bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of imprinting via lineage-specific insertion of retroviral promoters
Authors: Bogutz Aaron B. , Brind’Amour Julie , Kobayashi Hisato , Jensen Kristoffer N. , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Imai Hiroo , Lorincz Matthew C. , Lefebvre Louis
Published: December 2019

Imprinted genes are expressed from a single parental allele, with the other allele often silenced by DNA methylation (DNAme) established in the germline. While species-specific imprinted orthologues have been documented, the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolutionary switch from biallelic to imprinted expression are unknown. During mouse oogenesis, gametic differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) acquire DNAme in a transcription-guided manner. Here we show that oocyte transcription initiating in lineage-specific endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) is likely responsible for DNAme establishment at 4/6 mouse-specific and 17/110 human-specific imprinted gDMRs. The latter are divided into Catarrhini- or Hominoidea-specific gDMRs embedded within transcripts initiating in ERVs specific to these primate lineages. Strikingly, imprinting of the maternally methylated genes Impact and Slc38a4 was lost in the offspring of female mice harboring deletions of the relevant murine-specific ERVs upstream of these genes. Our work reveals an evolutionary mechanism whereby maternally silenced genes arise from biallelically expressed progenitors.
The productivity-biodiversity relationship varies across diversity dimensions
Authors: Brun Philipp , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Graham Catherine H. , Lavergne Sébastien , Pellissier Loïc , Münkemüller Tamara , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: December 2019

Understanding the processes that drive the dramatic changes in biodiversity along the productivity gradient remains a major challenge. Insight from simple, bivariate relationships so far has been limited. We combined >11,000 community plots in the French Alps with a molecular phylogeny and trait information for >1200 plant species to simultaneously investigate the relationships between all major biodiversity dimensions and satellite-sensed productivity. Using an approach that tests for differential effects of species dominance, species similarity and the interplay between phylogeny and traits, we demonstrate that unimodal productivity–biodiversity relationships only dominate for taxonomic diversity. In forests, trait and phylogenetic diversity typically increase with productivity, while in grasslands, relationships shift from unimodal to declining with greater land-use intensity. High productivity may increase trait/phylogenetic diversity in ecosystems with few external constraints (forests) by promoting complementary strategies, but under external constraints (managed grasslands) successful strategies are similar and thus the best competitors may be selected.
A non-spatial account of place and grid cells based on clustering models of concept learning
Authors: Mok Robert M. , Love Bradley C.
Published: December 2019

One view is that conceptual knowledge is organized using the circuitry in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) that supports spatial processing and navigation. In contrast, we find that a domain-general learning algorithm explains key findings in both spatial and conceptual domains. When the clustering model is applied to spatial navigation tasks, so-called place and grid cell-like representations emerge because of the relatively uniform distribution of possible inputs in these tasks. The same mechanism applied to conceptual tasks, where the overall space can be higher-dimensional and sampling sparser, leading to representations more aligned with human conceptual knowledge. Although the types of memory supported by the MTL are superficially dissimilar, the information processing steps appear shared. Our account suggests that the MTL uses a general-purpose algorithm to learn and organize context-relevant information in a useful format, rather than relying on navigation-specific neural circuitry.
Dynamic respiratory muscle function in late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Smith Barbara K. , Allen Shannon , Mays Samantha , Martin A. Daniel , Byrne Barry J.
Published: December 2019

Maximal inspiratory pressure (PIMAX) reflects inspiratory weakness in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). However, static pressure tests may not reveal specific respiratory muscle adaptations to disruptions in breathing. We hypothesized that dynamic respiratory muscle functional tests reflect distinct ventilatory compensations in LOPD. We evaluated LOPD (n = 7) and healthy controls (CON, n = 7) during pulmonary function tests, inspiratory endurance testing, dynamic kinematic MRI of the thorax, and ventilatory adjustments to single-breath inspiratory loads (inspiratory load compensation, ILC). We observed significantly lower static and dynamic respiratory function in LOPD. PIMAX, spirometry, endurance time, and maximal diaphragm descent were significantly correlated. During single-breath inspiratory loads, inspiratory time and airflow acceleration increased to preserve volume, and in LOPD, the response magnitudes correlated to maximal chest wall kinematics. The results indicate that changes in diaphragmatic motor function and strength among LOPD subjects could be detected through dynamic respiratory testing. We concluded that neuromuscular function significantly influenced breathing endurance, timing and loading compensations.
A genomic predictor of lifespan in vertebrates
Authors: Mayne Benjamin , Berry Oliver , Davies Campbell , Farley Jessica , Jarman Simon
Published: December 2019

Biological ageing and its mechanistic underpinnings are of immense biomedical and ecological significance. Ageing involves the decline of diverse biological functions and places a limit on a species’ maximum lifespan. Ageing is associated with epigenetic changes involving DNA methylation. Furthermore, an analysis of mammals showed that the density of CpG sites in gene promoters, which are targets for DNA methylation, is correlated with lifespan. Using 252 whole genomes and databases of animal age and promotor sequences, we show a pattern across vertebrates. We also derive a predictive lifespan clock based on CpG density in a selected set of promoters. The lifespan clock accurately predicts maximum lifespan in vertebrates (R2 = 0.76) from the density of CpG sites within only 42 selected promoters. Our lifespan clock provides a wholly new method for accurately estimating lifespan using genome sequences alone and enables estimation of this challenging parameter for both poorly understood and extinct species.
Photogenerated Carrier Transport Properties in Silicon Photovoltaics
Authors: Uprety Prakash , Subedi Indra , Junda Maxwell M. , Collins Robert W. , Podraza Nikolas J.
Published: December 2019

Electrical transport parameters for active layers in silicon (Si) wafer solar cells are determined from free carrier optical absorption using non-contacting optical Hall effect measurements. Majority carrier transport parameters [carrier concentration (N), mobility (μ), and conductivity effective mass (m*)] are determined for both the n-type emitter and p-type bulk wafer Si of an industrially produced aluminum back surface field (Al-BSF) photovoltaic device. From measurements under 0 and ±1.48 T external magnetic fields and nominally “dark” conditions, the following respective [n, p]-type Si parameters are obtained: N = [(3.6 ± 0.1) × 1018 cm−3, (7.6 ± 0.1) × 1015 cm−3]; μ = [166 ± 6 cm2/Vs, 532 ± 12 cm2/Vs]; and m* = [(0.28 ± 0.03) × me, (0.36 ± 0.02) × me]. All values are within expectations for this device design. Contributions from photogenerated carriers in both regions of the p-n junction are obtained from measurements of the solar cell under “light” 1 sun illumination (AM1.5 solar irradiance spectrum). From analysis of combined dark and light optical Hall effect measurements, photogenerated minority carrier transport parameters [minority carrier concentration (Δp or Δn) and minority carrier mobility (μh or μe)] under 1 sun illumination for both n- and p-type Si components of the solar cell are determined. Photogenerated minority carrier concentrations are [(7.8 ± 0.2) × 1016 cm−3, (2.2 ± 0.2) × 1014 cm−3], and minority carrier mobilities are [331 ± 191 cm2/Vs, 766 ± 331 cm2/Vs], for the [n, p]-type Si, respectively, values that are within expectations from literature. Using the dark majority carrier concentration and the effective equilibrium minority carrier concentration under 1 sun illumination, minority carrier effective lifetime and diffusion length are calculated in the n-type emitter and p-type wafer Si with the results also being consistent with literature. Solar cell device performance parameters including photovoltaic device efficiency, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and short circuit current density are also calculated from these transport parameters obtained via optical Hall effect using the diode equation and PC1D solar cell simulations. The calculated device performance parameters are found to be consistent with direct current-voltage measurement demonstrating the validity of this technique for electrical transport property measurements of the semiconducting layers in complete Si solar cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method that enables determination of both minority and majority carrier transport parameters in both active layers of the p-n junction in a complete solar cell.
Multi-bandgap Solar Energy Conversion via Combination of Microalgal Photosynthesis and Spectrally Selective Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Cho Changsoon , Nam Kibok , Kim Ga-Yeong , Seo Yeong Hwan , Hwang Tae Gyu , Seo Ji-Won , Kim Jae Pil , Han Jong-In , Lee Jung-Yong
Published: December 2019

Microalgal photosynthesis is a promising solar energy conversion process to produce high concentration biomass, which can be utilized in the various fields including bioenergy, food resources, and medicine. In this research, we study the optical design rule for microalgal cultivation systems, to efficiently utilize the solar energy and improve the photosynthesis efficiency. First, an organic luminescent dye of 3,6-Bis(4′-(diphenylamino)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-yl)-2,5-dihexyl-2,5-dihydropyrrolo3,4-c pyrrole -1,4-dione (D1) was coated on a photobioreactor (PBR) for microalgal cultivation. Unlike previous reports, there was no enhancement in the biomass productivities under artificial solar illuminations of 0.2 and 0.6 sun. We analyze the limitations and future design principles of the PBRs using photoluminescence under strong illumination. Second, as a multiple-bandgaps-scheme to maximize the conversion efficiency of solar energy, we propose a dual-energy generator that combines microalgal cultivation with spectrally selective photovoltaic cells (PVs). In the proposed system, the blue and green photons, of which high energy is not efficiently utilized in photosynthesis, are absorbed by a large-bandgap PV, generating electricity with a high open-circuit voltage (Voc) in reward for narrowing the absorption spectrum. Then, the unabsorbed red photons are guided into PBR and utilized for photosynthesis with high efficiency. Under an illumination of 7.2 kWh m−2 d−1, we experimentally verified that our dual-energy generator with C60-based PV can simultaneously produce 20.3 g m−2 d−1 of biomass and 220 Wh m−2 d−1 of electricity by utilizing multiple bandgaps in a single system.
Expression profiling of key pathways in rat liver after a one-year feeding trial with transgenic maize MON810
Authors: Stein Torsten , Ran Guangyao , Bohmer Marc , Sharbati Soroush , Einspanier Ralf
Published: December 2019

In a recent one-year feeding study, we observed no adverse effects on tissue level in organs of rats fed with the genetically-modified maize MON810. Here, we assessed RNA expression levels of 86 key genes of the apoptosis-, NF-кB-, DNA-damage response (DDR)-, and unfolded-protein response (UPR) pathways by RT-qPCR in the rat liver. Male and female rats were fed either with 33% MON810 (GMO), isogenic- (ISO), or conventional maize (CONV) and RNAs were quantified from eight rats from each of the six feeding groups. Only Birc2 transcript showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) consistent difference of ≥1.5-fold between the GMO and ISO groups in both sexes. Unsupervised cluster analysis showed a strong separation of male and female rats, but no clustering of the feeding groups. Individual analysis of the pathways did not show any clustering of the male or female feeding groups either, though transcript levels of UPR pathway-associated genes caused some clustering of the male GMO and CONV feeding group samples. These differences were not seen between the GMO and ISO control or within the female cohort. Our data therefore does not support an adverse effect on rat liver RNA expression through the long-term feeding of MON810 compared to isogenic control maize.
A primate model of severe malarial anaemia: a comparative pathogenesis study
Authors: Raja Amber I. , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Taaffe Jessica , Ton Timmy , Zhao Zhen , Bock Kevin W. , Orr-Gonzalez Sachy , Thomas Marvin L. , Lambert Lynn E. , Moore Ian N. , Duffy Patrick E.
Published: December 2019

Severe malarial anaemia (SMA) is the most common life-threatening complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection in African children. SMA is characterised by haemolysis and inadequate erythropoiesis, and is associated with dysregulated inflammatory responses and reduced complement regulatory protein levels (including CD35). However, a deeper mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis requires improved animal models. In this comparative study of two closely related macaque species, we interrogated potential causal factors for their differential and temporal relationships to onset of SMA. We found that rhesus macaques inoculated with blood-stage Plasmodium coatneyi developed SMA within 2 weeks, with no other severe outcomes, whereas infected cynomolgus macaques experienced only mild/ moderate anaemia. The abrupt drop in haematocrit in rhesus was accompanied by consumption of haptoglobin (haemolysis) and poor reticulocyte production. Rhesus developed a greater inflammatory response than cynomolgus macaques, and had lower baseline levels of CD35 on red blood cells (RBCs) leading to a significant reduction in the proportion of CD35+ RBCs during infection. Overall, severe anaemia in rhesus macaques infected with P. coatneyi has similar features to SMA in children. Our comparisons are consistent with an association of low baseline CD35 levels on RBCs and of early inflammatory responses with the pathogenesis of SMA.
ERK1/2 drives IL-1β-induced expression of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 in torn tendons
Authors: Morita Wataru , Snelling Sarah J. B. , Wheway Kim , Watkins Bridget , Appleton Louise , Carr Andrew J. , Dakin Stephanie G.
Published: December 2019

Diseased and injured tendons develop fibrosis, driven by factors including TGF-β, BMPs and CTGF. IL-1β and its signal transducer Erk1/2 are known to regulate TGF-β expression in animal tendons. We utilised tissues and cells isolated from patients with shoulder tendon tears and tendons of healthy volunteers to advance understanding of how inflammation induces fibrosis in diseased human tendons. ERK1/2 expression was reduced in torn (diseased) compared to healthy patient tendon tissues. We next investigated the fibrotic responses of tendon-derived cells isolated from healthy and diseased human tendon tissues in an inflammatory milieu. IL-1β treatment induced profound ERK1/2 signalling, TGFB1 and BMP2 mRNA expression in diseased compared to healthy tendon-derived cells. In the diseased cells, the ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) completely blocked the IL-1β-induced TGFB1 and partially reduced BMP2 mRNA expression. Conversely, the same treatment of healthy cells did not modulate IL-1β-induced TGFB1 or BMP2 mRNA expression. ERK1/2 inhibition did not attenuate IL-1β-induced CTGF mRNA expression in healthy or diseased tendon cells. These findings highlight differences between ERK1/2 signalling pathway activation and expression of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 between healthy and diseased tendon tissues and cells, advancing understanding of inflammation induced fibrosis during the development of human tendon disease and subsequent repair.
FABP5 coordinates lipid signaling that promotes prostate cancer metastasis
Authors: Carbonetti Gregory , Wilpshaar Tessa , Kroonen Jessie , Studholme Keith , Converso Cynthia , d’Oelsnitz Simon , Kaczocha Martin
Published: December 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is defined by dysregulated lipid signaling and is characterized by upregulation of lipid metabolism-related genes including fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). FASN and MAGL are enzymes that generate cellular fatty acid pools while FABP5 is an intracellular chaperone that delivers fatty acids to nuclear receptors to enhance PCa metastasis. Since FABP5, FASN, and MAGL have been independently implicated in PCa progression, we hypothesized that FABP5 represents a central mechanism linking cytosolic lipid metabolism to pro-metastatic nuclear receptor signaling. Here, we show that the abilities of FASN and MAGL to promote nuclear receptor activation and PCa metastasis are critically dependent upon co-expression of FABP5 in vitro and in vivo. Our findings position FABP5 as a key driver of lipid-mediated metastasis and suggest that disruption of lipid signaling via FABP5 inhibition may constitute a new avenue to treat metastatic PCa.
Symmetric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometry and incoherent scattering correction for quantitative dark-field imaging
Authors: Kim Youngju , Valsecchi Jacopo , Kim Jongyul , Lee Seung Wook , Strobl Markus
Published: December 2019

We introduce the application of a symmetric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometer which provides a significantly extended autocorrelation length range essential for quantitative dark-field contrast imaging. The highly efficient set-up overcomes the limitation of the conventional Talbot-Lau technique to a severely limited micrometer range as well as the limitation of the other advanced dark-field imaging techniques in the nanometer regime. The novel set-up enables efficient and continuous dark-field contrast imaging providing quantitative small-angle neutron scattering information for structures in a regime from some tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers. The quantitative analysis enabled in and by such an extended range is demonstrated through application to reference sample systems of the diluted polystyrene particle in aqueous solutions. Here we additionally demonstrate and successfully discuss the correction for incoherent scattering. This correction results to be necessary to achieve meaningful quantitative structural results. Furthermore, we present the measurements, data modelling and analysis of the two distinct kinds of cohesive powders enabled by the novel approach, revealing the significant structural differences of their fractal nature.
Effect of a Dual PPAR α/γ agonist on Insulin Sensitivity in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes with Hypertriglyceridemia- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Jain Nimisha , Bhansali Shobhit , Kurpad Anura V. , Hawkins Meredith , Sharma Akhilesh , Kaur Sandeep , Rastogi Ashu , Bhansali Anil
Published: December 2019

Saroglitazar is a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist approved for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. In addition to reduction in atherogenic lipids, it may also contribute to improvement in insulin sensitivity through PPAR-α/γ agonism, which remains unexplored. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in treatment-naive T2DM individuals with serum triglyceride >150 mg/dL. Participants were randomized to receive either saroglitazar 4 mg or placebo (1:1) daily for 4 months (n = 30). Insulin sensitivity (SIclamp) was studied using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp at baseline and at 4 months. We observed a significant reduction in TG (p = 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.019) and fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.019) and significant increase in HDL-C levels (p < 0.01) with saroglitazar compared to placebo. Further, patients on saroglitazar had a greater improvement in SIclamp (p = 0.026) with the effect persisting despite adjusting for baseline weight, TG, HDL-C and HbA1c (p = 0.002). This was accompanied with significant increase in HOMA-β (p = 0.01) in the saroglitazar group and change in HOMA-β showed a trend towards significance with SIclamp (r = 0.503, p = 0.056). However, change in SIclamp did not significantly correlate with reduction in HbA1c and TG. We conclude that saroglitazar effectively reduces hypertriglyceridemia and improves insulin sensitivity along with β-cell function by reduction in gluco-lipotoxicity and possibly directly through PPAR-γ agonism in patients ofT2DM with hypertriglyceridemia.
Repolarization of Ferroelectric Superlattices BaZrO3/BaTiO3
Authors: Sidorkin A. S. , Nesterenko L. P. , Gagou Y. , Saint-Gregoire P. , Vorotnikov E. V. , Pakhomov A. Yu. , Popravko N. G.
Published: December 2019

With the use of the modified Sawyer-Tower scheme and Merz technique, studies were conducted on the repolarization characteristics of ferroelectric (BaZrO3/BaTiO3) superlattices on monocrystalline MgO substrate. Studies of temperature changes in the dielectric hysteresis loops indicated a sufficiently smooth decrease in spontaneous polarization compared with homogeneous barium titanate near the phase transition temperature of the superlattice. Experimental studies of switched currents have shown that the switching processes in the synthesized superlattices are implemented in two stages: activation motion (“creep” mode) and non-activation motion (slip mode). The presence of the activation switching stage and the numerical estimates show that with high probability, the movement of domain boundaries accomplishes the processes of switching in the studied superlattice. The threshold field separating the stated stages decreases with increasing temperature up to the Curie point of the superlattice, similar to the coercive field. Detection of the non-strictly exponential dependence of the switching current on the reverse field strength in the activation stage was modulated by the dependence with the power-law exponent for the applied electric field. Both techniques indicate that the studied superlattices have a small internal displacement field directed from the superlattice to the substrate.
Tracking of quiescence in Leishmania by quantifying the expression of GFP in the ribosomal DNA locus
Authors: Jara Marlene , Maes Ilse , Imamura Hideo , Domagalska Malgorzata A. , Dujardin Jean Claude , Arevalo Jorge
Published: December 2019

Under stressful conditions some microorganisms adopt a quiescent stage characterized by a reversible non or slow proliferative condition that allows their survival. This adaptation was only recently discovered in Leishmania. We developed an in vitro model and a biosensor to track quiescence at population and single cell levels. The biosensor is a GFP reporter gene integrated within the 18S rDNA locus, which allows monitoring the expression of 18S rRNA (rGFP expression). We showed that rGFP expression decreased significantly and rapidly during the transition from extracellular promastigotes to intracellular amastigotes and that it was coupled in vitro with a decrease in replication as measured by BrdU incorporation. rGFP expression was useful to track the reversibility of quiescence in live cells and showed for the first time the heterogeneity of physiological stages among the population of amastigotes in which shallow and deep quiescent stages may coexist. We also validated the use of rGFP expression as a biosensor in animal models of latent infection. Our models and biosensor should allow further characterization of quiescence at metabolic and molecular level.
Variation in the onset of CO2-induced anxiety in female Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Améndola Lucía , Ratuski Anna , Weary Daniel M.
Published: December 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly used to kill laboratory rats. Rats find CO2aversive and aversion varies between individuals, indicating that rats vary in CO2sensitivity. Healthy humans experience feelings of anxiety at concentrations similar to those avoided by rats, and these feelings are diminished by the administration of benzodiazepines. Our aim was to assess the effects of the benzodiazepine midazolam on individual thresholds of rat aversion to CO2. Six female Sprague Dawley rats were repeatedly exposed to CO2gradual-fill in approach-avoidance testing. The first three exposures were to a control-treatment followed by three exposures to midazolam (0.375 mg/kg). Within each treatment aversion to CO2was not affected by exposure number; however, tolerance increased from an average of 10.7% CO2avoided during control sessions, to 15.5% CO2avoided when treated with midazolam. These results indicate that rats experience anxiety when exposed to CO2, and that variation in rat CO2sensitivity is driven by individual differences in the onset of these feelings of anxiety. No rat tolerated CO2concentrations required to induce loss of consciousness.
MS-based proteomic analysis of cardiac response to hypoxia in the goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Imbrogno Sandra , Aiello Donatella , Filice Mariacristina , Leo Serena , Mazza Rosa , Cerra Maria Carmela , Napoli Anna
Published: December 2019

The exceptional hypoxia tolerance of the goldfish heart may be achieved through the activation of an alternative mechanism recruiting the first product of the anaerobic glycolysis (i.e. piruvate). This hypothesis led to design a classical mass spectrometry based proteomic study to identify in the goldfish cardiac proteins that may be associated with maintaining heart function under normoxia and hypoxia. A selective protein solubilization, SDS PAGE, trypsin digestion and MALDI MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of the 12 most stable hypoxia-regulated proteins. Among these proteins, five are enzymes catalyzing reversible steps of the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis network. Protein composition reveals the presence of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase B as a specific hypoxia-regulated protein. This work indicated that the key enzyme of reversible steps of the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis network is fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, aldolase B, suggesting a role of gluconeogenesis in the mechanisms involved in the goldfish heart response to hypoxia.
Direct Observation of Deformation in Microgel Filtration
Authors: Linkhorst John , Rabe Jonas , Hirschwald Lukas T. , Kuehne Alexander J. C. , Wessling Matthias
Published: December 2019

Colloidal filtration processes using porous membranes suffer from productivity loss due to colloidal matter retention and continuous build-up by the retained matter. Especially during filtration of soft matter, the deformation of the individual colloids that make up the filter cake may be significant; however, this deformation and its impact remain unresolved so far. Yet, understanding the deformation on the single colloid level as well as on the ensemble level is important to be able to deconvolute filter cake properties from resistance increase of the membrane either by simultaneous internal adsorption or blocking of pores. Here, we report on the compression of a filter cake by filtrating soft microgels in a microfluidic channel in front of a model membrane. To study the single colloid deformation amorphous and crystalline domains were built up in front of the membrane and visualized on-line using confocal fluorescence microscopy while adjusting the degree of permeation, i.e., the transmembrane flux. Results show locally pronounced asymmetric deformation in amorphous domains, while the microgels in colloidal crystals approached regular polyeder shape. Increasing the flux beyond the maximum colloid deformation results in non-isochoric microgel behavior. The presented methodology enables a realistic description of complex colloidal matter deposits during filtration.
RNA-binding protein FXR1 is presented in rat brain in amyloid form
Authors: Sopova Julia V. , Koshel Elena I. , Belashova Tatiana A. , Zadorsky Sergey P. , Sergeeva Alexandra V. , Siniukova Vera A. , Shenfeld Alexandr A. , Velizhanina Maria E. , Volkov Kirill V. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Kachkin Daniel V. , Gaginskaya Elena R. , Galkin Alexey P.
Published: December 2019

Amyloids are β-sheets-rich protein fibrils that cause neurodegenerative and other incurable human diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. However, a number of proteins is functional in the amyloid state in various organisms from bacteria to humans. Using an original proteomic approach, we identified a set of proteins forming amyloid-like aggregates in the brain of young healthy rats. One of them is the FXR1 protein, which is known to regulate memory and emotions. We showed that FXR1 clearly colocalizes in cortical neurons with amyloid-specific dyes Congo-Red, Thioflavines S and T. FXR1 extracted from brain by immunoprecipitation shows yellow-green birefringence after staining with Congo red. This protein forms in brain detergent-resistant amyloid oligomers and insoluble aggregates. RNA molecules that are colocalized with FXR1 in cortical neurons are insensitive to treatment with RNase A. All these data suggest that FXR1 functions in rat brain in amyloid form. The N-terminal amyloid-forming fragment of FXR1 is highly conserved across mammals. We assume that the FXR1 protein may be presented in amyloid form in brain of different species of mammals, including humans.
Characterization of vaginal microbiota in women with preterm labor with intra-amniotic inflammation
Authors: Cobo Teresa , Vergara Andrea , Collado Maria Carmen , Casals-Pascual Climent , Herreros Eduardo , Bosch Jordi , Sánchez-García Ana B. , López-Parellada Rosa , Ponce Júlia , Gratacós Eduard
Published: December 2019

This study aims to investigate the relation between vaginal microbiota and exposition to intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI). We conducted a prospective cohort study in women with preterm labor <34 weeks who had undergone amniocentesis to rule out IAI. Vaginal samples were collected after amniocentesis. Women with IAI included those with positive amniotic fluid (AF) for a microorganism identified by specific culture media and Sanger sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene and/or high AF interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Vaginal microbiota was characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Specific quantitative PCR targeted to Lactobacillus spp. was also performed. Regression models were used to evaluate associations between vaginal microbiota and exposition to IAI. Concerning our results, 64 women were included. We observed an inverse association between AF IL-6 levels and load of Lactobacillus spp. Depletion in Lactobacillus spp. load was significantly associated with an early gestational age at delivery and a short latency to delivery. Microbial-diversity was found to be a risk factor for the subsequent occurrence of clinical chorioamnionitis. To the contrary, higher Lactobacillus spp. load had a protective role. In conclusion, the study identifies reduced bacterial load of Lactobacillus spp. in women exposed to IAI and found microbial-diversity and Lactobacillus spp. depletion to be associated with a worse perinatal outcome.
An in-line enzymatic microreactor for the middle-up analysis of monoclonal antibodies by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Dadouch Meriem , Ladner Yoann , Bich Claudia , Larroque Marion , Larroque Christian , Morel Jacques , Bonnet Pierre-Antoine , Perrin Catherine
Published: December 2019

In-line enzymatic microreactor and electrophoretic strategy for the middle-up analysis of monoclonal antibodies.
Are plasmonic optical biosensors ready for use in point-of-need applications?
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Jalali Mahsa , Mahshid Sara , Wachsmann-Hogiu Sebastian
Published: December 2019

We provide a brief tutorial review of plasmonic biosensors detailing the developments and applications towards Point-of-Need (PON).
Surface analysis of the 2-mercaptobenzothiazole corrosion inhibitor on 6082 aluminum alloy using ToF-SIMS and XPS
Authors: Finšgar Matjaž
Published: December 2019

The first ToF-SIMS and XPS study of the 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBTH) corrosion inhibitor adsorbed on 6082 aluminum alloy (AA6082).
On-resin synthesis of cyclic peptides via tandem N-to-S acyl migration and intramolecular thiol additive-free native chemical ligation
Authors: Serra Gloria , Posada Laura , Hojo Hironobu
Published: December 2019

A novel methodology for the synthesis of cyclic peptides by on-resin intramolecular native chemical ligation (NCL) assisted by N-ethylcysteine using Fmoc/SPPS is described.
The reduced cohesion of homoconfigurational 1,2-diols
Authors: Hartwig Beppo , Lange Manuel , Poblotzki Anja , Medel Robert , Zehnacker Anne , Suhm Martin A.
Published: December 2019

Homochiral encounters of vicinal diols are blocked from relaxing to the heterochiral global minimum dimer structure in supersonic jet expansions.
A solvent–solute cooperative mechanism for symmetry-breaking charge transfer
Authors: Lee Changmin , Choi Cheol Ho , Joo Taiha
Published: December 2019

Random rotational fluctuation of solvents generates a large transient electric field that breaks the symmetry required for symmetry breaking charge transfer.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of boron-containing reactive intermediates using synchrotron radiation: BH2, BH, and BF
Authors: Mukhopadhyay D. P. , Schleier D. , Fischer I. , Loison J.-C. , Alcaraz C. , Garcia G. A.
Published: December 2019

Mass selected slow photoelectron spectra (SPES) of three boron-containing reactive species, BH2, BH, and BF were recorded by double imaging photoion–photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (i2PEPICO) using synchrotron radiation.
The role of acid and metal sites in hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol over Ni/Beta catalysts
Authors: Yan Penghui , Li Molly Meng-Jung , Kennedy Eric , Adesina Adesoji , Zhao Guangyu , Setiawan Adi , Stockenhuber Michael
Published: December 2019

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol over Ni supported on zeolites (HBeta, HZSM-5) with different Si/Al ratios and different metal loadings (2.3–23.4 wt%) was studied in order to elucidate the role of catalyst acidity and Ni structure in the HDO.
Relating structural disorder and melting in complex mixed ligand zeolitic imidazolate framework glasses
Authors: Ríos Gómez María Laura , Lampronti Giulio Isacco , Yang Yongjian , Mauro John C. , Bennett Thomas Douglas
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate the relationship between structural disorder and thermal properties in novel glass-forming nanostructured ZIFs containing three ligands.
A new challenge for nanocrystalline α-zirconium phosphate: reaction with a diepoxyalkane
Authors: Pica Monica , Donnadio Anna , Vivani Riccardo , Boccalon Elisa , Scattini Mirella , Casciola Mario
Published: December 2019

The reaction of nanocrystalline layered α-zirconium phosphate with a diepoxyalkane led to covalently pillared layered materials able to reversibly take up organic molecules both from liquid and vapor phases at room temperature.
The reactivity of molecular oxygen and reactive oxygen species with [FeFe] hydrogenase biomimetics: reversibility and the role of the second coordination sphere
Authors: Wang Vincent C.-C. , Esmieu Charlène , Redman Holly J. , Berggren Gustav , Hammarström Leif
Published: December 2019

A new one-electron reduced and oxygenated species from H2-evolving complexes, inspired by [FeFe] hydrogenase, was prepared by directly reacting with O2 and chemical reductants. Its structure and reactivity were investigated by spectroscopic tools.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Powering sustainable development within planetary boundaries”’ by Y. Yang, Energy Environ. Sci., 2020, 13, DOI: 10.1039/C9EE01176E
Authors: Algunaibet Ibrahim M. , Pozo Carlos , Galán-Martín Ángel , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Mac Dowell Niall , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: December 2019

Double-counting in our single-sector energy systems model of the US electricity mix is negligible (<1%).
Luminescent silicon nanoparticles for distinctive tracking of cellular targeting and trafficking
Authors: Kim Gi-Heon , Lee Goun , Kang Myoung-Hee , Kim Minjong , Jin Yusung , Beck Sungjun , Cheon Jihyun , Sung Junyeong , Joo Jinmyoung
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate tracking of silicon nanoparticles through intrinsic photoluminescence during the course of cellular targeting and uptake.
Impact of the chemical structure on the distribution of neuroprotective N-alkyl-9H-carbazoles at octanol/water interfaces
Authors: Heydari Dokoohaki Maryam , Zolghadr Amin Reza , Klein Axel
Published: December 2019

All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on distribution and agglomeration dynamics of neuroprotective N-(3-anilinopropyl)-9H-carbazoles at octanol/water interfaces.
A DFT study of structure and electrochemical properties of diiron-hydrogenase models with benzenedithiolato and benzenediselenato ligands
Authors: Etinski Mihajlo , Stanković Ivana M. , Puthenkalathil Rakesh C. , Ensing Bernd
Published: December 2019

The chalcogen atom substitution in the Fe2(bdt)(CO)6 complex results in higher and lower proton affinities of iron and chalcogen atoms, respectively.
Vertically stacked bilayer heterostructure CoFe2O4@Ni3S2 on a 3D nickel foam as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Yang Zhi , Zhang Meilin , Gong Yaqiong
Published: December 2019

The as-obtained CoFe2O4@Ni3S2/NF can serve as an active and stable water oxidation catalyst under electrochemical reaction conditions.
Lone pair electron effect induced differences in linear and nonlinear optical properties of bismuth borates
Authors: Cai Wenbing , Jing Qun , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2019

We analyzed systematically each phase of BIBO, and we found that the synergistic effect between bismuth oxygen polyhedra and boron–oxygen groups codetermines the optical properties of BIBO.
Light trapping structures and plasmons synergistically enhance the photovoltaic performance of full-spectrum solar cells
Authors: Qiao Fen , Xie Yi , He Gang , Chu Huaqiang , Liu Wenjie , Chen Zhenya
Published: December 2019

The trapping structure and plasmons have become two major ways to enhance light absorption and carrier transport to achieve high-performance full-spectrum solar cells.
Functional supramolecular gels based on pillar[n]arene macrocycles
Authors: Li Yong-Fu , Li Zheng , Lin Qi , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: December 2019

Recent developments of functional supramolecular gel materials constructed from pillararenes have been overviewed.
Direct phase mapping of the light scattered by single plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Hauler Otto , Wackenhut Frank , Jakob Lukas A. , Stuhl Alexander , Laible Florian , Fleischer Monika , Meixner Alfred J. , Braun Kai
Published: December 2019

In this work, we present a novel technique to directly measure the phase shift of the optical signal scattered by single plasmonic nanoparticles in a diffraction-limited laser focus.
The contribution of achiral residues in the laspartomycin family of calcium-dependent lipopeptide antibiotics
Authors: Wood Thomas M. , Bertheussen Kristine , Martin Nathaniel I.
Published: December 2019

The three glycine residues present in the laspartomycin macrocycle demonstrate different tolerances to substitution.
A guide to supramolecular polymerizations
Authors: Hartlieb Matthias , Mansfield Edward D. H. , Perrier Sebastien
Published: December 2019

Supramolecular polymers are non-covalent assemblies of unimeric building blocks connected by secondary interactions and hold great promises due to their dynamic nature.
Cyanuric chloride as a potent catalyst for the reduction of curing temperature of benzoxazines
Authors: Akkus Buket , Kiskan Baris , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2019

Cyanuric chloride (2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, TCT) was used as a catalyst to lower the ring opening polymerization (ROP) temperature of 1,3-benzoxazines.
Structure–property relationship of polycarbonate/polypropylene alloys prepared via eccentric rotor extruder
Authors: Yu Xingxing , He Jingwei , Liu Yao , Su Long , Liu Fang
Published: December 2019

In this work, PC/PP alloys were respectively prepared by eccentric rotor extruder (ERE) and twin screw extruder (TSE).
Network pharmacology and RNA sequencing studies on triterpenoid saponins from Bupleurum chinense for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Li Danqi , Liu Da , Yue Dandan , Gao Pinyi , Du Cheng , Liu Xuegui , Zhang Lixin
Published: December 2019

The network pharmacology and RNA sequencing studies were used to explore potential therapeutic targets and biological mechanisms of B. chinense for the treatment of breast cancer.
A new flexible and ultralight carbon foam/Ti3C2TX MXene hybrid for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Jian , Chen Zhaofeng , Hu Yunlong
Published: December 2019

Schematic illustrating the fabrication of carbon foam/Ti3C2TX hybrids.
How bulky ligands control the chemoselectivity of Pd-catalyzed N-arylation of ammonia
Authors: Kim Seoung-Tae , Kim Suyeon , Baik Mu-Hyun
Published: December 2019

Steric bulk has been recognized as a central design principle for ligands in the widely utilized Buchwald–Hartwig amination. This mechanistic study reveals how this steric effect manipulates the reaction pathway and determines the chemoselectivity.
Manipulating nonadiabatic conical intersection dynamics by optical cavities
Authors: Gu Bing , Mukamel Shaul
Published: December 2019

Optical cavities hold great promise to manipulate and control the photochemistry of molecules.
How ice bridges the gap
Authors: Nath Saurabh , Ahmadi S. Farzad , Boreyko Jonathan B.
Published: December 2019

We develop models to rationalize the growth of inter-droplet ice bridges that govern condensation frosting on chilled surfaces.
Highly efficient electrochemiluminescence of ruthenium complex-functionalized CdS quantum dots and their analytical application
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Liu Huiwen , Qi Honglan , Gao Qiang , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: December 2019

Highly efficient electrochemiluminescence of ruthenium complex-functionalized CdS quantum dots via ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) and their analytical application.
Effect of large work function modulation of MoS2 by controllable chlorine doping using a remote plasma
Authors: Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Ki Seok , Ji You Jin , Moon Inyong , Heo Keun , Kang Dong-Ho , Kim Kyong Nam , Yoo Won Jong , Park Jin-Hong , Yeom Geun Young
Published: December 2019

In this study, a simple and controllable chlorine doping method of MoS2 using a remote inductively coupled plasma (ICP) was studied and the effect of doping on the properties of MoS2 was investigated by adjusting the work function of MoS2.
Broadband near-infrared (NIR) emission realized by the crystal-field engineering of Y3−xCaxAl5−xSixO12:Cr3+(x= 0–2.0) garnet phosphors
Authors: Mao Minqian , Zhou Tianliang , Zeng Huatao , Wang Le , Huang Fan , Tang Xueyuan , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: December 2019

Broadband NIR emission with high IQE was realized by crystal-field engineering of Y2CaAl4SiO12:Cr.
Effects of Bimodal and Bilateral Cochlear Implant Use on a Nonauditory Working Memory Task: Reading Span Tests Over 2 Years Following Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Macpherson Ewan A. , Curca Ioan A. , Scollie Susan , Parsa Vijay , Vansevenant Katherine , Zimmerman Kim , Lewis-Teeter Jamie , Allen Prudence , Parnes Lorne , Agrawal Sumit
Published: December 2019

Purpose

A growing body of evidence indicates that treatment of hearing loss by provision of hearing aids leads to improvements in auditory and visual working memory. The purpose of this study was to assess whether similar working memory benefits are observed following provision of cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Fifteen adults with postlingually acquired severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss completed the prospective longitudinal study. Participants were candidates for bilateral cochlear implantation with some aidable hearing in each ear. Implantation surgeries were carried out sequentially, approximately 1 year apart. Working memory was measured with the visual Reading Span Test (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980) at 5 time points: pre-operatively following a 6-month bilateral hearing aid trial, after 6 and 12 months of bimodal (CI plus contralateral hearing aid) listening experience following the 1st CI surgery and activation, and again after 6 and 12 months of bilateral CI listening experience following the 2nd CI surgery and activation.

Results

Compared to the preoperative baseline, CI listening experience yielded significant improvements in participants' ability to recall test words in the correct serial order after 12 months in the bimodal condition. Individual performance outcomes were variable, but almost all participants showed increases in task performance over the course of the study.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, similar to appropriate interventions with hearing aids, treatment of hearing loss with CIs can yield working memory benefits. A likely mechanism is the freeing of cognitive resources previously devoted to effortful listening.
Group Experiences and Individual Differences in Stuttering
Authors: Tichenor Seth E. , Yaruss J. Scott
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study explored group experiences and individual differences in the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings perceived by adults who stutter. Respondents' goals when speaking and prior participation in self-help/support groups were used to predict individual differences in reported behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

Method

In this study, 502 adults who stutter completed a survey examining their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in and around moments of stuttering. Data were analyzed to determine distributions of group and individual experiences.

Results

Speakers reported experiencing a wide range of both overt behaviors (e.g., repetitions) and covert behaviors (e.g., remaining silent, choosing not to speak). Having the goal of
not stuttering when speaking
was significantly associated with more covert behaviors and more negative cognitive and affective states, whereas a history of self-help/support group participation was significantly associated with a decreased probability of these behaviors and states.

Conclusion

Data from this survey suggest that participating in self-help/support groups and having a goal of communicating freely (as opposed to trying not to stutter) are associated with less negative life outcomes due to stuttering. Results further indicate that the behaviors, thoughts, and experiences most commonly reported by speakers may not be those that are most readily observed by listeners.