bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the magnetic field structure in the filamentary cloud IC5146
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Eswaraiah Chakali , Lai Shih-Ping , Clemens D. P. , Chen Wen-Ping , Pandey Anil K.
Published: September 2016

IC5146 is one of the filamentary clouds observed in Herschel Gould Belt Survey. Here we present our polarization observations toward IC5146 taken with AIMPOL, TRIPOL and Mimir. Our results reveal that the large scale structure of magnetic field is well perpendicular to the main filament, but is likely parallel to the sub-filaments, which are structure extended out from the main filaments. We have also conducted CO observations to reveal the gas kinematics along the filaments or magnetic field; this result suggests the gas is possibly confined by magnetic field in most of the region until reaching supercritical. Based on our results, we suggests that at least four types of filaments can be found in IC5146, behaving different physical properties and consistent with different formation mechanisms. Our conclusions reveal that filaments are a combination of a variety types of objects.
Gravity Binding and Pressure Bounding of Hii regions and Molecular Clouds in Interacting Galaxies
Authors: Zaragoza-Cardiel J. , Beckman J. , Font J. , Camps-Fariña A. , Garcìa-Lorenzo B. , Serrano-Borlaff A.
Published: September 2016

We have observed 3 pairs of interacting galaxies (the Antennae, Arp 236, and NGC 1614) using the Fabry-Perot interferometer GHαFaS (Galaxy Hα Fabry-Perot system) on the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope (WHT) at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma. We have extracted the physical properties (sizes, Hα luminosity and velocity dispersion) of Hii regions. We have combined also these observations with ALMA archival observations of these interacting galaxies, finding that there is a set of brighter and denser star forming regions. We have been able to compare these properties with those of two SMGs at redshift ~ 2.
Das Erleben der Berufsbildenden in der Praxis
Authors: Key Michaela
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Pflegeausbildungen in der Schweiz wurden 2008 reformiert, sodass drei verschiedene Ausbildungsgänge im sekundären und tertiären Bereich in der Praxis ausgebildet werden. Die Gewährleistung der Patientenversorgung und praktischen Ausbildung stellt für die Berufsbildenden in der Praxis eine tägliche Herausforderung dar. Wie erleben die Berufsbildenden in der Praxis ihre Tätigkeit?
Entwicklung eines Kompetenzprofils?!
Authors: Flaiz Bettina , Winkelmann Claudia , Simon Anke
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Welche Aspekte sind bei der Entwicklung eines Kompetenzprofils für einen interprofessionellen Studiengang relevant? Wie können Barrieren und Erfolgsfaktoren berücksichtigt werden? In diesem Beitrag wird der Entwicklungsprozess eines Kompetenzprofils für einen Masterstudiengang vorgestellt.
SU8 etch mask for patterning PDMS and its application to flexible fluidic microactuators
Authors: Gorissen Benjamin , Van Hoof Chris , Reynaerts Dominiek , De Volder Michael
Published: September 2016

Over the past few decades, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has become the material of choice for a variety of microsystem applications, including microfluidics, imprint lithography, and soft microrobotics. For most of these applications, PDMS is processed by replication molding; however, new applications would greatly benefit from the ability to pattern PDMS films using lithography and etching. Metal hardmasks, in conjunction with reactive ion etching (RIE), have been reported as a method for patterning PDMS; however, this approach suffers from a high surface roughness because of metal redeposition and limited etch thickness due to poor etch selectivity. We found that a combination of LOR and SU8 photoresists enables the patterning of thick PDMS layers by RIE without redeposition problems. We demonstrate the ability to etch 1.5-μm pillars in PDMS with a selectivity of 3.4. Furthermore, we use this process to lithographically process flexible fluidic microactuators without any manual transfer or cutting step. The actuator achieves a bidirectional rotation of 50° at a pressure of 200 kPa. This process provides a unique opportunity to scale down these actuators as well as other PDMS-based devices.
The Arabidopsis MIEL1 E3 ligase negatively regulates ABA signalling by promoting protein turnover of MYB96
Authors: Lee Hong Gil , Seo Pil Joon
Published: September 2016

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates plant responses to various environmental challenges. Controlled protein turnover is an important component of ABA signalling. Here we show that the RING-type E3 ligase MYB30-INTERACTING E3 LIGASE 1 (MIEL1) regulates ABA sensitivity by promoting MYB96 turnover in Arabidopsis. Germination of MIEL1-deficient mutant seeds is hypersensitive to ABA, whereas MIEL1-overexpressing transgenic seeds are less sensitive. MIEL1 can interact with MYB96, a regulator of ABA signalling, and stimulate its ubiquitination and degradation. Genetic analysis shows that MYB96 is epistatic to MIEL1 in the control of ABA sensitivity in seeds. While MIEL1 acts primarily via MYB96 in seed germination, MIEL1 regulates protein turnover of both MYB96 and MYB30 in vegetative tissues. We find that ABA regulates the expression of MYB30-responsive genes during pathogen infection and this regulation is partly dependent on MIEL1. These results suggest that MIEL1 may facilitate crosstalk between ABA and biotic stress signalling.
The Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF5 promotes tumor malignancy via epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Komiya Y , Onodera Y , Kuroiwa M , Nomimura S , Kubo Y , Nam J-M , Kajiwara K , Nada S , Oneyama C , Sabe H , Okada M
Published: September 2016

Epithelial tumor cells often acquire malignant properties, such as invasion/metastasis and uncontrolled cell growth, by undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanisms by which EMT contributes to malignant progression remain elusive. Here we show that the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) ARHGEF5 promotes tumor malignancy in a manner dependent on EMT status. We previously identified ARHGEF5, a member of the Dbl family of GEFs, as a multifunctional mediator of Src-induced cell invasion and tumor growth. In the present study, ARHGEF5 was upregulated during tumor growth factor-β-induced EMT in human epithelial MCF10A cells, and promoted cell migration by activating the Rho-ROCK pathway. ARHGEF5 was necessary for the invasive and in vivo metastatic activity of human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. These findings underscore the crucial role of ARHGEF5 in cell migration and invasion/metastasis. An in vivo tumorigenesis assay revealed that ARHGEF5 had the potential to promote tumor growth via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. However, ARHGEF5 was not required for tumor growth in epithelial-like human colorectal cancer HCT116 and HT29 cells, whereas the growth of mesenchymal-like SW480 and SW620 cells depended on ARHGEF5. Induction of EMT by tumor necrosis factor-α or Slug in HCT116 cells resulted in the dependence of tumor growth on ARHGEF5. In these mesenchymal-like cells, Akt was activated via ARHGEF5 and its activity was required for tumor growth. Analysis of a transcriptome data set revealed that the combination of ARHGEF5 upregulation and E-cadherin downregulation or Snail upregulation was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancers. Taken together, our findings suggest that EMT-induced ARHGEF5 activation contributes to the progression of tumor malignancy. ARHGEF5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in a subset of malignant tumors that have undergone EMT.
Genomic resources for wild populations of the house mouse, Mus musculus and its close relative Mus spretus
Authors: Harr Bettina , Karakoc Emre , Neme Rafik , Teschke Meike , Pfeifle Christine , Pezer Željka , Babiker Hiba , Linnenbrink Miriam , Montero Inka , Scavetta Rick , Abai Mohammad Reza , Molins Marta Puente , Schlegel Mathias , Ulrich Rainer G. , Altmüller Janine , Franitza Marek , Büntge Anna , Künzel Sven , Tautz Diethard
Published: September 2016

Wild populations of the house mouse (Mus musculus) represent the raw genetic material for the classical inbred strains in biomedical research and are a major model system for evolutionary biology. We provide whole genome sequencing data of individuals representing natural populations of M. m. domesticus (24 individuals from 3 populations), M. m. helgolandicus (3 individuals), M. m. musculus (22 individuals from 3 populations) and M. spretus (8 individuals from one population). We use a single pipeline to map and call variants for these individuals and also include 10 additional individuals of M. m. castaneus for which genomic data are publically available. In addition, RNAseq data were obtained from 10 tissues of up to eight adult individuals from each of the three M. m. domesticus populations for which genomic data were collected. Data and analyses are presented via tracks viewable in the UCSC or IGV genome browsers. We also provide information on available outbred stocks and instructions on how to keep them in the laboratory.
Correction: Corrigendum: Global positioning system survey data for active seismic and volcanic areas of eastern Sicily, 1994 to 2013
Authors: Bonforte Alessandro , Fagone Sonia , Giardina Carmelo , Genovese Simone , Aiesi Gianpiero , Calvagna Francesco , Cantarero Massimo , Consoli Orazio , Consoli Salvatore , Guglielmino Francesco , Puglisi Biagio , Puglisi Giuseppe , Saraceno Benedetto
Published: September 2016

Scientific Data 3:160062 doi: 10.1038/sdata.2016.62 (2016); Published 1 August 2016; Updated 13 September 2016 The authors regret that financial support for this Data Descriptor was not fully acknowledged. The Acknowledgements should have read:
Inhibition of Drp1 mitochondrial translocation provides neural protection in dopaminergic system in a Parkinson’s disease model induced by MPTP
Authors: Filichia Emily , Hoffer Barry , Qi Xin , Luo Yu
Published: September 2016

Accumulating evidence suggest mitochondria-mediated pathways play an important role in dopaminergic neuronal cell death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Drp1, a key regulator of mitochondrial fission, has been shown to be activated and translocated to mitochondria under stress, leading to excessive mitochondria fission and dopaminergic neuronal death in vitro. However, whether Drp1 inhibition can lead to long term stable preservation of dopaminergic neurons in PD-related mouse models remains unknown. In this study, using a classical MPTP animal PD model, we showed for the first time Drp1 activation and mitochondrial translocation in vivo after MPTP administration. Inhibition of Drp1 activation by a selective peptide inhibitor P110, blocked MPTP-induced Drp1 mitochondrial translocation and attenuated dopaminergic neuronal loss, dopaminergic nerve terminal damage and behavioral deficits caused by MPTP. MPTP-induced microglial activation and astrogliosis were not affected by P110 treatment. Instead, inhibition of Drp1 mitochondrial translocation diminished MPTP-induced p53, BAX and PUMA mitochondrial translocation. This study demonstrates that inhibition of Drp1 hyperactivation by a Drp1 peptide inhibitor P110 is neuroprotective in a MPTP animal model. Our data also suggest that the protective effects of P110 treatment might be mediated by inhibiting the p53 mediated apoptotic pathways in neurons through inhibition of Drp1-dependent p53 mitochondrial translocation.
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, doxycycline and progression of calcific aortic valve disease in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Jung Jae-Joon , Razavian Mahmoud , Kim Hye-Yeong , Ye Yunpeng , Golestani Reza , Toczek Jakub , Zhang Jiasheng , Sadeghi Mehran M.
Published: September 2016

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common cause of aortic stenosis. Currently, there is no non-invasive medical therapy for CAVD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are upregulated in CAVD and play a role in its pathogenesis. Here, we evaluated the effect of doxycycline, a nonselective MMP inhibitor on CAVD progression in the mouse. Apolipoprotein (apo)E−/− mice (n = 20) were fed a Western diet (WD) to induce CAVD. After 3 months, half of the animals was treated with doxycycline, while the others continued WD alone. After 6 months, we evaluated the effect of doxycycline on CAVD progression by echocardiography, MMP-targeted micro single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT), and tissue analysis. Despite therapeutic blood levels, doxycycline had no significant effect on MMP activation, aortic valve leaflet separation or flow velocity. This lack of effect on in vivo images was confirmed on tissue analysis which showed a similar level of aortic valve gelatinase activity, and inflammation between the two groups of animals. In conclusion, doxycycline (100 mg/kg/day) had no effect on CAVD progression in apoE−/− mice with early disease. Studies with more potent and specific inhibitors are needed to establish any potential role of MMP inhibition in CAVD development and progression.
First step to investigate nature of electronic states and transport in flower-like MoS2: Combining experimental studies with computational calculations
Authors: Pandey Kavita , Yadav Pankaj , Singh Deobrat , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Sonvane Yogesh , Lukačević Igor , Kim Joondong , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2016

In the present paper, the nature of electronic states and transport properties of nanostructured flower-like molybdenum disulphide grown by hydrothermal route has been studied. The band structure, electronic nature of charge, thermodynamics and the limit of phonon scattering through density functional theory (DFT) has also been studied. The band tail states, dynamics of trap states and transport of carriers was investigated through intensive impedance spectroscopy analysis. The direct fingerprint of density and band tail state is analyzed from the capacitance plot as capacitance reflects the capability of a semiconductor to accept or release the charge carriers with a corresponding change in its Fermi potential levels. A recently introduced infrared photo-carrier radiometry and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) techniques have been used to determine the temperature dependence of carrier mobility in flower type-MoS2. The present study illustrates that a large amount of trapped charges leads to an underestimation of the measured effective mobility and the potential of the material. Thus, a continuous engineering effort is required to improve the quality of fabricated nanostructures for its potential applications.
Phase correlation imaging of unlabeled cell dynamics
Authors: Ma Lihong , Rajshekhar Gannavarpu , Wang Ru , Bhaduri Basanta , Sridharan Shamira , Mir Mustafa , Chakraborty Arindam , Iyer Rajashekar , Prasanth Supriya , Millet Larry , Gillette Martha U. , Popescu Gabriel
Published: September 2016

We present phase correlation imaging (PCI) as a novel approach to study cell dynamics in a spatially-resolved manner. PCI relies on quantitative phase imaging time-lapse data and, as such, functions in label-free mode, without the limitations associated with exogenous markers. The correlation time map outputted in PCI informs on the dynamics of the intracellular mass transport. Specifically, we show that PCI can extract quantitatively the diffusion coefficient map associated with live cells, as well as standard Brownian particles. Due to its high sensitivity to mass transport, PCI can be applied to studying the integrity of actin polymerization dynamics. Our results indicate that the cyto-D treatment blocking the actin polymerization has a dominant effect at the large spatial scales, in the region surrounding the cell. We found that PCI can distinguish between senescent and quiescent cells, which is extremely difficult without using specific markers currently. We anticipate that PCI will be used alongside established, fluorescence-based techniques to enable valuable new studies of cell function.
The association between phosphatase and tensin homolog hypermethylation and patients with breast cancer, a meta-analysis and literature review
Authors: Lu Yi-Min , Cheng Feng , Teng Li-Song
Published: September 2016

The Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein is a negative regulator of the Akt pathway, leading to suppression of apoptois and increased cell survival. Its role as a tumor-suppressor gene has been adequately substantiated, and PTEN hypermethylation has been demonstrated in familial and sporadic cancers. However, the association and clinical significance between PTEN hypermethylation and breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we systematically reviewed studies of PTEN hypermethylation and breast cancer and quantify the association between PTEN hypermethylation and breast cancer using meta-analysis methods. The pooled OR, 22.30, 95% confidential intervals, CI = 1.98–251.51, P = 0.01, which demonstrates that loss of PTEN expression by hypermethylation plays a critical role in the early tumorigenesis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In addition, PTEN hypermethylation also is detected in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs) and is significantly higher than in normal controls, OR = 23.32, 95% CI = 10.43–52.13, P < 0.00001. Further analysis did not show significant correlation between PTEN hypermethylation and the progression of breast cancer, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), as well as HER2 status. These results indicate the PTEN hypermethylation is significantly associated with both DCIS and IDCs. The detection of PTEN hypermethylation could be an early tumorigenesis marker for breast cancer patients.
Osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts on a hemostatic gelatin sponge
Authors: Kuo Zong-Keng , Lai Po-Liang , Toh Elsie Khai-Woon , Weng Cheng-Hsi , Tseng Hsiang-Wen , Chang Pei-Zen , Chen Chih-Chen , Cheng Chao-Min
Published: September 2016

Bone tissue engineering provides many advantages for repairing skeletal defects. Although many different kinds of biomaterials have been used for bone tissue engineering, safety issues must be considered when using them in a clinical setting. In this study, we examined the effects of using a common clinical item, a hemostatic gelatin sponge, as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The use of such a clinically acceptable item may hasten the translational lag from laboratory to clinical studies. We performed both degradation and biocompatibility studies on the hemostatic gelatin sponge, and cultured preosteoblasts within the sponge scaffold to demonstrate its osteogenic differentiation potential. In degradation assays, the gelatin sponge demonstrated good stability after being immersed in PBS for 8 weeks (losing only about 10% of its net weight and about 54% decrease of mechanical strength), but pepsin and collagenases readily biodegraded it. The gelatin sponge demonstrated good biocompatibility to preosteoblasts as demonstrated by MTT assay, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation and the migration of preosteoblasts, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, andin vitromineralization were observed within the scaffold structure. Each of these results indicates that the hemostatic gelatin sponge is a suitable scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Quenched Magnon excitations by oxygen sublattice reconstruction in (SrCuO2)n/(SrTiO3)2 superlattices
Authors: Dantz M. , Pelliciari J. , Samal D. , Bisogni V. , Huang Y. , Olalde-Velasco P. , Strocov V. N. , Koster G. , Schmitt T.
Published: September 2016

The recently discovered structural reconstruction in the cuprate superlattice (SrCuO2)n/(SrTiO3)2 has been investigated across the critical value of n = 5 using resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). We find that at the critical value of n, the cuprate layer remains largely in the bulk-like two-dimensional structure with a minority of Cu plaquettes being reconstructed. The partial reconstruction leads to quenching of the magnons starting at the Γ-point due to the minority plaquettes acting as scattering points. Although comparable in relative abundance, the doped charge impurities in electron-doped cuprate superconductors do not show this quenching of magnetic excitations.
Strong light scattering and broadband (UV to IR) photoabsorption in stretchable 3D hybrid architectures based on Aerographite decorated by ZnO nanocrystallites
Authors: Tiginyanu Ion , Ghimpu Lidia , Gröttrup Jorit , Postolache Vitalie , Mecklenburg Matthias , Stevens-Kalceff Marion A. , Ursaki Veaceslav , Payami Nader , Feidenhansl Robert , Schulte Karl , Adelung Rainer , Mishra Yogendra Kumar
Published: September 2016

In present work, the nano- and microscale tetrapods from zinc oxide were integrated on the surface of Aerographite material (as backbone) in carbon-metal oxide hybrid hierarchical network via a simple and single step magnetron sputtering process. The fabricated hybrid networks are characterized for morphology, microstructural and optical properties. The cathodoluminescence investigations revealed interesting luminescence features related to carbon impurities and inherent host defects in zinc oxide. Because of the wide bandgap of zinc oxide and its intrinsic defects, the hybrid network absorbs light in the UV and visible regions, however, this broadband photoabsorption behavior extends to the infrared (IR) region due to the dependence of the optical properties of ZnO architectures upon size and shape of constituent nanostructures and their doping by carbon impurities. Such a phenomenon of broadband photoabsorption ranging from UV to IR for zinc oxide based hybrid materials is novel. Additionally, the fabricated network exhibits strong visible light scattering behavior. The developed Aerographite/nanocrystalline ZnO hybrid network materials, equipped with broadband photoabsorption and strong light scattering, are very promising candidates for optoelectronic technologies.
Effect of X-ray irradiation on ancient DNA in sub-fossil bones – Guidelines for safe X-ray imaging
Authors: Immel Alexander , Le Cabec Adeline , Bonazzi Marion , Herbig Alexander , Temming Heiko , Schuenemann Verena J. , Bos Kirsten I. , Langbein Frauke , Harvati Katerina , Bridault Anne , Pion Gilbert , Julien Marie-Anne , Krotova Oleksandra , Conard Nicholas J. , Münzel Susanne C. , Drucker Dorothée G. , Viola Bence , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Tafforeau Paul , Krause Johannes
Published: September 2016

Sub-fossilised remains may still contain highly degraded ancient DNA (aDNA) useful for palaeogenetic investigations. Whether X-ray computed [micro-] tomography ([μ]CT) imaging of these fossils may further damage aDNA remains debated. Although the effect of X-ray on DNA in living organisms is well documented, its impact on aDNA molecules is unexplored. Here we investigate the effects of synchrotron X-ray irradiation on aDNA from Pleistocene bones. A clear correlation appears between decreasing aDNA quantities and accumulating X-ray dose-levels above 2000 Gray (Gy). We further find that strong X-ray irradiation reduces the amount of nucleotide misincorporations at the aDNA molecule ends. No representative effect can be detected for doses below 200 Gy. Dosimetry shows that conventional μCT usually does not reach the risky dose level, while classical synchrotron imaging can degrade aDNA significantly. Optimised synchrotron protocols and simple rules introduced here are sufficient to ensure that fossils can be scanned without impairing future aDNA studies.
The role of exopolymeric substances in the bioaccumulation and toxicity of Ag nanoparticles to algae
Authors: Zhou Kaijun , Hu Yi , Zhang Luqing , Yang Kun , Lin Daohui
Published: September 2016

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) have an important role in bioaccumulation and toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) to algae, which warrants specific studies. The interaction of EPS with citrate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) coated AgNPs (C-AgNPs and P-AgNPs, respectively) and its roles in bioaccumulation and toxicity of the AgNPs to Chlorella pyrenoidosa were investigated. The amino and aromatic carboxylic groups in the EPS were involved in the EPS-AgNP interactions. Compared with Ag+, C-AgNPs had comparable total bioaccumulation but greater absorption by intact algae with EPS; P-AgNPs had the smallest total bioaccumulation and were mainly adsorbed on algal surfaces. With EPS removed, the total bioaccumulations and surface adsorptions for the three Ag species decreased but the cell internalizations increased; the 96 h half growth inhibition concentrations decreased, indicating EPS alleviated the algal toxicity of Ag. The cell-internalized but not the adsorbed AgNPs could contribute to the nanotoxicity. The EPS could bind both AgNPs and Ag+, and thus inhibited the cell internalization and the nanotoxicity. However, the EPS-bound Ag on the cell surfaces would migrate along with the algae and be biologically amplified in the aquatic food chains, presenting ecological risks. These results are helpful for understanding the fate and ecological effects of NPs.
ITF promotes migration of intestinal epithelial cells through crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways
Authors: Le Juan , Zhang Duan Y. , Zhao Yong , Qiu Wei , Wang Peng , Sun Yong
Published: September 2016

Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), a member of the trefoil factor family, is a “Super-protective factor” for intestinal mucosal protection. This study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ITF promotes intestinal epithelial cell migration. Intestinal epithelial cells were treated with the human ITF (hITF). Phospho-ERK, phospho-STAT3 Tyr705, and phospho-STAT3 Ser727 levels were detected at different time points by western blot. To assess the potential crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways, HT-29 cells were treated with the MEK-inhibitor, U0126, and phosphor-STAT3 levels were evaluated. Conversely, cells were treated with the JAK-inhibitor, AG490, and ERK-activity was evaluated. Transwell assay was performed to investigate the effect of the crosstalk on the cell motility. MMP-2 and MMP-9 transcription was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. E-cadherin degradation was detected by immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that hITF simultaneously activated the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways and a crosstalk was detected between the two pathways. hITF increased cell migration. This effect was abolished by U0126 and AG490 treatment. hITF increased MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA levels and E-cadherin degradation and U0126 and AG490 abolished this effect of hITF. In conclusion, the hITF-induced crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways is associated with intestinal epithelial cell migration.
Elastic instabilities in planar elongational flow of monodisperse polymer solutions
Authors: Haward Simon J. , McKinley Gareth H. , Shen Amy Q.
Published: September 2016

We investigate purely elastic flow instabilities in the almost ideal planar stagnation point elongational flow field generated by a microfluidic optimized-shape cross-slot extensional rheometer (OSCER). We use time-resolved flow velocimetry and full-field birefringence microscopy to study the behavior of a series of well-characterized viscoelastic polymer solutions under conditions of low fluid inertia and over a wide range of imposed deformation rates. At low deformation rates the flow is steady and symmetric and appears Newtonian-like, while at high deformation rates we observe the onset of a flow asymmetry resembling the purely elastic instabilities reported in standard-shaped cross-slot devices. However, for intermediate rates, we observe a new type of elastic instability characterized by a lateral displacement and time-dependent motion of the stagnation point. At the onset of this new instability, we evaluate a well-known dimensionless criterionMthat predicts the onset of elastic instabilities based on geometric and rheological scaling parameters. The criterion yields maximum values ofMwhich compare well with critical values ofMfor the onset of elastic instabilities in viscometric torsional flows. We conclude that the same mechanism of tension acting along curved streamlines governs the onset of elastic instabilities in both extensional (irrotational) and torsional (rotational) viscoelastic flows.
Sodium nitrite exerts an antihypertensive effect and improves endothelial function through activation of eNOS in the SHR
Authors: Ling Wei Chih , Murugan Dharmani Devi , Lau Yeh Siang , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Mustafa Mohd Rais
Published: September 2016

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) induces relaxation in isolated arteries partly through an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving NO-eNOS-sGC-cGMP pathway. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of chronic NaNO2 administration on arterial systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vascular function in hypertensive rats. NaNO2 (150 mg L−1) was given in drinking water for four weeks to spontaneously (SHR) and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) treated hypertensive SD rats. Arterial SBP and vascular function in isolated aortae were studied. Total plasma nitrate/nitrite and vascular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were measured using commercially available assay kits. Vascular nitric oxide (NO) levels were evaluated by DAF-FM fluorescence while the proteins involved in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation was determined by Western blotting. NaNO2 treatment reduced SBP, improved the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, increased plasma total nitrate/nitrite level and vascular tissue NO and cGMP levels in SHR. Furthermore, increased presence of phosphorylated eNOS and Hsp-90 was observed in NaNO2-treated SHR. The beneficial effect of nitrite treatment was not observed in L-NAME treated hypertensive SD rats. The present study provides evidence that chronic treatment of genetically hypertensive rats with NaNO2 improves endothelium-dependent relaxation in addition to its antihypertensive effect, partly through mechanisms involving activation of eNOS.
Half-metallicity and ferromagnetism in penta-AlN2 nanostructure
Authors: Li Jiao , Fan Xinyu , Wei Yanpei , Liu Haiying , Li Shujuan , Zhao Peng , Chen Gang
Published: September 2016

We have performed a detailed first-principles study of the penta-AlN2 nanostructure in the Cairo pentagonal tiling geometry, which is dynamically stable due to the absence of imaginary mode in the calculated phonon spectrum. The formation energy and the fragment cohesive energy analyses, the molecular dynamics simulations, and the mechanical property studies also support the structural stability. It could withstand the temperature as high as 1400 K and sustain the strain up to 16.1% against structural collapse. The slightly buckled penta-AlN2 is found to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor. The strain of ~9% could drive the structural transition from the buckled to the planar. Interestingly, the strain of >7% would change the conducting properties to show half-metallic characters. Furthermore, it could be also used to continuously enhance the magnetic coupling strength, rendering penta-AlN2 as a robust ferromagnetic material. These studies shed light on the possibilities in synthesizing penta-AlN2 and present many unique properties, which are worth of further studying on both theory and experiment.
The dynamic nature of crystal growth in pores
Authors: Godinho Jose R. A. , Gerke Kirill M. , Stack Andrew G. , Lee Peter D.
Published: September 2016

The kinetics of crystal growth in porous media controls a variety of natural processes such as ore genesis and crystallization induced fracturing that can trigger earthquakes and weathering, as well as, sequestration of CO2 and toxic metals into geological formations. Progress on understanding those processes has been limited by experimental difficulties of dynamically studying the reactive surface area and permeability during pore occlusion. Here, we show that these variables cause a time-dependency of barite growth rates in microporous silica. The rate is approximately constant and similar to that observed on free surfaces if fast flow velocities predominate and if the time-dependent reactive surface area is accounted for. As the narrower flow paths clog, local flow velocities decrease, which causes the progressive slowing of growth rates. We conclude that mineral growth in a microporous media can be estimated based on free surface studies when a) the growth rate is normalized to the time-dependent surface area of the growing crystals, and b) the local flow velocities are above the limit at which growth is transport-limited. Accounting for the dynamic relation between microstructure, flow velocity and growth rate is shown to be crucial towards understanding and predicting precipitation in porous rocks.
A novel ethanol gas sensor based on TiO2/Ag0.35V2O5 branched nanoheterostructures
Authors: Wang Yuan , Liu Lixin , Meng Chuanmin , Zhou Yun , Gao Zhao , Li Xuhai , Cao Xiuxia , Xu Liang , Zhu Wenjun
Published: September 2016

Much greater surface-to-volume ratio of hierarchical nanostructures renders them attract considerable interest as prototypical gas sensors. In this work, a novel resistive gas sensor based on TiO2/Ag0.35V2O5 branched nanoheterostructures is fabricated by a facile one-step synthetic process and the ethanol sensing performance of this device is characterized systematically, which shows faster response/recovery behavior, better selectivity, and higher sensitivity of about 9 times as compared to the pure TiO2 nanofibers. The enhanced sensitivity of the TiO2/Ag0.35V2O5 branched nanoheterostructures should be attributed to the extraordinary branched hierarchical structures and TiO2/Ag0.35V2O5 heterojunctions, which can eventually result in an obvious change of resistance upon ethanol exposure. This study not only indicates the gas sensing mechanism for performance enhancement of branched nanoheterostructures, but also proposes a rational approach to design nanostructure based chemical sensors with desirable performance.
The fitness burden imposed by synthesising quorum sensing signals
Authors: Ruparell A. , Dubern J. F. , Ortori C. A. , Harrison F. , Halliday N. M. , Emtage A. , Ashawesh M. M. , Laughton C. A. , Diggle S. P. , Williams P. , Barrett D. A. , Hardie K. R.
Published: September 2016

It is now well established that bacterial populations utilize cell-to-cell signaling (quorum-sensing, QS) to control the production of public goods and other co-operative behaviours. Evolutionary theory predicts that both the cost of signal production and the response to signals should incur fitness costs for producing cells. Although costs imposed by the downstream consequences of QS have been shown, the cost of QS signal molecule (QSSM) production and its impact on fitness has not been examined. We measured the fitness cost to cells of synthesising QSSMs by quantifying metabolite levels in the presence of QSSM synthases. We found that: (i) bacteria making certain QSSMs have a growth defect that exerts an evolutionary cost, (ii) production of QSSMs negatively correlates with intracellular concentrations of QSSM precursors, (iii) the production of heterologous QSSMs negatively impacts the production of a native QSSM that shares common substrates, and (iv) supplementation with exogenously added metabolites partially rescued growth defects imposed by QSSM synthesis. These data identify the sources of the fitness costs incurred by QSSM producer cells, and indicate that there may be metabolic trade-offs associated with QS signaling that could exert selection on how signaling evolves.
Correction: Corrigendum: Modeling crowdsourcing as collective problem solving
Authors: Guazzini Andrea , Vilone Daniele , Donati Camillo , Nardi Annalisa , Levnajić Zoran
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 16557; published online: 10 November 2015; updated: 12 September 2016
High-performance and flexible thermoelectric films by screen printing solution-processed nanoplate crystals
Authors: Varghese Tony , Hollar Courtney , Richardson Joseph , Kempf Nicholas , Han Chao , Gamarachchi Pasindu , Estrada David , Mehta Rutvik J. , Zhang Yanliang
Published: September 2016

Screen printing allows for direct conversion of thermoelectric nanocrystals into flexible energy harvesters and coolers. However, obtaining flexible thermoelectric materials with high figure of merit ZT through printing is an exacting challenge due to the difficulties to synthesize high-performance thermoelectric inks and the poor density and electrical conductivity of the printed films. Here, we demonstrate high-performance flexible films and devices by screen printing bismuth telluride based nanocrystal inks synthesized using a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method. Thermoelectric films of several tens of microns thickness were screen printed onto a flexible polyimide substrate followed by cold compaction and sintering. The n-type films demonstrate a peak ZT of 0.43 along with superior flexibility, which is among the highest reported ZT values in flexible thermoelectric materials. A flexible thermoelectric device fabricated using the printed films produces a high power density of 4.1 mW/cm2 with 60 °C temperature difference between the hot side and cold side. The highly scalable and low cost process to fabricate flexible thermoelectric materials and devices demonstrated here opens up many opportunities to transform thermoelectric energy harvesting and cooling applications.
A SPR biosensor based on signal amplification using antibody-QD conjugates for quantitative determination of multiple tumor markers
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Xiaomei , Wang Jue , Fu Weiling , Yao Chunyan
Published: September 2016

The detection of tumor markers is very important in early cancer diagnosis; however, tumor markers are usually present at very low concentrations, especially in the early stages of tumor development. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is widely used to detect biomolecular interactions; it has inherent advantages of being high-throughput, real-time, and label-free technique. However, its sensitivity needs essential improvement for practical applications. In this study, we developed a signal amplification strategy using antibody-quantum dot (QD) conjugates for the sensitive and quantitative detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) in clinical samples. The use of a dual signal amplification strategy using AuNP-antibody and antibody-QD conjugates increased the signal amplification by 50-folds. The constructed SPR biosensor showed a detection limit as low as 0.1 ng/mL for AFP, CEA, and CYFRA 21-1. Moreover, the results obtained using this SPR biosensor were consistent with those obtained using the electrochemiluminescence method. Thus, the constructed SPR biosensor provides a highly sensitive and specific approach for the detection of tumor markers. This SPR biosensor can be expected to be readily applied for the detection of other tumor markers and can offer a potentially powerful solution for tumor screening.
Interactions between UCP2 SNPs and telomere length exist in the absence of diabetes or pre-diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yuling , Simmons David , Hambly Brett D. , McLachlan Craig S.
Published: September 2016

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) can affect oxidative stress levels. UCP2 polymorphisms are associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in Type 2 Diabetes, which also induces considerable background oxidative stress. The effects of UCP2 polymorphisms on LTL in populations without diabetes have not been well described. Our aims are to evaluate the interaction between LTL and UCP2 polymorphisms in 950 subjects without diabetes. The monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR method was used to measure relative LTL. Taqman SNP genotyping assay was applied to genotypes for UCP2 rs659366 and rs660339. We found shorter LTL associated with increased age (P < 0.001) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.041). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, rs659336 GG genotype carriers demonstrated a shorter LTL (1.257 ± 0.186), compared to GA carriers (1.288 ± 0.230, P = 0.022) and AA carriers (1.314 ± 0.253, P = 0.002). LTL was shorter in the CC rs660339 genotype (1.254 ± 0.187) compared to TT (1.297 ± 0.242, P = 0.007) and CT carriers (1.292 ± 0.229, P = 0.016). The T allele of rs660339 is associated with a longer LTL of approximately 0.04 compared to CC homozygotes. Thus, UCP2 rs659366 A allele and rs660339 T allele are both related to longer LTL in subjects without diabetes, independent of cardiovascular risk factors.
Discriminating Bio-aerosols from Non-Bio-aerosols in Real-Time by Pump-Probe Spectroscopy
Authors: Sousa Gustavo , Gaulier Geoffrey , Bonacina Luigi , Wolf Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2016

The optical identification of bioaerosols in the atmosphere and its discrimination against combustion related particles is a major issue for real-time, field compatible instruments. In the present paper, we show that by embedding advanced pump-probe depletion spectroscopy schemes in a portable instrument, it is possible to discriminate amino acid containing airborne particles (bacteria, humic particles, etc.) from poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon containing combustion particles (Diesel droplets, soot, vehicle exhausts) with high selectivity. Our real-time, multi-modal device provides, in addition to the pump-probe depletion information, fluorescence spectra (over 32 channels), fluorescence lifetime and Mie scattering patterns of each individually flowing particle in the probed air.
The mismatch negativity as an index of cognitive decline for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ruzzoli Manuela , Pirulli Cornelia , Mazza Veronica , Miniussi Carlo , Brignani Debora
Published: September 2016

Evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is part of a continuum, characterized by long preclinical phases before the onset of clinical symptoms. In several cases, this continuum starts with a syndrome, defined as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which daily activities are preserved despite the presence of cognitive decline. The possibility of having a reliable and sensitive neurophysiological marker that can be used for early detection of AD is extremely valuable because of the incidence of this type of dementia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability of auditory mismatch negativity (aMMN) as a marker of cognitive decline from normal ageing progressing from MCI to AD. We compared aMMN elicited in the frontal and temporal locations by duration deviant sounds in short (400 ms) and long (4000 ms) inter-trial intervals (ITI) in three groups. We found that at a short ITI, MCI showed only the temporal component of aMMN and AD the frontal component compared to healthy elderly who presented both. At a longer ITI, aMMN was elicited only in normal ageing subjects at the temporal locations. Our study provides empirical evidence for the possibility to adopt aMMN as an index for assessing cognitive decline in pathological ageing.
The infectious particle of insect-borne totivirus-like Omono River virus has raised ridges and lacks fibre complexes
Authors: Okamoto Kenta , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Larsson Daniel S. D. , Kobayashi Daisuke , Svenda Martin , Mühlig Kerstin , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Gunn Laura H. , Isawa Haruhiko , Kobayashi Mutsuo , Sawabe Kyoko , Murata Kazuyoshi , Hajdu Janos
Published: September 2016

Omono River virus (OmRV) is a double-stranded RNA virus isolated from Culex mosquitos, and it belongs to a group of unassigned insect viruses that appear to be related to Totiviridae. This paper describes electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) structures for the intact OmRV virion to 8.9 Å resolution and the structure of the empty virus-like-particle, that lacks RNA, to 8.3 Å resolution. The icosahedral capsid contains 120-subunits and resembles another closely related arthropod-borne totivirus-like virus, the infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) from shrimps. Both viruses have an elevated plateau around their icosahedral 5-fold axes, surrounded by a deep canyon. Sequence and structural analysis suggests that this plateau region is mainly composed of the extended C-terminal region of the capsid proteins. In contrast to IMNV, the infectious form of OmRV lacks extensive fibre complexes at its 5-fold axes as directly confirmed by a contrast-enhancement technique, using Zernike phase-contrast cryo-EM. Instead, these fibre complexes are replaced by a short “plug” structure at the five-fold axes of OmRV. OmRV and IMNV have acquired an extracellular phase, and the structures at the five-fold axes may be significant in adaptation to cell-to-cell transmission in metazoan hosts.
Tracing Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission by whole genome sequencing in a high incidence setting: a retrospective population-based study in East Greenland
Authors: Bjorn-Mortensen K. , Soborg B. , Koch A. , Ladefoged K. , Merker M. , Lillebaek T. , Andersen A. B. , Niemann S. , Kohl T. A.
Published: September 2016

In East Greenland, a dramatic increase of tuberculosis (TB) incidence has been observed in recent years. Classical genotyping suggests a genetically similar Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain population as cause, however, precise transmission patterns are unclear. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Mtb isolates from 98% of culture-positive TB cases through 21 years (n = 182) which revealed four genomic clusters of the Euro-American lineage (mainly sub-lineage 4.8 (n = 134)). The time to the most recent common ancestor of lineage 4.8 strains was found to be 100 years. This sub-lineage further diversified in the 1970s, and massively expanded in the 1990s, a period of lowered TB awareness in Greenland. Despite the low genetic strain diversity, WGS data revealed several recent short-term transmission events in line with the increasing incidence in the region. Thus, the isolated setting and the uniformity of circulating Mtb strains indicated that the majority of East Greenlandic TB cases originated from one or few strains introduced within the last century. Thereby, the study shows the consequences of even short interruptions in TB control efforts in previously TB high incidence areas and demonstrates the potential role of WGS in detecting ongoing micro epidemics, thus guiding public health efforts in the future.
Novel mobbing strategies of a fish population against a sessile annelid predator
Authors: Lachat Jose , Haag-Wackernagel Daniel
Published: September 2016

When searching for food, foraging fishes expose themselves to hidden predators. The strategies that maximize the survival of foraging fishes are not well understood. Here, we describe a novel type of mobbing behaviour displayed by foraging Scolopsis affinis. The fish direct sharp water jets towards the hidden sessile annelid predator Eunice aphroditois (Bobbit worm). We recognized two different behavioural roles for mobbers (i.e., initiator and subsequent participants). The first individual to exhibit behaviour indicating the discovery of the Bobbit directed, absolutely and per time unit, more water jets than the subsequent individuals that joined the mobbing. We found evidence that the mobbing impacted the behaviour of the Bobbit, e.g., by inducing retraction. S. affinis individuals either mob alone or form mobbing groups. We speculate that this behaviour may provide social benefits for its conspecifics by securing foraging territories for S. affinis. Our results reveal a sophisticated and complex behavioural strategy to protect against a hidden predator.