bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SH3RF3 promotes breast cancer stem-like properties via JNK activation and PTX3 upregulation
Authors: Zhang Peiyuan , Liu Yingjie , Lian Cheng , Cao Xuan , Wang Yuan , Li Xiaoxun , Cong Min , Tian Pu , Zhang Xue , Wei Gang , Liu Tong , Hu Guohong
Published: May 2020

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are the tumorigenic cell subpopulation and contribute to cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, the understanding of CSC regulatory mechanisms remains incomplete. By transcriptomic analysis, we identify a scaffold protein SH3RF3 (also named POSH2) that is upregulated in CSCs of breast cancer clinical tumors and cancer cell lines, and enhances the CSC properties of breast cancer cells. Mechanically, SH3RF3 interacts with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a JNK-interacting protein (JIP)-dependent manner, leading to enhanced phosphorylation of JNK and activation of the JNK-JUN pathway. Further the JNK-JUN signaling expands CSC subpopulation by transcriptionally activating the expression of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3). The functional role of SH3RF3 in CSCs is validated with patient-derived organoid culture, and supported by clinical cohort analyses. In conclusion, our work elucidates the role and molecular mechanism of SH3RF3 in CSCs of breast cancer, and might provide opportunities for CSC-targeting therapy.
Fossils from Mille-Logya, Afar, Ethiopia, elucidate the link between Pliocene environmental changes and Homo origins
Authors: Alemseged Zeresenay , Wynn Jonathan G. , Geraads Denis , Reed Denne , Andrew Barr W. , Bobe René , McPherron Shannon P. , Deino Alan , Alene Mulugeta , J. Sier Mark , Roman Diana , Mohan Joseph
Published: May 2020

Several hypotheses posit a link between the origin of Homo and climatic and environmental shifts between 3 and 2.5 Ma. Here we report on new results that shed light on the interplay between tectonics, basin migration and faunal change on the one hand and the fate of Australopithecus afarensis and the evolution of Homo on the other. Fieldwork at the new Mille-Logya site in the Afar, Ethiopia, dated to between 2.914 and 2.443 Ma, provides geological evidence for the northeast migration of the Hadar Basin, extending the record of this lacustrine basin to Mille-Logya. We have identified three new fossiliferous units, suggesting in situ faunal change within this interval. While the fauna in the older unit is comparable to that at Hadar and Dikika, the younger units contain species that indicate more open conditions along with remains of Homo. This suggests that Homo either emerged from Australopithecus during this interval or dispersed into the region as part of a fauna adapted to more open habitats.
Rapid cost decrease of renewables and storage accelerates the decarbonization of China’s power system
Authors: He Gang , Lin Jiang , Sifuentes Froylan , Liu Xu , Abhyankar Nikit , Phadke Amol
Published: May 2020

The costs for solar photovoltaics, wind, and battery storage have dropped markedly since 2010, however, many recent studies and reports around the world have not adequately captured such dramatic decrease. Those costs are projected to decline further in the near future, bringing new prospects for the widespread penetration of renewables and extensive power-sector decarbonization that previous policy discussions did not fully consider. Here we show if cost trends for renewables continue, 62% of China’s electricity could come from non-fossil sources by 2030 at a cost that is 11% lower than achieved through a business-as-usual approach. Further, China’s power sector could cut half of its 2015 carbon emissions at a cost about 6% lower compared to business-as-usual conditions.
Neutrophil extracellular traps released by neutrophils impair revascularization and vascular remodeling after stroke
Authors: Kang Lijing , Yu Huilin , Yang Xing , Zhu Yuanbo , Bai Xiaofei , Wang Ranran , Cao Yongliang , Xu Haochen , Luo Haiyu , Lu Lu , Shi Mei-Juan , Tian Yujing , Fan Wenying , Zhao Bing-Qiao
Published: May 2020

Neovascularization and vascular remodeling are functionally important for brain repair after stroke. We show that neutrophils accumulate in the peri-infarct cortex during all stages of ischemic stroke. Neutrophils producing intravascular and intraparenchymal neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) peak at 3–5 days. Neutrophil depletion reduces blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and enhances neovascularization at 14 days. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), an enzyme essential for NET formation, is upregulated in peri-ischemic brains. Overexpression of PAD4 induces an increase in NET formation that is accompanied by reduced neovascularization and increased BBB damage. Disruption of NETs by DNase 1 and inhibition of NET formation by genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibition of PAD increases neovascularization and vascular repair and improves functional recovery. Furthermore, PAD inhibition reduces stroke-induced STING-mediated production of IFN-β, and STING knockdown and IFN receptor-neutralizing antibody treatment reduces BBB breakdown and increases vascular plasticity. Collectively, our results indicate that NET release impairs vascular remodeling during stroke recovery.
Author Correction: Revisiting the pH-gated conformational switch on the activities of HisKA-family histidine kinases
Authors: Mideros-Mora Cristina , Miguel-Romero Laura , Felipe-Ruiz Alonso , Casino Patricia , Marina Alberto
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Translational control of breast cancer plasticity
Authors: Jewer Michael , Lee Laura , Leibovitch Matthew , Zhang Guihua , Liu Jiahui , Findlay Scott D. , Vincent Krista M. , Tandoc Kristofferson , Dieters-Castator Dylan , Quail Daniela F. , Dutta Indrani , Coatham Mackenzie , Xu Zhihua , Puri Aakshi , Guan Bo-Jhih , Hatzoglou Maria , Brumwell Andrea , Uniacke James , Patsis Christos , Koromilas Antonis , Schueler Julia , Siegers Gabrielle M. , Topisirovic Ivan , Postovit Lynne-Marie
Published: May 2020

Plasticity of neoplasia, whereby cancer cells attain stem-cell-like properties, is required for disease progression and represents a major therapeutic challenge. We report that in breast cancer cells NANOG, SNAIL and NODAL transcripts manifest multiple isoforms characterized by different 5’ Untranslated Regions (5’UTRs), whereby translation of a subset of these isoforms is stimulated under hypoxia. The accumulation of the corresponding proteins induces plasticity and “fate-switching” toward stem cell-like phenotypes. Mechanistically, we observe that mTOR inhibitors and chemotherapeutics induce translational activation of a subset of NANOG, SNAIL and NODAL mRNA isoforms akin to hypoxia, engendering stem-cell-like phenotypes. These effects are overcome with drugs that antagonize translational reprogramming caused by eIF2α phosphorylation (e.g. ISRIB), suggesting that the Integrated Stress Response drives breast cancer plasticity. Collectively, our findings reveal a mechanism of induction of plasticity of breast cancer cells and provide a molecular basis for therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming drug resistance and abrogating metastasis.
Precise phylogenetic analysis of microbial isolates and genomes from metagenomes using PhyloPhlAn 3.0
Authors: Asnicar Francesco , Thomas Andrew Maltez , Beghini Francesco , Mengoni Claudia , Manara Serena , Manghi Paolo , Zhu Qiyun , Bolzan Mattia , Cumbo Fabio , May Uyen , Sanders Jon G. , Zolfo Moreno , Kopylova Evguenia , Pasolli Edoardo , Knight Rob , Mirarab Siavash , Huttenhower Curtis , Segata Nicola
Published: May 2020

Microbial genomes are available at an ever-increasing pace, as cultivation and sequencing become cheaper and obtaining metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) becomes more effective. Phylogenetic placement methods to contextualize hundreds of thousands of genomes must thus be efficiently scalable and sensitive from closely related strains to divergent phyla. We present PhyloPhlAn 3.0, an accurate, rapid, and easy-to-use method for large-scale microbial genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis at multiple levels of resolution. PhyloPhlAn 3.0 can assign genomes from isolate sequencing or MAGs to species-level genome bins built from >230,000 publically available sequences. For individual clades of interest, it reconstructs strain-level phylogenies from among the closest species using clade-specific maximally informative markers. At the other extreme of resolution, it scales to large phylogenies comprising >17,000 microbial species. Examples including Staphylococcus aureus isolates, gut metagenomes, and meta-analyses demonstrate the ability of PhyloPhlAn 3.0 to support genomic and metagenomic analyses.
Convex optimization of programmable quantum computers
Authors: Banchi Leonardo , Pereira Jason , Lloyd Seth , Pirandola Stefano
Published: May 2020

A fundamental model of quantum computation is the programmable quantum gate array. This is a quantum processor that is fed by a program state that induces a corresponding quantum operation on input states. While being programmable, any finite-dimensional design of this model is known to be nonuniversal, meaning that the processor cannot perfectly simulate an arbitrary quantum channel over the input. Characterizing how close the simulation is and finding the optimal program state have been open questions for the past 20 years. Here, we answer these questions by showing that the search for the optimal program state is a convex optimization problem that can be solved via semidefinite programming and gradient-based methods commonly employed for machine learning. We apply this general result to different types of processors, from a shallow design based on quantum teleportation, to deeper schemes relying on port-based teleportation and parametric quantum circuits.
Multiplexed quantum transport using commercial off-the-shelf CMOS at sub-kelvin temperatures
Authors: Paquelet Wuetz B. , Bavdaz P. L. , Yeoh L. A. , Schouten R. , van der Does H. , Tiggelman M. , Sabbagh D. , Sammak A. , Almudever C. G. , Sebastiano F. , Clarke J. S. , Veldhorst M. , Scappucci G.
Published: May 2020

Continuing advancements in quantum information processing have caused a paradigm shift from research mainly focused on testing the reality of quantum mechanics to engineering qubit devices with numbers required for practical quantum computation. One of the major challenges in scaling toward large-scale solid-state systems is the limited input/output (I/O) connectors present in cryostats operating at sub-kelvin temperatures required to execute quantum logic with high fidelity. This interconnect bottleneck is equally present in the device fabrication-measurement cycle, which requires high-throughput and cryogenic characterization to develop quantum processors. Here we multiplex quantum transport of two-dimensional electron gases at sub-kelvin temperatures. We use commercial off-the-shelf CMOS multiplexers to achieve an order of magnitude increase in the number of wires. Exploiting this technology, we accelerate the development of 300 mm epitaxial wafers manufactured in an industrial CMOS fab and report a remarkable electron mobility of (3.9 ± 0.6) × 105 cm2/Vs and percolation density of (6.9 ± 0.4) × 1010 cm−2, representing a key step toward large silicon qubit arrays. We envision that the demonstration will inspire the development of cryogenic electronics for quantum information, and because of the simplicity of assembly and versatility, we foresee widespread use of similar cryo-CMOS circuits for high-throughput quantum measurements and control of quantum engineered systems.
Genome-Scale Characterization of Predicted Plastid-Targeted Proteomes in Higher Plants
Authors: Christian Ryan W. , Hewitt Seanna L. , Roalson Eric H. , Dhingra Amit
Published: May 2020

Plastids are morphologically and functionally diverse organelles that are dependent on nuclear-encoded, plastid-targeted proteins for all biochemical and regulatory functions. However, how plastid proteomes vary temporally, spatially, and taxonomically has been historically difficult to analyze at a genome-wide scale using experimental methods. A bioinformatics workflow was developed and evaluated using a combination of fast and user-friendly subcellular prediction programs to maximize performance and accuracy for chloroplast transit peptides and demonstrate this technique on the predicted proteomes of 15 sequenced plant genomes. Gene family grouping was then performed in parallel using modified approaches of reciprocal best BLAST hits (RBH) and UCLUST. A total of 628 protein families were found to have conserved plastid targeting across angiosperm species using RBH, and 828 using UCLUST. However, thousands of clusters were also detected where only one species had predicted plastid targeting, most notably in Panicum virgatum which had 1,458 proteins with species-unique targeting. An average of 45% overlap was found in plastid-targeted protein-coding gene families compared with Arabidopsis, but an additional 20% of proteins matched against the full Arabidopsis proteome, indicating a unique evolution of plastid targeting. Neofunctionalization through subcellular relocalization is known to impart novel biological functions but has not been described before on a genome-wide scale for the plastid proteome. Further work to correlate these predicted novel plastid-targeted proteins to transcript abundance and high-throughput proteomics will uncover unique aspects of plastid biology and shed light on how the plastid proteome has evolved to influence plastid morphology and biochemistry.
When open mindedness hinders consensus
Authors: Schawe Hendrik , Hernández Laura
Published: May 2020

We perform a detailed study of the Hegselmann-Krause bounded confidence opinion dynamics model with heterogeneousconfidenceεidrawn from uniform distributions in different intervals [ε1,εu]. The phase diagram reveals a highly complex andnon-monotonous behaviour, with a re-entrant consensus phase in the region where fragmentation into multiple distinct opinionsis expected for the homogeneous case. A careful exploration of the phase diagram, along with an extensive finite-size analysis,allows us to identify the mechanism leading to this counter-intuitive behaviour. This systematic study over system sizes whichgo well beyond those of previous works, is enabled by an efficient algorithm presented in this article.
Tracking the Near Eastern origins and European dispersal of the western house mouse
Authors: Cucchi Thomas , Papayianni Katerina , Cersoy Sophie , Aznar-Cormano Laetitia , Zazzo Antoine , Debruyne Régis , Berthon Rémi , Bălășescu Adrian , Simmons Alan , Valla François , Hamilakis Yannis , Mavridis Fanis , Mashkour Marjan , Darvish Jamshid , Siahsarvi Roohollah , Biglari Fereidoun , Petrie Cameron A. , Weeks Lloyd , Sardari Alireza , Maziar Sepideh , Denys Christiane , Orton David , Jenkins Emma , Zeder Melinda , Searle Jeremy B. , Larson Greger , Bonhomme François , Auffray Jean-Christophe , Vigne Jean-Denis
Published: May 2020

The house mouse (Mus musculus) represents the extreme of globalization of invasive mammals. However, the timing and basis of its origin and early phases of dispersal remain poorly documented. To track its synanthropisation and subsequent invasive spread during the develoment of complex human societies, we analyzed 829Musspecimens from 43 archaeological contexts in Southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe, between 40,000 and 3,000 cal. BP, combining geometric morphometrics numerical taxonomy, ancient mitochondrial DNA and direct radiocarbon dating. We found that large late hunter-gatherer sedentary settlements in the Levant, c. 14,500 cal. BP, promoted the commensal behaviour of the house mouse, which probably led the commensal pathway to cat domestication. House mouse invasive spread was then fostered through the emergence of agriculture throughout the Near East 12,000 years ago. Stowaway transport of house mice to Cyprus can be inferred as early as 10,800 years ago. However, the house mouse invasion of Europe did not happen until the development of proto urbanism and exchange networks — 6,500 years ago in Eastern Europe and 4000 years ago in Southern Europe — which in turn may have driven the first human mediated dispersal of cats in Europe.
Entomopathogenic nematodes from Mexico that can overcome the resistance mechanisms of the western corn rootworm
Authors: Bruno Pamela , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Glauser Gaétan , Köhler Angela , Campos-Herrera Raquel , Bernal Julio , Toepfer Stefan , Erb Matthias , Robert Christelle A. M. , Arce Carla C. M. , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: May 2020

Natural enemies of herbivores are expected to adapt to the defence strategies of their preys or hosts. Such adaptations may also include their capacity to cope with plant metabolites that herbivores sequester as a defence. In this study, we evaluated the ability of Mexican entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) to resist benzoxazinoids that are sequestered from maize roots by the western corn rootworm (WCR,Diabrotica virgifera virgifera;Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an important maize pest in America and Europe. From maize fields throughout Mexico, we retrieved 40 EPN isolates belonging to five different species, with a majority identified asHeterorhabditis bacteriophora. In the laboratory, all nematodes readily infected non-sequestering larvae of the banded cucumber beetle (D. balteata), while infectivity varied strongly for WCR larvae. While someH. bacteriophoraisolates seemed negatively affected by benzoxazinoids, most showed to be resistant. Thus, EPN from Mexican maize fields can cope with these plant defence metabolites, but the results also indicate that WCR larvae possess other mechanisms that help to resist EPN. This work contributes to a better understanding of the capacity of herbivore natural enemies to resist plant defence metabolites. Furthermore, it identifies several benzoxazinoid-resistant EPN isolates that may be used to control this important maize pest.
Molecular dynamics simulation of proton-transfer coupled rotations in ATP synthase FO motor
Authors: Kubo Shintaroh , Niina Toru , Takada Shoji
Published: May 2020

The FO motor in FOF1 ATP synthase rotates its rotor driven by the proton motive force. While earlier studies elucidated basic mechanisms therein, recent advances in high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy enabled to investigate proton-transfer coupled FO rotary dynamics at structural details. Here, taking a hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulation method, we studied reversible dynamics of a yeast mitochondrial FO. We obtained the 36°-stepwise rotations of FO per one proton transfer in the ATP synthesis mode and the proton pumping in the ATP hydrolysis mode. In both modes, the most prominent path alternatively sampled states with two and three deprotonated glutamates in c-ring, by which the c-ring rotates one step. The free energy transduction efficiency in the model FO motor reached ~ 90% in optimal conditions. Moreover, mutations in key glutamate and a highly conserved arginine increased proton leakage and markedly decreased the coupling, in harmony with previous experiments. This study provides a simple framework of simulations for chemical-reaction coupled molecular dynamics calling for further studies in ATP synthase and others.
CDH6 and HAGH protein levels in plasma associate with Alzheimer’s disease in APOE ε4 carriers
Authors: Ahmad Shahzad , Milan Marta del Campo , Hansson Oskar , Demirkan Ayse , Agustin Ruiz , Sáez Maria E. , Giagtzoglou Nikolaos , Cabrera-Socorro Alfredo , Bakker Margot H. M. , Ramirez Alfredo , Hankemeier Thomas , Stomrud Erik , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Ikram M. Arfan , Malarstig Anders , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Amin Najaf , van Duijn Cornelia M.
Published: May 2020

Many Alzheimer’s disease (AD) genes including Apolipoprotein E (APOE) are found to be expressed in blood-derived macrophages and thus may alter blood protein levels. We measured 91 neuro-proteins in plasma from 316 participants of the Rotterdam Study (incident AD = 161) using Proximity Extension Ligation assay. We studied the association of plasma proteins with AD in the overall sample and stratified by APOE. Findings from the Rotterdam study were replicated in 186 AD patients of the BioFINDER study. We further evaluated the correlation of these protein biomarkers with total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid-beta (Aβ) 42 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (N = 441). Finally, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify the genetic variants determining the blood levels of AD-associated proteins. Plasma levels of the proteins, CDH6 (β = 0.638, P = 3.33 × 10−4) and HAGH (β = 0.481, P = 7.20 × 10−4), were significantly elevated in APOE ε4 carrier AD patients. The findings in the Rotterdam Study were replicated in the BioFINDER study for both CDH6 (β = 1.365, P = 3.97 × 10−3) and HAGH proteins (β = 0.506, P = 9.31 × 10−7) when comparing cases and controls in APOE ε4 carriers. In the CSF, CDH6 levels were positively correlated with t-tau and p-tau in the total sample as well as in APOE ε4 stratum (P < 1 × 10−3). The HAGH protein was not detected in CSF. GWAS of plasma CDH6 protein levels showed significant association with a cis-regulatory locus (rs111283466, P = 1.92 × 10−9). CDH6 protein is implicated in cell adhesion and synaptogenesis while HAGH protein is related to the oxidative stress pathway. Our findings suggest that these pathways may be altered during presymptomatic AD and that CDH6 and HAGH may be new blood-based biomarkers.
Transplantation of fetal liver tissue coated by ultra-purified alginate gel over liver improves hepatic function in the cirrhosis rat model
Authors: Qiu Rong , Murata Soichiro , Oshiro Katsutomo , Hatada Yumi , Taniguchi Hideki
Published: May 2020

In this study, we used a new coating agent, that is, ultra-purified alginate gel (UPAL), for fetal liver tissue transplantation. This study aims to compare the effect of UPAL with the effect of other coating agents on improving the effect of fetal liver tissue transplantation in a liver cirrhosis rat model. Prior to the transplantation of wild-type ED14 fetal liver tissues, various coating agents were separately applied on the liver surface of rats with cirrhosis. Then, we compared the engraftment area, engraftment rate and liver function level of these rats. As a result, coating the liver surface of a cirrhosis rat with UPAL obtained the best effect in terms of engraftment area and engraftment rate of the transplanted liver tissue and in the recovery of liver function compared with control group. Therefore, UPAL coating may serve as a novel strategy for liver organoid transplantation.
Lead-Halide Scalar Couplings in 207Pb NMR of APbX3 Perovskites (A = Cs, Methylammonium, Formamidinium; X = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Aebli Marcel , Piveteau Laura , Nazarenko Olga , Benin Bogdan M. , Krieg Franziska , Verel René , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: May 2020

Understanding the structure and dynamics of newcomer optoelectronic materials - lead halide perovskites APbX3 [A = Cs, methylammonium (CH3NH3+, MA), formamidinium (CH(NH2)2+, FA); X = Cl, Br, I] - has been a major research thrust. In this work, new insights could be gained by using 207Pb solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at variable temperatures between 100 and 300 K. The existence of scalar couplings 1JPb-Cl of ca. 400 Hz and 1JPb-Br of ca. 2.3 kHz could be confirmed for MAPbX3 and CsPbX3. Diverse and fast structure dynamics, including rotations of A-cations, harmonic and anharmonic vibrations of the lead-halide framework and ionic mobility, affect the resolution of the coupling pattern. 207Pb NMR can therefore be used to detect the structural disorder and phase transitions. Furthermore, by comparing bulk and nanocrystalline CsPbBr3 a greater structural disorder of the PbBr6-octahedra had been confirmed in a nanoscale counterpart, not readily captured by diffraction-based techniques.
Morphological, genotypic and metabolomic signatures confirm interfamilial hybridization between the ubiquitous kelps Macrocystis (Arthrothamnaceae) and Lessonia (Lessoniaceae)
Authors: Murúa Pedro , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie , Muñoz Liliana , Soldatou Sylvia , Legrave Nathalie , Müller Dieter G. , Patiño David J. , van West Pieter , Küpper Frithjof C. , Westermeier Renato , Ebel Rainer , Peters Akira F.
Published: May 2020

Macrocystis pyrifera and Lessonia spicata are economically and ecologically relevant brown seaweeds that recently have been classified as members of two separated families within Laminariales (kelps). Here we describe for the first time the Macrocystis pyrifera x Lessonia spicata hybridization in the wild (Chiloe Island, Southeastern Pacific), where populations of the two parents exist sympatrically. Externally, this hybrid exhibited typical features of its parents M. pyrifera (cylindrical and flexible distal stipes, serrate frond margins and presence of sporophylls) and L. spicata (rigid and flat main stipe and first bifurcation), as well as intermediate features between them (thick unfused haptera in the holdfast). Histological sections revealed the prevalence of mucilage ducts within stipes and fronds (absent in Lessonia) and fully developed unilocular sporangia in the sporophylls. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of the two parental genotypes for ITS1 nrDNA and the M. pyrifera genotype for two predominantly maternally inherited cytoplasmic markers (COI and rbcLS spacer) in the tissue of the hybrid. A metabolome-wide approach revealed that this hybrid is more chemically reminiscent to M. pyrifera. Nevertheless, several hits were identified as Lessonia exclusive or more remarkably, not present in any of the parent. Meiospores developed into apparently fertile gametophytes, which gave rise to F1 sporophytes that reached several millimeters before suddenly dying. In-vitro reciprocal crossing of Mar Brava gametophytes from both species revealed that although it is rare, interfamilial hybridization between the two species is possible but mostly overcome by pseudogamy of female gametophytes.
Associations of urinary polymeric immunoglobulin receptor peptides in the context of cardio-renal syndrome
Authors: He Tianlin , Siwy Justyna , Metzger Jochen , Mullen William , Mischak Harald , Schanstra Joost P. , Zürbig Petra , Jankowski Vera
Published: May 2020

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) transports immunoglobulins from the basolateral to the apical surface of epithelial cells. PIgR was recently shown to be associated with kidney dysfunction. The immune defense is initiated at the apical surface of epithelial cells where the N-terminal domain of pIgR, termed secretory component (SC), is proteolytically cleaved and released either unbound (free SC) or bound to immunoglobulins. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of pIgR peptides with the cardio-renal syndrome in a large cohort and to obtain information on how the SC is released. We investigated urinary peptides of 2964 individuals available in the Human Urine Proteome Database generated using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. The mean amplitude of 23 different pIgR peptides correlated negatively with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, rho = −0.309, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, pIgR peptides were significantly increased in cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease and heart failure) after adjustment for eGFR. We further predicted potential proteases involved in urinary peptide generation using the Proteasix algorithm. Peptide cleavage site analysis suggested that several, and not one, proteases are involved in the generation of the SC. In this large cohort, we could demonstrate that pIgR is associated with the cardio-renal syndrome and provided a more detailed insight on how pIgR can be potentially cleaved to release the SC.
Learning to Predict Crystal Plasticity at the Nanoscale: Deep Residual Networks and Size Effects in Uniaxial Compression Discrete Dislocation Simulations
Authors: Yang Zijiang , Papanikolaou Stefanos , Reid Andrew C. E. , Liao Wei-keng , Choudhary Alok N. , Campbell Carelyn , Agrawal Ankit
Published: May 2020

The density and configurational changes of crystal dislocations during plastic deformation influence the mechanical properties of materials. These influences have become clearest in nanoscale experiments, in terms of strength, hardness and work hardening size effects in small volumes. The mechanical characterization of a model crystal may be cast as an inverse problem of deducing the defect population characteristics (density, correlations) in small volumes from the mechanical behavior. In this work, we demonstrate how a deep residual network can be used to deduce the dislocation characteristics of a sample of interest using only its surface strain profiles at small deformations, and then statistically predict the mechanical response of size-affected samples at larger deformations. As a testbed of our approach, we utilize high-throughput discrete dislocation simulations for systems of widths that range from nano- to micro- meters. We show that the proposed deep learning model significantly outperforms a traditional machine learning model, as well as accurately produces statistical predictions of the size effects in samples of various widths. By visualizing the filters in convolutional layers and saliency maps, we find that the proposed model is able to learn the significant features of sample strain profiles.
Flexibility of little auks foraging in various oceanographic features in a changing Arctic
Authors: Jakubas Dariusz , Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna , Iliszko Lech M. , Kidawa Dorota , Boehnke Rafał , Błachowiak-Samołyk Katarzyna , Stempniewicz Lech
Published: May 2020

Using GPS-tracked individuals, we compared foraging ecology and reproductive output of a High-Arctic zooplanktivorous seabird, the little auk Alle alle, between three years differing in environmental conditions (sea surface temperature). Despite contrasting environmental conditions, average foraging fights distance and duration were generally similar in all studied years. Also, in all years foraging locations visited by the little auk parents during short trips (ST, for chick provisioning) were significantly closer to the colony compared to those visited during long trips (LTs, mainly for adults’ self-maintenance). Nevertheless, we also found some differences in the little auk foraging behaviour: duration of LTs was the longest in the coldest year suggesting more time for resting for adults compared to warmer years. Besides, birds foraged closer to the colony and in significantly colder water in the coldest year. Interestingly, these differences did not affect chick diet: in all the years, the energy content of food loads was similar, with the Arctic copepod, Calanus glacialis copepodite stage V being the most preferred prey item (>73% of items by number and >67% by energy content). Also chick survival was similar in all the study years. However, when examining chicks growth rate we found that their peak body mass was lower in warmer years suggesting that overall conditions in the two warm years were less favourable. While our results, demonstrate a great foraging flexibility by little auks, they also point out their vulnerability to changing environmental conditions.
Author Correction: The Henna pigment Lawsone activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and impacts skin homeostasis
Authors: Lozza Laura , Moura-Alves Pedro , Domaszewska Teresa , Crespo Carolina Lage , Streata Ioana , Kreuchwig Annika , Puyskens Andreas , Bechtle Marina , Klemm Marion , Zedler Ulrike , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Guhlich-Bornhof Ute , Koehler Anne-Britta , Stäber Manuela , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Hurwitz Robert , Furkert Jens , Krause Gerd , Weiner January , Jacinto António , Mihai Ioana , Leite-de-Moraes Maria , Siebenhaar Frank , Maurer Marcus , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Cortical source localization of sleep-stage specific oscillatory activity
Authors: Brancaccio Arianna , Tabarelli Davide , Bigica Marco , Baldauf Daniel
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Energetic footprints of irreversibility in the quantum regime
Authors: Mohammady M. H. , Auffèves A. , Anders J.
Published: May 2020

In classical thermodynamic processes the unavoidable presence of irreversibility, quantified by the entropy production, carries two energetic footprints: the reduction of extractable work from the optimal, reversible case, and the generation of a surplus of heat that is irreversibly dissipated to the environment. Recently it has been shown that in the quantum regime an additional quantum irreversibility occurs that is linked to decoherence into the energy basis. Here we employ quantum trajectories to construct distributions for classical heat and quantum heat exchanges, and show that the heat footprint of quantum irreversibility differs markedly from the classical case. We also quantify how quantum irreversibility reduces the amount of work that can be extracted from a state with coherences. Our results show that decoherence leads to both entropic and energetic footprints which both play an important role in the optimization of controlled quantum operations at low temperature.
Assessing common approximations in space charge modelling to estimate the proton resistance across grain boundaries in Y-doped BaZrO3
Authors: Bondevik Tarjei , Bjørheim Tor S. , Norby Truls
Published: May 2020

Common approximations used in space charge modelling are assessed on a BaZrO3 grain boundary.
Organic field-effect transistor-based flexible sensors
Authors: Yuvaraja Saravanan , Nawaz Ali , Liu Qian , Dubal Deepak , Surya Sandeep G. , Salama Khaled N. , Sonar Prashant
Published: May 2020

Flexible transistors are the next generation sensing technology, due to multiparametric analysis, reduced complexity, biocompatibility, lightweight with tunable optoelectronic properties. We summarize multitude of applications realized with OFETs.
Metal binding ability of microbial natural metal chelators and potential applications
Authors: Hofmann Marika , Retamal-Morales Gerardo , Tischler Dirk
Published: May 2020

Metallophores can chelate many different metal and metalloid ions next to iron, make them valuable for many applications.
Deconvolution of electroosmotic flow in hysteresis ion transport through single asymmetric nanopipettes
Authors: Brown Warren , Li Yan , Yang Ruoyu , Wang Dengchao , Kvetny Maksim , Zheng Hui , Wang Gangli
Published: May 2020

This report establishes a universal method to diagnose and deconvolute electroosmotic flow in nanoscale transport processes through current–potential measurements and analysis without simulation.
Evaluation of a GSH-targeting prodrug via a sulfonamide-induced “integrative” platform for selective cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Jun , Cao Cheng
Published: May 2020

We propose a novel GSH-generating prodrug to be used with a sulfonamide-induced “integrative” platform for selective cancer therapy.
A novel injectable pH–temperature sensitive hydrogel containing chitosan–insulin electrosprayed nanosphere composite for an insulin delivery system in type I diabetes treatment
Authors: Trinh Thuy An , Duy Le Thai Minh , Ho Hoang Gia Vinh , To Thi Cam Thach , Nguyen Vu Viet Linh , Huynh Dai Phu , Lee Doo Sung
Published: May 2020

A novel injectable insulin hydrogel composite delivery system was prepared and characterized.
Iron-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated aromatic oxime esters to functionalized pyrrolines
Authors: Zhang Youcan , Yin Zhiping , Wang Hai , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: May 2020

A new method of iron-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated aromatic oxime esters to functionalized pyrrolines has been developed.
Hot electron injection induced electron–hole plasma lasing in a single microwire covered by large size Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Wan Peng , Jiang Mingming , Tang Kai , Zhou Xiangbo , Kan Caixia
Published: May 2020

In addition to the plasmon-mediated resonant coupling mechanism, plasmon-induced hot electron transfer can provide an alternative approach to construct high-performance optoelectronic devices for various applications.
Si2BN monolayers as promising candidates for hydrogen storage
Authors: Hu Song , Yong Yongliang , Li Caitao , Zhao Zijia , Jia Huiwen , Kuang Yanmin
Published: May 2020

The Si2BN monolayer is predicted to be a promising candidate for molecular hydrogen storage.
One-pot, chemoselective synthesis of secondary amines from aryl nitriles using a PdPt–Fe3O4 nanoparticle catalyst
Authors: Cho Jin Hee , Byun Sangmoon , Cho Ahra , Kim B. Moon
Published: May 2020

We have developed a new catalytic method for the one-pot, cascade synthesis of unsymmetrical secondary amines via the reductive amination of aryl nitriles with nitroalkanes using a PdPt–Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP) catalyst.
Manganese(i) κ2-NN complex-catalyzed formic acid dehydrogenation
Authors: Léval Alexander , Junge Henrik , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2020

This work updates the first non-phosphine-based Mn complex able to perform the formic acid dehydrogenation (FA DH) in the presence of amines. Significant improvements were achieved regarding TON (>7500), gas evolution (>20 L), and lower CO content.
Purification and removal of the low molecular weight fraction of polyDADMAC reduces N-nitrosodimethylamine formation during water treatment
Authors: Atkinson Ariel J. , Fischer Natalia , Donovan Samantha , Bartlett Justin , Alrehaili Omar , Sinha Shahnawaz , Kommineni Sunil , Herckes Pierre , Westerhoff Paul
Published: May 2020

Residual organics in cationic polymer contribute disproportionately to NDMA formation, but can be removed through polymer purification.
Novel Hyp-Gly-containing antiplatelet peptides from collagen hydrolysate after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal absorption
Authors: Song Hongdong , Tian Qi , Li Bo
Published: May 2020

Novel OG-containing peptides were determined to be the bioactive components causing the antiplatelet activity upon collagen hydrolysate ingestion.
Antioxidant and anti-aging effects of a sea cucumber protein hydrolyzate and bioinformatic characterization of its composing peptides
Authors: Guo Kaixin , Su Linnan , Wang Yongchao , Liu Huihui , Lin Jing , Cheng Peng , Yin Xiquan , Liang Ming , Wang Qiangqiang , Huang Zebo
Published: May 2020

C. elegans-based activity guided and size-based isolation of antioxidant peptide fractions from a sea cucumber protein hydrolyzate and their bioinformatic characterization.
Mechanism of selective gold extraction from multi-metal chloride solutions by electrodeposition-redox replacement
Authors: Korolev Ivan , Spathariotis Stylianos , Yliniemi Kirsi , Wilson Benjamin P. , Abbott Andrew P. , Lundström Mari
Published: May 2020

The electrochemical method for gold extraction from multi-metal industrial solutions in an environmentally benign and energy efficient manner is explained in detail.
A3- and A2B-nitrocorroles: synthesis and antiviral activity evaluation against human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Bucher Léo , Kappler-Gratias Sandrine , Desbois Nicolas , Bystricky Kerstin , Gallardo Franck , Gros Claude P.
Published: May 2020

We report the 2nd generation of seventeen A2B- and A3-substituted fluoronitrocorroles and the discovery of optimized compounds with a selectivity index of >200 against hCMV.
A facile synthesis of two ionized fluorescent carbon dots and selective detection toward Fe2+ and Cu2+
Authors: Gao Li , Wu Datong , Tan Wensheng , Pan Fei , Xu Jiale , Tao Yongxin , Kong Yong
Published: May 2020

Two ionized carbon dots were prepared with different optical properties and applied for the selective detection of Fe2+ and Cu2+.
Tailoring hierarchical zeolite composites with two distinct frameworks for fine-tuning the product distribution in benzene alkylation with ethanol
Authors: Imyen Thidarat , Wannapakdee Wannaruedee , Ittisanronnachai Somlak , Witoon Thongthai , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: May 2020

A hierarchical zeolite composite, MOR@ZSM-5, with two distinct frameworks has been successfully fabricated via the repeated crystallization of ZSM-5 nanocrystals on mordenite surfaces.
Construction of a rod-like Bi2O4 modified porous g-C3N4 nanosheets heterojunction photocatalyst for the degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Yang Jie , Liu Zhixiang , Wang Yemei , Tang Xu
Published: May 2020

The solar-powered semiconductor photocatalytic technology for pollutant degradation has been widely studied for its potential to alleviate the current environmental crisis.
Metal-free polymerization: synthesis and properties of fused benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]bis[b]benzothiophene (BBBT) polymers
Authors: Yao Liping , Liao Hailiang , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Guo Yanjun , Duan Jiayao , Wang Yazhou , Yu Yaping , Li Zhengke , McCulloch Iain , Yue Wan
Published: May 2020

A family of fused semiconducting polymers containing the thienoacenes BBBT has been synthesized efficiently by non-metal and environmentally benign polymerization.
A monocomponent bifunctional benzophenone–carbazole type II photoinitiator for LED photoinitiating systems
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Brunel Damien , Sun Ke , Xu Yangyang , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Graff Bernadette , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: May 2020

A bifunctional benzophenone–carbazole-based photoinitiator (BPC) was designed from its molecular structure viewpoint.
A novel silica-supported polyether polysiloxane quaternary ammonium demulsifier for highly efficient fine-sized oil droplet removal of oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Zhai Mengjin , Wu Mian , Wang Cunying , Li Xiaobing
Published: May 2020

The existence of fine-sized oil drops that are difficult to coalesce greatly decreases the separation efficiency of produced water from alkali, surfactant, and polymer flooding technology (ASP) containing oil-in-water emulsions.
Designing a super broadband near infrared material Mg3Y2Ge3O12:Cr3+ using cation inversion for future light sources
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaoshuai , Shi Xueli , Qiu Keliang , Wang Zhijun , Wang Dawei , Zhao Jinxin , Li Xue , Yang Zhiping , Li Panlai
Published: May 2020

A series of broad emission band near infrared materials Mg3Y2Ge3O12:Cr3+ (650–1200 nm) was prepared based on cation inversion.
The development of peptide–boron difluoride formazanate conjugates as fluorescence imaging agents
Authors: Sharma Neha , Barbon Stephanie M. , Lalonde Tyler , Maar Ryan R. , Milne Mark , Gilroy Joe B. , Luyt Leonard G.
Published: May 2020

Conjugation of a boron difluoride formazanate dye to receptor targeting peptides provides cancer imaging agents for fluorescence microscopy.
Upconversion luminescence enhancement by Fe3+ doping in CeO2:Yb/Er nanomaterials and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bai Jingyi , Duan Pingping , Wang Xin , Han Gui , Wang Min , Diao Guowang
Published: May 2020

The Fe3+-doping in CeO2:Fe/Yb/Er enhances upconversion luminescence by destroying the symmetry of the crystal field around Er3+, which improves DSSC performance.
Fabrication of UiO-66/MIL-101(Fe) binary MOF/carboxylated-GO composite for adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions
Authors: Eltaweil Abdelazeem S. , Abd El-Monaem Eman M. , El-Subruiti Gehan M. , Abd El-Latif Mona M. , Omer Ahmed M.
Published: May 2020

This study provides a novel composite as an efficient adsorbent of cationic methylene blue dye.
Synthesis of some new acylhydrazone compounds containing the 1,2,4-triazole structure and their neuritogenic activities in Neuro-2a cells
Authors: Jiang Xia , Tang Genyun , Yang Jie , Ding Jiacheng , Lin Hongwei , Xiang Xiaoliang
Published: May 2020

In the present study, a novel series of acylhydrazone compounds (A0–A10) with the structure of 1,2,4-triazole have been designed and synthesized.
Correction: Effect of temperature and moisture contents on dielectric properties at 2.45 GHz of fruit and vegetable processing by-products
Authors: Solyom Katalin , López Pilar Rosales , Esquivel Patricia , Vásquez-Caicedo Ana Lucía
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Effect of temperature and moisture contents on dielectric properties at 2.45 GHz of fruit and vegetable processing by-products’ by Katalin Solyom et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 16783–16790, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA10639A.
A reconstructed porous copper surface promotes selectivity and efficiency toward C2 products by electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Han Jianyu , Long Chang , Zhang Jing , Hou Ke , Yuan Yi , Wang Dawei , Zhang Xiaofei , Qiu Xueying , Zhu Yanfei , Zhang Yin , Yang Zhongjie , Yan Shuhao , Tang Zhiyong
Published: May 2020

The Cu electrode surface is reconstructed by a halide anion assisted method for promoting CO2 reduction.
Direct synthesis of amides from nonactivated carboxylic acids using urea as nitrogen source and Mg(NO3)2or imidazole as catalysts
Authors: Chhatwal A. Rosie , Lomax Helen V. , Blacker A. John , Williams Jonathan M. J. , Marcé Patricia
Published: May 2020

This methodology is particularly useful for the direct synthesis of primary andN-methyl amides using urea as a stable and easy to manipulate nitrogen source.
Carboxylate breaks the arene C–H bond via a hydrogen-atom-transfer mechanism in electrochemical cobalt catalysis
Authors: Chen Xin-Ran , Zhang Shuo-Qing , Meyer Tjark H. , Yang Chun-Hui , Zhang Qin-Hao , Liu Ji-Ren , Xu Hua-Jian , Cao Fa-He , Ackermann Lutz , Hong Xin
Published: May 2020

A formal Co(iv) intermediate in electrochemical cobalt-catalyzed C–H oxygenation allows pivalate to break the arene C–H bond via a hydrogen-atom-transfer mechanism.
Reorientable fluorinated aryl rings in triangular channel Fe-MOFs: an investigation on CO2–matrix interactions
Authors: Perego J. , Bezuidenhout C. X. , Pedrini A. , Bracco S. , Negroni M. , Comotti A. , Sozzani P.
Published: May 2020

Flexible aryl rings in fluorinated Fe-MOFs point C–F dipoles towards the corner of triangular channels capturing efficiently CO2 molecules.
Au nanoparticle-embedded, nitrogen-deficient hollow mesoporous carbon nitride spheres for nitrogen photofixation
Authors: Guo Yanzhen , Yang Jianhua , Wu Donghai , Bai Haoyuan , Yang Zhi , Wang Jianfang , Yang Baocheng
Published: May 2020

Gold-embedded, nitrogen-deficient hollow mesoporous carbon nitride spheres are constructed to give a solar-to-ammonia conversion efficiency of 0.032% for nitrogen photofixation.
A highly efficient porous conductive polymer electrode for seawater desalination
Authors: Wei Wenfei , Zou Wensong , Yang Dazhong , Zheng Renji , Wang Ranhao , Chen Hong
Published: May 2020

The first porous conductive polymer-based electrode has been fabricated and used for natural seawater desalination based on the BDI technique.
Boosting solid oxide fuel cell performance via electrolyte thickness reduction and cathode infiltration
Authors: Park Beom-Kyeong , Barnett Scott A.
Published: May 2020

The Ni–YSZ-supported SOFC with LSCF–GDC cathode yields the maximum power density of 2.38 W cm−2 at 800 °C via electrolyte thickness reduction and cathode infiltration with PrOx, with a resulting decrease in both the ohmic and polarization resistances.
Effects of alkoxylation position on fused-ring electron acceptors
Authors: Zhu Jingshuai , Xiao Yiqun , Zhang Changxi , Jia Boyu , Lu Heng , Wang Jiayu , Lu Xinhui , Li Zhen , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: May 2020

Four fused-ring electron acceptors composed of the same core and end groups without or with hexyloxyl groups on the core and/or phenyl side chains are compared to systematically study the effects of alkoxylation position on the molecular packing, optical, electronic, and photovoltaic properties of the nonfullerene acceptors.
Entangled light–matter interactions and spectroscopy
Authors: Szoke Szilard , Liu Hanzhe , Hickam Bryce P. , He Manni , Cushing Scott K.
Published: May 2020

Entangled photons exhibit non-classical light–matter interactions that create new opportunities in materials and molecular science.