bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A segregated cortical stream for retinal direction selectivity
Authors: Rasmussen Rune , Matsumoto Akihiro , Dahlstrup Sietam Monica , Yonehara Keisuke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractVisual features extracted by retinal circuits are streamed into higher visual areas (HVAs) after being processed along the visual hierarchy. However, how specialized neuronal representations of HVAs are built, based on retinal output channels, remained unclear. Here, we addressed this question by determining the effects of genetically disrupting retinal direction selectivity on motion-evoked responses in visual stages from the retina to HVAs in mice. Direction-selective (DS) cells in the rostrolateral (RL) area that prefer higher temporal frequencies, and that change direction tuning bias as the temporal frequency of a stimulus increases, are selectively reduced upon retinal manipulation. DS cells in the primary visual cortex projecting to area RL, but not to the posteromedial area, were similarly affected. Therefore, the specific connectivity of cortico-cortical projection neurons routes feedforward signaling originating from retinal DS cells preferentially to area RL. We thus identify a cortical processing stream for motion computed in the retina.
Androgen receptor-binding sites are highly mutated in prostate cancer
Authors: Morova Tunç , McNeill Daniel R. , Lallous Nada , Gönen Mehmet , Dalal Kush , Wilson David M. , Gürsoy Attila , Keskin Özlem , Lack Nathan A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAndrogen receptor (AR) signalling is essential in nearly all prostate cancers. Any alterations to AR-mediated transcription can have a profound effect on carcinogenesis and tumor growth. While mutations of the AR protein have been extensively studied, little is known about those somatic mutations that occur at the non-coding regions where AR binds DNA. Using clinical whole genome sequencing, we show that AR binding sites have a dramatically increased rate of mutations that is greater than any other transcription factor and specific to only prostate cancer. Demonstrating this may be common to lineage-specific transcription factors, estrogen receptor binding sites were also found to have elevated rate of mutations in breast cancer. We provide evidence that these mutations at AR binding sites, and likely other related transcription factors, are caused by faulty repair of abasic sites. Overall, this work demonstrates that non-coding AR binding sites are frequently mutated in prostate cancer and can impact enhancer activity.
High-speed modulation of a terahertz quantum cascade laser by coherent acoustic phonon pulses
Authors: Dunn Aniela , Poyser Caroline , Dean Paul , Demić Aleksandar , Valavanis Alexander , Indjin Dragan , Salih Mohammed , Kundu Iman , Li Lianhe , Akimov Andrey , Davies Alexander Giles , Linfield Edmund , Cunningham John , Kent Anthony 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe fast modulation of lasers is a fundamental requirement for applications in optical communications, high-resolution spectroscopy and metrology. In the terahertz-frequency range, the quantum-cascade laser (QCL) is a high-power source with the potential for high-frequency modulation. However, conventional electronic modulation is limited fundamentally by parasitic device impedance, and so alternative physical processes must be exploited to modulate the QCL gain on ultrafast timescales. Here, we demonstrate an alternative mechanism to modulate the emission from a QCL device, whereby optically-generated acoustic phonon pulses are used to perturb the QCL bandstructure, enabling fast amplitude modulation that can be controlled using the QCL drive current or strain pulse amplitude, to a maximum modulation depth of 6% in our experiment. We show that this modulation can be explained using perturbation theory analysis. While the modulation rise-time was limited to ~800 ps by our measurement system, theoretical considerations suggest considerably faster modulation could be possible.
Programming bulk enzyme heterojunctions for biosensor development with tetrahedral DNA framework
Authors: Song Ping , Shen Juwen , Ye Dekai , Dong Baijun , Wang Fei , Pei Hao , Wang Jianbang , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Xue Wei , Huang Yiran , Huang Gang , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProtein-protein interactions are spatially regulated in living cells to realize high reaction efficiency, as seen in naturally existing electron-transfer chains. Nevertheless, arrangement of chemical/biochemical components at the artificial device interfaces does not possess the same level of control. Here we report a tetrahedral DNA framework-enabled bulk enzyme heterojunction (BEH) strategy to program the multi-enzyme catalytic cascade at the interface of electrochemical biosensors. The construction of interpenetrating network of BEH at the millimeter-scale electrode interface brings enzyme pairs within the critical coupling length (CCL) of ~10 nm, which in turn greatly improve the overall catalytic cascade efficiency by ~10-fold. We demonstrate the BEH generality with a range of enzyme pairs for electrochemically detecting clinically relevant molecular targets. As a proof of concept, a BEH-based sarcosine sensor enables single-step detection of the metabolic biomarker of sarcosine with ultrasensitivity, which hold the potential for precision diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer.
Single-pass transformation of syngas into ethanol with high selectivity by triple tandem catalysis
Authors: Kang Jincan , He Shun , Zhou Wei , Shen Zheng , Li Yangyang , Chen Mingshu , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSynthesis of ethanol from non-petroleum carbon resources via syngas (a mixture of H2and CO) is an important but challenging research target. The current conversion of syngas to ethanol suffers from low selectivity or multiple processes with high energy consumption. Here, we report a high-selective conversion of syngas into ethanol by a triple tandem catalysis. An efficient trifunctional tandem system composed of potassium-modified ZnO–ZrO2, modified zeolite mordenite and Pt–Sn/SiC working compatibly in syngas stream in one reactor can afford ethanol with a selectivity of 90%. We demonstrate that the K+–ZnO–ZrO2catalyses syngas conversion to methanol and the mordenite with eight-membered ring channels functions for methanol carbonylation to acetic acid, which is then hydrogenated to ethanol over the Pt–Sn/SiC catalyst. The present work offers an effective methodology leading to high selective conversion by decoupling a single-catalyst-based complicated and uncontrollable reaction into well-controlled multi-steps in tandem in one reactor.
The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey, data from 13,310 farm households in 21 countries
Authors: van Wijk Mark , Hammond James , Gorman Leo , Adams Sam , Ayantunde Augustine , Baines David , Bolliger Adrian , Bosire Caroline , Carpena Pietro , Chesterman Sabrina , Chinyophiro Amon , Daudi Happy , Dontsop Paul , Douxchamps Sabine , Emera Willy Desire , Fraval Simon , Fonte Steven , Hok Lyda , Kiara Henry , Kihoro Esther , Korir Luke , Lamanna Christine , Long Chau T. M. , Manyawu Godfrey , Mehrabi Zia , Mengistu Dejene K. , Mercado Leida , Meza Katherin , Mora Vesalio , Mutemi Jacob , Ng’endo Mary , Njingulula Paulin , Okafor Chris , Pagella Tim , Phengsavanh Phonepaseuth , Rao James , Ritzema Randall , Rosenstock Todd S. , Skirrow Tom , Steinke Jonathan , Stirling Clare , Gabriel Suchini Jose , Teufel Nils , Thorne Peter , Vanek Steven , van Etten Jacob , Vanlauwe Bernard , Wichern Jannike , Yameogo Viviane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) is a standardized farm household survey approach which collects information on 758 variables covering household demographics, farm area, crops grown and their production, livestock holdings and their production, agricultural product use and variables underlying standard socio-economic and food security indicators such as the Probability of Poverty Index, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and household dietary diversity. These variables are used to quantify more than 40 different indicators on farm and household characteristics, welfare, productivity, and economic performance. Between 2015 and the beginning of 2018, the survey instrument was applied in 21 countries in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The data presented here include the raw survey response data, the indicator calculation code, and the resulting indicator values. These data can be used to quantify on- and off-farm pathways to food security, diverse diets, and changes in poverty for rural smallholder farm households.
Validation of a New Rodent Experimental System to Investigate Consequences of Long Duration Space Habitation
Authors: Choi Sungshin Y. , Saravia-Butler Amanda , Shirazi-Fard Yasaman , Leveson-Gower Dennis , Stodieck Louis S. , Cadena Samuel M. , Beegle Janet , Solis Stephanie , Ronca April , Globus Ruth K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAnimal models are useful for exploring the health consequences of prolonged spaceflight. Capabilities were developed to perform experiments in low earth orbit with on-board sample recovery, thereby avoiding complications caused by return to Earth. For NASA’s Rodent Research-1 mission, female mice (ten 32 wk C57BL/6NTac; ten 16 wk C57BL/6J) were launched on an unmanned vehicle, then resided on the International Space Station for 21/22d or 37d in microgravity. Mice were euthanized on-orbit, livers and spleens dissected, and remaining tissues frozen in situ for later analyses. Mice appeared healthy by daily video health checks and body, adrenal, and spleen weights of 37d-flight (FLT) mice did not differ from ground controls housed in flight hardware (GC), while thymus weights were 35% greater in FLT than GC. Mice exposed to 37d of spaceflight displayed elevated liver mass (33%) and select enzyme activities compared to GC, whereas 21/22d-FLT mice did not. FLT mice appeared more physically active than respective GC while soleus muscle showed expected atrophy. RNA and enzyme activity levels in tissues recovered on-orbit were of acceptable quality. Thus, this system establishes a new capability for conducting long-duration experiments in space, enables sample recovery on-orbit, and avoids triggering standard indices of chronic stress.
Complementary roles of murine NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 in acute itch signalling
Authors: Kühn Helen , Kappes Leonie , Wolf Katharina , Gebhardt Lisa , Neurath Markus F. , Reeh Peter , Fischer Michael J. M. , Kremer Andreas E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcute pruritus occurs in various disorders. Despite severe repercussions on quality of life treatment options remain limited. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are indispensable for transformation and propagation of sensory signals implicating them as drug targets. Here, NaV1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 were compared for their contribution to itch by analysing NaV-specific knockout mice. Acute pruritus was induced by a comprehensive panel of pruritogens (C48/80, endothelin, 5-HT, chloroquine, histamine, lysophosphatidic acid, trypsin, SLIGRL, β-alanine, BAM8-22), and scratching was assessed using a magnet-based recording technology. We report an unexpected stimulus-dependent diversity in NaV channel-mediated itch signalling. NaV1.7−/− showed substantial scratch reduction mainly towards strong pruritogens. NaV1.8−/− impaired histamine and 5-HT-induced scratching while NaV1.9 was involved in itch signalling towards 5-HT, C48/80 and SLIGRL. Furthermore, similar microfluorimetric calcium responses of sensory neurons and expression of itch-related TRP channels suggest no change in sensory transduction but in action potential transformation and conduction. The cumulative sum of scratching over all pruritogens confirmed a leading role of NaV1.7 and indicated an overall contribution of NaV1.9. Beside the proposed general role of NaV1.7 and 1.9 in itch signalling, scrutiny of time courses suggested NaV1.8 to sustain prolonged itching. Therefore, NaV1.7 and 1.9 may represent targets in pruritus therapy.
A Fast and Sensitive Luciferase-based Assay for Antibody Engineering and Design of Chimeric Antigen Receptors
Authors: Natarajan Venkatesh , Gopalakrishnan Ramakrishnan , Matta Hittu , Choi Sunju , Gong Songjie , Jeronimo Alberto , Keerthipati Pooja Smruthi , Morales Anthony , Venkatesh Harishwar , Chaudhary Preet M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSuccess of immunotherapeutic approaches using genetically engineered antibodies and T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) depends, among other things, on the selection of antigen binding domains with desirable expression and binding characteristics. We developed a luciferase-based assay, termed Malibu-Glo Assay, which streamlines the process of optimization of an antigen binding domain with desirable properties and allows the sensitive detection of tumor antigens. The assay involves a recombinant immunoconjugate, termed Malibu-Glo reagent, comprising an immunoglobulin or a non-immunoglobulin based antigen binding domain genetically linked to a marine luciferase. Malibu-Glo reagent can be conveniently produced in mammalian cells as a secreted protein that retains the functional activity of both the antigen binding domain and the luciferase. Moreover, crude supernatant containing the secreted Malibu-Glo reagent can directly be used for detection of cell surface antigens obviating the laborious steps of protein purification and labeling. We further demonstrate the utility of Malibu-Glo assay for the selection of optimal single chain fragment variables (scFvs) with desired affinity characteristics for incorporation into CARs. In summary, Malibu-Glo assay is a fast, simple, sensitive, specific and economical assay for antigen detection with multiple applications in the fields of antibody engineering, antibody humanization and CAR-T cell therapy.
Self-assembling behavior and interface structure in vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x films on (001) (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrates
Authors: Cheng Shao-Dong , Lu Lu , Cheng Sheng , Shen Lvkang , Liu Ming , Dai Yanzhu , Wu Sheng-Qiang , Mi Shao-Bo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHeteroepitaxial oxide-based nanocomposite films possessing a variety of functional properties have attracted tremendous research interest. Here, self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x (x = 0.2 and 0.5) films have been successfully grown on single-crystalline (001) (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrates by the pulsed laser deposition technique. Self-assembling behavior of the nanocomposite films and atomic-scale interface structure between Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 matrix and CeO2 nanopillars have been investigated by advanced electron microscopy techniques. Two different orientation relationships, (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(001)[1-10]CeO2 and (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(110)[1-10]CeO2, form between Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 and CeO2 in the (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)0.8:(CeO2)0.2 film along the film growth direction, which is essentially different from vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)0.5:(CeO2)0.5 films having only (001)[100]Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3//(001)[1-10]CeO2 orientation relationship. Both coherent and semi-coherent Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3/CeO2 interface appear in the films. In contrast to semi-coherent interface with regular distribution of interfacial dislocations, interface reconstruction occurs at the coherent Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3/CeO2 interface. Our findings indicate that epitaxial strain imposed by the concentration of CeO2 in the nanocomposite films affects the self-assembling behavior of the vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x films.
Selection for Male Weapons Boosts Female Fecundity, Eliminating Sexual Conflict in the Bulb Mite
Authors: Buzatto Bruno A. , Clark Huon L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractExtreme differences between the sexes are usually explained by intense sexual selection on male weapons or ornaments. Sexually antagonistic genes, with a positive effect on male traits but a negative effect on female fitness, create a negative inter-sexual correlation for fitness (sexual conflict). However, such antagonism might not be apparent if sexually selected male traits are condition-dependent, and condition elevates female fitness. Here we reveal a surprising positive genetic correlation between male weaponry and female fecundity. Using mite lines that had previously been through 13 generations of selection on male weapons (fighting legs), we investigated correlated evolution in female fecundity. Females from lines under positive selection for weapons (up lines) evolved higher fecundity, despite evolving costly, thicker legs. This is likely because male mites have condition-dependent weaponry that increases our ability to indirectly select on male condition. Alleles with positive effects on condition in both sexes could have generated this correlation because: the up lines evolved a higher proportion of fighters and there were positive correlations between weapon size and the male morph and sex ratios of the offspring. This positive inter-sexual genetic correlation should boost the evolution of male weapons and extreme sex differences.
Epigenetic inhibitors target multiple stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasites
Authors: Coetzee Nanika , von Grüning Hilde , Opperman Daniel , van der Watt Mariette , Reader Janette , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe epigenome of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is associated with regulation of various essential processes in the parasite including control of proliferation during asexual development as well as control of sexual differentiation. The unusual nature of the epigenome has prompted investigations into the potential to target epigenetic modulators with novel chemotypes. Here, we explored the diversity within a library of 95 compounds, active against various epigenetic modifiers in cancerous cells, for activity against multiple stages of P. falciparum development. We show that P. falciparum is differentially susceptible to epigenetic perturbation during both asexual and sexual development, with early stage gametocytes particularly sensitive to epi-drugs targeting both histone and non-histone epigenetic modifiers. Moreover, 5 compounds targeting histone acetylation and methylation show potent multistage activity against asexual parasites, early and late stage gametocytes, with transmission-blocking potential. Overall, these results warrant further examination of the potential antimalarial properties of these hit compounds.
Acoustic tracheal rupture provides insights into larval mosquito respiration
Authors: Nyberg Herbert J. , Muto Kunihiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcoustic larviciding (AL) occurs by exposing mosquito larvae to acoustic energy that ruptures their dorsal tracheal trunks (DTTs) by the expulsion of gas bubbles into the body. In studying this technique, we serendipitously identified undescribed anatomical and physiological respiratory features. The classical theory of respiration is that the siphon and DTTs play obligate roles in respiration. Our results contradict the accepted theory that culicine larvae respire via atmospheric gas exchange. We identified an undescribed tracheal occlusion (TO) at the posterior extremities the DTTs. The TOs appear necessary for the acoustic rupture of DTTs; this constriction prevents the escape of energized gas from the siphon and allows the tracheal system to be pressurized. With a pressurized isolated tracheal system, metabolic gas exchange directly with the atmosphere is unlikely and could mostly occur through the chitin and setae. Future studies are needed to explore respiration and elucidate the mechanisms of oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide elimination.
Genome-wide inference of the Camponotus floridanus protein-protein interaction network using homologous mapping and interacting domain profile pairs
Authors: Gupta Shishir K. , Srivastava Mugdha , Osmanoglu Özge , Dandekar Thomas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractApart from some model organisms, the interactome of most organisms is largely unidentified. High-throughput experimental techniques to determine protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are resource intensive and highly susceptible to noise. Computational methods of PPI determination can accelerate biological discovery by identifying the most promising interacting pairs of proteins and by assessing the reliability of identified PPIs. Here we present a first in-depth study describing a global view of the antCamponotus floridanusinteractome. Although several ant genomes have been sequenced in the last eight years, studies exploring and investigating PPIs in ants are lacking. Our study attempts to fill this gap and the presented interactome will also serve as a template for determining PPIs in other ants in future. OurC. floridanusinteractome covers 51,866 non-redundant PPIs among 6,274 proteins, including 20,544 interactions supported by domain-domain interactions (DDIs), 13,640 interactions supported by DDIs and subcellular localization, and 10,834 high confidence interactions mediated by 3,289 proteins. These interactions involve and cover 30.6% of the entireC. floridanusproteome.
Metabolism-associated genome-wide epigenetic changes in bovine oocytes during early lactation
Authors: Poirier Mikhael , Tesfaye Dawit , Hailay Tsige , Salilew-Wondim Dessie , Gebremedhn Samuel , Rings Franca , Neuhoff Christiane , Schellander Karl , Hoelker Michael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDietary intake in early lactating cows is outmatched by milk production. These cows experience a negative energy balance, resulting in a distinct blood metabolism and poor reproductive function due to impaired ovulation and increased embryo loss. We hypothesize that oocytes from lactating cows undergoing transient metabolic stress exhibit a different epigenetic profile crucial for developmental competence. To investigate this, we collected oocytes from metabolically-profiled cows at early- and mid-postpartum stages and characterized their epigenetic landscape compared with control heifers using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Early-postpartum cows were metabolically deficient with a significantly lower energy balance and significantly higher concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate than mid-postpartum animals and control heifers. Accordingly, 32,990 early-postpartum-specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were found in genes involved in metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism, likely descriptive of the epigenetic regulation of metabolism in early-postpartum oocytes. DMRs found overlapping CpG islands and exons of imprinted genes such as MEST and GNAS in early-postpartum oocytes suggest that early lactation metabolic stress may affect imprint acquisition, which could explain the embryo loss. This whole-genome approach introduces potential candidate genes governing the link between metabolic stress and the reproductive outcome of oocytes.