bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long- and short-ranged chiral interactions in DNA-assembled plasmonic chains
Authors: Martens Kevin , Binkowski Felix , Nguyen Linh , Hu Li , Govorov Alexander O. , Burger Sven , Liedl Tim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCircular dichroism (CD) has long been used to trace chiral molecular states and changes of protein configurations. In recent years, chiral plasmonic nanostructures have shown potential for applications ranging from pathogen sensing to novel optical materials. The plasmonic coupling of the individual elements of such metallic structures is a crucial prerequisite to obtain sizeable CD signals. We here identify and implement various coupling entities—chiral and achiral—to demonstrate chiral transfer over distances close to 100 nm. The coupling is realized by an achiral nanosphere situated between a pair of gold nanorods that are arranged far apart but in a chiral fashion using DNA origami. The transmitter particle causes a strong enhancement of the CD response, the emergence of an additional chiral feature at the resonance frequency of the nanosphere, and a redshift of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance frequency of the nanorods. Matching numerical simulations elucidate the intricate chiral optical fields in complex architectures.
High-throughput fitness screening and transcriptomics identify a role for a type IV secretion system in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease-associated Escherichia coli
Authors: Elhenawy Wael , Hordienko Sarah , Gould Steven , Oberc Alexander M. , Tsai Caressa N. , Hubbard Troy P. , Waldor Matthew K. , Coombes Brian K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAdherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) are pathogenic bacteria frequently isolated from patients who have Crohn’s disease (CD). Despite the phenotypic differences between AIEC and commensal E. coli, comparative genomic approaches have been unable to differentiate these two groups, making the identification of key virulence factors a challenge. Here, we conduct a high-resolution, in vivo genetic screen to map AIEC genes required for intestinal colonization of mice. In addition, we use in vivo RNA-sequencing to define the host-associated AIEC transcriptome. We identify diverse metabolic pathways required for efficient gut colonization by AIEC and show that a type IV secretion system (T4SS) is required to form biofilms on the surface of epithelial cells, thereby promoting AIEC persistence in the gut. E. coli isolated from CD patients are enriched for a T4SS, suggesting a possible connection to disease activity. Our findings establish the T4SS as a principal AIEC colonization factor and highlight the use of genome-wide screens in decoding the infection biology of CD-associated bacteria that otherwise lack a defined genetic signature.
Dynamic upconversion multicolour editing enabled by molecule-assisted opto-electrochemical modulation
Authors: Wu Yiming , Xu Jiahui , Qin Xian , Xu Jun , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractControlling nonlinear optical signals electrically offers many opportunities for technological developments. Lanthanide-activated nanoparticles have recently emerged as leading platforms for nonlinear upconversion of infra-red excitation within nanometric volumes. However, manipulation of upconversion emission is restricted to varying percentages of component materials, nanocrystal structure, and optical pumping conditions. Here, we report temporal modulation of anti-Stokes luminescence by coupling upconversion nanoparticles with an electrochemically responsive molecule. By electrically tailoring orbital energy levels of the molecules anchored on nanoparticle surfaces, we demonstrate reversible control of molecular absorption, resulting in dynamic colour editing of anti-Stokes luminescence at single-particle resolution. Moreover, we show that a programmable logic gate array based on opto-electrochemical modulation can be constructed to convert information-encrypted electrical signals into visible patterns with millisecond photonic readout. These findings offer insights into precise control of anti-Stokes luminescence, while enabling a host of applications from low-threshold infrared logic switches to multichannel, high-fidelity photonic circuits.
Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation coupled with selective benzylamine oxidation over defective ZrS3 nanobelts
Authors: Tian Zhangliu , Han Cheng , Zhao Yao , Dai Wenrui , Lian Xu , Wang Yanan , Zheng Yue , Shi Yi , Pan Xuan , Huang Zhichao , Li Hexing , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhotocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation represents a promising approach for artificial photosynthesis. However, the sluggish half-reaction of water oxidation significantly limits the efficiency of H2O2 generation. Here, a benzylamine oxidation with more favorable thermodynamics is employed as the half-reaction to couple with H2O2 generation in water by using defective zirconium trisulfide (ZrS3) nanobelts as a photocatalyst. The ZrS3 nanobelts with disulfide (S22−) and sulfide anion (S2−) vacancies exhibit an excellent photocatalytic performance for H2O2 generation and simultaneous oxidation of benzylamine to benzonitrile with a high selectivity of >99%. More importantly, the S22− and S2− vacancies can be separately introduced into ZrS3 nanobelts in a controlled manner. The S22− vacancies are further revealed to facilitate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The S2− vacancies can significantly improve the electron conduction, hole extraction, and kinetics of benzylamine oxidation. As a result, the use of defective ZrS3 nanobelts yields a high production rate of 78.1 ± 1.5 and 32.0 ± 1.2 μmol h−1 for H2O2 and benzonitrile, respectively, under a simulated sunlight irradiation.
A decrease in NAD+ contributes to the loss of osteoprogenitors and bone mass with aging
Authors: Kim Ha-Neui , Ponte Filipa , Warren Aaron , Ring Rebecca , Iyer Srividhya , Han Li , Almeida Maria 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAge-related osteoporosis is caused by a deficit in osteoblasts, the cells that secrete bone matrix. The number of osteoblast progenitors also declines with age associated with increased markers of cell senescence. The forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors attenuate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the proliferation of osteoprogenitors, thereby decreasing bone formation. The NAD+-dependent Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) deacetylates FoxOs and β-catenin in osteoblast progenitors and, thereby, increases bone mass. However, it remains unknown whether the Sirt1/FoxO/β-catenin pathway is dysregulated with age in osteoblast progenitors. We found decreased levels of NAD+ in osteoblast progenitor cultures from old mice, associated with increased acetylation of FoxO1 and markers of cell senescence. The NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) abrogated FoxO1 and β-catenin acetylation and several marker of cellular senescence, and increased the osteoblastogenic capacity of cells from old mice. Consistent with these effects, NR administration to C57BL/6 mice counteracted the loss of bone mass with aging. Attenuation of NAD+ levels in osteoprogenitor cultures from young mice inhibited osteoblastogenesis in a FoxO-dependent manner. In addition, mice with decreased NAD+ in cells of the osteoblast lineage lost bone mass at a young age. Together, these findings suggest that the decrease in bone formation with old age is due, at least in part, to a decrease in NAD+ and dysregulated Sirt1/FoxO/β-catenin pathway in osteoblast progenitors. NAD+ repletion, therefore, represents a rational therapeutic approach to skeletal involution.
In situ XPS investigation of the X-ray-triggered decomposition of perovskites in ultrahigh vacuum condition
Authors: Lin Wei-Chun , Lo Wei-Chun , Li Jun-Xian , Wang Yi-Kai , Tang Jui-Fu , Fong Zi-Yun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to investigate the composition of perovskite films upon exposure to different environmental factors, such as moisture, heat, and UV light. However, few research studies have determined that the X-ray itself could cause damage to the perovskite crystals. In this study, the X-ray-induced degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films was investigated via XPS within an in situ ultrahigh vacuum system. It is demonstrated that fresh methylammonium lead iodine contains Pb2+ without the initial existence of Pb0. The Pb0 signal was discovered after a few hours of soft X-ray exposure, which indicates that the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite structure undergoes a decomposition process to form metallic Pb. In addition, the nitrogen content was found to be significantly decreasing in the first hour of X-ray exposure. The discovery of the X-ray-induced chemical state change and the volatile methylamine of perovskite crystals could be further applied as an indicator for the field of X-ray sensors or detectors.
Improving estimation of Parkinson’s disease risk—the enhanced PREDICT-PD algorithm
Authors: Bestwick Jonathan P. , Auger Stephen D. , Simonet Cristina , Rees Richard N. , Rack Daniel , Jitlal Mark , Giovannoni Gavin , Lees Andrew J. , Cuzick Jack , Schrag Anette E. , Noyce Alastair J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe previously reported a basic algorithm to identify the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) using published data on risk factors and prodromal features. Using this algorithm, the PREDICT-PD study identified individuals at increased risk of PD and used tapping speed, hyposmia and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) as “intermediate” markers of prodromal PD in the absence of sufficient incident cases. We have now developed and tested an enhanced algorithm which incorporates the intermediate markers into the risk model. Risk estimates were compared using the enhanced and the basic algorithm in members of the PREDICT-PD pilot cohort. The enhanced PREDICT-PD algorithm yielded a much greater range of risk estimates than the basic algorithm (93–609-fold difference between the 10th and 90th centiles vs 10–13-fold respectively). There was a greater increase in the risk of PD with increasing risk scores for the enhanced algorithm than for the basic algorithm (hazard ratios per one standard deviation increase in log risk of 2.75 [95% CI 1.68–4.50; p < 0.001] versus 1.47 [95% CI 0.86–2.51; p = 0.16] respectively). Estimates from the enhanced algorithm also correlated more closely with subclinical striatal DaT-SPECT dopamine depletion (R2 = 0.164, p = 0.005 vs R2 = 0.043, p = 0.17). Incorporating the previous intermediate markers of prodromal PD and using likelihood ratios improved the accuracy of the PREDICT-PD prediction algorithm.
School-based self-management interventions for asthma among primary school children: a systematic review
Authors: Ramdzan Siti Nurkamilla , Suhaimi Julia , Harris Katherine M. , Khoo Ee Ming , Liew Su May , Cunningham Steve , Pinnock Hilary 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA Cochrane review of school-based asthma interventions (combining all ages) found improved health outcomes. Self-management skills, however, vary according to age. We assessed effectiveness of primary school-based self-management interventions and identified components associated with successful programmes in children aged 6–12 years. We updated the Cochrane search (March 2020) and included the Global Health database. Two reviewers screened, assessed risk-of-bias and extracted data. We included 23 studies (10,682 participants); four at low risk-of-bias. Twelve studies reported at least one positive result for an outcome of interest. All 12 positive studies reported parental involvement in the intervention, compared to two-thirds of ineffective studies. In 10 of the 12 positive studies, parental involvement was substantial (e.g. attending sessions; phone/video communication) rather than being provided with written information. School-based self-management intervention can improve health outcomes and substantial parental involvement in school-based programmes seemed important for positive outcomes among primary school children.
Triacylglycerols are preferentially oxidized over free fatty acids in heated soybean oil
Authors: Shen Qing , Zhang Zhichao , Emami Shiva , Chen Jianchu , Leite Nobrega de Moura Bell Juliana Maria , Taha Ameer Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn oil, free fatty acids (FFAs) are thought to be the preferred substrate for lipid oxidation although triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the predominant lipid class. We determined the preferential oxidation substrate (TAGs versus FFAs) in soybean oil heated at 100 °C for 24 h, after validating a method for quantifying esterified and free lipid oxidation products (i.e., oxylipins) with mass-spectrometry. Reaction velocities and turnover (velocity per unit substrate) of FFA, and free and TAG-bound (esterified) oxylipins were determined. FFA hydrolysis rate and turnover were orders of magnitude greater (16-4217 fold) than that of esterified and free oxylipin formation. The velocity and turnover of TAG-bound oxylipins was significantly greater than free oxylipins by 282- and 3-fold, respectively. The results suggest that during heating, TAGs are preferentially oxidized over FFAs, despite the rapid hydrolysis and availability of individual FFAs as substrates for oxidation. TAG-bound oxylipins may serve as better markers of lipid oxidation.
Control of endothelial quiescence by FOXO-regulated metabolites
Authors: Andrade Jorge , Shi Chenyue , Costa Ana S. H. , Choi Jeongwoon , Kim Jaeryung , Doddaballapur Anuradha , Sugino Toshiya , Ong Yu Ting , Castro Marco , Zimmermann Barbara , Kaulich Manuel , Guenther Stefan , Wilhelm Kerstin , Kubota Yoshiaki , Braun Thomas , Koh Gou Young , Grosso Ana Rita , Frezza Christian , Potente Michael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEndothelial cells (ECs) adapt their metabolism to enable the growth of new blood vessels, but little is known how ECs regulate metabolism to adopt a quiescent state. Here, we show that the metabolite S-2-hydroxyglutarate (S-2HG) plays a crucial role in the regulation of endothelial quiescence. We find that S-2HG is produced in ECs after activation of the transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), where it limits cell cycle progression, metabolic activity and vascular expansion. FOXO1 stimulates S-2HG production by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. This inhibition relies on branched-chain amino acid catabolites such as 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate, which increase in ECs with activated FOXO1. Treatment of ECs with 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate elicits S-2HG production and suppresses proliferation, causing vascular rarefaction in mice. Our findings identify a metabolic programme that promotes the acquisition of a quiescent endothelial state and highlight the role of metabolites as signalling molecules in the endothelium.
Independence of chromatin conformation and gene regulation during Drosophila dorsoventral patterning
Authors: Ing-Simmons Elizabeth , Vaid Roshan , Bing Xin Yang , Levine Michael , Mannervik Mattias , Vaquerizas Juan M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe relationship between chromatin organization and gene regulation remains unclear. While disruption of chromatin domains and domain boundaries can lead to misexpression of developmental genes, acute depletion of regulators of genome organization has a relatively small effect on gene expression. It is therefore uncertain whether gene expression and chromatin state drive chromatin organization or whether changes in chromatin organization facilitate cell-type-specific activation of gene expression. Here, using the dorsoventral patterning of theDrosophila melanogasterembryo as a model system, we provide evidence for the independence of chromatin organization and dorsoventral gene expression. We define tissue-specific enhancers and link them to expression patterns using single-cell RNA-seq. Surprisingly, despite tissue-specific chromatin states and gene expression, chromatin organization is largely maintained across tissues. Our results indicate that tissue-specific chromatin conformation is not necessary for tissue-specific gene expression but rather acts as a scaffold facilitating gene expression when enhancers become active.
Suppression of TGF-β1 signaling by Matrigel via FAK signaling in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tseng Scheffer C. G. , Zhu Ying-Ting 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe trabecular meshwork (TM) is composed of TM cells and beams of the extracellular matrix, together contributing to aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance. Herein, we validated that our culture system on 2D Matrigel expressed putative TM markers and myocilin, of which the latter was upregulated by dexamethasone. Continuous passage of these cells on 2D Matrigel resulted in a gradual loss of expression of these markers. However, such a loss was restored by seeding cells in 3D Matrigel where expression of TM markers was further upregulated upon continuous passage. In contrast, TM cells seeded on fibronectin, collagen I/IV, or laminin lost expression of these markers and turned into myofibroblasts with expression of αSMA, which were dose-dependently upregulated by TGF-β1/TGF-β2. TM cells in 3D Matrigel also expressed TGF-β1/TGF-β3 despite challenge of TGF-β1. The maintenance of TM phenotype by 3D Matrigel was linked to inhibition of canonical TGF-β signaling and activation of pFAK-pSrc-pP190RhoGAP-P120RasGAP signaling. These findings indicate that basement membrane matrix with low rigidity plays an active role in maintaining TM phenotype in the presence of TGF-β1 and shed light on its physiological role. Furthermore, abnormal matrices may perpetuate the pathological TM phenotype when the level of TGF-β2 is elevated in glaucoma patients.
Electron tunneling between vibrating atoms in a copper nano-filament
Authors: Al-Mamun Mohammad , Orlowski Marius 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNanowires, atomic point contacts, and chains of atoms are one-dimensional nanostructures, which display size-dependent quantum effects in electrical and thermal conductivity. In this work a Cu nanofilament of a defined resistance and formed between a Cu and Pt electrode is heated remotely in a controlled way. Depending on the robustness of the conductive filament and the amount of heat transferred several resistance-changing effects are observed. In case of sufficiently fragile nanofilament exhibiting electrical quantum conductance effects and moderate heating applied to it, a dramatic increase of resistance is observed just after the completion of the heating cycle. However, when the filament is allowed to cool off, a spontaneous restoration of the originally set resistance of the filament is observed within less than couple tens of seconds. When the filament is sufficiently fragile or the heating too excessive, the filament is permanently ruptured, resulting in a high resistance of the cell. In contrast, for robust, low resistance filaments, the remote heating does not affect the resistance. The spontaneous restoration of the initial resistance value is explained by electron tunneling between neighboring vibrating Cu atoms. As the vibrations of the Cu atoms subside during the cooling off period, the electron tunneling between the Cu atoms becomes more likely. At elevated temperatures, the average tunneling distance increases, leading to a sharp decrease of the tunneling probability and, consequently, to a sharp increase in transient resistance.
Transcriptome analysis of human dermal fibroblasts following red light phototherapy
Authors: Austin Evan , Koo Eugene , Merleev Alexander , Torre Denis , Marusina Alina , Luxardi Guillaume , Mamalis Andrew , Isseroff Roslyn Rivkah , Ma’ayan Avi , Maverakis Emanual , Jagdeo Jared 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFibrosis occurs when collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation replace healthy tissue. Red light (RL) may improve skin fibrosis via photobiomodulation, the process by which photosensitive chromophores in cells absorb visible or near-infrared light and undergo photophysical reactions. Our previous research demonstrated that high fluence RL reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and migration. Despite the identification of several cellular mechanisms underpinning RL phototherapy, little is known about the transcriptional changes that lead to anti-fibrotic cellular responses. Herein, RNA sequencing was performed on human dermal fibroblasts treated with RL phototherapy. Pathway enrichment and transcription factor analysis revealed regulation of extracellular matrices, proliferation, and cellular responses to oxygen-containing compounds following RL phototherapy. Specifically, RL phototherapy increased the expression ofMMP1, which codes for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and is responsible for remodeling extracellular collagen. Differential regulation ofMMP1was confirmed with RT-qPCR and ELISA. Additionally, RL upregulatedPRSS35,which has not been previously associated with skin activity, but has known anti-fibrotic functions. Our results suggest that RL may benefit patients by altering fibrotic gene expression.
Flow virometry for process monitoring of live virus vaccines-lessons learned from ERVEBO
Authors: Ricci Geoffri , Minsker Kevin , Kapish Austin , Osborn James , Ha Sha , Davide Joseph , Califano Joseph P. , Sehlin Darrell , Rustandi Richard R. , Dick Lawrence W. , Vlasak Josef , Culp Timothy D. , Baudy Andreas , Bell Edward , Mukherjee Malini 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDirect at line monitoring of live virus particles in commercial manufacturing of vaccines is challenging due to their small size. Detection of malformed or damaged virions with reduced potency is rate-limited by release potency assays with long turnaround times. Thus, preempting batch failures caused by out of specification potency results is almost impossible. Much needed are in-process tools that can monitor and detect compromised viral particles in live-virus vaccines (LVVs) manufacturing based on changes in their biophysical properties to provide timely measures to rectify process stresses leading to such damage. Using ERVEBO, MSD’s Ebola virus vaccine as an example, here we describe a flow virometry assay that can quickly detect damaged virus particles and provide mechanistic insight into process parameters contributing to the damage. Furthermore, we describe a 24-h high throughput infectivity assay that can be used to correlate damaged particles directly to loss in viral infectivity (potency) in-process. Collectively, we provide a set of innovative tools to enable rapid process development, process monitoring, and control strategy implementation in large scale LVV manufacturing.