bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent spin texture enforced by symmetry
Authors: Tao L. L. , Tsymbal Evgeny Y.
Published: July 2018

Persistent spin texture (PST) is the property of some materials to maintain a uniform spin configuration in the momentum space. This property has been predicted to support an extraordinarily long spin lifetime of carriers promising for spintronics applications. Here, we predict that there exists a class of noncentrosymmetric bulk materials, where the PST is enforced by the nonsymmorphic space group symmetry of the crystal. Around certain high symmetry points in the Brillouin zone, the sublattice degrees of freedom impose a constraint on the effective spin–orbit field, which orientation remains independent of the momentum and thus maintains the PST. We illustrate this behavior using density-functional theory calculations for a handful of promising candidates accessible experimentally. Among them is the ferroelectric oxide BiInO3—a wide band gap semiconductor which sustains a PST around the conduction band minimum. Our results broaden the range of materials that can be employed in spintronics.
Cold deep subduction recorded by remnants of a Paleoproterozoic carbonated slab
Authors: Xu Cheng , Kynický Jindřich , Song Wenlei , Tao Renbiao , Lü Zeng , Li Yunxiu , Yang Yueheng , Pohanka Miroslav , Galiova Michaela V. , Zhang Lifei , Fei Yingwei
Published: July 2018

The absence of low-thermal gradients in old metamorphic rocks (<350 °C GPa−1) has been used to argue for a fundamental change in the style of plate tectonics during the Neoproterozoic Era. Here, we report data from an eclogite xenolith in Paleoproterozoic carbonatite in the North China craton that argues for cold subduction as early as 1.8 Ga. The carbonatite has a sediment-derived C isotope signature and enriched initial Sr–Nd isotope composition, indicative of ocean-crust components in the source. The eclogite records peak metamorphic pressures of 2.5–2.8 GPa at 650–670 °C, indicating a cold thermal gradient, 250(±15) °C GPa−1. Our data, combined with old low-temperature events in the West African and North American cratons, reveal a global pattern that modern-style subduction may have been established during the Paleoproterozoic Era. Paleoproterozoic carbonatites are closely associated with granulites and eclogites in orogens worldwide, playing a critical role in the Columbia supercontinent amalgamation and deep carbon cycle through time.
Exchange-biasing topological charges by antiferromagnetism
Authors: He Qing Lin , Yin Gen , Grutter Alexander J. , Pan Lei , Che Xiaoyu , Yu Guoqiang , Gilbert Dustin A. , Disseler Steven M. , Liu Yizhou , Shafer Padraic , Zhang Bin , Wu Yingying , Kirby Brian J. , Arenholz Elke , Lake Roger K. , Han Xiaodong , Wang Kang L.
Published: July 2018

Geometric Hall effect is induced by the emergent gauge field experienced by the carriers adiabatically passing through certain real-space topological spin textures, which is a probe to non-trivial spin textures, such as magnetic skyrmions. We report experimental indications of spin-texture topological charges induced in heterostructures of a topological insulator (Bi,Sb)2Te3 coupled to an antiferromagnet MnTe. Through a seeding effect, the pinned spins at the interface leads to a tunable modification of the averaged real-space topological charge. This effect experimentally manifests as a modification of the field-dependent geometric Hall effect when the system is field-cooled along different directions. This heterostructure represents a platform for manipulating magnetic topological transitions using antiferromagnetic order.
A TRAF3-NIK module differentially regulates DNA vs RNA pathways in innate immune signaling
Authors: Parvatiyar Kislay , Pindado Jose , Dev Anurupa , Aliyari Saba Roghiyh , Zaver Shivam A. , Gerami Hoda , Chapon Maxime , Ghaffari Amir A. , Dhingra Anant , Cheng Genhong
Published: July 2018

Detection of viral genomes by the innate immune system elicits an antiviral gene program mediated by type I interferons (IFNs). While viral RNA and DNA species induce IFN via separate pathways, the mechanisms by which these pathways are differentially modulated are unknown. Here we show that the positive regulator of IFN in the RNA pathway, TRAF3, has an inhibitory function in the DNA pathway. Loss of TRAF3 coincides with increased expression of the alternative NF-κB-inducing molecule, NIK, which interacts with the DNA pathway adaptor, STING, to enhance IFN induction. Cells lacking NIK display defective IFN activation in the DNA pathway due to impaired STING signaling, and NIK-deficient mice are more susceptible to DNA virus infection. Mechanistically, NIK operates independently from alternative NF-κB signaling components and instead requires autophosphorylation and oligomerization to activate STING. Thus a previously undescribed pathway for NIK exists in activating IFN in the DNA pathway.
Insightful classification of crystal structures using deep learning
Authors: Ziletti Angelo , Kumar Devinder , Scheffler Matthias , Ghiringhelli Luca M.
Published: July 2018

Computational methods that automatically extract knowledge from data are critical for enabling data-driven materials science. A reliable identification of lattice symmetry is a crucial first step for materials characterization and analytics. Current methods require a user-specified threshold, and are unable to detect average symmetries for defective structures. Here, we propose a machine learning-based approach to automatically classify structures by crystal symmetry. First, we represent crystals by calculating a diffraction image, then construct a deep learning neural network model for classification. Our approach is able to correctly classify a dataset comprising more than 100,000 simulated crystal structures, including heavily defective ones. The internal operations of the neural network are unraveled through attentive response maps, demonstrating that it uses the same landmarks a materials scientist would use, although never explicitly instructed to do so. Our study paves the way for crystal structure recognition of—possibly noisy and incomplete—three-dimensional structural data in big-data materials science.
The replication initiation determinant protein (RepID) modulates replication by recruiting CUL4 to chromatin
Authors: Jang Sang-Min , Zhang Ya , Utani Koichi , Fu Haiqing , Redon Christophe E. , Marks Anna B. , Smith Owen K. , Redmond Catherine J. , Baris Adrian M. , Tulchinsky Danielle A. , Aladjem Mirit I.
Published: July 2018

Cell cycle progression in mammals is modulated by two ubiquitin ligase complexes, CRL4 and SCF, which facilitate degradation of chromatin substrates involved in the regulation of DNA replication. One member of the CRL4 complex, the WD-40 containing protein RepID (DCAF14/PHIP), selectively binds and activates a group of replication origins. Here we show that RepID recruits the CRL4 complex to chromatin prior to DNA synthesis, thus playing a crucial architectural role in the proper licensing of chromosomes for replication. In the absence of RepID, cells rely on the alternative ubiquitin ligase, SKP2-containing SCF, to progress through the cell cycle. RepID depletion markedly increases cellular sensitivity to SKP2 inhibitors, which triggered massive genome re-replication. Both RepID and SKP2 interact with distinct, non-overlapping groups of replication origins, suggesting that selective interactions of replication origins with specific CRL components execute the DNA replication program and maintain genomic stability by preventing re-initiation of DNA replication.
Highly active enzymes by automated combinatorial backbone assembly and sequence design
Authors: Lapidoth Gideon , Khersonsky Olga , Lipsh Rosalie , Dym Orly , Albeck Shira , Rogotner Shelly , Fleishman Sarel J.
Published: July 2018

Automated design of enzymes with wild-type-like catalytic properties has been a long-standing but elusive goal. Here, we present a general, automated method for enzyme design through combinatorial backbone assembly. Starting from a set of homologous yet structurally diverse enzyme structures, the method assembles new backbone combinations and uses Rosetta to optimize the amino acid sequence, while conserving key catalytic residues. We apply this method to two unrelated enzyme families with TIM-barrel folds, glycoside hydrolase 10 (GH10) xylanases and phosphotriesterase-like lactonases (PLLs), designing 43 and 34 proteins, respectively. Twenty-one GH10 and seven PLL designs are active, including designs derived from templates with <25% sequence identity. Moreover, four designs are as active as natural enzymes in these families. Atomic accuracy in a high-activity GH10 design is further confirmed by crystallographic analysis. Thus, combinatorial-backbone assembly and design may be used to generate stable, active, and structurally diverse enzymes with altered selectivity or activity.
Direct observation of DNA target searching and cleavage by CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Jeon Yongmoon , Choi You Hee , Jang Yunsu , Yu Jihyeon , Goo Jiyoung , Lee Gyejun , Jeong You Kyeong , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim In-San , Kim Jin-Soo , Jeong Cherlhyun , Lee Sanghwa , Bae Sangsu
Published: July 2018

Cas12a (also called Cpf1) is a representative type V-A CRISPR effector RNA-guided DNA endonuclease, which provides an alternative to type II CRISPR–Cas9 for genome editing. Previous studies have revealed that Cas12a has unique features distinct from Cas9, but the detailed mechanisms of target searching and DNA cleavage by Cas12a are still unclear. Here, we directly observe this entire process by using single-molecule fluorescence assays to study Cas12a from Acidaminococcus sp. (AsCas12a). We determine that AsCas12a ribonucleoproteins search for their on-target site by a one-dimensional diffusion along elongated DNA molecules and induce cleavage in the two DNA strands in a well-defined order, beginning with the non-target strand. Furthermore, the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) for AsCas12a makes only a limited contribution of DNA unwinding during R-loop formation and shows a negligible role in the process of DNA cleavage, in contrast to the Cas9 PAM.
MiR-221/222 promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting Notch3 in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Liang Yuan-Ke , Lin Hao-Yu , Dou Xiao-Wei , Chen Min , Wei Xiao-Long , Zhang Yong-Qu , Wu Yang , Chen Chun-Fa , Bai Jing-Wen , Xiao Ying-Sheng , Qi Yu-Zhu , Kruyt Frank A. E. , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: July 2018

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive subtype with a strong tendency to metastasize. Due to the lack of effective chemotherapy, BLBC has a poor prognosis compared with luminal subtype breast cancer. MicroRNA-221 and -222 (miR-221/222) are overexpressed in BLBC and associate with metastasis as well as poor prognosis; however, the mechanisms by which miR-221/222 function as oncomiRs remain unknown. Here, we report that miR-221/222 expression is inversely correlated with Notch3 expression in breast cancer cell lines. Notch3 is known to be overexpressed in luminal breast cancer cells and inhibits epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We demonstrate that miR-221/222 target Notch3 by binding to its 3′ untranslated region and suppressing protein translation. Ectopic expression of miR-221/222 significantly promotes EMT, whereas overexpression of Notch3 intracellular domain attenuates the oncogenic function of miR-221/222, suggesting that miR-221/222 exerts its oncogenic role by negatively regulating Notch3. Taken together, our results elucidated that miR-221/222 promote EMT via targeting Notch3 in breast cancer cell lines suggesting that miR-221/222 can serve as a potential therapeutic target in BLBC.
Heterogeneity and interplay of the extracellular vesicle small RNA transcriptome and proteome
Authors: Sork Helena , Corso Giulia , Krjutskov Kaarel , Johansson Henrik J. , Nordin Joel Z. , Wiklander Oscar P. B. , Lee Yi Xin Fiona , Westholm Jakub Orzechowski , Lehtiö Janne , Wood Matthew J. A. , Mäger Imre , EL Andaloussi Samir
Published: July 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate cell-to-cell communication by delivering or displaying macromolecules to their recipient cells. While certain broad-spectrum EV effects reflect their protein cargo composition, others have been attributed to individual EV-loaded molecules such as specific miRNAs. In this work, we have investigated the contents of vesicular cargo using small RNA sequencing of cells and EVs from HEK293T, RD4, C2C12, Neuro2a and C17.2. The majority of RNA content in EVs (49–96%) corresponded to rRNA-, coding- and tRNA fragments, corroborating with our proteomic analysis of HEK293T and C2C12 EVs which showed an enrichment of ribosome and translation-related proteins. On the other hand, the overall proportion of vesicular small RNA was relatively low and variable (2-39%) and mostly comprised of miRNAs and sequences mapping to piRNA loci. Importantly, this is one of the few studies, which systematically links vesicular RNA and protein cargo of vesicles. Our data is particularly useful for future work in unravelling the biological mechanisms underlying vesicular RNA and protein sorting and serves as an important guide in developing EVs as carriers for RNA therapeutics.
A Universal Live Cell Barcoding-Platform for Multiplexed Human Single Cell Analysis
Authors: Hartmann Felix J. , Simonds Erin F. , Bendall Sean C.
Published: July 2018

Single-cell barcoding enables the combined processing and acquisition of multiple individual samples as one. This maximizes assay efficiency and eliminates technical variability in both sample preparation and analysis. Remaining challenges are the barcoding of live, unprocessed cells to increase downstream assay performance combined with the flexibility of the approach towards a broad range of cell types. To that end, we developed a novel antibody-based platform that allows the robust barcoding of live human cells for mass cytometry (CyTOF). By targeting both the MHC class I complex (beta-2-microglobulin) and a broadly expressed sodium-potassium ATPase-subunit (CD298) with platinum-conjugated antibodies, human immune cells, stem cells as well as tumor cells could be multiplexed in the same single-cell assay. In addition, we present a novel palladium-based covalent viability reagent compatible with this barcoding strategy. Altogether, this platform enables mass cytometry-based, live-cell barcoding across a multitude of human sample types and provides a scheme for multiplexed barcoding of human single-cell assays in general.
Strontium isotope analysis on cremated human remains from Stonehenge support links with west Wales
Authors: Snoeck Christophe , Pouncett John , Claeys Philippe , Goderis Steven , Mattielli Nadine , Parker Pearson Mike , Willis Christie , Zazzo Antoine , Lee-Thorp Julia A. , Schulting Rick J.
Published: July 2018

Cremated human remains from Stonehenge provide direct evidence on the life of those few select individuals buried at this iconic Neolithic monument. The practice of cremation has, however, precluded the application of strontium isotope analysis of tooth enamel as the standard chemical approach to study their origin. New developments in strontium isotopic analysis of cremated bone reveal that at least 10 of the 25 cremated individuals analysed did not spend their lives on the Wessex chalk on which the monument is found. Combined with the archaeological evidence, we suggest that their most plausible origin lies in west Wales, the source of the bluestones erected in the early stage of the monument’s construction. These results emphasise the importance of inter-regional connections involving the movement of both materials and people in the construction and use of Stonehenge.
The associations between maternal lifestyles and antenatal stress and anxiety in Chinese pregnant women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou Qingzhi , Li Shanshan , Jiang Chao , Huang Yaling , Huang Lulu , Ye Juan , Pan Zhijian , Teng Tao , Wang Qiuyan , Jiang Yonghua , Zhang Haiying , Liu Chaoqun , Li Mujun , Mo Zengnan , Yang Xiaobo
Published: July 2018

The study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal lifestyles and antenatal stress and anxiety. 1491 pregnant women were drawn from the Guangxi birth cohort study (GBCS). A base line questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and maternal lifestyles. The Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess prenatal stress and anxiety, respectively. Regression analyses identified the relationship between maternal lifestyles and prenatal stress and anxiety: (1) Hours of phone use per day was positively correlated to prenatal stress and anxiety and increased with stress and anxiety levels (all P trend < 0.05). In addition, not having baby at home was positively correlated to prenatal stress. (2) Self-reported sleep quality was negative with prenatal stress and anxiety, and decreased with stress and anxiety levels (all P trend < 0.01). Moreover, not frequent cooking was negatively correlated to prenatal stress and having pets was negatively correlated to prenatal anxiety (P < 0.05). However, having pets was not correlated to prenatal stress (P > 0.05). Our results showed that adverse lifestyles increase the risk of antenatal stress and anxiety, a regular routine and a variety of enjoyable activities decreases the risk of prenatal stress and anxiety.
Socioeconomic determinants of sarcopenic obesity and frail obesity in community-dwelling older adults: The Seniors-ENRICA Study
Authors: Moreno-Franco Belén , Pérez-Tasigchana Raúl F. , Lopez-Garcia Esther , Laclaustra Martin , Gutierrez-Fisac Juan L. , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Guallar-Castillón Pilar
Published: July 2018

Information on the association between socioeconomic status (SES) throughout life and sarcopenic obesity is scarce, whereas no study has been focused on the association between SES and frail obesity. This analysis estimated the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and frail obesity, and their associations with SES in older adults. Data were collected in 2012 from 1,765 non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥65 participating in the Seniors-ENRICA study in Spain, by using standardized techniques and equipment. SES throughout life was evaluated with the father’s occupation, participant’s educational level, former own occupation, and current poor housing condition. Overall, 17.2% of participants had sarcopenic obesity, and 4.0% frail obesity. No association was found between SES and sarcopenic obesity. In contrast, the prevalence of frail obesity was higher in those with lower education, having worked in manual job, and currently having poor housing condition. Having ≥1 social disadvantages throughout life was associated with higher prevalence of frail obesity. The prevalence of this disorder increased by 1.49 (95% CI: 1.21–1.85) times for each social disadvantage added. The OR (95% CI) of frail obesity was 3.13 (1.71–5.7) for those having 3 or 4 vs. 0 or 1 social disadvantages, implying a more complex process beginning early in life.
Development of nsP2 protease based cell free high throughput screening assay for evaluation of inhibitors against emerging Chikungunya virus
Authors: Saha Amrita , Acharya Badri Narayan , Priya Raj , Tripathi Nagesh K. , Shrivastava Ambuj , Rao M. Kameswara , Kesari Pooja , Narwal Manju , Tomar Shailly , Bhagyawant Sameer S. , Parida Manmohan , Dash Paban Kumar
Published: July 2018

Chikungunya virus has emerged as one of the most important global arboviral threats over the last decade. Inspite of large scale morbidity, with long lasting polyarthralgia, so far no licensed vaccine or antiviral is available. CHIKV nsP2 protease is crucial for processing of viral nonstructural polypeptide precursor to release enzymes required for viral replication, thus making it a promising drug target. In this study, high cell density cultivation (HCDC) ofEscherichia coliin batch process was carried out to produce rCHIKV nsP2pro in a cost-effective manner. The purified nsP2pro and fluorogenic peptide substrate have been adapted for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based high throughput screening (HTS) assay with Z’ value and CV of 0.67 ± 0.054 and <10% respectively. We used this cell free HTS system to screen panel of metal ions and its conjugate which revealed zinc acetate as a potential candidate, which was further found to inhibit CHIKV in Vero cells. Scale-up process has not been previously reported for any of the arboviral nonstructural enzymes. The successful scale-up method for viral protease together with a HTS assay could lead to the development of industrial level large-scale screening platform for identification of protease inhibitors against emerging and re-emerging viruses.
Impact of Edible Cricket Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults, a Double-blind, Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Stull Valerie J. , Finer Elijah , Bergmans Rachel S. , Febvre Hallie P. , Longhurst Colin , Manter Daniel K. , Patz Jonathan A. , Weir Tiffany L.
Published: July 2018

Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock with growing popularity among North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. In addition to high protein levels, crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two study arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a washout period and assignment to the opposite treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate cricket consumption is tolerable and non-toxic at the studied dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-α. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.
Buparlisib is a brain penetrable pan-PI3K inhibitor
Authors: de Gooijer Mark C. , Zhang Ping , Buil Levi C. M. , Çitirikkaya Ceren H. , Thota Nishita , Beijnen Jos H. , van Tellingen Olaf
Published: July 2018

Characterization of the genomic landscapes of intracranial tumours has revealed a clear role for the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in tumorigenesis and tumour maintenance of these malignancies, making phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition a promising therapeutic strategy for these tumours. Buparlisib is a novel pan-PI3K inhibitor that is currently in clinical development for various cancers, including primary and secondary brain tumours. Importantly however, earlier studies have revealed that sufficient brain penetration is a prerequisite for antitumor efficacy against intracranial tumours. We therefore investigated the brain penetration of buparlisib using a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo mouse models. We demonstrate that buparlisib has an excellent brain penetration that is unaffected by efflux transporters at the blood-brain barrier, complete oral bioavailability and efficient intracranial target inhibition at clinically achievable plasma concentrations. Together, these characteristics make buparlisib the ideal candidate for intracranially-targeted therapeutic strategies that involve PI3K inhibition.
Generation of sphingosine-1-phosphate is enhanced in biliary tract cancer patients and is associated with lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Hirose Yuki , Nagahashi Masayuki , Katsuta Eriko , Yuza Kizuki , Miura Kohei , Sakata Jun , Kobayashi Takashi , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Shimada Yoshifumi , Kameyama Hitoshi , McDonald Kerry-Ann , Takabe Kazuaki , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: July 2018

Lymphatic metastasis is known to contribute to worse prognosis of biliary tract cancer (BTC). Recently, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid mediator generated by sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), has been shown to play an important role in lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in several types of cancer. However, the role of the lipid mediator in BTC has never been examined. Here we found that S1P is elevated in BTC with the activation of ceramide-synthetic pathways, suggesting that BTC utilizes SPHK1 to promote lymphatic metastasis. We found that S1P, sphingosine and ceramide precursors such as monohexosyl-ceramide and sphingomyelin, but not ceramide, were significantly increased in BTC compared to normal biliary tract tissue using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, we demonstrated that S1P in BTC is generated via de novo pathway and exported via ABCC1. Further, we found that SPHK1 expression positively correlated with factors related to lymphatic metastasis in BTC. Finally, immunohistochemical examination revealed that gallbladder cancer with lymph node metastasis had significantly higher expression of phospho-SPHK1 than that without. Taken together, our data suggest that S1P generated in BTC contributes to lymphatic metastasis.
The membrane-associated fraction of cyclase associate protein 1 translocates to the cytosol upon platelet stimulation
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Riley David R. J. , Khalil Jawad S. , Xiong Huajiang , Ji Wei , Rivero Francisco
Published: July 2018

Platelets undergo profound shape changes upon adhesion to damaged blood vessel walls that are mediated by reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton in response to receptor-mediated signalling cascades. The highly conserved 56 kDa multidomain cyclase associated protein 1 (CAP1) works in concert with cofilin and profilin to modulate actin filament turnover by facilitating cofilin-mediated actin filament severing and depolymerisation and catalysing profilin-mediated regeneration of actin monomers for reutilisation in growing filaments. CAP1 is abundant in platelets but its roles remain unexplored. We report that in suspended platelets CAP1 localises predominantly at the cell cortex whereas in spread platelets it is uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm, with enrichment at the cell cortex and the periphery of actin nodules. Upon subcellular fractionation most CAP1 was found cytosolic but part associated to the membrane fraction in an actin-independent manner. Interestingly, upon stimulation with thrombin a significant proportion of the membrane-associated CAP1 translocates to the cytosol. This relocalisation was prevented by prior treatment with PGI2 or the nitric oxide donor GSNO, or by inhibition of GSK3. Our results place CAP1 at a crossroad of signalling pathways that control platelet activation by contributing to actin remodelling at the cell cortex and actin nodules during platelet spreading.
Genetic variations for egg quality of chickens at late laying period revealed by genome-wide association study
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Sun Congjiao , Yan Yiyuan , Li Guangqi , Shi Fengying , Wu Guiqin , Liu Aiqiao , Yang Ning
Published: July 2018

With the extension of the egg-laying cycle, the rapid decline in egg quality at late laying period has aroused great concern in the poultry industry. Herein, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genomic variations associated with egg quality, employing chicken 600 K high-density SNP arrays in a population of 1078 hens at 72 and 80 weeks of age. The results indicated that a genomic region spanning from 8.95 to 9.31 Mb (~0.36 Mb) on GGA13 was significantly associated with the albumen height (AH) and the haugh unit (HU), and the two most significant SNPs accounted for 3.12 ~ 5.75% of the phenotypic variance. Two promising genes,MSX2andDRD1, were mapped to the narrow significant region, which was involved in embryonic and ovary development and found to be related to egg production, respectively. Moreover, three interesting genes,RHOA,SDF4andTNFRSF4, identified from three significant loci, were considered to be candidate genes for egg shell colour. Findings in our study could provide worthy theoretical basis and technological support to improve late-stage egg quality for breeders.
First insights into the movements of young-of-the-year white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Curtis Tobey H. , Metzger Gregory , Fischer Christopher , McBride Brett , McCallister Michael , Winn Leann J. , Quinlan Jessica , Ajemian Matthew J.
Published: July 2018

In recent years, white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have become more accessible to researchers off the northeastern U.S. as feeding aggregation sites have emerged and the population has increased. However, there has been limited research on young-of-the-year (YOY) sharks relative to older age classes in this region. Previous research indicated that YOY white sharks were most frequently observed in the New York Bight, suggesting the region serves a nursery role. To further examine the species’ use of this area, we deployed satellite and acoustic tags on ten YOY white sharks (138–166 cm total length) off Long Island, New York. The sharks remained resident in New York Bight waters through summer (August through October), further supporting the notion that the region is a nursery area. Southward movements were observed during fall, with overwintering habitat identified off North and South Carolina shelf waters. Return migrations toward the New York Bight were observed in some individuals the following spring. YOY white sharks in this heavily-populated region are exposed to anthropogenic impacts such as fisheries bycatch and coastal habitat degradation. As juvenile survival rates are important for long-term population sustainability, further research is necessary to assess the potential impacts of these activities on the western North Atlantic white shark population.
Organic and inorganic carbon and their stable isotopes in surface sediments of the Yellow River Estuary
Authors: Yu Zhitong , Wang Xiujun , Han Guangxuan , Liu Xingqi , Zhang Enlou
Published: July 2018

Studying the carbon dynamics of estuarine sediment is crucial to understanding of carbon cycle in the coastal ocean. This study is to evaluate the mechanisms regulating the dynamics of organic (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) in surface sediment of the Yellow River Estuary (YRE). Based on data of 15 surface sediment cores, we found that TIC (6.3–20.1 g kg−1) was much higher than TOC (0.2–4.4 g kg−1). Both TOC and TIC were generally higher to the north than to the south, primarily due to the differences in kinetic energy level (i.e., higher to the south). Our analysis suggested that TOC was mainly from marine sources in the YER, except in the southern shallow bay where approximately 75% of TOC was terrigenous. The overall low levels of TOC were due to profound resuspension that could cause enhanced decomposition. On the other hand, high levels of TIC resulted partly from higher rates of biological production, and partly from decomposition of TOC associated with sediment resuspension. The isotopic signiture in TIC seems to imply that the latter is dominant in forming more TIC in the YRE, and there may be transfer of OC to IC in the water column.
Dual-organ invasion is associated with a lower survival rate than single-organ invasion in distal bile duct cancer: A multicenter study
Authors: Min Kyueng-Whan , Kim Dong-Hoon , Son Byoung Kwan , Moon Kyoung Min , Kim Eun-Kyung , Oh Young-Ha , Kwon Mi Jung , Choi Ho Soon
Published: July 2018

The revised criteria of the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cancer staging system consider depth of invasion as one of the factors that determine stage in distal bile duct (DBD) cancer, but exclude adjacent organ invasion. The aims were to evaluate the association between adjacent organ invasion and relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after curative surgical resection of DBD cancer and to propose optimal criteria for predicting clinical outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, 378 patients with DBD cancer treated in multi-institutions between 1996 and 2013 were investigated. This study evaluated the relationship between clinicopathologic parameters and adjacent organ invasion and used organ invasion to compare the survival times of each group. Among 204 patients with adjacent organ invasion, 152 were in the single-organ invasion group and 52 were in the dual-organ invasion group based on a review of microscopic slides. In univariate and multivariate analyses, patients with dual-organ invasion had a shorter RFS and OS time than those with single-organ invasion. Organ invasion should be included as one of the factors that determine the AJCC stage; this might ultimately help to predict better the survival rate of patients with DBD cancer.
Bent conformation of a backbone pilin N-terminal domain supports a three-stage pilus assembly mechanism
Authors: Chaurasia Priyanka , Pratap Shivendra , Palva Airi , von Ossowski Ingemar , Krishnan Vengadesan
Published: July 2018

Effective colonization of host cells by some Gram-positive bacteria often involves using lengthy, adhesive macromolecular structures called sortase-dependent pili. Among commensals, the gut-adapted Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain encodes the operons for two varieties of these pili (SpaCBA and SpaFED), with each structure consisting of backbone, tip, and basal pilin subunits. Although the tertiary structure was recently solved for the backbone subunit (SpaA) of the SpaCBA pilus, no structural information exists for its counterpart in the SpaFED pilus. Here, we report several crystal structures for the SpaD backbone pilin, two of which capture the N-terminal domain in either the closed (linear) or open (bent) conformation. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the bent conformation in Gram-positive pilin structures. Based on this bent conformation, we suggest a three-stage model, which we call the expose-ligate-seal mechanism, for the docking and assembly of backbone pilins into the sortase-dependent pilus.
Homing of ICG-loaded liposome inlaid with tumor cellular membrane to the homologous xenografts glioma eradicates the primary focus and prevents lung metastases through phototherapy
Authors: Xu He-Lin , Shen Bi-Xin , Lin Meng-Ting , Tong Meng-Qi , Zheng Ya-Wen , Jiang Xue , Yang Wai-Geng , Yuan Jian-Dong , Yao Qing , Zhao Ying-Zheng
Published: July 2018

Liposomes inlaid with tumor cellular membranes may serve as an excellent nanoplatform for homologous-targeting phototherapy using ICG.
ProTide generated long-acting abacavir nanoformulations
Authors: Lin Zhiyi , Gautam Nagsen , Alnouti Yazen , McMillan JoEllyn , Bade Aditya N. , Gendelman Howard E. , Edagwa Benson
Published: July 2018

Single NM3ABCtreatment of macrophages produced sustained intracellular carbovir-triphosphate and antiretroviral activities for up to 30 days.
Copper-mediated intramolecular aminofluorination of 1,3-dienes by using nucleophilic fluorine reagents
Authors: Zhang Zuxiao , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: July 2018

A copper-mediated intramolecular aminofluorination of 1,3-dienes is disclosed, in which both AgF and Et3N·3HF can be used as the fluorine source.
Corrosion inhibition performance of newly synthesized 5-alkoxymethyl-8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives for carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution: experimental, DFT and Monte Carlo simulation studies
Authors: El Faydy M. , Touir R. , Ebn Touhami M. , Zarrouk A. , Jama C. , Lakhrissi B. , Olasunkanmi L. O. , Ebenso E. E. , Bentiss F.
Published: July 2018

Three new organic compounds primarily based on 8-hydroxyquinoline have been successfully synthesized and characterizedviadifferent spectroscopic methods (FTIR,1H, and13C NMR).
Central substitution of azacalixphyrins: a strategy towards acidochromic NIR dyes
Authors: Azarias Cloé , Pascal Simon , Siri Olivier , Jacquemin Denis
Published: July 2018

A new substitution pattern of azacalixphyrins is proposed and assessed with theoretical tools.
NormalandabnormalNHC coordination in cationic hydride iodide complexes of aluminium
Authors: Trose Michael , Burnett Stuart , Bonyhady Simon J. , Jones Cameron , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Stasch Andreas
Published: July 2018

Sterically demanding NHC aluminium hydride iodide complexes react with one equivalent of NHC to cationic mixednormal–abnormalNHC AlIIIcomplexes.
Bis(oxazoline)-derived N-heterocyclic carbene ligated rare-earth metal complexes: synthesis, structure, and polymerization performance
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhao Aijing , Li Yang , Li Wenqiang , So Yat-Ming , Yan Xiaoming , He Gaohong
Published: July 2018

Bis(oxazoline)-derived NHC supported rare-earth complexes have been synthesized for the first time and showed good activity for 1-hexene (co)polymerization.
Circular extraction: an innovative use of switchable solvents for the biomass biorefinery
Authors: Cicci Agnese , Sed Giorgia , Jessop Philip G. , Bravi Marco
Published: July 2018

A Switchable-Hydrophilicity Solvent has been used for maximal extraction of microalgal hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules using both solvent's opposite-hydrophilicity states.
Correction: Adsorption of sucrose on zeolites
Authors: Fornefett Iris , Rabet Davud , Buttersack Christoph , Buchholz Klaus
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Adsorption of sucrose on zeolites’ by Iris Fornefett et al., Green Chem., 2016, 18, 3378–3388.
Microcrystalline cellulose for the dispersive solid-phase microextraction and sensitive determination of chromium in water using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: López-García Ignacio , Marín-Hernández Juan José , Hernández-Córdoba Manuel
Published: July 2018

The use of non-expensive, commercial cellulose together with a cloud extraction stage facilitates chromium speciation at very low levels by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.
Chemical modulation of transcription factors
Authors: Wiedemann Bianca , Weisner Jörn , Rauh Daniel
Published: July 2018

The diverse class of transcription factors has been associated with various diseases while remaining challenging targets for therapy.
Triterpenoids
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Connolly Joseph D.
Published: July 2018

This review covers newly isolated triterpenoids that have been reported during 2014.
Tunability in the optical response of defective monolayer WSe2 by computational analysis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Pachter Ruth , Mou Shin
Published: July 2018

Exciton manifold in monolayer WSe2.
Conformation-guided analogue design identifies potential antimalarial compounds through inhibition of mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Larsen Erik M. , Chang Chia-Fu , Sakata-Kato Tomoyo , Arico Joseph W. , Lombardo Vince M. , Wirth Dyann F. , Taylor Richard E.
Published: July 2018

The design, synthesis, conformational analysis, and biological evaluation of 2-methyl neopeltolide has been accomplished and shown to possess mitochondrial respiration inhibitory activity in malarial parasites.
Enantioselective total synthesis and biological evaluation of (−)-solanacol
Authors: Bromhead L. J. , Norman A. R. , Snowden K. C. , Janssen B. J. , McErlean C. S. P.
Published: July 2018

An enantioselective synthesis of the phenyl ring-containing strioglactone, (−)-solanocol, is described.
Enzymatic synthesis of base-modified RNA by T7 RNA polymerase. A systematic study and comparison of 5-substituted pyrimidine and 7-substituted 7-deazapurine nucleoside triphosphates as substrates
Authors: Milisavljevič Nemanja , Perlíková Pavla , Pohl Radek , Hocek Michal
Published: July 2018

Synthesis and systematic study of T7 RNA polymerase incorporation of base-modified ribonucleotides for the enzymatic synthesis of modified RNA.
Hydrothermal synthesis and inkjet printing of hexagonal-phase NaYF4: Ln3+ upconversion hollow microtubes for smart anti-counterfeiting encryption
Authors: Xie Shaowen , Tong Chao , Tan Haihu , Li Na , Gong Liang , Xu Jianxiong , Xu Lijian , Zhang Changfan
Published: July 2018

Rare-earth doped NaYF4 upconversion hollow microtubes with good luminescence properties were synthesized by PAA mediated hydrothermal method and used for constructing smart anti-counterfeiting encryption by inkjet printing.
Investigations on the bias temperature stabilities of oxide thin film transistors using In–Ga–Zn–O channels prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Yoon So-Jung , Seong Nak-Jin , Choi Kyujeong , Shin Woong-Chul , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: July 2018

Bias temperature stress stabilities of thin-film transistors (TFTs) using In–Ga–Zn–O (IGZO) channels prepared by the atomic layer deposition process were investigated with varying channel thicknesses (10 and 6 nm).
Fouling-free ultrafiltration for humic acid removal
Authors: Younas Hassan , Shao Jiahui , He Yiliang , Fatima Gul , Jaffar Syed Taseer Abbas , Afridi Zohaib Ur Rehman
Published: July 2018

Membrane fouling is a serious concern that significantly affects the membrane filtration process.
Radical-mediated direct C–H amination of arenes with secondary amines
Authors: Cosgrove Sebastian C. , Plane John M. C. , Marsden Stephen P.
Published: July 2018

Direct radical-based substitution of aryl C–H bonds allows one-pot access to valuable polycyclic aryl amines from simple secondary amines.
Identification of a diagnostic structural motif reveals a new reaction intermediate and condensation pathway in kraft lignin formation
Authors: Lancefield Christopher S. , Wienk Hans L. J. , Boelens Rolf , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: July 2018

Detailed structural analysis of industrial and model kraft lignins reveals an important new reaction intermediate and condensation pathway operating during kraft pulping.
Achieving high-performance thick-film perovskite solar cells with electron transporting Bingel fullerenes
Authors: Yan Kangrong , Chen Jiehuan , Ju Huanxin , Ding Feizhi , Chen Hongzheng , Li Chang-Zhi
Published: July 2018

Two electron-transporting Bingel fullerenes have been developed for achieving thick-film perovskite solar cells with efficiencies beyond 19% with perovskite layers over 1 micrometer, unveiling the subtle molecular interaction between Bingel fullerenes and perovskites strongly influences the device hysteresis and performance.
A highly efficient white quantum dot light-emitting diode employing magnesium doped zinc oxide as the electron transport layer based on bilayered quantum dot layers
Authors: Wang Lixi , Pan Jiangyong , Qian Jianping , Lei Wei , Wu Yuanjun , Zhang Wei , Goto Daniel Kenneth , Chen Jing
Published: July 2018

A highly efficient QLED achieving white emission at a low driving voltage is obtained by employing Zn0.95Mg0.05O as the electron transport layer.
Investigating the Use of a Nonspeech Task to Measure Tongue–Jaw Differentiation: Findings Across Typical Development
Authors: Small Hailey C. , McAllister Tara , Grigos Maria I.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Clinically, a task of alternating tongue lateralization has been used to evaluate the ability to independently control the tongue and jaw, with jaw movement interpreted as a sign of poor tongue–jaw differentiation. However, there is a lack of normative data regarding jaw movement during this task and whether this changes over the course of development. This study quantified relative tongue and jaw movement during alternating tongue lateralization for typical speakers across age ranges and examined whether degree of jaw movement varies as a function of age.

Method

Participants were 39 typical children, adolescents, and adults ranging from 6 to 29 years old. A motion capture system was used to track tongue and jaw movement during an alternating tongue lateralization task, and the average relative contribution of the jaw to tongue lateralization was determined for each participant.

Results

Age did not correlate significantly with the average relative contribution of the jaw to tongue lateralization. Typical children, adolescents, and adults exhibited wide variability in the degree of jaw movement during this task.

Conclusion

Variability among typical speakers in alternating tongue lateralization performance makes it challenging to determine if/when performance should be considered atypical. Clinical findings from this task must be interpreted with caution.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6626222
Victimization, Bullying, and Emotional Competence: Longitudinal Associations in (Pre)Adolescents With and Without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: van den Bedem Neeltje P. , Dockrell Julie E. , van Alphen Petra M. , Kalicharan Shareen V. , Rieffe Carolien
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Victimization is a common problem for many children but is exacerbated for children with a developmental language disorder (DLD). However, the severity of communication problems does not explain their victimization rates. In children without DLD, difficulties with emotional competence are a risk factor for victimization and also increase the risk of bullying. In this longitudinal study, we examined the extent to which the level and development of emotional competence (understanding of one's own emotions and levels of anger, sadness, and fear) contributed to the prediction of victimization and bullying in children with and without DLD, over and above the type and severity of communication problems of children with DLD.

Method

Clinically referred youngsters (8–16 years old) with (n= 112; 48% girls, 52% boys) and without (n= 233; 58% girls, 42% boys) DLD completed self-reports 3 times over an 18-month period. Parents of children with DLD reported on their children's communication problems.

Results

Participants with DLD reported more victimization but comparable levels of bullying behavior compared with peers without DLD. Higher levels of sadness and fear were risk factors for more victimization in both groups. Better understanding of one's own emotions had a larger effect on less victimization in children with DLD, independent of their communication problems. In addition, increased levels of anger and lower levels of understanding of one's own emotions explained more bullying in both groups.

Conclusion

Outcomes indicate that secondary difficulties in emotional competence in children with DLD make these children more vulnerable to victimization and warrant specific support and interventions.
3D dynamic barcode
Authors: van der Westhuizen Y. , Chai D.
Published: July 2018

A novel 3D dynamic barcode that can easily and effectively be captured, and decoded utilising inexpensive and mobile camera devices is presented. The primary expectation of the authors’ approach is that users will have the ability to transfer large packets of information without the necessity for customary electromagnetic techniques such as Bluetooth or Wi‐Fi. Designing an algorithm that successfully extracts the frames from the recorded dynamic barcode enables the end user to video capture the dynamic barcode, rather than taking multiple snapshots of each barcode frame. The results indicate that the optimum setting for the capturing device is 720p at 30 frames per second with an efficiency of 99% and transmission rate of 622 bytes/s.