bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Zinc Oxide (GO/ZnO) Nanocomposite and Its Utilization for Photocatalytic Degradation of Basic Fuchsin Dye
Authors: Durmus Zehra , Kurt Belma Zengin , Durmus Ali
Published: January 2019

In this study, graphene oxide/zinc oxide (GO/ZnO) nanocomposite was prepared by the decoration of thermally expanded and chemically oxidized graphite oxide nanosheets with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via two‐step sol‐gel deposition method and used as an effective photocatalyst for degradation of basic fuchsin (BF) dye. Structural properties of GO/ZnO nanocomposite were characterized with X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) methods, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area measurement. It was found that the GO/ZnO nanocomposite formed a two‐dimensional (2D) structure having a composition of 0.54GO/0.46ZnO (w/w) and average ZnO partic le size of 25–30 nm. The band gap of ZnO nanoparticles onto GO nanosheets was found to be 3.25 eV while that of bulk ZnO nanoparticles was determined as 3.70 eV. Photocatalytic degradation works were performed into a UV‐chamber by following the concentration of BF dye. Degradation reaction was modeled with the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood pseudo first‐order kinetic model. GO/ZnO nanocomposite increased the apparent reaction rate constant (k) about three times compared to bulk ZnO nanoparticles under UV light.
A Base‐ and Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Terminal Alkyl Alkynes
Authors: Ying Wei‐Wei , Bao Wen‐Hui , Xu Xu‐Dong , Wang Yi‐Ning , Song Si‐Zhe , Liang Hongze , Dong Youren , Wei Wen‐Ting , Liu Yan‐Yun , Li Qiang
Published: January 2019

A practical synthetic route to 1,3‐diynes from terminal alkyl alkynes through copper‐catalyzed oxidative coupling is developed. The remarkable features of this oxidative coupling including the base‐ and ligand‐free construct of C−C bond, mild reaction conditions, as well as wide substrate scope that is particularly compatible with some terminal alkyl alkynes.
Development of a Noninvasive Method for Early Stage Lung Cancer Diagnosis Based on Methylation Analysis of SHOX2 and PTGER4
Authors: Yin Wei , Zhu Junjie , Gonzalez‐Rivas Diego , Liu Ming , Song Nan , Xu Xinnan , Jiang Gening , Yang Yang
Published: January 2019

The oncogenesis of lung cancer is often accompanied by significant methylation abnormalities, which offer a practical and efficient method for diagnosis. Considering that early diagnosis is of great significance for improving the therapeutic effect of lung cancer, the current study aims to develop a diagnostic method based on methylation level analysis. A specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction system, which quantitatively determines the methylation level of SHOX2 and PTGER4 genes, is constructed. Samples used in this reaction system are obtained through noninvasive means, that is, by enriching cell‐free DNA from peripheral blood. 1303 peripheral blood samples, 475 samples from healthy controls and 828 from patients with nonmalignant lung diseases or lung cancer are collected. The specificity and sensitivity of this system to diagnose early stage lung cancer (stage Tis0 and I) are 95.4% and 68.6%, respectively. When the system is used to detect samples from healthy controls or benign lung disease patients, the specificity and sensitivity reach as high as 96.0% and 92.4%, respectively. These findings suggest that screening early stage lung cancer lesions through determining the methylation of SHOX2 and PTGER4 genes in cell‐free DNA represents a promising tool for clinical application.
Impacts of maternal characteristics and temperature on juvenile survival in the crocodile lizard: Implications for conservation
Authors: Li Qiyu , Luo Shuyi , Yang Chunsheng , Li Shuran , Guo Jun , He Jiasong , Chen Yaohuan , Huang Chengming , Wu Zhengjun , Du Weiguo
Published: January 2019

Captive breeding is an important conservation measure that may restore and enhance wild populations of rare and endangered species. Multiple anthropogenic hazards have brought the crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus, to the brink of extinction. We initiated a captive breeding program and quantified female reproductive traits, including reproductive timing, litter size, litter mass, and neonate size. To identify the internal and external factors affecting female reproductive function, we then analyzed how maternal age is related to body size, temperature, and female reproductive traits. We found that larger female crocodile lizards produced more offspring than smaller ones, as both litter size and litter mass were positively related to maternal body size. In contrast, neonate size was independent of maternal body size. Maternal reproductive output varied among different age groups. Young and old females had significantly smaller living litter size and mass than middle‐aged females. Among captive females, one‐third exhibited early parturition in autumn and winter instead of the following spring, a pattern probably associated with higher ambient temperatures in captivity. Although female reproductive output and neonatal body size did not differ between early‐ and normal‐parturition females, offspring from the former group died earlier than those from the latter. Our study highlights the danger of climate change in hastening parturition, a phenomenon that could significantly hamper neonate survival and impede population recruitment.
Constraining quantum fields using modular theory
Authors: Lashkari Nima
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Tomita-Takesaki modular theory provides a set of algebraic tools in quantum field theory that is suitable for the study of the information-theoretic properties of states. For every open set in spacetime and choice of two states, the modular theory defines a positive operator known as the relative modular operator that decreases monotonically under restriction to subregions. We study the consequences of this operator monotonicity inequality for correlation functions in quantum field theory. We do so by constructing a one-parameter Rényi family of information-theoretic measures from the relative modular operator that inherit monotonicity by construction and reduce to correlation functions in special cases. In the case of finite quantum systems, this Rényi family is the sandwiched Rényi divergence and we obtain a simple proof of its monotonicity. Its monotonicity implies a class of constraints on correlation functions in quantum field theory, only a small set of which were known to us. We explore these inequalities for free fields and conformal field theory. We conjecture that the second null derivative of Rényi divergence is non-negative which is a generalization of the quantum null energy condition to the Rényi family.
Masting of rowan Sorbus aucuparia L. and consequences for the apple fruit moth Argyresthia conjugella Zeller
Authors: Kobro Sverre , Søreide Linda , Djønne Endre , Rafoss Trond , Jaastad Gunnhild , Witzgall Peter
Published: January 2019

Masting of rowan Sorbus aucuparia L. has been studied in 45 sites in southern Norway for 22 years. We present data on the year‐to‐year variation in fruit setting of rowan, and show that masting is spatially synchronous in Norway and probably all over Fennoscandia. The apple fruit moth Argyresthia conjugella Zeller is an important seed predator on rowan. We present data on the abundance of apple fruit moth in rowanberries during these years and discuss the consequences of masting and intermasting of rowan for apple fruit moth as a pest of apple. We conclude that growth and climate have little impact on flowering intensity and suggest that masting of rowan is an adaptive defense against seed predation and a new example of predator satiation: intermast years inhibit predators and prepare the rowan for the subsequent mast.
Laboratory experiments on the temporal decay of homogeneous anisotropic turbulence
Authors: Esteban L. B. , Shrimpton J. S. , Ganapathisubramani B.
Published: January 2019

We experimentally investigate the temporal decay of homogeneous anisotropic turbulence, monitoring the evolution of velocity fluctuations, dissipation and turbulent length scales over time. We employ an apparatus in which two facing random jet arrays of water pumps generate turbulence with negligible mean flow and shear over a volume that is much larger than the initial characteristic turbulent large scale of the flow. The Reynolds number based on the Taylor microscale for forced turbulence is $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 580$ and the axial-to-radial ratio of the root mean square velocity fluctuations is $1.22$. Two velocity components are measured by particle image velocimetry at the symmetry plane of the water tank. Measurements are taken for both ‘stationary’ forced turbulence and natural decaying turbulence. For decaying turbulence, power-law fits to the decay of turbulent kinetic energy reveal two regions over time; in the near-field region ($t/t_{L}<10$, $t_{L}$ is the integral time scale of the forced turbulence) a decay exponent $m\approx -2.3$ is found whereas for the far-field region ($t/t_{L}>10$) the value of the decay exponent was found to be affected by turbulence saturation. The near-field exhibits features of non-equilibrium turbulence with constant $L/\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ and varying $C_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}}$ (dissipation constant). We found a decay exponent $m\approx -1.4$ for the unsaturated regime and $m\approx -1.8$ for the saturated regime, in good agreement with previous numerical and experimental studies. We also observe a fast evolution towards isotropy at small scales, whereas anisotropy at large scales remains in the flow over more than $100t_{L}$. Direct estimates of dissipation are obtained and the decay exponent agrees well with the prediction $m_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}}=m-1$ throughout the decay process.
The Ready-Made Pleasures of Déjà Vu: Repeat Viewing of Bollywood Films
Authors: Appadurai Arjun
Published: January 2019

This essay argues that the phenomenon of repeat viewing of films by Bollywood audiences is worthy of being treated as an unusual cultural practice in which repetition and difference support and reinforce each other in the manner suggested by Gilles Deleuze. This relationship is particularly enabled by the relationship of music to plot in these films, in which song sequences provide a repetitive or percussive element that deepens the melodic and innovative element provided by the story. Not all films are able to attract repeat viewers, which raises a question about the role of the “formula” in the Hindi film industry. Further, the pleasures of repetition in this domain offer a suggestive perspective on India’s larger political dilemma, which is to combine the repetition of Western modernity with the unique developmental signature of Indian culture.
Infection by the semi-persistently transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus alters the biology and behaviour of Bemisia tabaci on two potato clones
Authors: Pereira L.S. , Lourenção A.L. , Salas F.J.S. , Bento J.M.S. , Rezende J.A.M. , Peñaflor M.F.G.V.
Published: January 2019

Insect-borne plant viruses usually alter the interactions between host plant and insect vector in ways conducive to their transmission (‘host manipulation hypothesis’). Most studies have tested this hypothesis with persistently and non-persistently transmitted viruses, while few have examined semi-persistently transmitted viruses. The crinivirusTomato chlorosis virus(ToCV) is semi-persistently transmitted virus by whiteflies, and has been recently reported infecting potato plants in Brazil, whereBemisia tabaciMiddle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) is a competent vector. We investigated how ToCV infection modifies the interaction between potato plants andB. tabaciin ways that increase the likelihood of ToCV transmission, in two clones, one susceptible (‘Agata’) and the other moderately resistant (Bach-4) toB. tabaci. Whiteflies alighted and laid more eggs on ToCV-infected plants than mock-inoculated plants of Bach-4. When non-viruliferous whiteflies were released on ToCV-infected plants near mock-inoculated plants, adults moved more intensely towards non-infected plants than in the reverse condition for both clones. Feeding on ToCV-infected plants reduced egg-incubation period in both clones, but the egg–adult cycle was similar for whiteflies fed on ToCV-infected and mock-inoculated plants. Our results demonstrated that ToCV infection in potato plants altersB. tabacibehaviour and development in distinct ways depending on the host clone, with potential implications for ToCV spread.
Temporal pathways of change in two randomized controlled trials for depression and harmful drinking in Goa, India
Authors: Singla Daisy R. , Hollon Steven D. , Velleman Richard , Weobong Benedict , Nadkarni Abhijit , Fairburn Christopher G. , Bhat Bhargav , Gurav Mahesh , Anand Arpita , McCambridge Jim , Dimidjian Sona , Patel Vikram
Published: January 2019

Background

The current study explored the temporal pathways of change within two treatments, the Healthy Activity Program (HAP) for depression and the Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP) Program for harmful drinking.

Methods

The study took place in the context of two parallel randomized controlled trials in Goa, India. N = 50 random participants who met a priori criteria were selected from each treatment trial and examined for potential direct and mediational pathways. In HAP, we examined the predictive roles of therapy quality and patient-reported activation, assessing whether activation mediated the effects of therapy quality on depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) outcomes. In CAP, we examined the predictive roles of therapy quality and patient change- and counter-change-talk, assessing whether change- or counter-change-talk mediated the effects of therapy quality on daily alcohol consumption.

Results

In HAP, therapy quality (both general and treatment-specific skills) was associated with patient activation; patient activation but not therapy quality significantly predicted depression outcomes, and patient activation mediated the effects of higher general skills on subsequent clinical outcomes [a × b = −2.555, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.811 to −0.142]. In CAP, higher treatment-specific skills, but not general skills, were directly associated with drinking outcomes, and reduced levels of counter-change talk both independently predicted, and mediated the effects of higher general skills on, reduced alcohol consumption (a × b = −24.515, 95% CI −41.190 to −11.060). Change talk did not predict alcohol consumption and was not correlated with counter-change talk.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that therapy quality in early sessions operated through increased patient activation and reduced counter-change talk to reduce depression and harmful drinking respectively.
A Linear Threshold for Uniqueness of Solutions to Random Jigsaw Puzzles
Authors: MARTINSSON ANDERS
Published: January 2019

We consider a problem introduced by Mossel and Ross (‘Shotgun assembly of labeled graphs’, arXiv:1504.07682). Suppose a random n × n jigsaw puzzle is constructed by independently and uniformly choosing the shape of each ‘jig’ from q possibilities. We are given the shuffled pieces. Then, depending on q, what is the probability that we can reassemble the puzzle uniquely? We say that two solutions of a puzzle are similar if they only differ by a global rotation of the puzzle, permutation of duplicate pieces, and rotation of rotationally symmetric pieces. In this paper, we show that, with high probability, such a puzzle has at least two non-similar solutions when 2 ⩽ q ⩽ 2e−1/2n, all solutions are similar when q ⩾ (2+ϵ)n, and the solution is unique when q = ω(n).
‘How one shall govern a city’: the polyphony of urban political thought in the fourteenth-century duchy of Brabant
Authors: DE BOODT MINNE
Published: January 2019

This article examines late medieval urban political thought. By means of an intertextual methodology that combines the efforts of continental scholars and English literary historians, it provides new insights into the political ideas that circulated within the towns of the fourteenth-century duchy of Brabant. A qualitative analysis between different source types, that originated amongst socially diverse groups, will indicate that political ideas had a polyphonic character. Indeed, ideas were constantly reconstructed and reshaped by the social groups that used them and the context in which they were uttered. During the fourteenth century, the Brabantine citizenry was involved in an ideological battle that was fought with similar, but adaptable, weapons.
Fast modeling of electromagnetic scattering from 2D electrically large PEC objects using the complex line source type Green's function
Authors: Kutluay Deniz , Oğuzer Taner
Published: January 2019

This study introduces an alternative approach to the numerical solution of two-dimensional (2D) electromagnetic scattering problems by a numerical method of moments (MoM). The real source position vector is replaced by a complex quantity, then Green's function generates a complex source point beam, therefore the interactions between the far zone elements in the impedance matrix are neglected, except the basis functions near to the edges, strongly localizing the impedance matrix. The memory storage increases with the number of edges, but for a fixed number of the edges, it is linearly proportional with N, i.e. O(N). Consequently, the overall running time can be drastically reduced and the far zone scattering pattern and the near field can be found. The proposed procedure is first explained for the single perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) strip geometry, then extended to the scattering by 2D PEC objects with closed polygonal cross-sections. Numerical results are presented for a strip and a square cylinder in both polarizations. The relative errors are also compared with the standard MoM.
Draining and Upwelling of Greenland Sea Deep Waters
Authors: Somavilla R.
Published: January 2019

Since the beginning of the 1980s, deep convection has ceased in the Greenland Sea. The effects of this halt on the intense warming and salinification of Greenland Sea deep waters and on the “dome collapse” (sinking of the dome) have been intensively studied. However, their causes and the potential outflow of Greenland Sea deep and bottom waters toward southern adjacent basins have remained less investigated and are the focus of this work. Combining oceanic and atmospheric in situ data, together with satellite and reanalysis data, it is found that there is not a unique factor responsible for the halt of deep convection in the Greenland Sea. Changes in the Ekman pumping seem to only explain one tenth of the observed deepening of isopycnals of 1,300 m in the central Greenland Sea (dome collapse). Since the early 1980s, in addition, a decrease in the mean net heat loss from the ocean to the atmosphere and in the intensity and number of intense heat loss events would have contributed to the decrease in both the intensity of convective mixing and the generation of dense deep waters. The generation of waters not sufficiently dense to contribute to the reservoir of water below the Greenland Sea dome would have led to its emptying and sinking. More importantly, it is found that in situ evidence of a sustained bottom‐water upwelling driven by a secondary circulation cell whose major role in ventilating and draining the Greenland Sea deep and bottom waters has been largely underestimated.
Satellite and Station Observations Demonstrate Water Availability's Effect on Continental‐Scale Evaporative and Photosynthetic Land Surface Dynamics
Authors: Short Gianotti Daniel J. , Rigden Angela J. , Salvucci Guido D. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: January 2019

Evapotranspiration and photosynthetic carbon uptake are both constrained by water availability, with presumed water‐limited and water‐independent but energy‐limited regimes. We investigate water availability's relationships with evaporative fluxes and photosynthetic measures at continental scale using surface and satellite‐based observations. The observation‐driven approach is independent of prior model‐based estimates. We find water‐limited and water‐independent regimes for both energy and carbon cycle processes in spatial and temporal aggregate, differences in water‐limitation relationships across ecohydrological regions, and more consistent signs of water limitation in photosynthetic than evaporative processes. Ecosystem water use efficiency's response to water availability changes in sign with aridity state across time and space generally but shows negative correlations in temporal anomalies.
The cirrhotic liver is depleted of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key modulator of NF-κB and TGFβ pathways in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Enguita Mónica , Razquin Nerea , Pamplona Reinald , Quiroga Jorge , Prieto Jesús , Fortes Puri
Published: January 2019

Liver cirrhosis results from chronic hepatic damage and is characterized by derangement of the organ architecture with increased liver fibrogenesis and defective hepatocellular function. It frequently evolves into progressive hepatic insufficiency associated with high mortality unless liver transplantation is performed. We have hypothesized that the deficiency of critical nutrients such as essential omega-3 fatty acids might play a role in the progression of liver cirrhosis. Here we evaluated by LC-MS/MS the liver content of omega-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) in cirrhotic patients and investigated the effect of DHA in a murine model of liver injury and in the response of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (the main producers of collagen in the liver) to pro-fibrogenic stimuli. We found that cirrhotic livers exhibit a marked depletion of DHA and that this alteration correlates with the progression of the disease. Administration of DHA exerts potent anti-fibrogenic effects in an acute model of liver damage. Studies with HSCs show that DHA inhibits fibrogenesis more intensely than other omega-3 fatty acids. Data from expression arrays revealed that DHA blocks TGFβ and NF-κB pathways. Mechanistically, DHA decreases late, but not early, SMAD3 nuclear accumulation and inhibits p65/RelA-S536 phosphorylation, which is required for HSC survival. Notably, DHA increases ADRP expression, leading to the formation of typical quiescence-associated perinuclear lipid droplets. In conclusion, a marked depletion of DHA is present in the liver of patients with advanced cirrhosis. DHA displays anti-fibrogenic activities on HSCs targeting NF-κB and TGFβ pathways and inducing ADPR expression and quiescence in these cells.
Wnt3a disrupts GR-TEAD4-PPARγ2 positive circuits and cytoskeletal rearrangement in a β-catenin-dependent manner during early adipogenesis
Authors: Park Bongju , Chang Soojeong , Lee Gwan-Jun , Kang Byeongsoo , Kim Jong Kyoung , Park Hyunsung
Published: January 2019

Adipogenesis is a process which induces or represses many genes in a way to drive irreversible changes of cell phenotypes; lipid accumulation, round cell-shape, secreting many adipokines. As a master transcription factor (TF), PPARγ2 induces several target genes to orchestrate these adipogenic changes. Thus induction of Pparg2 gene is tightly regulated by many adipogenic and also anti-adipogenic factors. Four hours after the treatment of adipogenic hormones, more than fifteen TFs including glucocorticoid receptor (GR), C/EBPβ and AP-1 cooperatively bind the promoter of Pparg2 gene covering 400 bps, termed “hotspot”. In this study, we show that TEA domain family transcription factor (TEAD)4 reinforces occupancy of both GR and C/EBPβ on the hotspot of Pparg2 during early adipogenesis. Our findings that TEAD4 requires GR for its expression and for the ability to bind its own promoter and the hotspot region of Pparg2 gene indicate that GR is a common component of two positive circuits, which regulates the expression of both Tead4 and Pparg2. Wnt3a disrupts these mutually related positive circuits by limiting the nuclear location of GR in a β-catenin dependent manner. The antagonistic effects of β-catenin extend to cytoskeletal remodeling during the early phase of adipogenesis. GR is necessary for the rearrangements of both cytoskeleton and chromatin of Pparg2, whereas Wnt3a inhibits both processes in a β-catenin-dependent manner. Our results suggest that hotspot formation during early adipogenesis is related to cytoskeletal remodeling, which is regulated by the antagonistic action of GR and β-catenin, and that Wnt3a reinforces β-catenin function.
Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of N-nitrosodimethylamine induced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: George Joseph , Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Tsutsumi Mikihiro
Published: January 2019

Hepatic fibrosis is marked by excessive synthesis and deposition of connective tissue proteins, especially interstitial collagens in the extracellular matrix of the liver. It is a result of an abnormal wound healing in response to chronic liver injury from various causes such as ethanol, viruses, toxins, drugs, or cholestasis. The chronic stimuli involved in the initiation of fibrosis leads to oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species that serve as mediators of molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. These processes lead to cellular injury and initiate inflammatory responses releasing a variety of cytokines and growth factors that trigger activation and transformation of resting hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, which in turn start excessive synthesis of connective tissue proteins, especially collagens. Uncontrolled and extensive fibrosis results in distortion of lobular architecture of the liver leading to nodular formation and cirrhosis. The perpetual injury and regeneration process could also results in genomic aberrations and mutations that lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This review covers most aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis with special emphasize on N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA; Dimethylnitorsmaine, DMN) as the inducing agent.
Depletion of RIPK1 in hepatocytes exacerbates liver damage in fulminant viral hepatitis
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Filliol Aveline , Simoes Eugénio Mélanie , Piquet-Pellorce Claire , Dion Sarah , Raguenes-Nicol Céline , Jan Aurélien , Dimanche-Boitrel Marie-Thérèse , Le Seyec Jacques , Samson Michel
Published: January 2019

The protein kinase RIPK1 plays a crucial role at the crossroad of stress-induced signaling pathways that affects cell’s decision to live or die. The present study aimed to define the role of RIPK1 in hepatocytes during fulminant viral hepatitis, a worldwide syndrome mainly observed in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients. Mice deficient for RIPK1, specifically in liver parenchymal cells (Ripk1LPC-KO) and their wild-type littermates (Ripk1fl/fl), were challenged by either the murine hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) or poly I:C, a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA mimicking viral pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Ripk1LPC-KO mice developed more severe symptoms at early stage of the MHV3-induced fulminant hepatitis. Similarly, administration of poly I:C only triggered increase of systemic transaminases in Ripk1LPC-KO mice, reflecting liver damage through induced apoptosis as illustrated by cleaved-caspase 3 labeling of liver tissue sections. Neutralization of TNF-α or prior depletion of macrophages were able to prevent the appearance of apoptosis of hepatocytes in poly I:C-challenged Ripk1LPC-KO mice. Moreover, poly I:C never induced direct hepatocyte death in primary culture whatever the murine genotype, while it always stimulated an anti-viral response. Our investigations demonstrated that RIPK1 protects hepatocytes from TNF-α secreted from macrophages during viral induced fulminant hepatitis. These data emphasize the potential worsening risks of an HBV infection in people with polymorphism or homozygous amorphic mutations already described for the RIPK1 gene.
Author Correction: Memory formation and long-term maintenance of IL-7Rα+ ILC1s via a lymph node-liver axis
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Peng Hui , Cong Jingjing , Wang Xuefu , Lian Zhexiong , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang
Published: January 2019

The original version of this Article contained errors in Figs. 1 and 6. In Fig. 1c, the label ‘CD49a+IL-7Rα+ ILC1’ incorrectly read ‘CD49a+IL-7Rα− ILC1’. In Fig. 6b, the label ‘LNx (e)/ILN-deficient mice (c)’ incorrectly read ‘LNx (c)/ILN-deficient mice (e)’. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Rapid determination of quaternary protein structures in complex biological samples
Authors: Hauri Simon , Khakzad Hamed , Happonen Lotta , Teleman Johan , Malmström Johan , Malmström Lars
Published: January 2019

The understanding of complex biological systems is still hampered by limited knowledge of biologically relevant quaternary protein structures. Here, we demonstrate quaternary structure determination in biological samples using a combination of chemical cross-linking, high-resolution mass spectrometry and high-accuracy protein structure modeling. This approach, termed targeted cross-linking mass spectrometry (TX-MS), relies on computational structural models to score sets of targeted cross-linked peptide signals acquired using a combination of mass spectrometry acquisition techniques. We demonstrate the utility of TX-MS by creating a high-resolution quaternary model of a 1.8 MDa protein complex composed of a pathogen surface protein and ten human plasma proteins. The model is based on a dense network of cross-link distance constraints obtained directly in a mixture of human plasma and live bacteria. These results demonstrate that TX-MS can increase the applicability of flexible backbone docking algorithms to large protein complexes by providing rich cross-link distance information from complex biological samples.
Dinitroimidazoles as bifunctional bioconjugation reagents for protein functionalization and peptide macrocyclization
Authors: Luo Qunfeng , Tao Youqi , Sheng Wangjian , Lu Jingxia , Wang Huan
Published: January 2019

Efficient and site-specific chemical modification of proteins under physiological conditions remains a challenge. Here we report that 1,4-dinitroimidazoles are highly efficient bifunctional bioconjugation reagents for protein functionalization and peptide macrocyclization. Under acidic to neutral aqueous conditions, 1,4-dinitroimidazoles react specifically with cysteines via a cine-substitution mechanism, providing rapid, stable and chemoselective protein bioconjugation. On the other hand, although unreactive towards amine groups under neutral aqueous conditions, 1,4-dinitroimidazoles react with lysines in organic solvents in the presence of base through a ring-opening & ring-close mechanism. The resulting cysteine- and lysine-(4-nitroimidazole) linkages exhibit stability superior to that of commonly employed maleimide-thiol conjugates. We demonstrate that 1,4-dinitroimidazoles can be applied in site-specific protein bioconjugation with functionalities such as fluorophores and bioactive peptides. Furthermore, a bisfunctional 1,4-dinitroimidazole derivative provides facile access to peptide macrocycles by crosslinking a pair of cysteine or lysine residues, including bicyclic peptides of complex architectures through highly controlled consecutive peptide macrocyclization.
Promoted cobalt metal catalysts suitable for the production of lower olefins from natural gas
Authors: Xie Jingxiu , Paalanen Pasi P. , van Deelen Tom W. , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Louwerse Manuel J. , de Jong Krijn P.
Published: January 2019

Due to the surge of natural gas production, feedstocks for chemicals shift towards lighter hydrocarbons, particularly methane. The success of a Gas-to-Chemicals process via synthesis gas (CO and H2) depends on the ability of catalysts to suppress methane and carbon dioxide formation. We designed a Co/Mn/Na/S catalyst, which gives rise to negligible Water-Gas-Shift activity and a hydrocarbon product spectrum deviating from the Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution. At 240 °C and 1 bar, it shows a C2-C4olefins selectivity of 54%. At 10 bar, it displays 30% and 59% selectivities towards lower olefins and fuels, respectively. The spent catalyst consists of 10 nm Co nanoparticles with hcp Co metal phase. We propose a synergistic effect of Na plus S, which act as electronic promoters on the Co surface, thus improving selectivities towards lower olefins and fuels while largely reducing methane and carbon dioxide formation.
Estrogen signaling in arcuate Kiss1 neurons suppresses a sex-dependent female circuit promoting dense strong bones
Authors: Herber Candice B. , Krause William C. , Wang Liping , Bayrer James R. , Li Alfred , Schmitz Matthew , Fields Aaron , Ford Breanna , Zhang Zhi , Reid Michelle S. , Nomura Daniel K. , Nissenson Robert A. , Correa Stephanie M. , Ingraham Holly A.
Published: January 2019

Central estrogen signaling coordinates energy expenditure, reproduction, and in concert with peripheral estrogen impacts skeletal homeostasis in females. Here, we ablate estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the medial basal hypothalamus and find a robust bone phenotype only in female mice that results in exceptionally strong trabecular and cortical bones, whose density surpasses other reported mouse models. Stereotaxic guided deletion of ERα in the arcuate nucleus increases bone mass in intact and ovariectomized females, confirming the central role of estrogen signaling in this sex-dependent bone phenotype. Loss of ERα in kisspeptin (Kiss1)-expressing cells is sufficient to recapitulate the bone phenotype, identifying Kiss1 neurons as a critical node in this powerful neuroskeletal circuit. We propose that this newly-identified female brain-to-bone pathway exists as a homeostatic regulator diverting calcium and energy stores from bone building when energetic demands are high. Our work reveals a previously unknown target for treatment of age-related bone disease.
The splicing factor RBM25 controls MYC activity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ge Ying , Schuster Mikkel Bruhn , Pundhir Sachin , Rapin Nicolas , Bagger Frederik Otzen , Sidiropoulos Nikos , Hashem Nadia , Porse Bo Torben
Published: January 2019

Cancer sequencing studies have implicated regulators of pre-mRNA splicing as important disease determinants in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. We hypothesized that “non-mutated” splicing regulators may also play a role in AML biology and therefore conducted an in vivo shRNA screen in a mouse model of CEBPA mutant AML. This has led to the identification of the splicing regulator RBM25 as a novel tumor suppressor. In multiple human leukemic cell lines, knockdown of RBM25 promotes proliferation and decreases apoptosis. Mechanistically, we show that RBM25 controls the splicing of key genes, including those encoding the apoptotic regulator BCL-X and the MYC inhibitor BIN1. This mechanism is also operative in human AML patients where low RBM25 levels are associated with high MYC activity and poor outcome. Thus, we demonstrate that RBM25 acts as a regulator of MYC activity and sensitizes cells to increased MYC levels.
Tetrathiomolybdate induces dimerization of the metal-binding domain of ATPase and inhibits platination of the protein
Authors: Fang Tiantian , Chen Wanbiao , Sheng Yaping , Yuan Siming , Tang Qiaowei , Li Gongyu , Huang Guangming , Su Jihu , Zhang Xuan , Zang Jianye , Liu Yangzhong
Published: January 2019

Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is used in the clinic for the treatment of Wilson’s disease by targeting the cellular copper efflux protein ATP7B (WLN). Interestingly, both TM and WLN are associated with the efficacy of cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug. Herein, we show that TM induces dimerization of the metal-binding domain of ATP7B (WLN4) through a unique sulfur-bridged Mo2S6O2 cluster. TM expels copper ions from Cu-WLN4 and forms a copper-free dimer. The binding of Mo to cysteine residues of WLN4 inhibits platination of the protein. Reaction with multi-domain proteins indicates that TM can also connect two domains in the same molecule, forming Mo-bridged intramolecular crosslinks. These results provide structural and chemical insight into the mechanism of action of TM against ATPase, and reveal the molecular mechanism by which TM attenuates the cisplatin resistance mediated by copper efflux proteins.
Unusual synergistic effect in layered Ruddlesden−Popper oxide enables ultrafast hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Tahini Hassan A. , Hu Zhiwei , Dai Jie , Chen Yubo , Sun Hainan , Zhou Wei , Liu Meilin , Smith Sean C. , Wang Huanting , Shao Zongping
Published: January 2019

Efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction are key to realize clean hydrogen production through water splitting. As an important family of functional materials, transition metal oxides are generally believed inactive towards hydrogen evolution reaction, although many of them show high activity for oxygen evolution reaction. Here we report the remarkable electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction of a layered metal oxide, Ruddlesden−Popper-type Sr2RuO4 with alternative perovskite layer and rock-salt SrO layer, in an alkaline solution, which is comparable to those of the best electrocatalysts ever reported. By theoretical calculations, such excellent activity is attributed mainly to an unusual synergistic effect in the layered structure, whereby the (001) SrO-terminated surface cleaved in rock-salt layer facilitates a barrier-free water dissociation while the active apical oxygen site in perovskite layer promotes favorable hydrogen adsorption and evolution. Moreover, the activity of such layered oxide can be further improved by electrochemistry-induced activation.
Functional imaging of visual cortical layers and subplate in awake mice with optimized three-photon microscopy
Authors: Yildirim Murat , Sugihara Hiroki , So Peter T. C. , Sur Mriganka
Published: January 2019

Two-photon microscopy is used to image neuronal activity, but has severe limitations for studying deeper cortical layers. Here, we developed a custom three-photon microscope optimized to image a vertical column of the cerebral cortex > 1 mm in depth in awake mice with low (<20 mW) average laser power. Our measurements of physiological responses and tissue-damage thresholds define pulse parameters and safety limits for damage-free three-photon imaging. We image functional visual responses of neurons expressing GCaMP6s across all layers of the primary visual cortex (V1) and in the subplate. These recordings reveal diverse visual selectivity in deep layers: layer 5 neurons are more broadly tuned to visual stimuli, whereas mean orientation selectivity of layer 6 neurons is slightly sharper, compared to neurons in other layers. Subplate neurons, located in the white matter below cortical layer 6 and characterized here for the first time, show low visual responsivity and broad orientation selectivity.
Changing temporal context in human temporal lobe promotes memory of distinct episodes
Authors: El-Kalliny Mostafa M. , Wittig John H. , Sheehan Timothy C. , Sreekumar Vishnu , Inati Sara K. , Zaghloul Kareem A.
Published: January 2019

Memories of experiences that occur around the same time are linked together by a shared temporal context, represented by shared patterns of neural activity. However, shared temporal context may be problematic for selective retrieval of specific memories. Here, we examine intracranial EEG (iEEG) in the human temporal lobe as participants perform a verbal paired associates memory task that requires the encoding of distinct word pairs in memory. We find that the rate of change in patterns of low frequency (3–12 Hz) power distributed across the temporal lobe is significantly related to memory performance. We also find that exogenous electrical stimulation affects how quickly these neural representations of temporal context change with time, which directly affects the ability to successfully form memories for distinct items. Our results indicate that the ability to retrieve distinct episodic memories is related to how quickly neural representations of temporal context change over time during encoding.
Mercury’s anomalous magnetic field caused by a symmetry-breaking self-regulating dynamo
Authors: Takahashi Futoshi , Shimizu Hisayoshi , Tsunakawa Hideo
Published: January 2019

The discovery of Mercury’s unusually axisymmetric, anomalously axially offset dipolar magnetic field reveals a new regime of planetary magnetic fields. The cause of the offset dipole remains to be resolved, although some exotic models have been proposed. Deciphering why Mercury has such an anomalous field is crucial not only for understanding the internal dynamics, evolutionary history and origin of the planet, but also for establishing the general dynamo theory. Here we present numerical dynamo models, where core convection is driven as thermo-compositional, double-diffusive convection surrounded by a thermally stably stratified layer. We show that the present models produce magnetic fields similar in morphology and strength to that of Mercury. The dynamo-generated fields act on the flow to force interaction between equatorially symmetric and antisymmetric components that results in north-south asymmetric helicity. This symmetry-breaking magnetic feedback causes the flow to generate and maintain Mercury’s axially offset dipolar field.
Region-specific inhibition of 14-3-3 proteins induces psychomotor behaviors in mice
Authors: Graham Kourtney , Zhang Jiajing , Qiao Haifa , Wu Yuying , Zhou Yi
Published: January 2019

The 14-3-3 family of proteins is genetically linked to several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Our 14-3-3 functional knockout (FKO) mice, as well as other 14-3-3 knockout models, have been shown to exhibit behavioral endophenotypes related to schizophrenia. While specific forebrain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP), have been implicated in schizophrenic pathophysiology, the role of these brain regions in the top-down control of specific schizophrenia-associated behaviors has not been examined. Here, we used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered shRNA to knock down the expression of the 14-3-3-inhibitor transgene, thus selectively restoring the function of 14-3-3 in the forebrain of the 14-3-3 FKO mice, we found that injection of the AAV-shRNA into both the PFC and the HP is necessary to attenuate psychomotor activity of the 14-3-3 FKO mice. Furthermore, we found that acute inhibition of 14-3-3, through the delivery of an AAV expressing the 14-3-3 inhibitor to both the PFC and HP, can trigger psychomotor agitation. Interestingly, when assessing the two brain regions separately, we determined that AAV-mediated expression of the 14-3-3 inhibitor specifically within the HP alone is sufficient to induce several behavioral deficits including hyperactivity, impaired associative learning and memory, and reduced sensorimotor gating. In addition, we show that post-synaptic NMDA receptor levels are regulated by acute 14-3-3 manipulations. Taken together, findings from this study directly link 14-3-3 inhibition in specific forebrain regions to certain schizophrenia-associated endophenotypes.
Analysis of potential strategies for cadmium stress tolerance revealed by transcriptome analysis of upland cotton
Authors: Chen Haodong , Li Yujun , Ma Xiongfeng , Guo Lishuang , He Yunxin , Ren Zhongying , Kuang Zhengcheng , Zhang Xiling , Zhang Zhigang
Published: January 2019

In recent years, heavy metal pollution has become a more serious global problem, and all countries are actively engaged in finding methods to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil. We conducted transcriptome sequencing of the roots of cotton grown under three different cadmium concentrations, and analysed the potential strategies for coping with cadmium stress. Through Gene Ontology analysis, we found that most of the genes differentially regulated under cadmium stress were associated with catalytic activity and binding action, especially metal iron binding, and specific metabolic and cellular processes. The genes responsive to cadmium stress were mainly related to membrane and response to stimulus. The KEGG pathways enriched differentially expressed genes were associated with secondary metabolite production, Starch and sucrose metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylalanina metalism and biosynthesis, in order to improve the activity of antioxidant system, repair systems and transport system and reduction of cadmium toxicity. There are three main mechanisms by which cotton responds to cadmium stress: thickening of physical barriers, oxidation resistance and detoxification complexation. Meanwhile, identified a potential cotton-specific stress response pathway involving brassinolide, and ethylene signaling pathways. Further investigation is needed to define the specific molecular mechanisms underlying cotton tolerance to cadmium stress. In this study potential coping strategies of cotton root under cadmium stress were revealed. Our findings can guide the selection of cotton breeds that absorb high levels of cadmium.
Altered Central Autonomic Network in Baseball Players: A Resting-state fMRI Study
Authors: Sie Jia-Hong , Chen Yin-Hua , Chang Chih-Yen , Yen Nai-Shing , Chu Woei-Chyn , Shiau Yuo-Hsien
Published: January 2019

The physiological adaptive regulation of healthy population with a high fitness level is associated with enhanced cognitive control in brain. This study further investigated the effects of different levels of sporting experience on intrinsic brain networks involved in central autonomic processing using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We explored functional connectivity of four core regions within central autonomic network (CAN), namely posterior midcingulate cortex (pMCC), left amygdala (AMYG), and right anterior (aINS) and left posterior insular cortices, in advanced and intermediate baseball players, and compared their strength of connectivity with individuals without baseball-playing experience. Functional connectivity maps across three groups confirmed a close relationship between CAN and large-scale brain networks in sensory, motor and cognitive domains. Crucially, both advanced and intermediate batters demonstrated enhanced connectivity between pMCC and sensorimotor network, between right aINS and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and between left AMYG and right putamen, than controls. These results reflected a stronger interregional coupling in sensorimotor and cognitive control, and in motor skill consolidation. In conclusion, we provided evidence that different levels of sporting experience could reorganize/enhance intrinsic functional connectivity for central autonomic processing.
Revealing the role of microstructure architecture on strength and ductility of Ni microwires by in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Purushottam raj purohit Ravi raj purohit , Arya Abhinav , Bojjawar Girish , Pelerin Maxime , Van Petegem Steven , Proudhon Henry , Mukherjee Soham , Gerard Céline , Signor Loïc , Mocuta Cristian , Casati Nicola , Suwas Satyam , Chokshi Atul H. , Thilly Ludovic
Published: January 2019

Deformation mechanisms of cold drawn and electropolished nickel microwires are studied by performing in-situ monotonous and cyclic tensile tests under synchrotron radiation. X-ray diffraction tests allow probing elastic strains in the different grain families and establishing a link with the deformation mechanisms taking place within the microwires. The measurements were carried out on several microwires with diameters ranging from as-drawn 100 µm down to 40 µm thinned down by electropolishing. The as-drawn wires exhibit a core-shell microstructure with <111> fiber texture dominant in core and heterogeneous dual fiber texture <111> and <100> in the shell. Reduction of specimen size by electropolishing results in a higher yield stress and tensile strength along with reduced ductility. In-situ XRD analysis revealed that these differences are linked to the global variation in microstructure induced by shell removal with electropolishing, which in turn affects the load sharing abilities of grain families. This study thus proposes a new way to increase ductility and retain strength in nickel microwires across different diameters by tuning the microstructure architecture.