bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions with ectoparasitic mites induce host metabolic and immune responses in flies at the expense of reproduction-associated factors
Authors: Benoit Joshua B. , Bose Joy , Bailey Samuel T. , Polak Michal
Published: June 2020

Parasites cause harm to their hosts and represent pervasive causal agents of natural selection. Understanding host proximate responses during interactions with parasites can help predict which genes and molecular pathways are targets of this selection. In the current study, we examined transcriptional changes arising from interactions betweenDrosophila melanogasterand their naturally occurring ectoparasitic mite,Gamasodes queenslandicus. Shifts in host transcript levels associated with behavioural avoidance revealed the involvement of genes underlying nutrient metabolism. These genetic responses were reflected in altered body lipid and glycogen levels in the flies. Mite infestation triggered a striking immune response, while male accessory gland protein transcript levels were simultaneously reduced, suggesting a trade-off between host immune responses to parasite challenge and reproduction. Comparison of transcriptional analyses during mite infestation to those during nematode and parasitoid attack identified host genes similarly expressed in flies during these interactions. Validation of the involvement of specific genes with RNA interference lines revealed candidates that may directly mediate fly–ectoparasite interactions. Our physiological and molecular characterization of theDrosophila–Gamasodesinterface reveals new proximate mechanisms underlying host–parasite interactions, specifically host transcriptional shifts associated with behavioural avoidance and infestation. The results identify potential general mechanisms underlying host resistance and evolutionarily relevant trade-offs.
Effects of antidepressant medicines on preventing relapse of unipolar depression: a pooled analysis of parametric survival curves
Authors: Zhou Dongdong , Lv Zhen , Shi Lei , Zhou Xiaoxin , Lin Qingxia , Chen Xiaorong , Wan Liyang , Li Yao , Ran Liuyi , Huang Yan , Wang Gaomao , Li Daqi , Wang Wo , Liu Chuan , Kuang Li
Published: June 2020

Background

Major depressive disorder is characterized by a high risk of relapse. We aimed to compare the prophylactic effects of different antidepressant medicines (ADMs).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and the Web of Science were searched on 4 July 2019. A pooled analysis of parametric survival curves was performed using a Bayesian framework. The main outcomes were hazard ratios (HRs), relapse-free survival and mean relapse-free months.

Results

Forty randomized controlled trials were included. The 1-year relapse-free survival for ADM (76%) was significantly better than that for placebo (56%). Most of the relapse difference (86.5%) occurred in the first 6 months. Most HRs were not constant over time. Proof of benefit after 6 months of follow-up was not established partially because of small differences between the drug and placebo after 6 months. Almost all studies used an ‘enriched’ randomized discontinuation design, which may explain the high relapse rates in the first 6 months after randomization.

Conclusions

The superiority of ADM v. placebo was mainly attributed to the difference in relapse rates that occurred in the first 6 months. Our analysis provided evidence that the prophylactic efficacy was not constant over time. A beneficial effect was observed, but the prevention of new episodes after 6 months was questionable. These findings may have implications for clinical practice.
Treatment of COPD and COPD–heart failure comorbidity in primary care in different stages of the disease
Authors: Pirina Pietro , Zinellu Elisabetta , Martinetti Marco , Spada Claudia , Piras Barbara , Collu Claudia , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that may have a negative impact on both patients’ quality of life and survival. Patients with COPD frequently suffer from heart failure (HF), likely owing to several shared risk factors.

Aim:

To evaluate the differences in treatment of COPD with and without HF comorbidity according to COPD severity in the general practitioner setting.

Methods:

We conducted an observational, retrospective study using data obtained from the Italian Health Search Database, which collects information generated by the routine activity of general practitioners. The study sample included 225 patients with COPD, alone or combined with HF.

Findings:

It has been found that the prevalence of some comorbidities such as diabetes and HF significantly increases with the severity of COPD. Regarding pharmacological treatment, a reduction in the prescription of individually administered long-acting β 2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting anticholinergics (LAMAs) has been observed with increasing severity of the disease. Moreover, an increase in the prescription of both the combination of the two bronchodilators (LABA + LAMA) and their association with inhaled corticosteroids has been observed with increasing severity of COPD. The prescription of β-blockers in patients with COPD suffering from HF comorbidity decreases from 100% in stage I to less than 50% in the other stages of COPD. This study shows that general practitioners do not follow the guidelines recommendations for the management of patients with COPD in the different stages of the disease, with and without HF comorbidity, as well as in the management of HF. Further efforts must be made to ensure adequate treatment for these patients.
Should The Episcopal Church Create a Missionary Diocese in Europe?
Authors: Whalon Pierre
Published: June 2020

There are four Anglican jurisdictions in continental Europe. Two are national churches, Spain and Portugal; two are non-geographical jurisdictions serving persons not geographical regions. These four have overlaps among themselves; they also overlap with full-communion partners. The Episcopal Church’s Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe is not officially a diocese, though it acts like one. Like the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe, its mission is not limited geographically. The competition unwittingly engendered creates conflict that detracts from the part of God’s mission accorded to each Church. This essay argues that creating an official Episcopal diocese in Europe is not the way forward, if common care for that mission is and should be the primary concern of all.
Periconception maternal low-protein diet adversely affects male mouse fetal bone growth and mineral density quality in late gestation
Authors: Lanham Stuart A. , Smith Stephanie J. , Watkins Adam J. , Lucas Emma S. , MacCaoilte Niamh , Oreffo Richard O.C. , Fleming Tom P. , Eckert Judith J.
Published: June 2020

Adverse programming of adult non-communicable disease can be induced by poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the periconception period has been identified as a vulnerable period. In the current study, we used a mouse maternal low-protein diet fed either for the duration of pregnancy (LPD) or exclusively during the preimplantation period (Emb-LPD) with control nutrition provided thereafter and postnatally to investigate effects on fetal bone development and quality. This model has been shown previously to induce cardiometabolic and neurological disease phenotypes in offspring. Micro 3D computed tomography examination at fetal stages Embryonic day E14.5 and E17.4, reflecting early and late stages of bone formation, demonstrated LPD treatment caused increased bone formation of relative high mineral density quality in males, but not females, at E14.5, disproportionate to fetal growth, with bone quality maintained at E17.5. In contrast, Emb-LPD caused a late increase in male fetal bone growth, proportionate to fetal growth, at E17.5, affecting central and peripheral skeleton and of reduced mineral density quality relative to controls. These altered dynamics in bone growth coincide with increased placental efficiency indicating compensatory responses to dietary treatments. Overall, our data show fetal bone formation and mineral quality is dependent upon maternal nutritional protein content and is sex-specific. In particular, we find the duration and timing of poor maternal diet to be critical in the outcomes with periconceptional protein restriction leading to male offspring with increased bone growth but of poor mineral density, thereby susceptible to later disease risk.
Neonatal zingerone protects against the development of high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome in adult Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Muhammad N. , Lembede B. W. , Erlwanger K. H
Published: June 2020

During the early postnatal period, dietary manipulations can alter the developmental trajectory of the growing offspring, causing beneficial or adverse health outcomes later in adult life. We investigated the potential preventive effects of neonatal zingerone intake on the development of fructose-induced metabolic derangements in rats.

Four-day old male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups (n = 79) were randomly grouped and administered: 10 ml/kg body weight (bwt) of distilled water (W), 10 ml/kg bwt 20% fructose solution (FS), 10 ml/kg bwt fructose solution + 40 mg/kg bwt of zingerone in distilled water (ZF) or 40 mg/kg bwt of zingerone in distilled water (ZW) pre-weaning. After weaning, W and ZW continued on unlimited tap water, while FS and ZF continued on unlimited fructose solution for 10 weeks. Body mass and food and fluid intake were evaluated, plasma was collected for metabolic assays and visceral fat was quantified.

Food intake was decreased, fructose and overall caloric intake were increased due to fructose feeding in both sexes (P < 0.05). When compared with the controls, the high-fructose diet significantly raised the terminal body masses of females (P < 0.0001), concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-c, TG:HDL-c ratio and visceral fat mass relative to bwt in both sexes (P < 0.05). Zingerone prevented (P < 0.05) the fructose-induced increase in body mass (females) and hypercholesterolemia (both sexes). Levels of HDL-c, glycaemic parameters and adiponectin were not affected by the interventions (P > 0.05). Sex-related differences were observed in food, fluid and caloric intake, terminal mass, cholesterol subtypes and visceral fat percentage (P < 0.05).

Zingerone could be used strategically in the neonatal phase as a prophylatic management of high-fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome.
Establishing the Ramgarh Training Center: The Burma Campaign, the Colonial Internment Camp, and the Wartime Sino-British Relations
Authors: Cao Yin
Published: June 2020

This article investigates how the Chinese Expeditionary Force joined the Burma Campaign and retreated to India in 1942, and how the Chinese, American, and British authorities negotiated to determine the destiny of Chinese forces in India. This article argues that the choice of Ramgarh, a small town in northeast India, as the site of a training centre for the Chinese Expeditionary Force sheds light on a decades-long programme of colonial internment-camp building in British India, and illuminates the difficult relationship between Chinese and British authorities during World War II. In doing so, it also argues that the historiography of China's War of Resistance requires Southeast and South Asian perspectives.
Exploring the Iron‐Binding Potential of the Ocean Using a Combined pH and DOC Parameterization
Authors: Ye Y. , Völker C. , Gledhill M.
Published: June 2020

The major part of dissolved iron (DFe) in seawater is bound to organic matter, which prevents iron from adsorptive removal by sinking particles and essentially regulates the residence time of DFe and its availability for marine biota. Characteristics of iron‐binding ligands highly depend on their biological origin and physico‐chemical properties of seawater which may intensely alter under ongoing climate change. To understand environmental controls on the iron binding, we applied a function of pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to describe changes in the binding strength of organic ligands in a global biogeochemical model (REcoM). This function was derived based on calculations using a thermodynamic chemical speciation model NICA. This parameterization considerably improved the modeled DFe distribution, particularly in the surface Pacific and the global mesopelagic and deep waters, compared to our previous model simulations with a constant ligand or one prognostic ligand. This indicates that the organic binding of iron is apparently controlled by seawater pH in addition to its link to organic matter. We tested further the response of this control to environmental changes in a simulation with future pH of a high emission scenario. The response of the binding potential shows a complex pattern in different regions and is regulated by factors that have opposite effects on the binding potential. The relative contributions of these factors can change over time by a continual change of environmental conditions. A dynamic feedback system therefore needs to be considered to predict the marine iron cycle under ongoing climate change.
#GeoGRExit: Why Geosciences Programs Are Dropping the GRE
Authors: Ledford Sarah , Monteagudo Minda , Flores Alejandro , Glass Jennifer , Cobb Kim
Published: June 2020

Geoscience graduate programs are increasingly abandoning the controversial test as an admissions requirement, a welcome development for equity and inclusion in the field. How can your school be next?
Using Satellites to Track Indicators of Global Air Pollution and Climate Change Impacts: Lessons Learned From a NASA‐Supported Science‐Stakeholder Collaborative
Authors: Anenberg Susan C. , Bindl Matilyn , Brauer Michael , Castillo Juan J. , Cavalieri Sandra , Duncan Bryan N. , Fiore Arlene M. , Fuller Richard , Goldberg Daniel L. , Henze Daven K. , Hess Jeremy , Holloway Tracey , James Peter , Jin Xiaomeng , Kheirbek Iyad , Kinney Patrick L. , Liu Yang , Mohegh Arash , Patz Jonathan , Jimenez Marcia P. , Roy Ananya , Tong Daniel , Walker Katy , Watts Nick , West J. Jason
Published: June 2020

The 2018 NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Science Team (HAQAST) “Indicators” Tiger Team collaboration between NASA‐supported scientists and civil society stakeholders aimed to develop satellite‐derived global air pollution and climate indicators. This Commentary shares our experience and lessons learned. Together, the team developed methods to track wildfires, dust storms, pollen counts, urban green space, nitrogen dioxide concentrations and asthma burdens, tropospheric ozone concentrations, and urban particulate matter mortality. Participatory knowledge production can lead to more actionable information but requires time, flexibility, and continuous engagement. Ground measurements are still needed for ground truthing, and sustained collaboration over time remains a challenge.
FOXF2 acts as a crucial molecule in tumours and embryonic development
Authors: He Weihan , Kang Yuanbo , Zhu Wei , Zhou Bolun , Jiang Xingjun , Ren Caiping , Guo Weihua
Published: June 2020

As a key member of the forkhead box transcription factors, forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) serves as a transcriptional regulator and regulates downstream gene expression in embryonic development, metabolism and in some common diseases, such as stroke and gastroparesis. Recent studies have shown that aberrant expression of FOXF2 is associated with a variety of tumorigenic processes, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in the development of many different organs has been confirmed by studies and has been speculated about in case reports. We focus on the mechanisms and signal pathways of tumour development initiated by aberrant expression of FOXF2, and we summarize the diseases and signal pathways caused by aberrant expression of FOXF2 in embryogenesis. This article highlights the differences in the role of FOXF2 in different tumours and demonstrates that multiple factors can regulate FOXF2 levels. In addition, FOXF2 is considered a biomarker for the diagnosis or prognosis of various tumours. Therefore, regulating the level of FOXF2 is an ideal treatment for tumours. FOXF2 could also affect the expression of some organ-specific genes to modulate organogenesis and could serve as a biomarker for specific differentiated cells. Finally, we present prospects for the continued research focus of FOXF2.
Pre-clinical modeling of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Rebecca Vito W. , Somasundaram Rajasekharan , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: June 2020

Metastatic melanoma is challenging to manage. Although targeted- and immune therapies have extended survival, most patients experience therapy resistance. The adaptability of melanoma cells in nutrient- and therapeutically-challenged environments distinguishes melanoma as an ideal model for investigating therapy resistance. In this review, we discuss the current available repertoire of melanoma models including two- and three-dimensional tissue cultures, organoids, genetically engineered mice and patient-derived xenograft. In particular, we highlight how each system recapitulates different features of melanoma adaptability and can be used to better understand melanoma development, progression and therapy resistance.
MYC functions as a switch for natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance of lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Swaminathan Srividya , Hansen Aida S. , Heftdal Line D. , Dhanasekaran Renumathy , Deutzmann Anja , Fernandez Wadie D. M. , Liefwalker Daniel F. , Horton Crista , Mosley Adriane , Liebersbach Mariola , Maecker Holden T. , Felsher Dean W.
Published: June 2020

The MYC oncogene drives T- and B- lymphoid malignancies, including Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Here, we demonstrate a systemic reduction in natural killer (NK) cell numbers in SRα-tTA/Tet-O-MYCON mice bearing MYC-driven T-lymphomas. Residual mNK cells in spleens of MYCON T-lymphoma-bearing mice exhibit perturbations in the terminal NK effector differentiation pathway. Lymphoma-intrinsic MYC arrests NK maturation by transcriptionally repressing STAT1/2 and secretion of Type I Interferons (IFNs). Treating T-lymphoma-bearing mice with Type I IFN improves survival by rescuing NK cell maturation. Adoptive transfer of mature NK cells is sufficient to delay both T-lymphoma growth and recurrence post MYC inactivation. In MYC-driven BL patients, low expression of both STAT1 and STAT2 correlates significantly with the absence of activated NK cells and predicts unfavorable clinical outcomes. Our studies thus provide a rationale for developing NK cell-based therapies to effectively treat MYC-driven lymphomas in the future.
Reconstructing Mayaro virus circulation in French Guiana shows frequent spillovers
Authors: Hozé Nathanaël , Salje Henrik , Rousset Dominique , Fritzell Camille , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Bailly Sarah , Najm Matthieu , Enfissi Antoine , Manuguerra Jean-Claude , Flamand Claude , Cauchemez Simon
Published: June 2020

Characterizing the circulation of Mayaro virus (MAYV), an emerging arbovirus threat, is essential for risk assessment but challenging due to cross-reactivity with other alphaviruses such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Here, we develop an analytical framework to jointly assess MAYV epidemiology and the extent of cross-reactivity with CHIKV from serological data collected throughout French Guiana (N = 2697). We find strong evidence of an important sylvatic cycle for MAYV with most infections occurring near the natural reservoir in rural areas and in individuals more likely to go to the forest (i.e., adult males) and with seroprevalences of up to 18% in some areas. These findings highlight the need to strengthen MAYV surveillance in the region and showcase how modeling can improve interpretation of cross-reacting assays.
Mode of action of teixobactins in cellular membranes
Authors: Shukla Rhythm , Medeiros-Silva João , Parmar Anish , Vermeulen Bram J. A. , Das Sanjit , Paioni Alessandra Lucini , Jekhmane Shehrazade , Lorent Joseph , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Baldus Marc , Lelli Moreno , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Breukink Eefjan , Singh Ishwar , Weingarth Markus
Published: June 2020

The natural antibiotic teixobactin kills pathogenic bacteria without detectable resistance. The difficult synthesis and unfavourable solubility of teixobactin require modifications, yet insufficient knowledge on its binding mode impedes the hunt for superior analogues. Thus far, teixobactins are assumed to kill bacteria by binding to cognate cell wall precursors (Lipid II and III). Here we present the binding mode of teixobactins in cellular membranes using solid-state NMR, microscopy, and affinity assays. We solve the structure of the complex formed by an improved teixobactin-analogue and Lipid II and reveal how teixobactins recognize a broad spectrum of targets. Unexpectedly, we find that teixobactins only weakly bind to Lipid II in cellular membranes, implying the direct interaction with cell wall precursors is not the sole killing mechanism. Our data suggest an additional mechanism affords the excellent activity of teixobactins, which can block the cell wall biosynthesis by capturing precursors in massive clusters on membranes.
Modular gateway-ness connectivity and structural core organization in maritime network science
Authors: Xu Mengqiao , Pan Qian , Muscoloni Alessandro , Xia Haoxiang , Cannistraci Carlo Vittorio
Published: June 2020

Around 80% of global trade by volume is transported by sea, and thus the maritime transportation system is fundamental to the world economy. To better exploit new international shipping routes, we need to understand the current ones and their complex systems association with international trade. We investigate the structure of the global liner shipping network (GLSN), finding it is an economic small-world network with a trade-off between high transportation efficiency and low wiring cost. To enhance understanding of this trade-off, we examine the modular segregation of the GLSN; we study provincial-, connector-hub ports and propose the definition of gateway-hub ports, using three respective structural measures. The gateway-hub structural-core organization seems a salient property of the GLSN, which proves importantly associated to network integration and function in realizing the cargo transportation of international trade. This finding offers new insights into the GLSN’s structural organization complexity and its relevance to international trade.
Transcriptomics and proteomics reveal a cooperation between interferon and T-helper 17 cells in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Agasing Agnieshka M. , Wu Qi , Khatri Bhuwan , Borisow Nadja , Ruprecht Klemens , Brandt Alexander Ulrich , Gawde Saurabh , Kumar Gaurav , Quinn James L. , Ko Rose M. , Mao-Draayer Yang , Lessard Christopher J. , Paul Friedemann , Axtell Robert C.
Published: June 2020

Type I interferon (IFN-I) and T helper 17 (TH17) drive pathology in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and in TH17-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (TH17-EAE). This is paradoxical because the prevalent theory is that IFN-I inhibits TH17 function. Here we report that a cascade involving IFN-I, IL-6 and B cells promotes TH17-mediated neuro-autoimmunity. In NMOSD, elevated IFN-I signatures, IL-6 and IL-17 are associated with severe disability. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL-17 levels are lower in patients on anti-CD20 therapy. In mice, IFN-I elevates IL-6 and exacerbates TH17-EAE. Strikingly, IL-6 blockade attenuates disease only in mice treated with IFN-I. By contrast, B-cell-deficiency attenuates TH17-EAE in the presence or absence of IFN-I treatment. Finally, IFN-I stimulates B cells to produce IL-6 to drive pathogenic TH17 differentiation in vitro. Our data thus provide an explanation for the paradox surrounding IFN-I and TH17 in neuro-autoimmunity, and may have utility in predicting therapeutic response in NMOSD.
Mutational bias and the protein code shape the evolution of splicing enhancers
Authors: Rong Stephen , Buerer Luke , Rhine Christy L. , Wang Jing , Cygan Kamil J. , Fairbrother William G.
Published: June 2020

Exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) are enriched in exons relative to introns and bind splicing activators. This study considers a fundamental question of co-evolution: How did ESE motifs become enriched in exons prior to the evolution of ESE recognition? We hypothesize that the high exon to intron motif ratios necessary for ESE function were created by mutational bias coupled with purifying selection on the protein code. These two forces retain certain coding motifs in exons while passively depleting them from introns. Through the use of simulations, genomic analyses, and high throughput splicing assays, we confirm the key predictions of this hypothesis, including an overlap between protein and splicing information in ESEs. We discuss the implications of mutational bias as an evolutionary driver in other cis-regulatory systems.
Fast sulfate formation from oxidation of SO2 by NO2 and HONO observed in Beijing haze
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Li Jingyi , Ye Jianhuai , Zhao Jian , Wu Yangzhou , Hu Jianlin , Liu Dantong , Nie Dongyang , Shen Fuzhen , Huang Xiangpeng , Huang Dan Dan , Ji Dongsheng , Sun Xu , Xu Weiqi , Guo Jianping , Song Shaojie , Qin Yiming , Liu Pengfei , Turner Jay R. , Lee Hyun Chul , Hwang Sungwoo , Liao Hong , Martin Scot T. , Zhang Qi , Chen Mindong , Sun Yele , Ge Xinlei , Jacob Daniel J.
Published: June 2020

Severe events of wintertime particulate air pollution in Beijing (winter haze) are associated with high relative humidity (RH) and fast production of particulate sulfate from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal combustion. There has been considerable debate regarding the mechanism for SO2 oxidation. Here we show evidence from field observations of a haze event that rapid oxidation of SO2 by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous acid (HONO) takes place, the latter producing nitrous oxide (N2O). Sulfate shifts to larger particle sizes during the event, indicative of fog/cloud processing. Fog and cloud readily form under winter haze conditions, leading to high liquid water contents with high pH (>5.5) from elevated ammonia. Such conditions enable fast aqueous-phase oxidation of SO2 by NO2, producing HONO which can in turn oxidize SO2 to yield N2O.This mechanism could provide an explanation for sulfate formation under some winter haze conditions.
Single-atom Pt in intermetallics as an ultrastable and selective catalyst for propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Nakaya Yuki , Hirayama Jun , Yamazoe Seiji , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Furukawa Shinya
Published: June 2020

Propylene production via propane dehydrogenation (PDH) requires high reaction temperatures to obtain sufficient propylene yields, which results to prominent catalyst deactivation due to coke formation. Developing highly stable catalysts for PDH without deactivation even at high temperatures is of great interest and benefit for industry. Here, we report that single-atom Pt included in thermally stable intermetallic PtGa works as an ultrastable and selective catalyst for PDH at high temperatures. Intermetallic PtGa displays three-hold-Pt ensembles and single Pt atoms isolated by catalytically inert Ga at the surface, the former of which can be selectively blocked and disabled by Pb deposition. The PtGa-Pb/SiO2 catalyst exhibits 30% conversion with 99.6% propylene selectivity at 600 °C for 96 h without lowering the performance. The single-atom Pt well catalyzes the first and second C–H activation, while effectively inhibits the third one, which minimizes the side reactions to coke and drastically improves the selectivity and stability.
Rab35-regulated lipid turnover by myotubularins represses mTORC1 activity and controls myelin growth
Authors: Sawade Linda , Grandi Federica , Mignanelli Marianna , Patiño-López Genaro , Klinkert Kerstin , Langa-Vives Francina , Di Guardo Roberta , Echard Arnaud , Bolino Alessandra , Haucke Volker
Published: June 2020

Inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) represent a broad group of disorders including Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies characterized by defects primarily arising in myelin, axons, or both. The molecular mechanisms by which mutations in nearly 100 identified IPN/CMT genes lead to neuropathies are poorly understood. Here we show that the Ras-related GTPase Rab35 controls myelin growth via complex formation with the myotubularin-related phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-phosphatases MTMR13 and MTMR2, encoded by genes responsible for CMT-types 4B2 and B1 in humans, and found that it downregulates lipid-mediated mTORC1 activation, a pathway known to crucially regulate myelin biogenesis. Targeted disruption of Rab35 leads to hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling caused by elevated levels of PI 3-phosphates and to focal hypermyelination in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate synthesis or mTORC1 signaling ameliorates this phenotype. These findings reveal a crucial role for Rab35-regulated lipid turnover by myotubularins to repress mTORC1 activity and to control myelin growth.
Probing the pinning strength of magnetic vortex cores with sub-nanometer resolution
Authors: Holl Christian , Knol Marvin , Pratzer Marco , Chico Jonathan , Fernandes Imara Lima , Lounis Samir , Morgenstern Markus
Published: June 2020

Understanding interactions of magnetic textures with defects is crucial for applications such as racetrack memories or microwave generators. Such interactions appear on the few nanometer scale, where imaging has not yet been achieved with controlled external forces. Here, we establish a method determining such interactions via spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy in three-dimensional magnetic fields. We track a magnetic vortex core, pushed by the forces of the in-plane fields, and discover that the core (~ 104 Fe-atoms) gets successively pinned close to single atomic-scale defects. Reproducing the core path along several defects via parameter fit, we deduce the pinning potential as a mexican hat with short-range repulsive and long-range attractive part. The approach to deduce defect induced pinning potentials on the sub-nanometer scale is transferable to other non-collinear spin textures, eventually enabling an atomic scale design of defect configurations for guiding and reliable read-out in race-track type devices.
DNA origami-based single-molecule force spectroscopy elucidates RNA Polymerase III pre-initiation complex stability
Authors: Kramm Kevin , Schröder Tim , Gouge Jerome , Vera Andrés Manuel , Gupta Kapil , Heiss Florian B. , Liedl Tim , Engel Christoph , Berger Imre , Vannini Alessandro , Tinnefeld Philip , Grohmann Dina
Published: June 2020

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) and a transcription factor (TF) IIB-like factor are important constituents of all eukaryotic initiation complexes. The reason for the emergence and strict requirement of the additional initiation factor Bdp1 in the RNA polymerase (RNAP) III system, however, remained elusive. A poorly studied aspect in this context is the effect of DNA strain arising from DNA compaction and transcriptional activity on initiation complex formation. We made use of a DNA origami-based force clamp to follow the assembly of human initiation complexes in the RNAP II and RNAP III systems at the single-molecule level under piconewton forces. We demonstrate that TBP-DNA complexes are force-sensitive and TFIIB is sufficient to stabilise TBP on a strained promoter. In contrast, Bdp1 is the pivotal component that ensures stable anchoring of initiation factors, and thus the polymerase itself, in the RNAP III system. Thereby, we offer an explanation for the crucial role of Bdp1 for the high transcriptional output of RNAP III.
Manipulating magnetoelectric energy landscape in multiferroics
Authors: Huang Yen-Lin , Nikonov Dmitri , Addiego Christopher , Chopdekar Rajesh V. , Prasad Bhagwati , Zhang Lei , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy , Liu Heng-Jui , Farhan Alan , Chu Ying-Hao , Yang Mengmeng , Ramesh Maya , Qiu Zi Qiang , Huey Bryan D. , Lin Chia-Ching , Gosavi Tanay , Íñiguez Jorge , Bokor Jeffrey , Pan Xiaoqing , Young Ian , Martin Lane W. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: June 2020

Magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature in multiferroic materials, such as BiFeO3, is one of the leading candidates to develop low-power spintronics and emerging memory technologies. Although extensive research activity has been devoted recently to exploring the physical properties, especially focusing on ferroelectricity and antiferromagnetism in chemically modified BiFeO3, a concrete understanding of the magnetoelectric coupling is yet to be fulfilled. We have discovered that La substitutions at the Bi-site lead to a progressive increase in the degeneracy of the potential energy landscape of the BiFeO3 system exemplified by a rotation of the polar axis away from the 〈111〉pc towards the 〈112〉pc discretion. This is accompanied by corresponding rotation of the antiferromagnetic axis as well, thus maintaining the right-handed vectorial relationship between ferroelectric polarization, antiferromagnetic vector and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya vector. As a consequence, La-BiFeO3 films exhibit a magnetoelectric coupling that is distinctly different from the undoped BiFeO3 films.
Author Correction: Global geochemical fingerprinting of plume intensity suggests coupling with the supercontinent cycle
Authors: Gamal EL Dien Hamed , Doucet Luc S. , Li Zheng-Xiang , Cox Grant , Mitchell Ross
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Differential contributions of the two cerebral hemispheres to temporal and spectral speech feedback control
Authors: Floegel Mareike , Fuchs Susanne , Kell Christian A.
Published: June 2020

Proper speech production requires auditory speech feedback control. Models of speech production associate this function with the right cerebral hemisphere while the left hemisphere is proposed to host speech motor programs. However, previous studies have investigated only spectral perturbations of the auditory speech feedback. Since auditory perception is known to be lateralized, with right-lateralized analysis of spectral features and left-lateralized processing of temporal features, it is unclear whether the observed right-lateralization of auditory speech feedback processing reflects a preference for speech feedback control or for spectral processing in general. Here we use a behavioral speech adaptation experiment with dichotically presented altered auditory feedback and an analogous fMRI experiment with binaurally presented altered feedback to confirm a right hemisphere preference for spectral feedback control and to reveal a left hemisphere preference for temporal feedback control during speaking. These results indicate that auditory feedback control involves both hemispheres with differential contributions along the spectro-temporal axis.
A synthesis of bacterial and archaeal phenotypic trait data
Authors: Madin Joshua S. , Nielsen Daniel A. , Brbic Maria , Corkrey Ross , Danko David , Edwards Kyle , Engqvist Martin K. M. , Fierer Noah , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Gillings Michael , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Litchman Elena , Mason Christopher E. , Moore Lisa , Nielsen Søren L. , Paulsen Ian T. , Price Nathan D. , Reddy T. B. K. , Richards Matthew A. , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Schmidt Thomas M. , Shaaban Heba , Shukla Maulik , Supek Fran , Tetu Sasha G. , Vieira-Silva Sara , Wattam Alice R. , Westfall David A. , Westoby Mark
Published: June 2020

A synthesis of phenotypic and quantitative genomic traits is provided for bacteria and archaea, in the form of a scripted, reproducible workflow that standardizes and merges 26 sources. The resulting unified dataset covers 14 phenotypic traits, 5 quantitative genomic traits, and 4 environmental characteristics for approximately 170,000 strain-level and 15,000 species-aggregated records. It spans all habitats including soils, marine and fresh waters and sediments, host-associated and thermal. Trait data can find use in clarifying major dimensions of ecological strategy variation across species. They can also be used in conjunction with species and abundance sampling to characterize trait mixtures in communities and responses of traits along environmental gradients.
Multidimensional imaging of liver injury repair in mice reveals fundamental role of the ductular reaction
Authors: Kamimoto Kenji , Nakano Yasuhiro , Kaneko Kota , Miyajima Atsushi , Itoh Tohru
Published: June 2020

Upon severe and/or chronic liver injury, ectopic emergence and expansion of atypical biliary epithelial-like cells in the liver parenchyma, known as the ductular reaction, is typically induced and implicated in organ regeneration. Although this phenomenon has long been postulated to represent activation of facultative liver stem/progenitor cells that give rise to new hepatocytes, recent lineage-tracing analyses have challenged this notion, thereby leaving the pro-regenerative role of the ductular reaction enigmatic. Here, we show that the expanded and remodelled intrahepatic biliary epithelia in the ductular reaction constituted functional and complementary bile-excreting conduit systems in injured parenchyma where hepatocyte bile canalicular networks were lost. The canalicular collapse was an incipient defect commonly associated with hepatocyte injury irrespective of cholestatic statuses, and could sufficiently provoke the ductular reaction when artificially induced. We propose a unifying model for the induction of the ductular reaction, where compensatory biliary epithelial tissue remodeling ensures bile-excreting network homeostasis.
Operando probing of Li-insertion into LiMn2O4cathodes by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Morata A. , Siller V. , Chiabrera F. , Nuñez M. , Trocoli R. , Stchakovsky M. , Tarancón A.
Published: June 2020

A novel operando spectroscopic ellipsometry tool for the characterization of battery materials that combines high spatial resolution with multi-layer and time-resolved capabilities.
β-Cyclodextrin/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for an electrochemical non-enzymatic cholesterol sensor
Authors: Willyam Shella Jeniferiani , Saepudin Endang , Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum
Published: June 2020

A sensitive, specific, and miniaturized non-enzymatic cholesterol sensor was prepared based on the competition of inclusion complex formation between β-cyclodextrin (BCD) and cholesterol, and between BCD and methylene blue (MB).
Vascularization strategies for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Amirsadeghi Armin , Jafari Arman , Eggermont Loek J. , Hashemi Seyedeh-Sara , Bencherif Sidi A. , Khorram Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Lack of proper vascularization after skin trauma causes delayed wound healing. This has sparked the development of various tissue engineering strategies to improve vascularization.
Magnetic porous carbons derived from cobalt(ii)-based metal–organic frameworks for the solid-phase extraction of sulfonamides
Authors: Mendiola-Alvarez Sandra Yadira , Turnes Palomino Gemma , Guzmán-Mar Jorge , Hernández-Ramírez Aracely , Hinojosa-Reyes Laura , Palomino Cabello Carlos
Published: June 2020

A highly porous magnetic C/Co-SIM-1 carbon obtained via a simple carbonization process as a promising material for the simultaneous extraction of sulfonamides.
Laser ablation-ICP-TOFMS imaging of germ cell tumors of patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy
Authors: Theiner Sarah , Schweikert Andreas , Haberler Christine , Peyrl Andreas , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: June 2020

A low dispersion laser ablation setup in combination with inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOFMS) was applied to clinical samples of patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy. The platinum accumulation together with the distribution of elements with biological key functions (Mg, P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn) was studied in central nervous system germ cell tumor (CNS GCT) tissue, which is an aggressive tumor type located in the brain. Heterogeneous elemental distribution patterns were obtained with a pixel size of 10 μm and were correlated to histological analysis of serial sections using hematoxylin eosin staining. Highest platinum accumulation correlated with areas of necrosis, which exhibited high levels of magnesium, sulphur and calcium. Small traces of gadolinium were found in the tumor sections, which is a result of prior magnetic resonance imaging. Iron accumulated in regions, which were dense in blood vessels, whereas areas with fibrosis scar showed the lowest levels of all detected elements. This LA-ICP-TOFMS study demonstrates that the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin accumulated in the germ cell tumor located in the brain, which is also reflected by the therapy response of the patients.
Spectral drifts in surface textured Fe3O4-Au, core–shell nanoparticles enhance spectra-selective photothermal heating and scatter imaging
Authors: Brennan Grace , Thorat Nanasaheb D. , Pescio Martina , Bergamino Silvia , Bauer Joanna , Liu Ning , Tofail Syed A. M. , Silien Christophe
Published: June 2020

Optical studies of magnetite-gold, core-shell nanostructures reveal a spectral drift between the scattering and extinction, accompanied by interesting photothermal effects.
Magnetic Fe3O4-encapsulated VAN@MIL-101(Fe) with mixed-valence sites and mesoporous structures as efficient bifunctional water splitting photocatalysts
Authors: Guo Yuan , Feng Chao , Qiao Shanshan , Wang Shixin , Chen Tingxiang , Zhang Li , Zhao Yansong , Wang Jide
Published: June 2020

Fe3O4/VAN@MIL-101(Fe) with both mesoporous and mixed-valence Fe3+/Fe2+ structures was controllably synthesized in the synthesis of MIL-101(Fe), and it was used as a bifunctional photocatalyst in photocatalytic water splitting.
High-throughput single-cell analysis of exosome mediated dual drug delivery, in vivo fate and synergistic tumor therapy
Authors: Wang Jinheng , Li Guangmeng , Tu Chenggong , Chen Xiaoming , Yang Bin , Huo Yongliang , Li Yi , Chen Ai-Zheng , Lan Ping , Zhang Yu Shrike , Xie Maobin
Published: June 2020

Tracking biological fate of exosomes in vivo is essential for evaluating their functions, delivery efficacy, biosafety, and is invaluable for guiding exosome-based therapy.
Electrochemical intercalations of divalent ions inside Ni/Zn co-doped cobalt sulfide nanoparticle decorated carbon spheres with superior capacity
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Rashad Muhammad , Ali Zeeshan
Published: June 2020

Different kinds of CoS2 nanoparticles incorporated into carbon spheres synthesized by hydrothermal method were employed as cathode materials in MIBs and MLIBs to achieve the capacities of 158 mA h g−1 and 667 mA h g−1, respectively.
Cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex nanoparticles for mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Lu Huan , Jiang Xinpeng , Chen Yanyan , Peng Ke , Huang Yiming , Zhao Hao , Chen Qi , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu , Ma Yuguo
Published: June 2020

Ir(tiq)2ppy nanoparticles are prepared to achieve water solubility and mitochondria-targeting ability with high PDT efficiency to MCF-7 breast cancer cells under white light irradiation.
A glass nanopore ionic sensor for surface charge analysis
Authors: Chen Songyue , Chen Hong , Zhang Jian , Dong Hepeng , Zhan Kan , Tang Yongliang
Published: June 2020

Surface charge-based nanopore characterization techniques unfold unique properties and provide a powerful platform for a variety of sensing applications.
An aromatic micelle with bent pentacene-based panels: encapsulation of perylene bisimide dyes and graphene nanosheets
Authors: Ito Kenta , Nishioka Tomoya , Akita Munetaka , Kuzume Akiyoshi , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: June 2020

We herein report the quantitative formation of a new aromatic micelle from bent pentacene-based amphiphiles in water. Upon encapsulation, perylene bisimide dyes form a parallel stacked dimer and graphene nanosheets comprise few layer sheets with small lateral size.
Electrochemical CO2-to-CO conversion: electrocatalysts, electrolytes, and electrolyzers
Authors: Gao Fei-Yue , Bao Rui-Cheng , Gao Min-Rui , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: June 2020

Recent progress in the mechanism, catalysts, electrolytes and electrolyzers of CO2 electroreduction to CO has been reviewed.
Efficient aggregation-induced delayed fluorescent materials based on bipolar carrier transport materials for the fabrication of high-performance nondoped OLEDs with very small efficiency roll-off
Authors: Fu Yan , Liu Huijun , Zhu Xiangyu , Zeng Jiajie , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2020

The integration of bipolar carrier transport materials with an aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence unit generates robust luminescent materials, which lead to efficient nondoped OLEDs with high efficiency stability.
Analytical model for magnetic field calculation of SPMSM with chamfered pole considering iron core saturation
Authors: Yu Zhanyang , Li Yan , Jing Yongteng , Du Jianmin , Wang Zicheng
Published: June 2020

To effectively optimise pole shape for surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM), an analytical model of SPMSM with the chamfered pole is proposed for no‐load and on‐load magnetic field calculation. In this model, the pole of SPMSM is approximately segmented into pieces with regular shape and uniform magnet property, and magnetic field parameters can be obtained by subdomain superposition. Meanwhile, iron core saturation is considered to get a correction coefficient to revise air‐gap flux density, inducing flux linkage, line no‐load back electromotive force (EMF) and electromagnetic torque. Based on this analytical model, the geometry optimisation of PM can be optimised by end thickness of pole, pole‐arc coefficient of cutting and remanence, and the waveform total harmonic distortion of air‐gap flux density and no‐load back EMF are greatly reduced. To verify the analytical model, an outer rotor type SPMSM with 20‐poles and 72‐slots for tractor application is designed and manufactured. Finally, the effectiveness of the improved method is validated by the finite‐element method and experimental test.
Class‐aware single image to 3D object translational autoencoder
Authors: Turhan Ceren Guzel , Bilge Hasan Sakir
Published: June 2020

The performances of generative adversarial network (GAN) and autoencoder (AE) models on images have been gathering a great deal of interest in terms of transferring them to three‐dimensional (3D) domain. In this study, single image to object reconstruction problem was focused by presenting a novel 2D‐to‐3D AE model inspired by the recent improvements. To benefit from middle‐level features, a model with skip connections was constructed by transferring 2D features to 3D domain. Moreover, the authors considered class‐awareness for obtaining a category‐agnostic model using limited class‐annotations. Apart from recent 3D reconstruction models, they adapted the intersection‐over‐union score based objective, which is used in the object segmentation model, for improving reconstruction performance. With all these contributions, they call their model as skipped volumetric class‐aware AE (SkipVCAE). According to experimental studies, proposed model obtained higher scores than the state‐of‐the‐art model given. The results have proven its performance as a category‐specific and category‐agnostic model together owing to its class‐aware nature. In the further analysis, it was seen that presented model yielded satisfactory results on a single image to object modelling compared to its multi‐view version thanks to class‐awareness.