bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Victoria continental microplate dynamics controlled by the lithospheric strength distribution of the East African Rift
Authors: Glerum Anne , Brune Sascha , Stamps D. Sarah , Strecker Manfred R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Victoria microplate between the Eastern and Western Branches of the East African Rift System is one of the largest continental microplates on Earth. In striking contrast to its neighboring plates, Victoria rotates counterclockwise with respect to Nubia. The underlying cause of this distinctive rotation has remained elusive so far. Using 3D numerical models, we investigate the role of pre-existing lithospheric heterogeneities in continental microplate rotation. We find that Victoria’s rotation is primarily controlled by the distribution of rheologically stronger zones that transmit the drag of the major plates to the microplate and of the mechanically weaker mobile belts surrounding Victoria that facilitate rotation. Our models reproduce Victoria’s GPS-derived counterclockwise rotation as well as key complexities of the regional tectonic stress field. These results reconcile competing ideas on the opening of the rift system by highlighting differences in orientation of the far-field divergence, local extension, and the minimum horizontal stress.
Animal biosynthesis of complex polyketides in a photosynthetic partnership
Authors: Torres Joshua P. , Lin Zhenjian , Winter Jaclyn M. , Krug Patrick J. , Schmidt Eric W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractComplex polyketides are typically associated with microbial metabolism. Here, we report that animals also make complex, microbe-like polyketides. We show there is a widespread branch of fatty acid synthase- (FAS)-like polyketide synthase (PKS) proteins, which sacoglossan animals use to synthesize complex products. The purified sacogolassan protein EcPKS1 uses only methylmalonyl-CoA as a substrate, otherwise unknown in animal lipid metabolism. Sacoglossans are sea slugs, some of which eat algae, digesting the cells but maintaining functional chloroplasts. Here, we provide evidence that polyketides support this unusual photosynthetic partnership. The FAS-like PKS family represents an uncharacterized branch of polyketide and fatty acid metabolism, encoding a large diversity of biomedically relevant animal enzymes and chemicals awaiting discovery. The biochemical characterization of an intact animal polyketide biosynthetic enzyme opens the door to understanding the immense untapped metabolic potential of metazoans.
Blockade of VEGF-C signaling inhibits lymphatic malformations driven by oncogenic PIK3CA mutation
Authors: Martinez-Corral Ines , Zhang Yan , Petkova Milena , Ortsäter Henrik , Sjöberg Sofie , Castillo Sandra D. , Brouillard Pascal , Libbrecht Louis , Saur Dieter , Graupera Mariona , Alitalo Kari , Boon Laurence , Vikkula Miikka , Mäkinen Taija 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLymphatic malformations (LMs) are debilitating vascular anomalies presenting with large cysts (macrocystic) or lesions that infiltrate tissues (microcystic). Cellular mechanisms underlying LM pathology are poorly understood. Here we show that the somatic PIK3CAH1047R mutation, resulting in constitutive activation of the p110α PI3K, underlies both macrocystic and microcystic LMs in human. Using a mouse model of PIK3CAH1047R-driven LM, we demonstrate that both types of malformations arise due to lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-autonomous defects, with the developmental timing of p110α activation determining the LM subtype. In the postnatal vasculature, PIK3CAH1047R promotes LEC migration and lymphatic hypersprouting, leading to microcystic LMs that grow progressively in a vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)-dependent manner. Combined inhibition of VEGF-C and the PI3K downstream target mTOR using Rapamycin, but neither treatment alone, promotes regression of lesions. The best therapeutic outcome for LM is thus achieved by co-inhibition of the upstream VEGF-C/VEGFR3 and the downstream PI3K/mTOR pathways.
Marriage of black phosphorus and Cu2+ as effective photothermal agents for PET-guided combination cancer therapy
Authors: Hu Kuan , Xie Lin , Zhang Yiding , Hanyu Masayuki , Yang Zhimin , Nagatsu Kotaro , Suzuki Hisashi , Ouyang Jiang , Ji Xiaoyuan , Wei Junjie , Xu Hao , Farokhzad Omid C. , Liang Steven H. , Wang Lu , Tao Wei , Zhang Ming-Rong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe use of photothermal agents (PTAs) in cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) has shown promising results in clinical studies. The rapid degradation of PTAs may address safety concerns but usually limits the photothermal stability required for efficacious treatment. Conversely, PTAs with high photothermal stability usually degrade slowly. The solutions that address the balance between the high photothermal stability and rapid degradation of PTAs are rare. Here, we report that the inherent Cu2+-capturing ability of black phosphorus (BP) can accelerate the degradation of BP, while also enhancing photothermal stability. The incorporation of Cu2+into BP@Cu nanostructures further enables chemodynamic therapy (CDT)-enhanced PTT. Moreover, by employing64Cu2+, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can be achieved for in vivo real-time and quantitative tracking. Therefore, our study not only introduces an “ideal” PTA that bypasses the limitations of PTAs, but also provides the proof-of-concept application of BP-based materials in PET-guided, CDT-enhanced combination cancer therapy.
Shape adaptable and highly resilient 3D braided triboelectric nanogenerators as e-textiles for power and sensing
Authors: Dong Kai , Peng Xiao , An Jie , Wang Aurelia Chi , Luo Jianjun , Sun Baozhong , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCombining traditional textiles with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) gives birth to self-powered electronic textiles (e-textiles). However, there are two bottlenecks in their widespread application, low power output and poor sensing capability. Herein, by means of the three-dimensional five-directional braided (3DB) structure, a TENG-based e-textile with the features of high flexibility, shape adaptability, structural integrity, cyclic washability, and superior mechanical stability, is designed for power and sensing. Due to the spatial frame-column structure formed between the outer braided yarn and inner axial yarn, the 3DB-TENG is also endowed with high compression resilience, enhanced power output, improved pressure sensitivity, and vibrational energy harvesting ability, which can power miniature wearable electronics and respond to tiny weight variations. Furthermore, an intelligent shoe and an identity recognition carpet are demonstrated to verify its performance. This study hopes to provide a new design concept for high-performance textile-based TENGs and expand their application scope in human-machine interfacing.
Synergistic gene editing in human iPS cells via cell cycle and DNA repair modulation
Authors: Maurissen Thomas L. , Woltjen Knut 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrecise gene editing aims at generating single-nucleotide modifications to correct or model human disease. However, precision editing with nucleases such as CRIPSR-Cas9 has seen limited success due to poor efficiency and limited practicality. Here, we establish a fluorescent DNA repair assay in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to visualize and quantify the frequency of DNA repair outcomes during monoallelic and biallelic targeting. We found that modulating both DNA repair and cell cycle phase via defined culture conditions and small molecules synergistically enhanced the frequency of homology-directed repair (HDR). Notably, targeting in homozygous reporter cells results in high levels of editing with a vast majority of biallelic HDR outcomes. We then leverage efficient biallelic HDR with mixed ssODN repair templates to generate heterozygous mutations. Synergistic gene editing represents an effective strategy to generate precise genetic modifications in human iPS cells.
Sequential modification of bacterial chemoreceptors is key for achieving both accurate adaptation and high gain
Authors: Mello Bernardo A. , Beserra Anderson B. , Tu Yuhai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMany regulatory and signaling proteins have multiple modification sites. In bacterial chemotaxis, each chemoreceptor has multiple methylation sites that are responsible for adaptation. However, whether the ordering of the multisite methylation process affects adaptation remains unclear. Furthermore, the benefit of having multiple modification sites is also unclear. Here, we show that sequentially ordered methylation/demethylation is critical for perfect adaptation; adaptation accuracy decreases as randomness in the multisite methylation process increases. A tradeoff between adaptation accuracy and response gain is discovered. We find that this accuracy-gain tradeoff is lifted significantly by having more methylation sites, but only when the multisite modification process is sequential. Our study suggests that having multiple modification sites and a sequential modification process constitute a general strategy to achieve both accurate adaptation and high response gain simultaneously. Our theory agrees with existing data and predictions are made to help identify the molecular mechanism underlying ordered covalent modifications.
Adaptive reduction of male gamete number in the selfing plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tsuchimatsu Takashi , Kakui Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Misako , Marona Cindy , Tsutsui Hiroki , Hedhly Afif , Meng Dazhe , Sato Yutaka , Städler Thomas , Grossniklaus Ueli , Kanaoka Masahiro M. , Lenhard Michael , Nordborg Magnus , Shimizu Kentaro K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe number of male gametes is critical for reproductive success and varies between and within species. The evolutionary reduction of the number of pollen grains encompassing the male gametes is widespread in selfing plants. Here, we employ genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify underlying loci and to assess the molecular signatures of selection on pollen number-associated loci in the predominantly selfing plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Regions of strong association with pollen number are enriched for signatures of selection, indicating polygenic selection. We isolate the gene REDUCED POLLEN NUMBER1 (RDP1) at the locus with the strongest association. We validate its effect using a quantitative complementation test with CRISPR/Cas9-generated null mutants in nonstandard wild accessions. In contrast to pleiotropic null mutants, only pollen numbers are significantly affected by natural allelic variants. These data support theoretical predictions that reduced investment in male gametes is advantageous in predominantly selfing species.
NAP1-RELATED PROTEIN1 and 2 negatively regulate H2A.Z abundance in chromatin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zhong Zhenhui , Zhang Yaxin , Xu Linhao , Feng Suhua , Rayatpisheh Shima , Wohlschlegel James A. , Wang Zonghua , Jacobsen Steven E. , Ausin Israel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn eukaryotes, DNA wraps around histones to form nucleosomes, which are compacted into chromatin. DNA-templated processes, including transcription, require chromatin disassembly and reassembly mediated by histone chaperones. Additionally, distinct histone variants can replace core histones to regulate chromatin structure and function. Although replacement of H2A with the evolutionarily conserved H2A.Z via the SWR1 histone chaperone complex has been extensively studied, in plants little is known about how a reduction of H2A.Z levels can be achieved. Here, we show that NRP proteins cause a decrease of H2A.Z-containing nucleosomes in Arabidopsis under standard growing conditions. nrp1-1 nrp2-2 double mutants show an over-accumulation of H2A.Z genome-wide, especially at heterochromatic regions normally H2A.Z-depleted in wild-type plants. Our work suggests that NRP proteins regulate gene expression by counteracting SWR1, thereby preventing excessive accumulation of H2A.Z.
Devil's staircase transition of the electronic structures in CeSb
Authors: Kuroda Kenta , Arai Y. , Rezaei N. , Kunisada S. , Sakuragi S. , Alaei M. , Kinoshita Y. , Bareille C. , Noguchi R. , Nakayama M. , Akebi S. , Sakano M. , Kawaguchi K. , Arita M. , Ideta S. , Tanaka K. , Kitazawa H. , Okazaki K. , Tokunaga M. , Haga Y. , Shin S. , Suzuki H. S. , Arita R. , Kondo Takeshi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSolids with competing interactions often undergo complex phase transitions with a variety of long-periodic modulations. Among such transition, devil’s staircase is the most complex phenomenon, and for it, CeSb is the most famous material, where a number of the distinct phases with long-periodic magnetostructures sequentially appear below the Néel temperature. An evolution of the low-energy electronic structure going through the devil’s staircase is of special interest, which has, however, been elusive so far despite 40 years of intense research. Here, we use bulk-sensitive angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and reveal the devil’s staircase transition of the electronic structures. The magnetic reconstruction dramatically alters the band dispersions at each transition. Moreover, we find that the well-defined band picture largely collapses around the Fermi energy under the long-periodic modulation of the transitional phase, while it recovers at the transition into the lowest-temperature ground state. Our data provide the first direct evidence for a significant reorganization of the electronic structures and spectral functions occurring during the devil’s staircase.
Transcriptional and imaging-genetic association of cortical interneurons, brain function, and schizophrenia risk
Authors: Anderson Kevin M. , Collins Meghan A. , Chin Rowena , Ge Tian , Rosenberg Monica D. , Holmes Avram J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractInhibitory interneurons orchestrate information flow across the cortex and are implicated in psychiatric illness. Although interneuron classes have unique functional properties and spatial distributions, the influence of interneuron subtypes on brain function, cortical specialization, and illness risk remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate stereotyped negative correlation of somatostatin and parvalbumin transcripts within human and non-human primates. Cortical distributions of somatostatin and parvalbumin cell gene markers are strongly coupled to regional differences in functional MRI variability. In the general population (n = 9,713), parvalbumin-linked genes account for an enriched proportion of heritable variance in in-vivo functional MRI signal amplitude. Single-marker and polygenic cell deconvolution establish that this relationship is spatially dependent, following the topography of parvalbumin expression in post-mortem brain tissue. Finally, schizophrenia genetic risk is enriched among interneuron-linked genes and predicts cortical signal amplitude in parvalbumin-biased regions. These data indicate that the molecular-genetic basis of brain function is shaped by interneuron-related transcripts and may capture individual differences in schizophrenia risk.
Animal invaders threaten protected areas worldwide
Authors: Liu Xuan , Blackburn Tim M. , Song Tianjian , Wang Xuyu , Huang Cong , Li Yiming 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProtected areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation. However, alien species invasion is an increasing threat to biodiversity, and the extent to which protected areas worldwide are resistant to incursions of alien species remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate establishment by 894 terrestrial alien animals from 11 taxonomic groups including vertebrates and invertebrates across 199,957 protected areas at the global scale. We find that <10% of protected areas are home to any of the alien animals, but there is at least one established population within 10-100 km of the boundaries of 89%-99% of protected areas, while >95% of protected areas are environmentally suitable for establishment. Higher alien richness is observed in IUCN category-II national parks supposedly with stricter protection, and in larger protected areas with higher human footprint and more recent designation. Our results demonstrate that protected areas provide important protection from biological invasions, but invasions may become an increasingly dominant problem in the near future.
Perceptions of childhood asthma and its control among Malays in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sukri Nursyuhada , Ramdzan Siti Nurkamilla , Liew Su May , Salim Hani , Khoo Ee Ming 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChildren with poor asthma control have poor health outcomes. In Malaysia, the Malays have the highest asthma prevalence and poorest control compared to other ethnicities. We aimed to explore Malay children with asthma and their parents’ perceptions on asthma and its control. We conducted focus group discussions (FGD) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Sixteen children and parents (N = 32) participated. The perception of asthma was based on personal experience, cultural and religious beliefs, and there was mismatch between children and parents. Parents perceived mild symptoms as normal, some had poor practices, raising safety concerns as children were dependent on them for self-management. Conflicting religious opinions on inhaler use during Ramadhan caused confusion in practice. Parents perceived a lack of system support towards asthma care and asthma affected quality of life. Urgent intervention is needed to address misconceptions to improve asthma care in children.
Roadmap for naming uncultivated Archaea and Bacteria
Authors: Murray Alison E. , Freudenstein John , Gribaldo Simonetta , Hatzenpichler Roland , Hugenholtz Philip , Kämpfer Peter , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Lane Christopher E. , Papke R. Thane , Parks Donovan H. , Rossello-Mora Ramon , Stott Matthew B. , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Thrash J. Cameron , Venter Stephanus N. , Whitman William B. , Acinas Silvia G. , Amann Rudolf I. , Anantharaman Karthik , Armengaud Jean , Baker Brett J. , Barco Roman A. , Bode Helge B. , Boyd Eric S. , Brady Carrie L. , Carini Paul , Chain Patrick S. G. , Colman Daniel R. , DeAngelis Kristen M. , de los Rios Maria Asuncion , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Dunlap Christopher A. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Emerson David , Ettema Thijs J. G. , Eveillard Damien , Girguis Peter R. , Hentschel Ute , Hollibaugh James T. , Hug Laura A. , Inskeep William P. , Ivanova Elena P. , Klenk Hans-Peter , Li Wen-Jun , Lloyd Karen G. , Löffler Frank E. , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Moser Duane P. , Nunoura Takuro , Palmer Marike , Parro Victor , Pedrós-Alió Carlos , Probst Alexander J. , Smits Theo H. M. , Steen Andrew D. , Steenkamp Emma T. , Spang Anja , Stewart Frank J. , Tiedje James M. , Vandamme Peter , Wagner Michael , Wang Feng-Ping , Yarza Pablo , Hedlund Brian P. , Reysenbach Anna-Louise 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe assembly of single-amplified genomes (SAGs) and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) has led to a surge in genome-based discoveries of members affiliated with Archaea and Bacteria, bringing with it a need to develop guidelines for nomenclature of uncultivated microorganisms. The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) only recognizes cultures as ‘type material’, thereby preventing the naming of uncultivated organisms. In this Consensus Statement, we propose two potential paths to solve this nomenclatural conundrum. One option is the adoption of previously proposed modifications to the ICNP to recognize DNA sequences as acceptable type material; the other option creates a nomenclatural code for uncultivated Archaea and Bacteria that could eventually be merged with the ICNP in the future. Regardless of the path taken, we believe that action is needed now within the scientific community to develop consistent rules for nomenclature of uncultivated taxa in order to provide clarity and stability, and to effectively communicate microbial diversity.
Interface Engineered Binary Platinum Free Alloy-based Counter Electrodes with Improved Performance in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Wen-Wu , Jiang Wei , Liu Yu-Cheng , Niu Wen-Jun , Liu Mao-Cheng , Kong Ling-Bin , Lee Ling , Wang Zhiming M. , Chueh Yu-Lun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe high cost and platinum dissolution issues of counter electrodes (CEs) are two core problems for the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, different CEs based on binary alloy Ru81.09Co18.91, Ru80.55Se19.45 and Co20.85Se79.15 nanostructures for DSSCs were successfully synthesized and investigated by a facile and environmentally friendly approach. Here, we found that the Co20.85Se79.15 alloy CE-based device yields the higher photoelectric conversion efficiency of 7.08% compared with that (5.80%) of the DSSC using a pure Pt CE because of the larger number of active sites with improved charge transferability and reduced interface resistance by matching work function with the I3‒/I‒ redox electrolyte. The inexpensive synthesis method, cost-effectiveness and superior catalytic activity of the Co20.85Se79.15 alloy may open up a new avenue for the development of CEs for DSSCs in the near future.
Resprouting trees drive understory vegetation dynamics following logging in a temperate forest
Authors: Matula Radim , Řepka Radomír , Šebesta Jan , Pettit Joseph L. , Chamagne Juliette , Šrámek Martin , Horgan Katherine , Maděra Petr 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRemoval of canopy trees by logging causes shifts in herbaceous diversity and increases invasibility of the forest understory. However, disturbed (cut) trees of many species do not die but resprout from remaining parts. Because sprouts develop vigorously immediately after disturbances, we hypothesized that sprouts of logged trees offset the changes in species richness and invasibility of the herbaceous layer by eliminating the rise in the resource availability during the time before regeneration from seeds develops. To test this, we analyzed data on herbaceous vegetation and sprout biomass collected in a broadleaved temperate forest in the Czech Republic before and for 6 years after logging. Sprouts that were produced by most of the stumps of logged trees offset large rises in species richness and cover of herbaceous plants and the resource availability that followed logging, but they affected the alien plants more significantly than the native plants. The sprouting canopy effectually eliminated most of the alien species that colonized the forest following a logging event. These findings indicate that in forests dominated by tree species with resprouting ability, sprouts drive the early post-disturbance dynamics of the herbaceous layer. By offsetting the post-disturbance vegetation shifts, resprouting supports forest resilience.
On Improving The Computing Capacity of Dynamical Systems
Authors: Athanasiou Vasileios , Konkoli Zoran 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReservoir Computing has emerged as a practical approach for solving temporal pattern recognition problems. The procedure of preparing the system for pattern recognition is simple, provided that the dynamical system (reservoir) used for computation is complex enough. However, to achieve a sufficient reservoir complexity, one has to use many interacting elements. We propose a novel method to reduce the number of reservoir elements without reducing the computing capacity of the device. It is shown that if an auxiliary input channel can be engineered, the drive, advantageous correlations between the signal one wishes to analyse and the state of the reservoir can emerge, increasing the intelligence of the system. The method has been illustrated on the problem of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal classification. By using a reservoir with only one element, and an optimised drive, more than 93% of the signals have been correctly labelled.