bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actomyosin-driven force patterning controls endocytosis at the immune synapse
Authors: Kumari Anita , Pineau Judith , Sáez Pablo J. , Maurin Mathieu , Lankar Danielle , San Roman Mabel , Hennig Katharina , Boura Vanessa F. , Voituriez Raphael , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Balland Martial , Lennon Dumenil Ana-Maria , Pierobon Paolo
Published: June 2019

An important channel of cell-to-cell communication is direct contact. The immune synapse is a paradigmatic example of such type of interaction: it forms upon engagement of antigen receptors in lymphocytes by antigen-presenting cells and allows the local exchange of molecules and information. Although mechanics has been shown to play an important role in this process, how forces organize and impact on synapse function is unknown. We find that mechanical forces are spatio-temporally patterned at the immune synapse: global pulsatile myosin II-driven tangential forces are observed at the synapse periphery while localised forces generated by invadosome-like F-actin protrusions are detected at its centre. Noticeably, we observe that these force-producing actin protrusions constitute the main site of antigen extraction and endocytosis and require myosin II contractility to form. The interplay between global and local forces dictated by the organization of the actomyosin cytoskeleton therefore controls endocytosis at the immune synapse.
European mushroom assemblages are darker in cold climates
Authors: Krah Franz-Sebastian , Büntgen Ulf , Schaefer Hanno , Müller Jörg , Andrew Carrie , Boddy Lynne , Diez Jeffrey , Egli Simon , Freckleton Robert , Gange Alan C. , Halvorsen Rune , Heegaard Einar , Heideroth Antje , Heibl Christoph , Heilmann-Clausen Jacob , Høiland Klaus , Kar Ritwika , Kauserud Håvard , Kirk Paul M. , Kuyper Thomas W. , Krisai-Greilhuber Irmgard , Norden Jenni , Papastefanou Phillip , Senn-Irlet Beatrice , Bässler Claus
Published: June 2019

Thermal melanism theory states that dark-colored ectotherm organisms are at an advantage at low temperature due to increased warming. This theory is generally supported for ectotherm animals, however, the function of colors in the fungal kingdom is largely unknown. Here, we test whether the color lightness of mushroom assemblages is related to climate using a dataset of 3.2 million observations of 3,054 species across Europe. Consistent with the thermal melanism theory, mushroom assemblages are significantly darker in areas with cold climates. We further show differences in color phenotype between fungal lifestyles and a lifestyle differentiated response to seasonality. These results indicate a more complex ecological role of mushroom colors and suggest functions beyond thermal adaption. Because fungi play a crucial role in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycles, understanding the links between the thermal environment, functional coloration and species’ geographical distributions will be critical in predicting ecosystem responses to global warming.
Global impacts of future cropland expansion and intensification on agricultural markets and biodiversity
Authors: Zabel Florian , Delzeit Ruth , Schneider Julia M. , Seppelt Ralf , Mauser Wolfram , Václavík Tomáš
Published: June 2019

With rising demand for biomass, cropland expansion and intensification represent the main strategies to boost agricultural production, but are also major drivers of biodiversity decline. We investigate the consequences of attaining equal global production gains by 2030, either by cropland expansion or intensification, and analyse their impacts on agricultural markets and biodiversity. We find that both scenarios lead to lower crop prices across the world, even in regions where production decreases. Cropland expansion mostly affects biodiversity hotspots in Central and South America, while cropland intensification threatens biodiversity especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and China. Our results suggest that production gains will occur at the costs of biodiversity predominantly in developing tropical regions, while Europe and North America benefit from lower world market prices without putting their own biodiversity at risk. By identifying hotspots of potential future conflicts, we demonstrate where conservation prioritization is needed to balance agricultural production with conservation goals.
NLRC5 inhibits neointima formation following vascular injury and directly interacts with PPARγ
Authors: Luan Peipei , Jian Weixia , Xu Xu , Kou Wenxin , Yu Qing , Hu Handan , Li Dali , Wang Wei , Feinberg Mark W. , Zhuang Jianhui , Xu Yawei , Peng Wenhui
Published: June 2019

NLR Family CARD Domain Containing 5 (NLRC5), an important immune regulator in innate immunity, is involved in regulating inflammation and antigen presentation. However, the role of NLRC5 in vascular remodeling remains unknown. Here we report the role of NLRC5 on vascular remodeling and provide a better understanding of its underlying mechanism. Nlrc5 knockout (Nlrc5−/−) mice exhibit more severe intimal hyperplasia compared with wild-type mice after carotid ligation. Ex vivo data shows that NLRC5 deficiency leads to increased proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). NLRC5 binds to PPARγ and inhibits HASMC dedifferentiation. NACHT domain of NLRC5 is essential for the interaction with PPARγ and stimulation of PPARγ activity. Pioglitazone significantly rescues excessive intimal hyperplasia in Nlrc5−/− mice and attenuates the increased proliferation and dedifferentiation in NLRC5-deficient HASMCs. Our study demonstrates that NLRC5 regulates vascular remodeling by directly inhibiting SMC dysfunction via its interaction with PPARγ.
SETD1A protects from senescence through regulation of the mitotic gene expression program
Authors: Tajima Ken , Matsuda Satoru , Yae Toshifumi , Drapkin Benjamin J. , Morris Robert , Boukhali Myriam , Niederhoffer Kira , Comaills Valentine , Dubash Taronish , Nieman Linda , Guo Hongshan , Magnus Neelima K. C. , Dyson Nick , Shioda Toshihiro , Haas Wilhelm , Haber Daniel A. , Maheswaran Shyamala
Published: June 2019

SETD1A, a Set1/COMPASS family member maintaining histone-H3-lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation on transcriptionally active promoters, is overexpressed in breast cancer. Here, we show that SETD1A supports mitotic processes and consequentially, its knockdown induces senescence. SETD1A, through promoter H3K4 methylation, regulates several genes orchestrating mitosis and DNA-damage responses, and its depletion causes chromosome misalignment and segregation defects. Cell cycle arrest in SETD1A knockdown senescent cells is independent of mutations in p53, RB and p16, known senescence mediators; instead, it is sustained through transcriptional suppression of SKP2, which degrades p27 and p21. Rare cells escaping senescence by restoring SKP2 expression display genomic instability. In > 200 cancer cell lines and in primary circulating tumor cells, SETD1A expression correlates with genes promoting mitosis and cell cycle suggesting a broad role in suppressing senescence induced by aberrant mitosis. Thus, SETD1A is essential to maintain mitosis and proliferation and its suppression unleashes the tumor suppressive effects of senescence.
WDFY2 restrains matrix metalloproteinase secretion and cell invasion by controlling VAMP3-dependent recycling
Authors: Sneeggen Marte , Pedersen Nina Marie , Campsteijn Coen , Haugsten Ellen Margrethe , Stenmark Harald , Schink Kay Oliver
Published: June 2019

Cancer cells secrete matrix metalloproteinases to remodel the extracellular matrix, which enables them to overcome tissue barriers and form metastases. The membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP (MMP14) is internalized by endocytosis and recycled in endosomal compartments. It is largely unknown how endosomal sorting and recycling of MT1-MMP are controlled. Here, we show that the endosomal protein WDFY2 controls the recycling of MT1-MMP. WDFY2 localizes to endosomal tubules by binding to membranes enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). We identify the v-SNARE VAMP3 as an interaction partner of WDFY2. WDFY2 knockout causes a strong redistribution of VAMP3 into small vesicles near the plasma membrane. This is accompanied by increased, VAMP3-dependent secretion of MT1-MMP, enhanced degradation of extracellular matrix, and increased cell invasion. WDFY2 is frequently lost in metastatic cancers, most predominantly in ovarian and prostate cancer. We propose that WDFY2 acts as a tumor suppressor by serving as a gatekeeper for VAMP3 recycling.
MFS transporter from Botrytis cinerea provides tolerance to glucosinolate-breakdown products and is required for pathogenicity
Authors: Vela-Corcía David , Aditya Srivastava Dhruv , Dafa-Berger Avis , Rotem Neta , Barda Omer , Levy Maggie
Published: June 2019

Glucosinolates accumulate mainly in cruciferous plants and their hydrolysis-derived products play important roles in plant resistance against pathogens. The pathogen Botrytis cinerea has variable sensitivity to glucosinolates, but the mechanisms by which it responds to them are mostly unknown. Exposure of B. cinerea to glucosinolate-breakdown products induces expression of the Major Facilitator Superfamily transporter, mfsG, which functions in fungitoxic compound efflux. Inoculation of B. cinerea on wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants induces mfsG expression to higher levels than on glucosinolate-deficient A. thaliana mutants. A B. cinerea strain lacking functional mfsG transporter is deficient in efflux ability. It accumulates more isothiocyanates (ITCs) and is therefore more sensitive to this compound in vitro; it is also less virulent to glucosinolates-containing plants. Moreover, mfsG mediates ITC efflux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, thereby conferring tolerance to ITCs in the yeast. These findings suggest that mfsG transporter is a virulence factor that increases tolerance to glucosinolates.
The influence of geostrophic strain on oceanic ageostrophic motion and surface chlorophyll
Authors: Zhang Zhengguang , Qiu Bo , Klein Patrice , Travis Seth
Published: June 2019

Oceanic submesoscale ageostrophic processes have been progressively recognized as an important upwelling mechanism to close the nutrient budget and sustain the observed primary production of phytoplankton in the euphotic layer. Their relatively small spatio-temporal scales (of 1~10 km and a few days) have hindered a systematic observational quantification of the submesoscale ageostrophic flow variability and its impact on ocean biogeochemistry. By combining surface drifters, satellite altimetry and satellite ocean-color data, we detect that when the strain rate of mesoscale surface geostrophic flow is strong, it favors a higher ageostrophic kinetic energy level and an increase in surface chlorophyll concentration. The strain-induced frontal processes are characterized by a surface chlorophyll increase and secondary ageostrophic upwelling along the light side of the oceanic density front. Further analysis indicates that the balanced ageostrophic motions with longer time scales are more effective in inducing chlorophyll increase than the unbalanced shorter time-scale wave motions.
Doping strain induced bi-Ti3+ pairs for efficient N2 activation and electrocatalytic fixation
Authors: Cao Na , Chen Zheng , Zang Ketao , Xu Jie , Zhong Jun , Luo Jun , Xu Xin , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: June 2019

The electrochemical N2 fixation to produce ammonia is attractive but significantly challenging with low yield and poor selectivity. Herein, we first used density function theory calculations to reveal adjacent bi-Ti3+ pairs formed on anatase TiO2 as the most active electrocatalytic centers for efficient N2 lying-down chemisorption and activation. Then, by doping of anatase TiO2 with Zr4+ that has similar d-electron configuration and oxide structure but relatively larger ionic size, the adjacent bi-Ti3+ sites were induced and enriched via a strained effect, which in turn enhanced the formation of oxygen vacancies. The Zr4+-doped anatase TiO2 exhibited excellent electrocatalytic N2 fixation performances, with an ammonia production rate (8.90 µg·h−1·cm−2) and a Faradaic efficiency of 17.3% at −0.45 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under ambient aqueous conditions. Moreover, our work suggests a viewpoint to understand and apply the same-valance dopants in heterogeneous catalysis, which is generally useful but still poorly understood.
Tethering of vesicles to the Golgi by GMAP210 controls LAT delivery to the immune synapse
Authors: Zucchetti Andres Ernesto , Bataille Laurence , Carpier Jean-Marie , Dogniaux Stéphanie , San Roman-Jouve Mabel , Maurin Mathieu , Stuck Michael W. , Rios Rosa M. , Baldari Cosima T. , Pazour Gregory J. , Hivroz Claire
Published: June 2019

The T cell immune synapse is a site of intense vesicular trafficking. Here we show that the golgin GMAP210, known to capture vesicles and organize membrane traffic at the Golgi, is involved in the vesicular transport of LAT to the immune synapse. Upon activation, more GMAP210 interact with LAT-containing vesicles and go together with LAT to the immune synapse. Regulating LAT recruitment and LAT-dependent signaling, GMAP210 controls T cell activation. Using a rerouting and capture assay, we show that GMAP210 captures VAMP7-decorated vesicles. Overexpressing different domains of GMAP210, we also show that GMAP210 allows their specific delivery to the immune synapse by tethering LAT-vesicles to the Golgi. Finally, in a model of ectopic expression of LAT in ciliated cells, we show that GMAP210 tethering activity controls the delivery of LAT to the cilium. Hence, our results reveal a function for the golgin GMAP210 conveying specific vesicles to the immune synapse.
Structure of the substrate-engaged SecA-SecY protein translocation machine
Authors: Ma Chengying , Wu Xiaofei , Sun Dongjie , Park Eunyong , Catipovic Marco A. , Rapoport Tom A. , Gao Ning , Li Long
Published: June 2019

The Sec61/SecY channel allows the translocation of many proteins across the eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum membrane or the prokaryotic plasma membrane. In bacteria, most secretory proteins are transported post-translationally through the SecY channel by the SecA ATPase. How a polypeptide is moved through the SecA-SecY complex is poorly understood, as structural information is lacking. Here, we report an electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a translocating SecA-SecY complex in a lipid environment. The translocating polypeptide chain can be traced through both SecA and SecY. In the captured transition state of ATP hydrolysis, SecA’s two-helix finger is close to the polypeptide, while SecA’s clamp interacts with the polypeptide in a sequence-independent manner by inducing a short β-strand. Taking into account previous biochemical and biophysical data, our structure is consistent with a model in which the two-helix finger and clamp cooperate during the ATPase cycle to move a polypeptide through the channel.
PLK1 facilitates chromosome biorientation by suppressing centromere disintegration driven by BLM-mediated unwinding and spindle pulling
Authors: Addis Jones Owen , Tiwari Ankana , Olukoga Tomisin , Herbert Alex , Chan Kok-Lung
Published: June 2019

Centromeres provide a pivotal function for faithful chromosome segregation. They serve as a foundation for the assembly of the kinetochore complex and spindle connection, which is essential for chromosome biorientation. Cells lacking Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) activity suffer severe chromosome alignment defects, which is believed primarily due to unstable kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Here, we reveal a previously undescribed mechanism named ‘centromere disintegration’ that drives chromosome misalignment in PLK1-inactivated cells. We find that PLK1 inhibition does not necessarily compromise metaphase establishment, but instead its maintenance. We demonstrate that this is caused by unlawful unwinding of DNA by BLM helicase at a specific centromere domain underneath kinetochores. Under bipolar spindle pulling, the distorted centromeres are promptly decompacted into DNA threadlike molecules, leading to centromere rupture and whole-chromosome arm splitting. Consequently, chromosome alignment collapses. Our study unveils an unexpected role of PLK1 as a chromosome guardian to maintain centromere integrity for chromosome biorientation.
Co-emergence of magnetic order and structural fluctuations in magnetite
Authors: Perversi Giuditta , Pachoud Elise , Cumby James , Hudspeth Jessica M. , Wright Jon P. , Kimber Simon A. J. , Paul Attfield J.
Published: June 2019

The nature of the Verwey transition occurring at TV ≈ 125 K in magnetite (Fe3O4) has been an outstanding problem over many decades. A complex low temperature electronic order was recently discovered and associated structural fluctuations persisting above TV are widely reported, but the origin of the underlying correlations and hence of the Verwey transition remains unclear. Here we show that local structural fluctuations in magnetite emerge below the Curie transition at TC ≈ 850 K, through X-ray pair distribution function analysis. Around 80% of the low temperature correlations emerge in proportion to magnetization below TC. This confirms that fluctuations in Fe-Fe bonding arising from magnetic order are the primary electronic instability and hence the origin of the Verwey transition. Such hidden instabilities may be important to other spin-polarised conductors and orbitally degenerate materials.
Identifying peripersonal space boundaries in newborns
Authors: Orioli Giulia , Santoni Alessandro , Dragovic Danica , Farroni Teresa
Published: June 2019

Peripersonal space immediately surrounds the body and can be represented in the brain as a multisensory and sensorimotor interface mediating physical and social interactions between body and environment. Very little consideration has been given to the ontogeny of peripersonal spatial representations in early postnatal life, despite the crucial roles of peripersonal space and its adaptive relevance as the space where infants’ earliest interactions take place. Here, we investigated whether peripersonal space could be considered a delimited portion of space with defined boundaries soon after birth. Our findings showed for the first time that newborns’ saccadic reaction times to a tactile stimulus simultaneous to sounds with different intensities changed based on the sound intensity. In particular, they were significantly faster when the sound was lounder than a critical intensity, in a pattern that closely resembled that showed by adults. Therefore, provided that sound intensity on its own can cue newborns’ sound distance perception, we speculate that this critical distance could be considered the boundary of newborns’ rudimentary peripersonal space. Altogether, our findings suggest that soon after birth peripersonal space may be already considered as a bounded portion of space, perhaps instrumental to drive newborns’ attention towards events and people within it.
Building a DNA barcode library for the freshwater fishes of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Norén Michael , Mollah Abdur Rob , Kullander Sven O.
Published: June 2019

We sequenced the standard DNA barcode gene fragment in 694 newly collected specimens, representing 243 species level Operational Barcode Units (OBUs) of freshwater fishes from Bangladesh. We produced coi sequences for 149 out of the 237 species already recorded from Bangladesh. Another 83 species sequenced were not previously recorded for the country, and include about 30 undescribed or potentially undescribed species. Several of the taxa that we could not sample represent erroneous records for the country, or sporadic occurrences. Species identifications were classified at confidence levels 1(best) to 3 (worst). We propose the new term Operational Barcode Unit (OBU) to simplify references to would-be DNA barcode sequences and sequence clusters. We found one case where there were two mitochondrial lineages present in the same species, several cases of cryptic species, one case of introgression, one species yielding a pseudogene to standard barcoding primers, and several cases of taxonomic uncertainty and need for taxonomic revision. Large scale national level DNA barcode prospecting in high diversity regions may suffer from lack of taxonomic expertise that cripples the result. Consequently, DNA barcoding should be performed in the context of taxonomic revision, and have a defined, competent end-user.
Elevated numbers of PD-L1 expressing B cells are associated with the development of AIDS-NHL
Authors: Epeldegui Marta , Conti David V. , Guo Yu , Cozen Wendy , Penichet Manuel L. , Martínez-Maza Otoniel
Published: June 2019

The risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is markedly increased in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and remains elevated in those on anti-retroviral therapy (cART). Both the loss of immunoregulation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infected cells, as well as chronic B-cell activation, are believed to contribute to the genesis of AIDS-related NHL (AIDS-NHL). However, the mechanisms that lead to AIDS-NHL have not been completely defined. A subset of B cells that is characterized by the secretion of IL10, as well as the expression of the programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1/CD274), was recently described. These PD-L1+ B cells can exert regulatory function, including the dampening of T-cell activation, by interacting with the program cell death protein (PD1) on target cells. The role of PD-L1+ B cells in the development of AIDS-NHL has not been explored. We assessed B cell PD-L1 expression on B cells preceding AIDS-NHL diagnosis in a nested case-control study of HIV+ subjects who went on to develop AIDS-NHL, as well as HIV+ subjects who did not, using multi-color flow cytometry. Archival frozen viable PBMC were obtained from the UCLA Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). It was seen that the number of CD19+CD24++CD38++and CD19+PD-L1+cells was significantly elevated in cases 1–4 years prior to AIDS-NHL diagnosis, compared to controls, raising the possibility that these cells may play a role in the etiology of AIDS-NHL. Interestingly, most PD-L1+ expression on CD19+ cells was seen on CD19+CD24++CD38++ cells. In addition, we showed that HIV can directly induce PD-L1 expression on B cells through interaction of virion-associated CD40L with CD40 on B cells.
Probing non-perturbative QED with electron-laser collisions
Authors: Baumann C. , Nerush E. N. , Pukhov A. , Kostyukov I. Yu.
Published: June 2019

The vast majority of QED results are obtained in relatively weak fields and so in the framework of perturbation theory. However, forthcoming laser facilities providing extremely high fields can be used to enter not-yet-studied regimes. Here, a scheme is proposed that might be used to reach a supercritical regime of radiation reaction or even the fully non-perturbative regime of quantum electrodynamics. The scheme considers the collision of a 100 GeV-class electron beam with a counterpropagating ultraintense electromagnetic pulse. To reach these supercritical regimes, it is unavoidable to use a pulse with ultrashort duration. Using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, it is therefore shown how one can convert a next-generation optical laser to an ultraintense (I ≈ 2.9 × 1024 Wcm−2) attosecond (duration ≈ 150 as) pulse. It is shown that if the perturbation theory persists in extreme fields, the spectrum of secondary particles can be found semi-analytically. In contrast, a comparison with experimental data may allow differentiating the contribution of high-order radiative corrections if the perturbation theory breaks.
Monitoring endogenous growth of open-vent volcanoes by balancing thermal and SO2 emissions data derived from space
Authors: Coppola Diego , Laiolo Marco , Massimetti Francesco , Cigolini Corrado
Published: June 2019

Measuring the amount of magma intruding in a volcano represents one of the main challenges of modern volcanology. While in closed-vent volcanoes this parameter is generally assessed by the inversion of deformation data, in open-vent volcanoes its measurement is more complicated and results from the balance between the magma entering and leaving the storage system. In this work we used thermal and SO2 flux data, derived from satellite measurements, to calculate the magma input and output rates of Mt. Etna between 2004 and 2010. We found that during the analysed period more magma was supplied than erupted, resulting into an endogenous growth rate equal to 22.9 ± 13.7 × 106 m3 y−1. Notably, this unbalance was not constant in time, but showed phases of major magma accumulation and drainage acting within a compressible magma chamber. The excellent correlation with the inflation/deflation cycles measured by ground-based GPS network suggests the thermal, SO2 flux and deformation data, can be combined to provide a quantitative analysis of magma transport inside the shallow plumbing system of Mt Etna. Given the global coverage of satellite data and the continuous improvement of sensors in orbit, we anticipate that this approach will have sufficient detail to monitor, in real time, the endogenous growth associated to other world-wide open-vent volcanoes.
Raman scattering yields cubic crystal grain orientation
Authors: Tesar K. , Gregora I. , Beresova P. , Vanek P. , Ondrejkovic P. , Hlinka J.
Published: June 2019

The paper proposes a fully optical method for determination of a cubic crystal grain orientation in a sample inspected by a Raman microscope. The method is based on a universal and strong polarisation anisotropy of the Raman scattering by doubly degenerate optic phonon modes and it only requires a standard Raman microscope equipped with a polarisation analysis. Explicit formulas for the orientation of the crystal grain are derived. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by comparing grain orientations in a polycrystalline cubic lacunar spinel GaV4S8 determined independently using electron backscatter diffraction and Raman scattering methods.
MicroRNAs in porcine uterus and serum are affected by zearalenone and represent a new target for mycotoxin biomarker discovery
Authors: Grenier Bertrand , Hackl Matthias , Skalicky Susanna , Thamhesl Michaela , Moll Wulf-Dieter , Berrios Roger , Schatzmayr Gerd , Nagl Veronika
Published: June 2019

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) poses a risk to animal health because of its estrogenic effects. Diagnosis of ZEN-induced disorders remains challenging due to the lack of appropriate biomarkers. In this regard, circulating microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) have remarkable potential, as they can serve as indicators for pathological processes in tissue. Thus, we combined untargeted and targeted transcriptomics approaches to investigate the effects of ZEN on the microRNA expression in porcine uterus, jejunum and serum, respectively. To this end, twenty-four piglets received uncontaminated feed (Control) or feed containing 0.17 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN low), 1.46 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN medium) and 4.58 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN high). After 28 days, the microRNA expression in the jejunum remained unaffected, while significant changes in the uterine microRNA profile were observed. Importantly, 14 microRNAs were commonly and dose-dependently affected in both the ZEN medium and ZEN high group, including microRNAs from the miR-503 cluster (i.e. ssc-miR-424-5p, ssc-miR-450a, ssc-miR-450b-5p, ssc-miR-450c-5p, ssc-miR-503 and ssc-miR-542-3p). Predicted target genes for those microRNAs are associated with regulation of gene expression and signal transduction (e.g. cell cycle). Although the effects in serum were less pronounced, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that several microRNA ratios were able to discriminate properly between non-exposed and ZEN-exposed pigs (e.g. ssc-miR-135a-5p/ssc-miR-432-5p, ssc-miR-542-3p/ssc-miR-493-3p). This work sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of ZEN, and fosters biomarker discovery.
Diversity and extracellular enzyme activities of heterotrophic bacteria from sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin
Authors: Gawas Vijayshree S. , Shivaramu Mamatha S. , Damare Samir R. , Pujitha Devagudi , Meena Ram Murti , Shenoy Belle Damodara
Published: June 2019

Sedimentary bacteria play a role in polymetallic nodule formation and growth. There are, however, limited reports on bacterial diversity in nodule-rich areas of the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). In this study, bacterial abundance in thirteen sediment cores collected from the CIOB was enumerated, followed by phylogenetic characterisation and, screening of select heterotrophic bacteria for extracellular enzyme activities. Total bacterial counts (TBC) were in the order of 107 cells g−1; there was a significant difference (p > 0.05) among the cores but not within the sub-sections of the cores. The retrievable heterotrophic counts ranged from non-detectable to 5.33 × 105 g−1; the heterotrophic bacteria clustered within the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Bacillus was the most abundant genus. The extracellular enzyme activities were in the order: amylase > lipase > protease > phosphatase > Dnase > urease. Major findings are compared with previous studies from the CIOB and other areas.
Cross-serotype interactions and disease outcome prediction of dengue infections in Vietnam
Authors: Aguas R. , Dorigatti I. , Coudeville L. , Luxemburger C. , Ferguson N. M.
Published: June 2019

Dengue pathogenesis is extremely complex. Dengue infections are thought to induce life-long immunity from homologous challenges as well as a multi-factorial heterologous risk enhancement. Here, we use the data collected from a prospective cohort study of dengue infections in schoolchildren in Vietnam to disentangle how serotype interactions modulate clinical disease risk in the year following serum collection. We use multinomial logistic regression to correlate the yearly neutralizing antibody measurements obtained with each infecting serotype in all dengue clinical cases collected over the course of 6 years (2004–2009). This allowed us to extrapolate a fully discretised matrix of serotype interactions, revealing clear signals of increased risk of clinical illness in individuals primed with a previous dengue infection. The sequences of infections which produced a higher risk of dengue fever upon secondary infection are: DEN1 followed by DEN2; DEN1 followed by DEN4; DEN2 followed by DEN3; and DEN4 followed by DEN3. We also used this longitudinal data to train a machine learning algorithm on antibody titre differences between consecutive years to unveil asymptomatic dengue infections and estimate asymptomatic infection to clinical case ratios over time, allowing for a better characterisation of the population’s past exposure to different serotypes.
Polyhistidine facilitates direct membrane translocation of cell-penetrating peptides into cells
Authors: Lee Han-Jung , Huang Yue-Wern , Chiou Shiow-Her , Aronstam Robert S.
Published: June 2019

The bovine lactoferricin L6 (RRWQWR) has been previously identified as a novel cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) that is able to efficiently internalize into human cells. L6 interacts with quantum dots (QDs) noncovalently to generate stable L6/QD complexes that enter cells by endocytosis. In this study, we demonstrate a modified L6 (HL6; CHHHHHRRWQWRHHHHHC), in which short polyhistidine peptides are introduced into both flanks of L6, has enhanced cell-penetrating ability in human bronchoalveolar carcinoma A549 cells. The mechanism of cellular uptake of HL6/QD complexes is primarily direct membrane translocation rather than endocytosis. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but not pyrenebutyrate (PB), ethanol, oleic acid, or 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2 H)-one (BIT), slightly enhances HL6-mediated protein transduction efficiency. Neither HL6 nor HL6/QD complexes are cytotoxic to A549 or HeLa cells. These results indicate that HL6 could be a more efficient drug carrier than L6 for biomedical as well as biotechnological applications, and that the function of polyhistidine peptides is critical to CPP-mediated protein transduction.
Improved quantification of muscle insulin sensitivity using oral glucose tolerance test data: the MISI Calculator
Authors: O’Donovan Shauna D. , Lenz Michael , Goossens Gijs H. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Eussen Simone J. M. P. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. , Schram Miranda T. , Sep Simone J. , Peeters Ralf L. M. , Blaak Ellen E. , van Riel Natal A. W. , de Kok Theo M. C. M. , Arts Ilja C. W.
Published: June 2019

The Muscle Insulin Sensitivity Index (MISI) has been developed to estimate muscle-specific insulin sensitivity based on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data. To date, the score has been implemented with considerable variation in literature and initial positive evaluations were not reproduced in subsequent studies. In this study, we investigate the computation of MISI on oral OGTT data with differing sampling schedules and aim to standardise and improve its calculation. Seven time point OGTT data for 2631 individuals from the Maastricht Study and seven time point OGTT data combined with a hyperinsulinemic-euglycaemic clamp for 71 individuals from the PRESERVE Study were used to evaluate the performance of MISI. MISI was computed on subsets of OGTT data representing four and five time point sampling schedules to determine minimal requirements for accurate computation of the score. A modified MISI computed on cubic splines of the measured data, resulting in improved identification of glucose peak and nadir, was compared with the original method yielding an increased correlation (ρ = 0.576) with the clamp measurement of peripheral insulin sensitivity as compared to the original method (ρ = 0.513). Finally, a standalone MISI calculator was developed allowing for a standardised method of calculation using both the original and improved methods.
Geographical assignment of polar bears using multi-element isoscapes
Authors: Koehler Geoff , Kardynal Kevin J. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: June 2019

Wide-ranging apex predators are among the most challenging of all fauna to conserve and manage. This is especially true of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), an iconic predator that is hunted in Canada and threatened by global climate change. We used combinations of stable isotopes (13C,15N,2H,18O) in polar bear hair from > 1000 individuals, sampled from across much of the Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic, to test the ability of stable isotopic profiles to ‘assign’ bears to (1) predefined managed subpopulations, (2) subpopulations defined by similarities in stable isotope values using quadratic discriminant analysis, and (3) spatially explicit, isotopically distinct clusters derived from interpolated (i.e. ‘kriged’) isotopic landscapes, or ‘isoscapes’, using the partitioning around medoids algorithm. A four-isotope solution provided the highest overall assignment accuracies (~80%) to pre-existing management subpopulations with accuracy rates ranging from ~30–99% (median = 64%). Assignment accuracies of bears to hierarchically clustered ecological groups based on isotopes ranged from ~64–99%. Multivariate assignment to isotopic clusters resulted in highest assignment accuracies of 68% (33–77%), 84% (47–96%) and 74% (53–85%) using two, three and four stable isotope groups, respectively. The resulting spatial structure inherent in the multiple stable isotopic compositions of polar bear tissues is a powerful forensic tool that will, in this case, contribute to the conservation and management of this species. Currently, it is unclear what is driving these robust isotopic patterns and future research is needed to evaluate the processes behind the pattern. Nonetheless, our isotopic approach can be further applied to other apex mammalian predators under threat, such as the large felids, providing that isotopic structure occurs throughout their range.
High energy electron beam stimulated nanowelding of silver nanowire networks encapsulated with graphene for flexible and transparent electrodes
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Lee Young Bum , Lim Yi Rang , Han Jin Kyu , Jeon In Su , Bae Garam , Yoon Yeoheung , Song Wooseok , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , An Ki-Seok , Lee Sun Sook
Published: June 2019

Low-dimensional nanostructures and their complementary hybridization techniques are in the vanguard of technological advances for applications in transparent and flexible nanoelectronics due to the intriguing electrical properties related to their atomic structure. In this study, we demonstrated that welding of Ag nanowires (NWs) encapsulated in graphene was stimulated by flux-optimized, high-energy electron beam irradiation (HEBI) under ambient conditions. This methodology can inhibit the oxidation of Ag NWs which is induced by the inevitably generated reactive ozone as well as improve of their electrical conductivity. We have systematically explored the effects of HEBI on Ag NWs and graphene. The optimized flux for HEBI welding of the Ag NWs with graphene was 150 kGy, which decreased the sheet resistance of the graphene/Ag NWs to 12 Ohm/sq. Following encapsulation with graphene, the initial chemical states of the Ag NWs were well-preserved after flux-tuned HEBI, whereas graphene underwent local HEBI-induced defect generation near the junction area. We further employed resonant Raman spectroscopy to follow the structural evolution of the sacrificial graphene in the hybrid film after HEBI. Notably, the sheet resistance of the welded Ag NWs encapsulated with graphene after HEBI was well-maintained even after 85 days.
Relationship between the Interannual Variations of Summer Convective Afternoon Rainfall Activity in Taiwan and SSTA(Niño3.4) during 1961–2012: Characteristics and Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Wan-Ru , Chang Ya-Hui , Huang Po-Han
Published: June 2019

This study examines the interannual variation of the Convective Afternoon Rainfall (CAR) activity (including frequency and intensity) in Taiwan during the summers (JJA) of 1961–2012 with a focus on identifying its relationship with the changes in sea surface temperature anomalies over the Niño3.4 region [SSTA(Niño3.4)] and the underlying physical mechanisms. Our analyses show that during the colder (warmer) phase of SSTA(Niño3.4), the subtropical high system over the region east of Taiwan is enhanced (weakened), the local surface wind convergence is enhanced (weakened), and the local thermal instability is enhanced (weakened), which facilitates (suppresses) the formation of CAR in Taiwan. This consistent negative relationship between the interannual variation of CAR frequency in Taiwan and SSTA(Niño3.4) occurs throughout 1961–2012. In contrast, the relationship between the interannual variation of CAR intensity in Taiwan and SSTA(Niño3.4) changed from positively correlated to negatively correlated in the late 1980s. This change is attributed to the change in the moisture supply for maintaining the CAR intensity in Taiwan from an increase (decrease) in the warmer (colder) phase of SSTA(Niño3.4) before the mid-1980s to the opposite after the late 1980s. These findings highlight how the rainfall characteristics in East Asia may change in response to changes in SSTA(Niño3.4).
Control of biosilica morphology and mechanical performance by the conserved diatom gene Silicanin-1
Authors: Görlich Stefan , Pawolski Damian , Zlotnikov Igor , Kröger Nils
Published: June 2019

The species-specifically patterned biosilica cell walls of diatoms are paradigms for biological mineral morphogenesis and the evolution of lightweight materials with exceptional mechanical performance. Biosilica formation is a membrane-mediated process that occurs in intracellular compartments, termed silica deposition vesicles (SDVs). Silicanin-1 (Sin1) is a highly conserved protein of the SDV membrane, but its role in biosilica formation has remained elusive. Here we generate Sin1 knockout mutants of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Although the mutants grow normally, they exhibit reduced biosilica content and morphological aberrations, which drastically compromise the strength and stiffness of their cell walls. These results identify Sin1 as essential for the biogenesis of mechanically robust diatom cell walls, thus providing an explanation for the conservation of this gene throughout the diatom realm. This insight paves the way for genetic engineering of silica architectures with desired structures and mechanical performance.
Dynamic stereoselective annulation via aldol-oxa-cyclization cascade reaction to afford spirooxindole pyran polycycles
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Tanaka Fujie
Published: June 2019

Spiro polycyclic compounds bearing pyran ring systems are found in bioactive molecules, and we recently reported the construction of spirooxindole all-carbon polycycles. Here we show the development of catalytic stereoselective annulation reactions that afford spirooxindole pyran polycycles. Oxindole-derived spiro[4,5]decanes are reacted with arylglyoxal to construct a pyran ring via the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen bonds through dynamic aldol-oxa-cyclization cascade reactions, leading to the formation of spirooxindole pyran polycycles bearing six stereogenic centers as single diastereomers. During the reaction, the starting material is isomerized to the diastereomer, and this is key to afford the product. Taking advantage of this isomerization, highly enantiomerically enriched single diastereomers of spirooxindole pyran polycycles are obtained. The reactions generating the spiro pyran polycycles show stereoselectivities distinct from those previously observed in the construction of all-carbon polycycles.
Accurate determination of the As(v) coordination environment at the surface of ferrihydrite using synchrotron extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy andab initioDebye–Waller factors
Authors: Wang Shaofeng , Zhang Guoqing , Lin Jinru , Wang Xin , Jia Yongfeng
Published: June 2019

The synchrotron EXAFS fitting usingab initioDebye–Waller factors suggests that ferrihydrite adsorbs arsenate dominantlyviamonodentate mononuclear complexes.
Lactobacillus reuteri improves gut barrier function and affects diurnal variation of the gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Li Shuangqi , Qi Ce , Zhu Hualing , Yu Renqiang , Xie Chunliang , Peng Yuande , Yin Shou-Wei , Fan Jianhui , Zhao Suqing , Sun Jin
Published: June 2019

Lactobacillus reuteri FN041 prevented HFD induced over weight gain, fat accumulation, endotoxaemia and mucosal-barrier damage, which is related to modulation of diurnal variation of serum lipid, hepatic Fas gene expression, diversity and metabolic activity of gut microbiota.
Quinolone antibiotics
Authors: Pham Thu D. M. , Ziora Zyta M. , Blaskovich Mark A. T.
Published: June 2019

The quinolone antibiotics arose in the early 1960s, with the first examples possessing a narrow-spectrum activity with unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties.
When defects become ‘dynamic’: halide perovskites: a new window on materials?
Authors: Rakita Yevgeny , Lubomirsky Igor , Cahen David
Published: June 2019

If defects in materials cost more (energy) than decomposing them, defect densities will be low and thermodynamically controlled, with the right kinetics, as for halide perovskites.
Direct methylation and carbonylation of in situ generated arynes via HDDA-Wittig coupling
Authors: Liu Baohua , Mao Chunyan , Hu Qiong , Yao Liangliang , Hu Yimin
Published: June 2019

A high-efficiency HDDA-Wittig coupling strategy for synthesis of fully functionalized benzenes is reported. Direct methylation and carbonylation of aryne intermediates reacted with phosphorus ylides to form the carbonylated 2,3-dihydro-1H-indenes.
The effect of different surface treatment methods on the physical, chemical and biological performances of a PGA scaffold
Authors: Song Yimin , Ren Minghua , Wu Yadong , Li Siyu , Song Chun , Wang Fang , Huang Yudong
Published: June 2019

In order to improve the adhesion between a PGA scaffold and islet cells, it is necessary to find a suitable method to modify the scaffold.
Light induced reversible structuring of photosensitive polymer films
Authors: Jelken Joachim , Santer Svetlana
Published: June 2019

In this paper we report on photoswitchable polymer surfaces with dynamically and reversibly fluctuating topographies.
Discovery of a novel phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) inhibitor against hematologic malignancies and theoretical studies on its PI3Kγ-specific binding mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Jingyu , Ke Ke , Xu Lei , Jin Jian
Published: June 2019

A novel PI3Kγ inhibitor against hematologic malignancies was identified and its PI3Kγ-selective inhibition mechanisms were explored through a computational strategy.
Synergistic degradation of PNP via coupling H2O2 with persulfate catalyzed by nano zero valent iron
Authors: Du Jiangkun , Wang Yang , Faheem Faheem , Xu Tiantian , Zheng Han , Bao Jianguo
Published: June 2019

Simultaneous activation of H2O2 and persulfate by nanoscaled Fe0 shows synergistic effect for degradation of p-nitrophenol with generating both hydroxyl and sulfate radicals in a wide initial pH range.
Controllable fluorescenceviatuning them-substituents of added aromatic molecules in a pyrene derivative-decorated porous skeleton
Authors: Wu Jianbin , Huang Songyang , Wang Xi , Bai Ming
Published: June 2019

The monomer emission of PyCOOH-decorated PPUM can be regulatedviaadding aromatic compounds containing differentm-substituted groups.
A novel boronic acid-based fluorescent sensor for selectively recognizing Fe3+ ion in real time
Authors: Fang Guiqian , Wang Hao , Bian Zhancun , Guo Min , Wu Zhongyu , Yao Qingqiang
Published: June 2019

Boronic acid provides faster fluorescence response to Fe3+ compared to other reported sensors, which is critical for continuous dynamic detection.
Preparation and characterization of Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2–Co/rGO magnetic visible light photocatalyst for water treatment
Authors: Fu Congzhi , Liu Xijun , Wang Yuwei , Li Li , Zhang Zihao
Published: June 2019

With its low cost, high photocatalytic activity, high chemical stability and easy magnetic separation, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2–Co/rGO magnetic photocatalyst has a good application potential.
Enhancing solar steam generation through manipulating the heterostructure of PVDF membranes with reduced reflection and conduction
Authors: Li Tiantian , Fang Qile , Lin Haibo , Liu Fu
Published: June 2019

A distillation device integrates key functions e.g. self-floating, self-insulating, self-water drawing and steam transpiration in one piece of a PVDF/AuNP membrane.
Designing promising molecules for organic solar cells via machine learning assisted virtual screening
Authors: Sahu Harikrishna , Yang Feng , Ye Xiaobo , Ma Jing , Fang Weihai , Ma Haibo
Published: June 2019

Rational design of new OPV molecules via virtual screening of candidate materials using high-performing machine learning models.
V2O5–Conductive polymer nanocables with built-in local electric field derived from interfacial oxygen vacancies for high energy density supercapacitors
Authors: Bi Wenchao , Huang Juanjuan , Wang Mingshan , Jahrman Evan P. , Seidler Gerald T. , Wang Jichao , Wu Yingjie , Gao Guohua , Wu Guangming , Cao Guozhong
Published: June 2019

Interfacial oxygen vacancies were induced in V2O5by various conductive polymers with built-in local electric field for high-energy supercapacitors.
Self-destructive PEG–BODIPY nanomaterials for photodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Li Chaonan , Lin Wenhai , Liu Shi , Zhang Wei , Xie Zhigang
Published: June 2019

Amphiphilic photosensitizers are made from boron dipyrromethene and poly(ethylene glycol) by using a thioketal linker, which is reactive oxygen species-responsive for photodynamic and photothermal therapy.
Electrospun PCL/Gel-aligned scaffolds enhance the biomechanical strength in tendon repair
Authors: Sheng Dandan , Li Jinxiu , Ai Chengchong , Feng Sijia , Ying Ting , Liu Xingwang , Cai Jiangyu , Ding Xiaoquan , Jin Wenhe , Xu He , Chen Jun , Chen Shiyi
Published: June 2019

The PCL/Gel-aligned scaffolds could enable to improve the regenerated tendon tissue with highly aligned cells and good mechanical strength in a rabbit patellar tendons injured model.
A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for cyanide sensing in aqueous media and live cells
Authors: Hou Lingjie , Li Fan , Guo Jinchang , Zhang Xiaoying , Kong Xiangyu , Cui Xinyan Tracy , Dong Chuan , Wang Yu , Shuang Shaomin
Published: June 2019

A mitochondria-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe for cyanide was reported.