bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle Size Effects on Mid‐Infrared Spectra of Lunar Analog Minerals in a Simulated Lunar Environment
Authors: Shirley K. A. , Glotch T. D.
Published: January 2019

Mid‐infrared spectroscopic analysis of the Moon and other airless bodies requires a full accounting of spectral variation due to the unique thermal environment in airless body regoliths and the substantial differences between spectra acquired under airless body conditions and those measured in an ambient environment on Earth. Because there exists a thermal gradient within the upper hundreds of microns of lunar regolith, the data acquired by the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment are not isothermal with wavelength. While this complication has been previously identified, its effect on other known variables that contribute to spectral variation, such as particle size and porosity, have yet to be well characterized in the laboratory. Here we examine the effect of particle size on mid‐infrared spectra of silicates common to the Moon measured within a simulated lunar environment chamber. Under simulated lunar conditions, decreasing particle size is shown to enhance the spectral contrast of the Reststrahlen bands and transparency features, as well as shift the location of the Christiansen feature to longer wavelengths. This study shows that these variations are detectable at Diviner spectral resolution and emphasizes the need for simulated environment laboratory data sets, as well as hyperspectral mid‐infrared instruments on future missions to airless bodies.
The Penetration of Solar Radiation Into Water and Carbon Dioxide Snow, With Reference to Mars
Authors: Chinnery H. E. , Hagermann A. , Kaufmann E. , Lewis S. R.
Published: January 2019

The depth to which solar radiation can penetrate through ice is an important factor in understanding surface‐atmosphere interactions for icy planetary surfaces. Mars hosts both water and carbon dioxide ice on the surface and in the subsurface. At high latitudes during autumn and winter carbon dioxide condenses to form the seasonal polar cap. This has been both modeled and observed to, in part, occur as snowfall. As snow accumulates, the thermal properties of the surface are changed, whether the underlying surface was rocky, regolith, or a solid ice sheet. This results in a change (usually increase) in albedo, affecting the proportion of the incident solar energy reflected, or transmitted below the surface of the snow layer. The depth to which light can penetrate through this layer is an important parameter in heat transfer models for the Martian surface and is often quantified using the e‐folding scale. We present the first measurements of the e‐folding scale in pure carbon dioxide snow for the wavelengths 300 to 1100 nm alongside new measurements of water snow.
The Effect of Submarine Melting on Calving From Marine Terminating Glaciers
Authors: Ma Yue , Bassis Jeremy N.
Published: January 2019

Submarine melting and iceberg calving are two important processes that control mass loss from the terminus of tidewater glaciers. There have been significant efforts to quantify the effect of submarine melting on glacier calving, but controversy remains with conflicting studies indicating submarine melting can increase, decrease, or has minimal effect on calving. Here we show using a two‐dimensional full Stokes finite element model that submarine melt can alter the state of stress near the terminus and the changes in stress exert a first‐order control on the calving regime of marine terminating glaciers. The model calculates both the largest principal and maximum shear stresses and then maps out where tensile and shear failure occur for a range of melt rates and vertical melt profiles. We find that submarine melt initially promotes full thickness calving events. However, as the melt rate further increases, an overhang begins to form and resulting compressive stresses suppress full thickness calving. These results are relatively insensitive to basal friction. Moreover, our results suggest that submarine melting can both increase and decrease calving rates with the magnitude and sign of the effect determined by the shape of the melt profile and the relative magnitude of average melt rate. Despite the fact that calving is suppressed in some circumstances, the addition of submarine melt almost always increases the total mass loss. Overall, we find that relatively small amounts of submarine melt can destabilize glaciers, but calving and frontal ablation are increasingly controlled by submarine melt as it continues to increase.
Structural Evolution During Cyclic Glacier Surges: 2. Numerical Modeling
Authors: Clarke Garry K. C. , Hambrey Michael J.
Published: January 2019

The mesoscale structures of a glacier express the history of flow, temperature, and stress. Thus, in principle, numerical ice dynamics models have sufficient physics to examine the formation and transport of these structures. In this study we use a vertically integrated thermomechanical ice dynamics model to simulate the temporally evolving patterns of surficial moraine, stratification, foliation, and folding of glacier ice, and the density and orientation of traces of former crevasses. The modeled glaciers are simplified versions of Trapridge Glacier in northwest Canada that allow diagnostic modeling of influences on glacier structure and help to clarify the physics and numerics. In the model, surges occur every 50 years in response to a prescribed cyclic change in bed friction. Medial moraine patterns are simulated by tracking the englacial and supraglacial trajectory of debris injected at fixed points in the accumulation region. Stratification is assumed to be associated with isochronal surfaces, and vertical foliation is explained in terms of horizontal flattening of strain ellipsoids. Crevasses form when and where the intensity of tensile stress exceeds a prescribed threshold; crack damage is cumulative so that crevasse traces observed at sampling sites are a superposition of the damage accumulated en route. Folding is parameterized but not resolved. By evaluating the deformation gradient tensor along ice particle trajectories and applying the polar decomposition to this tensor, we isolate the cumulative effects of rotation and stretching by ice flow and calculate strain ellipsoids as well as other practical indicators of deformation.
Effects of the captive and wild environment on diversity of the gut microbiome of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Authors: Schmidt Elliott , Mykytczuk Nadia , Schulte-Hostedde Albrecht I
Published: January 2019

Vertebrate gastrointestinal tracts have co-existed with microbes over millennia. These microbial communities provide their host with numerous benefits. However, the extent to which different environmental factors contribute to the assemblage of gut microbial communities is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine how the external environment influences the development of gut microbiome communities (GMCs). Faecal samples were collected from deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) born and raised in captivity and the wild at approximately 3–5 weeks of age. Additional samples were collected 2 weeks later, with a subset of individuals being translocated between captive and wild environments. Microbial data were analysed using 16S rRNA next-generation Illumina HiSeq sequencing methods. GMCs of deer mice were more similar between neighbours who shared the same environment, regardless of where an individual was born, demonstrating that GMCs are significantly influenced by the surrounding environment and can rapidly change over time. Mice in natural environments contained more diverse GMCs with higher relative abundances of Ruminoccocaceae, Helicobacteraceae and Lachnospiraceae spp. Future studies should examine the fitness consequences associated with the presence/absence of microbes that are characteristic of GMCs of wild populations to gain a better understanding of environment–microbe–host evolutionary and ecological relationships.
Epistasis of HTR1A and BDNF risk genes alters cortical 5-HT1A receptor binding: PET results link genotype to molecular phenotype in depression
Authors: Kautzky Alexander , James Gregory M. , Philippe Cecile , Baldinger-Melich Pia , Kraus Christoph , Kranz Georg S. , Vanicek Thomas , Gryglewski Gregor , Hartmann Annette M. , Hahn Andreas , Wadsak Wolfgang , Mitterhauser Markus , Rujescu Dan , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: January 2019

Alterations of the 5-HT1A receptor and BDNF have consistently been associated with affective disorders. Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs6295 of the serotonin 1A receptor gene (HTR1A) and rs6265 of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF), may impact transcriptional regulation and expression of the 5-HT1A receptor. Here we investigated interaction effects of rs6295 and rs6265 on 5-HT1A receptor binding. Forty-six healthy subjects were scanned with PET using the radioligand [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635. Genotyping was performed for rs6265 and rs6295. Subjects showing a genotype with at least three risk alleles (G of rs6295 or A of rs6265) were compared to control genotypes. Cortical surface binding potential (BPND) was computed for 32 cortical regions of interest (ROI). Mixed model was applied to study main and interaction effects of ROI and genotype. ANOVA was used for post hoc analyses. Individuals with the risk genotypes exhibited an increase in 5-HT1A receptor binding by an average of 17% (mean BPND 3.56 ± 0.74 vs. 2.96 ± 0.88). Mixed model produced an interaction effect of ROI and genotype on BPND and differences could be demonstrated in 10 ROI post hoc. The combination of disadvantageous allelic expression of rs6295 and rs6265 may result in a 5-HT1A receptor profile comparable to affective disorders as increased 5-HT1A receptor binding is a well published phenotype of depression. Thus, epistasis between BDNF and HTR1A may contribute to the multifactorial risk for affective disorders and our results strongly advocate further research on this genetic signature in affective disorders.
Cognitive impairment and autistic-like behaviour in SAPAP4-deficient mice
Authors: Schob Claudia , Morellini Fabio , Ohana Ora , Bakota Lidia , Hrynchak Mariya V. , Brandt Roland , Brockmann Marco D. , Cichon Nicole , Hartung Henrike , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Kraus Vanessa , Scharf Sarah , Herrmans-Borgmeyer Irm , Schweizer Michaela , Kuhl Dietmar , Wöhr Markus , Vörckel Karl J. , Calzada-Wack Julia , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valérie , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Garner Craig C. , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen , Kindler Stefan
Published: January 2019

In humans, genetic variants of DLGAP1-4 have been linked with neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While these findings implicate the encoded postsynaptic proteins, SAPAP1-4, in the etiology of neuropsychiatric conditions, underlying neurobiological mechanisms are unknown. To assess the contribution of SAPAP4 to these disorders, we characterized SAPAP4-deficient mice. Our study reveals that the loss of SAPAP4 triggers profound behavioural abnormalities, including cognitive deficits combined with impaired vocal communication and social interaction, phenotypes reminiscent of ASD in humans. These behavioural alterations of SAPAP4-deficient mice are associated with dramatic changes in synapse morphology, function and plasticity, indicating that SAPAP4 is critical for the development of functional neuronal networks and that mutations in the corresponding human gene, DLGAP4, may cause deficits in social and cognitive functioning relevant to ASD-like neurodevelopmental disorders.
Behavioral training rescues motor deficits in Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency mouse model of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Bachmann Sven O. , Sledziowska Monika , Cross Ellen , Kalbassi Shireene , Waldron Sophie , Chen Fangli , Ranson Adam , Baudouin Stéphane J.
Published: January 2019

Deletions in the 15q11.2 region of the human genome are associated with neurobehavioral deficits, and motor development delay, as well as in some cases, symptoms of autism or schizophrenia. The cytoplasmic FMRP-interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1) is one of the four genes contained within this locus and has been associated with other genetic forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In mice, Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency leads to alteration of dendritic spine morphology and defects in synaptic plasticity, two pathophysiological hallmarks of mouse models of ASD. At the behavioral level, however, Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency leads to minor phenotypes, not directly relevant for 15q11.2 deletion syndrome or ASD. A fundamental question is whether neuronal phenotypes caused by the mutation of Cyfip1 are relevant for the human condition. Here, we describe a synaptic cluster of ASD-associated proteins centered on CYFIP1 and the adhesion protein Neuroligin-3. Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency in mice led to decreased dendritic spine density and stability associated with social behavior and motor learning phenotypes. Behavioral training early in development resulted in alleviating the motor learning deficits caused by Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency. Altogether, these data provide new insight into the neuronal and behavioral phenotypes caused by Cyfip1 mutation and proof-of-concept for the development of a behavioral therapy to treat phenotypes associated with 15q11.2 syndromes and ASD.
Family-based exome sequencing and case-control analysis implicate CEP41 as an ASD gene
Authors: Patowary Ashok , Won So Yeon , Oh Shin Ji , Nesbitt Ryan R , Archer Marilyn , Nickerson Debbie , Raskind Wendy H. , Bernier Raphael , Lee Ji Eun , Brkanac Zoran
Published: January 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been successfully applied to gene identification in de novo ASD, the genetic architecture of familial ASD remains largely unexplored. Our approach, which leverages the high specificity and sensitivity of NGS technology, has focused on rare variants in familial autism. We used NGS exome sequencing in 26 families with distantly related affected individuals to identify genes with private gene disrupting and missense variants of interest (VOI). We found that the genes carrying VOIs were enriched for biological processes related to cell projection organization and neuron development, which is consistent with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of ASD. For a subset of genes carrying VOIs, we then used targeted NGS sequencing and gene-based variant burden case-control analysis to test for association with ASD. Missense variants in one gene, CEP41, associated significantly with ASD (p = 6.185e−05). Homozygous gene-disrupting variants in CEP41 were initially found to be responsible for recessive Joubert syndrome. Using a zebrafish model, we evaluated the mechanism by which the CEP41 variants might contribute to ASD. We found that CEP41 missense variants affect development of the axonal tract, cranial neural crest migration and social behavior phenotype. Our work demonstrates the involvement of CEP41 heterozygous missense variants in ASD and that biological processes involved in cell projection organization and neuron development are enriched in ASD families we have studied.
Dysconnectivity of the medio-dorsal thalamic nucleus in drug-naïve first episode schizophrenia: diagnosis-specific or trans-diagnostic effect?
Authors: Gong Qiyong , Puthusseryppady Vaisakh , Dai Jing , He Manxi , Xu Xin , Shi Yan , Zhou Baiwan , Ai Yuan , Yang Cheng , Zhang Feifei , Lui Su , Mechelli Andrea
Published: January 2019

Converging lines of evidence implicate the thalamocortical network in schizophrenia. In particular, the onset of the illness is associated with aberrant functional integration between the medio-dorsal thalamic nucleus (MDN) and widespread prefrontal, temporal and parietal cortical regions. Because the thalamus is also implicated in other psychiatric illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), the diagnostic specificity of these alterations is unclear. Here, we determined whether aberrant functional integration between the MDN and the cortex is a specific feature of schizophrenia or a trans-diagnostic feature of psychiatric illness. Effective connectivity (EC) between the MDN and rest of the cortex was measured by applying psychophysiological interaction analysis to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 50 patients with first episode schizophrenia (FES), 50 patients with MDD, 50 patients with PTSD and 122 healthy controls. All participants were medication-naïve. The only significant schizophrenia-specific effect was increased EC between the right MDN and the right pallidum (p < 0.05 corrected). In contrast, there were a number of significant trans-diagnostic alterations, with both right and left MDN displaying trans-diagnostic increased EC with several prefrontal and parietal regions bilaterally (p < 0.05 corrected). EC alterations between the MDN and the cortex are not specific to schizophrenia but are a trans-diagnostic feature of psychiatric disorders, consistent with emerging conceptualizations of mental illness based on a single general psychopathology factor. Therefore, dysconnectivity of the MDN could potentially be used to assess the presence of general psychopathology above and beyond traditional diagnostic boundaries.
Pyk2 in the amygdala modulates chronic stress sequelae via PSD-95-related micro-structural changes
Authors: Montalban Enrica , Al-Massadi Omar , Sancho-Balsells Anna , Brito Verónica , de Pins Benoit , Alberch Jordi , Ginés Silvia , Girault Jean-Antoine , Giralt Albert
Published: January 2019

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder with a variety of symptoms including mood alterations, anhedonia, sleep and appetite disorders, and cognitive disturbances. Stressful life events are among the strongest risk factors for developing MDD. At the cellular level, chronic stress results in the modification of dendritic spine morphology and density. Here, we study the role of Pyk2 in the development of depressive-like symptoms induced by a model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Pyk2 is a non-receptor calcium-dependent protein-tyrosine kinase highly expressed in the forebrain principal neurons and involved in spine structure and density regulation. We show that Pyk2 knockout mice are less affected to anxiety-like and anhedonia-like phenotypes induced by the CUMS paradigm. Using region-specific knockout, we demonstrate that this phenotype is fully recapitulated by selective Pyk2 inactivation in the amygdala. We also show that in the absence of Pyk2 the spine alterations, PSD-95 clustering, and NMDA receptors changes induced by the CUMS paradigm are prevented. Our results reveal a possible role for Pyk2 in the response to stress and in synaptic markers expression and spine density regulation in the amygdala. We suggest that Pyk2 contributes to stress-induced responses through micro-structural changes and that its deficit may contribute to the resilience to chronic stress.
Constitutional mislocalization of Pten drives precocious maturation in oligodendrocytes and aberrant myelination in model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lee Hyunpil , Thacker Stetson , Sarn Nicholas , Dutta Ranjan , Eng Charis
Published: January 2019

There is a strong genetic association between germline PTEN mutation and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making Pten-mutant models exemplary for the study of ASD pathophysiology. We developed the Ptenm3m4 mouse, where Pten is largely restricted from the nucleus, which recapitulates patient-like, autism-related phenotypes: behavioral changes, macrocephaly, and white matter abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage differentiation and functional changes in myelination to the white matter phenotype. OL lineage differentiation and myelination in Ptenm3m4 mice was studied using immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses. We also used primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to determine the effect of the Ptenm3m4 mutation on OPC proliferation, migration and maturation. Finally, we assessed the myelinating competency of mutant OLs via co-culture with wildtype dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. The in vivo analyses of Ptenm3m4/m3m4 murine brains showed deficits in proteolipid protein (Plp) trafficking in myelinating OLs. Despite the increased expression of myelin proteins in the brain, myelin deposition was observed to be abnormal, often occurring adjacent to, rather than around axons. Mutant primary OPCs showed enhanced proliferation and migration. Furthermore, mutant OPCs matured precociously, exhibiting aberrant myelination in vitro. Mutant OPCs, when co-cultured with wildtype DRG neurons, showed an inability to properly ensheath axons. Our findings provide evidence that the Ptenm3m4 mutation disrupts the differentiation and myelination programs of developing OLs. OL dysfunction in the Ptenm3m4 model explains the leukodystrophy phenotype, a feature commonly associated with autism, and highlights the growing importance of glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis.
Genome-wide association study of body fat distribution identifies adiposity loci and sex-specific genetic effects
Authors: Rask-Andersen Mathias , Karlsson Torgny , Ek Weronica E. , Johansson Åsa
Published: January 2019

Body mass and body fat composition are of clinical interest due to their links to cardiovascular- and metabolic diseases. Fat stored in the trunk has been suggested to be more pathogenic compared to fat stored in other compartments. In this study, we perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the proportion of body fat distributed to the arms, legs and trunk estimated from segmental bio-electrical impedance analysis (sBIA) for 362,499 individuals from the UK Biobank. 98 independent associations with body fat distribution are identified, 29 that have not previously been associated with anthropometric traits. A high degree of sex-heterogeneity is observed and the effects of 37 associated variants are stronger in females compared to males. Our findings also implicate that body fat distribution in females involves mesenchyme derived tissues and cell types, female endocrine tissues as well as extracellular matrix maintenance and remodeling.
Ab initio predictions for polarized deuterium-tritium thermonuclear fusion
Authors: Hupin Guillaume , Quaglioni Sofia , Navrátil Petr
Published: January 2019

The fusion of deuterium (D) with tritium (T) is the most promising of the reactions that could power thermonuclear reactors of the future. It may lead to even more efficient energy generation if obtained in a polarized state, that is with the spin of the reactants aligned. Here, we report first-principles predictions of the polarized DT fusion using nuclear forces from effective field theory. By employing the ab initio no-core shell model with continuum reaction method to solve the quantum mechanical five-nucleon problem, we accurately determine the enhanced fusion rate and angular distribution of the emitted neutron and 4He. Our calculations demonstrate in detail the small contribution of anisotropies, placing on a firmer footing the understanding of the rate of DT fusion in a polarized plasma. In the future, analogous calculations could be used to obtain accurate values for other, more uncertain thermonuclear reaction data critical to nuclear science applications.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism limits experimental choroidal neovascularization and structural changes associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhao Min , Mantel Irmela , Gelize Emmanuelle , Li Xinxin , Xie Xiaoyue , Arboleda Alejandro , Seminel Marie , Levy-Boukris Rinath , Dernigoghossian Marilyn , Prunotto Andrea , Andrieu-Soler Charlotte , Rivolta Carlo , Canonica Jérémie , Naud Marie-Christine , Lechner Sebastian , Farman Nicolette , Bravo-Osuna Irene , Herrero-Vanrell Rocio , Jaisser Frederic , Behar-Cohen Francine
Published: January 2019

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of visual impairment in patients suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly when refractory to intraocular anti-VEGF injections. Here we report that treatment with the oral mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist spironolactone reduces signs of CNV in patients refractory to anti-VEGF treatment. In animal models of wet AMD, pharmacological inhibition of the MR pathway or endothelial-specific deletion of MR inhibits CNV through VEGF-independent mechanisms, in part through upregulation of the extracellular matrix protein decorin. Intravitreal injections of spironolactone-loaded microspheres and systemic delivery lead to similar reductions in CNV. Together, our work suggests MR inhibition as a novel therapeutic option for wet AMD patients unresponsive to anti-VEGF drugs.
C1 CAGE detects transcription start sites and enhancer activity at single-cell resolution
Authors: Kouno Tsukasa , Moody Jonathan , Kwon Andrew Tae-Jun , Shibayama Youtaro , Kato Sachi , Huang Yi , Böttcher Michael , Motakis Efthymios , Mendez Mickaël , Severin Jessica , Luginbühl Joachim , Abugessaisa Imad , Hasegawa Akira , Takizawa Satoshi , Arakawa Takahiro , Furuno Masaaki , Ramalingam Naveen , West Jay , Suzuki Harukazu , Kasukawa Takeya , Lassmann Timo , Hon Chung-Chau , Arner Erik , Carninci Piero , Plessy Charles , Shin Jay W.
Published: January 2019

Single-cell transcriptomic profiling is a powerful tool to explore cellular heterogeneity. However, most of these methods focus on the 3′-end of polyadenylated transcripts and provide only a partial view of the transcriptome. We introduce C1 CAGE, a method for the detection of transcript 5′-ends with an original sample multiplexing strategy in the C1TM microfluidic system. We first quantifiy the performance of C1 CAGE and find it as accurate and sensitive as other methods in the C1 system. We then use it to profile promoter and enhancer activities in the cellular response to TGF-β of lung cancer cells and discover subpopulations of cells differing in their response. We also describe enhancer RNA dynamics revealing transcriptional bursts in subsets of cells with transcripts arising from either strand in a mutually exclusive manner, validated using single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Anti-LRP5/6 VHHs promote differentiation of Wnt-hypersensitive intestinal stem cells
Authors: Fenderico Nicola , van Scherpenzeel Revina C. , Goldflam Michael , Proverbio Davide , Jordens Ingrid , Kralj Tomica , Stryeck Sarah , Bass Tarek Z. , Hermans Guy , Ullman Christopher , Aastrup Teodor , Gros Piet , Maurice Madelon M.
Published: January 2019

Wnt-induced β-catenin-mediated transcription is a driving force for stem cell self-renewal during adult tissue homeostasis. Enhanced Wnt receptor expression due to mutational inactivation of the ubiquitin ligases RNF43/ZNRF3 recently emerged as a leading cause for cancer development. Consequently, targeting canonical Wnt receptors such as LRP5/6 holds great promise for treatment of such cancer subsets. Here, we employ CIS display technology to identify single-domain antibody fragments (VHH) that bind the LRP6 P3E3P4E4 region with nanomolar affinity and strongly inhibit Wnt3/3a-induced β-catenin-mediated transcription in cells, while leaving Wnt1 responses unaffected. Structural analysis reveal that individual VHHs variably employ divergent antigen-binding regions to bind a similar surface in the third β-propeller of LRP5/6, sterically interfering with Wnt3/3a binding. Importantly, anti-LRP5/6 VHHs block the growth of Wnt-hypersensitive Rnf43/Znrf3-mutant intestinal organoids through stem cell exhaustion and collective terminal differentiation. Thus, VHH-mediated targeting of LRP5/6 provides a promising differentiation-inducing strategy for treatment of Wnt-hypersensitive tumors.
A variable-stiffness tendril-like soft robot based on reversible osmotic actuation
Authors: Must Indrek , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: January 2019

Soft robots hold promise for well-matched interactions with delicate objects, humans and unstructured environments owing to their intrinsic material compliance. Movement and stiffness modulation, which is challenging yet needed for an effective demonstration, can be devised by drawing inspiration from plants. Plants use a coordinated and reversible modulation of intracellular turgor (pressure) to tune their stiffness and achieve macroscopic movements. Plant-inspired osmotic actuation was recently proposed, yet reversibility is still an open issue hampering its implementation, also in soft robotics. Here we show a reversible osmotic actuation strategy based on the electrosorption of ions on flexible porous carbon electrodes driven at low input voltages (1.3 V). We demonstrate reversible stiffening (~5-fold increase) and actuation (~500 deg rotation) of a tendril-like soft robot (diameter ~1 mm). Our approach highlights the potential of plant-inspired technologies for developing soft robots based on biocompatible materials and safe voltages making them appealing for prospective applications.
Correlative cryo-electron microscopy reveals the structure of TNTs in neuronal cells
Authors: Sartori-Rupp Anna , Cordero Cervantes Diégo , Pepe Anna , Gousset Karine , Delage Elise , Corroyer-Dulmont Simon , Schmitt Christine , Krijnse-Locker Jacomina , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: January 2019

The orchestration of intercellular communication is essential for multicellular organisms. One mechanism by which cells communicate is through long, actin-rich membranous protrusions called tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), which allow the intercellular transport of various cargoes, between the cytoplasm of distant cells in vitro and in vivo. With most studies failing to establish their structural identity and examine whether they are truly open-ended organelles, there is a need to study the anatomy of TNTs at the nanometer resolution. Here, we use correlative FIB-SEM, light- and cryo-electron microscopy approaches to elucidate the structural organization of neuronal TNTs. Our data indicate that they are composed of a bundle of open-ended individual tunneling nanotubes (iTNTs) that are held together by threads labeled with anti-N-Cadherin antibodies. iTNTs are filled with parallel actin bundles on which different membrane-bound compartments and mitochondria appear to transfer. These results provide evidence that neuronal TNTs have distinct structural features compared to other cell protrusions.
A viral expression factor behaves as a prion
Authors: Nan Hao , Chen Hongying , Tuite Mick F. , Xu Xiaodong
Published: January 2019

Prions are proteins that can fold into multiple conformations some of which are self-propagating. Such prion-forming proteins have been found in animal, plant, fungal and bacterial species, but have not yet been identified in viruses. Here we report that LEF-10, a baculovirus-encoded protein, behaves as a prion. Full-length LEF-10 or its candidate prion-forming domain (cPrD) can functionally replace the PrD of Sup35, a widely studied prion-forming protein from yeast, displaying a [PSI+]-like phenotype. Furthermore, we observe that high multiplicity of infection can induce the conversion of LEF-10 into an aggregated state in virus-infected cells, resulting in the inhibition of viral late gene expression. Our findings extend the knowledge of current prion proteins from cellular organisms to non-cellular life forms and provide evidence to support the hypothesis that prion-forming proteins are a widespread phenomenon in nature.
Diverse manifestations of the mid-Pleistocene climate transition
Authors: Sun Youbin , Yin Qiuzhen , Crucifix Michel , Clemens Steven C. , Araya-Melo Pablo , Liu Weiguo , Qiang Xiaoke , Liu Qingsong , Zhao Hui , Liang Lianji , Chen Hongyun , Li Ying , Zhang Li , Dong Guocheng , Li Ming , Zhou Weijian , Berger Andre , An Zhisheng
Published: January 2019

The mid-Pleistocene transition (MPT) is widely recognized as a shift in paleoclimatic periodicity from 41- to 100-kyr cycles, which largely reflects integrated changes in global ice volume, sea level, and ocean temperature from the marine realm. However, much less is known about monsoon-induced terrestrial vegetation change across the MPT. Here, on the basis of a 1.7-million-year δ13C record of loess carbonates from the Chinese Loess Plateau, we document a unique MPT reflecting terrestrial vegetation changes from a dominant 23-kyr periodicity before 1.2 Ma to combined 100, 41, and 23-kyr cycles after 0.7 Ma, very different from the conventional MPT characteristics. Model simulations further reveal that the MPT transition likely reflects decreased sensitivity of monsoonal hydroclimate to insolation forcing as the Northern Hemisphere became increasingly glaciated through the MPT. Our proxy-model comparison suggests varied responses of temperature and precipitation to astronomical forcing under different ice/CO2 boundary conditions, which greatly improves our understanding of monsoon variability and dynamics from the natural past to the anthropogenic future.
A broadband achromatic polarization-insensitive metalens consisting of anisotropic nanostructures
Authors: Chen Wei Ting , Zhu Alexander Y. , Sisler Jared , Bharwani Zameer , Capasso Federico
Published: January 2019

Metasurfaces have attracted widespread attention due to an increasing demand of compact and wearable optical devices. For many applications, polarization-insensitive metasurfaces are highly desirable, and appear to limit the choice of their constituent elements to isotropic nanostructures. This greatly restricts the number of geometric parameters available in design. Here, we demonstrate a polarization-insensitive metalens using otherwise anisotropic nanofins which offer additional control over the dispersion and phase of the output light. As a result, we can render a metalens achromatic and polarization-insensitive across nearly the entire visible spectrum from wavelength λ = 460 nm to 700 nm, while maintaining diffraction-limited performance. The metalens is comprised of just a single layer of TiO2 nanofins and has a numerical aperture of 0.2 with a diameter of 26.4 µm. The generality of our polarization-insensitive design allows it to be implemented in a plethora of other metasurface devices with applications ranging from imaging to virtual/augmented reality.
Imaging dynamic changes of an intracellular cysteine pool that responds to the stimulation of external oxidative stress
Authors: Chen Kun , Zhang Meng , Qi Yalin , Fan Jing , Ma Xiang , Zhu Hailiang , Qian Yong
Published: January 2019

A fluorescence-based probe (CyP) suitable for imaging the dynamic changes of endogenous cysteine activities under external oxidative stress in living cells, nematode, and Arabidopsis thaliana was developed.
Graphene oxide supported cobalt phosphide nanorods designed from a molecular complex for efficient hydrogen evolution at low overpotential
Authors: Sharma Alpesh K. , Joshi Hemant , Ojha Kasinath , Singh Ajai K.
Published: January 2019

The cathodic current density (cd) of GO-Co2P is 20/100 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 80/154 mV. At 100 mA cm−2 cd, stability is observed for 70 h.
Synthesis of modulator-driven highly stable zirconium-fumarate frameworks and mechanistic investigations of their arsenite and arsenate adsorption from aqueous solutions
Authors: Muthu Prabhu Subbaiah , Kancharla Srinivasarao , Park Chang Min , Sasaki Keiko
Published: January 2019

Benzoic acid-driven highly stable zirconium-fumarate frameworks showed high adsorption efficiencies toward arsenite and arsenate from aqueous solutions.
Discovery and recovery of delta p-aminobenzoic acid
Authors: Ward Martin R. , Younis Shatha , Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J. , Bull Craig L. , Funnell Nicholas P. , Oswald Iain D. H.
Published: January 2019

A new high-pressure recoverable form has been observed in the model system, p-aminobenzoic acid.
A study on fracture toughness of potassium dihydrogen phosphate single crystals
Authors: Huang Pingping , Ding Jianxu , Wang Duanliang , Liu Hui , Xu Longyun , Li Xianglin , Wang Bo , Liu Guangxia , Wang Shenglai
Published: January 2019

The results of the temperature dependence of fracture toughness of KDP crystals with four orientations show that the brittle-to-ductile transition occurs at 160 °C.
Photoinduced electron transfer in 5-bromouracil labeled DNA. A contrathermodynamic mechanism revisited by electron transfer theories
Authors: Cupellini Lorenzo , Wityk Paweł , Mennucci Benedetta , Rak Janusz
Published: January 2019

Neither the rates of photoinduced charge separation nor charge recombination account for the substantial damage observed in the 5′-ABrU sequence.
Molecular mechanism comparison of decarbonylation with deoxygenation and hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by palladium acetate
Authors: Xie Hong , Qi Ting , Lyu Ya-Jing , Zhang Jin-Feng , Si Zhen-Bing , Liu Li-Juan , Zhu Liang-Fang , Yang Hua-Qing , Hu Chang-Wei
Published: January 2019

For HMF, decarbonylation goes through the metal-acetate-co-assisted deprotonation mechanism, while both deoxygenation and hydrogenation proceed via the oxidative addition mechanism.
Strong light–matter interactions: a new direction within chemistry
Authors: Hertzog Manuel , Wang Mao , Mony Jürgen , Börjesson Karl
Published: January 2019

Strong light–matter coupling enables the possibility of changing the properties of molecules, without modifying their chemical structures, thus enabling a completely new way to study chemistry and explore materials.
Selenium reagents as catalysts
Authors: Singh Fateh V. , Wirth Thomas
Published: January 2019

Organoselenium chemistry has become an important tool in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
A remarkable phosphorescent sensor for acid–base vapours based on an AIPE-active Ir(iii) complex
Authors: Li Dan , Li Guangfu , Che Weilong , Zhu Dongxia , Su Zhongmin
Published: January 2019

A novel AIPE-active neutral mononuclear Schiff base ligand Ir(iii) complex has been synthesized for rapid and reversible phosphorescent sensing of acid–base vapours.
DHA and vitamin E antagonized the Aβ25–35-mediated neuron oxidative damage through activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways and regulation of CD36, SRB1 and FABP5 expression in PC12 cells
Authors: Huang Xiaochen , Zhen Jie , Dong Shengqi , Zhang Huiqiang , Van Halm-Lutterodt Nicholas , Yuan Linhong
Published: January 2019

The present study was designed to explore the neuroprotective effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or vitamin E (VE)in vitro.
Monascus yellow, red and orange pigments from red yeast rice ameliorate lipid metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in Wistar rats fed on a high-fat diet
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Guo Rui , Guo Weiling , Hong Jiali , Li Lu , Ni Li , Sun Jinyuan , Liu Bin , Rao Pingfan , Lv Xucong
Published: January 2019

Monascus yellow, red and orange pigments modulate specific gut microbial phylotypes and regulating mRNA expression involved in glucose, lipid and cholesterol metabolism.
Rhodium-catalyzed aminohydroxylation of unactivated alkenes in aqueous media for the benign synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols
Authors: Shi Yufeng , Wang Yufan , Lu Xunbo , Zhang Yulong , Wu Yuzhou , Zhong Fangrui
Published: January 2019

An efficient catalytic aminohydroxylation reaction of alkenes in aqueous media is disclosed for the first time.
A new high precision determination of the atmospheric21Ne abundance
Authors: Wielandt Daniel , Storey Michael
Published: January 2019

We have carried out a series of precise Ne-isotope measurements of atmospheric Ne-separates on a state-of-the-art high mass resolution Thermo-Fisher MC Plus Noble Gas Mass Spectrometer. Assuming an atmospheric22Ne/20Ne ratio of 0.102, we derive the relative mass fractionation corrected21Ne abundance in the terrestrial atmosphere, allowing us to determine a new21Ne/20Ne ratio of 0.0029577 ± 14.
Method development for the determination of bromine via molecular absorption of barium monobromide by high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry
Authors: Turhan Neslihan , Ozbek Nil , Akman Suleyman
Published: January 2019

A challenging novel method was developed for the determination of bromine via molecular absorption of barium monobromide (BaBr) using a high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (HR-CS ETAAS).
Marine natural products
Authors: Carroll Anthony R. , Copp Brent R. , Davis Rohan A. , Keyzers Robert A. , Prinsep Michèle R.
Published: January 2019

A comprehensive review of 1490 new MNPs including the first naturally occurring blue zwitterionic quinoids dactylocyanines A–H is presented.
Fabrication of highly pressure-sensitive, hydrophobic, and flexible 3D carbon nanofiber networks by electrospinning for human physiological signal monitoring
Authors: Han Zhiyuan , Cheng Zhiqiang , Chen Ying , Li Bo , Liang Ziwei , Li Hangfei , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: January 2019

A versatile 3D carbon nanofiber network with an ultrahigh pressure-sensitivity is prepared to monitor human physiological signals.
3D zig-zag nanogaps based on nanoskiving for plasmonic nanofocusing
Authors: Gu Panpan , Zhou Ziwei , Zhao Zhiyuan , Möhwald Helmuth , Li Chunguang , Chiechi Ryan C. , Shi Zhan , Zhang Gang
Published: January 2019

Novel 3D vertically aligned zig-zag nanogaps are fabricated based on nanoskiving for plasmonic nanofocusing.
Nanoprobe-based force spectroscopy as a versatile platform for probing the mechanical adhesion of bacteria
Authors: Yu Chanchan , Zhang Di , Feng Xueyan , Chai Yahong , Lu Pan , Li Qilong , Feng Feng , Wang Xiuyu , Li Yao
Published: January 2019

Nanoprobe-based force spectroscopy was developed as a new platform to investigate how substrate stiffness regulates the bacterial adhesion force.
New flavonoids from the Saudi Arabian plant Retama raetam which stimulates secretion of insulin and inhibits α-glucosidase
Authors: Nur-e-Alam Mohammad , Yousaf Muhammad , Parveen Ifat , Hafizur Rahman M. , Ghani Usman , Ahmed Sarfaraz , Hameed Abdul , Threadgill Michael D. , Al-Rehaily Adnan J.
Published: January 2019

Retama raetam is a bush which is used in traditional medicine.
Fluorescent porous organic polymers
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Liu Cheng , Tang Juntao , Luo Linfeng , Yu Guipeng
Published: January 2019

Porous organic polymers (POPs), which are built from pure organic building blocks through strong covalent bonds, are intriguing platforms with multiple functionalities.
Tetraphenylethene-decorated functional polybenzoxazines: post-polymerization synthesis via benzoxazine–isocyanide chemistry and application in probing and catalyst fields
Authors: Shi Wei , Liu Qiao , Zhang Jie , Zhou Xinyu , Yang Chang , Zhang Kesong , Xie Zhengfeng
Published: January 2019

Benzoxazine–isocyanide chemistry (BIC) was utilized to construct functional polybenzoxazines via a post-polymerization protocol, and the application of corresponding polymers was investigated.
Investigation of the features in living anionic polymerization with styrene derivatives containing annular substituents
Authors: Bai Hongyuan , Zhang Zhi , Ma Hongwei , Han Li , Mu Xiaochun , Huang Wei , Liu Pibo , Wu Yibo
Published: January 2019

Five styrene derivatives with annular substituents (SAs), called CPBE, CHBE, THNE, THBE and META, were successfully synthesized and living anionic polymerization was conducted.
The mechanistic investigations of photochemical decarbonylations and oxidative addition reactions for M(CO)5 (M = Fe, Ru, Os) complexes
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Feng , Su Ming-Der
Published: January 2019

Model study of the photoactivation reactions for Si–H bonds in trimethylsilane for group 8 M(CO)5 (M = Fe, Ru, and Os) complexes using the CASSCF and MP2-CAS levels of theory.
Theoretical prediction of HfB2 monolayer, a two-dimensional Dirac cone material with remarkable Fermi velocity
Authors: Liu Zhongfei , Wang Peihong , Cui Qiaoyu , Yang Guang , Jin Shaowei , Xiong Kuangwei
Published: January 2019

A novel 2D boron-based Dirac cone material: a HfB2 monolayer.
In situ synthesis of low-cost and large-scale flexible metal nanoparticle–polymer composite films as highly sensitive SERS substrates for surface trace analysis
Authors: Zong Chenghua , Ge Mengyi , Pan Hong , Wang Jing , Nie Xinming , Zhang Qingquan , Zhao Wenfeng , Liu Xiaojun , Yu Yang
Published: January 2019

Facile and large-scale synthesis of flexible metal nanoparticle–polymer composite films as highly sensitive SERS substrates for in situ food inspection.
One-pot facile simultaneous in situ synthesis of conductive Ag–polyaniline composites using Keggin and Preyssler-type phosphotungstates
Authors: Amini Abbas , Rahimi Marjan , Nazari Marziyeh , Cheng Chun , Samali Bijan
Published: January 2019

Two heteropolytungstate structures, (a) Keggin (H3PW12O40) and (b) Preyssler (H14(NaP5W30O110]), have been used to synthesize conductive silver nanoparticle–polyaniline–heteropolytungstate, (AgNPs–PAni–HPW) nanocomposites.
Isolated/interacting Au islands on TiO2NTs for the switching photocatalytic/photoelectrocatalytic degradation of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Baohui , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Hongming , Zhang Shixu , Gu Di
Published: January 2019

A three-dimensional surface catalyst with isolated/interacting Au islands loaded on TiO2nanotubes (Au/TiO2NTs) was prepared for the switching photocatalytic/photoelectrocatalytic (PC/PEC) degradation of refractory organic wastewater, and shows prominent catalytic activity and favorable stability.
Sequential ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach for the identification of potential G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) modulators
Authors: Khan Shafi Ullah , Ahemad Nafees , Chuah Lay-Hong , Naidu Rakesh , Htar Thet Thet
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the application of sequential ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach for the identification of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1/GPR30) modulators.
Novel tunable super-tough materials from biodegradable polymer blends: nano-structuring through reactive extrusion
Authors: Wu Feng , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: January 2019

From micro to nano, super-tough PBS with high impact strength is fabricated.
Bone-targeting carbon dots: effect of nitrogen-doping on binding affinity
Authors: Lee Kyung Kwan , Lee Jae-Geun , Park Chul Soon , Lee Sun Hyeok , Raja Naren , Yun Hui-suk , Lee Jeong-Soo , Lee Chang-Soo
Published: January 2019

Fluorescent carbon dots selectively bind to skull tissues with high affinity, including a strong binding activity for calcium deficient hydroxyapatite, and rat femur, for bone targeted imaging.
Ultrasensitive strips for the quadruple detection of nitrofuran metabolite residues
Authors: Wu Wei , Sun Ning , Zhu Simin , Li Xiaomei , Chen Jitao , Liu Chunzhao , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Qingli
Published: January 2019

In this biosensor system, metabolite residues were derived by using a previous B-CBA synthesis method to label a biotin moiety for enrichment by streptavidin coated magnetic beads.
Stabilization of GaAs photoanodes by in situ deposition of nickel-borate surface catalysts as hole trapping sites
Authors: Jiang Chaoran , Wu Jiang , Moniz Savio J. A. , Guo Daqian , Tang Mingchu , Jiang Qi , Chen Siming , Liu Huiyun , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao , Tang Junwang
Published: January 2019

A nanocomposite Ni–B/Ga(As)Ox/GaAs photoanode fabricated by combining molecular beam epitaxy with in situ photoassisted electrodeposition enables efficient and stable photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Advances in constructing polymeric carbon-nitride-based nanocomposites and their applications in energy chemistry
Authors: Wang Zhonghao , Hu Xun , Zou Guojun , Huang Zhiwei , Tang Zhicheng , Liu Qing , Hu Guangzhi , Geng Dongsheng
Published: January 2019

We reviewed the recent progress made in fabricating PCN-based catalysts with various morphologies for their applications in energy chemistry.