bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room Temperature Sensing Achieved by GaAs Nanowires and oCVD Polymer Coating
Authors: Wang Xiaoxue , Ermez Sema , Goktas Hilal , Gradečak Silvija , Gleason Karen
Published: April 2017

Novel structures comprised of GaAs nanowire arrays conformally coated with conducting polymers (poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐co‐3‐thiophene acetic acid) display both sensitivity and selectivity to a variety of volatile organic chemicals. A key feature is room temperature operation, so that neither a heater nor the power it would consume, is required. It is a distinct difference from traditional metal oxide sensors, which typically require elevated operational temperature. The GaAs nanowires are prepared directly via self‐seeded metal–organic chemical deposition, and conducting polymers are deposited on GaAs nanowires using oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). The range of thickness for the oCVD layer is between 100 and 200 nm, which is controlled by changing the deposition time. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates an edge‐on alignment of the crystalline structure of the PEDOT coating layer on GaAs nanowires. In addition, the positive correlation between the improvement of sensitivity and the increasing nanowire density is demonstrated. Furthermore, the effect of different oCVD coating materials is studied. The sensing mechanism is also discussed with studies considering both nanowire density and polymer types. Overall, the novel structure exhibits good sensitivity and selectivity in gas sensing, and provides a promising platform for future sensor design.

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In vitro porcine blastocyst development in three‐dimensional alginate hydrogels
Authors: Miles Jeremy R. , Laughlin Taylor D. , Sargus‐Patino Catherine N. , Pannier Angela K.
Published: April 2017

Appropriate embryonic and fetal development significantly impact pregnancy success and, therefore, the efficiency of swine production. The pre‐implantation period of porcine pregnancy is characterized by several developmental hallmarks, which are initiated by the dramatic morphological change that occurs as pig blastocysts elongate from spherical to filamentous blastocysts. Deficiencies in blastocyst elongation contribute to approximately 20% of embryonic loss, and have a direct influence on within‐litter birth weight variation. Although factors identified within the uterine environment may play a role in blastocyst elongation, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which porcine (or other species’) blastocysts initiate and progress through the elongation process. This is partly due to the difficulty of replicating elongation in vitro, which would allow for its study in a controlled environment and in real‐time. We developed a three dimensional (3‐D) culture system using alginate hydrogel matrices that can encapsulate pig blastocysts, maintain viability and blastocyst architecture, and facilitate reproducible morphological changes with corresponding expression of steroidogenic enzyme transcripts and estrogen production, consistent with the initiation of elongation in vivo. This review highlights key aspects of the pre‐implantation period of porcine pregnancy and the difficulty of studying blastocyst elongation in vivo or by using in vitro systems. This review also provides insights on the utility of 3‐D hydrogels to study blastocyst elongation continuously and in real‐time as a complementary and confirmatory approach to in vivo analysis.
Tensile properties of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite and its carbon fiber hybrid composite fabricated by direct fiber feeding injection molding process
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Yang Yuqiu , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

The elastic modulus of a glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite and its hybrid carbon fiber composite fabricated by direct fiber feeding injection molding (DFFIM) process were evaluated by using the Classical Calculated Method and the modified Tsai‐Hill criterion based on the laminate analogy approach method, respectively. The results were in good agreement with the experiments for both the glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite and its hybrid composite. In addition, the modified Tsai‐Hill criterion shows more accuracy than the Classical Calculated Method in predicting the Young's modulus. The tensile strength of the composites was investigated by utilizing the modified Kelly‐Tyson equation and Modified Tsai‐Hill criterion. The results of the modified Kelly‐Tyson equation are closer to the real value. The interfacial shear strength between carbon fiber and polypropylene in the hybrid composite manufactured by the DFFIM process was analyzed by using the modified Kelly‐Tyson equation. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3564–3574, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of carbon nanofiber functionalization and compatibilizer on the physical properties of carbon nanofiber reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Muñoz‐Ávila J.M. , Sánchez‐Valdes S. , Yáñez‐Flores I. , Rodriguez‐Fernandez O.S. , Neira‐Velázquez M.G. , Hernández‐Hernández E. , Flores‐Gallardo S. , Avalos‐Belmontes F. , Lozano‐Ramírez T. , Morales‐Cepeda A. , Lafleur P.G.
Published: April 2017

The effect of acrylic acid (AA) and amine alcohol (DMAE) functionalization via plasma of carbon nanofibers (CNF) on physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene‐CNF nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing was studied. The behavior of these functionalized CNF via plasma was compared with a CNF functionalized by oxidation with a mixture of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). Two different types of compatibilizers were used: an amine alcohol modified PP (PPgDMAE) and a maleic anhydride grafted PP (PPgMA). The CNF functionalization was evidenced by Raman spectroscopy, comparing the ratio of peaks at 1371 and at 1590 cm−1. Dispersion of the CNF was assessed using scanning microscopy, and the effect of the type of CNF functionalization on the dispersion was evidenced. A noticeable increase in thermal stability, mechanical and electrical properties and crystallization rate were observed. For example, the storage modulus when using PPgDMAE and AA functionalized CNF increased up to 48% over the control. The mechanical properties of flexural and impact strength showed an effective load transfer when using this CNF and compatibilizer system, which was attributed to the better functionalized CNF dispersion and the strong interactions between this CNF and the polymer matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3575–3585, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ion condensation onto self‐assembled nanofibers
Authors: Deiss‐Yehiely Elad , Ortony Julia H. , Qiao Baofu , Stupp Samuel I. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: April 2017

Self‐assembled peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers are a class of supramolecular materials with promising applications in nanotechnology. Alignment of nanofibers, which is essential for biomaterials applications, is achieved at low salt concentrations in the PA nanofiber suspensions. Regardless of its importance, the effect of ion concentration on the properties of these nanostructures remains unexplored. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, canonical PA nanostructures are investigated to elucidate the relationship between counterion condensation and morphological changes. Simulations reveal that nanofibers with the highest cross‐section density have expanded radii. This expansion decreases the accessible volume for sodium counterions and diminishes the counterion translational entropy, while also reducing the total electrostatic potential. Interestingly, we show that the competition between these effects leads to a fraction of condensed counterions independent of the fiber radius. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 901–906
3D printed conductive patterns based on laser irradiation
Authors: Shin Injoo , Park Minsoo
Published: April 2017

In recent years, there has been significant interest in simple and affordable technologies that produce 3D printed embedded electronics and interconnects, in order to increase the functionality of these structures. This study describes the development of 3D printing processes for conductive patterns using 3D printing of metal particle dispersed polymer. This fabrication method is based on 3D molded interconnect device (MID) technology with laser direct structuring. The pattern on 3D printed structure is selectively activated by laser ablation and acquires high conductivity after electroless plating. The method described can be used to directly print a variety of customized and fully‐functional product prototypes using a general ME (material extrusion)‐type polymer 3D‐printer based on laser irradiation.

The schematic of the suggested manufacturing method. With proper laser processing, the surface of 3D printed substrate is selectively activated as a seed layer and acquires high conductivity after electroless plating.
Tightness–looseness: A new framework to understand consumer behavior
Authors: Li Ren , Gordon Sarah , Gelfand Michele J.
Published: April 2017

Previous cross‐cultural research in the field of consumer behavior has focused almost exclusively on cultural values. In this article, we expand on this tradition by integrating research on tightness‐looseness (TL)—the strength of social norms and tolerance for deviance—into consumer behavior research. We first examine how TL influences persuasion in advertising, suggesting that advertising themes in loose cultures will focus on the promotion of ideals, permissiveness, and norm deviance, whereas advertising themes in tight cultures will emphasize prevention focus, uniformity, and norm abidance. Next, we examine brand‐consumer relationships and product diffusion and discuss how they may vary across tight and loose cultures. Finally, we explore the implications of TL for consumer well‐being by examining different strategies for encouraging healthy decision‐making across tight and loose cultures. Taken together, the integration of TL and CB research constitutes an exciting frontier for theory, research, and practice.
Trust, Ethnicity and Integrity in East Africa: Experimental Evidence from Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Burbidge Dominic , Cheeseman Nic
Published: April 2017

Political economy comparisons of Kenya and Tanzania have often found the political salience of ethnicity to be far higher in the former than the latter, with a negative impact on intercommunal trust. This difference has tended to be explained on the basis of the different kinds of leadership that the two countries experienced after independence. However, these findings have typically been demonstrated using aggregate or survey data. This paper assesses the salience of ethnicity at the individual level for the first time, deploying monetized two-round trust games in urban Kenya and Tanzania. The experimental games isolate the comparative impact of common knowledge of ethnicity and integrity among a quasi-random selection of 486 citizens. Verifying previous findings, we observe higher levels of trust and trustworthiness in Tanzania as compared with Kenya. Further, in comparison with Kenya, any shared knowledge of ethnic identities in Tanzania leads players to transfer fewer resources, while common knowledge that both players are “honest” led to higher transfers there than in Kenya. These results provide robust evidence of higher levels of trust in Tanzania, and of the negative effect in that country of common knowledge of ethnicity on levels of cooperation. The findings demonstrate the way in which political context can shape the impact of ethnic diversity, and encourage further experimental research that looks at the intersubjective dynamics of social cooperation.
Q&A with Leaders and Practitioners: Erik Stegman
Authors: Ramakrishnan S. Karthick
Published: April 2017

Our understanding of the politics of race, indigeneity, and ethnicity is informed not only by the work of scholars, but also by the work of leaders and practitioners. The Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics (JREP) is proud to continue our Q&A series with Erik Stegman, executive director of Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute. Our hope is that forums like these will help advance our collective scholarship by better informing our research agendas, validating some of our claims, and building more bridges between the worlds of research, politics, and policy.
Providing Greater Context for Earth and Space Science Research
Authors: Lunn Jenny , Hanson Brooks
Published: April 2017

A new "highlights" page, plain-language summaries, and other recent initiatives further enhance the material in journals and books published by the American Geophysical Union.
Cisplatin-enriching cancer stem cells confer multidrug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer via enhancing TRIB1/HDAC activity
Authors: Wang Lihui , Liu Xing , Ren Yong , Zhang Jingyuan , Chen Junli , Zhou Wenlong , Guo Wei , Wang Xiaoxuan , Chen Huiping , Li Meng , Yuan Xiangzhong , Zhang Xun , Yang Jingyu , Wu Chunfu
Published: April 2017

Chemotherapeutic agents are generally used as a frontline therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance to chemotherapy arises rapidly in NSCLC, and the reasons for chemotherapy resistance have not been fully determined. Here, we found cisplatin, but not paclitaxel and doxorubicin, induced the enrichment of cancer stem cell (CSC) and conferred multidrug resistance in NSCLC cell lines.In vivostudy confirmed drug-resistant tumors displayed the enhanced expressions of CSC transcription factors. Mechanistically, cisplatin treatment resulted in C/EBP-β-dependent increasing of TRIB1. The crucial role of TRIB1 in cisplatin-induced enrichment of CSC and drug resistance was verified by knockdown TRIB1. Interestingly, cisplatin treatment also contributed to the increasement of HDAC, the interaction of TRIB1 with HDAC, and inactivation of p53. Similarly, the silencing of HDAC led to reduction of cisplatin-induced CSC, and combined knockdown of HDAC and TRIB1 exhibited enhanced effect. Additionally, the combination of HDAC inhibitor and cisplatin showed a reinforced antitumor action in NSCLC cell lines with TRIB1-dependent manner and remarkably shrink tumors in xenograft models. Moreover, cisplatin-treated NSCLC patients with high levels of TRIB1 exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis. Our findings illustrate a novel perspective in the evolution of chemotherapy resistance and provide a promising approach for the treatment of patients with NSCLC.
The suppression of apoptosis by α-herpesvirus
Authors: You Yu , Cheng An-Chun , Wang Ming-Shu , Jia Ren-Yong , Sun Kun-Feng , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhu Dekang , Chen Shun , Liu Ma-Feng , Zhao Xin-Xin , Chen Xiao-Yue
Published: April 2017

Apoptosis, an important innate immune mechanism that eliminates pathogen-infected cells, is primarily triggered by two signalling pathways: the death receptor pathway and the mitochondria-mediated pathway. However, many viruses have evolved various strategies to suppress apoptosis by encoding anti-apoptotic factors or regulating apoptotic signalling pathways, which promote viral propagation and evasion of the host defence. During its life cycle, α-herpesvirus utilizes an elegant multifarious anti-apoptotic strategy to suppress programmed cell death. This progress article primarily focuses on the current understanding of the apoptosis-inhibition mechanisms of α-herpesvirus anti-apoptotic genes and their expression products and discusses future directions, including how the anti-apoptotic function of herpesvirus could be targeted therapeutically.
miR-21 ablation and obeticholic acid ameliorate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro M , Afonso Marta B , Simão André L , Carvalho Catarina C , Trindade Alexandre , Duarte António , Borralho Pedro M , Machado Mariana V , Cortez-Pinto Helena , Rodrigues Cecília MP , Castro Rui E
Published: April 2017

microRNAs were recently suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease lacking specific pharmacological treatments. In that regard, nuclear receptors are arising as key molecular targets for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here we show that, in a typical model of NASH-associated liver damage, microRNA-21 (miR-21) ablation results in a progressive decrease in steatosis, inflammation and lipoapoptosis, with impairment of fibrosis. In a complementary fast food (FF) diet NASH model, mimicking features of the metabolic syndrome, miR-21 levels increase in both liver and muscle, concomitantly with decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a key miR-21 target. Strikingly, miR-21 knockout mice fed the FF diet supplemented with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) display minimal steatosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and cholesterol accumulation. In addition, lipoprotein metabolism was restored, including decreased fatty acid uptake and polyunsaturation, and liver and muscle insulin sensitivity fully reinstated. Finally, the miR-21/PPARα axis was found amplified in liver and muscle biopsies, and in serum, of NAFLD patients, co-substantiating its role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. By unveiling that miR-21 abrogation, together with FXR activation by OCA, significantly improves whole body metabolic parameters in NASH, our results highlight the therapeutic potential of nuclear receptor multi-targeting therapies for NAFLD.
Liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5a2) regulates CD95/Fas ligand transcription and associated T-cell effector functions
Authors: Schwaderer Juliane , Gaiser Ann-Kathrin , Phan Truong San , Delgado M Eugenia , Brunner Thomas
Published: April 2017

CD95/Fas ligand (FasL) is a cell death-promoting member of the tumor necrosis factor family with important functions in the regulation of T-cell homeostasis and cytotoxicity. In T cells, FasL expression is tightly regulated on a transcriptional level involving a complex set of different transcription factors. The orphan nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1/NR5a2) is involved in the regulation of development, lipid metabolism and proliferation and is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues. However, its expression in T lymphocytes has never been reported so far. Based onin silicoanalysis, we identified potential LRH-1 binding sites within theFASLGpromoter. Here, we report that LRH-1 is expressed in primary and secondary lymphatic tissues, as well as in CD4+and CD8+T cells. LRH-1 directly binds to its binding sites in theFASLGpromoter, and thereby drivesFASLGpromoter activity. Mutations in the LRH-1 binding sites reduceFASLGpromoter activity. Pharmacological inhibition of LRH-1 decreases activation-induced FasL mRNA expression, as well as FasL-mediated activation-induced T-cell apoptosis and T-cell cytotoxicity. In a mouse model of Concanavalin A-induced and FasL-mediated hepatitis pharmacological inhibition of LRH-1 resulted in decreased hepatic FasL expression and a significant reduction of liver damage. In summary, these data show for the first time LRH-1 expression in T cells, its role inFASLGtranscription and the potential of pharmacological inhibition of LRH-1 in the treatment of FasL-mediated immunopathologies.
Lectin pathway factors in patients suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Eppa Łukasz , Świerzko Anna S , Bartłomiejczyk Marcin A , Żuber Zbigniew M , Siniewicz‐Luzeńczyk Katarzyna , Mężyk Elżbieta , Matsushita Misao , Bąk‐Romaniszyn Leokadia , Zeman Krzysztof , Skurnik Mikael , Cedzyński Maciej
Published: April 2017

Both complement activation and certain infections (including those with Yersinia sp.) may contribute to the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We investigated factors specific for the lectin pathway of complement: mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), ficolins and MBL‐associated serine protease‐2 (MASP‐2), in 144 patients and 98 controls. One hundred and six patients had oligoarticular disease and 38 had polyarticular disease. In 51 patients (out of 133 tested), Yersinia‐reactive antibodies were found (JIA Ye+ group). MBL deficiency was significantly more frequent in the JIA Ye+ group than in patients without Yersinia‐reactive antibodies or in controls. Median serum ficolin‐2 level was significantly lower (and proportion of values deemed ficolin‐2 insufficient greater) in JIA patients irrespective of their Yersinia antibody status. The minority (C) allele at −64 of the FCN2 gene was less frequent among JIA patients than among control subjects. No differences were found in the frequency of FCN3 gene +1637delC or MASP2 +359 A>G mutations nor for median values of serum ficolin‐1, ficolin‐3 or MASP‐2. However, high levels of serum ficolin‐3 were under‐represented in patients, in contrast to MBL. MBL, ficolin‐1, ficolin‐2, ficolin‐3 and MASP‐2 were also readily detectable in synovial fluid samples but at a considerably lower level than in serum. Our findings suggest a possible role for the lectin pathway in the pathogenesis of JIA, perhaps secondary to a role in host defence, and indicate that investigations on the specificity of lectin pathway recognition molecules towards specific infectious agents in JIA might be fruitful.
Implantable batteryless device for on-demand and pulsatile insulin administration
Authors: Lee Seung Ho , Lee Young Bin , Kim Byung Hwi , Lee Cheol , Cho Young Min , Kim Se-Na , Park Chun Gwon , Cho Yong-Chan , Choy Young Bin
Published: April 2017

Many implantable systems have been designed for long-term, pulsatile delivery of insulin, but the lifetime of these devices is limited by the need for battery replacement and consequent replacement surgery. Here we propose a batteryless, fully implantable insulin pump that can be actuated by a magnetic field. The pump is prepared by simple-assembly of magnets and constituent units and comprises a drug reservoir and actuator equipped with a plunger and barrel, each assembled with a magnet. The plunger moves to noninvasively infuse insulin only when a magnetic field is applied on the exterior surface of the body. Here we show that the dose is easily controlled by varying the number of magnet applications. Also, pump implantation in diabetic rats results in profiles of insulin concentration and decreased blood glucose levels similar to those observed in rats treated with conventional subcutaneous insulin injections.
Gene expression in breast and adipose tissue after 12 months of weight loss and vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women
Authors: Mason Caitlin , Wang Lei , Duggan Catherine , Imayama Ikuyo , Thomas Sushma S. , Wang Ching-Yun , Korde Larissa A. , McTiernan Anne
Published: April 2017

Adipose tissue is involved in the etiology of postmenopausal breast cancer, possibly through increased sex steroid hormone production, inflammation, and altered adipokines. Vitamin D may affect these pathways but its effect on gene expression in different tissues has not been examined. Within a double-blind, 12-month placebo-controlled randomized trial, we compared 2000 IU/day oral vitamin D3 supplementation (N = 39) vs. placebo (N = 40) on the expression of 5 genes in breast and adipose tissue in overweight/obese postmenopausal women (50–75 years). All participants had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels ≥ 10–<32 ng/mL (“insufficient”) and concurrently completed a behavioral weight loss program. Random periareolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were performed at baseline and 12 months. Changes in expression of aromatase (CYP19A1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), monocyte-chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Compared to placebo, 2000 IU vitamin D did not show significant effects on gene expression in breast or adipose tissue. Replete women (i.e., 25(OH)D ≥ 32 ng/mL; N = 17) showed a small decrease in MCP-1 expression compared to an increase among women who remained ‘insufficient’ despite supplementation (N = 12) (Replete:−1.6% vs. Non-replete: 61.2%, p = 0.015) in breast, but not adipose tissue. No statistically significant differences in gene expression were detected according to degree of weight loss. Vitamin D repletion during weight loss may have different effects on gene expression in breast and adipose tissue. Further research on the localized effects of vitamin D is needed to determine its effect on breast cancer risk.
Engineering the quantum states of light in a Kerr-nonlinear resonator by two-photon driving
Authors: Puri Shruti , Boutin Samuel , Blais Alexandre
Published: April 2017

Photonic cat states stored in high-Q resonators show great promise for hardware efficient universal quantum computing. We propose an approach to efficiently prepare such cat states in a Kerr-nonlinear resonator by the use of a two-photon drive. Significantly, we show that this preparation is robust against single-photon loss. An outcome of this observation is that a two-photon drive can eliminate undesirable phase evolution induced by a Kerr nonlinearity. By exploiting the concept of transitionless quantum driving, we moreover demonstrate how non-adiabatic initialization of cat states is possible. Finally, we present a universal set of quantum logical gates that can be performed on the engineered eigenspace of such a two-photon driven resonator and discuss a possible realization using superconducting circuits. The robustness of the engineered subspace to higher-order circuit nonlinearities makes this implementation favorable for scalable quantum computation.
NOD1 modulates IL-10 signalling in human dendritic cells
Authors: Neuper Theresa , Ellwanger Kornelia , Schwarz Harald , Kufer Thomas A. , Duschl Albert , Horejs-Hoeck Jutta
Published: April 2017

NOD1 belongs to the family of NOD-like receptors, which is a group of well-characterised, cytosolic pattern-recognition receptors. The best-studied function of NOD-like receptors is their role in generating immediate pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial responses by detecting specific bacterial peptidoglycans or by responding to cellular stress and danger-associated molecules. The present study describes a regulatory, peptidoglycan-independent function of NOD1 in anti-inflammatory immune responses. We report that, in human dendritic cells, NOD1 balances IL-10-induced STAT1 and STAT3 activation by a SOCS2-dependent mechanism, thereby suppressing the tolerogenic dendritic cell phenotype. Based on these findings, we propose that NOD1 contributes to inflammation not only by promoting pro-inflammatory processes, but also by suppressing anti-inflammatory pathways.
Fano resonance with high local field enhancement under azimuthally polarized excitation
Authors: Shang Wuyun , Xiao Fajun , Zhu Weiren , He Hongsen , Premaratne Malin , Mei Ting , Zhao Jianlin
Published: April 2017

Being an enabling technology for applications such as ultrasensitive biosensing and surface enhanced spectroscopy, enormous research interests have been focused on further boosting the local field enhancement at Fano resonance. Here, we demonstrate a plasmonic Fano resonance resulting from the interference between a narrow magnetic dipole mode and a broad electric dipole mode in a split-ring resonator (SRR) coupled to a nanoarc structure. Strikingly, when subjected to an azimuthally polarized beam (APB) excitation, the intensity enhancement becomes more than 60 times larger than that for a linearly polarized beam (LPB). We attribute this intensity enhancement to the improved conversion efficiency between the excitation and magnetic dipole mode along with improved near-field coupling. The APB excited Fano structure is further used as a nanoruler and beam misalignment sensor, due to the high sensitivity of intensity enhancement and scattering spectra to structure irregularities and excitation beam misalignment. Interestingly, we find that, regardless of the presence of structural translations, the proposed structure still maintains over 60 times better intensity enhancement under APB excitation compared to LPB excitation. Moreover, even if the APB excitation is somewhat misaligned, our Fano structure still manages to give a larger intensity enhancement than its counterpart excited by LPB.
Systematic Synergy of Glucose and GLP-1 to Stimulate Insulin Secretion Revealed by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics
Authors: Tang Jia-shu , Li Qing-run , Li Jia-ming , Wu Jia-rui , Zeng Rong
Published: April 2017

GLP-1 synergizes with glucose in regulating pancreatic β-cell function, including facilitating β-cell survival and insulin secretion. Though it has been widely accepted that phosphorylation is extremely important in regulating β-cell functions, our knowledge to the global mechanism is still limited. Here we performed a quantitative phosphoproteomics study to systematically present the synergistic regulation of INS-1E cell phosphoproteome mediated by glucose and GLP-1. We generated the largest pancreatic β-cell phosphoproteome by identifying 25,327 accurately localized phosphorylation sites on 5,389 proteins. Our results discovered several novel kinases regulated by glucose, GLP-1 or their synergism, and some of these kinases might act as downstream molecules of GLP-1 mediated PKA signaling cascade. A few phosphosites were regulated by both GLP-1 and glucose alone, and these target proteins were highly related to their biological function on pancreatic β-cells. Finally, we found glucose and GLP-1 executed their synergistic effect at multiple levels, especially at pathway level. Both GLP-1 and glucose participated in regulating every single step of the secretion pathway, and systematically synergized their effects in inducing insulin secretion.
Arsenic metabolism in high altitude modern stromatolites revealed by metagenomic analysis
Authors: Kurth Daniel , Amadio Ariel , Ordoñez Omar F. , Albarracín Virginia H. , Gärtner Wolfgang , Farías María E.
Published: April 2017

Modern stromatolites thrive only in selected locations in the world. Socompa Lake, located in the Andean plateau at 3570 masl, is one of the numerous extreme Andean microbial ecosystems described over recent years. Extreme environmental conditions include hypersalinity, high UV incidence, and high arsenic content, among others. After Socompa’s stromatolite microbial communities were analysed by metagenomic DNA sequencing, taxonomic classification showed dominance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and a remarkably high number of unclassified sequences. A functional analysis indicated that carbon fixation might occur not only by the Calvin-Benson cycle, but also through alternative pathways such as the reverse TCA cycle, and the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway. Deltaproteobacteria were involved both in sulfate reduction and nitrogen fixation. Significant differences were found when comparing the Socompa stromatolite metagenome to the Shark Bay (Australia) smooth mat metagenome: namely, those involving stress related processes, particularly, arsenic resistance. An in-depth analysis revealed a surprisingly diverse metabolism comprising all known types of As resistance and energy generating pathways. While thearsoperon was the main mechanism, an important abundance ofarsMgenes was observed in selected phyla. The data resulting from this work will prove a cornerstone for further studies on this rare microbial community.
AMPK signaling in the nucleus accumbens core mediates cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking
Authors: Gao Xue-Jiao , Yuan Kai , Cao Lu , Yan Wei , Luo Yi-Xiao , Jian Min , Liu Jian-Feng , Fang Qin , Wang Ji-Shi , Han Ying , Shi Jie , Lu Lin
Published: April 2017

Relapse to drug seeking can be caused by exposure to drug-associated cues, provoking drug craving even after prolonged abstinence. Recent studies demonstrated that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates neuronal morphology and membrane excitability in neurons. Here, we investigated the role of AMPK activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in relapse to cocaine seeking. We found that exposure to drug-related cues reinstated cocaine-seeking behavior and increased AMPK and p70s6k phosphorylation in the NAc core but not shell. Augmenting AMPK activity by intra-NAc core infusions of the AMPK activator 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR) or adenovirus expressing constitutively active subunits of AMPK decreased cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathways. In contrast, inhibition of AMPK activity by intra-NAc core infusions of the AMPK inhibitor compound C or adenovirus expressing dominant-negative subunits of AMPK increased cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and enhanced mTORC1 and ERK1/2 activity. The regulation of AMPK activity in the NAc shell had no effect on cue-induced cocaine seeking. Altogether, these results indicate that AMPK activity in the NAc core is critical for the cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking, which may be mediated by mTORC1 and ERK1/2 signaling.
Aminoglycosides, but not PTC124 (Ataluren), rescue nonsense mutations in the leptin receptor and in luciferase reporter genes
Authors: Bolze Florian , Mocek Sabine , Zimmermann Anika , Klingenspor Martin
Published: April 2017

In rare cases, monogenetic obesity is caused by nonsense mutations in genes regulating energy balance. A key factor herein is the leptin receptor. Here, we focus on leptin receptor nonsense variants causing obesity, namely the human W31X, murine Y333X and rat Y763X mutations, and explored their susceptibilities to aminoglycoside and PTC124 mediated translational read-through in vitro. In a luciferase based assay, all mutations - when analysed within the mouse receptor - were prone to aminoglycoside mediated nonsense suppression with the highest susceptibility for W31X, followed by Y763X and Y333X. For the latter, the corresponding rodent models appear valuable for in vivo experiments. When W31X was studied in the human receptor, its superior read-through susceptibility – initially observed in the mouse receptor – was eliminated, likely due to the different nucleotide context surrounding the mutation in the two orthologues. The impact of the surrounding context on the read-through opens the possibility to discover novel sequence elements influencing nonsense suppression. As an alternative to toxic aminoglycosides, PTC124 was indicated as a superior nonsense suppressor but inconsistent data concerning its read-through activity are reported. PTC124 failed to rescue W31X as well as different nonsense mutated luciferase reporters, thus, challenging its ability to induce translational read-through.
Entropic uncertainty relations for Markovian and non-Markovian processes under a structured bosonic reservoir
Authors: Wang Dong , Huang Ai-Jun , Hoehn Ross D. , Ming Fei , Sun Wen-Yang , Shi Jia-Dong , Ye Liu , Kais Sabre
Published: April 2017

The uncertainty relation is a fundamental limit in quantum mechanics and is of great importance to quantum information processing as it relates to quantum precision measurement. Due to interactions with the surrounding environment, a quantum system will unavoidably suffer from decoherence. Here, we investigate the dynamic behaviors of the entropic uncertainty relation of an atom-cavity interacting system under a bosonic reservoir during the crossover between Markovian and non-Markovian regimes. Specifically, we explore the dynamic behavior of the entropic uncertainty relation for a pair of incompatible observables under the reservoir-induced atomic decay effect both with and without quantum memory. We find that the uncertainty dramatically depends on both the atom-cavity and the cavity-reservoir interactions, as well as the correlation time, τ, of the structured reservoir. Furthermore, we verify that the uncertainty is anti-correlated with the purity of the state of the observed qubit-system. We also propose a remarkably simple and efficient way to reduce the uncertainty by utilizing quantum weak measurement reversal. Therefore our work offers a new insight into the uncertainty dynamics for multi-component measurements within an open system, and is thus important for quantum precision measurements.
Advantages of Unfair Quantum Ground-State Sampling
Authors: Zhang Brian Hu , Wagenbreth Gene , Martin-Mayor Victor , Hen Itay
Published: April 2017

The debate around the potential superiority of quantum annealers over their classical counterparts has been ongoing since the inception of the field. Recent technological breakthroughs, which have led to the manufacture of experimental prototypes of quantum annealing optimizers with sizes approaching the practical regime, have reignited this discussion. However, the demonstration of quantum annealing speedups remains to this day an elusive albeit coveted goal. We examine the power of quantum annealers to provide a different type of quantum enhancement of practical relevance, namely, their ability to serve as useful samplers from the ground-state manifolds of combinatorial optimization problems. We study, both numerically by simulating stoquastic and non-stoquastic quantum annealing processes, and experimentally, using a prototypical quantum annealing processor, the ability of quantum annealers to sample the ground-states of spin glasses differently than thermal samplers. We demonstrate that (i) quantum annealers sample the ground-state manifolds of spin glasses very differently than thermal optimizers (ii) the nature of the quantum fluctuations driving the annealing process has a decisive effect on the final distribution, and (iii) the experimental quantum annealer samples ground-state manifolds significantly differently than thermal and ideal quantum annealers. We illustrate how quantum annealers may serve as powerful tools when complementing standard sampling algorithms.
Tactile Flow Overrides Other Cues To Self Motion
Authors: Harris Laurence R. , Sakurai Kenzo , Beaudot William H. A.
Published: April 2017

Vestibular-somatosensory interactions are pervasive in the brain but it remains unclear why. Here we explore the contribution of tactile flow to processing self-motion. We assessed two aspects of self-motion: timing and speed. Participants sat on an oscillating swing and either kept their hands on their laps or rested them lightly on an earth-stationary surface. They viewed a grating oscillating at the same frequency as their motion and judged its phase or, in a separate experiment, its speed relative to their perceived motion. Participants required the phase to precede body movement (with or without tactile flow) or tactile flow by ~5° (44 ms) to appear earth-stationary. Speed judgments were 4–10% faster when motion was from tactile flow, either alone or with body motion, compared to body motion alone (where speed judgments were accurate). By comparing response variances we conclude that phase and speed judgments do not reflect optimal integration of tactile flow with other cues to body motion: instead tactile flow dominates perceived self-motion – acting as an emergency override. This may explain why even minimal tactile cues are so helpful in promoting stability and suggests that providing artificial tactile cues might be a powerful aid to perceiving self-motion.
Genotyping Brucella canis isolates using a highly discriminatory multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) assay
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Yin , Poulsen Elizabeth , Ransburgh Russell , Liu Xuming , An Baoyan , Lu Nanyan , Anderson Gary , Wang Chengming , Bai Jianfa
Published: April 2017

Differentiation of Brucella canis from other Brucella species are mainly performed through PCR-based methods and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) procedures. Both PCR-based and MLVA methods are limited in discriminating B. canis strains. A new MLVA-13Bc method for B. canis genotyping was established by combining eight newly-developed VNTRs with five published ones. During 2010 and 2016, 377 B. canis PCR-positives were identified from 6,844 canine blood samples from 22 U.S. states, resulting in 229 B. canis isolates. The MLVA-13Bc method was able to differentiate each of these 229 isolates. The Hunter-Gaston Discriminatory Index of the individual VNTR loci ranged from 0.516 to 0.934 and the combined discriminatory index reached 1.000. Three major clusters (A, B and C) and 10 genotype groups were identified from the 229 B. canis isolates. Cluster A mainly contains genotype groups 1 and 2, and a few group 3 isolates; nearly all Cluster B isolates were from group 6; other genotype groups were classified into Cluster C. Our newly developed MLVA-13Bc assay is a highly discriminatory assay for B. canis genotyping, and can serve as a useful molecular epidemiological tool, especially for tracing the source of contamination in an event of a B. canis outbreak.
Enhanced Response of Metformin towards the Cancer Cells due to Synergism with Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yoo Sweejiang , Hou Jin , Yi Wenhui , Li Yingchun , Chen Weiping , Meng Lingjie , Si Jinhai , Hou Xun
Published: April 2017

Converging evidence from laboratory models pointed that the widely used antidiabetic drug metformin has direct effects on cancer cells. Thus far, relatively little attention has been addressed to the drug exposures used experimentally relative to those achievable clinically. Here, we demonstrated that metformin loaded on carbon nanotubes under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation led to the remarkably enhancement in response towards cancer cells. The dose of metformin has reduced to only 1/280 of typical doses in monotherapy (35: 10 000–30 000 µM) where the realization of metformin in conventional antidiabetic doses for cancer therapies becomes possible. The heat generated from carbon nanotubes upon NIR irradiation has mediated a strong and highly localized hyperthermia-like condition that facilitated the enhancement. Our work highlight the promise of using highly localized heating from carbon nanotubes to intensify the efficacy of metformin for potential cancer therapies.
Histological, chemical and behavioural evidence of pedal communication in brown bears
Authors: Sergiel Agnieszka , Naves Javier , Kujawski Piotr , Maślak Robert , Serwa Ewa , Ramos Damián , Fernández-Gil Alberto , Revilla Eloy , Zwijacz-Kozica Tomasz , Zięba Filip , Painer Johanna , Selva Nuria
Published: April 2017

Most mammals rely upon scent for intraspecific communication. As most bear species have large home ranges and are non-territorial, scent deposit while walking could be an effective way to communicate with conspecifics. Here, we investigate the existence of pedal glands in brown bears and their role in chemical communication from a histological, biochemical and behavioural perspective. We found eccrine glands in footpads, and prominent apocrine and sebaceous glands in the interdigital, metacarpal and metatarsal skin sections. Pedal scent contained 26 compounds including carboxylic acids, important constituents of mammalian secretions. Six of these compounds were exclusive for males. Finally, we describe a specific marking gait recorded in the field, mostly performed by males. Our study supports the existence of chemical communication through pedal marking in brown bears and suggests sex-coding potential of pedal scent.
Detection of red blood cell surface antigens by probe-triggered cell collision and flow retardation in an autonomous microfluidic system
Authors: Sautner Éva , Papp Krisztián , Holczer Eszter , Tóth Eszter L. , Ungai-Salánki Rita , Szabó Bálint , Fürjes Péter , Prechl József
Published: April 2017

Microfluidic devices exploit combined physical, chemical and biological phenomena that could be unique in the sub-millimeter dimensions. The current goal of development of Point-of-Care (POC) medical devices is to extract the biomedical information from the blood. We examined the characteristics of blood flow in autonomous microfluidic devices with the aim to realize sensitive detection of interactions between particulate elements of the blood and the appropriately modified surfaces of the system. As a model experiment we demonstrated the fast analysis of the AB0 blood group system. We observed that the accumulation of red blood cells immobilized on the capillary wall leads to increased lateral movement of the flowing cells, resulting in the overall selective deceleration of the red blood cell flow column compared to the plasma fraction. We showed that by monitoring the flow rate characteristics in capillaries coated with blood type reagents it is possible to identify red blood cell types. Analysis of hydrodynamic effects governing blood flow by Finite Element Method based modelling supported our observations. Our proof-of-concept results point to a novel direction in blood analysis in autonomous microfluidic systems and also provide the basis for the construction of a simple quantitative device for blood group determination.
Early measurement of IL-10 predicts the outcomes of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Liu Chia-Hsiung , Kuo Shuenn-Wen , Ko Wen-Je , Tsai Pi-Ru , Wu Shu-Wei , Lai Chien-Heng , Wang Chih-Hsien , Chen Yih-Sharng , Chen Pei-Lung , Liu Tze-Tze , Huang Shu-Chien , Jou Tzuu-Shuh
Published: April 2017

Patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome are generally severely distressed and associated with high morbidity and mortality despite aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. To identify potential biomarker of predicting value for appropriate use of this intensive care resource, plasma interleukin-10 along with relevant inflammatory cytokines and immune cell populations were examined during the early and subsequent disease courses of 51 critically ill patients who received ECMO support. High interleukin-10 levels at the time of ECMO installation and during the first 6 hours after ECMO support of these patients stand as a promising biomarker associated with grave prognosis. The initial interleukin-10 level is correlated to other conventional risk evaluation scores as a predictive factor for survival, and furthermore, elevated interleukin-10 levels are also related to a delayed recovery of certain immune cell populations such as CD14+CD16+, CD14+TLR4+monocytes, and T regulator cells. Genetically, high interleukin-10 is associated to two polymorphic nucleotides (−592 C and −819 C) at the interleukin-10 gene promoter area. Our finding provides prognostic and mechanistic information on the outcome of severely respiratory distressed patients, and potentially paves the strategy to develop new therapeutic modality based on the principles of precision medicine.
In-Silico Drug discovery approach targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 for cancer treatment
Authors: Nath Onkar , Singh Archana , Singh Indrakant K.
Published: April 2017

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are important cell signaling molecules that influence many cellular processes. Receptor tyrosine kinase such as orphan receptor 1 (Ror1), a surface antigen, is a member of the RTK family of Ror, which plays a crucial role in cancers that have high-grade histology. As Ror1 has been implicated to be a potential target for cancer therapy, we selected this protein for further investigation. The secondary and tertiary structure of this protein was determined, which revealed that this protein contained three β-sheets, seven α-helices, and coils. The prediction of the active site revealed its cage-like function that opens for ligand entry and then closes for interacting with the ligands. Optimized ligands from the database were virtually screened to obtain the most efficient and potent ones. The screened ligands were evaluated for their therapeutic usefulness. Furthermore, the ligands that passed the test were docked to the target protein resulting in a few ligands with high score, which were analyzed further. The highest scoring ligand, Beta-1, 2,3,4,6-Penta-O-Galloyl-D-Glucopyranose was reported to be a naturally occurring tannin. This in silico approach indicates the potential of this molecule for advancing a further step in cancer treatment.