bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyclonal serum free light chain elevation is associated with increased risk of monoclonal gammopathies
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Larson Dirk R. , Dispenzieri Angela , Therneau Terry M. , Murray David L. , Leif Bergsagel P. , Kyle Robert A. , Vincent Rajkumar S.
Published: May 2019

Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) constitute a spectrum of disorders starting from a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to active disease requiring therapy such as multiple myeloma. MG are characterized by proliferation of clonal plasma cells (PC) secreting a monoclonal protein either as intact immunoglobulin or free kappa or lambda free light chains (FLC). We hypothesized that a polyclonal elevation of serum FLC may indicate an inflammatory state that precedes development of MG. We studied 15,630 individuals from Olmsted county, who did not have MGUS based on baseline screening studies. At a median follow-up of 18.1 years, 264 patients had developed a clonal PC disorder; 252 with MGUS, 1 with SMM, 8 with MM, and 3 with amyloidosis, translating to an annual incidence of development of a MG of 0.1%. We examined the baseline polyclonal ΣFLC (kappa + lambda FLC) from the initial screening and grouped them into deciles. The highest decile group had a 2.6-fold (95% CI; 1.8, 3.7) increase in the risk of developing a MG, P < 0.001. We demonstrate for the first time, the increased risk of developing MG in patients with elevated serum FLC, suggesting that an underlying inflammatory state may play an etiologic role.
Albumin tailoring fluorescence and photothermal conversion effect of near-infrared-II fluorophore with aggregation-induced emission characteristics
Authors: Gao Shuai , Wei Guoguang , Zhang Sihang , Zheng Binbin , Xu Jiaojiao , Chen Gaoxian , Li Mingwang , Song Shaoli , Fu Wei , Xiao Zeyu , Lu Wei
Published: May 2019

Fluorophores with donor-acceptor-donor groups with the emission spanning the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) have recently received great attention for biomedical application. Yet, the mechanism underlying the equilibrium between fluorescence (radiative decay) and photothermal effect (non-radiative decay) of these fluorophores remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a lipophilic NIR-II fluorophore, BPBBT, possesses both twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. Human serum albumin (HSA) binds to BPBBT, which changes the planarity of the fluorophore and restricts its intramolecular rotation. The binding results in alteration to the equilibrium between AIE and TICT state of BPBBT, tailoring its fluorescence and photothermal efficiency. Under the guidance of intraoperative NIR-II fluorescence image, the prepared HSA-bound BPBBT nanoparticles delineate primary orthotopic mouse colon tumor and metastatic lesions with dimensions as small as 0.5 mm × 0.3 mm, and offer photothermal ablation therapy with optimized timing, dosing and area of the laser irradiation.
A Lieb-like lattice in a covalent-organic framework and its Stoner ferromagnetism
Authors: Jiang Wei , Huang Huaqing , Liu Feng
Published: May 2019

Lieb lattice has been extensively studied to realize ferromagnetism due to its exotic flat band. However, its material realization has remained elusive; so far only artificial Lieb lattices have been made experimentally. Here, based on first-principles and tight-binding calculations, we discover that a recently synthesized two-dimensional sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent-organic framework (sp2c-COF) represents a material realization of a Lieb-like lattice. The observed ferromagnetism upon doping arises from a Dirac (valence) band in a non-ideal Lieb lattice with strong electronic inhomogeneity (EI) rather than the topological flat band in an ideal Lieb lattice. The EI, as characterized with a large on-site energy difference and a strong dimerization interaction between the corner and edge-center ligands, quenches the kinetic energy of the usual dispersive Dirac band, subjecting to an instability against spin polarization. We predict an even higher spin density for monolayer sp2c-COF to accommodate a higher doping concentration with reduced interlayer interaction.
6mA-DNA-binding factor Jumu controls maternal-to-zygotic transition upstream of Zelda
Authors: He Shunmin , Zhang Guoqiang , Wang Jiajia , Gao Yajie , Sun Ruidi , Cao Zhijie , Chen Zhenping , Zheng Xiudeng , Yuan Jiao , Luo Yuewan , Wang Xiaona , Zhang Wenxin , Zhang Peng , Zhao Yi , He Chuan , Tao Yi , Sun Qinmiao , Chen Dahua
Published: May 2019

A long-standing question in the field of embryogenesis is how the zygotic genome is precisely activated by maternal factors, allowing normal early embryonic development. We have previously shown that N6-methyladenine (6mA) DNA modification is highly dynamic in early Drosophila embryos and forms an epigenetic mark. However, little is known about how 6mA-formed epigenetic information is decoded. Here we report that the Fox-family protein Jumu binds 6mA-marked DNA and acts as a maternal factor to regulate the maternal-to-zygotic transition. We find that zelda encoding the pioneer factor Zelda is marked by 6mA. Our genetic assays suggest that Jumu controls the proper zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in early embryos, at least in part, by regulating zelda expression. Thus, our findings not only support that the 6mA-formed epigenetic marks can be read by specific transcription factors, but also uncover a mechanism by which the Jumu regulates ZGA partially through Zelda in early embryos.
In situ structures of rotavirus polymerase in action and mechanism of mRNA transcription and release
Authors: Ding Ke , Celma Cristina C. , Zhang Xing , Chang Thomas , Shen Wesley , Atanasov Ivo , Roy Polly , Zhou Z. Hong
Published: May 2019

Transcribing and replicating a double-stranded genome require protein modules to unwind, transcribe/replicate nucleic acid substrates, and release products. Here we present in situ cryo-electron microscopy structures of rotavirus dsRNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in two states pertaining to transcription. In addition to the previously discovered universal “hand-shaped” polymerase core domain shared by DNA polymerases and telomerases, our results show the function of N- and C-terminal domains of RdRp: the former opens the genome duplex to isolate the template strand; the latter splits the emerging template-transcript hybrid, guides genome reannealing to form a transcription bubble, and opens a capsid shell protein (CSP) to release the transcript. These two “helicase” domains also extensively interact with CSP, which has a switchable N-terminal helix that, like cellular transcriptional factors, either inhibits or promotes RdRp activity. The in situ structures of RdRp, CSP, and RNA in action inform mechanisms of not only transcription, but also replication.
Functional rare and low frequency variants in BLK and BANK1 contribute to human lupus
Authors: Jiang Simon H. , Athanasopoulos Vicki , Ellyard Julia I. , Chuah Aaron , Cappello Jean , Cook Amelia , Prabhu Savit B. , Cardenas Jacob , Gu Jinghua , Stanley Maurice , Roco Jonathan A. , Papa Ilenia , Yabas Mehmet , Walters Giles D. , Burgio Gaetan , McKeon Kathryn , Byers James M. , Burrin Charlotte , Enders Anselm , Miosge Lisa A. , Canete Pablo F. , Jelusic Marija , Tasic Velibor , Lungu Adrian C. , Alexander Stephen I. , Kitching Arthur R. , Fulcher David A. , Shen Nan , Arsov Todor , Gatenby Paul A. , Babon Jeff J. , Mallon Dominic F. , de Lucas Collantes Carmen , Stone Eric A. , Wu Philip , Field Matthew A. , Andrews Thomas D. , Cho Eun , Pascual Virginia , Cook Matthew C. , Vinuesa Carola G.
Published: May 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease. It is thought that many common variant gene loci of weak effect act additively to predispose to common autoimmune diseases, while the contribution of rare variants remains unclear. Here we describe that rare coding variants in lupus-risk genes are present in most SLE patients and healthy controls. We demonstrate the functional consequences of rare and low frequency missense variants in the interacting proteins BLK and BANK1, which are present alone, or in combination, in a substantial proportion of lupus patients. The rare variants found in patients, but not those found exclusively in controls, impair suppression of IRF5 and type-I IFN in human B cell lines and increase pathogenic lymphocytes in lupus-prone mice. Thus, rare gene variants are common in SLE and likely contribute to genetic risk.
Nonlinearity of root trait relationships and the root economics spectrum
Authors: Kong Deliang , Wang Junjian , Wu Huifang , Valverde-Barrantes Oscar J. , Wang Ruili , Zeng Hui , Kardol Paul , Zhang Haiyan , Feng Yulong
Published: May 2019

The root economics spectrum (RES), a common hypothesis postulating a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation traits, is being challenged by conflicting relationships between root diameter, tissue density (RTD) and root nitrogen concentration (RN). Here, we analyze a global trait dataset of absorptive roots for over 800 plant species. For woody species (but not for non-woody species), we find nonlinear relationships between root diameter and RTD and RN, which stem from the allometric relationship between stele and cortical tissues. These nonlinear relationships explain how sampling bias from different ends of the nonlinear curves can result in conflicting trait relationships. Further, the shape of the relationships varies depending on evolutionary context and mycorrhizal affiliation. Importantly, the observed nonlinear trait relationships do not support the RES predictions. Allometry-based nonlinearity of root trait relationships improves our understanding of the ecology, physiology and evolution of absorptive roots.
Author Correction: Genome-wide association study of alcohol consumption and use disorder in 274,424 individuals from multiple populations
Authors: Kranzler Henry R. , Zhou Hang , Kember Rachel L. , Smith Rachel Vickers , Justice Amy C. , Damrauer Scott , Tsao Philip S. , Klarin Derek , Baras Aris , Reid Jeffrey , Overton John , Rader Daniel J. , Cheng Zhongshan , Tate Janet P. , Becker William C. , Concato John , Xu Ke , Polimanti Renato , Zhao Hongyu , Gelernter Joel
Published: May 2019

The original version of this Article omitted the following from the Acknowledgements: ‘Supported by the Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 of the Department of Veterans Affairs.’ This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Geometric description of self-interaction potential in symmetric protein complexes
Authors: Empereur-Mot Charly , Garcia-Seisdedos Hector , Elad Nadav , Dey Sucharita , Levy Emmanuel D.
Published: May 2019

Proteins can self-associate with copies of themselves to form symmetric complexes called homomers. Homomers are widespread in all kingdoms of life and allow for unique geometric and functional properties, as reflected in viral capsids or allostery. Once a protein forms a homomer, however, its internal symmetry can compound the effect of point mutations and trigger uncontrolled self-assembly into high-order structures. We identified mutation hot spots for supramolecular assembly, which are predictable by geometry. Here, we present a dataset of descriptors that characterize these hot spot positions both geometrically and chemically, as well as computer scripts allowing the calculation and visualization of these properties for homomers of choice. Since the biological relevance of homomers is not readily available from their X-ray crystallographic structure, we also provide reliability estimates obtained by methods we recently developed. These data have implications in the study of disease-causing mutations, protein evolution and can be exploited in the design of biomaterials.
Dry season soil water potential maps of a 50 hectare tropical forest plot on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Kupers Stefan J. , Wirth Christian , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J. , Rüger Nadja
Published: May 2019

Fine scale spatial variation in soil moisture influences plant performance, species distributions and diversity. However, detailed information on local soil moisture variation is scarce, particularly in species-rich tropical forests. We measured soil water potential and soil water content in the 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, one of the best-studied tropical forests in the world. We present maps of soil water potential for several dry season stages during a regular year and during an El Niño drought. Additionally, we provide code that allows users to create maps for specific dates. The maps can be combined with other freely available datasets such as long-term vegetation censuses (ranging from seeds to adult trees), data on other resources (e.g. light and nutrients) and remote sensing data (e.g. LiDAR and imaging spectroscopy). Users can study questions in various disciplines such as population and community ecology, plant physiology and hydrology under current and future climate conditions.
Expansion of different subpopulations of CD26−/low T cells in allergic and non-allergic asthmatics
Authors: Nieto-Fontarigo Juan José , Salgado Francisco Javier , San-José María Esther , Cruz María Jesús , Valdés Luis , Pérez-Díaz Amparo , Arias Pilar , Nogueira Montserrat , González-Barcala Francisco Javier
Published: May 2019

CD26 displays variable levels between effector (TH17 ≫ TH1 > TH2 > Treg) and naïve/memory (memory > naïve) CD4+ T lymphocytes. Besides, IL-6/IL−6R is associated with TH17-differentiation and asthma severity. Allergic/atopic asthma (AA) is dominated by TH2 responses, while TH17 immunity might either modulate the TH2-dependent inflammation in AA or be an important mechanism boosting non-allergic asthma (NAA). Therefore, in this work we have compared the expression of CD26 and CD126 (IL-6Rα) in lymphocytes from different groups of donors: allergic (AA) and non-allergic (NAA) asthma, rhinitis, and healthy subjects. For this purpose, flow cytometry, haematological/biochemical, and in vitro proliferation assays were performed. Our results show a strong CD26-CD126 correlation and an over-representation of CD26− subsets with a highly-differentiated effector phenotype in AA (CD4+CD26−/low T cells) and NAA (CD4−CD26− γδ-T cells). In addition, we found that circulating levels of CD26 (sCD26) were reduced in both AA and NAA, while loss of CD126 expression on different leukocytes correlated with higher disease severity. Finally, selective inhibition of CD26-mRNA translation led to enhanced T cell proliferation in vitro. These findings support that CD26 down-modulation could play a role in facilitating the expansion of highly-differentiated effector T cell subsets in asthma.
Colour plasticity in the shells and pearls of animal graft model Pinctada margaritifera assessed by HSV colour quantification
Authors: Stenger Pierre-Louis , Vidal-Dupiol Jérémie , Reisser Céline , Planes Serge , Ky Chin-Long
Published: May 2019

The bivalvePinctada margaritiferahas the capacity to produce the most varied and colourful pearls in the world. Colour expression in the inner shell is under combined genetic and environmental control and is correlated with the colour of pearls produced when the same individual is used as a graft donor. One major limitation when studying colour phenotypes is grader subjectivity, which leads to inconsistent colour qualification and quantification. Through the use of HSV (Hue Saturation Value) colour space, we created an R package named ‘ImaginR’ to characterise inner shell colour variations inP.margaritifera. Using a machine-learning protocol with a training dataset,ImaginRwas able to reassign individual oysters and pearls to predefined human-based phenotype categories. We then tested the package on samples obtained in an experiment testing the effects of donor conditioning depth on the colour of the donor inner shell and colour of the pearls harvested from recipients following grafting and 20 months of culturein situ. These analyses successfully detected donor shell colour modifications due to depth-related plasticity and the maintenance of these modifications through to the harvested pearls. Besides its potential interest for standardization in the pearl industry, this new method is relevant to other research projects using biological models.
Synthesis of α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 layered heterojunctions by in situ growth strategy with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xie Taiping , Liu Yue , Wang Haiqiang , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: May 2019

Layered heterojunction structure with larger interface region for electron migration has attracted much attention in recent years. In this work, layered α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions with strong interlayer interaction were successfully synthesized through a facile in situ growth method. The strong interaction between α-Fe2O3 and Bi2WO6 had resulted in excellent photoelectrochemical performance. It was found that such structure promoted the interfacial photogenerated charges separation according to EIS and Tafel analysis, except for the expansion of visible-light absorption range. PL and TRPL characterizations further demonstrated that the recombination ratio of photoexcited electron-hole pairs was greatly reduced. The toluene photocatalytic degradation tests had showed that α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 composites exhibited much well activity under visible-light irradiation. Especially, 4%-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 sample displayed the highest photocatalytic activity, which was around 3 and 4 times higher than that of pure Bi2WO6 and α-Fe2O3. Based on ESR results and free radical trapping experiments, hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and holes (h+) were regarded as the main active species. The establishment of Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 with layered heterojunctions could provide new insights into the construction of novel photocatalysts.
Spectral Spatial Variation
Authors: Hohmann Martin , Albrecht Heinz , Mudter Jonas , Nagulin Konstantin Yu , Klämpfl Florian , Schmidt Michael
Published: May 2019

Automatic carcinoma detection from hyper/multi spectral images is of essential importance due to the fact that these images cannot be presented directly to the clinician. However, standard approaches for carcinoma detection use hundreds or even thousands of features. This would cost a high amount of RAM (random access memory) for a pixel wise analysis and would slow down the classification or make it even impossible on standard PCs. To overcome this, strong features are required. We propose that the spectral-spatial-variation (SSV) is one of these strong features. SSV is the residuum of the three dimensional hyper spectral data cube minus its approximation with a fitting in a small volume of the 3D image. By using it, the classification results of carcinoma detection in the stomach with multi spectral imaging will be increase significantly compared to not using the SSV. In some cases, the AUC can be even as high as by the usage of 72 spatial features.
The effects of functional diversity on biomass production, variability, and resilience of ecosystem functions in a tritrophic system
Authors: Ceulemans Ruben , Gaedke Ursula , Klauschies Toni , Guill Christian
Published: May 2019

Diverse communities can adjust their trait composition to altered environmental conditions, which may strongly influence their dynamics. Previous studies of trait-based models mainly considered only one or two trophic levels, whereas most natural system are at least tritrophic. Therefore, we investigated how the addition of trait variation to each trophic level influences population and community dynamics in a tritrophic model. Examining the phase relationships between species of adjacent trophic levels informs about the strength of top-down or bottom-up control in non-steady-state situations. Phase relationships within a trophic level highlight compensatory dynamical patterns between functionally different species, which are responsible for dampening the community temporal variability. Furthermore, even without trait variation, our tritrophic model always exhibits regions with two alternative states with either weak or strong nutrient exploitation, and correspondingly low or high biomass production at the top level. However, adding trait variation increased the basin of attraction of the high-production state, and decreased the likelihood of a critical transition from the high- to the low-production state with no apparent early warning signals. Hence, our study shows that trait variation enhances resource use efficiency, production, stability, and resilience of entire food webs.
The role of fungi in heterogeneous sediment microbial networks
Authors: Marie Booth Jenny , Fusi Marco , Marasco Ramona , Michoud Grégoire , Fodelianakis Stilianos , Merlino Giuseppe , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: May 2019

While prokaryote community diversity and function have been extensively studied in soils and sediments, the functional role of fungi, despite their huge diversity, is widely unexplored. Several studies have, nonetheless, revealed the importance of fungi in provisioning services to prokaryote communities. Here, we hypothesise that the fungal community plays a key role in coordinating entire microbial communities by controlling the structure of functional networks in sediment. We selected a sediment environment with high niche diversity due to prevalent macrofaunal bioturbation, namely intertidal mangrove sediment, and explored the assembly of bacteria, archaea and fungi in different sediment niches, which we characterised by biogeochemical analysis, around the burrow of a herbivorous crab. We detected a high level of heterogeneity in sediment biogeochemical conditions, and diverse niches harboured distinct communities of bacteria, fungi and archaea. Saprotrophic fungi were a pivotal component of microbial networks throughout and we invariably found fungi to act as keystone species in all the examined niches and possibly acting synergistically with other environmental variables to determine the overall microbial community structure. In consideration of the importance of microbial-based nutrient cycling on overall sediment ecosystem functioning, we underline that the fungal microbiome and its role in the functional interactome cannot be overlooked.
System xc− in microglia is a novel therapeutic target for post-septic neurological and psychiatric illness
Authors: Kitagawa Yoshinori , Nakaso Kazuhiro , Horikoshi Yosuke , Morimoto Masaki , Omotani Takuma , Otsuki Akihiro , Inagaki Yoshimi , Sato Hideyo , Matsura Tatsuya
Published: May 2019

Post-septic neurological and psychiatric illness (PSNPI) including dementia and depression may be observed after sepsis. However, the etiology of PSNPI and therapeutic treatment of PSNPI are unclear. We show that glutamate produced from microglia through the activity of system xc− plays a role in PSNPI. We established a mouse model of PSNPI by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment that shows a disturbance of short/working memory and depression-like hypoactivity. Glutamate receptor antagonists (MK801 and DNQX) reduced these phenotypes, and isolated microglia from LPS-treated mice released abundant glutamate. We identified system xc− as a source of the extracellular glutamate. xCT, a component of system xc−, was induced and expressed in microglia after LPS treatment. In xCT knockout mice, PSNPI were decreased compared to those in wildtype mice. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-1β expression in wildtype mice was increased after LPS treatment, but inhibited in xCT knockout mice. Thus, system xc− in microglia may be a therapeutic target for PSNPI. The administration of sulfasalazine, an inhibitor of xCT, in symptomatic and post-symptomatic mice improved PSNPI. Our results suggest that glutamate released from microglia through system xc− plays a critical role in the manifestations of PSNPI and that system xc− may be a therapeutic target for PSNPI.
GFP fluorescence peak fraction analysis based nanothermometer for the assessment of exothermal mitochondria activity in live cells
Authors: Savchuk Oleksandr A. , Silvestre Oscar F. , Adão Ricardo M. R. , Nieder Jana B.
Published: May 2019

Nanothermometry methods with intracellular sensitivities have the potential to make important contributions to fundamental cell biology and medical fields, as temperature is a relevant physical parameter for molecular reactions to occur inside the cells and changes of local temperature are well identified therapeutic strategies. Here we show how the GFP can be used to assess temperature-based on a novel fluorescence peak fraction method. Further, we use standard GFP transfection reagents to assess temperature intracellularly in HeLa cells expressing GFP in the mitochondria. High thermal resolution and sensitivity of around 0.26% °C−1and 2.5% °C−1, were achieved for wt-GFP in solution and emGFP-Mito within the cell, respectively. We demonstrate that the GFP-based nanothermometer is suited to directly follow the temperature changes induced by a chemical uncoupler reagent that acts on the mitochondria. The spatial resolution allows distinguishing local heating variations within the different cellular compartments. Our discovery may lead to establishing intracellular nanothermometry as a standard method applicable to the wide range of live cells able to express GFP.
Powerful and Efficient Strategies for Genetic Association Testing of Symptom and Questionnaire Data in Psychiatric Genetic Studies
Authors: Holleman Aaron M. , Broadaway K. Alaine , Duncan Richard , Todor Andrei , Almli Lynn M. , Bradley Bekh , Ressler Kerry J. , Ghosh Debashis , Mulle Jennifer G. , Epstein Michael P.
Published: May 2019

Genetic studies of psychiatric disorders often deal with phenotypes that are not directly measurable. Instead, researchers rely on multivariate symptom data from questionnaires and surveys like the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to indirectly assess a latent phenotype of interest. Researchers subsequently collapse such multivariate questionnaire data into a univariate outcome to represent a surrogate for the latent phenotype. However, when a causal variant is only associated with a subset of collapsed symptoms, the effect will be challenging to detect using the univariate outcome. We describe a more powerful strategy for genetic association testing in this situation that jointly analyzes the original multivariate symptom data collectively using a statistical framework that compares similarity in multivariate symptom-scale data from questionnaires to similarity in common genetic variants across a gene. We use simulated data to demonstrate this strategy provides substantially increased power over standard approaches that collapse questionnaire data into a single surrogate outcome. We also illustrate our approach using GWAS data from the Grady Trauma Project and identify genes associated with BDI not identified using standard univariate techniques. The approach is computationally efficient, scales to genome-wide studies, and is applicable to correlated symptom data of arbitrary dimension.
IQGAP1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Hu Wei , Wang Zhongxia , Zhang Shan , Lu Xian , Wu Junyi , Yu Kuanyong , Ji Anlai , Lu Wei , Wang Zhong , Wu Junhua , Jiang Chunping
Published: May 2019

IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is a scaffold protein that participates in several cellular functions, including cytoskeletal regulation, cell adhesion, gene transcription and cell polarization. IQGAP1 has been implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of several human cancers. However, the role of IQGAP1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still unknown. We found that IQGAP1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for PDAC. IQGAP1 upregulation significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas IQGAP1 downregulation impaired its oncogenic functions. Overexpression of IQGAP1 increased the protein level of Dishevelled2 (DVL2) and enhanced canonical Wnt signaling as evidenced by increased DVL2 level, β-catenin transcriptional activity, β-catenin nuclear translocation and expression of the direct target genes of β-catenin (cyclin D1 and c-myc). In contrast, knockdown of IQGAP1 decreased the level of DVL2 and attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling.In vivoresults revealed that IQGAP1 promoted tumor growth and metastasis. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that IQGAP1 interacted with both DVL2 and β-catenin. Moreover, knockdown of DVL2 reversed IQGAP1-induced EMT. Our findings thus confirmed that IQGAP1 could be used as a potential target for PDAC treatment.
Teacher-learner interaction quantifies scaffolding behaviour in imitation learning
Authors: Okazaki Shuntaro , Muraoka Yoshihiro , Osu Rieko
Published: May 2019

Teachers often believe that they take into account learners’ ongoing learning progress in their teaching. Can behavioural data support this belief? To address this question, we investigated the interactive behavioural coordination between teachers and learners during imitation learning to solve a puzzle. The teacher manually demonstrated the puzzle solution to a learner who immediately imitated and learned it. Manual movements of teachers and learners were analysed using a bivariate autoregressive model. To identify bidirectional information exchange and information shared between the two agents, we calculated causality and noise covariance from the model. Information transfer observed from teacher to learner in the lateral component of their motion indicated imitation of the spatial information of the puzzle solution. Information transfer from learner to teacher in the vertical component of their motion indicated the monitoring process through which teachers adjust their timing of demonstration to the learner’s progress. The shared information in the lateral component increased as learning progressed, indicating the knowledge was shared between the two agents. Our findings demonstrated that the teacher interactively engaged in and contingently supported (i.e. scaffolded) imitation. We thus provide a behavioural signature of the teacher’s intention to promote learning indispensable for understanding the nature of teaching.
Cyclic magma recharge pulses detected by high-precision strainmeter data: the case of 2017 inter-eruptive activity at Etna volcano
Authors: Currenti Gilda , Bonaccorso Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Unprecedented ultra-small strain changes (~10−8–10−9), preceding and accompanying the 2017 explosive-effusive activity, were revealed by a high precision borehole strainmeter at Etna. No pre- or co-eruptive deformation was detected by the GPS measurements, which often fail to detect ground deformation engendered by short-term small volcanic events due to their limited accuracy (millimetres to few centimetres). Through the analysis and detection of ultra-small strain changes (few tens of nanostrain), revealed by filtering the raw data, a significant time correspondence with the eruptive activity is observed. For the first time, cyclic fast exponential strain changes, preceding the onset of eruptive events, with a timescale of about 2–7 days, were detected. These variations are attributable to the expansion of the shallow magma reservoir, which is replenished with new magma from depth during the inter-eruptive periods. Interpreting the strain changes in terms of pressurization/depressurization of the chamber due to the cyclic influx and withdrawal of magma, allows placing some constraints on the magma recharge volume rate. A Finite Element model has been developed to simulate the temporal evolution of the strain changes generated by the re-pressurization of a spheroidal magma source using a dynamical approach. An average total mass budget of about 1–2 × 109 kg, which is in the range of the erupted mass, is estimated to be accumulated within a shallow vertically elongated magma chamber during the inter-eruptive periods. Such evidence demonstrates that the near-real time analysis of strainmeter records is remarkable for its ability to record small transients and highlight recharging phases preceding eruptive activity, which would go undetected with other current methodologies. Under these conditions, the ability to simulate inter-eruptive periods offers an opportunity to estimate the magma recharge rate with important implications for volcano hazard assessment.
Measuring ion-pairing and hydration in variable charge supramolecular cages with microwave microfluidics
Authors: Stelson Angela C. , Hong Cynthia M. , Groenenboom Mitchell C. , Little Charles A. E. , Booth James C. , Orloff Nathan D. , Bergman Robert G. , Raymond Kenneth N. , Schwarz Kathleen A. , Toste F. Dean , Long Christian J.
Published: May 2019

Metal-organic supramolecular cages can act as charged molecular containers that mediate reactions, mimic enzymatic catalysis, and selectively sequester chemicals. The hydration of these cages plays a crucial role in their interactions with other species. Here we use microwave microfluidics to measure the hydration and ion pairing of two metal-organic cage assemblies that are isostructural but have different overall anionic charge. We supplement our measurements with density functional theory calculations to compare binding site energies on model metal-organic cage vertices. We find that the cage with dianionic vertices is more strongly hydrated and forms a distinct ion pair species from the cage with trianionic vertices. We evaluate multi-ion species and distinct ion pair solvations as possible sources for differences in ion dynamics and hydration. Broadly, this work highlights the utility of microwave microfluidics to elucidate the consequences of charge states on metal-organic complexes in solution.
Self-organization of spindle-like microtubule structures
Authors: Edozie Bianca , Sahu Sumon , Pitta Miranda , Englert Anthony , do Rosario Carline Fermino , Ross Jennifer L.
Published: May 2019

Microtubules are essential cellular structures, which are the basis for the mitotic spindle. We show that microtubule polymerization in the presence of a crosslinker results in spindle-like assemblies.
Multi-element quantitative analysis of soils by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with univariate and multivariate regression methods
Authors: Guo Guangmeng , Niu Guanghui , Shi Qi , Lin Qingyu , Tian Di , Duan Yixiang
Published: May 2019

A comprehensive assessment of soils was developed using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with univariate and multivariate regression methods.
Novel silver–phosphine coordination polymers incorporating a Wurster's blue – like radical cation with enhanced photoelectric properties
Authors: Yang Mei , Wu Xin-Yi , Wang Hui-Fang , Young David James , Ren Zhi-Gang , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2019

Wurster's blue – like radical cation dpppda˙+ was formed by intramolecular LMCT in two CPs containing [Ag4(NO3)4] clusters.
Decarboxylative Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of (hetero)aromatic carboxylic acids using iodine as the terminal oxidant
Authors: Quibell Jacob M. , Duan Guojian , Perry Gregory J. P. , Larrosa Igor
Published: May 2019

A novel methodology for the decarboxylative Suzuki–Miyaura-type coupling of carboxylic acids with arylboronic acids has been developed.
Crackled nanocapsules: the “imperfect” structure for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Huo Qian , Zhao Jingjing , Li Weiran , Yang Dong , Zhang Songping , Shi Jiafu , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: May 2019

Crackled organosilica nanocapsules (CONs) are prepared using a metal–organic framework (MOF) hard-templating method to directly immobilize enzymes without post modification.
Cooperative activation of X–H (X = H, C, O, N) bonds by a Pt(0)/Ag(i) metal-only Lewis pair
Authors: Hidalgo Nereida , Maya Celia , Campos Jesús
Published: May 2019

Metal-only Lewis pairs made of Pt(0)/Ag(i) combinations have been previously reported, but their cooperative reactivity remains unexplored.
HCnN anions in the ISM: exploring their existence and new paths to anionic carbonitriles for n = 3, 5
Authors: Jerosimić Stanka V. , Wester Roland , Gianturco Franco A.
Published: May 2019

We have selected two neutral C-rich linear molecules, HC3N and HC5N, which are very abundant in the interstellar medium (ISM) to computationally investigate the stability of their anions and their possible existence in outer space, for which thus far there is no available evidence.
Tuning the liquid-phase exfoliation of arsenic nanosheets by interaction with various solvents
Authors: Qi Zheng-Hang , Hu Yi , Jin Zhong , Ma Jing
Published: May 2019

Solvents were selected by interaction computations to exfoliate bulk arsenic crystals into nanosheets.
Bayesian machine learning for quantum molecular dynamics
Authors: Krems R. V.
Published: May 2019

This article discusses applications of Bayesian machine learning for quantum molecular dynamics.
Reaction of an N/Al FLP-based aluminum hydride toward alkynes: deprotonated aluminationversushydroalumination with regioselectivecis-addition character
Authors: Chen Yilin , Jiang Wenjun , Li Bin , Fu Gang , Chen Shimin , Zhu Hongping
Published: May 2019

The reactions of an N/Al FLP-based aluminum hydride with a terminal alkyne yielded the deprotonated alumination compound, while that with an internal alkyne yielded a hydroalumination product.
Direct tracking of the polysulfide shuttling and interfacial evolution in all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries: a degradation mechanism study
Authors: Song Yue-Xian , Shi Yang , Wan Jing , Lang Shuang-Yan , Hu Xin-Cheng , Yan Hui-Juan , Liu Bing , Guo Yu-Guo , Wen Rui , Wan Li-Jun
Published: May 2019

In situ monitoring of the interfacial processes in working all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries provides deep insights into the degradation mechanisms and temperature dependence.
Concluding remarks for advances in ion spectroscopy Faraday Discussion
Authors: Simons Jack
Published: May 2019

Because the Introductory Lecture of this Faraday Discussion emphasized the recent history and exciting developments in the fields of experimental methods and applications of gaseous ion spectroscopy, these Concluding Remarks are, by design, directed somewhat more toward the roles played by theory.
Fluoroquinolone-derived fluorescent probes for studies of bacterial penetration and efflux
Authors: Stone M. Rhia L. , Masi Muriel , Phetsang Wanida , Pagès Jean-Marie , Cooper Matthew A. , Blaskovich Mark A. T.
Published: May 2019

Fluorescent probes derived from the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin were synthesised using a Cu(i)-catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) to link a ciprofloxacin azide derivative with alkyne-substituted green and blue fluorophores.
Collective nonlinear electric polarization via defect-driven local symmetry breaking
Authors: Dong Wen , Cortie David , Lu Teng , Sun Qingbo , Narayanan Narendirakumar , Hu Wanbiao , Jacob Lilit , Li Qian , Yu Dehong , Chen Hua , Chen Aiping , Wei Xiaoyong , Wang Genmiao , Humphrey Mark G. , Frankcombe Terry J. , Liu Yun
Published: May 2019

The introduction of defect-pairs into centrosymmetric rutile TiO2 produces a new form of collective nonlinear electrical polarization.
Synthesis, in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibition testing and molecular docking study of novel 1,4-benzoxazine derivatives
Authors: Shaikh Mohammedumar M. , Patel Anuj P. , Patel Shivani P. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: May 2019

The present work deals with an efficient and straightforward synthesis, biological activity and molecular docking study of novel 1,4-benzoxazine derivatives.
Activated carbon aerogel supported copper catalysts for the hydrogenation of methyl acetate to ethanol: effect of KOH activation
Authors: Hou Xiaoxiong , Zhao Jinxian , Liu Junjie , Han Yahong , Pei Yongli , Ren Jun
Published: May 2019

Methyl acetate (MA) hydrogenation is crucial for indirect ethanol synthesis through syngas (CO + H2).
Construction of a continuously layered structure of h-BN nanosheets in the liquid phase via sonication-induced gelation to achieve low friction and wear
Authors: Zhang Ruochong , Ding Qi , Zhang Songwei , Niu Qingbo , Ye Jun , Hu Litian
Published: May 2019

Construction of a continuously layered structure of h-BN nanosheets in a nonpolar liquid via sonication-induced gelation to achieve excellent lubricating performances.
Synthesis and biophysical properties of carbamate-locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides with potential antisense applications
Authors: Thorpe Cameron , Epple Sven , Woods Benjamin , El-Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom
Published: May 2019

Carbamate-LNA oligonucleotides have improved biophysical properties for theraputic applications.
Ene reactions of 2-borylated α-methylstyrenes: a practical route to 4-methylenechromanes and derivatives
Authors: Boureghda Chaima , Macé Aurélie , Berrée Fabienne , Roisnel Thierry , Debache Abdelmadjid , Carboni Bertrand
Published: May 2019

4-Methylenechromanes were prepared via a three-step process from 2-borylated α-methylstyrenes using a glyoxylate-ene reaction catalyzed by scandium(iii) triflate and Mitsunobu cyclization as key steps.
Hierarchical patterns with sub-20 nm pattern fidelity via block copolymer self-assembly and soft nanotransfer printing
Authors: Tran Helen , Bergman Harrison M. , Parenti Kaia R. , van der Zande Arend M. , Dean Cory R. , Campos Luis M.
Published: May 2019

We describe the development of a technique to transfer micrometer patterns of organic thin films with sub-50 nm edge resolution and sub-20 nm pattern fidelity.
A magnetically separable plate-like cadmium titanate–copper ferrite nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradation performance for organic contaminants
Authors: Jahanara Kosar , Farhadi Saeed
Published: May 2019

A novel magnetic cadmium titanate–copper ferrite (CdTiO3/CuFe2O4) nanocomposite, in which spherical CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of CdTiO3 nanoplates, was successfully synthesized via a sol–gel hydrothermal route at 180 °C.
South African university students’ attitudes towards chemistry learning in a virtually simulated learning environment
Authors: Penn Mafor , Ramnarain Umesh
Published: May 2019

This mixed method study investigated changes in 3rd year Bachelor of Education students’ attitudes towards chemistry after learning interventions with virtual chemistry simulations. After participant students identified certain concepts from their 3rd year chemistry module as being abstract and not easily comprehensible, these concepts were facilitated during a 5 week learning intervention using PhET simulations as an alternative to traditional laboratory experimentation. In the first quantitative phase of the study, a 30-item pre-attitude test was administered to assess students’ attitudes towards chemistry, followed by PhET chemistry simulation learning interventions. Thereafter, students wrote a post-attitude test. Findings of this phase revealed a significantly higher mean post-attitude test score, with students showing a positive attitude towards chemistry learning, post-intervention. The quantitative phase was followed by a qualitative phase which examined students’ experiences on the use of simulations through semi-structured interviews. Findings from the qualitative phase revealed that students experienced autonomy and enjoyment during engagement with the simulations. They also perceived that their experiences in the virtually simulated environment improved their visualisation of chemistry concepts, thereby improving conceptual understanding. However, the students acknowledged that simulations cannot replicate the realism and authenticity associated with practical work in an actual laboratory. The implications of these findings are that virtual simulations provide a complementary learning tool capable of improving students’ attitudes towards chemistry, and perceived by students to support their visualisation of abstract chemistry concepts. The findings of this study are particularly significant for chemistry learning at schools and universities in economically challenged countries such as South Africa where there is a shortage of well-equipped laboratories.
Nanofluidic energy conversion and molecular separation through highly stable clay-based membranes
Authors: Zhou Yi , Ding Hao , Smith Andrew T. , Jia Xiaohui , Chen Song , Liu Lan , Chavez Sonia E. , Hou Zaili , Liu Jingjing , Cheng Hongfei , Liu Qinfu , Sun Luyi
Published: May 2019

A highly stable clay-based membrane was designed and fabricated that can be used for both salinity gradient energy conversion and organic dye/water separation.
Continuous desalination with a metal-free redox-mediator
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Qi , Chen Fuming , Hou Xianhua , Tang Zhilie , Shi Yumeng , Liang Peng , Yu Denis Y. W. , He Qinyu , Li Lain-Jong
Published: May 2019

Metal-free molecular redox-mediated electro-dialytic desalination has been presented, which can directly desalt high concentration of feed (5860 ppm) to the drinking water level (136 ppm) during a continuous single batch treatment. The removal efficiency is up to 97.7%.
Pyrite-type ruthenium disulfide with tunable disorder and defects enables ultra-efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Tahini Hassan A. , Wang Yang , Lin Qian , Liang Yan , Doherty Cara M. , Liu Yue , Li Xingya , Lu Jun , Smith Sean C. , Selomulya Cordelia , Zhang Xiwang , Shao Zongping , Wang Huanting
Published: May 2019

Synergistic disorder and defect engineering in ruthenium disulfide enables efficient water splitting with an ultralow cell voltage of 1.527 V.
Inkjet-printed polymer-based electrochromic and electrofluorochromic dual-mode displays
Authors: Pietsch Manuel , Rödlmeier Tobias , Schlisske Stefan , Zimmermann Johannes , Romero-Nieto Carlos , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo
Published: May 2019

Investigation of the electro(fluoro)chromic properties of PIF8-TAA and its application in inkjet-printed dual-mode displays.
Pyrene-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgen): structure correlated with particle size distribution and mechanochromism
Authors: Feng Xing , Zhang Jun , Hu Zhen , Wang Qingsong , Islam Md. Monarul , Ni Jen-Shyang , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhou Erjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2019

The morphology of pyrene-based AIEgens changes depending on the water fraction. The different size distribution and morphological changes of nano-particle species play a significant role in enhancing the emission intensity in the aggregated state.
Correction: Electrochemically deposited nanocrystalline InSb thin films and their electrical properties
Authors: Hnida K. E. , Bäßler S. , Mech J. , Szaciłowski K. , Socha R. P. , Gajewska M. , Nielsch K. , Przybylski M. , Sulka G. D.
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Electrochemically deposited nanocrystalline InSb thin films and their electrical properties’ by K. E. Hnida et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 1345–1350.
Down-regulated HSDL2 expression suppresses cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Jing , Ma Xiao , Wang Jinjing , Liu Ran , Shao Yun , Hou Yanwei , Li Zhiyuan , Fang Yi
Published: May 2019

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 2 (HSDL2) can regulate lipid metabolism and take part in cell proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to explore functional role of HSDL2 gene in PTC. The expression of HSDL2 protein in PTC tissues was estimated using immunohistochemistry analysis (IHC). HSDL2 mRNA level was detected through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Effects of HSDL2 gene on cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using the shRNA method for both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Potential target genes of HSDL2 were determined via bioinformatics analyses and Western blotting. HSDL2 was up-regulated in PTC tissues and cell lines compared with the controls (all P<0.05). Inhibiting HSDL expression could suppress PTC cell proliferation and cycle, and promote apoptosis in vitro. In vivo, the knockdown of HSDL2 gene could significantly suppress tumor growth (all P<0.05). Furthermore, AKT3, NFATc2 and PPP3CA genes might be potential targets of HSDL2 in PTC. HSDL2 expression was increased in PTC tissues and cells, which could promote tumor progression in vitro and in vivo.