bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unassisted solar lignin valorisation using a compartmented photo-electro-biochemical cell
Authors: Ko Myohwa , Pham Le Thanh Mai , Sa Young Jin , Woo Jinwoo , Nguyen Trang Vu Thien , Kim Jae Hyung , Oh Dongrak , Sharma Pankaj , Ryu Jungki , Shin Tae Joo , Joo Sang Hoon , Kim Yong Hwan , Jang Ji-Wook 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLignin is a major component of lignocellulosic biomass. Although it is highly recalcitrant to break down, it is a very abundant natural source of valuable aromatic carbons. Thus, the effective valorisation of lignin is crucial for realising a sustainable biorefinery chain. Here, we report a compartmented photo-electro-biochemical system for unassisted, selective, and stable lignin valorisation, in which a TiO2 photocatalyst, an atomically dispersed Co-based electrocatalyst, and a biocatalyst (lignin peroxidase isozyme H8, horseradish peroxidase) are integrated, such that each system is separated using Nafion and cellulose membranes. This cell design enables lignin valorisation upon irradiation with sunlight without the need for any additional bias or sacrificial agent and allows the protection of the biocatalyst from enzyme-damaging elements, such as reactive radicals, gas bubbles, and light. The photo-electro-biochemical system is able to catalyse lignin depolymerisation with a 98.7% selectivity and polymerisation with a 73.3% yield using coniferyl alcohol, a lignin monomer.
Next steps of quantum transport in Majorana nanowire devices
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Dong E. , Wimmer Michael , Kouwenhoven Leo P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMajorana zero modes are localized quasiparticles that obey non-Abelian exchange statistics. Braiding Majorana zero modes forms the basis of topologically protected quantum operations which could, in principle, significantly reduce qubit decoherence and gate control errors at the device level. Therefore, searching for Majorana zero modes in various solid state systems is a major topic in condensed matter physics and quantum computer science. Since the first experimental signature observed in hybrid superconductor-semiconductor nanowire devices, this field has witnessed a dramatic expansion in material science, transport experiments and theory. While making the first topological qubit based on these Majorana nanowires is currently an ongoing effort, several related important transport experiments are still being pursued in the near term. These will not only serve as intermediate steps but also show Majorana physics in a more fundamental aspect. In this perspective, we summarize these key Majorana experiments and the potential challenges.
Optical and magneto-optical properties of GdxFe(100-x) thin films close to the compensation point
Authors: Jesenská Eva , Ishibashi Takayuki , Beran Lukáš , Pavelka Martin , Hamrle Jaroslav , Antoš Roman , Zázvorka Jakub , Veis Martin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUnlike ferromagnetic materials, ferrimagnetic metals have recently received considerable attention due to their bulk perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, low net magnetization and tunable magnetic properties. This makes them perfect candidates for the research of recently discovered spin-torque related phenomena. Among other ferrimagnetic metals, GdFe has an advantage in relatively large magnetic moments in both sublattices and tunability of compensation point above the room temperature by small changes in its composition. We present a systematic study of optical and magneto-optical properties of amorphous GdxFe(100-x) thin films of various compositions (x = 18.3, 20.0, 24.7, 26.7) prepared by DC sputtering on thermally oxidized SiO2 substrates. A combination of spectroscopic ellipsometry and magneto-optical spectroscopy in the photon energy range from 1.5 to 5.5 eV with advanced theoretical models allowed us to deduce the spectral dependence of complete permittivity tensors across the compensation point. Such information is important for further optical detection of spin related phenomena driven by vicinity of compensation point in nanostructures containing GdFe.
Spinal gastrin releasing peptide receptor expressing interneurons are controlled by local phasic and tonic inhibition
Authors: Freitag Fabio B. , Ahemaiti Aikeremu , Jakobsson Jon E. T. , Weman Hannah M. , Lagerström Malin C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDorsal horn gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) neurons have a central role in itch transmission. Itch signaling has been suggested to be controlled by an inhibitory network in the spinal dorsal horn, as increased scratching behavior can be induced by pharmacological disinhibition or ablation of inhibitory interneurons, but the direct influence of the inhibitory tone on the GRPR neurons in the itch pathway have not been explored. Here we have investigated spinal GRPR neurons through in vitro and bioinformatical analysis. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that GRPR neurons receive local spontaneous excitatory inputs transmitted by glutamate and inhibitory inputs by glycine and GABA, which were transmitted either by separate glycinergic and GABAergic synapses or by glycine and GABA co-releasing synapses. Additionally, all GRPR neurons received both glycine- and GABA-induced tonic currents. The findings show a complex inhibitory network, composed of synaptic and tonic currents that gates the excitability of GRPR neurons, which provides direct evidence for the existence of an inhibitory tone controlling spontaneous discharge in an itch-related neuronal network in the spinal cord. Finally, calcium imaging revealed increased levels of neuronal activity in Grpr-Cre neurons upon application of somatostatin, which provides direct in vitro evidence for disinhibition of these dorsal horn interneurons.
Deciphering the unique cellulose degradation mechanism of the ruminal bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes S85
Authors: Raut Mahendra P. , Couto Narciso , Karunakaran Esther , Biggs Catherine A. , Wright Phillip C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFibrobacter succinogenes S85, isolated from the rumen of herbivores, is capable of robust lignocellulose degradation. However, the mechanism by which it achieves this is not fully elucidated. In this study, we have undertaken the most comprehensive quantitative proteomic analysis, to date, of the changes in the cell envelope protein profile of F. succinogenes S85 in response to growth on cellulose. Our results indicate that the cell envelope proteome undergoes extensive rearrangements to accommodate the cellulolytic degradation machinery, as well as associated proteins involved in adhesion to cellulose and transport and metabolism of cellulolytic products. Molecular features of the lignocellulolytic enzymes suggest that the Type IX secretion system is involved in the translocation of these enzymes to the cell envelope. Finally, we demonstrate, for the first time, that cyclic-di-GMP may play a role in mediating catabolite repression, thereby facilitating the expression of proteins involved in the adhesion to lignocellulose and subsequent lignocellulose degradation and utilisation. Understanding the fundamental aspects of lignocellulose degradation in F. succinogenes will aid the development of advanced lignocellulosic biofuels.
Isotopic paleoecology of Northern Great Plains bison during the Holocene
Authors: Davies Gaimi , McCann Blake , Sturdevant Jay , Swenson Fern , Ovchinnikov Igor V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBison (Bison bison) are one of the few terrestrial megafauna to survive the transition into the Holocene and provide a unique opportunity to study a species on a broad spatiotemporal scale. Today, bison are primarily managed in small and isolated herds with little known about their ancestral ecology. We studied the carbon and nitrogen isotopes of Northern Great Plains bison from the terminal Pleistocene and throughout the Holocene to gain insight into their paleoecology. This time span is contemporary with the first population bottleneck experienced by bison at the end of the Pleistocene and includes the second bottleneck which occurred in the late 19th century. Results were compared with modern bison herd isotopic values from Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). Patterns of isotopic variation found in bison over time indicate significant (δ13C p = 0.0008, δ15N p = 0.002) differences in diet composition and correlate with climate throughout the Holocene. Isotopic relationships described here reveal the plasticity of ancient bison in unrestricted rangelands during periods of climatic fluctuations. Managers at TRNP and elsewhere should pursue opportunities to expand bison range to maximize forage opportunities for the species in the face of future environmental change.
Computational design and characterization of nanobody-derived peptides that stabilize the active conformation of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR)
Authors: Sencanski Milan , Glisic Sanja , Šnajder Marko , Veljkovic Nevena , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Mavri Janez , Vrecl Milka 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to design and functionally characterize peptide mimetics of the nanobody (Nb) related to the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) (nanobody-derived peptide, NDP). We postulated that the computationally derived and optimized complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) of Nb is sufficient for its interaction with receptor. Sequence-related Nb-families preferring the agonist-bound active conformation of β2-AR were analysed using the informational spectrum method (ISM) and β2-AR:NDP complexes studied using protein-peptide docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in conjunction with metadynamics calculations of free energy binding. The selected NDP of Nb71, designated P3, was 17 amino acids long and included CDR3. Metadynamics calculations yielded a binding free energy for the β2-AR:P3 complex of ΔG = (−7.23 ± 0.04) kcal/mol, or a Kd of (7.9 ± 0.5) μM, for T = 310 K.In vitrocircular dichroism (CD) spectropolarimetry and microscale thermophoresis (MST) data provided additional evidence for P3 interaction with agonist-activated β2-AR, which displayed ~10-fold higher affinity for P3 than the unstimulated receptor (MST-derived EC50of 3.57 µMvs. 58.22 µM), while its ability to inhibit the agonist-induced interaction of β2-AR with β-arrestin 2 was less evident. In summary, theoretical and experimental evidence indicated that P3 preferentially binds agonist-activated β2-AR.
Association of dietary patterns and endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy in an adult Chinese population
Authors: Lin Song , Gao Tao , Sun Chongxiu , Jia Mengru , Liu Chengxia , Ma Xingbin , Ma Aiguo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAtrophy gastritis harbor a high risk for the development of dysplasia and gastric cancer. The study investigated the relationships of specific dietary patterns and endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 574 consecutive outpatients who were diagnosed as chronic gastritis according to endoscopic examination. Dietary intakes of study individuals was assessed using the semi-quantitative food group frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy adjusted for potential confounders. A total of 574 participants were included, 286 with endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy. Three dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. “Alcohol and fish” (tertile 1 vs. tertile 3: adjusted odds ratio = 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–3.22) and “coarse cereals” (tertile 1 vs. tertile 3: adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.24–3.39) were associated with an increased risk for endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy but a “traditional” pattern was not. Dietary pattern was not associated with gastric mucosal atrophy in women or in participants with H. pylori infection. A high adherence to both “Alcohol and Fish” and “Coarse cereals” dietary patterns seem to be associated with higher odds of endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy in men and in patients without H. pylori infection. Further prospective cohort studies needed to confirm these findings.
Physiological and developmental traits associated with the grain yield of winter wheat as affected by phosphorus fertilizer management
Authors: Chen Xiu-Xiu , Zhang Wei , Liang Xiao-Yuan , Liu Yu-Min , Xu Shi-Jie , Zhao Qing-Yue , Du Yun-Fei , Zhang Ling , Chen Xin-Ping , Zou Chun-Qin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough researchers have determined that attaining high grain yields of winter wheat depends on the spike number and the shoot biomass, a quantitative understanding of how phosphorus (P) nutrition affects spike formation, leaf expansion and photosynthesis is still lacking. A 3-year field experiment with wheat with six P application rates (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg P ha−1) was conducted to investigate this issue. Stem development and mortality, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter accumulation, and P concentration in whole shoots and in single tillers were studied at key growth stages for this purpose. The results indicated that spike number contributed the most to grain yield of all the yield components in a high-yielding (>8 t/ha) winter wheat system. The main stem (MS) contributed 79% to the spike number and tiller 1 (T1) contributed 21%. The 2.7 g kg−1 tiller P concentration associated with 15 mg kg−1 soil Olsen-P at anthesis stage led to the maximal rate of productive T1s (64%). The critical shoot P concentration that resulted in an adequate product of Pn and LAI was identified as 2.1 g kg−1. The thresholds of shoot P concentration that led to the maximum productive ability of T1 and optimal canopy photosynthetic capacity at anthesis were very similar. In conclusion, the thresholds of soil available P and shoot P concentration in whole plants and in single organs (individual tillers) were established for optimal spike formation, canopy photosynthetic capacity, and dry matter accumulation. These thresholds could be useful in achieving high grain yields while avoiding excessive P fertilization.
CBX2-dependent transcriptional landscape: implications for human sex development and its defects
Authors: Sproll Patrick , Eid Wassim , Biason-Lauber Anna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSex development, a complex and indispensable process in all vertebrates, has still not been completely elucidated, although new genes involved in sex development are constantly being discovered and characterized. Chromobox Homolog 2 (CBX2) is one of these new additions and has been identified through a 46,XY girl with double heterozygous variants on CBX2.1, causing Differences of Sex Development (DSD). The mutated CBX2.1 failed to adequately regulate downstream targets important for sex development in humans, specifically steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF1). To better place CBX2.1 in the human sex developmental cascade, we performed siRNA and CBX2.1 overexpression experiments and created a complete CRISPR/Cas9-CBX2 knockout in Sertoli-like cells. Furthermore, we deployed Next Generation Sequencing techniques, RNA-Sequencing and DamID-Sequencing, to identify new potential CBX2.1 downstream genes. The combination of these two next generation techniques enabled us to identify genes that are both bound and regulated by CBX2.1. This allowed us not only to expand our current knowledge about the influence of CBX2.1 in human sex development, but also to advance our insight in the mechanisms governing one of the most important decisions during embryonal development, the commitment to either female or male gonads.
A citizen science supported study on seasonal diversity and monoflorality of pollen collected by honey bees in Austria
Authors: Brodschneider Robert , Gratzer Kristina , Kalcher-Sommersguter Elfriede , Heigl Helmut , Auer Waltraud , Moosbeckhofer Rudolf , Crailsheim Karl 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAustrian beekeepers participated in the “C.S.I. Pollen” study as citizen scientists and collected pollen from honey bee colonies in hive mounted traps every three weeks from April to September in 2014 and 2015 to uncover the seasonal availability of pollen sources for bees. 1622 pollen samples were collected and analysed using palynological light microscopy to the lowest taxonomic level possible. For 2014 and 2015 combined, 239 pollen types from more than 85 families were detected. ‘Various unknown’ species, Taraxacum-form and Plantago spp. were the pollen types collected by the majority of colonies (occurrence), whereas the most pollen grains collected were from Trifolium repens-form, Plantago spp. and Salix spp. (abundance). In spring, trees were found to be the most abundant pollen source, whereas in summer herbs dominated. On average, a colony collected pollen from 16.8 ± 4.7 (2014) and 15.0 ± 4.4 (2015) pollen types per sampling. Those numbers, however, vary between sampling dates and indicate a seasonal pattern. This is also supported by Simpson’s diversity index, which was on median 0.668. In both years, 50.0% of analysed pollen samples were partially (>50%) and 4.2% were highly monofloral (i.e. containing >90% of one pollen type). Prevalence of monofloral pollen samples peaked at the beginning and the end of the season, when pollen diversity was the lowest.
miR-22-3p is involved in gluconeogenic pathway modulated by 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2)
Authors: Senese Rosalba , Cioffi Federica , Petito Giuseppe , de Lange Pieter , Russo Aniello , Goglia Fernando , Lanni Antonia , Potenza Nicoletta 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) has emerged as an active iodothyronine and its beneficial effects on glucose metabolism including glucose tolerance and insulin resistance is well established. However, little is known about its molecular mechanisms. Given the emerging importance of microRNAs in various metabolic diseases, in this study a possible link between the effects of T2 on glucose metabolism and miRNA expression was investigated by using an in vivo model in which T2 was administered in rats receiving a high fat diet, a condition known to impair glucose homeostasis. The results showed that T2-treated rats had a better tolerance to glucose load and a better performance at the insulin tolerance test in comparison to high fat diet animals. Interestingly, in the serum of the animals treated with T2 there was a general decrease of miRNAs with miR-22a-3p, miR-34c-5p and miR-33a-3p significantly downregulated. Furthermore, miR-22a-3p had the largest variation pointing toward its preeminent role in T2 metabolic effect. In fact, in liver there was an up-regulation of its target (Transcription Factor 7) Tcf7, which had an important impact on gluconeogenesis. This study provide, for the first time, evidences that miRNAs are involved in the effects exerted by T2 on glucose homeostasis.
Experimental proof that multivariate patterns among muscle attachments (entheses) can reflect repetitive muscle use
Authors: Karakostis Fotios Alexandros , Jeffery Nathan , Harvati Katerina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractReconstructions of habitual activity in past populations and extinct human groups is a primary goal of paleoanthropological research. Muscle attachment scars (entheses) are widely considered as indicators of habitual activity and many attempts have been made to use them for this purpose. However, their interpretation remains equivocal due to methodological limitations and a paucity of empirical data supporting an interaction between systematic muscle forces and entheseal morphology. We have recently addressed the first issue with precise three-dimensional measuring protocols and rigorous multivariate analysis focusing on the patterns among different entheses rather than comparing each entheseal structure separately. In a previous study, the resulting entheseal correlations reflected synergistic muscle groups that separated individuals according to their lifelong occupational activities. Here we address the second issue by applying this methodology to existing micro-computed tomography data from rats that have undergone muscle stimulation under experimental conditions. In contrast to previous animal studies, we relied on blind analytical procedures across two research institutions and controlled for most factors of interindividual variability. Results demonstrated that the multivariate associations among different entheseal surfaces can directly reflect repetitive muscle recruitment and provide essential information on muscle use.
An adhesive locomotion model for the rock-climbing fish, Beaufortia kweichowensis
Authors: Wang Jinrong , Ji Chen , Wang Wei , Zou Jun , Yang Huayong , Pan Min 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe rock-climbing fish (Beaufortia kweichowensis) adheres to slippery, fouled surfaces and crawls both forward and backward in torrential streams. During locomotion, two suckers can be distinguished. Here, the general skeletal structure of the rock-climbing fish was determined using microtomography. Friction and adhesion were positively correlated, as were friction and fin ray angle. The unique adhesive locomotion system used by the rock-climbing fish was observed with a high speed camera. This system comprised two anisotropic suckers bearing two paired fins and two girdle muscles. A locomotion model was established based on these results. In this model, the fin states controlled the direction of motion using anisotropic friction, and alternate contractions of the girdle muscles provided propulsion during bidirectional crawling. This adhesive locomotion system was compared with other biological locomotion mechanisms. Based on these comparisons, we hypothesized that this novel system might represent an energy-saving solution for undulatory underwater vertical movement without detaching from the substrate.
Polycystin-1 Regulates Actomyosin Contraction and the Cellular Response to Extracellular Stiffness
Authors: Nigro Elisa Agnese , Distefano Gianfranco , Chiaravalli Marco , Matafora Vittoria , Castelli Maddalena , Pesenti Gritti Angela , Bachi Angela , Boletta Alessandra 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPolycystin-1 (PC-1) and 2 (PC-2) are the products of the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, which are mutated in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). They form a receptor/channel complex that has been suggested to function as a mechanosensor, possibly activated by ciliary bending in the renal tubule, and resulting in calcium influx. This model has recently been challenged, leaving the question as to which mechanical stimuli activate the polycystins still open. Here, we used a SILAC/Mass-Spec approach to identify intracellular binding partners of tagged-endogenous PC-1 whereby we detected a class of interactors mediating regulation of cellular actomyosin contraction. Accordingly, using gain and loss-of-function cellular systems we found that PC-1 negatively regulates cellular contraction and YAP activation in response to extracellular stiffness. Thus, PC-1 enables cells to sense the rigidity of the extracellular milieu and to respond appropriately. Of note, in an orthologous murine model of PKD we found evidence of increased actomyosin contraction, leading to enhanced YAP nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Finally, we show that inhibition of ROCK-dependent actomyosin contraction by Fasudil reversed YAP activation and significantly improved disease progression, in line with recent studies. Our data suggest a possible direct role of PC-1 as a mechanosensor of extracellular stiffness.