bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-stationary coherent quantum many-body dynamics through dissipation
Authors: Buča Berislav , Tindall Joseph , Jaksch Dieter
Published: April 2019

The assumption that quantum systems relax to a stationary state in the long-time limit underpins statistical physics and much of our intuitive understanding of scientific phenomena. For isolated systems this follows from the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. When an environment is present the expectation is that all of phase space is explored, eventually leading to stationarity. Notable exceptions are decoherence-free subspaces that have important implications for quantum technologies and have so far only been studied for systems with a few degrees of freedom. Here we identify simple and generic conditions for dissipation to prevent a quantum many-body system from ever reaching a stationary state. We go beyond dissipative quantum state engineering approaches towards controllable long-time non-stationarity typically associated with macroscopic complex systems. This coherent and oscillatory evolution constitutes a dissipative version of a quantum time crystal. We discuss the possibility of engineering such complex dynamics with fermionic ultracold atoms in optical lattices.
Reconstructing missing complex networks against adversarial interventions
Authors: Xue Yuankun , Bogdan Paul
Published: April 2019

Interactions within complex network components define their operational modes, collective behaviors and global functionality. Understanding the role of these interactions is limited by either sensing methodologies or intentional adversarial efforts that sabotage the network structure. To overcome the partial observability and infer with good fidelity the unobserved network structures (latent subnetworks that are not random samples of the full network), we propose a general causal inference framework for reconstructing network structures under unknown adversarial interventions. We explore its applicability in both biological and social systems to recover the latent structures of human protein complex interactions and brain connectomes, as well as to infer the camouflaged social network structure in a simulated removal process. The demonstrated effectiveness establishes its good potential for capturing hidden information in much broader research domains.
Atomically defined angstrom-scale all-carbon junctions
Authors: Tan Zhibing , Zhang Dan , Tian Han-Rui , Wu Qingqing , Hou Songjun , Pi Jiuchan , Sadeghi Hatef , Tang Zheng , Yang Yang , Liu Junyang , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Chen Zhao-Bin , Shi Jia , Xiao Zongyuan , Lambert Colin , Xie Su-Yuan , Hong Wenjing
Published: April 2019

Full-carbon electronics at the scale of several angstroms is an expeimental challenge, which could be overcome by exploiting the versatility of carbon allotropes. Here, we investigate charge transport through graphene/single-fullerene/graphene hybrid junctions using a single-molecule manipulation technique. Such sub-nanoscale electronic junctions can be tuned by band gap engineering as exemplified by various pristine fullerenes such as C60, C70, C76 and C90. In addition, we demonstrate further control of charge transport by breaking the conjugation of their π systems which lowers their conductance, and via heteroatom doping of fullerene, which introduces transport resonances and increase their conductance. Supported by our combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a promising future of tunable full-carbon electronics based on numerous sub-nanoscale fullerenes in the large family of carbon allotropes is anticipated.
Author Correction: Coherent spin dynamics of electrons and holes in CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals
Authors: Belykh Vasilii V. , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Glazov Mikhail M. , Grigoryev Philipp S. , Hussain Mujtaba , Rautert Janina , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bayer Manfred
Published: April 2019

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 2c, in which the numbers on the y-axis were given in the wrong order: ‘800’ at the bottom through to ‘0’ at the top. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Author Correction: Variability of crossing phase in older people with Parkinson’s disease is dependent of obstacle height
Authors: Simieli Lucas , Barbieri Fabio Augusto , Orcioli-Silva Diego , Lirani-Silva Ellen , Beretta Victor Spiandor , Santos Paulo Cezar Rocha dos , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Prostate-specific extracellular vesicles as a novel biomarker in human prostate cancer
Authors: Park Yong Hyun , Shin Hyun Woo , Jung Ae Ryang , Kwon Oh Sung , Choi Yeong-Jin , Park Jaesung , Lee Ji Youl
Published: April 2019

A correction has been published and is appended to both the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Functional Screening Identifies MicroRNAs as Multi-Cellular Regulators of Heart Failure
Authors: Verjans Robin , Derks Wouter J. A. , Korn Kerstin , Sönnichsen Birte , van Leeuwen Rick E. W. , Schroen Blanche , van Bilsen Marc , Heymans Stephane
Published: April 2019

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death in the Western world. Pathophysiological processes underlying HF development, including cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation, are controlled by specific microRNAs (miRNAs). Whereas most studies investigate miRNA function in one particular cardiac cell type, their multicellular function is poorly investigated. The present study probed 194 miRNAs –differentially expressed in cardiac inflammatory disease – for regulating cardiomyocyte size, cardiac fibroblasts collagen content, and macrophage polarization. Of the tested miRNAs, 13%, 26%, and 41% modulated cardiomyocyte size, fibroblast collagen production, and macrophage polarization, respectively. Seventeen miRNAs affected all three cellular processes, including miRNAs with established (miR-210) and unknown roles in cardiac pathophysiology (miR-145-3p). These miRNAs with a multi-cellular function commonly target various genes. In-depth analysis in vitro of previously unstudied miRNAs revealed that the observed phenotypical alterations concurred with changes in transcript and protein levels of hypertrophy-, fibrosis- and inflammation-related genes. MiR-145-3p and miR-891a-3p were identified to regulate the fibrotic response, whereas miR-223-3p, miR-486-3p, and miR-488-5p modulated macrophage activation and polarisation. In conclusion, miRNAs are multi-cellular regulators of different cellular processes underlying cardiac disease. We identified previously undescribed roles of miRNAs in hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation, and attribute new cellular effects to various well-known miRNAs.
Stimulated Ionic Telegraph Noise in Filamentary Memristive Devices
Authors: Brivio Stefano , Frascaroli Jacopo , Covi Erika , Spiga Sabina
Published: April 2019

Random telegraph noise is a widely investigated phenomenon affecting the reliability of the reading operation of the class of memristive devices whose operation relies on formation and dissolution of conductive filaments. The trap and the release of electrons into and from defects surrounding the filament produce current fluctuations at low read voltages. In this work, telegraphic resistance variations are intentionally stimulated through pulse trains in HfO2-based memristive devices. The stimulated noise results from the re-arrangement of ionic defects constituting the filament responsible for the switching. Therefore, the stimulated noise has an ionic origin in contrast to the electronic nature of conventional telegraph noise. The stimulated noise is interpreted as raising from a dynamic equilibrium establishing from the tendencies of ionic drift and diffusion acting on the edges of conductive filament. We present a model that accounts for the observed increase of noise amplitude with the average device resistance. This work provides the demonstration and the physical foundation for the intentional stimulation of ionic telegraph noise which, on one hand, affects the programming operations performed with trains of identical pulses, as for neuromorphic computing, and on the other hand, it can open opportunities for applications relying on stochastic processes in nanoscaled devices.
Unveiling novel targets of paclitaxel resistance by single molecule long-read RNA sequencing in breast cancer
Authors: Lian Bi , Hu Xin , Shao Zhi-ming
Published: April 2019

RNA sequencing has become one of the most common technology to study transcriptomes in cancer, whereas its length limits its application on alternative splicing (AS) events and novel isoforms. Firstly, we applied single molecule long-read RNA sequencing (Iso-seq) and de novo assembly with short-read RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in both wild type (231-WT) and paclitaxel resistant type (231-PTX) of human breast cancer cell MDA-MBA-231. The two sequencing technology provide both the accurate transcript sequences and the deep transcript coverage. Then we combined shor-read and long-read RNA-seq to analyze alternative events and novel isoforms. Last but not the least, we selected BAK1 as our candidate target to verify our analysis. Our results implied that improved characterization of cancer genomic function may require the application of the single molecule long-read RNA sequencing to get the deeper and more precise view to transcriptional level. Our results imply that improved characterization of cancer genomic function may require the application of the single molecule long-read RNA sequencing to get the deeper and more precise view to transcriptional level.
Author Correction: Evaluation of Hypoglycaemia with Non-Invasive Sensors in People with Type 1 Diabetes and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycaemia
Authors: Elvebakk Ole , Tronstad Christian , Birkeland Kåre I. , Jenssen Trond G. , Bjørgaas Marit R. , Frøslie Kathrine F. , Godang Kristin , Kalvøy Håvard , Martinsen Ørjan G. , Gulseth Hanne L.
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Reevaluating the ability of cerebellum in associative motor learning
Authors: Li Da-bing , Yao Juan , Sun Lin , Wu Bing , Li Xuan , Liu Shu-lei , Hou Jing-ming , Liu Hong-liang , Sui Jian-feng , Wu Guang-yan
Published: April 2019

It has been well established that the cerebellum and its associated circuitry constitute the essential neuronal system for both delay and trace classical eyeblink conditioning (DEC and TEC). However, whether the cerebellum is sufficient to independently modulate the DEC, and TEC with a shorter trace interval remained controversial. Here, we used direct optogenetic stimulation of mossy fibers in the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) as a conditioned stimulus (CS) replacement for the peripheral CS (eg, a tone CS or a light CS) paired with a periorbital shock unconditioned stimulus (US) to examine the ability of the cerebellum to learn the DEC and the TEC with various trace intervals. Moreover, neural inputs to the pontine nucleus (PN) were pharmacological blocked to limit the associative motor learning inside the cerebellum. We show that all rats quickly acquired the DEC, indicating that direct optogenetic stimulation of mossy fibers in the left MCP is a very effective and sufficient CS to establish DEC and to limit the motor learning process inside the cerebellum. However, only five out of seven rats acquired the TEC with a 150-ms trace interval, three out of nine rats acquired the TEC with a 350-ms trace interval, and none of the rats acquired the TEC with a 500-ms trace interval. Moreover, pharmacological blocking glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to the PN from the extra-cerebellar and cerebellar regions has no significant effect on the DEC and TEC learning with the optogenetic CS. These results indicate that the cerebellum has the ability to independently support both the simple DEC, and the TEC with a trace interval of 150 or 350 ms, but not the TEC with a trace interval of 500 ms. The present results are of great importance in our understanding of the mechanisms and ability of the cerebellum in associative motor learning and memory.
Metabolomic profiles differ among unique genotypes of a threatened Caribbean coral
Authors: Lohr Kathryn E. , Khattri Ram B. , Guingab-Cagmat Joy , Camp Emma F. , Merritt Matthew E. , Garrett Timothy J. , Patterson Joshua T.
Published: April 2019

Global threats to reefs require urgent efforts to resolve coral attributes that affect survival in a changing environment. Genetically different individuals of the same coral species are known to exhibit different responses to the same environmental conditions. New information on coral physiology, particularly as it relates to genotype, could aid in unraveling mechanisms that facilitate coral survival in the face of stressors. Metabolomic profiling detects a large subset of metabolites in an organism, and, when linked to metabolic pathways, can provide a snapshot of an organism’s physiological state. Identifying metabolites associated with desirable, genotype-specific traits could improve coral selection for restoration and other interventions. A key step toward this goal is determining whether intraspecific variation in coral metabolite profiles can be detected for species of interest, however little information exists to illustrate such differences. To address this gap, we applied untargeted 1H-NMR and LC-MS metabolomic profiling to three genotypes of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis. Both methods revealed distinct metabolite “fingerprints” for each genotype examined. A number of metabolites driving separation among genotypes were identified or putatively annotated. Pathway analysis suggested differences in protein synthesis among genotypes. For the first time, these data illustrate intraspecific variation in metabolomic profiles for corals in a common garden. Our results contribute to the growing body of work on coral metabolomics and suggest future work could identify specific links between phenotype and metabolite profile in corals.
Physiological stress levels in wild koala sub-populations facing anthropogenic induced environmental trauma and disease
Authors: Narayan Edward
Published: April 2019

Australian small mammals such as koalas must cope with immense pressure from anthropogenic induced stressors or trauma such as bushfires, vehicle collision impacts and habitat disturbance and land clearance. In addition, they must cope with diseases such as chlamydia. To date, there is no published literature on physiological stress levels in wild koala populations compared with identified environmental stressors. This study investigated physiological stress levels within sub-populations of wild koalas encountering environmental trauma and disease from New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and South Australia (SA). Physiological stress was determined using a faecal glucocorticoid (or cortisol) metabolites (FGMs) enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) from 291 fresh faecal samples collected from wild koalas at the point of rescue. A healthy breeding sub-population from a forest reserve in QLD acted as a control group. Clearance of prime Eucalyptus habitat had the largest impact on FGMs, followed by bushfire related factors (e.g. flat demeanour, dehydration and burns injury). Koalas with other sources of physical injury (dog-attacks and vehicle collisions) and disease (chlamydia) also had higher FGMs compared to healthy wild koalas. Healthy wild koalas expressed the lowest median levels of FGMs. Overall, the results highlight that anthropogenic-induced stressors tend to increase physiological stress in wild koalas. Thus, the ultimate stressors such as habitat clearance and bush fire events could increase the incidences of proximate stressors such as dog attacks and vehicle collisions, and increase risks of foliage shortage, diseases and mortality. Therefore, there is need for ecological monitoring, conservation management actions and policy changes to curb the koala population crisis, especially within on-going and future land and road development programs.
Low fibrosis biomarker levels predict cardiac resynchronization therapy response
Authors: Massoullié Grégoire , Sapin Vincent , Ploux Sylvain , Rossignol Patrick , Mulliez Aurélien , Jean Frédéric , Marie Pierre-Yves , Merlin Charles , Pereira Bruno , Andronache Marius , Motreff Pascal , Chabin Xavier , Sellal Jean-Marc , Citron Bernard , Lusson Jean-René , Vorilhon Charles , Clerfond Guillaume , Bordachar Pierre , Zannad Faiez , Eschalier Romain
Published: April 2019

Cardiac fibrosis is associated with heart failure and poor prognosis. Fibrosis biomarkers have been poorly evaluated as a tool to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response generating conflicting results. The present study assessed the predictive value of cardiac fibrosis biomarkers on CRT response. Patients underwent clinical examination, echocardiography and blood fibrosis biomarker evaluation prior to CRT implantation. At six months, a positive response to CRT was defined by a composite endpoint of no death or hospitalization for heart failure, and presence of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (decrease in LV end-systolic volume ≥15%). Sixty patients were included in a multicenter study. At 6 months, 38 were positive responders to CRT and reached the response criteria (63%). Compared to non-responders, CRT responders displayed lower concentration levels of the fibrosis biomarkers procollagen type I C-terminal propeptide [PICP 135[99–166] ng/ml vs. 179[142–226]ng/ml, p = 0.001)] and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide [PIIINP 5.50[3.66–8.96] ng/ml vs. 8.01[5.01–11.86]ng/ml, p = 0.014)] at baseline. In multivariate analysis, a PICP ≤ 163 ng/ml was associated with a positive CRT response [OR = 7.8(1.3–46.7), p = 0.023] independently of the presence of LBBB, QRS duration, LV lead position or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Altogether, the present findings show that a lower degree of cardiac fibrosis is associated with a positive response after CRT implantation. PICP evaluation before CRT implantation could help improve patient selection.
Single cell genomics yields a wide diversity of small planktonic protists across major ocean ecosystems
Authors: Sieracki M. E. , Poulton N. J. , Jaillon O. , Wincker P. , de Vargas C. , Rubinat-Ripoll L. , Stepanauskas R. , Logares R. , Massana R.
Published: April 2019

Marine planktonic protists are critical components of ocean ecosystems and are highly diverse. Molecular sequencing methods are being used to describe this diversity and reveal new associations and metabolisms that are important to how these ecosystems function. We describe here the use of the single cell genomics approach to sample and interrogate the diversity of the smaller (pico- and nano-sized) protists from a range of oceanic samples. We created over 900 single amplified genomes (SAGs) from 8 Tara Ocean samples across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. We show that flow cytometric sorting of single cells effectively distinguishes plastidic and aplastidic cell types that agree with our understanding of protist phylogeny. Yields of genomic DNA with PCR-identifiable 18S rRNA gene sequence from single cells was low (15% of aplastidic cell sorts, and 7% of plastidic sorts) and tests with alternate primers and comparisons to metabarcoding did not reveal phylogenetic bias in the major protist groups. There was little evidence of significant bias against or in favor of any phylogenetic group expected or known to be present. The four open ocean stations in the Indian Ocean had similar communities, despite ranging from 14°N to 20°S latitude, and they differed from the Mediterranean station. Single cell genomics of protists suggests that the taxonomic diversity of the dominant taxa found in only several hundreds of microliters of surface seawater is similar to that found in molecular surveys where liters of sample are filtered.
The Metabolomic Signature of Opa1 Deficiency in Rat Primary Cortical Neurons Shows Aspartate/Glutamate Depletion and Phospholipids Remodeling
Authors: Chao de la Barca Juan Manuel , Arrázola Macarena S. , Bocca Cinzia , Arnauné-Pelloquin Laetitia , Iuliano Olga , Tcherkez Guillaume , Lenaers Guy , Simard Gilles , Belenguer Pascale , Reynier Pascal
Published: April 2019

Pathogenic variants of OPA1, which encodes a dynamin GTPase involved in mitochondrial fusion, are responsible for a spectrum of neurological disorders sharing optic nerve atrophy and visual impairment. To gain insight on OPA1 neuronal specificity, we performed targeted metabolomics on rat cortical neurons with OPA1 expression inhibited by RNA interference. Of the 103 metabolites accurately measured, univariate analysis including the Benjamini-Hochberg correction revealed 6 significantly different metabolites in OPA1 down-regulated neurons, with aspartate being the most significant (p < 0.001). Supervised multivariate analysis by OPLS-DA yielded a model with good predictive capability (Q2cum = 0.65) and a low risk of over-fitting (permQ2 = −0.16, CV-ANOVA p-value 0.036). Amongst the 46 metabolites contributing the most to the metabolic signature were aspartate, glutamate and threonine, which all decreased in OPA1 down-regulated neurons, and lysine, 4 sphingomyelins, 4 lysophosphatidylcholines and 32 phosphatidylcholines which were increased. The phospholipid signature may reflect intracellular membrane remodeling due to loss of mitochondrial fusion and/or lipid droplet accumulation. Aspartate and glutamate deficiency, also found in the plasma of OPA1 patients, is likely the consequence of respiratory chain deficiency, whereas the glutamate decrease could contribute to the synaptic dysfunction that we previously identified in this model.
Mapping of apparent susceptibility yields promising diagnostic separation of progressive supranuclear palsy from other causes of parkinsonism
Authors: Sjöström Henrik , Surova Yulia , Nilsson Markus , Granberg Tobias , Westman Eric , van Westen Danielle , Svenningsson Per , Hansson Oskar
Published: April 2019

There is a need for methods that distinguish Parkinson’s disease (PD) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), which have similar characteristics in the early stages of the disease. In this prospective study, we evaluate mapping of apparent susceptibility based on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) for differential diagnosis. We included 134 patients with PD, 11 with PSP, 10 with MSA and 44 healthy controls. SWI data were processed into maps of apparent susceptibility. In PSP, apparent susceptibility was increased in the red nucleus compared to all other groups, and in globus pallidus, putamen, substantia nigra and the dentate nucleus compared to PD and controls. In MSA, putaminal susceptibility was increased compared to PD and controls. Including all studied regions and using discriminant analysis between PSP and PD, 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity was achieved, and 91% sensitivity and 90% specificity in separating PSP from MSA. Correlations between putaminal susceptibility and disease severity in PD could warrant further research into using susceptibility mapping for monitoring disease progression and in clinical trials. Our study indicates that susceptibility in deep nuclei could play a role in the diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism, especially in PSP.
Timing of the Brunhes-Matuyama transition constrained by U-series disequilibrium
Authors: Ghaleb Bassam , Falguères Christophe , Carlut Julie , Pozzi Jean-Pierre , Mahieux Geoffroy , Boudad Larbi , Rousseau Louis
Published: April 2019

U-series disequilibrium measurements carried out on thermogenic travertine samples from a 12.6 m-long core and a 10 m-thick section from southeastern Morocco yielded finite ages ranging from 500 ka to the present-day, as well as two clusters determined to be older than 500 ka. The calculation of initial 234U/238U activity ratios in all samples younger than 500 ka shows high, reasonably constant values, with an average of 5.172 ± 0.520 (one standard deviation). Assuming that this value prevailed for periods older than 500 ka, we derived ages of up to approximately 1.2 Ma using the initial 234U excess decay. Our results indicate that the two older clusters have ages of 776 ± 14 ka for samples from between 8 and 10.1 m and 1173 ± 22 ka for deeper samples respectively. The palaeomagnetic record of the core shows normal polarity inclinations from the surface to around 9 m followed by reverse polarity inclination and antipodal declinations. The inversion is attributed to the Brunhes-Matuyama transition. 234U excess ages for the interval corresponding to the part of the core where the polarity inversion occurred are in the range of 735 ± 51 to 794 ± 54 ka, with an arithmetic mean value of 776 ± 14 ka for the B-M transition. This age is in good agreement with that determined previously using other dating methods.
Genome analysis of Paenibacillus polymyxa A18 gives insights into the features associated with its adaptation to the termite gut environment
Authors: Pasari Nandita , Gupta Mayank , Eqbal Danish , Yazdani Syed Shams
Published: April 2019

Paenibacillus polymyxa A18 was isolated from termite gut and was identified as a potential cellulase and hemicellulase producer in our previous study. Considering that members belonging to genus Paenibacillus are mostly free-living in soil, we investigated here the essential genetic features that helped P. polymyxa A18 to survive in gut environment. Genome sequencing and analysis identified 4608 coding sequences along with several elements of horizontal gene transfer, insertion sequences, transposases and integrated phages, which add to its genetic diversity. Many genes coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes, including the enzymes responsible for woody biomass hydrolysis in termite gut, were identified in P. polymyxa A18 genome. Further, a series of proteins conferring resistance to 11 antibiotics and responsible for production of 4 antibiotics were also found to be encoded, indicating selective advantage for growth and colonization in the gut environment. To further identify genomic regions unique to this strain, a BLAST-based comparative analysis with the sequenced genomes of 47 members belonging to genus Paenibacillus was carried out. Unique regions coding for nucleic acid modifying enzymes like CRISPR/Cas and Type I Restriction-Modification enzymes were identified in P. polymyxa A18 genome suggesting the presence of defense mechanism to combat viral infections in the gut. In addition, genes responsible for the formation of biofilms, such as Type IV pili and adhesins, which might be assisting P. polymyxa A18 in colonizing the gut were also identified in its genome. In situ colonization experiment further confirmed the ability of P. polymyxa A18 to colonize the gut of termite.
Single cell RNA-sequencing identified Dec2 as a suppressive factor for spermatogonial differentiation by inhibiting Sohlh1 expression
Authors: Makino Yoshinori , Jensen Niels H. , Yokota Naoko , Rossner Moritz J. , Akiyama Haruhiko , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Okada Yuki
Published: April 2019

Gonocyte-to-spermatogonia transition is a critical fate determination process to initiate sperm production throughout the lifecycle. However, the molecular dynamics of this process has not been fully elucidated mainly due to the asynchronized differentiation stages of neonatal germ cells. In this study, we employed single cell RNA sequencing analyses of P1.5–5.5 germ cells to clarify the temporal dynamics of gene expression during gonocyte-to-spermatogonia transition. The analyses identified transcriptional modules, one of which regulates spermatogonial gene network in neonatal germ cells. Among them, we identified Dec2, a bHLH-type transcription factor, as a transcriptional repressor for a spermatogonial differentiation factor Sohlh1. Deficiency of Dec2 in mice induces significant reduction of undifferentiated spermatogonia, and transplantation assay using Dec2-depleted cells also demonstrated the impaired efficiency of engraftment, suggesting its role in maintaining spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Collectively, this study revealed the intrinsic role of a new SSC factor Dec2, which protects germ cells from inadequate differentiation during neonatal testis development.
Differential Regulation of Gene Expression in Lung Cancer Cells by Diacyglycerol-Lactones and a Phorbol Ester Via Selective Activation of Protein Kinase C Isozymes
Authors: Cooke Mariana , Casado-Medrano Victoria , Ann Jihyae , Lee Jeewoo , Blumberg Peter M. , Abba Martin C. , Kazanietz Marcelo G.
Published: April 2019

Despite our extensive knowledge on the biology of protein kinase C (PKC) and its involvement in disease, limited success has been attained in the generation of PKC isozyme-specific modulators acting via the C1 domain, the binding site for the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) and the phorbol ester tumor promoters. Synthetic efforts had recently led to the identification of AJH-836, a DAG-lactone with preferential affinity for novel isozymes (nPKCs) relative to classical PKCs (cPKCs). Here, we compared the ability of AJH-836 and a prototypical phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PMA) to induce changes in gene expression in a lung cancer model. Gene profiling analysis using RNA-Seq revealed that PMA caused major changes in gene expression, whereas AJH-836 only induced a small subset of genes, thus providing a strong indication for a major involvement of cPKCs in their control of gene expression. MMP1, MMP9, and MMP10 were among the genes most prominently induced by PMA, an effect impaired by RNAi silencing of PKCα, but not PKCδ or PKCε. Comprehensive gene signature analysis and bioinformatics efforts, including functional enrichment and transcription factor binding site analyses of dysregulated genes, identified major differences in pathway activation and transcriptional networks between PMA and DAG-lactones. In addition to providing solid evidence for the differential involvement of individual PKC isozymes in the control of gene expression, our studies emphasize the importance of generating targeted C1 domain ligands capable of differentially regulating PKC isozyme-specific function in cellular models.
Development of a Phage Display Panning Strategy Utilizing Crude Antigens: Isolation of MERS-CoV Nucleoprotein human antibodies
Authors: Lim Chia Chiu , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lim Theam Soon
Published: April 2019

Antibody phage display has been pivotal in the quest to generate human monoclonal antibodies for biomedical and research applications. Target antigen preparation is a main bottleneck associated with the panning process. This includes production complexity, downstream purification, quality and yield. In many instances, purified antigens are preferred for panning but this may not be possible for certain difficult target antigens. Here, we describe an improved procedure of affinity selection against crude or non-purified antigen by saturation of non-binders with blocking agents to promote positive binder enrichment termed as Yin-Yang panning. A naïve human scFv library with kappa light chain repertoire with a library size of 109 was developed. The improved Yin-Yang biopanning process was able to enrich monoclonal antibodies specific to the MERS-CoV nucleoprotein. Three unique monoclonal antibodies were isolated in the process. The Yin-Yang biopanning method highlights the possibility of utilizing crude antigens for the isolation of monoclonal antibodies by phage display.
Disorder and compositional dependences in Urbach-Martienssen tails in amorphous (GeTe)x(Sb2Te3)1−x alloys
Authors: Shportko K. V.
Published: April 2019

This work focuses on the compositional dependences in parameters that govern the optical properties of (GeTe)x(Sb2Te3)1−x amorphous alloys in the wide spectral range from above the phonons and to the inter-band electronic transitions. We studied the absorption edge fluctuations that are linked to the variations of the bandgap Eg, the width of Urbach-Martienssen tails EU, the Tauc parameter B1/2, and average halfwidth  of Raman bands in amorphous (GeTe)x(Sb2Te3)1−x alloys at various temperatures. Obtained results reveal the compositional trends in the influence of the disordering on the absorption processes in studied alloys.
Triple bonds between iron and heavier group-14 elements in the AFe(CO)3− complexes (A = Ge, Sn, and Pb)
Authors: Wang Jia-Qi , Chi Chaoxian , Lu Jun-Bo , Meng Luyan , Luo Mingbiao , Hu Han-Shi , Zhou Mingfei , Li Jun
Published: April 2019

Heteronuclear transition-metal-main-group element carbonyl anion complexes of AFe(CO)3− (A = Ge, Sn, and Pb) are prepared using a laser vaporization supersonic ion source in the gas phase, which were studied by mass-selected infrared (IR) photodissociation spectroscopy.
Wheat alkylresorcinols protect human retinal pigment epithelial cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage through Akt-dependent Nrf2/HO-1 signaling
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Hao Yiming , Wang Yu , Liu Jie , Yuan Xiaoping , Sun Baoguo , Wang Jing
Published: April 2019

The protective effect of wheat alkylresorcinols (ARs) on human retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19) against oxidative stress and the possible underlying mechanism were investigated in this study.
Polydopamine-modified poly(l-lactic acid) nanofiber scaffolds immobilized with an osteogenic growth peptide for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Liu Yong , Xu Changlu , Gu Yong , Shen Xiaofeng , Zhang Yanxia , Li Bin , Chen Liang
Published: April 2019

Polydopamine-modified PLLA nanofiber scaffolds immobilized with osteogenic growth peptide were designed and prepared for promoting bone formation.
Tolerance against butanol stress by disrupting succinylglutamate desuccinylase inEscherichia coli
Authors: Guo Yuan , Lu Bo , Tang Hongchi , Bi Dewu , Zhang Zhikai , Lin Lihua , Pang Hao
Published: April 2019

The four-carbon alcohol, butanol, is emerging as a promising biofuel and efforts have been undertaken to improve several microbial hosts for its production.
Synthesis and characterization of an unnatural boron and nitrogen-containing tryptophan analogue and its incorporation into proteins
Authors: Boknevitz Katherine , Italia James S. , Li Bo , Chatterjee Abhishek , Liu Shih-Yuan
Published: April 2019

A boron and nitrogen containing unnatural analogue of tryptophan is synthesized and incorporated into proteins.
Aggregation dynamics of active rotating particles in dense passive media
Authors: Aragones Juan L. , Steimel Joshua P. , Alexander-Katz Alfredo
Published: April 2019

Active matter systems are able to exhibit emergent non-equilibrium behavior due to activity-induced effective interactions between the active particles.
Boosting the antimicrobial action of vancomycin formulated in shellac nanoparticles of dual-surface functionality
Authors: Al-Obaidy Saba S. M. , Halbus Ahmed F. , Greenway Gillian M. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate a strong enhancement of the antimicrobial action of vancomycin encapsulated in shellac nanocarriers with cationic surface functionality which concentrate on the microbial cell membranes.
Efficient discovery of novel antimicrobials through integration of synthesis and testing in crude ribosome extract
Authors: Sang Zitai , Lu Yongping , Zhou Yuanzheng , Ju Yuan , An Qi , Shen Silan , Shi Jianyou , He Jun , Yang Tao , Luo Youfu
Published: April 2019

Discovery of novel ribosomal inhibitors using an integration method of synthesis and activity testing.
Supramolecular zwitterions based on a novel boronic acid–squarate dianion synthon
Authors: Fornasari Luca , d'Agostino Simone , Braga Dario
Published: April 2019

We report a novel heterodimeric charge-assisted hydrogen bonding synthon and prove its robustness by preparation of a three-component co-crystal.
Accurate entropy calculation for large flexible hydrocarbons using a multi-structural 2-dimensional torsion method
Authors: Wu Junjun , Ning Hongbo , Xu Xuefei , Ren Wei
Published: April 2019

Accurate entropy calculation for large flexible hydrocarbons using a multi-structural 2-dimensional torsion method.
Does aromaticity account for an enhanced thermodynamic stability? The case of monosubstituted azaborines and the stereoelectronic chameleonism of the NH2 group
Authors: Baranac-Stojanović Marija , Stojanović Milovan
Published: April 2019

The relationship between aromaticity and thermodynamic stability and the stereoelectronic chameleonism of the amino group are analysed and discussed in the case of monosubstituted azaborines.
Charged nanoporous graphene membranes for water desalination
Authors: Nguyen Chinh Thanh , Beskok Ali
Published: April 2019

Water desalination using positively and negatively charged single-layer nanoporous graphene membranes.
Benzothiazole integrated into a cryptand for ESIPT-based selective chemosensor for Zn2+ ions
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Sahana Sunanda , Sharma Vivekanand , Bharadwaj Parimal K.
Published: April 2019

A novel 2(2′-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole-based cryptand (L) exhibits high fluorescence intensity in the presence of Zn2+ ions by stopping the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process with a detection limit of 0.20 μM.
Chemistry and applications of cyanoximes and their metal complexes
Authors: Gerasimchuk Nikolay
Published: April 2019

During the past three decades, considerable research effort has been dedicated to a new class of organic ligands – cyanoximes – which have the general formula NC–C(NOH)-R, whereRis an electron-withdrawing group. In total, 44 different cyanoximes were prepared and characterized thus far.
Stable perovskite solar cells using tin acetylacetonate based electron transporting layers
Authors: Abuhelaiqa Mousa , Paek Sanghyun , Lee Yonghui , Cho Kyung Taek , Heo Sung , Oveisi Emad , Huckaba Aron Joel , Kanda Hiroyuki , Kim Hobeom , Zhang Yi , Humphry-Baker Robin , Kinge Sachin , Asiri Abdullah M. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2019

High performing planar-type perovskite solar cells and mini-modules are fabricated by incorporating passivated tin oxide based on non-colloidal acetylacetonate precursors.
Optimizing mesostructured silver catalysts for selective carbon dioxide conversion into fuels
Authors: Suter Silvan , Haussener Sophia
Published: April 2019

Mass transport is responsible for the substantial rise in reaction selectivity with increasing thickness of mesostructured silver catalyst films.
Boron-titanate monolayer nanosheets for highly selective adsorption of immunoglobulin G
Authors: Guo Peng-Fei , Wang Xi-Ming , Wang Meng-Meng , Yang Ting , Chen Ming-Li , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: April 2019

Novel 2D boron-titanate monolayer nanosheets exhibit favorable selectivity toward immunoglobulin G with a superior adsorption capacity of 1669.7 mg g−1.
Laser printing of optically resonant hollow crystalline carbon nanostructures from 1D and 2D metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Mingabudinova Leila R. , Zalogina Anastasiia S. , Krasilin Andrei A. , Petrova Margarita I. , Trofimov Pavel , Mezenov Yuri A. , Ubyivovk Evgeniy V. , Lönnecke Peter , Nominé Alexandre , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Belmonte Thierry , Milichko Valentin A.
Published: April 2019

Using a femtosecond laser radiation, we generated hollow carbon spheres and hemispheres from 1D and 2D MOFs.
Combining dielectrophoresis and concentration polarization-based preconcentration to enhance bead-based immunoassay sensitivity
Authors: Park Sinwook , Yossifon Gilad
Published: April 2019

Ionic concentration-polarization (CP)-based simultaneous preconcentration of functionalized nanoparticles and target biomolecules followed by dynamic trapping of the beads using dielectrophoresis (DEP) for binding signal assessment.
Iodine-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization: a powerful strategy for polymer synthesis
Authors: Ni Yuanyuan , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: April 2019

In this review, the recent progress in iodine-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is highlighted.
Transformation of gels via catalyst-free selective RAFT photoactivation
Authors: Shanmugam Sivaprakash , Cuthbert Julia , Flum Jacob , Fantin Marco , Boyer Cyrille , Kowalewski Tomasz , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

This work explores the concept of structurally tailored and engineered macromolecular (STEM) networks by proposing a novel metal-free approach to prepare the networks.
Anisotropic polymer nanoparticles with solvent and temperature dependent shape and size from triblock copolymers
Authors: Bobbi Elena , Sabagh Bassem , Cryan Sally-Ann , Wilson James A. , Heise Andreas
Published: April 2019

By the combination of RAFT and N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerisation triblock copolymers were designed able to form responsive spherical and non-spherical particles.
Hydrothermal synthesis and microwave-assisted activation of starch-derived carbons as an effective adsorbent for naphthalene removal
Authors: Liu Pengyun , Wu Zhansheng , Ge Xinyu , Yang Xia
Published: April 2019

Hydrothermal synthesis and microwave-assisted activation of starch-derived carbon as a high performance adsorbent for naphthalene removal from aqueous solution.
Exploring the thermodynamic criteria for responsive adsorption processes
Authors: Evans Jack D. , Krause Simon , Kaskel Stefan , Sweatman Martin B. , Sarkisov Lev
Published: April 2019

A general thermodynamic model to investigate responsive adsorption processes in flexible porous materials.
Amphiphilic microgels adsorbed at oil–water interfaces as mixers of two immiscible liquids
Authors: Gumerov Rustam A. , Filippov Sergei A. , Richtering Walter , Pich Andrij , Potemkin Igor I.
Published: April 2019

Amphiphilic microgels adsorbed at an oil–water interface were studied by means of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations.
Miniaturised acoustofluidic tactile haptic actuator
Authors: Akther Asma , Castro Jasmine O. , Mousavi Shaegh Seyed Ali , Rezk Amgad R. , Yeo Leslie Y.
Published: April 2019

Coupling the vibration from a piezoelectric substrate through a liquid microchamber facilitates the deflection of a membrane atop the liquid with sufficiently large deformation to facilitate static and dynamic tactile haptic feedback within a human detectable range.
Revealing structure–activity links in hydrazine oxidation: doping and nanostructure in carbide–carbon electrocatalysts
Authors: Burshtein Tomer Y. , Farber Eliyahu M. , Ojha Kasinath , Eisenberg David
Published: April 2019

To expand the range of hydrazine oxidation catalysts active in alkaline pH – a key challenge in fuel cell electrocatalysis – we studied the effect of doping on the nanostructure of carbide–carbon composites.
Chloroplast thioredoxin systems dynamically regulate photosynthesis in plants
Authors: Nikkanen Lauri , Rintamäki Eevi
Published: April 2019

Photosynthesis is a highly regulated process in photoautotrophic cells. The main goal of the regulation is to keep the basic photosynthetic reactions, i.e. capturing light energy, conversion into chemical energy and production of carbohydrates, in balance. The rationale behind the evolution of strong regulation mechanisms is to keep photosynthesis functional under all conditions encountered by sessile plants during their lifetimes. The regulatory mechanisms may, however, also impair photosynthetic efficiency by overriding the photosynthetic reactions in controlled environments like crop fields or bioreactors, where light energy could be used for production of sugars instead of dissipation as heat and down-regulation of carbon fixation. The plant chloroplast has a high number of regulatory proteins called thioredoxins (TRX), which control the function of chloroplasts from biogenesis and assembly of chloroplast machinery to light and carbon fixation reactions as well as photoprotective mechanisms. Here, we review the current knowledge of regulation of photosynthesis by chloroplast TRXs and assess the prospect of improving plant photosynthetic efficiency by modification of chloroplast thioredoxin systems.
Clinical and pathological significance ofHomo sapiensceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) in diverse human cancers
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Jin-yan , Yan Wei , Wang Dan-dan , Yang Su-jin , Zhou Si-ying , Zhong Shan-liang , Tang Jin-hai
Published: April 2019

Homo sapiens ceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) plays an important role in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of tumor cells and has been reported as a tumor metastasis suppressor gene in diverse cancers. Thus, low level of CerS-2 protein might suggest a bad prognosis and up-regulation of CerS-2 protein might act as a promising therapeutic strategy for malignant tumors. In this review, we discussed the expression, as well as the clinical and pathological significance of CerS-2 in diverse human cancers. The pathological processes and molecular pathways regulated by CerS-2 were also summarized.
How Normal Are “Normal” Errors of Language and Cognition?
Authors: Cohen Matthew L. , Weatherford Samantha , Nandakumar Ratna
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and severity of common errors and inefficiencies of language and cognition in the general population.

Method

Item-response theory parameters were analyzed from the Neuro-QOL Cognitive Function Item Bank v2.0, which references a large normative sample that mirrors the demographics of the U.S. Census. Item parameters were analyzed to reveal the most likely responses to items about errors and inefficiencies of language and cognition. These most likely responses were estimated for each of 25 levels of theta to reveal normal and gradations of abnormal experiences of errors and inefficiencies.

Results

A typical experience with language and cognitive errors and inefficiencies (e.g., producing a
T
score between 40 and 60) is to have “a little” difficulty with each task that was assessed or to experience nearly every error/inefficiency at least once a week. Word-finding effort was particularly ubiquitous, as was the experience of walking into a room and forgetting one's intention.

Conclusions

It is typical to experience errors and inefficiencies of language and cognition. This analysis describes a typical experience for an average person in a highly representative sample. However, more work is needed in order to learn what is typical for more specific subgroups, for example, based on age.
Quelle formation en France pour les psychiatres de demain après la réforme du troisième cycle ?
Authors: Dubertret Caroline
Published: April 2019

La formation des psychiatres doit se saisir du formidable développement des connaissances de la psychiatrie du XXIe siècle qui va amener à une médecine personnalisée dans cette spécialité. Elle prend aussi en compte la forte diversification de ses activités du fait des changements des pratiques et de l’évolution de la société aujourd’hui. La réforme du troisième cycle des études médicales peut être une chance pour arriver à ce but. La psychiatrie reste une discipline unie mais voit apparaître des formations nouvelles comme la psychiatrie du sujet âgé ou des formations spécialisées transdisciplinaires; certaines sont toujours attendues comme la psychiatrie légale. La réforme du troisième cycle amène à un parcours de formation pratique et théorique en trois phases distinctes organisant une progression inverse avec des connaissances à acquérir principalement au début de son internat, et des compétences qui augmentent progressivement vers une autonomie. Le développement de la formation à la recherche et aux psychothérapies est une priorité qui peut être limitée cependant par le nombre d’enseignants en psychiatrie.