bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A facility for the analysis of the electronic structures of solids and their surfaces by synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Hoesch M. , Kim T. K. , Dudin P. , Wang H. , Scott S. , Harris P. , Patel S. , Matthews M. , Hawkins D. , Alcock S. G. , Richter T. , Mudd J. J. , Basham M. , Pratt L. , Leicester P. , Longhi E. C. , Tamai A. , Baumberger F.
Published: January 2017

A synchrotron radiation beamline in the photon energy range of 18-240 eV and an electron spectroscopy end station have been constructed at the 3 GeV Diamond Light Source storage ring. The instrument features a variable polarisation undulator, a high resolution monochromator, a re-focussing system to form a beam spot of 50 × 50 μm2, and an end station for angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) including a 6-degrees-of-freedom cryogenic sample manipulator. The beamline design and its performance allow for a highly productive and precise use of the ARPES technique at an energy resolution of 10-15 meV for fast k-space mapping studies with a photon flux up to 2 ⋅ 1013 ph/s and well below 3 meV for high resolution spectra.
Dynamic fragmentation of Al-W granular rings with different mesostructures
Authors: Chiu Po-Hsun , Olney Karl L. , Benson David J. , Braithwaite Chris , Collins Adam , Nesterenko Vitali F.
Published: January 2017

Explosively driven fragmentation mechanisms of Al-W particulate composite rings were investigated. The effect of mesostructures (particulate Al and W, particulate Al and W fibers) and bonding between Al particles (processing via cold isostatic and cold isostatic + hot isostatic pressing) were determined. The kinematics of the expansion process was monitored using Photon Doppler Velocimetry measurements of the velocity of the outer surface of the rings. Numerical simulations of the expansion velocity of rings were in agreement with experimental data. Agglomerated fragments larger than sizes of initial Al particles were observed in experiments. The characteristic size of these agglomerates is most likely determined by the spacing between W inclusions. The simulations show that the dynamically expanded rings had clusters of particulates between shear bands (developing into macrocracks), which expand without significant plastic deformation, generating agglomerated fragments with sizes larger than initial Al particles, as observed in experiments. It was also demonstrated that debris has a measurable fraction of particles with sizes below the original particle sizes. The mesostructure of the fragments demonstrated that Al particles were heavily deformed within the regions having locally high strain plastic flow, which may result in fragments sizes below initial Al particle diameter. Simulations agree with experiments in that Al particles between neighboring W particles/fibers are heavily plastically deformed in comparison with Al particles away from W inclusions. Simulations also demonstrated that increasing initial porosity increases the plastic straining of Al particles between W particles/fibers. Thus, initial porosity may cause an increase in temperature of the Al fragments and cracking their surface oxide layers, therefore increasing the chance of subsequent rapid oxidation in air.
High sensitivity phonon-mediated kinetic inductance detector with combined amplitude and phase read-out
Authors: Cardani L. , Casali N. , Colantoni I. , Cruciani A. , Bellini F. , Castellano M. G. , Cosmelli C. , D'Addabbo A. , Di Domizio S. , Martinez M. , Tomei C. , Vignati M.
Published: January 2017

Developing wide-area cryogenic light detectors with baseline resolution better than 20 eV is one of the priorities of next generation bolometric experiments searching for rare interactions, as the simultaneous read-out of the light and heat signals enables background suppression through particle identification. Among the proposed technological approaches for the phonon sensor, the naturally multiplexed Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) stand out for their excellent intrinsic energy resolution and reproducibility. The potential of this technique was proved by the CALDER project that reached a baseline resolution of 154 ± 7 eV RMS by sampling a 2 × 2 cm2 Silicon substrate with 4 Aluminum KIDs. In this paper, we present a prototype of Aluminum KID with improved geometry and quality factor. The design improvement, as well as the combined analysis of amplitude and phase signals, allowed to reach a baseline resolution of 82 ± 4 eV by sampling the same substrate with a single Aluminum KID.
A low power miniaturized dielectric barrier discharge based atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Divya Deepak G. , Joshi N. K. , Pal Dharmendra Kumar , Prakash Ram
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma based atmospheric pressure plasma jet has been generated in a floating helix and floating end ring electrode configuration using argon and helium gases. This configuration is subjected to a range of supply frequencies (10-25 kHz) and supply voltages (2-6 kV) at a fixed rate of gas flow rate (i.e., 1 l/min). The electrical characterization of the plasma jet has been carried out using a high voltage probe and current transformer. The current-voltage characteristics have been analyzed, and the consumed power has been estimated at different applied combinations for optimum power consumption at maximum jet length. The obtained optimum power and jet length for argon and helium gases are 12 mW and 32 mm, and 7.7 mW and 42 mm, respectively. It is inferred that besides the electrode configurations, the discharge gas is also playing a significant role in the low power operation of the cold plasma jet at maximum jet length. The obtained results are interpreted on the basis of penning processes.
Role of exact exchange in thermally-assisted-occupation density functional theory: A proposal of new hybrid schemes
Authors: Chai Jeng-Da
Published: January 2017

We propose hybrid schemes incorporating exact exchange into thermally assisted-occupation-density functional theory (TAO-DFT) [J.-D. Chai, J. Chem. Phys. 136, 154104 (2012)] for an improved description of nonlocal exchange effects. With a few simple modifications, global and range-separated hybrid functionals in Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) can be combined seamlessly with TAO-DFT. In comparison with global hybrid functionals in KS-DFT, the resulting global hybrid functionals in TAO-DFT yield promising performance for systems with strong static correlation effects (e.g., the dissociation of H2 and N2, twisted ethylene, and electronic properties of linear acenes), while maintaining similar performance for systems without strong static correlation effects. Besides, a reasonably accurate description of noncovalent interactions can be efficiently achieved through the inclusion of dispersion corrections in hybrid TAO-DFT. Relative to semilocal density functionals in TAO-DFT, global hybrid functionals in TAO-DFT are generally superior in performance for a wide range of applications, such as thermochemistry, kinetics, reaction energies, and optimized geometries.
Humidity-independent conducting polyaniline films synthesized using advanced atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization with in-situ iodine doping
Authors: Park Choon-Sang , Kim Do Yeob , Kim Dong Ha , Lee Hyung-Kun , Shin Bhum Jae , Tae Heung-Sik
Published: January 2017

This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of conducting polyaniline (PANI) thin films when using advanced atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs). A simple method for synthesizing conducting polymers (CPs) with humidity-independent characteristics is introduced using advanced APPJs and an in-situ iodine doping method. In the case of ex-situ I2 doping, a humidity effect study showed that increasing the relative humidity produced significant changes in the electrical resistance (R) of the PANI, indicating strong humidity-dependent characteristics similar to conventional CPs. In contrast, in the case of in-situ I2 doping, the R and sensitivity of the PANI remained essentially unchanged when increasing the relative humidity, except for a very low sensitivity of 0.5% under 94% relative humidity. In addition, the R for the PANI with in-situ I2 doping showed no aging effect, while the R for the ex-situ-doped PANI increased dramatically over time. Thus, it is anticipated that the use of in-situ doping during plasma polymerization can be widely used to design stable and high-performance CPs with humidity-independent characteristics for a variety of applications.
Tunneling field effect transistor integrated with black phosphorus-MoS2 junction and ion gel dielectric
Authors: Xu Jiao , Jia Jingyuan , Lai Shen , Ju Jaehyuk , Lee Sungjoo
Published: January 2017

We report an interband tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) integrated with a Black Phosphorus (BP)-MoS2 junction and ion gel as a top gate dielectric. The operation of the BP-MOS2 TFET is based on the modulation of the energy band alignment of the BP-MoS2 junction with electrostatic gating control on the MoS2 channel from the top gate through the ion gel dielectric and the supply of tunneling carriers from the BP source, which is degenerately doped with ion gel. The obtained subthreshold swing of the BP-MoS2 TFET reached 65 mV/dec at room temperature and 51 mV/dec at 160 K, maintaining low SS values in more than 2 orders of drain current range. The demonstrated interband TFET based on the BP-MoS2 junction shows significant promise for further application to a new class of two-dimensional functional devices.
Quantitative characterization of exciton from GW+Bethe-Salpeter calculation
Authors: Hirose Daichi , Noguchi Yoshifumi , Sugino Osamu
Published: January 2017

We propose a method of classifying excitons into local-, Rydberg-, or charge transfer-type as a step toward enabling a data-driven material design of organic solar cells. The classification method is based on the first-principles many-body theory and improves over the conventional method based on state-by-state visualization of the one-electron wave functions. In our method, the exciton wave function is calculated within the level of the GW+Bethe-Salpeter equation, which is used to obtain two dimensionless parameters for the automatic classification. We construct criteria for exciton classification from experiences with a model molecule, dipeptide. Then we check the validity of our method using a model β-dipeptide which has a geometry and an excitation spectrum similar to the model dipeptide. In addition, we test the effectiveness of the method using porphyrin molecules, or P1TA and P2TA, for which the conventional method is hampered by the strong state hybridization associated with excitation. We find that our method works successfully for P1TA, but the analysis of P2TA is hindered by its centrosymmetry.
A microfabricated optically-pumped magnetic gradiometer
Authors: Sheng D. , Perry A. R. , Krzyzewski S. P. , Geller S. , Kitching J. , Knappe S.
Published: January 2017

We report on the development of a microfabricated atomic magnetic gradiometer based on optical spectroscopy of alkali atoms in the vapor phase. The gradiometer, which operates in the spin-exchange relaxation free regime, has a length of 60 mm and cross sectional diameter of 12 mm, and consists of two chip-scale atomic magnetometers which are interrogated by a common laser light. The sensor can measure differences in magnetic fields, over a 20 mm baseline, of 10 fT/Hz1/2 at frequencies above 20 Hz. The maximum rejection of magnetic field noise is 1000 at 10 Hz. By use of a set of compensation coils wrapped around the sensor, we also measure the sensor sensitivity at several external bias field strengths up to 150 mG. This device is useful for applications that require both sensitive gradient field information and high common-mode noise cancellation.
Ion capturing/ion releasing films and nanoparticles in liquid crystal devices
Authors: Garbovskiy Yuriy
Published: January 2017

Nanoparticles dispersed in liquid crystals can change the concentration of mobile ions through the adsorption/desorption process. In the majority of the reported cases, the effects of nanoparticles on the electrical properties of liquid crystals are analysed, neglecting the interactions of ions with substrates. In this paper, the combined effect of nanoparticles and substrates on the concentration of ions in liquid crystals is discussed. Depending on the ionic purity of substrates and nanoparticles, the ion capturing/ion releasing regimes can be achieved. In addition, the concentration of mobile ions in liquid crystal nanocolloids also depends on the cell thickness.
Investigation of negative photoconductivity in p-type Pb1-xSnxTe film
Authors: Tavares M. A. B. , da Silva M. J. , Peres M. L. , de Castro S. , Soares D. A. W. , Okazaki A. K. , Fornari C. I. , Rappl P. H. O. , Abramof E.
Published: January 2017

We investigated the negative photoconductivity (NPC) effect that was observed in a p-type Pb1-xSnxTe film for temperatures varying from 300 K down to 85 K. We found that this effect is a consequence of defect states located in the bandgap which act as trapping levels, changing the relation between generation and recombination rates. Theoretical calculations predict contributions to the NPC from both conduction and valence bands, which are in accordance with the experimental observations.
Absolute density of precursor SiH3 radicals and H atoms in H2-diluted SiH4 gas plasma for deposition of microcrystalline silicon films
Authors: Abe Yusuke , Ishikawa Kenji , Takeda Keigo , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Fukushima Atsushi , Kondo Hiroki , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: January 2017

Microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon films were produced at a high deposition rate of about 2 nm/s by using a capacitively coupled plasma under a practical pressure of around 1 kPa. The SiH4 source gas was almost fully dissociated when highly diluted with H2 gas, and the dominant species in the gas phase were found to be SiH3 radicals, which are film-growth precursors, and H atoms. The absolute density of these species was measured as the partial pressure of SiH4 gas was varied. With the increasing SiH4 gas flow rate, the SiH3 radical density, which was on the order of 1012 cm−3, increased linearly, while the H-atom density remained constant at about 1012 cm−3. The film growth mechanism was described in terms of precursors, based on the measured flux of SiH3 radicals and H atoms, and the relative fraction of higher-order radicals.
On a relationship among optical power, current density, and junction temperature for InGaN-based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Guo Zi-Quan , Shih Tien-Mo , Peng Zhang-Bao , Qiu Hai-Hua , Lu Yi-Jun , Gao Yu-Lin , Zhu Li-Hong , Zheng Jiang-Hui , Chen Zhong
Published: January 2017

Theories of spontaneous emission rates and carrier recombination mechanisms for multiple-quantum-well InGaN-based blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been carefully studied. A relationship among the optical power, the current density, and the temperature (heat-sink temperature or p-n junction temperature) is identified, and an optical-electrical-thermal model (OETM) is proposed. Thereafter, spectral measurements have been carried out to confirm the validity of this OETM. Results show that measured optical powers under various current densities and heat-sink temperatures agree satisfactorily with those determined by the OETM. Furthermore, the traditional forward-voltage method (FVM) has also been carried out for comparison. Junction temperatures determined by this OETM is in accordance with those measured by the FVM. Therefore, this model can serve as an alternative tool for fast estimating junction temperatures after relevant fitting coefficients having been determined.
CaO-matrix processing of MnBi alloys for permanent magnets
Authors: Gabay A. M. , Hadjipanayis G. C.
Published: January 2017

The possibility to suppress agglomeration of MnBi alloy particles during milling and their unwanted sintering during subsequent annealing was explored by embedding the particles in CaO through co-milling. A 15 h annealing of the micron-sized MnBi particles embedded in the CaO matrix at 300 °C is not accompanied by sintering or growth of the particles while it significantly increases their coercivity – presumably by healing the milling-induced crystal defects. After separation from the CaO matrix, the annealed MnBi powder combines a calculated energy product of 10 MGOe with a room-temperature coercivity of 14.4 kOe. At the same time, the partial loss and degradation of the MnBi low-temperature phase during warm compaction of the powders makes the effect of the CaO-matrix annealing less pronounced in the case of fully dense magnets; the residue from the solvents employed for the removal of the CaO might have contributed to the decline of the properties. Still, a relatively high room-temperature coercivity of 8.5 kOe was obtained for the fuslly-dense MnBi magnet exhibiting an energy product of 5.3 MGOe.
Individualised feeding of concentrate supplement in pasture-based dairy systems: practices and perceptions of New Zealand dairy farmers and their advisors
Authors: Dela Rue B. T. , Eastwood C. R.
Published: January 2017

Approximately one-third of New Zealand dairy farms have in-shed feeding systems, and quarter of these systems have individual-cow feeding capability. There is little information about the factors motivating farmers to install individualised feeding technology in New Zealand and their management practices. A survey was conducted of 42 farmers using individualised feeding, followed by interviews of 32 farmers and five farm consultants. The aim of the study was to understand why farmers were installing individualised feeding, how they were using it, and what challenges they were facing. Results indicated that these farmers were commonly motivated by improving productivity and most farmers strongly believed that they were gaining value with this approach compared with flat-rate feeding. However, there was also uncertainty about the most profitable feeding strategies. The farmers were most commonly feeding cows in distinct groups rather than as individuals, and were typically adjusting feed allocation at three to four stages of the lactation. Consultants identified a lack of a value proposition for investment, limited justification for feeding-decision rules, and the absence of information to support the perceived productivity (and other) benefits. The perceived productivity benefit of individualised feeding held by farmers in the present study is contrary to recent research that has indicated no marginal milk-production benefit compared with flat-rate feeding. Although, few of these studies relate to individualised feeding in grazing systems where pasture allowance is restricted as is typical of New Zealand farm systems, indicating a need for further experimental and modelling research to quantify the potential value in these systems. Farmers were seeking reliable information on the response rate and cost effectiveness of various feeds and feeding rules, how to distribute a fixed amount of feed to the herd most profitably, and technical expertise, support and back-up for specific feeding systems. Findings from the present study suggest a lack of advisor expertise related to in-shed feeding of concentrate supplement in pasture-grazed systems, signalling opportunities for more training of rural professionals to provide informed advice and improved communication channels with farmers.
Partnerships in obesity prevention: maximising co‐benefits
Authors: Jones Michelle , Verity Fiona
Published: January 2017

Issue addressed

Partnerships were used to increase healthy eating and active living in children for the Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) program, a systems‐wide, community‐based childhood obesity prevention program in South Australia. This part of the multi‐component evaluation examines stakeholders' perceptions of how OPAL staff worked in partnership and factors contributing to strong partnerships.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐interviews and focus groups with multi‐sector stakeholders (n = 131) across six OPAL communities were analysed using NVivo8 qualitative data analysis software.

Results

Stakeholders reflected positively on projects developed in partnership with OPAL, reporting that staff worked to establish co‐benefits. They identified several factors that contributed to the strengthening of partnerships: staff skills, visibility, resources and sustainability.

Conclusions

Rather than implementing projects with stakeholders with shared organisational goals, local shared projects were implemented that included a breadth of co‐benefits, allowing multi‐sector stakeholders to meet their own organisational goals. Practitioners who have the capacity to be flexible, persistent, knowledgeable and skilled communicators are required to negotiate projects, achieving benefit for both health and stakeholders' organisational goals.

So what?

Engaging in partnership practice to broker co‐benefits at the micro or program level has been an effective model for community engagement and change in OPAL. It foregrounds the need for the inclusion of value to partners, which differs from situations in which organisations come together around common goals.
Iron isotopes reveal distinct dissolved iron sources and pathways in the intermediate versus deep Southern Ocean
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Lacan Francois , Radic Amandine , Pradoux Catherine , Poitrasson Franck
Published: January 2017

Significance

Iron is an essential micronutrient for life. However, its scarcity limits algae growth in about one-half of the ocean. Its cycle is therefore linked to the global carbon cycle and climate. We present an iron isotope section from the Southern Ocean. In contrast to the common but oversimplified view, according to which organic matter remineralization is the major pathway releasing dissolved iron below the surface layers, these data reveal other dominant processes at depth, likely abiotic desorption/dissolution from lithogenic particles. This suggests that the iron cycle, and therefore primary production and climate, may be more sensitive than previously thought to continental erosion, dissolved/particle interactions, and deep water upwelling. These processes likely impact other elements in the ocean.
Utility-value intervention with parents increases students’ STEM preparation and career pursuit
Authors: Rozek Christopher S. , Svoboda Ryan C. , Harackiewicz Judith M. , Hulleman Chris S. , Hyde Janet S.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The need for students trained in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs is growing rapidly in the United States, yet students do not enroll in the necessary courses to prepare for STEM careers. In a randomized controlled trial, parents in the utility–value intervention group received materials detailing the importance of STEM for their adolescents in high school. The intervention increased mathematics and science ACT scores and course-taking in high school. This greater high-school STEM preparation was associated, 5 y later, with increased STEM career pursuit. These findings suggest that educational policies should promote the personal relevance of high-school mathematics and science courses and involve parents in helping to promote STEM preparation and career pursuit.
Harmonic template neurons in primate auditory cortex underlying complex sound processing
Authors: Feng Lei , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: January 2017

Significance

Harmonicity is a fundamental element of music, speech, and animal vocalizations. How the brain extracts harmonic structures embedded in complex sounds remains largely unknown. We have discovered a unique population of harmonic template neurons in the core region of auditory cortex of marmosets, a highly vocal primate species. Responses of these neurons show nonlinear facilitation to harmonic complex sounds over inharmonic sounds and selectivity for particular harmonic structures. Such neuronal selectivity may form the basis of harmonic processing by the brain and has important implications for music and speech processing.
A natural product inhibits the initiation of α-synuclein aggregation and suppresses its toxicity
Authors: Perni Michele , Galvagnion Céline , Maltsev Alexander , Meisl Georg , Müller Martin B. D. , Challa Pavan K. , Kirkegaard Julius B. , Flagmeier Patrick , Cohen Samuel I. A. , Cascella Roberta , Chen Serene W. , Limbocker Ryan , Sormanni Pietro , Heller Gabriella T. , Aprile Francesco A. , Cremades Nunilo , Cecchi Cristina , Chiti Fabrizio , Nollen Ellen A. A. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Vendruscolo Michele , Bax Adriaan , Zasloff Michael , Dobson Christopher M.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the presence in brain tissues of aberrant aggregates primarily formed by the protein α-synuclein. It has been difficult, however, to identify compounds capable of preventing the formation of such deposits because of the complexity of the aggregation process of α-synuclein. By exploiting recently developed highly quantitative in vitro assays, we identify a compound, squalamine, that blocks α-synuclein aggregation, and characterize its mode of action. Our results show that squalamine, by competing with α-synuclein for binding lipid membranes, specifically inhibits the initiation of the aggregation process of α-synuclein and abolishes the toxicity of α-synuclein oligomers in neuronal cells and in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease.
Field-scale experiments reveal persistent yield gaps in low-input and organic cropping systems
Authors: Kravchenko Alexandra N. , Snapp Sieglinde S. , Robertson G. Philip
Published: January 2017

Significance

Meeting future food needs requires a substantial increase in the yields obtained from existing cropland. Prior global analyses have suggested that these gains could come from closing yield gaps—differences between yields from small-plot research versus those in farmer fields. However, closing this gap requires knowledge of causal factors not yet identified experimentally. Results here suggest that yield gaps can be closed using farming practices that use conventional synthetic chemicals, but practices that rely more on biological management—as is the case throughout much of the developing world and in organic agriculture—require renewed attention to field-scale resource demands and place greater emphasis on the importance of field-scale experimental research.
In situ structure of trypanosomal ATP synthase dimer reveals a unique arrangement of catalytic subunits
Authors: Mühleip Alexander W. , Dewar Caroline E. , Schnaufer Achim , Kühlbrandt Werner , Davies Karen M.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The mitochondrial F
1
F
o
ATP synthase is an essential membrane protein machine that supplies all eukaryotic cells with ATP. The proton-driven rotation of the rotor assembly in the membrane transmits energy to the catalytic F
1
head, where ATP is generated by rotary catalysis. We determined the in situ structures of ATP synthase dimers from the lethal human parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
and its free-living relative
Euglena gracilis.
In both ATP synthases, the catalytic subunits form a threefold pyramid rather than the usual near-sixfold ring. This unexpected finding indicates that the structure of the F
1
head, and therefore its catalytic action, is less highly conserved than previously thought, and provides insight into the fundamental mechanism of ATP production in higher organisms.
TORC1-dependent sumoylation of Rpc82 promotes RNA polymerase III assembly and activity
Authors: Chymkowitch Pierre , Nguéa P Aurélie , Aanes Håvard , Robertson Joseph , Klungland Arne , Enserink Jorrit M.
Published: January 2017

Significance

How organisms maintain homeostasis when confronted with environmental stress is an important question in biology. The master nutrient response regulator target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) regulates many progrowth cellular processes, including transcription of genes required for protein synthesis. RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) plays a crucial role in regulation of protein synthesis by transcribing
tRNA
genes. RNAPIII activity is known to be dependent on TORC1, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we show that TORC1 promotes sumoylation of a specific set of proteins mainly involved in transcription. Subunits of RNAPIII, particularly Rpc82, are among the most prominent TORC1-dependent SUMO substrates. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TORC1-dependent sumoylation of Rpc82 is required for efficient assembly and full activity of the RNAPIII holoenzyme.
Repair shielding of platinum-DNA lesions in testicular germ cell tumors by high-mobility group box protein 4 imparts cisplatin hypersensitivity
Authors: Awuah Samuel G. , Riddell Imogen A. , Lippard Stephen J.
Published: January 2017

Significance

High-mobility group box protein 4 (HMGB4) is a transcription repressor preferentially expressed in the testes and binds cisplatin-damaged DNA. Investigating the DNA-damage recognition potential of HMGB4 and its relevance to cancer is of clinical importance. In this study, we found that HMGB4 regulates the sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) to cisplatin treatment. HMGB4 imparts repair shielding of platinum-DNA lesions in human TGCTs, rendering lesions inaccessible to the nucleotide excision repair (NER) machinery. Our results show that cisplatin-resistant breast cancer cells complemented with HMGB4 become sensitive to cisplatin. Furthermore, the ability of HMGB4 to modulate the cell cycle response, NER, apoptosis, and MAPK suggests a critical role for this protein in conveying cisplatin hypersensitivity in TGCTs.
Human NF-κB repressing factor acts as a stress-regulated switch for ribosomal RNA processing and nucleolar homeostasis surveillance
Authors: Coccia Marta , Rossi Antonio , Riccio Anna , Trotta Edoardo , Santoro Maria Gabriella
Published: January 2017

Significance

Quality control of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing is critical for ribosome biogenesis, nucleolar homeostasis, and cell survival; however, the molecular mechanisms governing rRNA processing under stress conditions are poorly understood. This study identifies human NF-κB repressing factor (NKRF) as a HSF1 target gene essential for nucleolar homeostasis during proteotoxic stress. Rather than preventing protein misfolding and/or aggregation, this unconventional stress protein has a critical role in preventing aberrant rRNA precursors and discarded fragment accumulation and directing rRNA processing dynamics. The findings highlight a key aspect of the human cell response to proteotoxic stress, opening new scenarios on ribosome biogenesis regulation.
Defining recovery neurobiology of injured spinal cord by synthetic matrix-assisted hMSC implantation
Authors: Ropper Alexander E. , Thakor Devang K. , Han InBo , Yu Dou , Zeng Xiang , Anderson Jamie E. , Aljuboori Zaid , Kim Soo-Woo , Wang Hongjun , Sidman Richard L. , Zafonte Ross D. , Teng Yang D.
Published: January 2017

Significance

We developed a platform technology to determine therapeutic mechanisms of human mesenchymal stromal stem cells (hMSCs) in a dorsal root ganglion coculture system and an intraspinal cord implantation model. The unique poly(lactic-
co-
glycolic) acid scaffolding augments hMSC stemness, engraftment, and function without neural transdifferentiation or mesenchymal lineage development, resulting in robust motosensory improvement, pain and tissue damage mitigation, and myelin preservation in adult rat spinal cord after injury. The scaffolded hMSC-derived neurotrophism, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, antiautoimmunity, and antiinflammation support the propriospinal network, neuromuscular junctions, and serotonergic reticulospinal reinnervation to activate the central pattern generator for restoring hindlimb locomotion. Our findings illuminate “recovery neurobiology”—i.e., the injured spinal cord may deploy polysynaptic neural circuits different from normal adulthood pathways for postinjury improvement.
One-step design of a stable variant of the malaria invasion protein RH5 for use as a vaccine immunogen
Authors: Campeotto Ivan , Goldenzweig Adi , Davey Jack , Barfod Lea , Marshall Jennifer M. , Silk Sarah E. , Wright Katherine E. , Draper Simon J. , Higgins Matthew K. , Fleishman Sarel J.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Malaria is one of the world’s most devastating infectious diseases, affecting hundreds of millions of people and resulting in nearly half a million deaths each year. The parasites that cause malaria must invade the red blood cells of an infected patient, while blocking this process prevents the disease. The PfRH5 protein is an exciting vaccine candidate required for red blood cell invasion by
Plasmodium falciparum
, the most deadly malaria parasite. Here, we describe our use of a streamlined computational methodology to design variants of PfRH5 that can be produced more simply and cheaply and that show greater thermal stability. This method has broad potential to help the design of vaccines that target many of the world’s most deadly diseases.
An RNA-based signature enables high specificity detection of circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kalinich Mark , Bhan Irun , Kwan Tanya T. , Miyamoto David T. , Javaid Sarah , LiCausi Joseph A. , Milner John D. , Hong Xin , Goyal Lipika , Sil Srinjoy , Choz Melissa , Ho Uyen , Kapur Ravi , Muzikansky Alona , Zhang Huidan , Weitz David A. , Sequist Lecia V. , Ryan David P. , Chung Raymond T. , Zhu Andrew X. , Isselbacher Kurt J. , Ting David T. , Toner Mehmet , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of paramount importance for improving patient outcomes, yet an accurate, high-throughput screening methodology has yet to be developed. By combining microfluidic depletion of hematopoietic cells from blood specimens with absolute quantification of lineage-derived transcripts, we demonstrate the highly specific detection of circulating tumor cells, enabling noninvasive detection and clinical monitoring of HCC.
Mitochondrial fusion dynamics is robust in the heart and depends on calcium oscillations and contractile activity
Authors: Eisner Verónica , Cupo Ryan R. , Gao Erhe , Csordás György , Slovinsky William S. , Paillard Melanie , Cheng Lan , Ibetti Jessica , Chen S. R. Wayne , Chuprun J. Kurt , Hoek Jan B. , Koch Walter J. , Hajnóczky György
Published: January 2017

Significance

Mitochondrial function is supported by dynamic quality control processes, such as mitochondrial fusion. Cardiac contractility depends on mitochondrial metabolism, yet in cardiomyocytes, mitochondria are confined among myofibrils, raising questions about the possibility of mitochondrial physical communication. Here we demonstrate that mitochondrial continuity is robust and fusion is frequent in freshly isolated rat ventricular myocytes, manifesting both as rapid content mixing events between adjacent organelles and slower, often long-distance events. We show that mitochondrial fusion decreases dramatically in culture because of the decay in contractile activity and, more specifically, the underlying calcium oscillations, which involve mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) abundance. In addition, we show that attenuation of cardiac contractility in vivo in alcoholic animals is also associated with depressed mitochondrial fusion.
Increased mitochondrial nanotunneling activity, induced by calcium imbalance, affects intermitochondrial matrix exchanges
Authors: Lavorato Manuela , Iyer V. Ramesh , Dewight Williams , Cupo Ryan R. , Debattisti Valentina , Gomez Ludovic , De la Fuente Sergio , Zhao Yan-Ting , Valdivia Héctor H. , Hajnóczky György , Franzini-Armstrong Clara
Published: January 2017

Significance

Nanotunnels are long, thin mitochondrial extensions that have been implied in direct long-distance (1 to >5 µm) communication between mitochondria of cardiac myocytes. The engineered RyR2A4860G
+/−
mutation, resulting in loss of function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel and arrhythmia, induces a striking increase in the frequency of long-distance intermitochondrial communication via nanotunnels without involvement of obvious mitochondrial migration. We use this model for exploring the significance of mitochondrial nanotunneling in myocardium and the contribution of microtubules to the formation of these unusual organelle extensions using EM tomography and live confocal imaging. This study constitutes an approach to arrhythmia investigations that focuses on a new target: the mitochondria.
Modification of host dendritic cells by microchimerism-derived extracellular vesicles generates split tolerance
Authors: Bracamonte-Baran William , Florentin Jonathan , Zhou Ying , Jankowska-Gan Ewa , Haynes W. John , Zhong Weixiong , Brennan Todd V. , Dutta Partha , Claas Frans H. J. , van Rood Jon J. , Burlingham William J.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The induction of tolerance is still an ideal and largely unachieved goal in the transplantation and autoimmunity fields. Understanding natural allotolerance mechanisms could help realize this objective. In this study we found that maternal microchimerism generated “split” tolerance, stimulating classical alloreactivity (i.e., recognition of intact peptide/allo-MHC class II complexes by CD4 T cells), while silencing CD4 T cells responding to allopeptide in a self-MHC–restricted manner. These contrary activities could be attributed to the presence of separate antigenic microdomains with different costimulatory properties on the surface of a single host dendritic cell. The possibility that this state develops from interaction with a microchimerism-derived extracellular vesicle has important implications for cell biology, cancer immunotherapy, and molecular immunology.
α-Synuclein binds and sequesters PIKE-L into Lewy bodies, triggering dopaminergic cell death via AMPK hyperactivation
Authors: Kang Seong Su , Zhang Zhentao , Liu Xia , Manfredsson Fredric P. , He Li , Iuvone P. Michael , Cao Xuebing , Sun Yi E. , Jin Lingjing , Ye Keqiang
Published: January 2017

Significance

We discovered that α-synuclein interacts with the neuroprotective protein phosphoinositide-3 kinase enhancer L (PIKE-L) in an S129 phosphorylation-dependent manner and sequesters PIKE-L in Lewy bodies, leading to the hyperactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequent dopaminergic neuronal cell death. Our findings may identify a molecular mechanism by which α-synuclein triggers dopaminergic neuronal cell death in Parkinson’s disease.
Human transposon insertion profiling: Analysis, visualization and identification of somatic LINE-1 insertions in ovarian cancer
Authors: Tang Zuojian , Steranka Jared P. , Ma Sisi , Grivainis Mark , Rodić Nemanja , Huang Cheng Ran Lisa , Shih Ie-Ming , Wang Tian-Li , Boeke Jef D. , Fenyö David , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Much of our genome is repetitive sequence. This property poses challenges for investigators because differences in repetitive sequences are difficult to detect. With hundreds of thousands of similar repeats, it has been difficult to discern how one person’s genome differs from another person’s genome or how tumor DNA differs from normal DNA. To solve this issue, we developed methods to target next-generation sequencing to the insertion sites of the most variable repeats. Computational pipelines to make these studies scalable and more widely accessible were needed, however. Here, we report a pipeline that accomplishes this goal. We use it to demonstrate insertions of the long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) acquired in ovarian cancer that may contribute to the development of these tumors.
Loss of astrocyte cholesterol synthesis disrupts neuronal function and alters whole-body metabolism
Authors: Ferris Heather A. , Perry Rachel J. , Moreira Gabriela V. , Shulman Gerald I. , Horton Jay D. , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: January 2017

Significance

Cholesterol is important for normal brain function and it is believed that astrocytes produce most brain cholesterol. We have previously shown that diabetes results in decreased brain cholesterol synthesis by a reduction in the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). Using a mouse model in which SREBP2 has been knocked out in astrocytes, we show that astrocyte SREBP2 is required for normal brain development and behavior. Furthermore, this results in a shift in metabolism driven by increased brain glucose oxidation. Thus, SREBP2-mediated cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes plays an important role in brain development and function, and altered brain cholesterol synthesis may contribute to the interaction between diabetes and altered brain function.
Look before you move
Authors: Leal Tania
Published: January 2017

The present study examines whether, as proposed by the Interface Hypothesis (Sorace, 2011), the syntax-discourse interface is especially vulnerable to non-native optionality even at very advanced levels. I focus on the acquisition of Clitic Left Dislocation in Spanish (CLLD), a structure that involves both syntax and discourse, when it combines with other structures at the left periphery (iterative topics, Fronted Focus, andwh-constructions). CLLD is a realization of topicalization requiring the integration of syntactic and discourse knowledge. This study provides data from an audio-visual rating task completed by 120 learners of Spanish of different proficiency levels and 27 monolingual native speakers. Results showed evidence that the most advanced learners had acquired the restrictions of these structures in a native-like way and supports López’s (2009) syntactic analysis of CLLD, whereby CLLD is generated through movement so that the pragmatic features [+anaphor]/[+contrast] can be assigned to the dislocated element.
Effects of pre-germinated brown rice treatment high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Yen Hsueh-Wei , Lin Hui-Li , Hao Chi-Long , Chen Fu-Chih , Chen Chun-Yun , Chen Jia-Hao , Shen Kuo-Ping
Published: January 2017

To investigate using pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR) to treat metabolic syndrome, we fed one group of mice standard-regular-diet (SRD) for 20 weeks and another group of mice high-fat-diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. We subdivided them into HFD group and HFD + PGBR group whose dietary carbohydrate was replaced with PGBR for 4 weeks. The HFD group gained more weight, had higher blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose and lipids, liver levels of TG, feces TG and bile acid, lower adipose levels of adipocytokine, lower skeletal muscle IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, PI3 K, Akt/PKB, GLUT-1, GLUT-4, GCK and PPAR-γ; higher liver SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS, HMGCR, LDLR, CYP7α1 and PPAR-α, and higher adipose SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS, and lower adipose PPAR-α and adiponectin. The HFD + PGBR group had clearly improved blood pressure, biochemical parameters and above proteins expressions. PGBR successful treatment of metabolic syndrome was achieved through improvements in glucose and lipid synthesis and metabolism.
A STRIPAK complex mediates axonal transport of autophagosomes and dense core vesicles through PP2A regulation
Authors: Neisch Amanda L. , Neufeld Thomas P. , Hays Thomas S.
Published: January 2017

Autophagy plays an essential role in the cellular homeostasis of neurons, facilitating the clearance of cellular debris. This clearance process is orchestrated through the assembly, transport, and fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes for degradation. The motor protein dynein drives autophagosome motility from distal sites of assembly to sites of lysosomal fusion. In this study, we identify the scaffold protein CKA (connector of kinase to AP-1) as essential for autophagosome transport in neurons. Together with other core components of the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex, we show that CKA associates with dynein and directly binds Atg8a, an autophagosomal protein. CKA is a regulatory subunit of PP2A, a component of the STRIPAK complex. We propose that the STRIPAK complex modulates dynein activity. Consistent with this hypothesis, we provide evidence that CKA facilitates axonal transport of dense core vesicles and autophagosomes in a PP2A-dependent fashion. In addition, CKA-deficient flies exhibit PP2A-dependent motor coordination defects. CKA function within the STRIPAK complex is crucial to prevent transport defects that may contribute to neurodegeneration.
Phenotyping Brachiaria Genotypes to Assess Rhizoctonia Resistance by Comparing Three Inoculum Types
Authors: Hernandez Luis M. , Sotelo Guillermo , Bonilla Ximena , Alvarez Elizabeth , Miles John W. , Worthington Margaret
Published: January 2017

Rhizoctonia foliar blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is an important disease of Brachiaria spp. in tropical America. Host-plant resistance is an attractive option for disease management. In this study, we evaluated three inoculum types (mycelium-infected agar disc, microdiscs suspensions, and microencapsulated-mycelium suspensions) in order to identify a rapid and accurate method for mass screening of Brachiaria genotypes for resistance to Rhizoctonia spp. in greenhouse trials. Visual damage score, area under the disease progress curve, and percent chlorophyll loss were estimated to determine the most accurate and precise method for evaluating Rhizoctonia resistance. The microencapsulated-mycelium solution (0.75 g/ml in potato dextrose broth sprayed on plants 30 days after planting) caused greater foliar damage than the other inoculum types and allowed effective discrimination between resistant and susceptible genotypes. The effectiveness of spray-applied, microencapsulated-mycelium was further corroborated by the evaluation of 350 genotypes not previously selected for resistance to Rhizoctonia spp., which varied significantly in their reaction to R. solani. The microencapsulated-mycelium methodology has several advantages over existing methods, including its high-throughput capacity, efficient use of time and space, ease of quantification of inoculum, and consistent results over replicate trials. This methodology could be applied to assess resistance to Rhizoctonia spp. in other crops.
Development of Real-Time and Conventional PCR Assays for Identifying Stubby Root Nematode Paratrichodorus allius
Authors: Huang Danqiong , Yan Guiping , Skantar Andrea M.
Published: January 2017

Paratrichodorus allius is an important pest on many crops, particularly on potato due to its ability to transmit Tobacco rattle virus causing corky ringspot disease on tubers. Detection and identification of P. allius are important for effective disease management. In this study, a rapid and reliable molecular diagnosis of this nematode targeting internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA was established. The specificity of the designed primers was evaluated using 29 nematode species and results showed that a single amplicon was produced from DNA of P. allius only. Detection sensitivity analysis indicated that a 9.6 × 10−4 ng of DNA template could be detected by conventional PCR and 1.92 × 10−4 ng of DNA by real-time PCR. The PCR assays amplified DNA of stubby root nematodes isolated from 18 soil samples in North Dakota and Minnesota, which were confirmed as P. allius by sequencing. Both conventional PCR and real-time PCR assays amplified target nematodes from complex nematode communities, supporting the success of this molecular diagnosis of P. allius. This is the first report of P. allius identification using the real-time PCR method and from nematode communities with other nematodes using conventional PCR. The new PCR assays provide rapid species identification and are suitable for use in diagnostic laboratories and detection of field infestations with P. allius.