bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lamin B1 mapping reveals the existence of dynamic and functional euchromatin lamin B1 domains
Authors: Pascual-Reguant Laura , Blanco Enrique , Galan Silvia , Le Dily François , Cuartero Yasmina , Serra-Bardenys Gemma , Di Carlo Valerio , Iturbide Ane , Cebrià-Costa Joan Pau , Nonell Lara , de Herreros Antonio García , Di Croce Luciano , Marti-Renom Marc A. , Peiró Sandra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLamins (A/C and B) are major constituents of the nuclear lamina (NL). Structurally conserved lamina-associated domains (LADs) are formed by genomic regions that contact the NL. Lamins are also found in the nucleoplasm, with a yet unknown function. Here we map the genome-wide localization of lamin B1 in an euchromatin-enriched fraction of the mouse genome and follow its dynamics during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Lamin B1 associates with actively expressed and open euchromatin regions, forming dynamic euchromatin lamin B1-associated domains (eLADs) of about 0.3 Mb. Hi-C data link eLADs to the 3D organization of the mouse genome during EMT and correlate lamin B1 enrichment at topologically associating domain (TAD) borders with increased border strength. Having reduced levels of lamin B1 alters the EMT transcriptional signature and compromises the acquisition of mesenchymal traits. Thus, during EMT, the process of genome reorganization in mouse involves dynamic changes in eLADs.
De novo targeting to the cytoplasmic and luminal side of bacterial microcompartments
Authors: Lee Matthew J. , Mantell Judith , Brown Ian R. , Fletcher Jordan M. , Verkade Paul , Pickersgill Richard W. , Woolfson Derek N. , Frank Stefanie , Warren Martin J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBacterial microcompartments, BMCs, are proteinaceous organelles that encase a specific metabolic pathway within a semi-permeable protein shell. Short encapsulation peptides can direct cargo proteins to the lumen of the compartments. However, the fusion of such peptides to non-native proteins does not guarantee encapsulation and often causes aggregation. Here, we report an approach for targeting recombinant proteins to BMCs that utilizes specific de novo coiled-coil protein–protein interactions. Attachment of one coiled-coil module to PduA (a component of the BMC shell) allows targeting of a fluorescent protein fused to a cognate coiled-coil partner. This interaction takes place on the outer surface of the BMC. The redesign of PduA to generate an N-terminus on the luminal side of the BMC results in intact compartments to which proteins can still be targeted via the designed coiled-coil system. This study provides a strategy to display proteins on the surface or within the lumen of the BMCs.
Intertidal exposure favors the soft-studded armor of adaptive mussel coatings
Authors: Monnier Christophe A. , DeMartini Daniel G. , Waite J. Herbert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe mussel cuticle, a thin layer that shields byssal threads from environmental exposure, is a model among high-performance coatings for being both hard and hyper-extensible. However, despite avid interest in translating its features into an engineered material, the mechanisms underlying this performance are manifold and incompletely understood. To deepen our understanding of this biomaterial, we explore here the ultrastructural, scratch-resistant, and mechanical features at the submicrometer scale and relate our observations to individual cuticular components. These investigations show that cuticle nanomechanics are governed by granular microinclusions/nanoinclusions, which, contrary to previous interpretations, are three-fold softer than the surrounding matrix. This adaptation, which is found across several related mussel species, is linked to the level of hydration and presumed to maintain bulk performance during tidal exposures. Given the interest in implementing transfer of biological principles to modern materials, these findings may have noteworthy implications for the design of durable synthetic coatings.
Inhibition of osteoblastic Smurf1 promotes bone formation in mouse models of distinctive age-related osteoporosis
Authors: Liang Chao , Peng Songlin , Li Jie , Lu Jun , Guan Daogang , Jiang Feng , Lu Cheng , Li Fangfei , He Xiaojuan , Zhu Hailong , Au D. W. T. , Yang Dazhi , Zhang Bao-Ting , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is essential for osteogenesis. However, recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs) exhibit large inter-individual variations in local bone formation during clinical spinal fusion. Smurf1 ubiquitinates BMP downstream molecules for degradation. Here, we classify age-related osteoporosis based on distinct intraosseous BMP-2 levels and Smurf1 activity. One major subgroup with a normal BMP-2 level and elevated Smurf1 activity (BMP-2n/Smurf1e) shows poor response to rhBMP-2 during spinal fusion, when compared to another major subgroup with a decreased BMP-2 level and normal Smurf1 activity (BMP-2d/Smurf1n). We screen a chalcone derivative, i.e., 2-(4-cinnamoylphenoxy)acetic acid, which effectively inhibits Smurf1 activity and increases BMP signaling. For BMP-2n/Smurf1e mice, the chalcone derivative enhances local bone formation during spinal fusion. After conjugating to an osteoblast-targeting and penetrating oligopeptide (DSS)6, the chalcone derivative promotes systemic bone formation in BMP-2n/Smurf1e mice. This study demonstrates a precision medicine-based bone anabolic strategy for age-related osteoporosis.
Treatment with mRNA coding for the necroptosis mediator MLKL induces antitumor immunity directed against neo-epitopes
Authors: Van Hoecke Lien , Van Lint Sandra , Roose Kenny , Van Parys Alexander , Vandenabeele Peter , Grooten Johan , Tavernier Jan , De Koker Stefaan , Saelens Xavier 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCancer immunotherapy can induce durable antitumor responses. However, many patients poorly respond to such therapies. Here we describe a generic antitumor therapy that is based on the intratumor delivery of mRNA that codes for the necroptosis executioner mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) protein. This intervention stalls primary tumor growth and protects against distal and disseminated tumor formation in syngeneic mouse melanoma and colon carcinoma models. Moreover, MLKL-mRNA treatment combined with immune checkpoint blockade further improves the antitumor activity. MLKL-mRNA treatment rapidly induces T cell responses directed against tumor neo-antigens and requires CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to prevent tumor growth. Type I interferon signaling and Batf3-dependent dendritic cells are essential for this mRNA treatment to elicit tumor antigen-specific T cell responses. Moreover, MLKL-mRNA treatment blunts the growth of human lymphoma in mice with a reconstituted human adaptive immune system. MLKL-based treatment can thus be exploited as an effective antitumor immunotherapy.
Impact ionization by hot carriers in a black phosphorus field effect transistor
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , Kim Young Duck , Yang Zheng , He Pan , Hwang Euyheon , Yang Hyunsoo , Hone James , Yoo Won Jong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe strong Coulombic interactions in miniaturized structures can lead to efficient carrier multiplication, which is essential for many-body physics and design of efficient photonic devices beyond thermodynamic conversion limits. However, carrier multiplication has rarely been realized in layered semiconducting materials despite strong electronic interactions. Here, we report the experimental observation of unusual carrier multiplication in a multilayer black phosphorus device. Electric field-dependent Hall measurements confirm a substantial increase of carrier density in multilayer black phosphorus channel, which is attributed to the impact ionization by energetic carriers. This mechanism relies on the generation of self-heating induced charge carriers under the large electric field due to competition between electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions in the direct and narrow band gap (0.3 eV) of the multilayer black phosphorus. These findings point the way toward utilization of carrier multiplication to enhance the performance of electronics and optoelectronics devices based on two-dimensional materials.
In-built thermo-mechanical cooperative feedback mechanism for self-propelled multimodal locomotion and electricity generation
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qiao , Tan Chuan Fu , Chan Kwok Hoe , Lu Xin , Zhu Liangliang , Kim Sang-Woo , Ho Ghim Wei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUtilization of ubiquitous low-grade waste heat constitutes a possible avenue towards soft matter actuation and energy recovery opportunities. While most soft materials are not all that smart relying on power input of some kind for continuous response, we conceptualize a self-locked thermo-mechano feedback for autonomous motility and energy generation functions. Here, the low-grade heat usually dismissed as ‘not useful’ is used to fuel a soft thermo-mechano-electrical system to perform perpetual and untethered multimodal locomotions. The innately resilient locomotion synchronizes self-governed and auto-sustained temperature fluctuations and mechanical mobility without external stimulus change, enabling simultaneous harvesting of thermo-mechanical energy at the pyro/piezoelectric mechanistic intersection. The untethered soft material showcases deterministic motions (translational oscillation, directional rolling, and clockwise/anticlockwise rotation), rapid transitions and dynamic responses without needing power input, on the contrary extracting power from ambient. This work may open opportunities for thermo-mechano-electrical transduction, multigait soft energy robotics and waste heat harvesting technologies.
Giant spin-valley polarization and multiple Hall effect in functionalized bismuth monolayers
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhang Jiayong , Jiang Hua , Žutić Igor , Yang Zhongqin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractValleytronic materials, characterized by local extrema (valleys) in their bands, and topological insulators have separately attracted great interest recently. However, the interplay between valleytronic and topological properties in one single system, likely to enable important unexplored phenomena and applications, has been largely overlooked so far. Here, by combining a tight-binding model with first-principles calculations, we find the large-band-gap quantum spin Hall effects (QSHEs) and valley Hall effects appear simultaneously in the bismuth monolayers decorated with hydrogen/halogen elements, denoted as Bi2XY (X, Y = H, F, Cl, Br, or I). A staggered exchange field is introduced into the Bi2XY monolayers by transition-metal atom (Cr, Mo, or W) doping or LaFeO3 magnetic substrates, which together with the strong spin-orbit coupling of bismuth atoms generates a time-reversal-symmetry-broken QSHE and a huge valley splitting (up to 513 meV) in the system. With gate control, QSHE and anomalous charge, spin, valley Hall effects can be observed in the single system. These predicted multiple and exotic Hall effects, associated with various degrees of freedom of electrons, could enable applications of the functionalized bismuth monolayers in electronics, spintronics, and valleytronics.
The E3 SUMO ligase PIASγ is a novel interaction partner regulating the activity of diabetes associated hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α
Authors: Kaci Alba , Keindl Magdalena , Solheim Marie H. , Njølstad Pål R. , Bjørkhaug Lise , Aukrust Ingvild 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF-1A) is involved in normal pancreas development and function. Rare variants in the HNF1A gene can cause monogenic diabetes, while common variants confer type 2 diabetes risk. The precise mechanisms for regulation of HNF-1A, including the role and function of post-translational modifications, are still largely unknown. Here, we present the first evidence for HNF-1A being a substrate of SUMOylation in cellulo and identify two lysine (K) residues (K205 and K273) as SUMOylation sites. Overexpression of protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIASγ) represses the transcriptional activity of HNF-1A and is dependent on simultaneous HNF-1A SUMOylation at K205 and K273. Moreover, PIASγ is a novel HNF-1A interaction partner whose expression leads to translocation of HNF-1A to the nuclear periphery. Thus, our findings support that the E3 SUMO ligase PIASγ regulates HNF-1A SUMOylation with functional implications, representing new targets for drug development and precision medicine in diabetes.
Zircon U-Pb geochronology of crystal tuff on Lingshan Island and its geological implications for magmatism, stratigraphic age and geological events
Authors: Gao Jindong , Feng Qiao , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhou Lifa , Jiao Zunsheng , Qin Yu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDue to the unique location in the Ludong region, geochronological study of this area is essential for the understanding of the Cretaceous tectonic evolution of Eastern China. Sedimentary sequences interbedded with tuff layers unconformably overlay metamorphic rocks in the Sulu Orogen. This research presents a more reliable geochronological dataset of a tuff layer on Lingshan Island in Qingdao. A total of 103 valid age values from 216 zircon grains were obtained in three fresh tuff samples. Approximately 87% of these zircon ages are dated as the Early Cretaceous, and their peak ages shift from the Aptian stage to the Albian stage. The spatial-temporal relationship between the tuff and the Mesozoic igneous rocks of Eastern China indicate the impact of the Pacific Plate subduction beneath the Asian continent. Six Albian single detrital zircons have a weighted average age of 103.8 ± 1.4 Ma, with the youngest age (103.4 ± 1.4 Ma) constraining the maximum depositional age of the tuff layer. The age sequence of four sections on Lingshan Island is defined in this study: sections A and B belong to the Laiyang Group, and sections C and D are considered the Qingshan Group and were deposited in the Late Cretaceous. Two pre-Cretaceous zircon age peaks were also observed. These age peaks coincide with the magmatic and metamorphic ages preserved in the Sulu Orogen; thus, the Sulu Orogen is the provenance of the sedimentary rocks on Lingshan Island.
Complete sequence of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) mitochondrial genome and comparative analysis with the mitochondrial genomes of other plants
Authors: Liao Xiaofang , Zhao Yanhong , Kong Xiangjun , Khan Aziz , Zhou Bujin , Liu Dongmei , Kashif Muhammad Haneef , Chen Peng , Wang Hong , Zhou Ruiyang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPlant mitochondrial (mt) genomes are species specific due to the vast of foreign DNA migration and frequent recombination of repeated sequences. Sequencing of the mt genome of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is essential for elucidating its evolutionary characteristics. In the present study, single-molecule real-time sequencing technology (SMRT) was used to sequence the complete mt genome of kenaf. Results showed that the complete kenaf mt genome was 569,915 bp long and consisted of 62 genes, including 36 protein-coding, 3 rRNA and 23 tRNA genes. Twenty-five introns were found among nine of the 36 protein-coding genes, and five introns were trans-spliced. A comparative analysis with other plant mt genomes showed that four syntenic gene clusters were conserved in all plant mtDNAs. Fifteen chloroplast-derived fragments were strongly associated with mt genes, including the intact sequences of the chloroplast genes psaA, ndhB and rps7. According to the plant mt genome evolution analysis, some ribosomal protein genes and succinate dehydrogenase genes were frequently lost during the evolution of angiosperms. Our data suggest that the kenaf mt genome retained evolutionarily conserved characteristics. Overall, the complete sequencing of the kenaf mt genome provides additional information and enhances our better understanding of mt genomic evolution across angiosperms.
A detailed investigation of the porcine skin and nose microbiome using universal and Staphylococcus specific primers
Authors: Strube Mikael Lenz , Hansen Julie Elvekjær , Rasmussen Sophia , Pedersen Karl 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMRSA is an increasing problem in humans as well as livestock. The bacterial co-colonization of the skin in MRSA carriers has been poorly investigated and moreover, there have been no methods for high resolution investigations of the Staphylococcus genus apart from tediously culturing or doing multiple PCRs. On 120 samples from pig ear, skin and nose, we generated amplicons from the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene to gather an overview of the genus-level microbiome, along with using MRSA specific plates to count MRSA. In parallel with this, amplicons of the tuf gene were generated, targeting only a region of the tuf gene found only in the Staphylococcus genus. Using these methods, we determined a core microbiota across the healthy pig and determined the Staphylococcus genus to be dominated by S. equorum. Moreover, we found Streptococcus to be inversely associated with Staphylococcus and MRSA, suggesting a role for this genus in combating MRSA. In this work, we have thoroughly investigated the skin and nose microbiome of the pig and developed a high throughput method for profiling the Staphylococcus genus which we believe will be useful for further investigations.
Coupling Energy Capture and Storage – Endeavoring to make a solar battery
Authors: Arora Yukti , Battu Shateesh , Haram Santosh , Khushalani Deepa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStorage of solar radiation is currently accomplished by coupling two separate devices, one that captures and converts the energy into an electrical impulse (a photovoltaic cell) and another that stores this electrical output (a battery or a supercapacitor electrochemical cell). This configuration however has several challenges that stem from a complex coupled-device architecture and multiple interfaces through which charge transfer has to occur. As such presented here is a scheme whereby solar energy capture and storage have been coupled using a single bi-functional material. Two electroactive semiconductors BiVO4 (n-type) and Co3O4 (p-type) have been separately evaluated for their energy storage capability in the presence and absence of visible radiation. Each of these have the capability to function as a light harvester and also they have faradaic capability. An unprecedented aspect has been observed in that upon photo-illumination of either of these semiconductors, in situ charge carriers being generated play a pivotal role in perturbing the electroactivity of the redox species such that the majority charge carriers, viz. electrons in BiVO4 and holes in Co3O4, influence the redox response in a disproportionate manner. More importantly, there is an enhancement of ca. 30% in the discharge capacity of BiVO4 in the presence of light and this directly provides a unique route to augment charge storage during illumination.
The UV/Visible Radiation Boundary Region (385–405 nm) Damages Skin Cells and Induces “dark” Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers in Human Skin in vivo
Authors: Lawrence Karl P. , Douki Thierry , Sarkany Robert P. E. , Acker Stephanie , Herzog Bernd , Young Antony R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe adverse effects of terrestrial solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (~295–400 nm) on the skin are well documented, especially in the UVB region (~295–320 nm). The effects of very long-wave UVA (>380 nm) and visible radiation (≥400 nm) are much less known. Sunscreens have been beneficial in inhibiting a wide range of photodamage, however most formulations provide very little protection in the long wave UVA region (380–400 nm) and almost none from shortwave visible wavelengths (400–420 nm). We demonstrate photodamage in this region for a number of different endpoints including cell viability, DNA damage (delayed cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers), differential gene expression (for genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and photoageing) and induction of oxidizing species in vitro in HaCaT keratinocytes and in vivo in human volunteers. This work has implications for phototherapy and photoprotection.
Bolometric photodetection using plasmon-assisted resistivity change in vanadium dioxide
Authors: Takeya Hironobu , Frame James , Tanaka Takuo , Urade Yoshiro , Fang Xu , Kubo Wakana 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVanadium oxide is a key sensing material for bolometric photodetection, thanks to its strong temperature dependence of resistivity close to room temperature. Here we demonstrate the photodetection of a stoichiometric vanadium dioxide thin film integrated with silver nanorods. The nanorods convert light into heat, consequently suppressing the resistivity of vanadium dioxide via localised surface plasmon resonance. Incorporation of this thermo-plasmonic effect into bolometric photodetection allows for wavelength and polarisation sensitivity. This work opens the path to a broad family of photodetection functionalities for vanadium dioxide-based microbolometers.
Mapping discontinuous epitopes for MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3 antibodies to extracellular loops 1 and 4 of human P-glycoprotein
Authors: Vahedi Shahrooz , Lusvarghi Sabrina , Pluchino Kristen , Shafrir Yinon , Durell Stewart R. , Gottesman Michael M. , Ambudkar Suresh V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractP-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-dependent efflux pump, is associated with the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Antibody-mediated blockade of human P-gp activity has been shown to overcome drug resistance by re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells to anticancer drugs. Despite the potential clinical application of this finding, the epitopes of the three human P-gp-specific monoclonal antibodies MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3, which bind to the extracellular loops (ECLs) have not yet been mapped. By generating human-mouse P-gp chimeras, we mapped the epitopes of these antibodies to ECLs 1 and 4. We then identified key amino acids in these regions by replacing mouse residues with homologous human P-gp residues to recover binding of antibodies to the mouse P-gp. We found that changing a total of ten residues, five each in ECL1 and ECL4, was sufficient to recover binding of both MRK-16 and 4E3 antibodies, suggesting a common epitope. However, recovery of the conformation-sensitive UIC2 epitope required replacement of thirteen residues in ECL1 and the same five residues replaced in the ECL4 for MRK-16 and 4E3 binding. These results demonstrate that discontinuous epitopes for MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3 are located in the same regions of ECL1 and 4 of the multidrug transporter.