bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collective excitation of plasmon-coupled Au-nanochain boosts photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of semiconductor
Authors: Yu Guiyang , Qian Jun , Zhang Peng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Wenxiang , Yan Wenfu , Liu Gang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLocalized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) offers a valuable opportunity to improve the efficiency of photocatalysts. However, plasmonic enhancement of photoconversion is still limited, as most of metal-semiconductor building blocks depend on LSPR contribution of isolated metal nanoparticles. In this contribution, the concept of collective excitation of embedded metal nanoparticles is demonstrated as an effective strategy to enhance the utilization of plasmonic energy. The contribution of Au-nanochain to the enhancement of photoconversion is 3.5 times increase in comparison with that of conventional isolated Au nanoparticles. Experimental characterization and theoretical simulation show that strongly coupled plasmonic nanostructure of Au-nanochain give rise to highly intensive electromagnetic field. The enhanced strength of electromagnetic field essentially boosts the formation rate of electron-hole pair in semiconductor, and ultimately improves photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. The concept of embedded coupled-metal nanostructure represents a promising strategy for the rational design of high-performance photocatalysts.
Conductive 2D metal-organic framework for high-performance cathodes in aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries
Authors: Nam Kwan Woo , Park Sarah S. , dos Reis Roberto , Dravid Vinayak P. , Kim Heejin , Mirkin Chad A. , Stoddart J. Fraser 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCurrently, there is considerable interest in developing advanced rechargeable batteries that boast efficient distribution of electricity and economic feasibility for use in large-scale energy storage systems. Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries in terms of rate performance, cost, and safety. In this investigation, we employ Cu3(HHTP)2, a two-dimensional (2D) conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) with large one-dimensional channels, as a zinc battery cathode. Owing to its unique structure, hydrated Zn2+ ions which are inserted directly into the host structure, Cu3(HHTP)2, allow high diffusion rate and low interfacial resistance which enable the Cu3(HHTP)2 cathode to follow the intercalation pseudocapacitance mechanism. Cu3(HHTP)2 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 228 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. At a high current density of 4000 mA g−1 (~18 C), 75.0% of the initial capacity is maintained after 500 cycles. These results provide key insights into high-performance, 2D conductive MOF designs for battery electrodes.
Carbon and health implications of trade restrictions
Authors: Lin Jintai , Du Mingxi , Chen Lulu , Feng Kuishuang , Liu Yu , V. Martin Randall , Wang Jingxu , Ni Ruijing , Zhao Yu , Kong Hao , Weng Hongjian , Liu Mengyao , van Donkelaar Aaron , Liu Qiuyu , Hubacek Klaus 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn a globalized economy, production of goods can be disrupted by trade disputes. Yet the resulting impacts on carbon dioxide emissions and ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) related premature mortality are unclear. Here we show that in contrast to a free trade world, with the emission intensity in each sector unchanged, an extremely anti-trade scenario with current tariffs plus an additional 25% tariff on each traded product would reduce the global export volume by 32.5%, gross domestic product by 9.0%, carbon dioxide by 6.3%, and PM2.5-related mortality by 4.1%. The respective impacts would be substantial for the United States, Western Europe and China. A freer trade scenario would increase global carbon dioxide emission and air pollution due to higher levels of production, especially in developing regions with relatively high emission intensities. Global collaborative actions to reduce emission intensities in developing regions could help achieve an economic-environmental win-win state through globalization.
Hypothalamus-hippocampus circuitry regulates impulsivity via melanin-concentrating hormone
Authors: Noble Emily E. , Wang Zhuo , Liu Clarissa M. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Suarez Andrea N. , Stein Lauren M. , Tsan Linda , Terrill Sarah J. , Hsu Ted M. , Jung A-Hyun , Raycraft Lauren M. , Hahn Joel D. , Darvas Martin , Cortella Alyssa M. , Schier Lindsey A. , Johnson Alexander W. , Hayes Matthew R. , Holschneider Daniel P. , Kanoski Scott E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBehavioral impulsivity is common in various psychiatric and metabolic disorders. Here we identify a hypothalamus to telencephalon neural pathway for regulating impulsivity involving communication from melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-expressing lateral hypothalamic neurons to the ventral hippocampus subregion (vHP). Results show that both site-specific upregulation (pharmacological or chemogenetic) and chronic downregulation (RNA interference) of MCH communication to the vHP increases impulsive responding in rats, indicating that perturbing this system in either direction elevates impulsivity. Furthermore, these effects are not secondary to either impaired timing accuracy, altered activity, or increased food motivation, consistent with a specific role for vHP MCH signaling in the regulation of impulse control. Results from additional functional connectivity and neural pathway tracing analyses implicate the nucleus accumbens as a putative downstream target of vHP MCH1 receptor-expressing neurons. Collectively, these data reveal a specific neural circuit that regulates impulsivity and provide evidence of a novel function for MCH on behavior.
Increased yields and biological potency of knob-into-hole-based soluble MHC class II molecules
Authors: Serra Pau , Garabatos Nahir , Singha Santiswarup , Fandos César , Garnica Josep , Solé Patricia , Parras Daniel , Yamanouchi Jun , Blanco Jesús , Tort Meritxell , Ortega Mireia , Yang Yang , Ellestad Kristofor K. , Santamaria Pere 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAssembly of soluble peptide-major histocompatibility complex class II (pMHCII) monomers into multimeric structures enables the detection of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in biological samples and, in some configurations, their reprogramming in vivo. Unfortunately, current MHCII-αβ chain heterodimerization strategies are typically associated with low production yields and require the use of foreign affinity tags for purification, precluding therapeutic applications in humans. Here, we show that fusion of peptide-tethered or empty MHCII-αβ chains to the IgG1-Fc mutated to form knob-into-hole structures results in the assembly of highly stable pMHCII monomers. This design enables the expression and rapid purification of challenging pMHCII types at high yields without the need for leucine zippers and purification affinity tags. Importantly, this design increases the antigen-receptor signaling potency of multimerized derivatives useful for therapeutic applications and facilitates the detection and amplification of low-avidity T cell specificities in biological samples using flow cytometry.
Cryo-EM structure of the complete E. coli DNA gyrase nucleoprotein complex
Authors: Vanden Broeck Arnaud , Lotz Christophe , Ortiz Julio , Lamour Valérie 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDNA gyrase is an essential enzyme involved in the homeostatic control of DNA supercoiling and the target of successful antibacterial compounds. Despite extensive studies, a detailed architecture of the full-length DNA gyrase from the model organism E. coli is still missing. Herein, we report the complete structure of the E. coli DNA gyrase nucleoprotein complex trapped by the antibiotic gepotidacin, using phase-plate single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. Our data unveil the structural and spatial organization of the functional domains, their connections and the position of the conserved GyrA-box motif. The deconvolution of two states of the DNA-binding/cleavage domain provides a better understanding of the allosteric movements of the enzyme complex. The local atomic resolution in the DNA-bound area reaching up to 3.0 Å enables the identification of the antibiotic density. Altogether, this study paves the way for the cryo-EM determination of gyrase complexes with antibiotics and opens perspectives for targeting conformational intermediates.
Computing by modulating spontaneous cortical activity patterns as a mechanism of active visual processing
Authors: Chen Guozhang , Gong Pulin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCortical populations produce complex spatiotemporal activity spontaneously without sensory inputs. However, the fundamental computational roles of such spontaneous activity remain unclear. Here, we propose a new neural computation mechanism for understanding how spontaneous activity is actively involved in cortical processing: Computing by Modulating Spontaneous Activity (CMSA). Using biophysically plausible circuit models, we demonstrate that spontaneous activity patterns with dynamical properties, as found in empirical observations, are modulated or redistributed by external stimuli to give rise to neural responses. We find that this CMSA mechanism of generating neural responses provides profound computational advantages, such as actively speeding up cortical processing. We further reveal that the CMSA mechanism provides a unifying explanation for many experimental findings at both the single-neuron and circuit levels, and that CMSA in response to natural stimuli such as face images is the underlying neurophysiological mechanism of perceptual “bubbles” as found in psychophysical studies.
Neuronal network dysfunction in a model for Kleefstra syndrome mediated by enhanced NMDAR signaling
Authors: Frega Monica , Linda Katrin , Keller Jason M. , Gümüş-Akay Güvem , Mossink Britt , van Rhijn Jon-Ruben , Negwer Moritz , Klein Gunnewiek Teun , Foreman Katharina , Kompier Nine , Schoenmaker Chantal , van den Akker Willem , van der Werf Ilse , Oudakker Astrid , Zhou Huiqing , Kleefstra Tjitske , Schubert Dirk , van Bokhoven Hans , Nadif Kasri Nael 
Published: October 2019

AbstractKleefstra syndrome (KS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the histone methyltransferase EHMT1. To study the impact of decreased EHMT1 function in human cells, we generated excitatory cortical neurons from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from KS patients. Neuronal networks of patient-derived cells exhibit network bursting with a reduced rate, longer duration, and increased temporal irregularity compared to control networks. We show that these changes are mediated by upregulation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit 1 correlating with reduced deposition of the repressive H3K9me2 mark, the catalytic product of EHMT1, at the GRIN1 promoter. In mice EHMT1 deficiency leads to similar neuronal network impairments with increased NMDAR function. Finally, we rescue the KS patient-derived neuronal network phenotypes by pharmacological inhibition of NMDARs. Summarized, we demonstrate a direct link between EHMT1 deficiency and NMDAR hyperfunction in human neurons, providing a potential basis for more targeted therapeutic approaches for KS.
If we build it they will come: targeting the immune response to breast cancer
Authors: Gatti-Mays Margaret E. , Balko Justin M. , Gameiro Sofia R. , Bear Harry D. , Prabhakaran Sangeetha , Fukui Jami , Disis Mary L. , Nanda Rita , Gulley James L. , Kalinsky Kevin , Abdul Sater Houssein , Sparano Joseph A. , Cescon David , Page David B. , McArthur Heather , Adams Sylvia , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHistorically, breast cancer tumors have been considered immunologically quiescent, with the majority of tumors demonstrating low lymphocyte infiltration, low mutational burden, and modest objective response rates to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Tumor and immunologic profiling has shed light on potential mechanisms of immune evasion in breast cancer, as well as unique aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME). These include elements associated with antigen processing and presentation as well as immunosuppressive elements, which may be targeted therapeutically. Examples of such therapeutic strategies include efforts to (1) expand effector T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells and immunostimulatory dendritic cells (DCs), (2) improve antigen presentation, and (3) decrease inhibitory cytokines, tumor-associated M2 macrophages, regulatory T- and B-cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The goal of these approaches is to alter the TME, thereby making breast tumors more responsive to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize key developments in our understanding of antitumor immunity in breast cancer, as well as emerging therapeutic modalities that may leverage that understanding to overcome immunologic resistance.
Spatial high-resolution socio-energetic data for municipal energy system analyses
Authors: Weinand Jann M. , McKenna Russell , Mainzer Kai 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the context of the energy transition, municipalities are increasingly attempting to exploit renewable energies. Socio-energetic data are required as input for municipal energy system analyses. This Data Descriptor provides a compilation of 40 indicators for all 11,131 German municipalities. In addition to census data such as population density, mobility data such as the number of vehicles and data on the potential of renewables such as wind energy are included. Most of the data set also contains public data, the allocation of which to municipalities was an extensive task. The data set can support in addressing a wide range of energy-related research challenges. A municipality typology has already been developed with the data, and the resulting municipality grouping is also included in the data set.
Diabetes status affects long-term changes in coronal caries - The SHIP Study
Authors: Schmolinsky Julia , Kocher Thomas , Rathmann Wolfgang , Völzke Henry , Pink Christiane , Holtfreter Birte 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe estimated effects of diabetes mellitus and metabolic control on long-term change in coronal caries and restorative status using 11-year-follow-up data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. Data of 3731 participants with baseline and 5- and 11-year follow-up information were included. Diabetes was defined via self-reported physician´s diagnosis or intake of glucose-lowering drugs or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5% or fasting blood glucose levels ≥11.1 mmol/l. The diabetes status was defined as no diabetes (HbA1c < 6.5% or non-fasting blood glucose <11.1 mmol/l), subjects with known or undetected diabetes mellitus and HbA1c ≤ 7% (well-controlled diabetes), and subjects with known or undetected diabetes mellitus and HbA1c > 7% (poorly-controlled diabetes). The caries status was clinically assessed using the half-mouth method and the Decayed Missing Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index and its component scores were determined. Covariate-adjusted linear mixed models were evaluated. Rates in change in DMFS were significantly higher in subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes compared to subjects without diabetes. Subjects with poorly- and well-controlled diabetes had significantly higher rates in change in Missing Surfaces (MS) compared to subjects without diabetes. For the DFS, rates in change were significantly lower for subjects with well-controlled diabetes and higher for subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes as compared to subjects without diabetes. Concordantly, all rates in change increased proportional to HbA1c levels. Effects were even more pronounced in subjects with diabetes duration of ≥5 years. Subjects with poorly-controlled diabetes are at higher risk for caries progression compared to subjects without diabetes, especially in case of longer disease duration.
Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LOFU)-mediated Acoustic Immune Priming and Ablative Radiation Therapy for in situ Tumor Vaccines
Authors: Skalina Karin A. , Singh Saurabh , Chavez Claudia Gutierrez , Macian Fernando , Guha Chandan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFocal ablative therapies have been primarily used for local tumor ablation. However, they often fail to impact systemic disease. Here we propose the use of low intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU), a noninvasive, nontoxic, conformal therapy, to deliver acoustic stress to the tumor for immune priming. We demonstrate that LOFU significantly induces expression and cell surface localization of heat shock proteins in murine breast (4T1) and prostate adenocarcinoma (TPSA23) cancer cell lines. In vivo LOFU followed by ablative radiation therapy (RT) results in primary tumor cure, upregulation of a cytotoxic immune response and induction of immunological memory by inhibiting secondary tumor growth upon re-challenge with tumor cells. We, therefore, describe a regimen of a combination therapy with noninvasive, acoustic immune priming and ablative radiation therapy to generate an in situ tumor vaccine, induce CD8+ T cells against tumor-associated antigens and provide a viable oncologic treatment option for solid tumors.
The Tibetan Plateau Uplift is Crucial for Eastward Propagation of Madden-Julian Oscillation
Authors: Yang Young-Min , Lee June-Yi , Wang Bin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Tibetan Plateau (TP) and Himalayas have been treated as an essential external factor in shaping Asian monsoon and mid-latitude atmospheric circulation. In this study we perform numerical experiments with different uplift altitudes using the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology Earth System Model to examine potential impacts of uplift of the TP and Himalayas on eastward propagation of the MJO and the associated mechanisms. Analysis of experimental results with dynamics-based MJO diagnostics indicates two potential mechanisms. First, the uplift considerably enhances low-level mean westerlies in the Indian Ocean and convection in the Maritime Continent, which in turn strengthens boundary layer moisture convergence (BLMC) to the east of the MJO convective center. The increased BLMC reinforces upward transport of moisture and heat from BL to free atmosphere and increases lower tropospheric diabatic heating by shallow and congestus clouds ahead of the MJO center, enhancing the Kelvin-Rossby wave feedback. Second, the uplift increases upper tropospheric mean easterlies and stratiform heating at the west of the MJO center, which contributes to eastward propagation of MJO by generating positive moist static energy at the east of MJO center. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the origin of the MJO and improvement in simulation of MJO propagation.
Colorimetric Assay Reports on Acyl Carrier Protein Interactions
Authors: Acheampong Kofi K. , Kokona Bashkim , Braun Gabriel A. , Jacobsen Danielle R. , Johnson Karl A. , Charkoudian Louise K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe ability to produce new molecules of potential pharmaceutical relevance via combinatorial biosynthesis hinges on improving our understanding of acyl-carrier protein (ACP)-protein interactions. However, the weak and transient nature of these interactions makes them difficult to study using traditional spectroscopic approaches. Herein we report that converting the terminal thiol of the E. coli ACP 4′-phosphopantetheine arm into a mixed disulfide with 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoate ion (TNB−) activates this site to form a selective covalent cross-link with the active site cysteine of a cognate ketoacyl synthase (KS). The concomitant release of TNB2−, which absorbs at 412 nm, provides a visual and quantitative measure of mechanistically relevant ACP-KS interactions. The colorimetric assay can propel the engineering of biosynthetic routes to novel chemical diversity by providing a high-throughput screen for functional hybrid ACP-KS partnerships as well as the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents by enabling the rapid identification of small molecule inhibitors of ACP-KS interactions.
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis protein Cln7 functions in the postsynaptic cell to regulate synapse development
Authors: Connolly Kyle J. , O’Hare Megan B. , Mohammed Alamin , Aitchison Katelyn M. , Anthoney Niki C. , Taylor Matthew J. , Stewart Bryan A. , Tuxworth Richard I. , Tear Guy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of fatal, monogenic neurodegenerative disorders with an early onset in infancy or childhood. Despite identification of the genes disrupted in each form of the disease, their normal cellular role and how their deficits lead to disease pathology is not fully understood. Cln7, a major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein, is affected in a late infantile-onset form of NCL. Cln7 is conserved across species suggesting a common function. Here we demonstrate that Cln7 is required for the normal growth of synapses at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction. In a Cln7 mutant, synapses fail to develop fully leading to reduced function and behavioral changes with dysregulation of TOR activity. Cln7 expression is restricted to the post-synaptic cell and the protein localizes to vesicles immediately adjacent to the post-synaptic membrane. Our data suggest an involvement for Cln7 in regulating trans-synaptic communication necessary for normal synapse development.
Low Power, CMOS-MoS2 Memtransistor based Neuromorphic Hybrid Architecture for Wake-Up Systems
Authors: Gupta Sarthak , Kumar Pratik , Paul Tathagata , van Schaik André , Ghosh Arindam , Thakur Chetan Singh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNeuromorphic architectures have become essential building blocks for next-generation computational systems, where intelligence is embedded directly onto low power, small area, and computationally efficient hardware devices. In such devices, realization of neural algorithms requires storage of weights in digital memories, which is a bottleneck in terms of power and area. We hereby propose a biologically inspired low power, hybrid architectural framework for wake-up systems. This architecture utilizes our novel high-performance, ultra-low power molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) based two-dimensional synaptic memtransistor as an analogue memory. Furthermore, it exploits random device mismatches to implement the population coding scheme. Power consumption per CMOS neuron block was found to be 3 nw in the 65 nm process technology, while the energy consumption per cycle was 0.3 pJ for potentiation and 20 pJ for depression cycles of the synaptic device. The proposed framework was demonstrated for classification and regression tasks, using both off-chip and simplified on-chip sign-based learning techniques.
Late-Onset Sepsis as a Risk Factor for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jung Euiseok , Lee Byong Sop 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect of late-onset sepsis (LOS) on the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. A prospective cohort study was performed using data collected from 64 centres registered in the Korean national registry. LOS was defined as a positive blood culture and antibiotics treatment after 72 hours of life and prior to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Data on the causative organisms were collected and analysed for respiratory outcomes. Among the 1,434 ELBW infants who survived to 36 weeks PMA, 481 (34%) developed LOS caused by bacteria (n = 405), fungi (n = 28), or both (n = 48). The incidence of BPD was significantly associated with LOS in both the entire cohort and the propensity score-matched cohort. Two or more LOS episodes were a risk factor for BPD. The impact of multiple episodes of LOS on BPD was prominent in infants who received mechanical ventilation for two weeks or less. The estimated odds ratios for BPD and severe BPD were greater with fungal LOS than with bacterial LOS. In conclusion, LOS, particularly complicated by multiple episodes and/or fungi, was a risk factor for BPD in ELBW infants.