bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OCP–FRP protein complex topologies suggest a mechanism for controlling high light tolerance in cyanobacteria
Authors: Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Slonimskiy Yury B. , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Moldenhauer Marcus , Friedrich Thomas , Maksimov Eugene G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn cyanobacteria, high light photoactivates the orange carotenoid protein (OCP) that binds to antennae complexes, dissipating energy and preventing the destruction of the photosynthetic apparatus. At low light, OCP is efficiently deactivated by a poorly understood action of the dimeric fluorescence recovery protein (FRP). Here, we engineer FRP variants with defined oligomeric states and scrutinize their functional interaction with OCP. Complemented by disulfide trapping and chemical crosslinking, structural analysis in solution reveals the topology of metastable complexes of OCP and the FRP scaffold with different stoichiometries. Unable to tightly bind monomeric FRP, photoactivated OCP recruits dimeric FRP, which subsequently monomerizes giving 1:1 complexes. This could be facilitated by a transient OCP–2FRP–OCP complex formed via the two FRP head domains, significantly improving FRP efficiency at elevated OCP levels. By identifying key molecular interfaces, our findings may inspire the design of optically triggered systems transducing light signals into protein–protein interactions.
Gas-solid reaction based over one-micrometer thick stable perovskite films for efficient solar cells and modules
Authors: Liu Zonghao , Qiu Longbin , Juarez-Perez Emilio J. , Hawash Zafer , Kim Taehoon , Jiang Yan , Wu Zhifang , Raga Sonia R. , Ono Luis K. , Liu Shengzhong , Qi Yabing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBesides high efficiency, the stability and reproducibility of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are also key for their commercialization. Herein, we report a simple perovskite formation method to fabricate perovskite films with thickness over 1 μm in ambient condition on the basis of the fast gas−solid reaction of chlorine-incorporated hydrogen lead triiodide and methylamine gas. The resultant thick and smooth chlorine-incorporated perovskite films exhibit full coverage, improved crystallinity, low surface roughness and low thickness variation. The resultant PSCs achieve an average power conversion efficiency of 19.1 ± 0.4% with good reproducibility. Meanwhile, this method enables an active area efficiency of 15.3% for 5 cm × 5 cm solar modules. The un-encapsulated PSCs exhibit an excellent T80 lifetime exceeding 1600 h under continuous operation conditions in dry nitrogen environment.
Direct electric field imaging of graphene defects
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Findlay Scott D. , Seki Takehito , Sánchez-Santolino Gabriel , Kohno Yuji , Ikuhara Yuichi , Shibata Naoya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMaterial properties are sensitive to atomistic structure defects such as vacancies or impurities, and it is therefore important to determine not only the local atomic configuration but also their chemical bonding state. Annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy has been utilized to investigate the local electronic structures of such defects down to the level of single atoms. However, it is still challenging to two-dimensionally map the local bonding states, because the electronic fine-structure signal from a single atom is extremely weak. Here, we show that atomic-resolution differential phase-contrast STEM imaging can directly visualize the anisotropy of single Si atomic electric fields in monolayer graphene. We also visualize the atomic electric fields of Stone–Wales defects and nanopores in graphene. Our results open the way to directly examine the local chemistry of the defective structures in materials at atomistic dimensions.
Plant neighbor detection and allelochemical response are driven by root-secreted signaling chemicals
Authors: Kong Chui-Hua , Zhang Song-Zhu , Li Yong-Hua , Xia Zhi-Chao , Yang Xue-Fang , Meiners Scott J. , Wang Peng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPlant neighbor detection and response strategies are important mediators of interactions among species. Despite increasing knowledge of neighbor detection and response involving plant volatiles, less is known about how soil-borne signaling chemicals may act belowground in plant–plant interactions. Here, we experimentally demonstrate neighbor detection and allelopathic responses between wheat and 100 other plant species via belowground signaling. Wheat can detect both conspecific and heterospecific neighbors and responds by increasing allelochemical production. Furthermore, we show that (-)-loliolide and jasmonic acid are present in root exudates from a diverse range of species and are able to trigger allelochemical production in wheat. These findings suggest that root-secreted (-)-loliolide and jasmonic acid are involved in plant neighbor detection and allelochemical response and may be widespread mediators of belowground plant-plant interactions.
A room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high capacity and stable cycling performance
Authors: Xu Xiaofu , Zhou Dong , Qin Xianying , Lin Kui , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Rojo Teofilo , Armand Michel , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHigh-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries operating at 300–350 °C have been commercially applied for large-scale energy storage and conversion. However, the safety concerns greatly inhibit their widespread adoption. Herein, we report a room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery with high electrochemical performances and enhanced safety by employing a “cocktail optimized” electrolyte system, containing propylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate as co-solvents, highly concentrated sodium salt, and indium triiodide as an additive. As verified by first-principle calculation and experimental characterization, the fluoroethylene carbonate solvent and high salt concentration not only dramatically reduce the solubility of sodium polysulfides, but also construct a robust solid-electrolyte interface on the sodium anode upon cycling. Indium triiodide as redox mediator simultaneously increases the kinetic transformation of sodium sulfide on the cathode and forms a passivating indium layer on the anode to prevent it from polysulfide corrosion. The as-developed sodium–sulfur batteries deliver high capacity and long cycling stability.
Effectiveness of endothelial progenitor cell culture under microgravity for improved angiogenic potential
Authors: Hagiwara Hiroko , Higashibata Akira , Ogawa Shiho , Kanazawa Shigeyuki , Mizuno Hiroshi , Tanaka Rica 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEndothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation is beneficial for ischemic diseases such as critical limb ischemia and ischemic heart disease. The scarcity of functional EPCs in adults is a limiting factor for EPC transplantation therapy. The quality and quantity culture (QQc) system is an effective ex vivo method for enhancing the number and angiogenic potential of EPCs. Further, microgravity environments have been shown to enhance the functional potential of stem cells. We therefore hypothesized that cells cultured with QQc under microgravity may have enhanced functionality. We cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using QQc under normal (E), microgravity (MG), or microgravity followed by normal (ME) conditions and found that ME resulted in the most significant increase in CD34+ and double positive Dil-Ac-LDL-FITC-Ulex-Lectin cells, both EPC markers. Furthermore, angiogenic potential was determined by an EPC-colony forming assay. While numbers of primitive EPC-colony forming units (pEPC-CFU) did not change, numbers of definitive EPC-CFU colonies increased most under ME conditions. Gene-expression profiling also identified increases in angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, under MG and ME conditions. Thus, QQc along with ME conditions could be an efficient system for significantly enhancing the number and angiogenic potential of EPCs.
The Fab fragment of anti-IgE Cε2 domain prevents allergic reactions through interacting with IgE-FcεRIα complex on rat mast cells
Authors: Hirano Takao , Koyanagi Akemi , Kotoshiba Kaoru , Shinkai Yoichi , Kasai Masataka , Ando Tomoaki , Kaitani Ayako , Okumura Ko , Kitaura Jiro 
Published: September 2018

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Type I hypersensitivity through interaction with a high-affinity receptor (FcεRIα). For therapeutic applications, substantial attention has been focused recently on the blockade of the IgE interaction with FcεRIα. While exploring better options for preventing allergic diseases, we found that the Fab fragment of the rat anti-murine IgE antibody (Fab-6HD5) strongly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)in vivo, as well as spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activity and β-hexosaminidase release from basophilic leukemia cellsin vitro. Thein vivoeffects of Fab-6HD5 pre-administration were maintained over a long period of time for at least 10 days. Using flow cytometry analysis, we also found that Fab-6HD5 did not recognize the IgE Cε3 domain containing specific binding sites for FcεRIα. Furthermore, deletion-mapping studies revealed that Fab-6HD5 recognized conformational epitopes on the Cε2 domain of IgE. Given that the Cε2 domain plays a key role in stabilizing the interaction of IgE with FcRIα, our results suggest that the specific binding of Fab-6HD5 to the Cε2 domain prevents allergic reactions through destabilizing the preformed IgE-FcεRIα complex on rat mast cells. Although the present study was performed using animal models, these findings support the idea that a certain antibody directed against IgE CH domains may contribute to preventing allergic diseases through interacting with IgE-FcεRIα complex.
On-Demand Design of Tunable Complete Photonic Band Gaps based on Bloch Mode Analysis
Authors: Li Shuo , Lin Han , Meng Fei , Moss David , Huang Xiaodong , Jia Baohua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe fundamental property of photonic crystals is the band gap effect, which arises from the periodic dielectric modulation of electromagnetic waves and plays an indispensable role in manipulating light. Ever since the first photonic-bandgap structure was discovered, the ability to tune its bandgap across a wide wavelength range has been highly desirable. Therefore, obtaining photonic crystals possessing large on-demand bandgaps has been an ever-attractive study but has remained a challenge. Here we present an analytical design method for achieving high-order two-dimensional photonic crystals with tunable photonic band gaps on-demand. Based on the Bloch mode analysis for periodic structures, we are able to determine the geometric structure of the unit cell that will realize a nearly optimal photonic band gap for one polarization between the appointed adjacent bands. More importantly, this method generates a complete bandgap for all polarizations, with frequencies tuned by the number of photonic bands below the gap. The lowest dielectric contrast needed to generate a photonic band gap, as well as conditions for generating complete bandgaps, are investigated. Our work first highlights the systematic approach to complete photonic band gaps design based on Bloch mode analysis. The physical principles behind our work are then generalized to other photonic lattices.
Noise-robust quantum sensing via optimal multi-probe spectroscopy
Authors: Müller Matthias M. , Gherardini Stefano , Caruso Filippo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe dynamics of quantum systems are unavoidably influenced by their environment, but in turn observing a quantum system (probe) can allow one to measure its environment: Measurements and controlled manipulation of the probe such as dynamical decoupling sequences as an extension of the Ramsey interference measurement allow to spectrally resolve a noise field coupled to the probe. Here, we introduce fast and robust estimation strategies for the characterization of the spectral properties of classical and quantum dephasing environments. These strategies are based on filter function orthogonalization, optimal control filters maximizing the relevant Fisher Information and multi-qubit entanglement. We investigate and quantify the robustness of the schemes under different types of noise such as finite-precision measurements, dephasing of the probe, spectral leakage and slow temporal fluctuations of the spectrum.
Giant reversible elongation upon cooling and contraction upon heating for a crosslinked cis poly(1,4-butadiene) system at temperatures below zero Celsius
Authors: Lu Lu , Cao Jinbao , Li Guoqiang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPolymers with reversible elongation upon cooling (EUC) and contraction upon heating (CUH) enabled applications in actuators, fasteners, dampers, grippers, swimmers, sealants, etc. With the current working temperature being limited to mainly above zero Celsius, applications for subzero Celsius environments are obstructed. In addition, current reversible actuation needs a constant tensile load, or for the best case, under zero tensile load. Reversible EUC and CUH under compressive load is almost impossible and has not been explored. In this work, a cis poly(1,4-butadiene) based system has been developed. Actuated below zero Celsius, 69% EUC occurred under a tensile load; and 6.2% EUC and 17.9% CUH occurred under 0.05 MPa compressive load. The reversible actuation was driven by both entropy and enthalpy, which was validated by a series of characterization tools.
Enhanced Prediction of Hot Spots at Protein-Protein Interfaces Using Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Chuyao , Deng Lei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIdentification of hot spots, a small portion of protein-protein interface residues that contribute the majority of the binding free energy, can provide crucial information for understanding the function of proteins and studying their interactions. Based on our previous method (PredHS), we propose a new computational approach, PredHS2, that can further improve the accuracy of predicting hot spots at protein-protein interfaces. Firstly we build a new training dataset of 313 alanine-mutated interface residues extracted from 34 protein complexes. Then we generate a wide variety of 600 sequence, structure, exposure and energy features, together with Euclidean and Voronoi neighborhood properties. To remove redundant and irrelevant information, we select a set of 26 optimal features utilizing a two-step feature selection method, which consist of a minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) procedure and a sequential forward selection process. Based on the selected 26 features, we use Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to build our prediction model. Performance of our PredHS2 approach outperforms other machine learning algorithms and other state-of-the-art hot spot prediction methods on the training dataset and the independent test set (BID) respectively. Several novel features, such as solvent exposure characteristics, second structure features and disorder scores, are found to be more effective in discriminating hot spots. Moreover, the update of the training dataset and the new feature selection and classification algorithms play a vital role in improving the prediction quality.
Unscrambling phylogenetic effects and ecological determinants of chromosome number in major angiosperm clades
Authors: Carta Angelino , Bedini Gianni , Peruzzi Lorenzo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAs variations in the chromosome number are recognized to be of evolutionary interest but are also widely debated in the literature, we aimed to quantitatively test for possible relationships among the chromosome number, plant traits, and environmental factors. In particular, the chromosome number and drivers of its variation were examined in 801 Italian endemic vascular plants, for a total of 1364 accessions. We estimated phylogenetic inertia and adaptation in chromosome number - based on an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process - and related chromosome numbers with other plant traits and environmental variables. Phylogenetic effects in chromosome number varied among the examined clades but were generally high. Chromosome numbers were poorly related to large scale climatic conditions, while a stronger relationship with categorical variables was found. Specifically, open, disturbed, drought-prone habitats selected for low chromosome numbers, while perennial herbs, living in shaded, stable environments were associated with high chromosome numbers. Altogether, our findings support an evolutionary role of chromosome number variation, and we argue that environmental stability favours higher recombination rates in comparison to unstable environments. In addition, by comparing the results of models testing for the evolvability of 2nand ofx, we provide insight into the presumptive ecological significance of polyploidy.
Integrative metabolic and transcriptomic profiling of prostate cancer tissue containing reactive stroma
Authors: Andersen Maria K. , Rise Kjersti , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Richardsen Elin , Bertilsson Helena , Størkersen Øystein , Bathen Tone F. , Rye Morten , Tessem May-Britt 
Published: September 2018

AbstractReactive stroma is a tissue feature commonly observed in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer and has previously been associated with more aggressive tumors. The aim of this study was to detect differentially expressed genes and metabolites according to reactive stroma content measured on the exact same prostate cancer tissue sample. Reactive stroma was evaluated using histopathology from 108 fresh frozen prostate cancer samples gathered from 43 patients after prostatectomy (Biobank1). A subset of the samples was analyzed both for metabolic (n = 85) and transcriptomic alterations (n = 78) using high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS MRS) and RNA microarray, respectively. Recurrence-free survival was assessed in patients with clinical follow-up of minimum five years (n = 38) using biochemical recurrence (BCR) as endpoint. Multivariate metabolomics and gene expression analysis compared low (≤15%) against high reactive stroma content (≥16%). High reactive stroma content was associated with BCR in prostate cancer patients even when accounting for the influence of Grade Group (Cox hazard proportional analysis, p = 0.013). In samples with high reactive stroma content, metabolites and genes linked to immune functions and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling were significantly upregulated. Future validation of these findings is important to reveal novel biomarkers and drug targets connected to immune mechanisms and ECM in prostate cancer. The fact that high reactive stroma grading is connected to BCR adds further support for the clinical integration of this histopathological evaluation.
PHD3 regulates glucose metabolism by suppressing stress-induced signalling and optimising gluconeogenesis and insulin signalling in hepatocytes
Authors: Yano Hiroyuki , Sakai Mashito , Matsukawa Toshiya , Yagi Takashi , Naganuma Takao , Mitsushima Masaru , Iida Satoshi , Inaba Yuka , Inoue Hiroshi , Unoki-Kubota Hiroyuki , Kaburagi Yasushi , Asahara Shun-ichiro , Kido Yoshiaki , Minami Shiro , Kasuga Masato , Matsumoto Michihiro 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlucagon-mediated gene transcription in the liver is critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis. Promoting the induction of gluconeogenic genes and blocking that of insulin receptor substrate (Irs)2 in hepatocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism by which glucagon signalling regulates hepatocyte metabolism is not fully understood. We previously showed that a fasting-inducible signalling module consisting of general control non-repressed protein 5, co-regulator cAMP response element-binding protein binding protein/p300-interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2, and protein kinase A is required for glucagon-induced transcription of gluconeogenic genes. The present study aimed to identify the downstream effectors of this module in hepatocytes by examining glucagon-induced potential target genes. One of these genes was prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)3, which suppressed stress signalling through inhibition of the IκB kinase–nuclear factor-κB pathway in a proline hydroxylase-independent manner to maintain insulin signalling. PHD3 was also required for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α-induced gluconeogenesis, which was dependent on proline hydroxylase activity, suggesting that PHD3 regulates metabolism in response to glucagon as well as insulin. These findings demonstrate that glucagon-inducible PHD3 regulates glucose metabolism by suppressing stress signalling and optimising gluconeogenesis and insulin signalling in hepatocytes.
Neuronal MAP kinase p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase to modulate anxiety-related behaviour
Authors: Stefanoska Kristie , Bertz Josefine , Volkerling Alexander M. , van der Hoven Julia , Ittner Lars M. , Ittner Arne 
Published: September 2018

AbstractModulation of behavioural responses by neuronal signalling pathways remains incompletely understood. Signalling via mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades regulates multiple neuronal functions. Here, we show that neuronal p38α, a MAP kinase of the p38 kinase family, has a critical and specific role in modulating anxiety-related behaviour in mice. Neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased levels of anxiety in behaviour tests, yet no other behavioural, cognitive or motor deficits. Using CRISPR-mediated deletion of p38α in cells, we show that p38α inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, a function that is specific to p38α over other p38 kinases. Consistently, brains of neuron-specific p38α-knockout mice show increased JNK activity. Inhibiting JNK using a specific blood-brain barrier-permeable inhibitor reduces JNK activity in brains of p38α-knockout mice to physiological levels and reverts anxiety behaviour. Thus, our results suggest that neuronal p38α negatively regulates JNK activity that is required for specific modulation of anxiety-related behaviour.
Sharing an environment with sick conspecifics alters odors of healthy animals
Authors: Gervasi Stephanie S. , Opiekun Maryanne , Martin Talia , Beauchamp Gary K. , Kimball Bruce A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBody odors change with health status and the odors of sick animals can induce avoidance behaviors in healthy conspecifics. Exposure to sickness odors might also alter the physiology of healthy conspecifics and modify the odors they produce. We hypothesized that exposure to odors of sick (but non-infectious) animals would alter the odors of healthy cagemates. To induce sickness, we injected mice with a bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide. We used behavioral odor discrimination assays and analytical chemistry techniques followed by predictive classification modeling to ask about differences in volatile odorants produced by two types of healthy mice: those cohoused with healthy conspecifics and those cohoused with sick conspecifics. Mice trained in Y-maze behavioral assays to discriminate between the odors of healthy versus sick mice also discriminated between the odors of healthy mice cohoused with sick conspecifics and odors of healthy mice cohoused with healthy conspecifics. Chemical analyses paired with statistical modeling revealed a parallel phenomenon. Urine volatiles of healthy mice cohoused with sick partners were more likely to be classified as those of sick rather than healthy mice based on discriminant model predictions. Sickness-related odors could have cascading effects on neuroendocrine or immune responses of healthy conspecifics, and could affect individual behaviors, social dynamics, and pathogen spread.