bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric effects of activating and inactivating cortical interneurons
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth AK , Hasenstaub Andrea R
Published: October 2016

Bidirectional manipulations – activation and inactivation – are widely used to identify the functions supported by specific cortical interneuron types. Implicit in much of this work is the notion that tonic activation and inactivation will both produce valid, internally consistent insights into interneurons’ computational roles. Here, using single-unit recordings in auditory cortex of awake mice, we show that this may not generally hold true. Optogenetically manipulating somatostatin-positive (Sst+) or parvalbumin-positive (Pvalb+) interneurons while recording tone-responses showed that Sst+ inactivation increased response gain, while Pvalb+ inactivation weakened tuning and decreased information transfer, implying that these neurons support delineable computational functions. But activating Sst+ and Pvalb+ interneurons revealed no such differences. We used a simple network model to understand this asymmetry, and showed how relatively small changes in key parameters, such as spontaneous activity or strength of the light manipulation, determined whether activation and inactivation would produce consistent or paradoxical conclusions regarding interneurons’ computational functions.
A materialidade e a arte de pintar de Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho em três telas de altar
Authors: Tavares Carla , Frade José Carlos , Calvo Ana , Pimentel António Filipe , Candeias António
Published: October 2016

Apresentam‑seos resultados dos exames e análises feitos a três telas de altar pintadas porPedro Alexandrino de Carvalho (1729‑1810),com o objectivo de caracterizar os materiais,a técnica e os aspectos formais dessas obras. A metodologia de investigação inclui a análisein situ das cores principais de cada pintura com espectrometria de fluorescência de raios Xpor dispersão de energias (EDXRF) e o estudo de micro‑amostrasatravés de microscópiaóptica (MO), microscopia electrónica Direcção de varrimento com espectrometria de raios Xdispersiva de energia (SEM‑EDS)e micro‑espectroscopiade infravermelho com transformadade Fourier (μ‑FTIR).
More than gold - an interdisciplinary, complementary study of gilding materials and techniques in Baroque altarpieces from Portugal
Authors: Sandu Irina , Murta Elsa , Ferreira Silvia , Pereira Manuel Costa , Candeias António , Mirão João , Miguel Catarina , Paba Francesca
Published: October 2016

O artigo apresenta um estudo interdisciplinar e multi-tecnico dos materiais e das tecnicas de douramento em varios retabulos Portugueses da epoca Barreca, desenvolvido durante um projecto de investigac;ao financiado pela Fundac;ao para Ciencia e Tecnologia em Portugal (PTDC/EAT-EAT/116700/2010).

Foram usadas tecnicas microsc6picas,em conjunto com difracc;ao de raios X, microtomografia computadorizada de raios X, espectroscopias de microFTIR e microRaman para caracterizar a estrutura estratigrafica de 49 amostras provenientes de 7 retabulos das areas de Lisboa/ Cascais e de Santarem. A investigac;ao pretende ser tambem um estudo comparative entre materiais e tecnicas de douramento utilizados em retabulos do mesmo perfodo hist6rico, mas provenientes de duas areas geograficas diferentes.

 
Auditor Group, Inter-group Interaction, and Financial Statement Comparability: Evidence from Audit Firm Mergers in China
Authors: Cao Qiang
Published: October 2016

Existing literature has discussed the effect of audit on financial reporting from the audit organisation and individual auditor perspectives. This paper introduces the concept of the auditor group, which is at the intermediate analysis level, and examines how inter-group interaction influences financial statement comparability. Using 47 mergers of audit firms in China from 1998 to 2012, I first divide pre-merger auditors into different auditor groups on the basis of pre-merger audit firms and then divide post-merger auditors into corresponding auditor groups on the basis of auditors’ names. I find that the financial statement comparability of two clients audited by different groups after a merger is negatively related to the locality of the strong auditor group and to the balance between the strong and weak auditor groups before the merger. Meanwhile, the reputation of the strong auditor group before the merger has a positive effect on the financial statement comparability of two clients audited by different groups after the merger. In contrast with the previous results, the reputation of the weak auditor group before the merger has a negative effect on the financial statement comparability of two clients audited by different groups after the merger. The locality effect of the weak auditor group is not significant. These findings suggest that inter-group interaction within the audit firm is an important factor in determining the quality of financial reporting.
Large-scale comparative visualisation of sets of multidimensional data
Authors: Vohl Dany , Barnes David G. , Fluke Christopher J. , Poudel Govinda , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie , Hassan Amr H. , Benovitski Yuri , Wong Tsz Ho , Kaluza Owen L. , Nguyen Toan D. , Bonnington C. Paul
Published: October 2016

We presentencube—a qualitative, quantitative and comparative visualisation and analysis system, with application to high-resolution, immersive three-dimensional environments and desktop displays.encubeextends previous comparative visualisation systems by considering: (1) the integration of comparative visualisation and analysis into a unified system; (2) the documentation of the discovery process; and (3) an approach that enables scientists to continue the research process once back at their desktop. Our solution enables tablets, smartphones or laptops to be used as interaction units for manipulating, organising, and querying data. We highlight the modularity ofencube, allowing additional functionalities to be included as required. Additionally, our approach supports a high level of collaboration within the physical environment. We show how our implementation ofencubeoperates in a large-scale, hybrid visualisation and supercomputing environment using the CAVE2 at Monash University, and on a local desktop, making it a versatile solution. We discuss how our approach can help accelerate the discovery rate in a variety of research scenarios.
Differences in Scapular Orientation Between Standing and Sitting Postures at Rest and in 120° Scaption: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: McKenna Leanda , Cornwall Xavier , Williams Sian
Published: October 2016

Background

Scapular orientation may be influenced by static body posture (sitting and standing) and contribute to the development of shoulder pain. Therefore, a consistent body posture should be considered when assessing scapular orientation as well as enhancing optimal scapular positioning.

Objective

To determine whether there are differences in scapular orientation between standing, neutral sitting, and habitual sitting, while adjusting for spinal posture.

Design

A single group randomized repeated measures study.

Setting

University laboratory.

Participants

Twenty‐eight participants with shoulder pain were recruited from the community.

Methods

Scapular orientation between standing and seated positions was compared, with the arm by the side and at 120° of glenohumeral scaption. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles were used as covariates.

Main Outcome Measurements

Scapular elevation, lateral translation, upward rotation, and posterior tilt.

Results

Scapular orientation was marginally but significantly different between sitting postures for lateral translation (mean 0.5 cm; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.2‐0.7 cm); P < .001), upward rotation (mean 3°; 95% CI 1.1‐5.0°; P < .001), and posterior tilt (mean 2.3°; 95% CI 0.2‐4.3°; P = .009) in the arm by side position. A small‐but‐significant difference between standing and neutral sitting was found for upward rotation (mean 1.8°; 95% CI 0‐3.7°; P = .02), and between standing and habitual sitting for lateral translation (mean 0.6 cm; 95% CI 0‐1.1 cm; P =.02) in the arm by side position.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that scapular orientation can be slightly affected by body posture, although the clinical relevance is uncertain. To enhance scapular upward rotation or posterior tilt, it may be preferable to place the patient in neutral sitting.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Obesity, Vascular Disease, and Lumbar Disk Degeneration: Associations of Comorbidities in Low Back Pain
Authors: Wilson Zingg Rebecca , Kendall Richard
Published: October 2016

Low back pain and obesity are both rising epidemics. This article will examine global trends in obesity, contributory lifestyle and societal factors, and morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. With this background information, this article will explore the complex physiological process of atherosclerosis and the association between impaired lumbar perfusion and low back pain. It also will provide specific guidance on exercise and nutrition to help treat these potential underlying and contributory mechanisms of spine pathology. Collectively, the article will highlight the necessity of a broader prescriptive to treat the epidemic of low back pain ideally.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
A Review of Lung Transplantation and Its Implications for the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Team
Authors: Hatt Katie , Kinback Nicholas C. , Shah Anoop , Cruz Ernesto , Altschuler Eric L.
Published: October 2016

Since the late 1980s, lung transplantation has become an option for some individuals (in 2014, 4000 lung transplantations were performed) with end‐stage lung disease aimed to help these individuals restore function and improve survival and quality of life. Individuals living with end‐stage lung disease already are deconditioned, with poor endurance and limited exercise capacity. There are additional post‐transplantation factors that can contribute to poor endurance and decreased exercise capacity. Although pulmonary rehabilitation in the pretransplantation phase is a crucial component for positive functional outcomes after lung transplantation, the incidence of post‐transplantation complications, coupled with the need for immunosuppression, often warrants close monitoring by medical professionals. The acute inpatient rehabilitation unit offers an ideal setting for such patients to receive therapies to improve functional status while allowing for monitoring and medical management with a comprehensive team approach, including both the rehabilitation and the transplantation teams. In this article, we review the medical issues, physiologic changes, common complications after lung transplantation, and potential side effects of immunosuppressant therapy, as well as address rehabilitation specific concerns, outcomes, and goals of the patient undergoing lung transplantation in the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Level of Evidence

V
USING ALMOST-EVERYWHERE THEOREMS FROM ANALYSIS TO STUDY RANDOMNESS
Authors: MIYABE KENSHI , NIES ANDRÉ , ZHANG JING
Published: October 2016

We study algorithmic randomness notions via effective versions of almost-everywhere theorems from analysis and ergodic theory. The effectivization is in terms of objects described by a computably enumerable set, such as lower semicomputable functions. The corresponding randomness notions are slightly stronger than Martin–Löf (ML) randomness.

We establish several equivalences. Given a ML-random realz, the additional randomness strengths needed for the following are equivalent.

(1)

all effectively closed classes containingzhave density 1 atz.

(2)

all nondecreasing functions with uniformly left-c.e. increments are differentiable atz.

(3)

zis a Lebesgue point of each lower semicomputable integrable function.

We also consider convergence of left-c.e. martingales, and convergence in the sense of Birkhoff’s pointwise ergodic theorem. Lastly, we study randomness notions related to density of${\rm{\Pi }}_n^0$and${\rm{\Sigma }}_1^1$classes at a real.
The beginnings of human palaeontology: prehistory, craniometry and the ‘fossil human races’
Authors: GOODRUM MATTHEW R.
Published: October 2016

Since the nineteenth century, hominid palaeontology has offered critical information about prehistoric humans and evidence for human evolution. Human fossils discovered at a time when there was growing agreement that humans existed during the Ice Age became especially significant but also controversial. This paper argues that the techniques used to study human fossils from the 1850s to the 1870s and the way that these specimens were interpreted owed much to the anthropological examination of Stone, Bronze, and Iron Age skeletons retrieved by archaeologists from prehistoric tombs throughout Europe. What emerged was the idea that a succession of distinct human races, which were identified using techniques such as craniometry, had occupied and migrated into Europe beginning in the Ice Age and continuing into the historic period. This marks a phase in the history of human palaeontology that gradually gave way to a science of palaeoanthropology that viewed hominid fossils more from the perspective of evolutionary theory and hominid phylogeny.
Impaired health status and increased incidence of diseases inToxoplasma-seropositive subjects – an explorative cross-sectional study
Authors: FLEGR J. , ESCUDERO D. Q.
Published: October 2016

The global seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis is estimated to be higher than 30%. The presence of slowly dividing parasites in tissue cysts located mainly in immunoprivileged organs was long considered asymptomatic. Recently, many studies have shown that latentToxoplasmainfections could have serious impacts on human health. Here we ran a cross-sectional study in a population of 1486 volunteers. The results showed that 333 infected subjects scored worse than 1153 controls in 28 of 29 health-related variables. Similarly, they reported higher rates of 77 of a list of 134 disorders reported by at least 10 participants of the study. Toxoplasmosis was associated most strongly with musculoskeletal (τ= 0·107,P< 0·0005), followed by neurological (τ= 0·088,P< 0·0005), immune (τ= 0·085,p< 0·0005), metabolic (τ= 0·079,P< 0·0005), respiratory (τ= 0·068,P= 0·0001), allergic (τ= 0·053,P= 0·004), digestive system (τ= 0·052,P= 0·004) and mental health disorders (τ= 0·050,P= 0·008). Results of the present cohort study, along with the previous data from many case-control studies or ecological studies suggest that latent toxoplasmosis represents a large and so far underrated public health problem.
Perception of change in sexual activity in Alzheimer's disease: views of people with dementia and their spouse-caregivers
Authors: Nogueira Marcela Moreira Lima , Neto Jose Pedro Simões , Sousa Maria Fernanda B. , Santos Raquel L. , Lacerda Isabel Barbeito , Baptista Maria Alice Tourinho , Dourado Marcia Cristina Nascimento
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

The onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects couples’ relationship. We investigated the perception of change and sexual satisfaction in spouse-caregivers and their partners diagnosed with AD.

Methods:

We compared 74 dyads of people with Alzheimer's disease (PwAD)/spouse-caregivers and 21 elderly dyads control. We assessed sexual satisfaction with Questionnaire on Sexual Experience and Satisfaction (QSES), cognition using a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), disease severity using a Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR), awareness of disease with Assessment Scale of Psychosocial Impact of the Diagnosis of Dementia (ASPIDD), functionality with Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), depressive symptoms with Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), quality of life using a Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QoL-AD), and burden using a Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results:

We found differences between the perception and no perception of change in sexual activity of PwAD (p < 0.001), spouse-caregivers (p < 0.01), and controls (p < 0.05). Moderate to severe sexual dissatisfaction was observed in 36.5% of PwAD, 65% of spouse-caregivers, and 31% of controls. PwAD sexual satisfaction was related to cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). Spouse-caregivers sexual satisfaction was related to gender (p < 0.05) and the presence of sexual activity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The perception of change with higher sexual dissatisfaction, were significant in PwAD and their spouse-caregivers, in comparison with couples of elderly without dementia.
1688 and all that: property rights, the Glorious Revolution and the rise of British capitalism
Authors: HODGSON GEOFFREY M.
Published: October 2016

In a seminal 1989 article, Douglass North and Barry Weingast argued that by making the monarch more answerable to Parliament, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 helped to secure property rights in England and stimulate the rise of capitalism. Similarly, Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson later wrote that in the English Middle Ages there was a ‘lack of property rights for landowners, merchants and proto-industrialists’ and the ‘strengthening’ of property rights in the late 17th century ‘spurred a process of financial and commercial expansion’. There are several problems with these arguments. Property rights in England were relatively secure from the 13th century. A major developmental problem was not the security of rights but their feudal nature, including widespread ‘entails’ and ‘strict settlements’. 1688 had no obvious direct effect on property rights. Given these criticisms, what changes promoted the rise of capitalism? A more plausible answer is found by addressing the post-1688 Financial and Administrative Revolutions, which were pressured by the enhanced needs of war and Britain's expanding global role. Guided by a more powerful Parliament, this new financial system stimulated reforms to landed property rights, the growth of collateralizable property and saleable debt, and thus enabled the Industrial Revolution.
The Identification of Hereditary and Environmental Determinants of Frailty in a Cohort of UK Twins
Authors: Young Aideen C. M. , Glaser Karen , Spector Timothy D. , Steves Claire J.
Published: October 2016

Our study examines the contribution of genetic and environmental factors (both shared and unique) to frailty, measured using the Rockwood Frailty Index (FI) in a sample of twins from the St Thomas’ UK Adult Twin Registry. The FI was based on 39 items of potential health deficit. Study participants were 3,375 volunteer adult twins (840 monozygotic and 802 dizygotic twin-pairs) 40.0–84.5 years old. First, we used structural equation modeling to estimate the relative contribution of genetics and of the shared and unique environment to variance in FI adjusted for age. In a second analysis, multiple linear regression was used to examine variance in FI as a function of father's occupational class (a component of shared environment and a measure of childhood socioeconomic status [SES]), adjusting for age, birth weight, marital status, and health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity). Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS® Version 22 software and Mx open source software. Findings showed that 45% (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 30–53%) of the inter-individual variation in FI was heritable and 52% (95% CIs 47–57%) was due to the individual's unique environment. Multiple linear regression also showed a small but statistically significant inverse association between father's occupational class and FI, mediated by one's own educational attainment and birth weight. Our results indicate that frailty is both genetically and environmentally determined. Thus, its prevention and management call for a multifaceted approach that includes addressing deleterious environmental factors, some of which, like childhood SES, may act across the life course.
Infected erythrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles alter vascular function via regulatory Ago2-miRNA complexes in malaria
Authors: Mantel Pierre-Yves , Hjelmqvist Daisy , Walch Michael , Kharoubi-Hess Solange , Nilsson Sandra , Ravel Deepali , Ribeiro Marina , Grüring Christof , Ma Siyuan , Padmanabhan Prasad , Trachtenberg Alexander , Ankarklev Johan , Brancucci Nicolas M. , Huttenhower Curtis , Duraisingh Manoj T. , Ghiran Ionita , Kuo Winston P. , Filgueira Luis , Martinelli Roberta , Marti Matthias
Published: October 2016

Malaria remains one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical outcome of individuals infected withPlasmodium falciparumparasites depends on many factors including host systemic inflammatory responses, parasite sequestration in tissues and vascular dysfunction. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines promotes endothelial activation as well as recruitment and infiltration of inflammatory cells, which in turn triggers further endothelial cell activation and parasite sequestration. Inflammatory responses are triggered in part by bioactive parasite products such as hemozoin and infected red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (iRBC-derived EVs). Here we demonstrate that such EVs contain functional miRNA-Argonaute 2 complexes that are derived from the host RBC. Moreover, we show that EVs are efficiently internalized by endothelial cells, where the miRNA-Argonaute 2 complexes modulate target gene expression and barrier properties. Altogether, these findings provide a mechanistic link between EVs and vascular dysfunction during malaria infection.
Thermoelectric signature of the chiral anomaly in Cd3As2
Authors: Jia Zhenzhao , Li Caizhen , Li Xinqi , Shi Junren , Liao Zhimin , Yu Dapeng , Wu Xiaosong
Published: October 2016

Discovery of Weyl semimetals has revived interest in Weyl fermions which has not been observed in high energy experiments. It now becomes possible to study, in solids, their exotic properties. Extensive photoemission spectroscopy and electrical resistivity experiments have been carried out. However, many other properties remain unexplored. Here we show the thermoelectric signature of the chiral anomaly of Weyl fermions in Cd3As2 under a magnetic field. We observe a strong quadratic suppression of the thermopower when the magnetic field is parallel to the temperature gradient. The quadratic coefficient is nearly twice of that for the electrical conductivity. The thermopower reverses its sign in high fields. We show that all these intriguing observations can be understood in terms of the chiral anomaly of Weyl fermions. Our results reveal the anomalous thermoelectric property of Weyl fermions and provide insight into the chiral anomaly.
Isotope analysis in the transmission electron microscope
Authors: Susi Toma , Hofer Christoph , Argentero Giacomo , Leuthner Gregor T. , Pennycook Timothy J. , Mangler Clemens , Meyer Jannik C. , Kotakoski Jani
Published: October 2016

The Ångström-sized probe of the scanning transmission electron microscope can visualize and collect spectra from single atoms. This can unambiguously resolve the chemical structure of materials, but not their isotopic composition. Here we differentiate between two isotopes of the same element by quantifying how likely the energetic imaging electrons are to eject atoms. First, we measure the displacement probability in graphene grown from either12C or13C and describe the process using a quantum mechanical model of lattice vibrations coupled with density functional theory simulations. We then test our spatial resolution in a mixed sample by ejecting individual atoms from nanoscale areas spanning an interface region that is far from atomically sharp, mapping the isotope concentration with a precision better than 20%. Although we use a scanning instrument, our method may be applicable to any atomic resolution transmission electron microscope and to other low-dimensional materials.
EpCAM-dependent extracellular vesicles from intestinal epithelial cells maintain intestinal tract immune balance
Authors: Jiang Lingling , Shen Yingying , Guo Danfeng , Yang Diya , Liu Jiajun , Fei Xuefeng , Yang Yunshan , Zhang Buyi , Lin Zhendong , Yang Fei , Wang Xiaojian , Wang Keyi , Wang Jianli , Cai Zhijian
Published: October 2016

How the intestinal tract develops a tolerance to foreign antigens is still largely unknown. Here we report that extracellular vesicles (EVs) with TGF-β1-dependent immunosuppressive activity are produced by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under physiological conditions. Transfer of these EVs into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt decreases IBD severity by inducing regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive dendritic cells. In contrast, decreased endogenous EV production promotes IBD development. IECs produce EVs with increased levels of TGF-β1 upon IBD development in an ERK-dependent manner. Furthermore, these EVs tend to localize in the intestinal tract associated with epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Knockdown of EpCAM in vivo increases the severity of murine IBD, and the protective effect of EVs from IECs with decreased EpCAM on murine IBD is blunted. Therefore, our study indicates that EVs from IECs participate in maintaining the intestinal tract immune balance.
Quantum spin transistor with a Heisenberg spin chain
Authors: Marchukov O. V. , Volosniev A. G. , Valiente M. , Petrosyan D. , Zinner N. T.
Published: October 2016

Spin chains are paradigmatic systems for the studies of quantum phases and phase transitions, and for quantum information applications, including quantum computation and short-distance quantum communication. Here we propose and analyse a scheme for conditional state transfer in a Heisenberg XXZ spin chain which realizes a quantum spin transistor. In our scheme, the absence or presence of a control spin excitation in the central gate part of the spin chain results in either perfect transfer of an arbitrary state of a target spin between the weakly coupled input and output ports, or its complete blockade at the input port. We also discuss a possible proof-of-concept realization of the corresponding spin chain with a one-dimensional ensemble of cold atoms with strong contact interactions. Our scheme is generally applicable to various implementations of tunable spin chains, and it paves the way for the realization of integrated quantum logic elements.
All-optical materials design of chiral edge modes in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Claassen Martin , Jia Chunjing , Moritz Brian , Devereaux Thomas P.
Published: October 2016

Monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides are novel materials which at low energies constitute a condensed-matter realization of massive relativistic fermions in two dimensions. Here, we show that this picture breaks for optical pumping—instead, the added complexity of a realistic materials description leads to a new mechanism to optically induce topologically protected chiral edge modes, facilitating optically switchable conduction channels that are insensitive to disorder. In contrast to graphene and previously discussed toy models, the underlying mechanism relies on the intrinsic three-band nature of transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayers near the band edges. Photo-induced band inversions scale linearly in applied pump field and exhibit transitions from one to two chiral edge modes on sweeping from red to blue detuning. We develop an ab initio strategy to understand non-equilibrium Floquet–Bloch bands and topological transitions, and illustrate for WS2 that control of chiral edge modes can be dictated solely from symmetry principles and is not qualitatively sensitive to microscopic materials details.
Near-infrared exciton-polaritons in strongly coupled single-walled carbon nanotube microcavities
Authors: Graf Arko , Tropf Laura , Zakharko Yuriy , Zaumseil Jana , Gather Malte C.
Published: October 2016

Exciton-polaritons form upon strong coupling between electronic excitations of a material and photonic states of a surrounding microcavity. In organic semiconductors the special nature of excited states leads to particularly strong coupling and facilitates condensation of exciton-polaritons at room temperature, which may lead to electrically pumped organic polariton lasers. However, charge carrier mobility and photo-stability in currently used materials is limited and exciton-polariton emission so far has been restricted to visible wavelengths. Here, we demonstrate strong light-matter coupling in the near infrared using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a polymer matrix and a planar metal-clad cavity. By exploiting the exceptional oscillator strength and sharp excitonic transition of (6,5) SWCNTs, we achieve large Rabi splitting (>110 meV), efficient polariton relaxation and narrow band emission (<15 meV). Given their high charge carrier mobility and excellent photostability, SWCNTs represent a promising new avenue towards practical exciton-polariton devices operating at telecommunication wavelengths.
Distinct gene expression patterns correlate with developmental and functional traits of iNKT subsets
Authors: Georgiev Hristo , Ravens Inga , Benarafa Charaf , Förster Reinhold , Bernhardt Günter
Published: October 2016

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a subpopulation of innate lymphocytes developing in thymus. A new model proposes subdividing murine iNKT cells into iNKT1, 2 and 17 cells. Here, we use transcriptome analyses of iNKT1, 2 and 17 subsets isolated from BALB/c and C57BL/6 thymi to identify candidate genes that may affect iNKT cell development, migration or function. We show that Fcɛr1γ is involved in generation of iNKT1 cells and that SerpinB1 modulates frequency of iNKT17 cells. Moreover, a considerable proportion of iNKT17 cells express IL-4 and IL-17 simultaneously. The results presented not only validate the usefulness of the iNKT1/2/17-concept but also provide new insights into iNKT cell biology.
Coordinated integrin activation by actin-dependent force during T-cell migration
Authors: Nordenfelt Pontus , Elliott Hunter L. , Springer Timothy A.
Published: October 2016

For a cell to move forward it must convert chemical energy into mechanical propulsion. Force produced by actin polymerization can generate traction across the plasma membrane by transmission through integrins to their ligands. However, the role this force plays in integrin activation is unknown. Here we show that integrin activity and cytoskeletal dynamics are reciprocally linked, where actin-dependent force itself appears to regulate integrin activity. We generated fluorescent tension-sensing constructs of integrin αLβ2 (LFA-1) to visualize intramolecular tension during cell migration. Using quantitative imaging of migrating T cells, we correlate tension in the αL or β2 subunit with cell and actin dynamics. We find that actin engagement produces tension within the β2 subunit to induce and stabilize an active integrin conformational state and that this requires intact talin and kindlin motifs. This supports a general mechanism where localized actin polymerization can coordinate activation of the complex machinery required for cell migration.
Long-term, high frequency in situ measurements of intertidal mussel bed temperatures using biomimetic sensors
Authors: Helmuth Brian , Choi Francis , Matzelle Allison , Torossian Jessica L. , Morello Scott L. , Mislan K.A.S. , Yamane Lauren , Strickland Denise , Szathmary P. Lauren , Gilman Sarah E. , Tockstein Alyson , Hilbish Thomas J. , Burrows Michael T. , Power Anne Marie , Gosling Elizabeth , Mieszkowska Nova , Harley Christopher D.G. , Nishizaki Michael , Carrington Emily , Menge Bruce , Petes Laura , Foley Melissa M. , Johnson Angela , Poole Megan , Noble Mae M. , Richmond Erin L. , Robart Matt , Robinson Jonathan , Sapp Jerod , Sones Jackie , Broitman Bernardo R. , Denny Mark W. , Mach Katharine J. , Miller Luke P. , O’Donnell Michael , Ross Philip , Hofmann Gretchen E. , Zippay Mackenzie , Blanchette Carol , Macfarlan J.A. , Carpizo-Ituarte Eugenio , Ruttenberg Benjamin , Peña Mejía Carlos E. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Lathlean Justin , Monaco Cristián J. , Nicastro Katy R. , Zardi Gerardo
Published: October 2016

At a proximal level, the physiological impacts of global climate change on ectothermic organisms are manifest as changes in body temperatures. Especially for plants and animals exposed to direct solar radiation, body temperatures can be substantially different from air temperatures. We deployed biomimetic sensors that approximate the thermal characteristics of intertidal mussels at 71 sites worldwide, from 1998-present. Loggers recorded temperatures at 10–30 min intervals nearly continuously at multiple intertidal elevations. Comparisons against direct measurements of mussel tissue temperature indicated errors of ~2.0–2.5 °C, during daily fluctuations that often exceeded 15°–20 °C. Geographic patterns in thermal stress based on biomimetic logger measurements were generally far more complex than anticipated based only on ‘habitat-level’ measurements of air or sea surface temperature. This unique data set provides an opportunity to link physiological measurements with spatially- and temporally-explicit field observations of body temperature.
Human whole genome genotype and transcriptome data for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Allen Mariet , Carrasquillo Minerva M. , Funk Cory , Heavner Benjamin D. , Zou Fanggeng , Younkin Curtis S. , Burgess Jeremy D. , Chai High-Seng , Crook Julia , Eddy James A. , Li Hongdong , Logsdon Ben , Peters Mette A. , Dang Kristen K. , Wang Xue , Serie Daniel , Wang Chen , Nguyen Thuy , Lincoln Sarah , Malphrus Kimberly , Bisceglio Gina , Li Ma , Golde Todd E. , Mangravite Lara M. , Asmann Yan , Price Nathan D. , Petersen Ronald C. , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Younkin Steven G. , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer
Published: October 2016

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS), conducted by our group and others, have identified loci that harbor risk variants for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Human disease variants are enriched for polymorphisms that affect gene expression, including some that are known to associate with expression changes in the brain. Postulating that many variants confer risk to neurodegenerative disease via transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, we have analyzed gene expression levels in the brain tissue of subjects with AD and related diseases. Herein, we describe our collective datasets comprised of GWAS data from 2,099 subjects; microarray gene expression data from 773 brain samples, 186 of which also have RNAseq; and an independent cohort of 556 brain samples with RNAseq. We expect that these datasets, which are available to all qualified researchers, will enable investigators to explore and identify transcriptional mechanisms contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.
Genome-wide chromatin and gene expression profiling during memory formation and maintenance in adult mice
Authors: Centeno Tonatiuh Pena , Shomroni Orr , Hennion Magali , Halder Rashi , Vidal Ramon , Rahman Raza-Ur , Bonn Stefan
Published: October 2016

Recent evidence suggests that the formation and maintenance of memory requires epigenetic changes. In an effort to understand the spatio-temporal extent of learning and memory-related epigenetic changes we have charted genome-wide histone and DNA methylation profiles, in two different brain regions, two cell types, and three time-points, before and after learning. In this data descriptor we provide detailed information on data generation, give insights into the rationale of experiments, highlight necessary steps to assess data quality, offer guidelines for future use of the data and supply ready-to-use code to replicate the analysis results. The data provides a blueprint of the gene regulatory network underlying short- and long-term memory formation and maintenance. This ‘healthy’ gene regulatory network of learning can now be compared to changes in neurological or psychiatric diseases, providing mechanistic insights into brain disorders and highlighting potential therapeutic avenues.
The effect of particle properties on the depth profile of buoyant plastics in the ocean
Authors: Kooi Merel , Reisser Julia , Slat Boyan , Ferrari Francesco F. , Schmid Moritz S. , Cunsolo Serena , Brambini Roberto , Noble Kimberly , Sirks Lys-Anne , Linders Theo E. W. , Schoeneich-Argent Rosanna I. , Koelmans Albert A.
Published: October 2016

Most studies on buoyant microplastics in the marine environment rely on sea surface sampling. Consequently, microplastic amounts can be underestimated, as turbulence leads to vertical mixing. Models that correct for vertical mixing are based on limited data. In this study we report measurements of the depth profile of buoyant microplastics in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre, from 0 to 5 m depth. Microplastics were separated into size classes (0.5–1.5 and 1.5–5.0 mm) and types (‘fragments’ and ‘lines’) and associated with a sea state. Microplastic concentrations decreased exponentially with depth, with both sea state and particle properties affecting the steepness of the decrease. Concentrations approached zero within 5 m depth, indicating that most buoyant microplastics are present on or near the surface. Plastic rise velocities were also measured and were found to differ significantly for different sizes and shapes. Our results suggest that (1) surface samplers such as manta trawls underestimate total buoyant microplastic amounts by a factor of 1.04–30.0 and (2) estimations of depth-integrated buoyant plastic concentrations should be done across different particle sizes and types. Our findings can assist with improving buoyant ocean plastic vertical mixing models, mass balance exercises, impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
MgZnO High Voltage Thin Film Transistors on Glass for Inverters in Building Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Hong Wen-Chiang , Ku Chieh-Jen , Li Rui , Abbaslou Siamak , Reyes Pavel , Wang Szu-Ying , Li Guangyuan , Lu Ming , Sheng Kuang , Lu Yicheng
Published: October 2016

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have attracted considerable interests because of its aesthetically attractive appearance and overall low cost. In BIPV, system integration on a glass substrate like windows is essential to cover a large area of a building with low cost. However, the conventional high voltage devices in inverters have to be built on the specially selected single crystal substrates, limiting its application for large area electronic systems, such as the BIPV. We demonstrate a Magnesium Zinc Oxide (MZO) based high voltage thin film transistor (HVTFT) built on a transparent glass substrate. The devices are designed with unique ring-type structures and use modulated Mg doping in the channel - gate dielectric interface, resulting in a blocking voltage of over 600 V. In addition to BIPV, the MZO HVTFT based inverter technology also creates new opportunities for emerging self-powered smart glass.
The amplitudes and the structure of the charge density wave in YBCO
Authors: Kharkov Y. A. , Sushkov O. P.
Published: October 2016

We find unknown s- and d-wave amplitudes of the recently discovered charge density wave (CDW) in underdoped cuprates. To do so we perform a combined analysis of experimental data for ortho-II YBa2Cu3Oy. The analysis includes data on nuclear magnetic resonance, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering and hard X-ray diffraction. The amplitude of doping modulation found in our analysis is 3.5 · 10−3 in a low magnetic field and T = 60 K, the amplitude is 6.5 · 10−3 in a magnetic field of 30T and T = 1.3 K. The values are in units of elementary charge per unit cell of a CuO2 plane. We show that the data rule out a checkerboard pattern and we also show that the data might rule out mechanisms of the CDW which do not include phonons.
Oleoylethanolamide exerts anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced THP-1 cells by enhancing PPARα signaling and inhibiting the NF-κB and ERK1/2/AP-1/STAT3 pathways
Authors: Yang Lichao , Guo Han , Li Ying , Meng Xianglan , Yan Lu , Dan Zhang  , Wu Sangang , Zhou Hao , Peng Lu , Xie Qiang , Jin Xin
Published: October 2016

The present study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory actions of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 cells. The cells were stimulated with LPS (1 μg/ml) in the presence or absence of OEA (10, 20 and 40 μM). The pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The THP-1 cells were transiently transfected with PPARα small-interfering RNA, and TLR4 activity was determined with a blocking test using anti-TLR4 antibody. Additionally, a special inhibitor was used to analyse the intracellular signaling pathway. OEA exerted a potent anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR4 expression, and by enhancing PPARα expression. The modulatory effects of OEA on LPS-induced inflammation depended on PPARα and TLR4. Importantly, OEA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation, IκBα degradation, expression of AP-1, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. In summary, our results demonstrated that OEA exerts anti-inflammatory effects by enhancing PPARα signaling, inhibiting the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway, and interfering with the ERK1/2-dependent signaling cascade (TLR4/ERK1/2/AP-1/STAT3), which suggests that OEA may be a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.
On The Evolutionary Origin of Symbolic Communication
Authors: Grouchy Paul , D’Eleuterio Gabriele M. T. , Christiansen Morten H. , Lipson Hod
Published: October 2016

The emergence of symbolic communication is often cited as a critical step in the evolution of Homo sapiens, language, and human-level cognition. It is a widely held assumption that humans are the only species that possess natural symbolic communication schemes, although a variety of other species can be taught to use symbols. The origin of symbolic communication remains a controversial open problem, obfuscated by the lack of a fossil record. Here we demonstrate an unbroken evolutionary pathway from a population of initially noncommunicating robots to the spontaneous emergence of symbolic communication. Robots evolve in a simulated world and are supplied with only a single channel of communication. When their ability to reproduce is motivated by the need to find a mate, robots evolve indexical communication schemes from initially noncommunicating populations in 99% of all experiments. Furthermore, 9% of the populations evolve a symbolic communication scheme allowing pairs of robots to exchange information about two independent spatial dimensions over a one-dimensional channel, thereby increasing their chance of reproduction. These results suggest that the ability for symbolic communication could have emerged spontaneously under natural selection, without requiring cognitive preadaptations or preexisting iconic communication schemes as previously conjectured.
Structural and Functional Analysis of DDX41: a bispecific immune receptor for DNA and cyclic dinucleotide
Authors: Omura Hiroki , Oikawa Daisuke , Nakane Takanori , Kato Megumi , Ishii Ryohei , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Tokunaga Fuminori , Nureki Osamu
Published: October 2016

In the innate immune system, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) specifically recognize ligands derived from bacteria or viruses, to trigger the responsible downstream pathways. DEAD box protein 41 (DDX41) is an intracellular PRR that triggers the downstream pathway involving the adapter STING, the kinase TBK1, and the transcription factor IRF3, to activate the type I interferon response. DDX41 is unique in that it recognizes two different ligands; i.e., double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and cyclic dinucleotides (CDN), via its DEAD domain. However, the structural basis for the ligand recognition by the DDX41 DEAD domain has remained elusive. Here, we report two crystal structures of the DDX41 DEAD domain in apo forms, at 1.5 and 2.2 Å resolutions. A comparison of the two crystal structures revealed the flexibility in the ATP binding site, suggesting its formation upon ATP binding. Structure-guided functional analyses in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the overlapped binding surface for dsDNA and CDN, which is distinct from the ATP-binding site. We propose that the structural rearrangement of the ATP binding site is crucial for the release of ADP, enabling the fast turnover of DDX41 for the dsDNA/CDN-induced STING activation pathway.
CD4-mimetic sulfopeptide conjugates display sub-nanomolar anti-HIV-1 activity and protect macaques against a SHIV162P3 vaginal challenge
Authors: Ariën Kevin K. , Baleux Françoise , Desjardins Delphine , Porrot Françoise , Coïc Yves-Marie , Michiels Johan , Bouchemal Kawthar , Bonnaffé David , Bruel Timothée , Schwartz Olivier , Le Grand Roger , Vanham Guido , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Lortat-Jacob Hugues
Published: October 2016

The CD4 and the cryptic coreceptor binding sites of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein are key to viral attachment and entry. We developed new molecules comprising a CD4 mimetic peptide linked to anionic compounds (mCD4.1-HS12 and mCD4.1-PS1), that block the CD4-gp120 interaction and simultaneously induce the exposure of the cryptic coreceptor binding site, rendering it accessible to HS12- or PS1- mediated inhibition. Using a cynomolgus macaque model of vaginal challenge with SHIV162P3, we report that mCD4.1-PS1, formulated into a hydroxyethyl-cellulose gel provides 83% protection (5/6 animals). We next engineered the mCD4 moiety of the compound, giving rise to mCD4.2 and mCD4.3 that, when conjugated to PS1, inhibited cell-free and cell-associated HIV-1 with particularly low IC50, in the nM to pM range, including some viral strains that were resistant to the parent molecule mCD4.1. These chemically defined molecules, which target major sites of vulnerability of gp120, are stable for at least 48 hours in conditions replicating the vaginal milieu (37 °C, pH 4.5). They efficiently mimic several large gp120 ligands, including CD4, coreceptor or neutralizing antibodies, to which their efficacy compares very favorably, despite a molecular mass reduced to 5500 Da. Together, these results support the development of such molecules as potential microbicides.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors including exosomes
Authors: Nagaishi Kanna , Mizue Yuka , Chikenji Takako , Otani Miho , Nakano Masako , Konari Naoto , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: October 2016

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have contributed to the improvement of diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the actual mediator of this effect and its role has not been characterized thoroughly. We investigated the effects of MSC therapy on DN, focusing on the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors, including exosomes secreted by MSCs. MSCs and MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) as renal trophic factors were administered in parallel to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetic mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice. Both therapies showed approximately equivalent curative effects, as each inhibited the exacerbation of albuminuria. They also suppressed the excessive infiltration of BMDCs into the kidney by regulating the expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Proinflammatory cytokine expression (e.g., TNF-α) and fibrosis in tubular interstitium were inhibited. TGF-β1 expression was down-regulated and tight junction protein expression (e.g., ZO-1) was maintained, which sequentially suppressed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Exosomes purified from MSC-CM exerted an anti-apoptotic effect and protected tight junction structure in TECs. The increase of glomerular mesangium substrate was inhibited in HFD-diabetic mice. MSC therapy is a promising tool to prevent DN via the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors including exosomes due to its multifactorial action.