bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadly neutralizing plasma antibodies effective against autologous circulating viruses in infants with multivariant HIV-1 infection
Authors: Mishra Nitesh , Sharma Shaifali , Dobhal Ayushman , Kumar Sanjeev , Chawla Himanshi , Singh Ravinder , Makhdoomi Muzamil Ashraf , Das Bimal Kumar , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra Sushil Kumar , Luthra Kalpana
Published: September 2020

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) develop in a subset of HIV-1 infected individuals over 2–3 years of infection. Infected infants develop plasma bnAbs frequently and as early as 1-year post-infection suggesting factors governing bnAb induction in infants are distinct from adults. Understanding viral characteristics in infected infants with early bnAb responses will provide key information about antigenic triggers driving B cell maturation pathways towards induction of bnAbs. Herein, we evaluate the presence of plasma bnAbs in a cohort of 51 HIV-1 clade-C infected infants and identify viral factors associated with early bnAb responses. Plasma bnAbs targeting V2-apex on the env are predominant in infant elite and broad neutralizers. Circulating viral variants in infant elite neutralizers are susceptible to V2-apex bnAbs. In infant elite neutralizers, multivariant infection is associated with plasma bnAbs targeting diverse autologous viruses. Our data provides information supportive of polyvalent vaccination approaches capable of inducing V2-apex bnAbs against HIV-1.
A programmable epidermal microfluidic valving system for wearable biofluid management and contextual biomarker analysis
Authors: Lin Haisong , Tan Jiawei , Zhu Jialun , Lin Shuyu , Zhao Yichao , Yu Wenzhuo , Hojaiji Hannaneh , Wang Bo , Yang Siyang , Cheng Xuanbing , Wang Zhaoqing , Tang Eric , Yeung Christopher , Emaminejad Sam
Published: September 2020

Active biofluid management is central to the realization of wearable bioanalytical platforms that are poised to autonomously provide frequent, real-time, and accurate measures of biomarkers in epidermally-retrievable biofluids (e.g., sweat). Accordingly, here, a programmable epidermal microfluidic valving system is devised, which is capable of biofluid sampling, routing, and compartmentalization for biomarker analysis. At its core, the system is a network of individually-addressable microheater-controlled thermo-responsive hydrogel valves, augmented with a pressure regulation mechanism to accommodate pressure built-up, when interfacing sweat glands. The active biofluid control achieved by this system is harnessed to create unprecedented wearable bioanalytical capabilities at both the sensor level (decoupling the confounding influence of flow rate variability on sensor response) and the system level (facilitating context-based sensor selection/protection). Through integration with a wireless flexible printed circuit board and seamless bilateral communication with consumer electronics (e.g., smartwatch), contextually-relevant (scheduled/on-demand) on-body biomarker data acquisition/display was achieved.
Yield reduction under climate warming varies among wheat cultivars in South Africa
Authors: Shew Aaron M. , Tack Jesse B. , Nalley Lawton L. , Chaminuka Petronella
Published: September 2020

Understanding extreme weather impacts on staple crops such as wheat is vital for creating adaptation strategies and increasing food security, especially in dryland cropping systems across Southern Africa. This study analyses heat impacts on wheat using daily weather information and a dryland wheat dataset for 71 cultivars across 17 locations in South Africa from 1998 to 2014. We estimate temperature impacts on yields in extensive regression models, finding that extreme heat drives wheat yield losses, with an additional 24 h of exposure to temperatures above 30 °C associated with a 12.5% yield reduction. Results from a uniform warming scenario of +1 °C show an average wheat yield reduction of 8.5%, which increases to 18.4% and 28.5% under +2 and +3 °C scenarios. We also find evidence of differences in heat effects across cultivars, which suggests warming impacts may be reduced through the sharing of gene pools amongst wheat breeding programs.
Modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine expressing Marburg virus-like particles protects guinea pigs from lethal Marburg virus infection
Authors: Malherbe Delphine C. , Domi Arban , Hauser Mary J. , Meyer Michelle , Gunn Bronwyn M. , Alter Galit , Bukreyev Alexander , Guirakhoo Farshad
Published: September 2020

We introduce a new vaccine platform against Marburg virus (MARV) combining the advantages of the immunogenicity of a highly attenuated vaccine vector (Modified Vaccinia Ankara, MVA) with the authentic conformation of virus-like particles (VLPs). Our vaccine, MVA–MARV–VLP, expresses the minimal components of MARV VLPs: the envelope glycoprotein GP and the matrix protein VP40. Electron microscopy confirmed self-assembly and budding of VLPs from infected cells. Prime/boost vaccination of guinea pigs with MVA–MARV–VLP-elicited MARV-specific binding and neutralizing antibody responses. Vaccination also induced Fc-mediated innate immune effector functions including activation of NK cells and antibody-dependent phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes. Inoculation of vaccinated animals with guinea pig-adapted MARV demonstrated 100% protection against death and disease with no viremia. Therefore, our vaccine platform, expressing two antigens resulting in assembly of VLPs in the native conformation in vaccinated hosts, can be used as a potent vaccine against MARV.
Static moiré patterns in moving grids
Authors: Saveljev Vladimir , Kim Jaisoon , Son Jung-Young , Kim Yongsuk , Heo Gwanghee
Published: September 2020

We describe an optical phenomenon of unmovable moiré patterns in sliding (moving) grids and gratings. The phenomenon was observed visually in the planar straight movement of the black-and-white gratings with a period of several mm. This is a velocity-independent effect confirmed analytically and in a computer simulation based on the spatial averaging. We found the static directions of the moiré patterns in the regular grids, but our technique can be also applied to other objects. The orientation and period of the static moiré patterns are not obvious, especially in the presence of the distance effect. The phenomenon can be practically used in security applications.
Snapshots of ADP-ribose bound to Getah virus macro domain reveal an intriguing choreography
Authors: Ferreira-Ramos Ana Sofia , Sulzenbacher Gerlind , Canard Bruno , Coutard Bruno
Published: September 2020

Alphaviruses are (re-)emerging arboviruses of public health concern. The nsP3 gene product is one of the key players during viral replication. NsP3 comprises three domains: a macro domain, a zinc-binding domain and a hypervariable region. The macro domain is essential at both early and late stages of the replication cycle through ADP-ribose (ADPr) binding and de-ADP-ribosylation of host proteins. However, both its specific role and the precise molecular mechanism of de-ADP-ribosylation across specific viral families remains to be elucidated. Here we investigate by X-ray crystallography the mechanism of ADPr reactivity in the active site of Getah virus macro domain, which displays a peculiar substitution of one of the conserved residues in the catalytic loop. ADPr adopts distinct poses including a covalent bond between the C′′1 of the ADPr and a conserved Togaviridae-specific cysteine. These different poses observed for ADPr may represent snapshots of the de-ADP-ribosylation mechanism, highlighting residues to be further characterised.
Mass flux decay timescales of volcanic particles due to aeolian processes in the Argentinian Patagonia steppe
Authors: Dominguez Lucia , Rossi Eduardo , Mingari Leonardo , Bonadonna Costanza , Forte Pablo , Panebianco Juan Esteban , Bran Donaldo
Published: September 2020

We investigate the timescales of the horizontal mass flux decay of wind remobilised volcanic particles in Argentina, associated with the tephra-fallout deposit produced by the 2011–2012 Cordón Caulle (Chile) eruption. Particle removal processes are controlled by complex interactions of meteorological conditions, surface properties and particle depletion with time. We find that ash remobilisation follows a two-phase exponential decay with specific timescales for the initial input of fresh ash (1–74 days) and the following soil stabilisation processes (3–52 months). The characteristic timescales as a function of particle size shows two minimum values, identified for sizes around 2 and 19–37 $$\upmu$$
μ
m, suggesting that these size-range particles are remobilised more easily, due to the interaction between saltation and suspension-induced processes. We find that in volcanic regions, characterised by a sudden release and a subsequent depletion of particles, the availability of wind-erodible particles plays a major role due to compaction and removal of fine particles. We propose, therefore, a simple and reproducible empirical model to describe the mass flux decay of remobilised ash in a supply-limited environment. This methodology represents an innovative approach to link field measurements of multi-sized and supply-limited deposits with saltation erosion theory.
Dopamine D1 receptor signalling in dyskinetic Parkinsonian rats revealed by fiber photometry using FRET-based biosensors
Authors: Jones-Tabah Jace , Mohammad Hanan , Hadj-Youssef Shadi , Kim Lucy E. H. , Martin Ryan D. , Benaliouad Faïza , Tanny Jason C. , Clarke Paul B. S. , Hébert Terence E.
Published: September 2020

As with many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the signalling pathways regulated by the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) are dynamic, cell type-specific, and can change in the face of disease or drug exposures. In striatal neurons, the D1R activates cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling. However, in Parkinson’s disease (PD), alterations in this pathway lead to functional upregulation of extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), contributing to l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). In order to detect D1R activation in vivo and to study the progressive dysregulation of D1R signalling in PD and LID, we developed ratiometric fiber-photometry with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors and optically detected PKA and ERK1/2 signalling in freely moving rats. We show that in Parkinsonian animals, D1R signalling through PKA and ERK1/2 is sensitized, but that following chronic treatment with l-DOPA, these pathways become partially desensitized while concurrently D1R activation leads to greater induction of dyskinesia.
Carbonated rankinite binder: effect of curing parameters on microstructure, strength development and durability performance
Authors: Smigelskyte Agne , Siauciunas Raimundas , Hilbig Harald , Decker Marco , Urbonas Liudvikas , Skripkiunas Gintautas
Published: September 2020

Due to the high CO2-footprint of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the search for alternative binders is now in a full swing. Rankinite—which is a hydraulically inactive material and low in calcium, is a real alternative to OPC, as it absorbs the harmful greenhouse gas from the air through carbonation hardening. Nevertheless, the carbonation hardening has not yet been fully clarified and sufficiently investigated. In this study we show that rankinite achieves a final strength exceeding 100 MPa at 45 °C and 24 h, whereby the binder is only ~ 50% carbonated. The reaction is diffusion limited while a dense layer of carbonation products around the rankinite grains hinders a higher degree of carbonation. The carbonation reaction could be fully characterized by spatially resolved microanalysis such as LA-ICP-MS, NMR and XRD. Finally, durability tests show the excellent suitability of the rankinite binder for a wide range of applications, making it an attractive material not only from an environmental point of view.
Development of the ventricular myocardial trabeculae in Scyliorhinus canicula (Chondrichthyes): evolutionary implications
Authors: López-Unzu Miguel A. , Durán Ana Carmen , Rodríguez Cristina , Soto-Navarrete María Teresa , Sans-Coma Valentín , Fernández Borja
Published: September 2020

The development of the ventricular myocardial trabeculae occurs in three steps: emergence, trabeculation and remodeling. The whole process has been described in vertebrates with two different myocardial structural types, spongy (zebrafish) and compact (chicken and mouse). In this context, two alternative mechanisms of myocardial trabeculae emergence have been identified: (1) in chicken and mouse, the endocardial cells invade the two-layered myocardium; (2) in zebrafish, cardiomyocytes from the monolayered myocardium invaginate towards the endocardium. Currently, the process has not been studied in detail in vertebrates having a mixed type of ventricular myocardium, with an inner trabecular and an outer compact layer, which is presumptively the most primitive morphology in gnathostomes. We studied the formation of the mixed ventricular myocardium in the lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula,Elasmobranchii), using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our results show that early formation of the mixed ventricular myocardium, specifically the emergence and the trabeculation steps, is driven by an endocardial invasion of the myocardium. The mechanism of trabeculation of the mixed ventricular myocardium in chondrichthyans is the one that best reproduces how this developmental process has been established from the beginning of the gnathostome radiation. The process has been apparently preserved throughout the entire group of sarcopterygians, including birds and mammals. In contrast, teleosts, at least those possessing a mostly spongy ventricular myocardium, seem to have introduced notable changes in their myocardial trabeculae development.
Altitude and hillside orientation shapes the population structure of the Leishmania infantum vector Phlebotomus ariasi
Authors: Prudhomme Jorian , De Meeûs Thierry , Toty Céline , Cassan Cécile , Rahola Nil , Vergnes Baptiste , Charrel Remi , Alten Bulent , Sereno Denis , Bañuls Anne-Laure
Published: September 2020

Despite their role inLeishmaniatransmission, little is known about the organization of sand fly populations in their environment. Here, we used 11 previously described microsatellite markers to investigate the population genetic structure ofPhlebotomus ariasi, the main vector ofLeishmania infantumin the region of Montpellier (South of France). From May to October 2011, we captured 1,253Ph. ariasispecimens using sticky traps in 17 sites in the North of Montpellier along a 14-km transect, and recorded the relevant environmental data (e.g., altitude and hillside). Among the selected microsatellite markers, we removed five loci because of stutter artifacts, absence of polymorphism, or non-neutral evolution. Multiple regression analyses showed the influence of altitude and hillside (51% and 15%, respectively), and the absence of influence of geographic distance on the genetic data. The observed significant isolation by elevation suggested a population structure ofPh. ariasiorganized in altitudinal ecotypes with substantial rates of migration and positive assortative mating. This organization has implications on sand fly ecology and pathogen transmission. Indeed, this structure might favor the global temporal and spatial stability of sand fly populations and the spread and increase ofL. infantumcases in France. Our results highlight the necessity to consider sand fly populations at small scales to study their ecology and their impact on pathogens they transmit.
Repellent, oviposition-deterrent, and insecticidal activity of the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum fioriniae on Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in highbush blueberries
Authors: Urbaneja-Bernat Pablo , Waller Timothy , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar
Published: September 2020

Spotted-wing drosophila,Drosophila suzukii, and the anthracnose pathogenColletotrichum fioriniaeare an important insect pest and fungal disease of highbush blueberries, respectively, in the United States. However, whetherC. fioriniaeinfection affectsD. suzukiipreference and performance remains unknown. Here, we conducted choice and no-choice studies to determine the repellent, oviposition-deterrent, and insecticidal effects ofC. fioriniaeonD. suzukii. In choice tests, blueberry fruit treated with anthracnose solutions containing spores from either field-collected infected fruit (‘fruit’) or a laboratoryC. fioriniaeculture (‘colony’) were less attractive to sexually matureD. suzukiifemales, but not males, than untreated fruit. The plant tissue (fruit or leaves) did not influenceC. fioriniaerepellency effects onD. suzukii. In no-choice tests, 55% fewer numbers of eggs were laid on, and 65% fewer adults emerged from, blueberry fruit treated with either the ‘fruit’ or ‘colony’ anthracnose solution than untreated fruit. Egg-to-adultD. suzukiisurvival was also 12% lower onC. fioriniae-infected fruit. No repellency or negative effects on survival were observed whenC. fioriniaespores were filtered out of the solution. These findings will help efforts towards the discovery of microbial-derived repellent/oviposition-deterrent compounds that could be used in behavior-based management strategies forD. suzukii.
Twentieth-century emergence of antimicrobial resistant human- and bovine-associated Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium lineages in New York State
Authors: Carroll Laura M. , Huisman Jana S. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: September 2020

Salmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium (S.Typhimurium) boasts a broad host range and can be transmitted between livestock and humans. While members of this serotype can acquire resistance to antimicrobials, the temporal dynamics of this acquisition is not well understood. Using New York State (NYS) and its dairy cattle farms as a model system, 87S.Typhimurium strains isolated from 1999 to 2016 from either human clinical or bovine-associated sources in NYS were characterized using whole-genome sequencing. More than 91% of isolates were classified into one of four major lineages, two of which were largely susceptible to antimicrobials but showed sporadic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene acquisition, and two that were largely multidrug-resistant (MDR). All four lineages clustered by presence and absence of elements in the pan-genome. The two MDR lineages, one of which resembledS.Typhimurium DT104, were predicted to have emerged circa 1960 and 1972. The two largely susceptible lineages emerged earlier, but showcased sporadic AMR determinant acquisition largely after 1960, including acquisition of cephalosporin resistance-conferring genes after 1985. These results confine the majority of AMR acquisition events in NYSS.Typhimurium to the twentieth century, largely within the era of antibiotic usage.
Importance of structure-based studies for the design of a novel HIV-1 inhibitor peptide
Authors: Gomara María J. , Perez Yolanda , Gomez-Gutierrez Patricia , Herrera Carolina , Ziprin Paul , Martinez Javier P. , Meyerhans Andreas , Perez Juan J. , Haro Isabel
Published: September 2020

Based on the structure of an HIV-1 entry inhibitor peptide two stapled- and a retro-enantio peptides have been designed to provide novel prevention interventions against HIV transmission. The three peptides show greater inhibitory potencies in cellular and mucosal tissue pre-clinical models than the parent sequence and the retro-enantio shows a strengthened proteolytic stability. Since HIV-1 fusion inhibitor peptides need to be embedded in the membrane to properly interact with their viral target, the structural features were determined by NMR spectroscopy in micelles and solved by using restrained molecular dynamics calculations. Both parent and retro-enantio peptides demonstrate a topology compatible with a shared helix–turn–helix conformation and assemble similarly in the membrane maintaining the active conformation needed for its interaction with the viral target site. This study represents a straightforward approach to design new targeted peptides as HIV-1 fusion inhibitors and lead us to define a retro-enantio peptide as a good candidate for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1.
Ectopic expression of GhSAMDC1 improved plant vegetative growth and early flowering through conversion of spermidine to spermine in tobacco
Authors: Zhu Huaguo , Tian Wengang , Zhu Xuefeng , Tang Xinxin , Wu Lan , Hu Xiaoming , Jin Shuangxia
Published: September 2020

Polyamines play essential roles in plant development and various stress responses. In this study, one of the cotton S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) genes, GhSAMDC1, was constructed in the pGWB17 vector and overexpressed in tobacco. Leaf area and plant height increased 25.9–36.6% and 15.0–27.0%, respectively, compared to the wild type, and flowering time was advanced by 5 days in transgenic tobacco lines. Polyamine and gene expression analyses demonstrated that a decrease in spermidine and an increase in total polyamines and spermine might be regulated by NtSPDS4 and NtSPMS in transgenic plants. Furthermore, exogenous spermidine, spermine and spermidine synthesis inhibitor dicyclohexylamine were used for complementary tests, which resulted in small leaves and dwarf plants, big leaves and early flowering, and big leaves and dwarf plants, respectively. These results indicate that spermidine and spermine are mainly involved in the vegetative growth and early flowering stages, respectively. Expression analysis of flowering-related genes suggested that NtSOC1, NtAP1, NtNFL1 and NtFT4 were upregulated in transgenic plants. In conclusion, ectopic GhSAMDC1 is involved in the conversion of spermidine to spermine, resulting in rapid vegetative growth and early flowering in tobacco, which could be applied to genetically improve plants.
Functional maintenance of calcium store by ShcB adaptor protein in cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Kakizawa Sho , Kishimoto Yasushi , Yamamoto Shinichiro , Onga Kazuko , Yasuda Kunihiko , Miyamoto Yoshiaki , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakai Ryuichi , Mori Nozomu
Published: September 2020

Intracellular Ca2+ levels are changed by influx from extracellular medium and release from intracellular stores. In the central nervous systems, Ca2+ release is involved in various physiological events, such as neuronal excitability and transmitter release. Although stable Ca2+ release in response to stimulus is critical for proper functions of the nervous systems, regulatory mechanisms relating to Ca2+ release are not fully understood in central neurons. Here, we demonstrate that ShcB, an adaptor protein expressed in central neurons, has an essential role in functional maintenance of Ca2+ store in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). ShcB-knockout (KO) mice showed defects in cerebellar-dependent motor function and long-term depression (LTD) at cerebellar synapse. The reduced LTD was accompanied with an impairment of intracellular Ca2+ release. Although the expression of Ca2+ release channels and morphology of Ca2+ store looked intact, content of intracellular Ca2+ store and activity of sarco/endoplasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) were largely decreased in the ShcB-deficient cerebellum. Furthermore, when ShcB was ectopically expressed in the ShcB-KO PCs, the Ca2+ release and its SERCA-dependent component were restored. These data indicate that ShcB plays a key role in the functional maintenance of ER Ca2+ store in central neurons through regulation of SERCA activity.
Canagliflozin attenuates isoprenaline-induced cardiac oxidative stress by stimulating multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways
Authors: Hasan Raquibul , Lasker Shoumen , Hasan Ahasanul , Zerin Farzana , Zamila Mushfera , Chowdhury Faizul Islam , Nayan Shariful Islam , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Khan Ferdous , Subhan Nusrat , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: September 2020

The antidiabetic drug canagliflozin is reported to possess several cardioprotective effects. However, no studies have investigated protective effects of canagliflozin in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced cardiac oxidative damage—a model mimicking sympathetic nervous system (SNS) overstimulation-evoked cardiac injuries in humans. Therefore, we investigated protective effects of canagliflozin in ISO-induced cardiac oxidative stress, and their underlying molecular mechanisms in Long-Evans rat heart and in HL-1 cardiomyocyte cell line. Our data showed that ISO administration inflicts pro-oxidative changes in heart by stimulating production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). In contrast, canagliflozin treatment in ISO rats not only preserves endogenous antioxidants but also reduces cardiac oxidative stress markers, fibrosis and apoptosis. Our Western blotting and messenger RNA expression data demonstrated that canagliflozin augments antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In addition, canagliflozin treatment attenuates pro-oxidative, pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic signaling mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (Nox4), caspase-3 and Bax. Consistently, canagliflozin treatment improves heart function marker in ISO-treated rats. In summary, we demonstrated that canagliflozin produces cardioprotective actions by promoting multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling.
Diffusible GRAPHIC to visualize morphology of cells after specific cell–cell contact
Authors: Kinoshita Nagatoki , Huang Arthur J. Y. , McHugh Thomas J. , Miyawaki Atsushi , Shimogori Tomomi
Published: September 2020

The ability to identify specific cell–cell contact in the highly heterogeneous mammalian body is crucial to revealing precise control of the body plan and correct function. To visualize local connections, we previously developed a genetically encoded fluorescent indicator, GRAPHIC, which labels cell–cell contacts by restricting the reconstituted green fluorescent protein (GFP) signal to the contact site. Here, we modify GRAPHIC to give the reconstituted GFP motility within the membrane, to detect cells that make contact with other specific cells. Removal of leucine zipper domains, located between the split GFP fragment and glycophosphatidylinositol anchor domain, allowed GFP reconstituted at the contact site to diffuse throughout the entire plasma membrane, revealing cell morphology. Further, depending on the structural spacers employed, the reconstituted GFP could be selectively targeted to N terminal (NT)- or C terminal (CT)-probe-expressing cells. Using these novel constructs, we demonstrated that we can specifically label NT-probe-expressing cells that made contact with CT-probe-expressing cells in an epithelial cell culture and in Xenopus 8-cell-stage blastomeres. Moreover, we showed that diffusible GRAPHIC (dGRAPHIC) can be used in neuronal circuits to trace neurons that make contact to reveal a connection map. Finally, application in the developing brain demonstrated that the dGRAPHIC signal remained on neurons that had transient contacts during circuit development to reveal the contact history. Altogether, dGRAPHIC is a unique probe that can visualize cells that made specific cell–cell contact.
Four meta-analyses across 164 studies on atypical footedness prevalence and its relation to handedness
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Schmitz Judith , Berretz Gesa , Carey David P. , Paracchini Silvia , Papadatou-Pastou Marietta , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Human lateral preferences, such as handedness and footedness, have interested researchers for decades due to their pronounced asymmetries at the population level. While there are good estimates on the prevalence of handedness in the population, there is no large-scale estimation on the prevalence of footedness. Furthermore, the relationship between footedness and handedness still remains elusive. Here, we conducted meta-analyses with four different classification systems for footedness on 145,135 individuals across 164 studies including new data from the ALSPAC cohort. The study aimed to determine a reliable point estimate of footedness, to study the association between footedness and handedness, and to investigate moderating factors influencing footedness. We showed that the prevalence of atypical footedness ranges between 12.10% using the most conservative criterion of left-footedness to 23.7% including all left- and mixed-footers as a single non-right category. As many as 60.1% of left-handers were left-footed whereas only 3.2% of right-handers were left-footed. Males were 4.1% more often non-right-footed compared to females. Individuals with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders exhibited a higher prevalence of non-right-footedness. Furthermore, the presence of mixed-footedness was higher in children compared to adults and left-footedness was increased in athletes compared to the general population. Finally, we showed that footedness is only marginally influenced by cultural and social factors, which play a crucial role in the determination of handedness. Overall, this study provides new and useful reference data for laterality research. Furthermore, the data suggest that footedness is a valuable phenotype for the study of lateral motor biases, its underlying genetics and neurodevelopment.
The short isoform of extended synaptotagmin-2 controls Ca2+ dynamics in T cells via interaction with STIM1
Authors: Woo Jin Seok , Sun Zuoming , Srikanth Sonal , Gwack Yousang
Published: September 2020

Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels elevate cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, which is essential for T cell activation, differentiation and effector functions. T cell receptor stimulation induces depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores, which is sensed by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). STIM1 translocates to the ER-plasma membrane (PM) junctions to interact with ORAI1, the pore subunit of the CRAC channels. Here, we show that two members of the extended synaptotagmin (E-Syt) family, E-Syt1, and the short isoform of E-Syt2 (E-Syt2S), contribute to activation of CRAC channels in T cells. Knockdown or deletion of both ESYT1 and ESYT2 reduced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and ORAI1-STIM1 clustering in Jurkat T cells. Further, depletion of E-Syts in primary T cells decreased Ca2+ entry and cytokine production. While the ER-PM junctions were reduced in both HeLa and Jurkat T cells deleted for ESYT1 and ESYT2, SOCE was impaired only in Jurkat T cells, suggesting that the membrane-tethering function of E-Syts is distinct from their role in SOCE. Mechanistically, E-Syt2S, the predominant isoform of E-Syt2 in T cells, recruited STIM1 to the junctions via a direct interaction. This study demonstrates a membrane-tethering-independent role of E-Syts in activation of CRAC channels in T cells.
Blood collection technique, anticoagulants and storing temperature have minor effects on the isolation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils
Authors: Krabbe Julia , Beilmann Viktor , Alamzad-Krabbe Hanif , Böll Svenja , Seifert Anke , Ruske Nadine , Kraus Thomas , Martin Christian
Published: September 2020

In the isolation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) the technique and other external factors can have great influence on the quality and quantity of isolated neutrophils. To elucidate the influence of the blood collection technique, anticoagulants and storing temperature on isolated PMNs healthy volunteers provided blood samples with different needles and collection techniques, anticoagulants (EDTA, heparin, citrate) and storing temperatures (4, 22, 37 °C). From each blood sample PMNs were isolated and compared regarding number of PMNs and oxidative burst. The blood collection technique, anticoagulants and storing temperature had minor impact on isolated PMNs. All three tested cannulas and anticoagulants can be used to obtain blood samples for PMN isolation. For storing temperatures 37 °C should be preferred. Regarding time between the PMN isolation and the actual experiments, a time span of maximum 1 h should be targeted.
Inhibition of non-homologous end joining of gamma ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks by cAMP signaling in lung cancer cells
Authors: Noh Sung-Eun , Juhnn Yong-Sung
Published: September 2020

DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) are formed by various exogenous and endogenous factors and are repaired by homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is the principal enzyme for NHEJ. We explored the role and the underlying mechanism of cAMP signaling in the NHEJ repair of DSBs resulted from gamma ray irradiation to non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) cells. Activated cAMP signaling by expression of an activated stimulatory GTP-binding protein or by pretreatment with isoproterenol and prostaglandin E2, delayed the repair of DSBs resulted from gamma ray irradiation, and the delaying effects depended on protein kinase A (PKA). Activated cAMP signaling suppressed XRCC4 and DNA ligase IV recruitment into DSB foci, and reduced phosphorylation at T2609 in DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) with a concomitant increase in phosphorylation at S2056 in PKA-dependent ways following gamma ray irradiation. cAMP signaling decreased phosphorylation of T2609 by protein phosphatase 2A-dependent inhibition of ATM. We conclude that cAMP signaling delays the repair of gamma ray-induced DNA DSBs in NSLC cells by inhibiting NHEJ via PKA-dependent pathways, and that cAMP signaling differentially modulates DNA-PKcs phosphorylation at S2056 and T2609, which might contribute to the inhibition of NHEJ in NSLC cells.
The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Goosen Wynand J. , Kerr Tanya J. , Kleynhans Léanie , Warren Robin M. , van Helden Paul D. , Persing David H. , Parsons Sven D. C. , Buss Peter , Miller Michele A.
Published: September 2020

The study describes the novel use of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA in samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Culture negative respiratory sample matrices were spiked to determine if the Ultra could detect MTBC DNA in rhinoceros and elephant samples. Rhinoceros bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was found to have an inhibitory effect on the Ultra. In this study, the limit of detection (LOD) of M. tuberculosis H37Rv in all spiked animal samples were 2 CFU/ml compared to 15.6 CFU/ml for humans, while the LOD for M. bovis SB0121 was 30 CFU/ml compared to 143.4 CFU/ml for M. bovis BCG in humans. Screening was performed on stored tissue and respiratory samples from known MTBC-infected animals and MTBC DNA was detected in 92% of samples collected from six rhinoceros and two elephants. Conversely, 83% of culture-negative tissue and respiratory samples from uninfected animals tested negative on the Ultra. In conclusion, the Ultra assay appears to be a sensitive and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of MTBC DNA from tissue and respiratory samples collected from African elephants and rhinoceros. Furthermore, the Ultra assay could provide a new tool for the detection of MTBC in various sample types from other wildlife species.
Optimal number of faces for fast self-folding kirigami
Authors: Melo H. P. M. , Dias C. S. , Araújo N. A. M.
Published: September 2020

There is an increasing body of research studying how to obtain 3D structures at the microscale from the spontaneous folding of planar templates, using thermal fluctuations as the driving force. Here, combining numerical simulations and analytical calculations, we show that the total folding time of a regular pyramid is a non-monotonic function of the number of faces (N), with a minimum for five faces. The motion of each face is consistent with a Brownian process and folding occurs through a sequence of irreversible binding events between faces. The first one is well-described by a first-passage process in 2D, with a characteristic time that decays with N. By contrast, the subsequent binding events are first-passage processes in 1D and the time of the last one grows logarithmically with N. It is the interplay between these two different sets of events that explains the non-monotonic behavior. Implications in the self-folding of more complex structures are discussed.
Ambient (desorption/ionization) mass spectrometry methods for pesticide testing in food: a review
Authors: Beneito-Cambra Miriam , Gilbert-López Bienvenida , Moreno-González David , Bouza Marcos , Franzke Joachim , García-Reyes Juan F. , Molina-Díaz Antonio
Published: September 2020

Ambient mass spectrometry allows the analysis of samples for the fast determination of pesticide residues in foods with minimal to no sample workup.
Linear hybrid siloxane-based side chains for highly soluble isoindigo-based conjugated polymers
Authors: Ding Yafei , Jiang Longlong , Du Yuchang , Kim Sanghyo , Wang Xiaohong , Lu Hongbo , Zhang Guobing , Cho Kilwon , Qiu Longzhen
Published: September 2020

Linear hybrid siloxane-based side chains: giving isoindigo-based conjugated polymers high electrical properties and excellent solubilities in various common organic solvents.
Ester-mediated peptide formation promoted by deep eutectic solvents: a facile pathway to proto-peptides
Authors: Chien Chen-Yu , Yu Sheng-Sheng
Published: September 2020

Deep eutectic solvents enable efficient growth of proto-peptides with low sequence complexity.
Dual emitting Ag35 nanocluster protected by 2-pyrene imine thiol
Authors: Jana Arijit , Chakraborty Papri , Dar Wakeel Ahmed , Chandra Sourov , Khatun Esma , Kannan M. P. , Ras Robin H. A. , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: September 2020

This is the first report of a 2-pyrene imine thiol and triphenylphosphine-co-protected silver nanocluster, having blue and NIR, dual emission properties.
Enzymatic formation of consecutive thymine–HgII–thymine base pairs by DNA polymerases
Authors: Funai Tatsuya , Tagawa Chizuko , Nakagawa Osamu , Wada Shun-ichi , Ono Akira , Urata Hidehito
Published: September 2020

Ten consecutive T–HgII–T base pairs were successfully formed by DNA polymerase-catalyzed primer extension reactions.
Automated solid-phase concatenation of Aib residues to form long, water-soluble, helical peptides
Authors: Zieleniewski Francis , Woolfson Derek N. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: September 2020

Modified conditions for solid phase peptide synthesis allows repeated coupling of hindered residues, giving water-soluble peptides with up to 17 consecutive Aib residues.
Introducing borane clusters into polymeric frameworks: architecture, synthesis, and applications
Authors: Yan Jing , Yang Weihong , Zhang Qiuyu , Yan Yi
Published: September 2020

This feature article summarizes the preparation and applications of borane cluster-containing polymers and covers research progress and future trends of borane cluster-containing linear, dendritic, macrocyclic polymers and metal–organic frameworks.
Spin-resolved charge displacement analysis as an intuitive tool for the evaluation of cPCET and HAT scenarios
Authors: D'Amore Lorenzo , Belpassi Leonardo , Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Swart Marcel
Published: September 2020

The spin-resolved version of the charge displacement function is introduced as an intuitive tool for differentiating between hydrogen-atom transfer and concerted proton-coupled electron transfer.
Recent advances in electrochemical 2e oxygen reduction reaction for on-site hydrogen peroxide production and beyond
Authors: Wang Kun , Huang Jianhao , Chen Haixin , Wang Yi , Song Shuqin
Published: September 2020

Development of 2e ORR electrocatalysts, reactor design of H2O2 on-site production and construction of solar energy/electricity-H2O2 co-generation integrated system are summarized and simultaneously our own viewpoints about the above-mentioned case are given.
Chiral discrimination between tyrosine and β-cyclodextrin revealed by cryogenic ion trap infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hirata Keisuke , Mori Yuta , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki , Zehnacker Anne
Published: September 2020

Cryogenic ion trap infrared spectroscopy reveals that different binding motifs between the two enantiomers of protonated tyrosine and permethylated β-cyclodextrin result in chiral discrimination.
Disentangling the liquid phase exfoliation of two-dimensional materials: an “in silico” perspective
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Titas Kumar , Datta Ayan
Published: September 2020

In this perspective article, recent advances in molecular simulation techniques have been reviewed to shed light on the complexity of liquid phase exfoliation of 2D materials.
Localization in the SCAN meta-generalized gradient approximation functional leading to broken symmetry ground states for graphene and benzene
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Zhang Wenqing , Singh David J.
Published: September 2020

SCAN over localizes orbitals leading to spin symmetry broken ground states in graphene and benzene.
Phase-field crystal modeling of crystal growth patterns with competition of undercooling and atomic density
Authors: Muhammad Suleman , Li Yongsheng , Yan Zhengwei , Maqbool Shahid , Shi Shujing , Muhammad Iltaf
Published: September 2020

Crystal growth with various patterns, hexagonal, circular, square, rectangular, star-like, and faceted, was investigated using the one-mode approximation of phase-field crystal (PFC) modeling.
Supramolecular and suprabiomolecular photochemistry: a perspective overview
Authors: Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha , Pal Haridas
Published: September 2020

This review article brings out current research trends in supramolecular and suprabiomolecular photochemistry, highlighting their possible applications in different areas.
Hybrid superlattices of two-dimensional materials and organics
Authors: Huang Yujia , Liang Jia , Wang Chen , Yin Shujia , Fu Wangyang , Zhu Hongwei , Wan Chunlei
Published: September 2020

Hybrid inorganic/organic superlattices provide a new path to access the exceptional properties of 2D materials in bulk quantities for macroscopic applications.
Insight into the enhanced catalytic activity of a red mud based Fe2O3/Zn–Al layered double hydroxide in the photo-Fenton reaction
Authors: Li Qingyong , Wei Guangtao , Yang Yanjuan , Li Zhongmin , Zhang Linye , Shao Luhua , Lai Shiting
Published: September 2020

In this work, the enhanced catalytic activity of red mud based Fe2O3/Zn–Al layered double hydroxide in the photo-Fenton reaction has been studied in detail.
Towards better understanding of the photophysics of platinum(ii) coordination compounds with anthracene- and pyrene-substituted 2,6-bis(thiazol-2-yl)pyridines
Authors: Maria Maroń Anna , Choroba Katarzyna , Pedzinski Tomasz , Machura Barbara
Published: September 2020

The photophysical properties of platinum(ii) compounds with 4-(9-anthryl)-2,6-bis(thiazol-2-yl)pyridine (1) and 4-(1-pyrenyl)-2,6-bis(thiazol-2-yl)pyridine (2) were widely investigated.
Activation of small molecules by cyclic alkyl amino silylenes (CAASis) and germylenes (CAAGes): a theoretical study
Authors: Ghosh Bijoy , Bharadwaz Priyam , Sarkar Nibedita , Phukan Ashwini K.
Published: September 2020

Density functional theory calculations predict that skeletally substituted cyclic alkyl amino silylenes (CAASis) and germylenes (CAAGes) could be considered potential candidates for the activation of small molecules.
Evaluating the accuracy of two in situ optical sensors to estimate DOC concentrations for drinking water production
Authors: Hoffmeister S. , Murphy K. R. , Cascone C. , Ledesma J. L. J. , Köhler S. J.
Published: September 2020

Fluorescence and absorbance based sensors for DOC concentration estimations can help in optimizing drinking water production processes.
In situ electrochemical H2 production for efficient and stable power-to-gas electromethanogenesis
Authors: Kracke Frauke , Deutzmann Jörg S. , Gu Wenyu , Spormann Alfred M.
Published: September 2020

Directly integrated system demonstrating robust microbial electromethanogenesis at high rate and efficiency without requiring microbial adaptation to electrochemical conditions.
A mechanism study on the efficient conversion of cellulose to acetol over Sn–Co catalysts with low Sn content
Authors: Liu Xiaohao , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Haiyong , Xiao Tianci , Zhang Ying , Ma Longlong
Published: September 2020

Sn–Co/SiO2 with low Sn content can effectively catalyze cellulose conversion to acetol, but Sn–Ni/SiO2 cannot. The catalytic mechanism was studied systematically.
One-pot compositional and structural regeneration of degraded LiCoO2 for directly reusing it as a high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode
Authors: Yang Juan , Wang Wenyu , Yang Huimeng , Wang Dihua
Published: September 2020

A non-destructive molten salt approach was proposed for the one-pot regeneration of spent LiCoO2 as new cathode materials.
Integrated human organ-on-a-chip model for predictive studies of anti-tumor drug efficacy and cardiac safety
Authors: Chramiec Alan , Teles Diogo , Yeager Keith , Marturano-Kruik Alessandro , Pak Joseph , Chen Timothy , Hao Luke , Wang Miranda , Lock Roberta , Tavakol Daniel Naveed , Lee Marcus Busub , Kim Jinho , Ronaldson-Bouchard Kacey , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: September 2020

In a novel, integrated platform, integration of human bone tumor and cardiac tissues improved predictive accuracy of linsitinib efficacy and safety. This platform mimicked clinical trial results, unlike other pre-clinical models.
An engineered pancreatic cancer model with intra-tumoral heterogeneity of driver mutations
Authors: Moon Hye-ran , Ozcelikkale Altug , Yang Yi , Elzey Bennett D. , Konieczny Stephen F. , Han Bumsoo
Published: September 2020

We present a microfluidic tumor model with intra-tumoral heterogeneity of key driver mutations of pancreatic cancers includingKras, p16 and p53. We demonstrate its potential use of drug screening, and identify a new drug resistance mechanism.
Tuning the morphology of manganese oxide nanostructures for obtaining both high gravimetric and volumetric capacitance
Authors: Pereira Jones de A. , Lacerda Janiny N. , Coelho Izabella F. , Nogueira Cauê de S. C. , Franceschini Dante F. , Ponzio Eduardo A. , Mainier Fernando B. , Xing Yutao
Published: September 2020

We prepared three distinct MnO2 nanostructures, and 976 F g−1 and 830 F cm−3 at 5 mV s−1 were obtained with a perpendicular columnar structure.
Micro- and nanoplastics – current state of knowledge with the focus on oral uptake and toxicity
Authors: Paul Maxi B. , Stock Valerie , Cara-Carmona Julia , Lisicki Elisa , Shopova Sofiya , Fessard Valérie , Braeuning Albert , Sieg Holger , Böhmert Linda
Published: September 2020

This review focuses on micro- and nanoplastic particles with the main focus on oral uptake and transport at the intestinal epithelium and potential toxic consequences.
Carbon-based dot nanoclusters with enhanced roles of defect states in the fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Hu Rongjing , Su Juanxia , Wang Qian , Chen Mingming , Jiao Yajie , Chen Lichan , Dong Binhua , Fu Fengfu , Dong Yongqiang
Published: September 2020

Carbon-based dot nanoclusters for red emission and high yield singlet oxygen generation are reported for the first time.
N-(Cyano(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)benzamides: synthesis, crystal structures, and colorimetric sensing of fluoride anions
Authors: Younes Eyad A. , Hussein Nour , Shtaiwi Majed , Shahrokhi Farshid , Abu Safieh Kayed A. , Zhao Yuming
Published: September 2020

An N-(cyano(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl)benzamide derivative was developed as a colorimetric sensor that shows a dramatic colorless-to-black response to fluoride anions.
Colorimetric detection of creatinine using its specific binding peptides and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Feng Shuaihui , Shi Rongjia , Xu Ping , Bhamore Jigna R. , Bal Jyotiranjan , Baek Seung Hoon , Park Chan Yeong , Park Jong Pil , Park Tae Jung
Published: September 2020

A new selective detection method was developed for creatinine by combining gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and peptide probes which were screened and selected using phage-display technology.