Dobrindt Ulrich , Hermeking Heiko , Sigal Michael , Meyer Thomas F.
Published: February 2021

Genotoxic colibactin-producingpks+Escherichia coliinduce DNA double-strand breaks, mutations, and promote tumor development in mouse models of colorectal cancer (CRC). Colibactin’s distinct mutational signature is reflected in human CRC, suggesting a causal link. Here, we investigate its transformation potential using organoids from primary murine colon epithelial cells. Organoids recovered from short-term infection withpks+E. colishow characteristics of CRC cells, e.g., enhanced proliferation, Wnt-independence, and impaired differentiation. Sequence analysis of Wnt-independent organoids reveals an enhanced mutational burden, including chromosomal aberrations typical of genomic instability. Although we do not find classic Wnt-signaling mutations, we identify several mutations in genes related to p53-signaling, includingmiR-34a. Knockout ofTrp53ormiR-34in organoids results in Wnt-independence, corroborating a functional interplay between the p53 and Wnt pathways. We propose larger chromosomal alterations and aneuploidy as the basis of transformation in these organoids, consistent with the early appearance of chromosomal instability in CRC.
Granulovirus PK-1 kinase activity relies on a side-to-side dimerization mode centered on the regulatory αC helix
Authors: Oliver Michael R. , Horne Christopher R. , Shrestha Safal , Keown Jeremy R. , Liang Lung-Yu , Young Samuel N. , Sandow Jarrod J. , Webb Andrew I. , Goldstone David C. , Lucet Isabelle S. , Kannan Natarajan , Metcalf Peter , Murphy James M.
Published: February 2021

The life cycle of Baculoviridae family insect viruses depends on the viral protein kinase, PK-1, to phosphorylate the regulatory protein, p6.9, to induce baculoviral genome release. Here, we report the crystal structure of Cydia pomenella granulovirus PK-1, which, owing to its likely ancestral origin among host cell AGC kinases, exhibits a eukaryotic protein kinase fold. PK-1 occurs as a rigid dimer, where an antiparallel arrangement of the αC helices at the dimer core stabilizes PK-1 in a closed, active conformation. Dimerization is facilitated by C-lobe:C-lobe and N-lobe:N-lobe interactions between protomers, including the domain-swapping of an N-terminal helix that crowns a contiguous β-sheet formed by the two N-lobes. PK-1 retains a dimeric conformation in solution, which is crucial for catalytic activity. Our studies raise the prospect that parallel, side-to-side dimeric arrangements that lock kinase domains in a catalytically-active conformation could function more broadly as a regulatory mechanism among eukaryotic protein kinases.
Ultra-high-Q resonances in plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Bin-Alam M. Saad , Reshef Orad , Mamchur Yaryna , Alam M. Zahirul , Carlow Graham , Upham Jeremy , Sullivan Brian T. , Ménard Jean-Michel , Huttunen Mikko J. , Boyd Robert W. , Dolgaleva Ksenia
Published: February 2021

Plasmonic nanostructures hold promise for the realization of ultra-thin sub-wavelength devices, reducing power operating thresholds and enabling nonlinear optical functionality in metasurfaces. However, this promise is substantially undercut by absorption introduced by resistive losses, causing the metasurface community to turn away from plasmonics in favour of alternative material platforms (e.g., dielectrics) that provide weaker field enhancement, but more tolerable losses. Here, we report a plasmonic metasurface with a quality-factor (Q-factor) of 2340 in the telecommunication C band by exploiting surface lattice resonances (SLRs), exceeding the record by an order of magnitude. Additionally, we show that SLRs retain many of the same benefits as localized plasmonic resonances, such as field enhancement and strong confinement of light along the metal surface. Our results demonstrate that SLRs provide an exciting and unexplored method to tailor incident light fields, and could pave the way to flexible wavelength-scale devices for any optical resonating application.
Ultrafast generation and decay of a surface metal
Authors: Gierster L. , Vempati S. , Stähler J.
Published: February 2021

Band bending at semiconductor surfaces induced by chemical doping or electric fields can create metallic surfaces with properties not found in the bulk, such as high electron mobility, magnetism or superconductivity. Optical generation of such metallic surfaces on ultrafast timescales would be appealing for high-speed electronics. Here, we demonstrate the ultrafast generation of a metal at the (10-10) surface of ZnO upon photoexcitation. Compared to hitherto known ultrafast photoinduced semiconductor-to-metal transitions that occur in the bulk of inorganic semiconductors, the metallization of the ZnO surface is launched by 3–4 orders of magnitude lower photon fluxes. Using time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we show that the phase transition is caused by photoinduced downward surface band bending due to photodepletion of donor-type deep surface defects. The discovered mechanism is in analogy to chemical doping of semiconductor surfaces and presents a general route for controlling surface-confined metallicity on ultrafast timescales.
PRMT5 inhibition disrupts splicing and stemness in glioblastoma
Authors: Sachamitr Patty , Ho Jolene C. , Ciamponi Felipe E. , Ba-Alawi Wail , Coutinho Fiona J. , Guilhamon Paul , Kushida Michelle M. , Cavalli Florence M. G. , Lee Lilian , Rastegar Naghmeh , Vu Victoria , Sánchez-Osuna María , Coulombe-Huntington Jasmin , Kanshin Evgeny , Whetstone Heather , Durand Mathieu , Thibault Philippe , Hart Kirsten , Mangos Maria , Veyhl Joseph , Chen Wenjun , Tran Nhat , Duong Bang-Chi , Aman Ahmed M. , Che Xinghui , Lan Xiaoyang , Whitley Owen , Zaslaver Olga , Barsyte-Lovejoy Dalia , Richards Laura M. , Restall Ian , Caudy Amy , Röst Hannes L. , Bonday Zahid Quyoom , Bernstein Mark , Das Sunit , Cusimano Michael D. , Spears Julian , Bader Gary D. , Pugh Trevor J. , Tyers Mike , Lupien Mathieu , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Artee Luchman H. , Weiss Samuel , Massirer Katlin B. , Prinos Panagiotis , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Dirks Peter B.
Published: February 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly cancer in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) sustain tumor growth and contribute to therapeutic resistance. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has recently emerged as a promising target in GBM. Using two orthogonal-acting inhibitors of PRMT5 (GSK591 or LLY-283), we show that pharmacological inhibition of PRMT5 suppresses the growth of a cohort of 46 patient-derived GBM stem cell cultures, with the proneural subtype showing greater sensitivity. We show that PRMT5 inhibition causes widespread disruption of splicing across the transcriptome, particularly affecting cell cycle gene products. We identify a GBM splicing signature that correlates with the degree of response to PRMT5 inhibition. Importantly, we demonstrate that LLY-283 is brain-penetrant and significantly prolongs the survival of mice with orthotopic patient-derived xenografts. Collectively, our findings provide a rationale for the clinical development of brain penetrant PRMT5 inhibitors as treatment for GBM.
Insertion-sequence-mediated mutations both promote and constrain evolvability during a long-term experiment with bacteria
Authors: Consuegra Jessika , Gaffé Joël , Lenski Richard E. , Hindré Thomas , Barrick Jeffrey E. , Tenaillon Olivier , Schneider Dominique
Published: February 2021

Insertion sequences (IS) are ubiquitous bacterial mobile genetic elements, and the mutations they cause can be deleterious, neutral, or beneficial. The long-term dynamics of IS elements and their effects on bacteria are poorly understood, including whether they are primarily genomic parasites or important drivers of adaptation by natural selection. Here, we investigate the dynamics of IS elements and their contribution to genomic evolution and fitness during a long-term experiment with Escherichia coli. IS elements account for ~35% of the mutations that reached high frequency through 50,000 generations in those populations that retained the ancestral point-mutation rate. In mutator populations, IS-mediated mutations are only half as frequent in absolute numbers. In one population, an exceptionally high ~8-fold increase in IS150 copy number is associated with the beneficial effects of early insertion mutations; however, this expansion later slowed down owing to reduced IS150 activity. This population also achieves the lowest fitness, suggesting that some avenues for further adaptation are precluded by the IS150-mediated mutations. More generally, across all populations, we find that higher IS activity becomes detrimental to adaptation over evolutionary time. Therefore, IS-mediated mutations can both promote and constrain evolvability.
Radiative lifetime-encoded unicolour security tags using perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Yakunin Sergii , Chaaban Jana , Benin Bogdan M. , Cherniukh Ihor , Bernasconi Caterina , Landuyt Annelies , Shynkarenko Yevhen , Bolat Sami , Hofer Christoph , Romanyuk Yaroslav E. , Cattaneo Stefano , Pokutnyi Sergey I. , Schaller Richard D. , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Poulikakos Dimos , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: February 2021

Traditional fluorescence-based tags, used for anticounterfeiting, rely on primitive pattern matching and visual identification; additional covert security features such as fluorescent lifetime or pattern masking are advantageous if fraud is to be deterred. Herein, we present an electrohydrodynamically printed unicolour multi-fluorescent-lifetime security tag system composed of lifetime-tunable lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals that can be deciphered with both existing time-correlated single-photon counting fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy and a novel time-of-flight prototype. We find that unicolour or matching emission wavelength materials can be prepared through cation-engineering with the partial substitution of formamidinium for ethylenediammonium to generate “hollow” formamidinium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals; these materials can be successfully printed into fluorescence-lifetime-encoded-quick-read tags that are protected from conventional readers. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that a portable, cost-effective time-of-flight fluorescence-lifetime imaging prototype can also decipher these codes. A single comprehensive approach combining these innovations may be eventually deployed to protect both producers and consumers.
Functional and versatile superhydrophobic coatings via stoichiometric silanization
Authors: Zhang Lishen , Zhou Alvin G. , Sun Brigitta R. , Chen Kennedy S. , Yu Hua-Zhong
Published: February 2021

Superhydrophobic coatings have tremendous potential for applications in different fields and have been achieved commonly by increasing nanoscale roughness and lowering surface tension. Limited by the availability of either ideal nano-structural templates or simple fabrication procedures, the search of superhydrophobic coatings that are easy to manufacture and are robust in real-life applications remains challenging for both academia and industry. Herein, we report an unconventional protocol based on a single-step, stoichiometrically controlled reaction of long-chain organosilanes with water, which creates micro- to nano-scale hierarchical siloxane aggregates dispersible in industrial solvents (as the coating mixture). Excellent superhydrophobicity (ultrahigh water contact angle >170° and ultralow sliding angle <1°) has been attained on solid materials of various compositions and dimensions, by simply dipping into or spraying with the coating mixture. It has been demonstrated that these complete waterproof coatings hold excellent properties in terms of cost, scalability, robustness, and particularly the capability of encapsulating other functional materials (e.g. luminescent dyes).
Seasonal biological carryover dominates northern vegetation growth
Authors: Lian Xu , Piao Shilong , Chen Anping , Wang Kai , Li Xiangyi , Buermann Wolfgang , Huntingford Chris , Peñuelas Josep , Xu Hao , Myneni Ranga B.
Published: February 2021

The state of ecosystems is influenced strongly by their past, and describing this carryover effect is important to accurately forecast their future behaviors. However, the strength and persistence of this carryover effect on ecosystem dynamics in comparison to that of simultaneous environmental drivers are still poorly understood. Here, we show that vegetation growth carryover (VGC), defined as the effect of present states of vegetation on subsequent growth, exerts strong positive impacts on seasonal vegetation growth over the Northern Hemisphere. In particular, this VGC of early growing-season vegetation growth is even stronger than past and co-occurring climate on determining peak-to-late season vegetation growth, and is the primary contributor to the recently observed annual greening trend. The effect of seasonal VGC persists into the subsequent year but not further. Current process-based ecosystem models greatly underestimate the VGC effect, and may therefore underestimate the CO2 sequestration potential of northern vegetation under future warming.
How μ-opioid receptor recognizes fentanyl
Authors: Vo Quynh N. , Mahinthichaichan Paween , Shen Jana , Ellis Christopher R.
Published: February 2021

Roughly half of the drug overdose-related deaths in the United States are related to synthetic opioids represented by fentanyl which is a potent agonist of mu-opioid receptor (mOR). In recent years, X-ray crystal structures of mOR in complex with morphine derivatives have been determined; however, structural basis of mOR activation by fentanyl-like opioids remains lacking. Exploiting the X-ray structure of BU72-bound mOR and several molecular simulation techniques, we elucidated the detailed binding mechanism of fentanyl. Surprisingly, in addition to the salt-bridge binding mode common to morphinan opiates, fentanyl can move deeper and form a stable hydrogen bond with the conserved His2976.52, which has been suggested to modulate mOR’s ligand affinity and pH dependence by previous mutagenesis experiments. Intriguingly, this secondary binding mode is only accessible when His2976.52 adopts a neutral HID tautomer. Alternative binding modes may represent a general mechanism in G protein-coupled receptor-ligand recognition.
Reconciling global mean and regional sea level change in projections and observations
Authors: Wang Jinping , Church John A. , Zhang Xuebin , Chen Xianyao
Published: February 2021

The ability of climate models to simulate 20th century global mean sea level (GMSL) and regional sea-level change has been demonstrated. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) sea-level projections have not been rigorously evaluated with observed GMSL and coastal sea level from a global network of tide gauges as the short overlapping period (2007–2018) and natural variability make the detection of trends and accelerations challenging. Here, we critically evaluate these projections with satellite and tide-gauge observations. The observed trends from GMSL and the regional weighted mean at tide-gauge stations confirm the projections under three Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios within 90% confidence level during 2007–2018. The central values of the observed GMSL (1993–2018) and regional weighted mean (1970–2018) accelerations are larger than projections for RCP2.6 and lie between (or even above) those for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 over 2007–2032, but are not yet statistically different from any scenario. While the confirmation of the projection trends gives us confidence in current understanding of near future sea-level change, it leaves open questions concerning late 21st century non-linear accelerations from ice-sheet contributions.
C. elegans germ granules require both assembly and localized regulators for mRNA repression
Authors: Aoki Scott Takeo , Lynch Tina R. , Crittenden Sarah L. , Bingman Craig A. , Wickens Marvin , Kimble Judith
Published: February 2021

Cytoplasmic RNA–protein (RNP) granules have diverse biophysical properties, from liquid to solid, and play enigmatic roles in RNA metabolism. Nematode P granules are paradigmatic liquid droplet granules and central to germ cell development. Here we analyze a key P granule scaffolding protein, PGL-1, to investigate the functional relationship between P granule assembly and function. Using a protein–RNA tethering assay, we find that reporter mRNA expression is repressed when recruited to PGL-1. We determine the crystal structure of the PGL-1 N-terminal region to 1.5 Å, discover its dimerization, and identify key residues at the dimer interface. Mutations of those interface residues prevent P granule assembly in vivo, de-repress PGL-1 tethered mRNA, and reduce fertility. Therefore, PGL-1 dimerization lies at the heart of both P granule assembly and function. Finally, we identify the P granule-associated Argonaute WAGO-1 as crucial for repression of PGL-1 tethered mRNA. We conclude that P granule function requires both assembly and localized regulators.
Sequential cocatalyst decoration on BaTaO2N towards highly-active Z-scheme water splitting
Authors: Wang Zheng , Luo Ying , Hisatomi Takashi , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Suzuki Sayaka , Chen Shanshan , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Lin Lihua , Pan Zhenhua , Kariya Nobuko , Yamakata Akira , Shibata Naoya , Takata Tsuyoshi , Teshima Katsuya , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2021

Oxynitride photocatalysts hold promise for renewable solar hydrogen production via water splitting owing to their intense visible light absorption. Cocatalyst loading is essential for activation of such oxynitride photocatalysts. However, cocatalyst nanoparticles form aggregates and exhibit weak interaction with photocatalysts, which prevents eliciting their intrinsic photocatalytic performance. Here, we demonstrate efficient utilization of photoexcited electrons in a single-crystalline particulate BaTaO2N photocatalyst prepared with the assistance of RbCl flux for H2 evolution reactions via sequential decoration of Pt cocatalyst by impregnation-reduction followed by site-selective photodeposition. The Pt-loaded BaTaO2N photocatalyst evolves H2 over 100 times more efficiently than before, with an apparent quantum yield of 6.8% at the wavelength of 420 nm, from a methanol aqueous solution, and a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 0.24% in Z-scheme water splitting. Enabling uniform dispersion and intimate contact of cocatalyst nanoparticles on single-crystalline narrow-bandgap particulate photocatalysts is a key to efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.
Cross-cancer evaluation of polygenic risk scores for 16 cancer types in two large cohorts
Authors: Graff Rebecca E. , Cavazos Taylor B. , Thai Khanh K. , Kachuri Linda , Rashkin Sara R. , Hoffman Joshua D. , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Blatchins Maruta , Meyers Travis J. , Leong Lancelote , Tai Caroline G. , Emami Nima C. , Corley Douglas A. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Ziv Elad , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Jorgenson Eric , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Habel Laurel A. , Witte John S. , Sakoda Lori C.
Published: February 2021

Even distinct cancer types share biological hallmarks. Here, we investigate polygenic risk score (PRS)-specific pleiotropy across 16 cancers in European ancestry individuals from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging cohort (16,012 cases, 50,552 controls) and UK Biobank (48,969 cases, 359,802 controls). Within cohorts, each PRS is evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models against all other cancer types. Results are then meta-analyzed across cohorts. Ten positive and one inverse cross-cancer associations are found after multiple testing correction. Two pairs show bidirectional associations; the melanoma PRS is positively associated with oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer and vice versa, whereas the lung cancer PRS is positively associated with oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer, and the oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer PRS is inversely associated with lung cancer. Overall, we validate known, and uncover previously unreported, patterns of pleiotropy that have the potential to inform investigations of risk prediction, shared etiology, and precision cancer prevention strategies.
CTCF loss has limited effects on global genome architecture in Drosophila despite critical regulatory functions
Authors: Kaushal Anjali , Mohana Giriram , Dorier Julien , Özdemir Isa , Omer Arina , Cousin Pascal , Semenova Anastasiia , Taschner Michael , Dergai Oleksandr , Marzetta Flavia , Iseli Christian , Eliaz Yossi , Weisz David , Shamim Muhammad Saad , Guex Nicolas , Lieberman Aiden Erez , Gambetta Maria Cristina
Published: February 2021

Vertebrate genomes are partitioned into contact domains defined by enhanced internal contact frequency and formed by two principal mechanisms: compartmentalization of transcriptionally active and inactive domains, and stalling of chromosomal loop-extruding cohesin by CTCF bound at domain boundaries. While Drosophila has widespread contact domains and CTCF, it is currently unclear whether CTCF-dependent domains exist in flies. We genetically ablate CTCF in Drosophila and examine impacts on genome folding and transcriptional regulation in the central nervous system. We find that CTCF is required to form a small fraction of all domain boundaries, while critically controlling expression patterns of certain genes and supporting nervous system function. We also find that CTCF recruits the pervasive boundary-associated factor Cp190 to CTCF-occupied boundaries and co-regulates a subset of genes near boundaries together with Cp190. These results highlight a profound difference in CTCF-requirement for genome folding in flies and vertebrates, in which a large fraction of boundaries are CTCF-dependent and suggest that CTCF has played mutable roles in genome architecture and direct gene expression control during metazoan evolution.
Immune microenvironment and intrinsic subtyping in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Griguolo Gaia , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Paré Laia , Miglietta Federica , Generali Daniele Giulio , Frassoldati Antonio , Cavanna Luigi , Bisagni Giancarlo , Piacentini Federico , Tagliafico Enrico , Cagossi Katia , Ficarra Guido , Prat Aleix , Conte Pierfranco , Guarneri Valentina
Published: February 2021

Little is known regarding the interaction between immune microenvironment and tumor biology in hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2− breast cancer (BC). We here assess pretreatment gene-expression data from 66 HR+/HER2− early BCs from the LETLOB trial and show that non-luminal tumors (HER2-enriched, Basal-like) present higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte levels than luminal tumors. Moreover, significant differences in immune infiltrate composition, assessed by CIBERSORT, were observed: non-luminal tumors showed a more proinflammatory antitumor immune infiltrate composition than luminal ones.
Intermittent theta burst stimulation for negative symptoms of schizophrenia—A double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study
Authors: Bation Rémy , Magnin Charline , Poulet Emmanuel , Mondino Marine , Brunelin Jérôme
Published: February 2021

Optimal noninvasive brain stimulation parameters for the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical and biological effects of intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) in patients with treatment-resistant negative symptoms of schizophrenia (NCT00875498). In a randomized sham-controlled 2-arm study, 22 patients with schizophrenia and treatment-resistant negative symptoms received 20 sessions of either active (n = 12) or sham (n = 10) iTBS. Sessions were delivered twice a day on 10 consecutive working days. Negative symptom severity was assessed 5 times using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS): before iTBS, after iTBS, and 1, 3, and 6 months after iTBS. As a secondary objective, we explored the acute effects of iTBS on functional connectivity of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using seed-based resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rsFC fMRI) images acquired before and after iTBS. Active iTBS over the left DLPFC significantly decreased negative symptoms severity compared to sham iTBS (F(3,60) = 3.321, p = 0.026). Post hoc analyses revealed that the difference between groups was significant 6 months after the end of stimulation sessions. Neuroimaging revealed an increase in rsFC between the left DLPFC and a brain region encompassing the right lateral occipital cortex and right angular gyrus and a right midbrain region that may encompass dopamine neuron cell bodies. Thus, iTBS over the left DLPFC can alleviate negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The effect might be driven by significant modulation of dopamine transmission.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Rheum australe, an endangered medicinal herb, growing in its natural habitat and those grown in controlled growth chambers
Authors: Mala Deep , Awasthi Supriya , Sharma Nitesh Kumar , Swarnkar Mohit Kumar , Shankar Ravi , Kumar Sanjay
Published: February 2021

Rheum australeis an endangered medicinal herb of high altitude alpine region of Himalayas and is known to possess anti-cancerous properties. Unlike many herbs of the region,R. australehas broad leaves. The species thrives well under the environmental extremes in its niche habitat, therefore an understanding of transcriptome ofR. australeto environmental cues was of significance. Since, temperature is one of the major environmental variables in the niche ofR. australe, transcriptome was studied in the species growing in natural habitat and those grown in growth chambers maintained at 4 °C and 25 °C to understand genes associated with different temperatures. A total of 39,136 primarily assembled transcripts were obtained from 10,17,74,336 clean read, and 21,303 unigenes could match to public databases. An analysis of transcriptome by fragments per kilobase of transcript per million, followed by validation through qRT-PCR showed 22.4% up- and 22.5% down-regulated common differentially expressed genes in the species growing under natural habitat and at 4 °C as compared to those at 25 °C. These genes largely belonged to signaling pathway, transporters, secondary metabolites, phytohormones, and those associated with cellular protection, suggesting their importance in imparting adaptive advantage toR. australein its niche.
Patterns and processes of pathogen exposure in gray wolves across North America
Authors: Brandell Ellen E. , Cross Paul C. , Craft Meggan E. , Smith Douglas W. , Dubovi Edward J. , Gilbertson Marie L. J. , Wheeldon Tyler , Stephenson John A. , Barber-Meyer Shannon , Borg Bridget L. , Sorum Mathew , Stahler Daniel R. , Kelly Allicia , Anderson Morgan , Cluff H. Dean , MacNulty Daniel R. , Watts Dominique E. , Roffler Gretchen H. , Schwantje Helen , Hebblewhite Mark , Beckmen Kimberlee , Fenton Heather , Hudson Peter J.
Published: February 2021

The presence of many pathogens varies in a predictable manner with latitude, with infections decreasing from the equator towards the poles. We investigated the geographic trends of pathogens infecting a widely distributed carnivore: the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Specifically, we investigated which variables best explain and predict geographic trends in seroprevalence across North American wolf populations and the implications of the underlying mechanisms. We compiled a large serological dataset of nearly 2000 wolves from 17 study areas, spanning 80° longitude and 50° latitude. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to predict the probability of seropositivity of four important pathogens: canine adenovirus, herpesvirus, parvovirus, and distemper virus—and two parasites: Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Canine adenovirus and herpesvirus were the most widely distributed pathogens, whereas N. caninum was relatively uncommon. Canine parvovirus and distemper had high annual variation, with western populations experiencing more frequent outbreaks than eastern populations. Seroprevalence of all infections increased as wolves aged, and denser wolf populations had a greater risk of exposure. Probability of exposure was positively correlated with human density, suggesting that dogs and synanthropic animals may be important pathogen reservoirs. Pathogen exposure did not appear to follow a latitudinal gradient, with the exception of N. caninum. Instead, clustered study areas were more similar: wolves from the Great Lakes region had lower odds of exposure to the viruses, but higher odds of exposure to N. caninum and T. gondii; the opposite was true for wolves from the central Rocky Mountains. Overall, mechanistic predictors were more informative of seroprevalence trends than latitude and longitude. Individual host characteristics as well as inherent features of ecosystems determined pathogen exposure risk on a large scale. This work emphasizes the importance of biogeographic wildlife surveillance, and we expound upon avenues of future research of cross-species transmission, spillover, and spatial variation in pathogen infection.
The assessment of the usability of selected instrumental techniques for the elemental analysis of biomedical samples
Authors: Planeta Karolina , Kubala-Kukus Aldona , Drozdz Agnieszka , Matusiak Katarzyna , Setkowicz Zuzanna , Chwiej Joanna
Published: February 2021

The fundamental role of major, minor and trace elements in different physiological and pathological processes occurring in living organism makes that elemental analysis of biomedical samples becomes more and more popular issue. The most often used tools for analysis of the elemental composition of biological samples include Flame and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (F-AAS and GF-AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Each of these techniques has many advantages and limitations that should be considered in the first stage of planning the measurement procedure. Their reliability can be checked in the validation process and the precision, trueness and detection limits of elements belong to the most frequently determined validation parameters. The main purpose of this paper was the discussion of selected instrumental techniques (F-AAS, GF-AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS) in term of the achieved validation parameters and the usefulness in the analysis of biological samples. The focus in the detailed literature studies was also put on the methods of preparation of the biomedical samples. What is more based on the own data the usefulness of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for the elemental analysis of animal tissues was examined. The detection limits of elements, precision and trueness for the technique were determined and compared with the literature data concerning other of the discussed techniques of elemental analysis. Reassuming, the following paper is to serve as a guide and comprehensive source of information concerning the validation parameters achievable in different instrumental techniques used for the elemental analysis of biomedical samples.
Continuous versus discrete quantity discrimination in dune snail (Mollusca: Gastropoda) seeking thermal refuges
Authors: Bisazza Angelo , Gatto Elia
Published: February 2021

The ability of invertebrates to discriminate quantities is poorly studied, and it is unknown whether other phyla possess the same richness and sophistication of quantification mechanisms observed in vertebrates. The dune snail, Theba pisana, occupies a harsh habitat characterised by sparse vegetation and diurnal soil temperatures well above the thermal tolerance of this species. To survive, a snail must locate and climb one of the rare tall herbs each dawn and spend the daytime hours in an elevated refuge position. Based on their ecology, we predicted that dune snails would prefer larger to smaller groups of refuges. We simulated shelter choice under controlled laboratory conditions. Snails’ acuity in discriminating quantity of shelters was comparable to that of mammals and birds, reaching the 4 versus 5 item discrimination, suggesting that natural selection could drive the evolution of advanced cognitive abilities even in small-brained animals if these functions have a high survival value. In a subsequent series of experiments, we investigated whether snails used numerical information or based their decisions upon continuous quantities, such as cumulative surface, density or convex hull, which co-varies with number. Though our results tend to underplay the role of these continuous cues, behavioural data alone are insufficient to determine if dune snails were using numerical information, leaving open the question of whether gastropod molluscans possess elementary abilities for numerical processing.
Maize intercropping in the milpa system. Diversity, extent and importance for nutritional security in the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Lopez-Ridaura Santiago , Barba-Escoto Luis , Reyna-Ramirez Cristian A. , Sum Carlos , Palacios-Rojas Natalia , Gerard Bruno
Published: February 2021

We present an assessment of the extent, diversity, and nutritional contribution of the milpa through a quantitative analysis of data from a survey conducted in 989 small scale farm households in the Western Highlands of Guatemala (WHG). The milpa is a traditional agricultural system in which maize is intercropped with other species, such as common beans, faba beans, squashes or potatoes. Our study shows that more than two-thirds of the 1,205 plots recorded were under the milpa system, with a great diversity of crop combinations. As shown with the 357 plots for which specific yields were available, milpa systems present higher total productivity than monocropped maize, expressed as total energy yield of the harvested crops in the respective system, and were also better at providing the recommended daily allowances of fourteen essential nutrients, based on a Potential Nutrient Adequacy (PNA) indicator. Maize-bean-potato, maize-potato, and maize-bean-faba intercrops had the highest PNAs, and monocropped maize, the lowest. These results support the implementation of milpa systems tailored to different agro-ecologies in order to improve nutrition in the WHG and a variety of similar regions.
Bayesian Network Analysis reveals resilience of the jellyfish Aurelia aurita to an Irish Sea regime shift
Authors: Mitchell Emily G. , Wallace Margaret I. , Smith V. Anne , Wiesenthal Amanda A. , Brierley Andrew S.
Published: February 2021

Robust time-series of direct observations of jellyfish abundance are not available for many ecosystems, leaving it difficult to determine changes in jellyfish abundance, the possible causes (e.g. climate change) or the consequences (e.g. trophic cascades). We sought an indirect ecological route to reconstruct jellyfish abundance in the Irish Sea: since zooplankton are jellyfish prey, historic variability in zooplankton communities may provide proxies for jellyfish abundance. We determined the Bayesian ecological network of jellyfish–zooplankton dependencies using jellyfish- and zooplankton-abundance data obtained using nets during a 2-week cruise to the Irish Sea in 2008. This network revealed that Aurelia aurita abundance was dependent on zooplankton groups Warm Temperate and Temperate Oceanic as defined by previous zooplankton ecology work. We then determined historic zooplankton networks across the Irish Sea from abundance data from Continuous Plankton Recorder surveys conducted between 1970 and 2000. Transposing the 2008 spatial dependencies onto the historic networks revealed that Aurelia abundance was more strongly dependent over time on sea surface temperature than on the zooplankton community. The generalist predatory abilities of Aurelia may have insulated this jellyfish over the 1985 regime shift when zooplankton composition in the Irish Sea changed abruptly, and also help explain its globally widespread distribution.
Enhanced Ca2+ influx in mechanically distorted erythrocytes measured with 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Kuchel Philip W. , Romanenko Konstantin , Shishmarev Dmitry , Galvosas Petrik , Cox Charles D.
Published: February 2021

We present the first direct nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) evidence of enhanced entry of Ca2+ ions into human erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBCs), when these cells are mechanically distorted. For this we loaded the RBCs with the fluorinated Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (5FBAPTA), and recorded 19F NMR spectra. The RBCs were suspended in gelatin gel in a special stretching/compression apparatus. The 5FBAPTA was loaded into the cells as the tetraacetoxymethyl ester; and 13C NMR spectroscopy with [1,6-13C]d-glucose as substrate showed active glycolysis albeit at a reduced rate in cell suspensions and gels. The enhancement of Ca2+ influx is concluded to be via the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1. The increased rate of influx brought about by the activator of Piezo1, 2-[5-[[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-pyrazine (Yoda1) supported this conclusion; while the specificity of the cation-sensing by 5FBAPTA was confirmed by using the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187.