bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability and Long‐Term Trends in the Shelf Circulation Off Eastern Tasmania
Authors: Oliver Eric C. J. , Holbrook Neil J.
Published: September 2018

This study investigates trends and interannual variability of the marine climate across the continental shelf off eastern Tasmania for 1993–2016. This region is a hotspot for global warming and biodiversity. Eastern Tasmania lies at the boundary between two ocean currents (the East Australian Current Extension, or EAC Extension, and the Zeehan Current, ZC) leading to the local marine climate exhibiting trends and variability from both boundary currents. A numerical ocean model is used to provide high‐resolution (∼2 km) estimates of the temperature, salinity, and circulation for the region. Results indicate significant positive trends in temperature, salinity, and southward flow over the shelf, consistent with an increasing EAC Extension. These trends are particularly strong in autumn, indicating a lengthening of the warm season. The interannual variability in the EAC Extension and ZC was quantified by a simple index, based on a modal analysis of surface circulation, indicating the relative dominance of each current. Strong EAC years were related to significantly more summertime marine heat wave days. Large‐scale remote drivers of variability were considered, and we found weak but significant links with El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Tasman Sea Blocking. El Niño–Southern Oscillation was found to modulate the EAC Extension in summer with a El Niño leading to enhanced southward flow and warming over the shelf. Tasman Sea Blocking was found to drive enhanced southward surface flow, particularly in winter. Nonetheless, large‐scale forcing modes explain less than 25% of the total variability in the EAC‐ZC system indicating that most of the variability is internally generated.
Evaluation of a Data Assimilation System for Land Surface Models Using CLM4.5
Authors: Fox Andrew M. , Hoar Timothy J. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Arellano Avelino F. , Smith William K. , Litvak Marcy E. , MacBean Natasha , Schimel David S. , Moore David J. P.
Published: September 2018

The magnitude and persistence of land carbon (C) pools influence long‐term climate feedbacks. Interactive ecological processes influence land C pools and our understanding of these processes is imperfect so land surface models have errors and biases when compared to each other and to real observations. Here we implement an Ensemble Adjustment Kalman Filter (EAKF), a sequential state data assimilation technique to reduce these errors and biases. We implement the EAKF using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed coupled with the Community Land Model (CLM 4.5 in CESM 1.2). We assimilated simulated and real satellite observations for a site in central New Mexico, United States. A series of observing system simulation experiments allowed assessment of the data assimilation system without model error. This showed that assimilating biomass and leaf area index observations decreased model error in C dynamics forecasts (29% using biomass observations and 40% using leaf area index observations) and that assimilation in combination shows greater improvement (51% using both observation streams). Assimilating real observations highlighted likely model structural errors and we implemented an adaptive model‐variance‐inflation technique to allow the model to track the observations. Monthly and longer model forecasts using real observations were improved relative to forecasts without data assimilation. The reliable forecast lead‐time varied by model pool and is dependent on how tightly the C pool is coupled to meteorologically driven processes. The EAKF and similar state data assimilation techniques could reduce errors in projections of the land C sink and provide more robust forecasts of C pools and land‐atmosphere exchanges.
FIBP knockdown attenuates growth and enhances chemotherapy in colorectal cancer via regulating GSK3β-related pathways
Authors: Huang Yan-Feng , Niu Wen-Bo , Hu Rong , Wang Ling-Jun , Huang Zeng-Yan , Ni Shi-Hao , Wang Ming-Qing , Yang Yi , Huang Yu-Sheng , Feng Wen-Jun , Xiao Wei , Zhu Da-Jian , Xian Shao-Xiang , Lu Lu
Published: September 2018

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by self-renewal ability and high expression of proliferative genes, contribute to the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC chemoresistance through comprehensive bioinformatics screenings and experimental confirmation of gene functions. We found that high expression of FGF1 intracellular binding protein (FIBP) was correlated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Therefore, the chemoresistant CRC cell line HCT116-CSC with high expression of the stem cell markers CD44 and CD133 was established for further phenotypic tests. FIBP knockdown inhibited proliferation, enhanced chemotherapy effects, and attenuated the stemness markers of CRC cells in vivo and in vitro. Through RNA-seq and gene set enrichment analysis, we identified cyclin D1 as a key downstream target in FIBP-regulated cell cycle progression and proliferation. Moreover, FIBP bound to GSK3β, inhibited its phosphorylation at Tyr216, and activated β-catenin/TCF/cyclin D1 signaling in HCT116-CSCs. Additional GSK3β knockdown reversed the FIBP silencing-induced inhibition of proliferation and decreased stemness marker expression in HCT116-CSCs. Furthermore, DNA methylation profiling suggested that FIBP regulated the stemness of CRC cells via methylation activity that was dependent on GSK3β but independent of β-catenin signaling. Our data illuminate the potential of FIBP as a novel therapeutic target for treating chemoresistant CRC through inhibition of GSK3β-related signaling.
Atomic cobalt as an efficient electrocatalyst in sulfur cathodes for superior room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Bin-Wei , Sheng Tian , Liu Yun-Dan , Wang Yun-Xiao , Zhang Lei , Lai Wei-Hong , Wang Li , Yang Jianping , Gu Qin-Fen , Chou Shu-Lei , Liu Hua-Kun , Dou Shi-Xue
Published: September 2018

The low-cost room-temperature sodium-sulfur battery system is arousing extensive interest owing to its promise for large-scale applications. Although significant efforts have been made, resolving low sulfur reaction activity and severe polysulfide dissolution remains challenging. Here, a sulfur host comprised of atomic cobalt-decorated hollow carbon nanospheres is synthesized to enhance sulfur reactivity and to electrocatalytically reduce polysulfide into the final product, sodium sulfide. The constructed sulfur cathode delivers an initial reversible capacity of 1081 mA h g−1 with 64.7% sulfur utilization rate; significantly, the cell retained a high reversible capacity of 508 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 600 cycles. An excellent rate capability is achieved with an average capacity of 220.3 mA h g−1 at the high current density of 5 A g−1. Moreover, the electrocatalytic effects of atomic cobalt are clearly evidenced by operando Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory.
High-throughput in vivo mapping of RNA accessible interfaces to identify functional sRNA binding sites
Authors: Mihailovic Mia K. , Vazquez-Anderson Jorge , Li Yan , Fry Victoria , Vimalathas Praveen , Herrera Daniel , Lease Richard A. , Powell Warren B. , Contreras Lydia M.
Published: September 2018

Herein we introduce a high-throughput method, INTERFACE, to reveal the capacity of contiguous RNA nucleotides to establish in vivo intermolecular RNA interactions for the purpose of functional characterization of intracellular RNA. INTERFACE enables simultaneous accessibility interrogation of an unlimited number of regions by coupling regional hybridization detection to transcription elongation outputs measurable by RNA-seq. We profile over 900 RNA interfaces in 71 validated, but largely mechanistically under-characterized,Escherichia colisRNAs in the presence and absence of a global regulator, Hfq, and find that two-thirds of tested sRNAs feature Hfq-dependent regions. Further, we identify in vivo hybridization patterns that hallmark functional regions to uncover mRNA targets. In this way, we biochemically validate 25 mRNA targets, many of which are not captured by typically tested, top-ranked computational predictions. We additionally discover direct mRNA binding activity within the GlmY terminator, highlighting the information value of high-throughput RNA accessibility data.
Large-scale transcriptome-wide association study identifies new prostate cancer risk regions
Authors: Mancuso Nicholas , Gayther Simon , Gusev Alexander , Zheng Wei , Penney Kathryn L. , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Eeles Rosalind , Freedman Matthew , Haiman Christopher , Pasaniuc Bogdan ,   The PRACTICAL consortium, Henderson Brian E. , Benlloch Sara , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Olama Ali Amin Al , Muir Kenneth , Berndt Sonja I. , Conti David V. , Wiklund Fredrik , Chanock Stephen , Stevens Victoria L. , Tangen Catherine M. , Batra Jyotsna , Clements Judith , Gronberg Henrik , Pashayan Nora , Schleutker Johanna , Albanes Demetrius , Weinstein Stephanie , Wolk Alicja , West Catharine , Mucci Lorelei , Cancel-Tassin Géraldine , Koutros Stella , Sorensen Karina Dalsgaard , Maehle Lovise , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Donovan Jenny L. , Travis Ruth C. , Hamilton Robert J. , Ingles Sue Ann , Rosenstein Barry , Lu Yong-Jie , Giles Graham G. , Kibel Adam S. , Vega Ana , Kogevinas Manolis , Park Jong Y. , Stanford Janet L. , Cybulski Cezary , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Brenner Hermann , Maier Christiane , Kim Jeri , John Esther M. , Teixeira Manuel R. , Neuhausen Susan L. , De Ruyck Kim , Razack Azad , Newcomb Lisa F. , Lessel Davor , Kaneva Radka , Usmani Nawaid , Claessens Frank , Townsend Paul A. , Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Roobol Monique J. , Menegaux Florence , Khaw Kay-Tee , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Pandha Hardev , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Hunter David J. , Kraft Peter
Published: September 2018

Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for prostate cancer (PrCa) have identified more than 100 risk regions, most of the risk genes at these regions remain largely unknown. Here we integrate the largest PrCa GWAS (N = 142,392) with gene expression measured in 45 tissues (N = 4458), including normal and tumor prostate, to perform a multi-tissue transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) for PrCa. We identify 217 genes at 84 independent 1 Mb regions associated with PrCa risk, 9 of which are regions with no genome-wide significant SNP within 2 Mb. 23 genes are significant in TWAS only for alternative splicing models in prostate tumor thus supporting the hypothesis of splicing driving risk for continued oncogenesis. Finally, we use a Bayesian probabilistic approach to estimate credible sets of genes containing the causal gene at a pre-defined level; this reduced the list of 217 associations to 109 genes in the 90% credible set. Overall, our findings highlight the power of integrating expression with PrCa GWAS to identify novel risk loci and prioritize putative causal genes at known risk loci.
Selective prebiotic conversion of pyrimidine and purine anhydronucleosides into Watson-Crick base-pairing arabino-furanosyl nucleosides in water
Authors: Roberts Samuel J. , Szabla Rafał , Todd Zoe R. , Stairs Shaun , Bučar Dejan-Krešimir , Šponer Jiří , Sasselov Dimitar D. , Powner Matthew W.
Published: September 2018

Prebiotic nucleotide synthesis is crucial to understanding the origins of life on Earth. There are numerous candidates for life’s first nucleic acid, however, currently no prebiotic method to selectively and concurrently synthesise the canonical Watson–Crick base-pairing pyrimidine (C, U) and purine (A, G) nucleosides exists for any genetic polymer. Here, we demonstrate the divergent prebiotic synthesis of arabinonucleic acid (ANA) nucleosides. The complete set of canonical nucleosides is delivered from one reaction sequence, with regiospecific glycosidation and complete furanosyl selectivity. We observe photochemical 8-mercaptopurine reduction is efficient for the canonical purines (A, G), but not the non-canonical purine inosine (I). Our results demonstrate that synthesis of ANA may have been facile under conditions that comply with plausible geochemical environments on early Earth and, given that ANA is capable of encoding RNA/DNA compatible information and evolving to yield catalytic ANA-zymes, ANA may have played a critical role during the origins of life.
DNA damage sensitivity of SWI/SNF-deficient cells depends on TFIIH subunit p62/GTF2H1
Authors: Ribeiro-Silva Cristina , Aydin Özge Z. , Mesquita-Ribeiro Raquel , Slyskova Jana , Helfricht Angela , Marteijn Jurgen A. , Hoeijmakers Jan H. J. , Lans Hannes , Vermeulen Wim
Published: September 2018

Mutations in SWI/SNF genes are amongst the most common across all human cancers, but efficient therapeutic approaches that exploit vulnerabilities caused by SWI/SNF mutations are currently lacking. Here, we show that the SWI/SNF ATPases BRM/SMARCA2 and BRG1/SMARCA4 promote the expression of p62/GTF2H1, a core subunit of the transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) complex. Inactivation of either ATPase subunit downregulates GTF2H1 and therefore compromises TFIIH stability and function in transcription and nucleotide excision repair (NER). We also demonstrate that cells with permanent BRM or BRG1 depletion have the ability to restore GTF2H1 expression. As a consequence, the sensitivity of SWI/SNF-deficient cells to DNA damage induced by UV irradiation and cisplatin treatment depends on GTF2H1 levels. Together, our results expose GTF2H1 as a potential novel predictive marker of platinum drug sensitivity in SWI/SNF-deficient cancer cells.
Sustainable scalable synthesis of sulfide nanocrystals at low cost with an ionic liquid sulfur precursor
Authors: Yuan Bin , Egner Timothy Karl , Venditti Vincenzo , Cademartiri Ludovico
Published: September 2018

Increasing the sustainability of nanocrystals is crucial to their application and the protection of the environment. Sulfur precursors for their synthesis are commonly obtained through multiple steps from H2S, only to be converted back to H2S during the synthesis of the nanocrystals. This convoluted process requires energy, reduces yields, increases waste and auxiliaries, and complicates recycling. Using H2S directly could drastically improve sustainability, but is prevented by toxicity and handling. We here show that H2S is stabilized by reaction with oleylamine (the most common and versatile ligand in nanoparticle synthesis) to form an ionic liquid precursor that addresses all major principles of green chemistry: it is made in one exothermic step, it leaves the reaction yielding a safer product and allowing the separate recycling of the precursors, and it produces high quality nanocrystals with high yields (sulfur yield > 70%) and concentrations (90 g L−1) in ambient conditions.
Observation of Coulomb gap in the quantum spin Hall candidate single-layer 1T’-WTe2
Authors: Song Ye-Heng , Jia Zhen-Yu , Zhang Dongqin , Zhu Xin-Yang , Shi Zhi-Qiang , Wang Huaiqiang , Zhu Li , Yuan Qian-Qian , Zhang Haijun , Xing Ding-Yu , Li Shao-Chun
Published: September 2018

The two-dimensional topological insulators host a full gap in the bulk band, induced by spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effect, together with the topologically protected gapless edge states. However, it is usually challenging to suppress the bulk conductance and thus to realize the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect. In this study, we find a mechanism to effectively suppress the bulk conductance. By using the quasiparticle interference technique with scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the QSH candidate single-layer 1T’-WTe2 has a semimetal bulk band structure with no full SOC-induced gap. Surprisingly, in this two-dimensional system, we find the electron–electron interactions open a Coulomb gap which is always pinned at the Fermi energy (EF). The opening of the Coulomb gap can efficiently diminish the bulk state at the EF and supports the observation of the quantized conduction of topological edge states.
Two-photon polymerisation 3D printed freeform micro-optics for optical coherence tomography fibre probes
Authors: Li Jiawen , Fejes Peter , Lorenser Dirk , Quirk Bryden C. , Noble Peter B. , Kirk Rodney W. , Orth Antony , Wood Fiona M. , Gibson Brant C. , Sampson David D. , McLaughlin Robert A.
Published: September 2018

Miniaturised optical coherence tomography (OCT) fibre-optic probes have enabled high-resolution cross-sectional imaging deep within the body. However, existing OCT fibre-optic probe fabrication methods cannot generate miniaturised freeform optics, which limits our ability to fabricate probes with both complex optical function and dimensions comparable to the optical fibre diameter. Recently, major advances in two-photon direct laser writing have enabled 3D printing of arbitrary three-dimensional micro/nanostructures with a surface roughness acceptable for optical applications. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of 3D printing of OCT probes. We evaluate the capability of this method based on a series of characterisation experiments. We report fabrication of a micro-optic containing an off-axis paraboloidal total internal reflecting surface, its integration as part of a common-path OCT probe, and demonstrate proof-of-principle imaging of biological samples.
Multi-Band Sensing for Dielectric Property of Chemicals Using Metamaterial Integrated Microfluidic Sensor
Authors: Zhou Hong , Hu Donglin , Yang Cheng , Chen Cong , Ji Junwang , Chen Ming , Chen Yu , Yang Ya , Mu Xiaojing
Published: September 2018

The growth of the chemical industry has brought tremendous challenges to chemical sensing technology. Chemical sensors based on metamaterials have great potential because of their label-free and non-destructive characteristics. However, metamaterials applied in chemical sensing have mainly been investigated from the measurement of sample concentration or the determination of the dielectric properties at a fixed frequency. Here we present a metamaterial integrated microfluidic (MIM) sensor for the multi-band sensing for dielectric property of chemicals, which is promising for the identification of chemicals. The MIM sensor mainly consists of multiple pair of high sensitive symmetrical double split-ring resonators (DSRRs) and meandering microfluidic channels with a capacity of only 4 μL. A dielectric model has been innovatively established and experimentally verified to accurately estimate the complex permittivity and thus realize the multi-band sensing of dielectric property of chemicals. With the increase in the number of resonators in the sensor, a dielectric spectrum like curve could be obtained for more detailed dielectric information. This work delivers a miniaturized, reusable, label-free and non-destructive metamaterial-microfluidic solution and paves a way of the multi-band sensing for dielectric property of chemicals.
Categorical emotion recognition from voice improves during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Grosbras Marie-Hélène , Ross Paddy D. , Belin Pascal
Published: September 2018

Converging evidence demonstrates that emotion processing from facial expressions continues to improve throughout childhood and part of adolescence. Here we investigated whether this is also the case for emotions conveyed by non-linguistic vocal expressions, another key aspect of social interactions. We tested 225 children and adolescents (age 5–17) and 30 adults in a forced-choice labeling task using vocal bursts expressing four basic emotions (anger, fear, happiness and sadness). Mixed-model logistic regressions revealed a small but highly significant change with age, mainly driven by changes in the ability to identify anger and fear. Adult-level of performance was reached between 14 and 15 years of age. Also, across ages, female participants obtained better scores than male participants, with no significant interaction between age and sex effects. These results expand the findings showing that affective prosody understanding improves during childhood; they document, for the first time, continued improvement in vocal affect recognition from early childhood to mid- adolescence, a pivotal period for social maturation.
Computational Analysis of topological indices of two Boron Nanotubes
Authors: Kwun Young Chel , Munir Mobeen , Nazeer Waqas , Rafique Shazia , Kang Shin Min
Published: September 2018

There has been a recent debate that boron nanotubes can outperform carbon nanotubes on many grounds. The most stable boron nanotubes are made of a hexagonal lattice with an extra atom added to some of the hexagons called ∝-boron nanotubes. Closed forms of M-polynomial of nanotubes produce closed forms of many degree-based topological indices which are numerical parameters of the structure and determine physico-chemical properties of the concerned nanotubes. In this article, we compute and analyze many topological indices of ∝-boron nanotubes correlating with the size of structure of these tubes through the use of M-polynomial. More importantly we make a graph-theoretic comparison of indices of two types of boron nanotubes namely triangular boron and ∝-boron nanotubes.
A handheld platform for target protein detection and quantification using disposable nanopore strips
Authors: Morin Trevor J. , McKenna William L. , Shropshire Tyler D. , Wride Dustin A. , Deschamps Joshua D. , Liu Xu , Stamm Reto , Wang Hongyun , Dunbar William B.
Published: September 2018

Accessible point-of-care technologies that can provide immunoassay and molecular modalities could dramatically enhance diagnostics, particularly for infectious disease control in low-resource settings. Solid-state nanopores are simple and durable sensors with low-energy instrumentation requirements. While nanopore sensors have demonstrated efficacy for nucleic acid targets, selective detection and quantification of target proteins from sample background has not been demonstrated. We present a simple approach for electronic detection and quantification of target proteins that combines novel biomolecular engineering methods, a portable reader device and disposable nanopore test strips. The target of interest can be varied by swapping the binding domain on our engineered detection reagent, which eficiently binds in the bulk-phase to the target and subsequently generates a unique signature when passing through the pore. We show modularity of the detection reagent for two HIV antibodies, TNFα and tetanus toxin as targets. A saliva swab-to-result is demonstrated for clinically relevant HIV antibody levels (0.4–20 mg/liter) in under 60 seconds. While other strip-like assays are qualitative, the presented method is quantitative and sets the stage for simultaneous immunoassay and molecular diagnostic functionality within a single portable platform.
Systematic expression alteration analysis of master reprogramming factor OCT4 and its three pseudogenes in human cancer and their prognostic outcomes
Authors: Saha Subbroto Kumar , Jeong Yeojin , Cho Sungha , Cho Ssang-Goo
Published: September 2018

OCT4 is a master transcription factor that regulates the pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells and cancer stem cells along with other factors, including SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC. Three different transcripts, OCT4A, OCT4B, and OCT4B1, are known to be generated by alternative splicing and eight OCT4 pseudogenes have been found in the human genome. Among them, we examined OCT4 and three pseudogenes (POU5F1P1, POU5F1P3, and POU5F1P4) because of their high expression possibility in cancer. In addition, previous studies indicated that OCT4 expression is augmented in cervical cancer and associated with poor prognosis, whereas OCT4 is down-regulated and correlated with good clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Because of these conflicting reports, we systematically evaluated whether expression of OCT4 and its pseudogenes can serve as oncogenic markers in various human cancers using the Oncomine database. Moreover, copy number alterations and mutations in OCT4 gene and its pseudogenes were analyzed using cBioPortal and the relationship between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and survival probability of cancer patients were explored using Kaplan-Meier plotter, OncoLnc, PROGgeneV2, and PrognoScan databases. Multivariate survival analysis was further conducted to determine the risk of the expression of the occurrence of OCT4 and its pseudogenes on certain cancer types using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Overall, an association between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and cancer prognosis were established, which may serve as a therapeutic target for various human cancers.
High-throughput ab initio calculations on dielectric constant and band gap of non-oxide dielectrics
Authors: Lee Miso , Youn Yong , Yim Kanghoon , Han Seungwu
Published: September 2018

High-k dielectrics, materials having a large band gap (Eg) and high dielectric constant (k) simultaneously, constitute critical components in microelectronic devices. Because of the inverse relationship between Eg and k, materials with large values in both properties are rare. Therefore, massive databases on Eg and k will be useful in identifying optimal high-k materials. While experimental and theoretical data on Eg and k of oxides are accumulating, corresponding information is scarce for non-oxide dielectrics with anions such as C, N, F, P, S, and Cl. To identify promising high-k dielectrics among these material groups, we screen 869 compounds of binary carbides, nitrides, sulfides, phosphides, chlorides, and fluorides, through automated ab initio calculations. Among these compounds, fluorides exhibit an Eg-k relation that is comparable to that of oxides. By further screening over ternary fluorides, we identify fluorides such as BiF3, LaF3, and BaBeF4 that could serve as useful high-k dielectrics.
A-to-I RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 regulates light-induced circadian phase-shift
Authors: Terajima Hideki , Yoshitane Hikari , Yoshikawa Tomoko , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: September 2018

In mammals, the central circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and it orchestrates peripheral clocks in the whole body to organize physiological and behavioral rhythms. Light-induced phase-shift of the SCN clock enables synchronization of the circadian clock system with 24-h environmental light/dark cycle. We previously found that adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (Adar2), an A-to-I RNA editing enzyme catalyzing rhythmic A-to-I RNA editing, governs a wide range of mRNA rhythms in the mouse liver and regulates the circadian behavior. In brain, ADAR2-mediated A-to-I RNA editing was reported to occur in various transcripts encoding ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, which could influence neuronal function of the SCN. Here we show that ADAR2 plays a crucial role for light-induced phase-shift of the circadian clock. Intriguingly, exposure of Adar2-knockout mice to a light pulse at late night caused an aberrant phase-advance of the locomotor rhythms. By monitoring the bioluminescence rhythms of the mutant SCN slices, we found that a phase-advance induced by treatment with pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was markedly attenuated. The present study suggests that A-to-I RNA editing in the SCN regulates a proper phase response to light in the mouse circadian system.
Experimental evidence of selective inattention in reputation-based cooperation
Authors: Okada Isamu , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Sato Yoshiki , Uchida Satoshi , Sasaki Tatsuya
Published: September 2018

Reputation-based cooperation is often observed in modern society. People gain several types of information by assessing others. Among these, the most important information is the actions of people and those of their recipients. However, almost all studies assume that people consider all of the information they receive. This assumption is extreme, and people engaging in reputation-based cooperation may not pay attention to some information, i.e., they may display selective inattention. We demonstrate that subjects’ decision-making in relation to cooperative action depends on the content of the information they receive about their recipients. Our results show that subjects either consider or ignore information depending on the content of that information. When their recipients had cooperated previously, subjects cooperated without considering the information they received. When the recipients had played before with those who had bad reputations, subjects did not use that information, regardless of whether it was disclosed proactively. In other cases, subjects considered information on both the previous actions of recipients and those of the recipients’ own recipients. We found that subjects did not always use the information to make decisions, although they willingly received information about their recipients. This supports the proposition that selective inattention occurs in reputation-based cooperation.
Serum GFAP as a biomarker for disease severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Abdelhak A. , Huss A. , Kassubek J. , Tumani H. , Otto M.
Published: September 2018

While neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurement in serum is a well-established marker of neuroaxonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), data on astroglial markers in serum are missing. In our study, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and NfL were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of MS patients and patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND) using the Simoa technology. Clinical data like age, gender, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and MRI findings were correlated to neurochemical markers. We included 80 MS patients: 42 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 38 progressive MS (PMS), as well as 20 OND. Serum GFAP levels were higher in PMS compared to RRMS and OND (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 respectively). Serum GFAP levels correlated with disease severity in the whole MS group and PMS (Spearman-rho = 0.5, p < 0.001 in both groups). Serum GFAP correlated with serum NfL in PMS patients (Spearman-rho = 0.4, p = 0.01). Levels of serum GFAP were higher with increasing MRI-lesion count (p = 0.01). in summary, we report elevated levels of GFAP in the serum of MS patients. Since serum levels of GFAP correlate with the clinical severity scores and MRI lesion count, especially in PMS patients, it might be a suitable disease progression marker.
Improving carrier mobility of polycrystalline Ge by Sn doping
Authors: Moto Kenta , Yoshimine Ryota , Suemasu Takashi , Toko Kaoru
Published: September 2018

To improve the performance of electronic devices, extensive research efforts have recently focused on the effect of incorporating Sn into Ge. In the present work, we investigate how Sn composition x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.12) and deposition temperature Td (50 ≤ Td ≤ 200 °C) of the Ge1−xSnx precursor affect subsequent solid-phase crystallization. Upon incorporating 3.2% Sn, which is slightly above the solubility limit of Sn in Ge, the crystal grain size increases and the grain-boundary barrier decreases, which increases the hole mobility from 80 to 250 cm2/V s. Furthermore, at Td = 125 °C, the hole mobility reaches 380 cm2/V s, which is tentatively attributed to the formation of a dense amorphous GeSn precursor. This is the highest hole mobility for semiconductor thin films on insulators formed below 500 °C. These results thus demonstrate the usefulness of Sn doping of polycrystalline Ge and the importance of temperature while incorporating Sn. These findings make it possible to fabricate advanced Ge-based devices including high-speed thin-film transistors.
Laboratory diagnostics of murine blood for detection of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-induced hepatitis
Authors: Stahl Felix R. , Jung Roman , Jazbutyte Virginija , Ostermann Eléonore , Tödter Silvia , Brixel Renke , Kemmer Annette , Halle Stephan , Rose-John Stefan , Messerle Martin , Arck Petra C. , Brune Wolfram , Renné Thomas
Published: September 2018

Mouse models are important and versatile tools to study mechanisms and novel therapies of human diseasein vivo. Both, the number and the complexity of murine models are constantly increasing and modification of genes of interest as well as any exogenous challenge may lead to unanticipated biological effects. Laboratory diagnostics of blood samples provide a comprehensive and rapid screening for multiple organ function and are fundamental to detect human disease. Here, we adapt an array of laboratory medicine-based tests commonly used in humans to establish a platform for standardized, multi-parametric, and quality-controlled diagnostics of murine blood samples. We determined sex-dependent reference intervals of 51 commonly used laboratory medicine tests for samples obtained from the C57BL/6J mouse strain. As a proof of principle, we applied these diagnostic tests in a mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection model to screen for organ damage. Consistent with histopathological findings, plasma concentrations of liver-specific enzymes were elevated, supporting the diagnosis of a virus-induced hepatitis. Plasma activities of aminotransferases correlated with viral loads in livers at various days after MCMV infection and discriminated infected from non-infected animals. This study provides murine blood reference intervals of common laboratory medicine parameters and illustrates the use of these tests for diagnosis of infectious disease in experimental animals.
Leptin Increases Particle-Induced Osteolysis in Female ob/ob Mice
Authors: Philbrick Kenneth A. , Branscum Adam J. , Wong Carmen P. , Turner Russell T. , Iwaniec Urszula T.
Published: September 2018

Particles generated from wear of prosthesis joint bearing surfaces induce inflammation-mediated periprosthetic bone resorption (osteolysis). Morbidly obese leptin-deficientob/obmice are resistant to polyethylene particle-induced bone loss, suggesting that leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes that circulates in concentrations proportional to total body adiposity, increases osteolysis. To confirm that particles induce less osteolysis in leptin-deficient mice after controlling for cold stress (room temperature)-induced bone loss,ob/obmice on a C57BL/6 (B6) background and colony B6 wildtype (WT) mice housed at thermoneutral temperature were randomized to control or particle treatment groups (N = 5/group). Polyethylene particles were implanted over calvaria and mice sacrificed 2 weeks later. Compared to particle-treated WT mice, particle-treatedob/obmice had lower osteolysis score, less infiltration of immune cells, and less woven bone formation. To determine the role of leptin in particle-induced osteolysis,ob/obmice were randomized into one of 4 groups (n = 6–8/group): (1) control, (2) particles, (3) particles + continuous leptin (osmotic pump, 6 μg/d), or (4) particles + intermittent leptin (daily injection, 40 μg/d). Leptin treatment increased particle-induced osteolysis inob/obmice, providing evidence that the adpiokine may play a role in inflammation-driven bone loss. Additional research is required to determine whether altering leptin levels within the physiological range results in corresponding changes in polyethylene-particle-induced osteolysis.
Stimulated Brillouin Scattering in an AlGaN Photonics Platform Operating in the Visible Spectral Range
Authors: De Leonardis Francesco , Soref Richard A. , Soltani Mohammad , Passaro Vittorio M. N.
Published: September 2018

We present Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) process in AlGaN integrated photonic waveguides. The wide bandgap of this III-Nitride material platform allows operating at visible wavelengths enabling large Stokes shifts. For this study, we employ a multiphysics approach that includes electric-photoelastic, magnetic-photoelastic, material interface displacement effects, and for optimal waveguide dimensions to find the Brillouin-active acoustic modes involved in the SBS process. The SBS power gain and the Stokes frequency shift are investigated for both backward and forward scattering processes, and it is shown that stokes shift larger than 50 GHz with high gain are achievable. Moreover, a parametric analysis is presented in order to demonstrate the possibility of realizing Brillouin lasers operating at blue wavelengths.
Low dose dimethyl sulfoxide driven gross molecular changes have the potential to interfere with various cellular processes
Authors: Tunçer Sinem , Gurbanov Rafig , Sheraj Ilir , Solel Ege , Esenturk Okan , Banerjee Sreeparna
Published: September 2018

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a small molecule with polar, aprotic and amphiphilic properties. It serves as a solvent for many polar and nonpolar molecules and continues to be one of the most used solvents (vehicle) in medical applications and scientific research. To better understand the cellular effects of DMSO within the concentration range commonly used as a vehicle (0.1–1.5%, v/v) for cellular treatments, we applied Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to DMSO treated and untreated epithelial colon cancer cells. Both unsupervised (Principal Component Analysis-PCA) and supervised (Linear Discriminant Analysis-LDA) pattern recognition/modelling algorithms applied to the IR data revealed total segregation and prominent differences between DMSO treated and untreated cells at whole, lipid and nucleic acid regions. Several of these data were supported by other independent techniques. Further IR data analyses of macromolecular profile indicated comprehensive alterations especially in proteins and nucleic acids. Protein secondary structure analysis showed predominance of β-sheet over α-helix in DMSO treated cells. We also observed for the first time, a reduction in nucleic acid level upon DMSO treatment accompanied by the formation of Z-DNA. Molecular docking and binding free energy studies indicated a stabilization of Z-DNA in the presence of DMSO. This alternate DNA form may be related with the specific actions of DMSO on gene expression, differentiation, and epigenetic alterations. Using analytical tools combined with molecular and cellular biology techniques, our data indicate that even at very low concentrations, DMSO induces a number of changes in all macromolecules, which may affect experimental outcomes where DMSO is used as a solvent.
Direct Thermal Growth of Large Scale Cl-doped CdTe Film for Low Voltage High Resolution X-ray Image Sensor
Authors: Lee Silah , Kim Jin Sung , Ko Kyeong Rok , Lee Gun Hwan , Lee Dong Jin , Kim Dong wook , Kim Jin Eui , Kim Ho Kyung , Kim Dong Woon , Im Seongil
Published: September 2018

Polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) X-ray photodetector with advanced performance was fabricated in a Schottky diode form by direct thermal deposition (evaporation) on pixelized complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) readout panel. Our CdTe X-ray detector shows such a variety of benefits as relatively low process temperature, low cost, low operation voltage less than 40 V, and higher sensitivity and spatial resolution than those of commercial a-Se detectors. CdTe has cubic Zinc Blende structure and maintains p-type conduction after growth in general. For low voltage operation, we succeeded in Cl doping at all stage of CdTe film deposition, and as a result, hole concentration of p-type CdTe was reduced to ~1012 cm−3 from ~1015 cm−3, and such concentration reduction could enable our Schottky diode with Ti electrode to operate at a reverse bias of less than 40 V. Our CdTe Schottky diode/CMOS pixel array as a direct conversion type imager demonstrates much higher resolution X-ray imaging in 7 × 9 cm2 large scale than that of CsI/CMOS array, an indirect conversion imager. To our limited knowledge, our results on polycrystalline CdTe Schottky diode/CMOS array would be very novel as a first demonstration of active pixel sensor system equipped with directly deposited large scale X-ray detector.
Photoacclimation strategies in northeastern Atlantic seagrasses: Integrating responses across plant organizational levels
Authors: Schubert Nadine , Freitas Cátia , Silva André , Costa Monya M. , Barrote Isabel , Horta Paulo A. , Rodrigues Ana Claudia , Santos Rui , Silva João
Published: September 2018

Seagrasses live in highly variable light environments and adjust to these variations by expressing acclimatory responses at different plant organizational levels (meadow, shoot, leaf and chloroplast level). Yet, comparative studies, to identify species’ strategies, and integration of the relative importance of photoacclimatory adjustments at different levels are still missing. The variation in photoacclimatory responses at the chloroplast and leaf level were studied along individual leaves of Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina and Z. noltei, including measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis, photoprotective capacities, non-photochemical quenching and D1-protein repair, and assessments of variation in leaf anatomy and chloroplast distribution. Our results show that the slower-growing C. nodosa expressed rather limited physiological and biochemical adjustments in response to light availability, while both species of faster-growing Zostera showed high variability along the leaves. In contrast, the inverse pattern was found for leaf anatomical adjustments in response to light availability, which were more pronounced in C. nodosa. This integrative plant organizational level approach shows that seagrasses differ in their photoacclimatory strategies and that these are linked to the species’ life history strategies, information that will be critical for predicting the responses of seagrasses to disturbances and to accordingly develop adequate management strategies.
Mutation pattern analysis reveals polygenic mini-drivers associated with relapse after surgery in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bennett Laura , Howell Matthew , Memon Danish , Smowton Chris , Zhou Cong , Miller Crispin J.
Published: September 2018

The genomic lesions found in malignant tumours exhibit a striking degree of heterogeneity. Many tumours lack a known driver mutation, and their genetic basis is unclear. By mapping the somatic mutations identified in primary lung adenocarcinomas onto an independent coexpression network derived from normal tissue, we identify a critical gene network enriched for metastasis-associated genes. While individual genes within this module were rarely mutated, a significant accumulation of mutations within this geneset was predictive of relapse in lung cancer patients that have undergone surgery. Since it is the density of mutations within this module that is informative, rather than the status of any individual gene, these data are in keeping with a ‘mini-driver’ model of tumorigenesis in which multiple mutations, each with a weak effect, combine to form a polygenic driver with sufficient power to significantly alter cell behaviour and ultimately patient outcome. These polygenic mini-drivers therefore provide a means by which heterogeneous mutation patterns can generate the consistent hallmark changes in phenotype observed across tumours.
Genetically engineered human muscle transplant enhances murine host neovascularization and myogenesis
Authors: Perry Luba , Landau Shira , Flugelman Moshe Y. , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: September 2018

Engineered tissues are a promising tool for addressing the growing need for tissues and organs in surgical reconstructions. Prevascularization of implanted tissues is expected to enhance survival prospects post transplantation and minimize deficiencies and/or hypoxia deeper in the tissue. Here, we fabricate a three-dimensional, prevascularized engineered muscle containing human myoblasts, genetically modified endothelial cells secreting angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and genetically modified smooth muscle cells secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The genetically engineered human muscle shows enhanced host neovascularization and myogenesis following transplantation into a mouse host, compared to the non-secreting control. The vascular, genetically modified cells have been cleared for clinical trials and can be used to construct autologous vascularized tissues. Therefore, the described genetically engineered vascularized muscle has the potential to be fully translated to the clinical setting to overcome autologous tissue shortage and to accelerate host neovascularization and integration of engineered grafts following transplantation.
Correction: Enhancement in RNase H activity of a DNA/RNA hybrid duplex using artificial cationic oligopeptides
Authors: Hara Rintaro Iwata , Maeda Yusuke , Fujimaki Haruna , Wada Takeshi
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Enhancement in RNase H activity of a DNA/RNA hybrid duplex using artificial cationic oligopeptides’ by Rintaro Iwata Hara et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 8526–8529.
Olefin metathesis in air using latent ruthenium catalysts: imidazole substituted amphiphilic hydrogenated ROMP polymers providing nano-sized reaction spaces in water
Authors: Öztürk Bengi Özgün , Durmuş Burcu , Karabulut Şehitoğlu Solmaz
Published: September 2018

Imidazole substituted hydrogenated amphiphilic ROMP polymers were used as both surfactants and ligand precursors for olefin metathesis reactions in water.
The suppression of CMR in Nd(Mn1−xCox)AsO0.95F0.05
Authors: Wildman E. J. , McCombie K. S. , Stenning G. B. G. , Mclaughlin A. C.
Published: September 2018

Magnetoresistance measurements of the series Nd(Mn1−xCox)AsO0.95F0.05 shows that Co doping pins the magnetopolarons and suppresses the CMR.
Ferric phosphide carbon nanocomposites emerging as highly active electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chaudhari Nitin K. , Yu Peng , Kim Byeongyoon , Lee Kwangyeol , Li Jinghong
Published: September 2018

This Frontier article highlights the recent development and advances in designing ferric phosphide (FeP) based composite materials for the HER.
Emerging investigator series: the dynamics of particle size distributions need to be accounted for in bioavailability modelling of nanoparticles
Authors: Vijver Martina G. , Zhai Yujia , Wang Zhuang , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M.
Published: September 2018

We propose to include the time-dependent size distribution of dispersed and internalized nanoparticles (NPs) in the ecotoxicological evaluation of exposure of biota to NPs and to develop tools to add the particle dynamics in the bioavailability modelling of NPs.
Aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the removal of low-concentration malodorous aldehyde gases
Authors: Peng Shengpan , Deng Yuzhou , Li Weiman , Chen Jiayuan , Liu Haidi , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2018

A new strategy of preparing functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles without sacrificing their surface area for the effective removal of low-concentration malodorous aldehyde gases.
Electrostatically regulated ternary-doped carbon foams with exposed active sites as metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts
Authors: Sher Shah Md. Selim Arif , Lee Jooyoung , Rauf Ali , Park Jong Hyeok , Lim Byungkwon , Yoo Pil J.
Published: September 2018

N, P and S co-doped carbon foam having exposed active sites can be a viable alternative to the state-of-the-art ORR electrocatalyst Pt, which suffers from high cost and stability.
Novel metal doped carbon quantum dots/CdS composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Yajun , Chen Juan , Liu Liming , Xi Xiaoxu , Li Yuming , Geng Zhouliang , Jiang Guiyuan , Zhao Zhen
Published: September 2018

Metal atom (Zn, Co, Bi, Cd, Ti) doped CDs were prepared and their photocatalytic applications were explored for the first time.
Fluorescence immunoassay based on the enzyme cleaving ss-DNA to regulate the synthesis of histone-ds-poly(AT) templated copper nanoparticles
Authors: Xiong Ying , Gao Bao , Wu Kesheng , Wu Yunqing , Chai Yinjiao , Huang Xiaolin , Xiong Yonghua
Published: September 2018

For the first time we report a novel competitive fluorescence immunoassay for the ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) using histone-ds-poly(AT) templated copper nanoparticles (His-pAT CuNPs) as fluorescent indicators.
Structurally tunable plasmonic absorption bands in a self-assembled nano-hole array
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Zizheng , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Tongtong , Liu Hai , Yang Haigui , Gong Yan , Gao Jinsong
Published: September 2018

Tunable perfect absorption is achieved in a self-assembled nano-hole array, which provides a new perspective in designing this kind of absorber.