bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Survey of Plasma Sheet Electron Precipitation due to Whistler Mode Chorus Waves in Earth's Magnetosphere
Authors: Ma Q. , Connor H. K. , Zhang X.‐J. , Li W. , Shen X.‐C. , Gillespie D. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Claudepierre S. G. , Reeves G. D. , Spence H. E.
Published: July 2020

Whistler mode chorus waves can scatter plasma sheet electrons into the loss cone and produce the Earth's diffuse aurora. Van Allen Probes observed plasma sheet electron injections and intense chorus waves on 24 November 2012. We use quasilinear theory to calculate the precipitating electron fluxes, demonstrating that the chorus waves could lead to high differential energy fluxes of precipitating electrons with characteristic energies of 10–30 keV. Using this method, we calculate the precipitating electron flux from 2012 to 2019 when the Van Allen Probes were near the magnetic equator and perform global surveys of electron precipitation under different geomagnetic conditions. The most significant electron precipitation due to chorus is found from the nightside to dawn sectors over 4 < L < 6.5. The average total precipitating energy flux is enhanced during disturbed conditions, with time‐averaged values reaching ~3–10 erg/cm2/s when AE ≥ 500 nT.
Comprehensive characterization of claudin-low breast tumors reflects the impact of the cell-of-origin on cancer evolution
Authors: Pommier Roxane M. , Sanlaville Amélien , Tonon Laurie , Kielbassa Janice , Thomas Emilie , Ferrari Anthony , Sertier Anne-Sophie , Hollande Frédéric , Martinez Pierre , Tissier Agnès , Morel Anne-Pierre , Ouzounova Maria , Puisieux Alain
Published: July 2020

Claudin-low breast cancers are aggressive tumors defined by the low expression of key components of cellular junctions, associated with mesenchymal and stemness features. Although they are generally considered as the most primitive breast malignancies, their histogenesis remains elusive. Here we show that this molecular subtype of breast cancers exhibits a significant diversity, comprising three main subgroups that emerge from unique evolutionary processes. Genetic, gene methylation and gene expression analyses reveal that two of the subgroups relate, respectively, to luminal breast cancers and basal-like breast cancers through the activation of an EMT process over the course of tumor progression. The third subgroup is closely related to normal human mammary stem cells. This unique subgroup of breast cancers shows a paucity of genomic aberrations and a low frequency of TP53 mutations, supporting the emerging notion that the intrinsic properties of the cell-of-origin constitute a major determinant of the genetic history of tumorigenesis.
Publisher Correction: Identification of cell surface markers and establishment of monolayer differentiation to retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Reyes Alvaro Plaza , Petrus-Reurer Sandra , Sánchez Sara Padrell , Kumar Pankaj , Douagi Iyadh , Bartuma Hammurabi , Aronsson Monica , Westman Sofie , Lardner Emma , André Helder , Falk Anna , Nandrot Emeline F. , Kvanta Anders , Lanner Fredrik
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Endothelial activation of caspase-9 promotes neurovascular injury in retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Avrutsky Maria I. , Ortiz Crystal Colón , Johnson Kendra V. , Potenski Anna M. , Chen Claire W. , Lawson Jacqueline M. , White Alexandra J. , Yuen Stephanie K. , Morales Fatima N. , Canepa Elisa , Snipas Scott , Salvesen Guy S. , Jean Ying Y. , Troy Carol M.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Symmetry-enforced Weyl phonons
Authors: Liu Qing-Bo , Qian Yuting , Fu Hua-Hua , Wang Zhijun
Published: July 2020

In spinful electronic systems, time-reversal symmetry makes that all Kramers pairs at the time-reversal-invariant momenta are Weyl points (WPs) in chiral crystals. Here, we find that such symmetry-enforced WPs can also emerge in bosonic systems (e.g. phonons and photons) due to nonsymmorphic symmetries. We demonstrate that for some nonsymmorphic chiral space groups, several high-symmetry k-points can host only WPs in the phononic systems, dubbed symmetry-enforced Weyl phonons (SEWPs). The SEWPs, enumerated in Table 1, are pinned at the boundary of the three-dimensional (3D) Brillouin zone (BZ) and protected by nonsymmorphic crystal symmetries. By performing first-principles calculations and symmetry analysis, we propose that as an example of SEWPs, the twofold degeneracies at P are monopole WPs in K2Sn2O3 with space group 199. The two WPs of the same chirality at two nonequivalent P points are related by time-reversal symmetry. In particular, at ~17.5 THz, a spin-1 Weyl phonon is also found at H, since two Weyl phonons at P carrying a non-zero net Chern number cannot exist alone in the 3D BZ. The significant separation between P and H points makes the surface arcs long and clearly visible. Our findings not only present an effective way to search for WPs in bosonic systems, but also offer some promising candidates for studying monopole Weyl and spin-1 Weyl phonons in realistic materials.
Strong structural occupation ratio effect on mechanical properties of silicon carbide nanowires
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Wang Jing , Yang Zhenyu , Tang Xuke , Yue Yonghai
Published: July 2020

Materials’ mechanical properties highly depend on their internal structures. Designing novel structure is an effective route to improve materials’ performance. One-dimensional disordered (ODD) structure is a kind of particular structure in silicon carbide (SiC), which highly affects its mechanical properties. Herein, we show that SiC nanowires (NWs) containing ODD structure (with an occupation ratio of 32.6%) exhibit ultrahigh tensile strength and elastic strain, which are up to 13.7 GPa and 12% respectively, approaching the ideal theoretical limit. The ODD structural occupation ratio effect on mechanical properties of SiC NWs has been systematically studied and a saddle shaped tendency for the strength versus occupation ratio is firstly revealed. The strength increases with the increase of the ODD occupation ratio but decreases when the occupation ratio exceeds a critical value of ~ 32.6%, micro twins appear in the ODD region when the ODD segment increases and soften the ODD segment, finally results in a decrease of the strength.
Wireless monitoring and real-time adaptive predictive indicator of deterioration
Authors: Duncan Heather P. , Fule Balazs , Rice Iain , Sitch Alice J. , Lowe David
Published: July 2020

To assist in the early warning of deterioration in hospitalised children we studied the feasibility of collecting continuous wireless physiological data using Lifetouch (ECG-derived heart and respiratory rate) and WristOx2 (pulse-oximetry and derived pulse rate) sensors. We compared our bedside paediatric early warning (PEW) score and a machine learning automated approach: a Real-time Adaptive Predictive Indicator of Deterioration (RAPID) to identify children experiencing significant clinical deterioration. 982 patients contributed 7,073,486 min during 1,263 monitoring sessions. The proportion of intended monitoring time was 93% for Lifetouch and 55% for WristOx2. Valid clinical data was 63% of intended monitoring time for Lifetouch and 50% WristOx2. 29 patients experienced 36 clinically significant deteriorations. The RAPID Index detected significant deterioration more frequently (77% to 97%) and earlier than the PEW score ≥ 9/26. High sensitivity and negative predictive value for the RAPID Index was associated with low specificity and low positive predictive value. We conclude that it is feasible to collect clinically valid physiological data wirelessly for 50% of intended monitoring time. The RAPID Index identified more deterioration, before the PEW score, but has a low specificity. By using the RAPID Index with a PEW system some life-threatening events may be averted.
Simplified modeling of E. coli mortality after genome damage induced by UV-C light exposure
Authors: Sánchez-Navarrete Jaime , Ruiz-Pérez Nancy Jannet , Guerra-Trejo Armando , Toscano-Garibay Julia Dolores
Published: July 2020

UV light is a group of high-energy waves from the electromagnetic spectrum. There are three types of UV radiations: UV-A, -B and -C. UV-C light are the highest in energy, but most are retained by the ozone layer. UV-A and -B reach the earth’s surface and cause damage on living organisms, being considered as mutagenic physical agents. Numerous test models are used to study UV mutagenicity; some include special lamps, cell cultures and mathematical modeling. Mercury lamps are affordable and useful sources of UV-C light due to their emission at near the maximum absorption peak of nucleic acids. E. coli cultures are widely used because they have DNA-damage and -repairing mechanisms fairly similar to humans. In here we present two simple models that describe UV-C light incidence on a genome matrix, using fundamental quantum–mechanical concepts and considering light as a particle with a discontinuous distribution. To test the accuracy of our equations, stationary phase cultures of several E. coli strains were exposed to UV-C light in 30 s-intervals. Surviving CFUs were counted and survival/mortality curves were constructed. These graphs adjusted with high goodness of fit to the regression predictions. Results were also analyzed using three main parameters: quantum yield, specific speed and time of mortality.
Environmental enrichment during forced abstinence from cocaine self-administration opposes gene network expression changes associated with the incubation effect
Authors: Powell Gregory L. , Vannan Annika , Bastle Ryan M. , Wilson Melissa A. , Dell’Orco Michela , Perrone-Bizzozero Nora I. , Neisewander Janet L.
Published: July 2020

Environmental enrichment (EE) is a robust intervention for reducing cocaine-seeking behaviors in animals when given during forced abstinence. However, the mechanisms that underlie these effects are not well-established. We investigated the adult male rat transcriptome using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) following differential housing during forced abstinence from cocaine self-administration for either 1 or 21 days. Enriched, 21-day forced abstinence rats displayed a significant reduction in cocaine-seeking behavior compared to rats housed in isolation. RNA-seq of the nucleus accumbens shell revealed hundreds of differentially regulated transcripts between rats of different forced abstinence length and housing environment, as well as within specific contrasts such as enrichment (isolated 21 days vs. enriched 21 days) or incubation (isolated 1 day vs. isolated 21 days). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis affirmed several pathways as differentially enriched based on housing condition and forced abstinence length including RELN, the Eif2 signaling pathway, synaptogenesis and neurogenesis pathways. Numerous pathways showed upregulation with incubation, but downregulation with EE, suggesting that EE may prevent or reverse changes in gene expression associated with protracted forced abstinence. The findings reveal novel candidate mechanisms involved in the protective effects of EE against cocaine seeking, which may inform efforts to develop pharmacological and gene therapies for treating cocaine use disorders. Furthermore, the finding that EE opposes multiple pathway changes associated with incubation of cocaine seeking strongly supports EE as a therapeutic intervention and suggests EE is capable of preventing or reversing the widespread dysregulation of signaling pathways that occurs during cocaine forced abstinence.
Mutational analysis of the essential lipopolysaccharide-transport protein LptH of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to uncover critical oligomerization sites
Authors: Scala Romina , Di Matteo Adele , Coluccia Antonio , Lo Sciuto Alessandra , Federici Luca , Travaglini-Allocatelli Carlo , Visca Paolo , Silvestri Romano , Imperi Francesco
Published: July 2020

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a critical component of the outer membrane (OM) of many Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is translocated to the OM by the LPS transport (Lpt) system. In the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the periplasmic Lpt component, LptH, is essential for LPS transport, planktonic and biofilm growth, OM stability and infectivity. LptH has been proposed to oligomerize and form a protein bridge that accommodates LPS during transport. Based on the known LptH crystal structure, here we predicted by in silico modeling five different sites likely involved in LptH oligomerization. The relevance of these sites for LptH activity was verified through plasmid-mediated expression of site-specific mutant proteins in a P. aeruginosa lptH conditional mutant. Complementation and protein expression analyses provided evidence that all mutated sites are important for LptH activity in vivo. It was observed that the lptH conditional mutant overcomes the lethality of nonfunctional lptH variants through RecA-mediated homologous recombination between the wild-type lptH gene in the genome and mutated copies in the plasmid. Finally, biochemical assays on purified recombinant proteins showed that some LptH variants are indeed specifically impaired in oligomerization, while others appear to have defects in protein folding and/or stability.
Disturbance history can increase functional stability in the face of both repeated disturbances of the same type and novel disturbances
Authors: Renes Sophia Elise , Sjöstedt Johanna , Fetzer Ingo , Langenheder Silke
Published: July 2020

Climate change is expected to increase the incidences of extremes in environmental conditions. To investigate how repeated disturbances affect microbial ecosystem resistance, natural lake bacterioplankton communities were subjected to repeated temperature disturbances of two intensities (25 °C and 35 °C), and subsequently to an acidification event. We measured functional parameters (bacterial production, abundance, extracellular enzyme activities) and community composition parameters (richness, evenness, niche width) and found that, compared to undisturbed control communities, the 35 °C treatment was strongly affected in all parameters, while the 25 °C treatment did not significantly differ from the control. Interestingly, exposure to multiple temperature disturbances caused gradually increasing stability in the 35 °C treatment in some parameters, while others parameters showed the opposite, indicating that the choice of parameters can strongly affect the outcome of a study. The acidification event did not lead to stronger changes in community structure, but functional resistance of bacterial production towards acidification in the 35 °C treatments increased. This indicates that functional resistance in response to a novel disturbance can be increased by previous exposure to another disturbance, suggesting similarity in stress tolerance mechanisms for both disturbances. These results highlight the need for understanding function- and disturbance-specific responses, since general responses are likely to be unpredictable.
Revealing excess protons in the infrared spectrum of liquid water
Authors: Artemov Vasily G. , Uykur Ece , Roh Seulki , Pronin Artem V. , Ouerdane Henni , Dressel Martin
Published: July 2020

The most common species in liquid water, next to neutral $$\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}$$H2O molecules, are the $$\hbox {H}_3\hbox {O}^+$$H3O+ and $$\hbox {OH}^-$$OH- ions. In a dynamic picture, their exact concentrations depend on the time scale at which these are probed. Here, using a spectral-weight analysis, we experimentally resolve the fingerprints of the elusive fluctuations-born short-living $$\hbox {H}_3\hbox {O}^+$$H3O+, $$\hbox {DH}_2\hbox {O}^+$$DH2O+, $$\hbox {HD}_2\hbox {O}^+$$HD2O+, and $$\hbox {D}_3\hbox {O}^+$$D3O+ ions in the IR spectra of light ($$\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}$$H2O), heavy ($$\hbox {D}_2\hbox {O}$$D2O), and semi-heavy (HDO) water. We find that short-living ions, with concentrations reaching $$\sim 2\%$$∼2% of the content of water molecules, coexist with long-living pH-active ions on the picosecond timescale, thus making liquid water an effective ionic liquid in femtochemistry.
Triptan efficacy does not predict onabotulinumtoxinA efficacy but improves with onabotulinumtoxinA response in chronic migraine patients
Authors: Eren Ozan E. , Gaul Charly , Peikert Andreas , Gendolla Astrid , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Straube Andreas
Published: July 2020

Chronic migraine (CM) is a highly disabling primary headache. Botulinum toxin (onabotulinumtoxinA) is effective for treatment of CM, with ~ 50% of patients responding after 24 weeks. A response predictor would prevent unnecessary treatments. Inhibiting calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) release from trigeminal nociceptive fibres is one of the modes of acting discussed for onabotulinumtoxinA in CM. Therefore, we hypothesized that the response to triptans might predict response to onabotulinumtoxinA. Contrariwise, onabotulinumtoxinA treatment might affect triptan efficacy. 49 CM patients scheduled for their first onabotulinumtoxinA treatment were included. Before (T0) and three months after (T1) onabotulinumtoxinA treatment, patients rated triptan efficacy and indicated number of headache days/month. At T1, patients additionally rated onabotulinumtoxinA efficacy. Headache days/month were on average reduced by 7.1 ± 7.0 days from T0 to T1 (p < 0.001). Triptan efficacy ratings at T0 did not predict onabotulinumtoxinA efficacy ratings at T1 (p = 0.19) or reduction of headache days (p = 0.37). However, triptan efficacy significantly improved from T0 to T1 in onabotulinumtoxinA responders (p < 0.001) but not in non-responders (p = 1.00). Triptan efficacy did not predict response to onabotulinumtoxinA in CM. However, triptan efficacy increased after successful onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. This supports the hypothesis that efficacy of acute migraine treatment with triptans improves with effective migraine prophylaxis.
Correlation analysis of potential factors influencing graft maturity based on MRI after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation
Authors: Ren Shiyou , Zhang Xintao , Yu Xiurong , Zhou Ri , Xu Lu , Lin Zhenglong , Zhang Wentao
Published: July 2020

The aim of this respective study was to assess the graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ) value and associated factors based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (LMAT). Patients with LMAT were included. The SNQ, width of the anterior horn (WAH), width of the midbody (WMB), width of the posterior horn (WPH) of each lateral meniscus, coronal graft extrusion (CGE), the anterior cartilage meniscus distance (ACMD) and the posterior cartilage meniscus distance (PCMD) were measured using MRI and tested by multivariate stepwise regression analysis. The relative percentage of extrusion (PRE) was calculated. Seventy-one male patients were examined, and 7 patients were lost to follow-up. The SNQ of the meniscus increased from immediately after surgery to 6 months postoperatively, decreased from 6 to 12 months, increased from 12 to 24 months, and increased from 24 to 36 months. The mean SNQ had a significant negative association with the WPH and CGE at 6 months (p < 0.05), the WPH at 1 year (p < 0.05), the PRE of CGE (CPRE) at 2 years (p < 0.05), and the PCMD, CPRE, and PRE of the PCMD (PPRE) at 3 years (p < 0.01) postoperatively. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that the WPH at 6 months, WPH at 1 year, WMD and PCMD at 2 years, and WMD, ACMD and CGE at 3 years were significant independent factors correlated with the mean SNQ of grafts in different periods. Maturation of meniscal grafts fluctuated with time. The maturation process occupied the main role before 1 year postoperatively, but after the maturation process, tearing of the meniscal allograft played the leading role. Changes in an allograft’s location had an obvious association with the SNQ. The WPH influenced the graft SNQ value at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, but after the maturation process, the WMB and graft extrusion played the same roles.
Her9/Hes4 is required for retinal photoreceptor development, maintenance, and survival
Authors: Coomer Cagney E. , Wilson Stephen G. , Titialii-Torres Kayla F. , Bills Jessica D. , Krueger Laura A. , Petersen Rebecca A. , Turnbaugh Evelyn M. , Janesch Eden L. , Morris Ann C.
Published: July 2020

The intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate vertebrate photoreceptor specification and differentiation are complex, and our understanding of all the players is far from complete. Her9, the zebrafish ortholog of human HES4, is a basic helix-loop-helix-orange transcriptional repressor that regulates neurogenesis in several developmental contexts. We have previously shown that her9 is upregulated during chronic rod photoreceptor degeneration and regeneration in adult zebrafish, but little is known about the role of her9 during retinal development. To better understand the function of Her9 in the retina, we generated zebrafish her9 CRISPR mutants. Her9 homozygous mutants displayed striking retinal phenotypes, including decreased numbers of rods and red/green cones, whereas blue and UV cones were relatively unaffected. The reduction in rods and red/green cones correlated with defects in photoreceptor subtype lineage specification. The remaining rods and double cones displayed abnormal outer segments, and elevated levels of apoptosis. In addition to the photoreceptor defects, her9 mutants also possessed a reduced proliferative ciliary marginal zone, and decreased and disorganized Müller glia. Mutation of her9 was larval lethal, with no mutants surviving past 13 days post fertilization. Our results reveal a previously undescribed role for Her9/Hes4 in photoreceptor differentiation, maintenance, and survival.
Prostate cancer-derived holoclones: a novel and effective model for evaluating cancer stemness
Authors: Flynn Louise , Barr Martin P. , Baird Anne-Marie , Smyth Paul , Casey Orla M. , Blackshields Gordon , Greene John , Pennington Stephen R. , Hams Emily , Fallon Padraic G. , O’Leary John , Sheils Orla , Finn Stephen P.
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 13.5% of all newly diagnosed male cancer cases. Significant clinical burdens remain in terms of ineffective prognostication, with overtreatment of insignificant disease. Additionally, the pathobiology underlying disease heterogeneity remains poorly understood. As the role of cancer stem cells in the perpetuation of aggressive carcinoma is being substantiated by experimental evidence, it is crucially important to understand the molecular mechanisms, which regulate key features of cancer stem cells. We investigated two methods for in vitro cultivation of putative prostate cancer stem cells based on ‘high-salt agar’ and ‘monoclonal cultivation’. Data demonstrated ‘monoclonal cultivation’ as the superior method. We demonstrated that ‘holoclones’ expressed canonical stem markers, retained the exclusive ability to generate poorly differentiated tumours in NOD/SCID mice and possessed a unique mRNA-miRNA gene signature. miRNA:Target interactions analysis visualised potentially critical regulatory networks, which are dysregulated in prostate cancer holoclones. The characterisation of this tumorigenic population lays the groundwork for this model to be used in the identification of proteomic or small non-coding RNA therapeutic targets for the eradication of this critical cellular population. This is significant, as it provides a potential route to limit development of aggressive disease and thus improve survival rates.
Visualization of cytoplasmic organelles via in-resin CLEM using an osmium-resistant far-red protein
Authors: Tanida Isei , Kakuta Soichiro , Oliva Trejo Juan Alejandro , Uchiyama Yasuo
Published: July 2020

Post-fixation with osmium tetroxide staining and the embedding of Epon are robust and essential treatments that are used to preserve and visualize intracellular membranous structures during electron microscopic analyses. These treatments, however, can significantly diminish the fluorescent intensity of most fluorescent proteins in cells, which creates an obstacle for the in-resin correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) of Epon-embedded cells. In this study, we used a far-red fluorescent protein that retains fluorescence after osmium staining and Epon embedding to perform an in-resin CLEM of Epon-embedded samples. The fluorescence of this protein was detected in 100 nm thin sections of the cells in Epon-embedded samples after fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and post-fixation with 1% osmium tetroxide. We performed in-resin CLEM of the mitochondria in Epon-embedded cells using a mitochondria-localized fluorescent protein. Using this protein, we achieved in-resin CLEM of the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum in thin sections of the cells in Epon-embedded samples. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of a far-red fluorescent protein retains its fluorescence after osmium staining and Epon-embedding, and it represents the first achievement of in-resin CLEM of both the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum in Epon-embedded samples.
A new functional JAZ degron sequence in strawberry JAZ1 revealed by structural and interaction studies on the COI1–JA-Ile/COR–JAZs complexes
Authors: Garrido-Bigotes Adrián , Valenzuela-Riffo Felipe , Torrejón Marcela , Solano Roberto , Morales-Quintana Luis , Figueroa Carlos R.
Published: July 2020

The phytohormone jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) regulates fundamental plant processes as developmental and defense responses. JA-Ile mediates the interaction between the F-box protein COI1 (part of the SCFCOI1 E3 ubiquitin ligase) and a JAZ repressor leading to early jasmonate responses. The Arabidopsis JAZ1 protein contains the canonical LPIARR degron sequence, which is responsible for the stabilization of the AtCOI1-JA-Ile-AtJAZ1 complex. In strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) JAZ family was described at the transcriptional level during fruit development but the information about the interaction mode of this complex is still scarce at the molecular level. To gain insight into the strawberry JA-Ile receptor complex, we evaluated the interaction at the structural level, and protein models were built and analyzed for FaCOI1 and FaJAZ1, FaJAZ8.1, and FaJAZ10. The interaction between FaCOI1 and FaJAZ1, FaJAZ8.1 and FaJAZ10 were explored using several ligands, through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, finding the strongest interaction with (+)-7-iso-JA-Ile than other ligands. Additionally, we tested interactions between FaCOI1 and FaJAZs by yeast two-hybrid assays in the presence of coronatine (COR, a JA-Ile mimic). We detected strong COR-dependent interactions between FaCOI1 and FaJAZ1. Interestingly, FaJAZ1 contains a new non-canonical (IPMQRK) functional degron sequence, in which Arg and Lys are the key residues for maintaining the interaction of the FaCOI1–COR–FaJAZ1 complex as we observed in mutated versions of the FaJAZ1 degron. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the IPMQRK degron is only present in orthologs belonging to the Rosoideae but not in other Rosaceae subfamilies. Together, this study uncovers a new degron sequence in plants, which could be required to make an alternative and functional JA-Ile perception complex in strawberry.
Digit ratio (2D:4D) in women and men with lung cancer
Authors: Kasielska-Trojan Anna , Manning J. T. , Antczak A. , Dutkowska A. , Kuczyński W. , Sitek A. , Antoszewski B.
Published: July 2020

A prenatal sex steroid environment of high prenatal testosterone and low prenatal oestrogen inhibits lung development and may predispose individuals to be vulnerable to lung disease in later life. Therefore, the aim of this report was to investigate whether there is an association between right and left 2D:4D (biomarker of prenatal sex steroids exposure) and primary lung cancer in women and men. Also, we considered the relationship between right–left 2D:4D (Δ2D:4D, a negative correlate of high prenatal testosterone and low prenatal oestrogen) and the age of lung cancer diagnosis. The study included 109 patients (61 men) with lung cancer and 197 controls (78 men). In the study we found that: (i) women with lung cancer have lower 2D:4D compared to controls (the effect was independent of smoking), (ii) among women with cancer, age at diagnosis was positively related to 2D:4D, i.e. women with masculinized 2D:4D present earlier with the cancer than women with feminized 2D:4D, (iii) among men with lung cancer, those with the most aggressive form (small-cell lung cancer) had masculinized (low) Δ2D:4D compared to those with the less aggressive form (non-small cell lung cancer). The data suggests that masculinized right 2D:4D and Δ2D:4D are associated with a predisposition to lung cancer and/or the more aggressive forms of lung cancer.
Establishment and validation of highly accurate formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded quantitative proteomics by heat-compatible pressure cycling technology using phase-transfer surfactant and SWATH-MS
Authors: Uchida Yasuo , Sasaki Hayate , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to establish a quantitative proteomic method able to accurately quantify pathological changes in the protein expression levels of not only non-membrane proteins, but also membrane proteins, using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Protein extraction from FFPE sections of mouse liver was increased 3.33-fold by pressure cycling technology (PCT) and reached the same level as protein extraction from frozen sections. After PCT-assisted processing of FFPE liver samples followed by SWATH-MS-based comprehensive quantification, the peak areas of 88.4% of peptides agreed with those from matched fresh samples within a 1.5-fold range. For membrane proteins, this percentage was remarkably increased from 49.1 to 93.8% by PCT. Compared to the conventional method using urea buffer, the present method using phase-transfer surfactant (PTS) buffer at 95 °C showed better agreement of peptide peak areas between FFPE and fresh samples. When our method using PCT and PTS buffer at 95 °C was applied to a bile duct ligation (BDL) disease model, the BDL/control expression ratios for 80.0% of peptides agreed within a 1.2-fold range between FFPE and fresh samples. This heat-compatible FFPE-PCT-SWATH proteomics technology using PTS is suitable for quantitative studies of pathological molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery utilizing widely available FFPE samples.
Candle flame soot sizing by planar time-resolved laser-induced incandescence
Authors: Verdugo Ignacio , Cruz Juan José , Álvarez Emilio , Reszka Pedro , Figueira da Silva Luís Fernando , Fuentes Andrés
Published: July 2020

Soot emissions from flaming combustion are relevant as a significant source of atmospheric pollution and as a source of nanomaterials. Candles are interesting targets for soot characterization studies since they burn complex fuels with a large number of carbon atoms, and yield stable and repeatable flames. We characterized the soot particle size distributions in a candle flame using the planar two-color time-resolved laser induced incandescence (2D-2C TiRe-LII) technique, which has been successfully applied to different combustion applications, but never before on a candle flame. Soot particles are heated with a planar laser sheet to temperatures above the normal flame temperatures. The incandescent soot particles emit thermal radiation, which decays over time when the particles cool down to the flame temperature. By analyzing the temporal decay of the incandescence signal, soot particle size distributions within the flame are obtained. Our results are consistent with previous works, and show that the outer edges of the flame are characterized by larger particles ($$\approx 60\,\hbox {nm}$$≈60nm), whereas smaller particles ($$\approx 25\,\hbox {nm}$$≈25nm) are found in the central regions. We also show that our effective temperature estimates have a maximum error of 100 K at early times, which decreases as the particles cool.
Influence of amorphous cellulose on mechanical, thermal, and hydrolytic degradation of poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Wan Ishak Wan Hafizi , Rosli Noor Afizah , Ahmad Ishak
Published: July 2020

Eco-friendly materials such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cellulose are gaining considerable interest as suitable substitutes for petroleum-based plastics. Therefore, amorphous cellulose (AC) was fabricated as a new reinforcing material for PLA biocomposites by modifying a microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) structure via milling. In this study, the mechanical properties, thermal properties, and degradability of PLA were analysed to compare the effects of both MCC and AC on PLA. The tensile and impact properties improved at an optimum value with AC at 8 wt% and 4 wt% fibre loading, respectively. Notably, a scanning electron micrograph analysis revealed improved AC fibre–matrix adhesion, compared with MCC fibre–matrix adhesion, as well as excellent interaction between AC and PLA. Both MCC and AC improved the hydrolytic degradation of PLA. Moreover, the biocomposites with AC exhibited superior degradation when the incorporation of AC improved the water absorption efficiency of PLA. These findings can expand AC applications and improve sustainability.
Classification and characterization of electromagnetic materials
Authors: Aladadi Yosef T. , Alkanhal Majeed A. S.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present an efficient method to classify complex electromagnetic materials. This method is based on the directional interaction of incident circularly polarized waves with the materials being tested. The presented method relies on an algorithm that classifies the test materials to one of the following categories: isotropic, chiral, bi-isotropic, symmetric anisotropic or general bianisotropic. The transmitted and reflected fields of right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized waves normally incident from three orthogonal orientations are utilized to determine the reflection/transmission coefficients and complex refractive indices. Both analytical and numerical solutions are used to compute fields of the circularly polarized waves from the arbitrary complex material slab. The complex materials are discriminated accordingly and then classified under an appropriate category. Additionally, new results for material characterization by extracting the scalar/tensorial parameters of bi-isotropic and gyrotropic materials are presented.
Pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in AhR deficient hosts is severe and associated with defective Treg and Th22 responses
Authors: de Araújo Eliseu Frank , Preite Nycolas Willian , Veldhoen Marc , Loures Flávio Vieira , Calich Vera Lúcia Garcia
Published: July 2020

AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays an important role in the innate and adaptive immune responses. In infection models, it has been associated with host responses that promote or inhibit disease progression. In pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis, a primary fungal infection endemic in Latin America, immune protection is mediated by Th1/Th17 cells and disease severity with predominant Th2/Th9/Treg responses. Because of its important role at epithelial barriers, we evaluate the role of AhR in the outcome of a pulmonary model of paracoccidioidomycosis. AhR−/− mice show increased fungal burdens, enhanced tissue pathology and mortality. During the infection, AhR−/− mice have more pulmonary myeloid cells with activated phenotype and reduced numbers expressing indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1. AhR-deficient lungs have altered production of cytokines and reduced numbers of innate lymphoid cells (NK, ILC3 and NCR IL-22). The lungs of AhR−/− mice showed increased presence Th17 cells concomitant with reduced numbers of Th1, Th22 and Foxp3+ Treg cells. Furthermore, treatment of infected WT mice with an AhR-specific antagonist (CH223191) reproduced the main findings obtained in AhR−/− mice. Collectively our data demonstrate that in pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis AhR controls fungal burden and excessive tissue inflammation and is a possible target for antifungal therapy.
Effect of microstructure change on permeability of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay soaked with zinc-ion solution
Authors: Ma Qiang , Xiang Jun-chen , Wu Nian-ze , Xiao Heng-lin
Published: July 2020

With the application of fiber-reinforcement technology, the mechanical properties of silty clay are improved with fiber reinforcement. However, the variation of permeability coefficient and other parameters of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, the permeability of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay soaked with zinc-contaminated solution under different osmotic pressure was tested by a flexible-wall permeameter, and the effects of zinc-ion concentration and confining pressure on the permeability of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay were studied. Genius XRF was employed to detect the types and quantity of metal elements in the specimens, thereafter, the reasons for the change of permeability were explained from chemical and microscopic perspective. The results showed that the permeability coefficient of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay decreased significantly with the increase of zinc-ion concentration in a low concentration (about 1–10 mg L−1). While in a high concentration (about 100 mg L−1), the permeability coefficient of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay changed little with the increase of zinc-ion concentration. While the flax-fiber reinforced silty clay was not soaked with zinc-ion solution, the permeability coefficient of the specimen increased with the increase of confining pressure. However, when the flax-fiber reinforced silty clay was soaked with zinc-contaminated solution, the permeability coefficient first decreased and then tended to be constant with the increase of confining pressure. With the increase of confining pressure, the porosity of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay decreased, and with the increase of zinc-ion concentration, the porosity of flax-fiber reinforced silty clay first increased and then decreased.
Global patterns of parasite diversity in cephalopods
Authors: Tedesco Perla , Bevilacqua Stanislao , Fiorito Graziano , Terlizzi Antonio
Published: July 2020

We compiled an updated global catalogue of parasites in cephalopods. Data were used to assess changes in taxonomic distinctness of parasites over two centuries and across the world’s oceans, to quantify turnover and nestedness components of parasite β-diversity, and to attempt estimating their γ-diversity at a global scale. A total of 309 parasites infecting 164 cephalopods were found. We hypothesize that this diversity counts for less than half the potential parasite richness in this molluscan taxon. Taxonomic breadth of parasites was significantly above expectations from null models for Mediterranean Sea and NE Atlantic Ocean, whereas the opposite occurred for NW Pacific Ocean, where a few closely related genera characterized the parasite pool. β-diversity of parasites was very high and dominated by turnover, except for the Atlantic Ocean where a nested pattern among sub-basins emerged. Taxonomic relatedness of parasite species remained substantially unchanged through time, but species replacements largely occurred over the last two centuries. Our findings highlighted potential hotspots of taxonomic distinctness in cephalopod parasites, geographic regions deserving future research, and the need for a deeper understanding of the magnitude of marine parasite diversity, their biogeography, and their role in marine ecosystems. Our global overview may represent a baseline step for future advances in this direction.
The behaviour of sea snakes (Emydocephalus annulatus) shifts with the tides
Authors: Goiran Claire , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard
Published: July 2020

Tidal cycles are known to affect the ecology of many marine animals, but logistical obstacles have discouraged behavioural studies on sea snakes in the wild. Here, we analyse a large dataset (1,445 observations of 126 individuals) to explore tidally-driven shifts in the behaviour of free-ranging turtle-headed sea snakes (Emydocephalus annulatus, Hydrophiinae) in the Baie des Citrons, New Caledonia. Snakes tended to move into newly-inundated areas with the rising tide, and became more active (e.g. switched from inactivity to mate-searching and courting) as water levels rose. However, the relative use of alternative habitat types was largely unaffected by tidal phase.
Nanosensors based on LSPR are able to serologically differentiate dengue from Zika infections
Authors: Versiani Alice F. , Martins Estefânia M. N. , Andrade Lidia M. , Cox Laura , Pereira Glauco C. , Barbosa-Stancioli Edel F. , Nogueira Mauricio L. , Ladeira Luiz O. , da Fonseca Flávio G.
Published: July 2020

The Flaviviridae virus family was named after the Yellow-fever virus, and the latin term flavi means “of golden color”. Dengue, caused by Dengue virus (DENV), is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. A sensitive and differential diagnosis is crucial for patient management, especially due to the occurrence of serological cross-reactivity to other co-circulating flaviviruses. This became particularly important with the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in areas were DENV seroprevalence was already high. We developed a sensitive and specific diagnostic test based on gold nanorods (GNR) functionalized with DENV proteins as nanosensors. These were able to detect as little as one picogram of anti-DENV monoclonal antibodies and highly diluted DENV-positive human sera. The nanosensors could differentiate DENV-positive sera from other flavivirus-infected patients, including ZIKV, and were even able to distinguish which DENV serotype infected individual patients. Readouts are obtained in ELISA-plate spectrophotometers without the need of specific devices.
NIR multiphoton ablation of cancer cells, fluorescence quenching and cellular uptake of dansyl-glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Buonerba Antonio , Lapenta Rosita , Donniacuo Anna , Licasale Magda , Vezzoli Elena , Milione Stefano , Capacchione Carmine , Tecce Mario Felice , Falqui Andrea , Piacentini Roberto , Grassi Claudio , Grassi Alfonso
Published: July 2020

Theranostics based on two-photon excitation of therapeutics in the NIR region is an emerging and powerful tool in cancer therapy since this radiation deeply penetrates healthy biological tissues and produces selective cell death. Aggregates of gold nanoparticles coated with glutathione corona functionalized with the dansyl chromophore (a-DG-AuNPs) were synthesized and found efficient nanodevice for applications in photothermal therapy (PTT). Actually the nanoparticle aggregation enhances the quenching of radiative excitation and the consequent conversion into heat. The a-DG-AuNPs are readily internalized in Hep G2 where the chromophore acts as both antenna and transducer of the NIR radiation under two-photons excitation, determining efficient cell ablation via photothermal effect.
Muographic monitoring of the volcano-tectonic evolution of Mount Etna
Authors: Lo Presti D. , Riggi F. , Ferlito C. , Bonanno D. L. , Bonanno G. , Gallo G. , La Rocca P. , Reito S. , Romeo G.
Published: July 2020

At Mount Etna volcano, the focus point of persistent tectonic extension is represented by the Summit Craters. A muographic telescope has been installed at the base of the North-East Crater from August 2017 to October 2019, with the specific aim to find time related variations in the density of volcanic edifice. The results are significant, since the elaborated images show the opening and evolution of different tectonic elements; in 2017, a cavity was detected months before the collapse of the crater floor and in 2018 a set of underground fractures was identified, at the tip of which, in June 2019, a new eruptive vent started its explosive activity, still going on (February, 2020). Although this is the pilot experiment of the project, the results confirm that muography could be a turning point in the comprehension of the plumbing system of the volcano and a fundamental step forward to do mid-term (weeks/months) predictions of eruptions. We are confident that an increment in the number of telescopes could lead to the realization of a monitoring system, which would keep under control the evolution of the internal dynamic of the uppermost section of the feeding system of an active volcano such as Mount Etna.
Reciprocal H3.3 gene editing identifies K27M and G34R mechanisms in pediatric glioma including NOTCH signaling
Authors: Chen Kuang-Yui , Bush Kelly , Klein Rachel Herndon , Cervantes Vanessa , Lewis Nichole , Naqvi Aasim , Carcaboso Angel M. , Lechpammer Mirna , Knoepfler Paul S.
Published: July 2020

Histone H3.3 mutations are a hallmark of pediatric gliomas, but their core oncogenic mechanisms are not well-defined. To identify major effectors, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce H3.3K27M and G34R mutations into previously H3.3-wildtype brain cells, while in parallel reverting the mutations in glioma cells back to wildtype. ChIP-seq analysis broadly linked K27M to altered H3K27me3 activity including within super-enhancers, which exhibited perturbed transcriptional function. This was largely independent of H3.3 DNA binding. The K27M and G34R mutations induced several of the same pathways suggesting key shared oncogenic mechanisms including activation of neurogenesis and NOTCH pathway genes. H3.3 mutant gliomas are also particularly sensitive to NOTCH pathway gene knockdown and drug inhibition, reducing their viability in culture. Reciprocal editing of cells generally produced reciprocal effects on tumorgenicity in xenograft assays. Overall, our findings define common and distinct K27M and G34R oncogenic mechanisms, including potentially targetable pathways.
Nano-imaging trace elements at organelle levels in substantia nigra overexpressing α-synuclein to model Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lemelle Laurence , Simionovici Alexandre , Colin Philippe , Knott Graham , Bohic Sylvain , Cloetens Peter , Schneider Bernard L.
Published: July 2020

Sub-cellular trace element quantifications of nano-heterogeneities in brain tissues offer unprecedented ways to explore at elemental level the interplay between cellular compartments in neurodegenerative pathologies. We designed a quasi-correlative method for analytical nanoimaging of the substantia nigra, based on transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence. It combines ultrastructural identifications of cellular compartments and trace element nanoimaging near detection limits, for increased signal-to-noise ratios. Elemental composition of different organelles is compared to cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments in dopaminergic neurons of rat substantia nigra. They exhibit 150–460 ppm of Fe, with P/Zn/Fe-rich nucleoli in a P/S-depleted nuclear matrix and Ca-rich rough endoplasmic reticula. Cytoplasm analysis displays sub-micron Fe/S-rich granules, including lipofuscin. Following AAV-mediated overexpression of α-synuclein protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, these granules shift towards higher Fe concentrations. This effect advocates for metal (Fe) dyshomeostasis in discrete cytoplasmic regions, illustrating the use of this method to explore neuronal dysfunction in brain diseases.
Purification of sialoglycoproteins from bovine milk using serotonin-functionalized magnetic particles and their application against influenza A virus
Authors: Wang Xilong , Ma Tianran , Yu Hanjie , Chen Zhuo , Zhu Bojing , Chen Wentian , Sun Shisheng , Li Zheng
Published: July 2020

Serotonin-functionalized particles were used to isolate sialoglycoproteins, which have the ability to inhibit the attachment of IAV mimics to MDCK cells.
Origin of Sn(ii) oxidation in tin halide perovskites
Authors: Pascual Jorge , Nasti Giuseppe , Aldamasy Mahmoud H. , Smith Joel A. , Flatken Marion , Phung Nga , Di Girolamo Diego , Turren-Cruz Silver-Hamill , Li Meng , Dallmann André , Avolio Roberto , Abate Antonio
Published: July 2020

Tin-halide perovskites have great potential as photovoltaic materials, but their performance is hampered by undesirable oxidation of Sn(ii) to Sn(iv). NMR proves DMSO to be a main cause of oxidation.