bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-21 Modulates the Immunoregulatory Function of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through the PTEN/Akt/TGF-β1 Pathway
Authors: Wu Tingting , Liu Yi , Fan Zhipeng , Xu Junji , Jin Luyuan , Gao Zhenhua , Wu Zhifang , Hu Lei , Wang Jinsong , Zhang Chunmei , Chen Wanjun , Wang Songlin
Published: June 2015

microRNAs (miRNAs) act as regulatory signals for maintaining stemness, self-renewal, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but whether miRNAs modulate the immunoregulatory function of MSCs remains largely unknown. Here, we show that miR-21 negatively regulates the activity of immunoregulatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in MSCs. Consistently, bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) from miR-21−/− mice show enhanced immunosuppressive function by more TGF-β1 secretion and induce more CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells compared with wild-type BMMSCs in vitro, which anti-TGF-β1 antibody abrogates. Mechanistically, miR-21 inhibits TGF-β1 expression by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in BMMSCs. Downstream of PTEN, miR-21 promotes activation of Akt, and consequently increases activation of NF-κB pathway. Importantly, adoptive transfer of miR-21−/− BMMSCs into mice with experimental colitis more effectively ameliorates colonic inflammation in a TGF-β1-dependent manner. Thus, these findings indicate a previously uncovered mechanism of miR-21 control immunoregulatory function of BMMSCs through TGF-β1 inhibition. Stem Cells  2015;33:3281–3290
Syntheses, Structures, and Biological Activity of NiII, PdII, and PtII Complexes with New Tetradentate Benzamidine Ligands
Authors: Nguyen Thi Bao Yen , Nguyen Minh Hai , Abram Ulrich , Nguyen Hung Huy
Published: June 2015

N‐(Dialkylthiocarbamoyl)benzimidoyl chlorides react with o‐(salicylidenimine)benzylamine with formation of a novel class of tetradentate benzamidine ligands (H2LEt and H2LMorph), which readily react with Ni(CH3COO)2, [PdCl2(CH3CN)2], and [PtCl2(PPh3)2] under formation of complexes of the composition [M(LR)] [M = Ni (4), Pd (5), Pt (6)]. In all complexes, H2LR is doubly deprotonated and bonded to the metal ion via its N2OS donor set and establishes a distorted square‐planar coordination sphere. The antiproliferative effects of the compounds on MCF‐7 and Hep‐G2 cells were studied. The complexes of H2LMorph are generally more active than those of H2LEt. While H2LEt and its complexes exhibit stronger effects on the Hep‐G2 line, the corresponding compounds of H2LMorph show almost equal effects on the two cell lines. In each series of compounds, the cytotoxicity increases in the order H2LR << 4 < 5 < 6.
Single‐Port Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy with Monitored Anesthesia Care: A More Promising Procedure for Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Ning Ye , Wang Yanan , Tao Xiandong , Tang Hua , Jiang Jingjing , Li Yonghua , Sun Guangyuan , Xue Lei , Zhao Xuewei
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Thoracic sympathectomy is considered the most effective method to treat palmar hyperhidrosis. We presented a novel procedure for thoracic sympathectomy treating palmar hyperhidrosis which could be performed under monitored anesthesia care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the continuing efficacy and safety of this innovative surgery.

Method

From May 2011 to May 2014, we performed the single‐port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) with a flexible thoracoscopy in 32 patients under monitored anesthesia care. All patients were followed up until today.

Results

Under monitored anesthesia, all patients were awake during the procedure. A proper sedation and local anesthesia make it possible for patients to communicate with surgeons. The symptoms disappeared immediately when the sympathectomy was done. No surgical complications occurred during the procedure. All patients were discharged from the hospital on the first morning of postoperative day. Compared with the traditional approach, the advantages of less operative costs, fewer hospital days, and better recovery were suggested.

Conclusions

Single‐port ETS with flexible thoracoscopy under monitored anesthesia is a promising procedure for palmar hyperhidrosis.
Engaging the Roma Community in the Political Party Process in Slovakia
Authors: Degro Marek
Published: June 2015

Establishing cooperation between the Slovak majority and the Roma minority within the political parties in Slovakia is a demanding and complicated process. Many political parties ignore this ethnic minority in their programmes or pay very little attention to it. This article aims to provide information about the development of the political ambitions of the Roma minority in Slovakia in the period leading up to 1989, the first steps taken by the post-revolution government for the advancement of the Roma nation and an analysis of the current involvement of the Roma minority in the decision-making processes.
Heterogeneity in the Consistency of Best–Worst Scale Responses
Authors: Greenacre Luke , Dunn Steven , Mocanu Ana
Published: June 2015

Best–worst Scaling is one of the dominant measurement approaches in choice experimentation. When employed it provides substantial information on peoples’ preferences without making choice tasks prohibitively long. However, one concern with this method is that peoples’ selection of a best may not reflect the same preferences as when a worst is selected. Research into such an inconsistency between best and worst responses has found it to be a non-trivial and persistent problem. This research further investigates these inconsistencies and finds that they can largely be attributed to a relatively small group of people in the sample who do not anchor their worst responses onto their best responses as literature suggests they would. In fact, 25% of the participants in a sample account for between 50 and 60% of the inconsistent responses recorded. The presence of this group and their disproportionate contribution to the number of inconsistencies in best and worst responses provide strong evidence that there is heterogeneity in how consistently people formulate responses in best–worst tasks. Recommendations are made regarding how to accommodate this phenomenon in utility based choice models so that better predictions of choices can be made.
Primate Torpor: Regulation of Stress-Activated Protein Kinases during Daily Torpor in the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus Murinus
Authors: Biggar Kyle K. , Wu Cheng-Wei , Tessier Shannon N. , Zhang Jing , Pifferi Fabien , Perret Martine , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: June 2015

Very few selected species of primates are known to be capable of entering torpor. This exciting discovery means that the ability to enter a natural state of dormancy is an ancestral trait among primates and, in phylogenetic terms, is very close to the human lineage. To explore the regulatory mechanisms that underlie primate torpor, we analyzed signal transduction cascades to discover those involved in coordinating tissue responses during torpor. The responses of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members to primate torpor were compared in six organs of control (aroused) versus torpid gray mouse lemurs, Microcebus murinus. The proteins examined include extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs), MAPK kinase (MEK), and p38, in addition to stress-related proteins p53 and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). The activation of specific MAPK signal transduction pathways may provide a mechanism to regulate the expression of torpor-responsive genes or the regulation of selected downstream cellular processes. In response to torpor, each MAPK subfamily responded differently during torpor and each showed organ-specific patterns of response. For example, skeletal muscle displayed elevated relative phosphorylation of ERK1/2 during torpor. Interestingly, adipose tissues showed the highest degree of MAPK activation. Brown adipose tissue displayed an activation of ERK1/2 and p38, whereas white adipose tissue showed activation of ERK1/2, p38, MEK, and JNK during torpor. Importantly, both adipose tissues possess specialized functions that are critical for torpor, with brown adipose required for non-shivering thermogenesis and white adipose utilized as the primary source of lipid fuel for torpor. Overall, these data indicate crucial roles of MAPKs in the regulation of primate organs during torpor.
Oculomotor tasks affect differently postural control in healthy children
Authors: Bucci Maria Pia , Ajrezo Layla , Wiener‐Vacher Sylvette
Published: June 2015

Eye movements affect postural stability in children. The present study focuses on the effect of different types of eye movements on postural stability in healthy children.

Both eye movements and postural stability have been recorded in 51 healthy children from 6.3 to 15.5 years old. Eye movements were recorded binocularly with a video oculography (MobilEBT®), and postural stability was measured while child was standing on a force platform (TechnoConcept®). Children performed three oculomotor tasks: saccades, pursuits and reading a text silently. We measured the number of saccades made in the three oculomotor tasks, the number of words read, and the surface area, the length and mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP).

According to previous studies, postural control improves with age until 10–12 years. Saccades toward a target as well as during a reading task reduce significantly the CoP displacement and its velocity, while during pursuit eye movements all children increase postural parameters (i.e., the surface area, the length and mean velocity of the CoP).

These results suggest the presence of an interaction between the oculomotor control and the postural system. Visual attention to perform saccades (to stationary targets or to words) influences postural stability more than the frequency of saccade triggering does.
Retracted: Third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler measurement and maternal postpartum outcome among patients with severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , ElNassery Noura , Fouad Mona , Abdelhafiz Aly , Al Mostafa Walaa
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the association between uterine artery Doppler measurements and maternal complications among women with severe pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

As part of a cross‐sectional study, women with a single intrauterine pregnancy of more than 28 weeks and a diagnosis of severe pre‐eclampsia were enrolled at a unit in Cairo, Egypt, between December 2012 and September 2014. Uterine artery Doppler was evaluated and maternal complications were recorded.

Results

Among the 100 participants, 76 (76%) experienced maternal complications. There were significant differences in resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) between women who experienced no complications and those who had accidental hemorrhage, HELLP syndrome, and acute pulmonary edema (P < 0.001 for all), and postpartum hemorrhage (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in RI for women with postpartum fits (P = 0.360). There was a statistically significant difference regarding RI (P < 0.001) and PI (P = 0.005) between cases presenting with complications and those without. There was a significant negative correlation between PI and gestational age (r = − 0.988; P < 0.001) and between RI and gestational age (r = − 0. 854; P < 0.001), but no significant correlation between PI or RI and age, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

Increased uterine artery resistance in the third trimester of pregnancy could be used to predict postpartum maternal complications.
Imaging‐based enrichment criteria using deep learning algorithms for efficient clinical trials in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Ithapu Vamsi K. , Singh Vikas , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Chappell Richard J. , Dowling N. Maritza , Johnson Sterling C. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2015

The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be optimal for clinical trials to test potential treatments for preventing or delaying decline to dementia. However, MCI is heterogeneous in that not all cases progress to dementia within the time frame of a trial and some may not have underlying AD pathology. Identifying those MCIs who are most likely to decline during a trial and thus most likely to benefit from treatment will improve trial efficiency and power to detect treatment effects. To this end, using multimodal, imaging‐derived, inclusion criteria may be especially beneficial. Here, we present a novel multimodal imaging marker that predicts future cognitive and neural decline from [F‐18]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET), amyloid florbetapir PET, and structural magnetic resonance imaging, based on a new deep learning algorithm (randomized denoising autoencoder marker, rDAm). Using ADNI2 MCI data, we show that using rDAm as a trial enrichment criterion reduces the required sample estimates by at least five times compared with the no‐enrichment regime and leads to smaller trials with high statistical power, compared with existing methods.
Developmental Perspectives on Lesbian and Gay Politics: Fragmented Citizenship in a Fragmented State
Authors: Engel Stephen M.
Published: June 2015

Responding to recent criticism that American political development (APD) has yet to fully engage with both contemporary and historical matters related to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) politics, I use citizenship to provide one way to do so. Drawing on the central insight of APD scholarship that the polity is a composite of multiple clashing governing orders and by viewing citizenship as a relational dynamic between the individual and the state, I argue that citizenship is fractured across time, space, and policy issue. This claim is illustrated by two case studies: first, how gay, lesbian, and bisexual military participation has been redefined over time by the Department of Defense, with each policy shift toward equality revealing previously unseen and persistent inequities, and second, how conflicts between marriage and parental recognition have emerged after states recognize same-sex marriage. I aim to demonstrate how APD concepts can be fruitfully applied to yield new insights about institutional authority and the meaning and content of citizenship status. In short, much can be gained by increased developmental attention to gay and lesbian politics.
Political Science and the Public Sphere Today
Authors: Smith Rogers M.
Published: June 2015

The potential of political science to contribute to debates over public issues has long been hindered by tensions in the discipline's goals of achieving scientific rigor while also serving America's democracy. Those tensions have been exacerbated by recent trends in American higher education working to separate research and teaching activities and to rely more on external donors to finance both. Collectively these trends suggest that political science faces growing pressures to steer away from unpopular topics in both research and teaching, and to abandon the traditional teacher/scholar model of academic careers. It is advisable for the discipline both to seek more actively to promote engagement between different forms of political science scholarship in order to achieve cumulative knowledge that is pertinent to important political issues, and to preserve and strengthen its commitments to effective teaching about politics.
Nutzung von Conjoint-Analysen zur Messung von Therapiezielpräferenzen aus Patientenperspektive in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen
Authors: Haarig Frederik , Mühlig Stephan
Published: June 2015

Hintergrund: Im Zuge der wachsenden Bedeutung von Ansätzen zur Patientenorientierung und -partizipation in der Gesundheitsversorgung gewinnt die Bestimmung subjektiver Therapiezielpräferenzen unterschiedlicher Akteure (Patienten, Behandler, Angehörige) zunehmend an Forschungsinteresse. Stated-Preference-Methods ermöglichen die systematische Untersuchung speziell patientenorientierter Fragestellungen. Ziele der Studie: Identifikation und Beschreibung (nach formalen, methodischen und inhaltlichen Merkmalen) von Studien mit Stated-Preference-Methods (Conjoint Measurements, Conjoint Analysis, Discrete Choice Experiments) in der Versorgung von Patienten mit psychischen Störungen mit dem Ziel, eine Bewertung zur Anwendbarkeit der Methode (Potential, Nutzen, Grenzen) in zukünftiger patientenorienterter Forschung abzuleiten. Methode: Systematische Literaturrecherche mit folgenden Studieneinschlusskriterien: Participants: Interventionen zur Behandlung von Patienten mit psychischer Störung; Intervention: psychotherapeutische, psychiatrische, hausärztliche Behandlungen (stationär, teil-stationär, ambulant); Comparison: Studien mit keiner (Ein-Gruppen-Design) oder mindestens einer Kontrollgruppe; Outcomes: conjoint-spezifische Angaben zu Nutzenwerten. Ergebnisse: Conjoint-Analysen werden in unterschiedlichen Forschungsdesigns und unter heterogenen Rahmenbedingungen (Stichprobe, Störungsbild, Setting, Intervention, Zieldimension) zur Messung von Therapiezielpräferenzen eingesetzt. Die Erstellung des Conjoint-Designs erfolgt in der Regel reduziert (orthogonal), mithilfe von Softwarepaketen, die Erhebung als Fragebogen. Schlussfolgerungen: Conjoint-Analysen ermöglichen differenzierte Aussagen über Therapiepräferenzstrukturen auf Basis relationaler Beurteilungsszenarien und stellen damit eine fundiertere Basis zur Verbesserung der Patientenorientierung in der Gesundheitsversorgung zur Verfügung. Die Befundlage belegt, dass sich die Methode zur Untersuchung patientenorientierter Fragestellungen (mehrheitlich zu Pharmakotherapie und Kombinationsbehandlung) in der Versorgung psychischer Störungen (depressive Störungen, ADHS, Schizophrenie, bipolare Störungen, Tabak- und Alkoholabhängigkeit und chronische Schmerzen) eignet. Allerdings ist der erfolgreiche Einsatz der Methodik an einige Voraussetzungen geknüpft (u. a. Unabhängigkeit der betrachteten Therapiezielaspekte, Designkomplexität). Forschungsbedarf besteht u. a. im Hinblick auf bisher nicht untersuchte Störungsbilder (u. a. somatoforme, Angst-, Ess-, Persönlichkeitsstörungen) und Interventionen (u. a. reine Psychotherapie, störungsspezifische Behandlungen).
X Marks the Spot of Magnetic Islands in Space
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: June 2015

At the edge of Earth's magnetic field, satellites have found X-shaped fields and fast-moving "islands" of magnetism that could shed light on the physics of solar storms.
Neural stem cell transplantation at critical period improves learning and memory through restoring synaptic impairment in Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Kim J A , Ha S , Shin K Y , Kim S , Lee K J , Chong Y H , Chang K-A , Suh Y-H
Published: June 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss in several regions of the brain. Recent studies have suggested that stem cell transplantation could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to halt or ameliorate the inexorable disease progression. However, the optimal stage of the disease for stem cell transplantation to have a therapeutic effect has yet to be determined. Here, we demonstrated that transplantation of neural stem cells into 12-month-old Tg2576 brains markedly improved both cognitive impairments and neuropathological features by reducing β-amyloid processing and upregulating clearance of β-amyloid, secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, endogenous neurogenesis, as well as synapse formation. In contrast, the stem cell transplantation did not recover cognitive dysfunction and β-amyloid neuropathology in Tg2576 mice aged 15 months when the memory loss is manifest. Overall, this study underscores that stem cell therapy at optimal time frame is crucial to obtain maximal therapeutic effects that can restore functional deficits or stop the progression of AD.
Vibrio vulnificus VvpE inhibits mucin 2 expression by hypermethylation via lipid raft-mediated ROS signaling in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Lee S-J , Jung Y H , Oh S Y , Jang K K , Lee H S , Choi S H , Han H J
Published: June 2015

Mucin is an important physical barrier against enteric pathogens. VvpE is an elastase encoded by Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio vulnificus; however, the functional role of VvpE in intestinal mucin (Muc) production is yet to be elucidated. The recombinant protein (r) VvpE significantly reduced the level of Muc2 in human mucus-secreting HT29-MTX cells. The repression of Muc2 induced by rVvpE was highly susceptible to the knockdown of intelectin-1b (ITLN) and sequestration of cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin. We found that rVvpE induces the recruitment of NADPH oxidase 2 and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 into the membrane lipid rafts coupled with ITLN to facilitate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The bacterial signaling of rVvpE through ROS production is uniquely mediated by the phosphorylation of ERK, which was downregulated by the silencing of the PKCδ. Moreover, rVvpE induced region-specific methylation in the Muc2 promoter to promote the transcriptional repression of Muc2. In two mouse models of V. vulnificus infection, the mutation of the vvpE gene from V. vulnificus exhibited an increased survival rate and maintained the level of Muc2 expression in intestine. These results demonstrate that VvpE inhibits Muc2 expression by hypermethylation via lipid raft-mediated ROS signaling in the intestinal epithelial cells.
The impact of DNA intercalators on DNA and DNA-processing enzymes elucidated through force-dependent binding kinetics
Authors: Biebricher Andreas S. , Heller Iddo , Roijmans Roel F. H. , Hoekstra Tjalle P. , Peterman Erwin J. G. , Wuite Gijs J. L.
Published: June 2015

DNA intercalators are widely used as fluorescent probes to visualize DNA and DNA transactions in vivo and in vitro. It is well known that they perturb DNA structure and stability, which can in turn influence DNA-processing by proteins. Here we elucidate this perturbation by combining single-dye fluorescence microscopy with force spectroscopy and measuring the kinetics of DNA intercalation by the mono- and bis-intercalating cyanine dyes SYTOX Orange, SYTOX Green, SYBR Gold, YO-PRO-1, YOYO-1 and POPO-3. We show that their DNA-binding affinity is mainly governed by a strongly tension-dependent dissociation rate. These rates can be tuned over a range of seven orders of magnitude by changing DNA tension, intercalating species and ionic strength. We show that optimizing these rates minimizes the impact of intercalators on strand separation and enzymatic activity. These new insights provide handles for the improved use of intercalators as DNA probes with minimal perturbation and maximal efficacy.
Kumada–Grignard-type biaryl couplings on water
Authors: Bhattacharjya Anish , Klumphu Piyatida , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: June 2015

Well-established, traditional Kumada cross-couplings involve preformed Grignard reagents in dry ethereal solvent that typically react, e.g., with aryl halides via Pd catalysis to afford products of net substitution. Therefore, in the work described, which appears to be counterintuitive, exposure of these same aromatic halides to catalytic amounts of Pd(II) and excess magnesium metal in pure water leads to symmetrical/unsymmetrical biaryls, indicative of a net Kumada-like biaryl coupling. Evidence is presented suggesting that Grignard reagents, formed in situ in water, may be involved.
Assisted reproduction causes placental maldevelopment and dysfunction linked to reduced fetal weight in mice
Authors: Chen Shuqiang , Sun Fang-zhen , Huang Xiuying , Wang Xiaohong , Tang Na , Zhu Baoyi , Li Bo
Published: June 2015

Compelling evidence indicates that stress in utero, as manifested by low birth weight (LBW), increases the risk of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Singletons conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) display a significant increase in LBW risk and ART offspring have a different metabolic profile starting at birth. Here, used mouse as a model, we found that ART resulted in reduced fetal weight and placental overgrowth at embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5). The ART placentae exhibited histomorphological alterations with defects in placental layer segregation and glycogen cells migration at E18.5. Further, ART treatments resulted in downregulation of a majority of placental nutrient transporters and reduction in placental efficiency. Moreover, the ART placentae were associated with increased methylation levels at imprinting control regions ofH19,KvDMR1and disrupted expression of a majority of imprinted genes important for placental development and function at E18.5. Our results from the mouse model show the first piece of evidence that ART treatment could affect fetal growth by disrupting placental development and function, suggests that perturbation of genomic imprinting resulted from embryo manipulation may contribute to these problems.
Separating read and write units in multiferroic devices
Authors: Roy Kuntal
Published: June 2015

Strain-mediated multiferroic composites, i.e., piezoelectric-magnetostrictive heterostructures, hold profound promise for energy-efficient computing in beyond Moore’s law era. While reading a bit of information stored in the magnetostrictive nanomagnets using a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), a material selection issue crops up since magnetostrictive materials in general cannot be utilized as the free layer of the MTJ. This is an important issue since we need to achieve a high magnetoresistance for technological applications. We show here that magnetically coupling the magnetostrictive nanomagnet and the free layer e.g., utilizing the magnetic dipole coupling between them can circumvent this issue. By solving stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation of magnetization dynamics in the presence of room-temperature thermal fluctuations, we show that such design can eventually lead to a superior energy-delay product.
Insertion of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells in Textiles using a Conventional Weaving Process
Authors: Yun Min Ju , Cha Seung I. , Seo Seon Hee , kim Han Seong , Lee Dong Y.
Published: June 2015

Increasing demands for wearable energy sources and highly flexible, lightweight photovoltaic devices have stimulated the development of textile-structured solar cells. However, the former approach of wire-type solar cell fabrication, followed by weaving of these devices, has had limited success, due to device failure caused by high friction forces and tension forces during the weaving process. To overcome this limitation, we present a new approach for textile solar cell fabrication, in which dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) electrodes are incorporated into the textile during the weaving process, using the textile warp as a spacer to maintain the DSSC structure. Porous, dye-loaded TiO2-coated holed metal ribbon and Pt nanoparticle-loaded carbon yarn were used as the photoanode and counterelectrode, respectively. The highly flexible textile-based solar cell was fabricated using a common weaving process with a loom. The inserted DSSCs in the textile demonstrated an energy conversion efficiency of 2.63% (at 1 sun, 1.5 A.M.). Our results revealed that additional performance enhancement was possible by considering other electrode materials and textile structures, as well as where and how the DSSC electrodes are inserted. In addition, we demonstrated that the inserted DSSCs could be electrically connected using a parallel configuration.
Porous Au-embedded WO3 Nanowire Structure for Efficient Detection of CH4 and H2S
Authors: Minh Vuong Nguyen , Kim Dojin , Kim Hyojin
Published: June 2015

We developed a facile method to fabricate highly porous Au-embedded WO3 nanowire structures for efficient sensing of CH4 and H2S gases. Highly porous single-wall carbon nanotubes were used as template to fabricate WO3 nanowire structures with high porosity. Gold nanoparticles were decorated on the tungsten nanowires by dipping in HAuCl4 solution, followed by oxidation. The surface morphology, structure and electrical properties of the fabricated WO3 and Au-embedded WO3 nanowire structures were examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and current–voltage measurements. Formation of a nanowire structure resulted in significant enhancement in sensing response to H2S and CH4 gases. Furthermore, Au embedment into the WO3 nanowire structures remarkably improved the performance of the sensors. The increase in response performance of sensors and adsorption–desorption kinetic processes on the sensing layers were discussed in relation with the role of Au embedment.
Mechanical Failure Mode of Metal Nanowires: Global Deformation versus Local Deformation
Authors: Ho Duc Tam , Im Youngtae , Kwon Soon-Yong , Earmme Youn Young , Kim Sung Youb
Published: June 2015

It is believed that the failure mode of metal nanowires under tensile loading is the result of the nucleation and propagation of dislocations. Such failure modes can be slip, partial slip or twinning and therefore they are regarded as local deformation. Here we provide numerical and theoretical evidences to show that global deformation is another predominant failure mode of nanowires under tensile loading. At the global deformation mode, nanowires fail with a large contraction along a lateral direction and a large expansion along the other lateral direction. In addition, there is a competition between global and local deformations. Nanowires loaded at low temperature exhibit global failure mode first and then local deformation follows later. We show that the global deformation originates from the intrinsic instability of the nanowires and that temperature is a main parameter that decides the global or local deformation as the failure mode of nanowires.
Distribution of petroleum degrading genes and factor analysis of petroleum contaminated soil from the Dagang Oilfield, China
Authors: Liu Qinglong , Tang Jingchun , Bai Zhihui , Hecker Markus , Giesy John P.
Published: June 2015

Genes that encode for enzymes that can degrade petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) are critical for the ability of microorganisms to bioremediate soils contaminated with PHs. Distributions of two petroleum-degrading genes AlkB and Nah in soils collected from three zones of the Dagang Oilfield, Tianjin, China were investigated. Numbers of copies of AlkB ranged between 9.1 × 105 and 1.9 × 107 copies/g dry mass (dm) soil and were positively correlated with total concentrations of PHs (TPH) (R2 = 0.573, p = 0.032) and alkanes (C33 ~ C40) (R2 = 0.914, p < 0.01). The Nah gene was distributed relatively evenly among sampling zones, ranging between 1.9 × 107 and 1.1 × 108 copies/g dm soil and was negatively correlated with concentrations of total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAH) (R2 = −0.567, p = 0.035) and ∑16 PAHs (R2 = −0.599, p = 0.023). Results of a factor analysis showed that individual samples of soils were not ordinated as a function of the zones.
Imaging Shock Waves in Diamond with Both High Temporal and Spatial Resolution at an XFEL
Authors: Schropp Andreas , Hoppe Robert , Meier Vivienne , Patommel Jens , Seiboth Frank , Ping Yuan , Hicks Damien G. , Beckwith Martha A. , Collins Gilbert W. , Higginbotham Andrew , Wark Justin S. , Lee Hae Ja , Nagler Bob , Galtier Eric C. , Arnold Brice , Zastrau Ulf , Hastings Jerome B. , Schroer Christian G.
Published: June 2015

The advent of hard x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has opened up a variety of scientific opportunities in areas as diverse as atomic physics, plasma physics, nonlinear optics in the x-ray range and protein crystallography. In this article, we access a new field of science by measuring quantitatively the local bulk properties and dynamics of matter under extreme conditions, in this case by using the short XFEL pulse to image an elastic compression wave in diamond. The elastic wave was initiated by an intense optical laser pulse and was imaged at different delay times after the optical pump pulse using magnified x-ray phase-contrast imaging. The temporal evolution of the shock wave can be monitored, yielding detailed information on shock dynamics, such as the shock velocity, the shock front width and the local compression of the material. The method provides a quantitative perspective on the state of matter in extreme conditions.
Nano-Biomechanical Study of Spatio-Temporal Cytoskeleton Rearrangements that Determine Subcellular Mechanical Properties and Endothelial Permeability
Authors: Wang Xin , Bleher Reiner , Brown Mary E. , Garcia Joe G. N. , Dudek Steven M. , Shekhawat Gajendra S. , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: June 2015

The endothelial cell (EC) lining of the pulmonary vascular system forms a semipermeable barrier between blood and the interstitium and regulates various critical biochemical functions. Collectively, it represents a prototypical biomechanical system, where the complex hierarchical architecture, from the molecular scale to the cellular and tissue level, has an intimate and intricate relationship with its biological functions. We investigated the mechanical properties of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Concurrently, the wider distribution and finer details of the cytoskeletal nano-structure were examined using fluorescence microscopy (FM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), respectively. These correlative measurements were conducted in response to the EC barrier-disrupting agent, thrombin and barrier-enhancing agent, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Our new findings and analysis directly link the spatio-temporal complexities of cell re-modeling and cytoskeletal mechanical properties alteration. This work provides novel insights into the biomechanical function of the endothelial barrier and suggests similar opportunities for understanding the form-function relationship in other biomechanical subsystems.
Potential use of fatty acid profiles of the adductor muscle of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) for traceability of collection site
Authors: Ricardo Fernando , Pimentel Tânia , Moreira Ana S. P. , Rey Felisa , Coimbra Manuel A. , Rosário Domingues M. , Domingues Pedro , Costa Leal Miguel , Calado Ricardo
Published: June 2015

Geographic traceability of seafood is key for controlling its quality and safeguarding consumers’ interest. The present study assessed if the fatty acid (FA) profile of the adductor muscle (AM) of fresh cockles (Cerastoderma edule) can be used to discriminate the origin of specimens collected in different bivalve capture/production areas legally defined within a coastal lagoon. Results suggest that this biochemical approach holds the potential to trace sampling locations with a spatial resolution <10 Km, even for areas with identical classification for bivalve production. Cockles further away from the inlet, i.e. in areas exposed to a higher saline variation, exhibited lower levels of saturated fatty acids, which are key for stabilizing the bilayer structure of cell membranes and a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enhance bilayer fluidity. Results suggest that the structural nature of the lipids present in the AM provides a stable fatty acid signature and holds potential for tracing the origin of bivalves to their capture/production areas.
The Plasmodiophora brassicae genome reveals insights in its life cycle and ancestry of chitin synthases
Authors: Schwelm Arne , Fogelqvist Johan , Knaust Andrea , Jülke Sabine , Lilja Tua , Bonilla-Rosso German , Karlsson Magnus , Shevchenko Andrej , Dhandapani Vignesh , Choi Su Ryun , Kim Hong Gi , Park Ju Young , Lim Yong Pyo , Ludwig-Müller Jutta , Dixelius Christina
Published: June 2015

Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot, a major disease of Brassica oil and vegetable crops worldwide. P. brassicae is a Plasmodiophorid, obligate biotrophic protist in the eukaryotic kingdom of Rhizaria. Here we present the 25.5 Mb genome draft of P. brassicae, developmental stage-specific transcriptomes and a transcriptome of Spongospora subterranea, the Plasmodiophorid causing powdery scab on potato. Like other biotrophic pathogens both Plasmodiophorids are reduced in metabolic pathways. Phytohormones contribute to the gall phenotypes of infected roots. We report a protein (PbGH3) that can modify auxin and jasmonic acid. Plasmodiophorids contain chitin in cell walls of the resilient resting spores. If recognized, chitin can trigger defense responses in plants. Interestingly, chitin-related enzymes of Plasmodiophorids built specific families and the carbohydrate/chitin binding (CBM18) domain is enriched in the Plasmodiophorid secretome. Plasmodiophorids chitin synthases belong to two families, which were present before the split of the eukaryotic Stramenopiles/Alveolates/Rhizaria/Plantae and Metazoa/Fungi/Amoebozoa megagroups, suggesting chitin synthesis to be an ancient feature of eukaryotes. This exemplifies the importance of genomic data from unexplored eukaryotic groups, such as the Plasmodiophorids, to decipher evolutionary relationships and gene diversification of early eukaryotes.
Effects of time delay and space on herbivore dynamics: linking inducible defenses of plants to herbivore outbreak
Authors: Sun Gui-Quan , Wang Su-Lan , Ren Qian , Jin Zhen , Wu Yong-Ping
Published: June 2015

Empirical results indicate that inducible defenses of plants have effects on herbivore populations. However, little is known about how inducible defenses of plants have influences on herbivore outbreak when space effect is considered. To reveal the relationship between inducible defenses and herbivore outbreak, we present a mathematical model to describe the interaction of them. It was found that time delay plays dual effects in the persistence of herbivore populations: (i) large value of time delay may be associated with small density of herbivore populations and thus causes the populations to run a higher risk of extinction; (ii) moderate value of time delay is beneficial for maintaining herbivore density in a determined range which may promote the persistence of herbivore populations. Additionally, we revealed that interaction of time delay and space promotes the growth of average density of herbivore populations during their outbreak period which implied that time delay may drive the resilience of herbivore populations. Our findings highlight the close relationship between inducible defenses of plants and herbivore outbreak.
Retrograde regulation of STIM1-Orai1 interaction and store-operated Ca2+ entry by calsequestrin
Authors: Wang Limin , Zhang Lane , Li Shu , Zheng Yuanyuan , Yan Xinxin , Chen Min , Wang Haoyang , Putney James W. , Luo Dali
Published: June 2015

Interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-located stromal interaction molecue1 (STIM1) and the plasma membrane-located Ca2+ channel subunit, Orai1, underlies store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Calsequestrin1 (CSQ1), a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ buffering protein, inhibits SOCE, but the mechanism of action is unknown. We identified an interaction between CSQ1 and STIM1 in HEK293 cells. An increase in monomeric CSQ1 induced by depleted Ca2+ stores, or trifluoperazine (TFP), a blocker of CSQ folding and aggregation, enhanced the CSQ1-STIM1 interaction. In cells with Ca2+ stores depleted, TFP further increased CSQ1 monomerization and CSQ1-STIM1 interaction, but reduced the association of STIM1 with Orai1 and SOCE. Over-expression of CSQ1 or a C-terminal (amino acid 388–396) deletion mutant significantly promoted the association of CSQ1 with STIM1, but suppressed both STIM1-Orai1 interaction and SOCE, while over-expression of the C-terminal (amino acid 362–396) deletion mutant had no effect. The physical interaction between low polymeric forms of CSQ1 and STIM1 likely acts by interfering with STIM1 oligimerization and inhibits STIM1-Orai1 interaction, providing a brake to SOCE under physiological conditions. This novel regulatory mechanism for SOCE may also contribute to the pathological Ca2+ overload in calsequestrin deficient diseases, such as malignant hyperthermia and ventricular tachycardia.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Early Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Li Qi , Huang Yuan-Jun , Zhang Gang , Lv Fa-Jin , Wei Xiao , Dong Mei-Xue , Chen Jian-Jun , Zhang Li-Juan , Qin Xin-Yue , Xie Peng
Published: June 2015

Intraventricular hemorrhage is associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to investigate the association between intraventricular hemorrhage and early hematoma expansion in patients with ICH. Patients with ICH who underwent a baseline CT scan within six hours after onset of symptoms were included. The follow-up CT scan was performed within 24 hours after the baseline CT scan. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between presence of intraventricular hemorrhage and early hematoma expansion. A total of 160 patients were included in the study. Significant hematoma growth was observed in 52 (32.5%) patients presenting within six hours after onset of symptoms. Intraventricular hemorrhage was observed in 66 (41.25%) patients with ICH. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that a short time from onset to baseline CT scan, the initial hematoma volume and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage on follow-up CT scan were independently associated with hematoma enlargement. The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage on follow-up CT scan can be associated with hematoma expansion in patients with ICH.
Isoflurane preconditioning provides neuroprotection against stroke by regulating the expression of the TLR4 signalling pathway to alleviate microglial activation
Authors: Sun Meiyan , Deng Bin , Zhao Xiaoyong , Gao Changjun , Yang Lu , Zhao Hui , Yu Daihua , Zhang Feng , Xu Lixian , Chen Lei , Sun Xude
Published: June 2015

Excessive microglial activation often contributes to inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity in the ischemic penumbra during the acute stage of ischemic stroke. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been reported to induce microglial activation via the NF-κB pathway. Isoflurane preconditioning (IP) can provide neuroprotection and inhibit microglial activation. In this study, we investigated the roles of the TLR4 signalling pathway in IP to exert neuroprotection following ischemic stroke in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that 2% IP alleviated neurological deficits, reduced the infarct volume, attenuated apoptosis and weakened microglial activation in the ischemic penumbra. Furthermore, IP down-regulated the expression of HSP 60, TLR4 and MyD88 and up-regulated inhibitor of IκB-α expression compared with I/R group in vivo. In vitro, 2% IP and a specific inhibitor of TLR4, CLI-095, down-regulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, IL-1β, TNF-α and Bax and up-regulated IκB-α and Bcl-2 expression compared with OGD group. Moreover, IP and CLI-095 attenuated microglial activation-induced neuronal apoptosis and overexpression of the TLR4 gene reversed the neuroprotective effects of IP. In conclusion, IP provided neuroprotection by regulating TLR4 expression directly, alleviating microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Thus, inhibiting the activation of microglial activation via TLR4 may be a new avenue for stroke treatment.
Multiplexed femtomolar quantitation of human cytokines in a fluoropolymer microcapillary film
Authors: Castanheira Ana P. , Barbosa Ana I. , Edwards Alexander D. , Reis Nuno M.
Published: June 2015

Femtomolar multiplex quantitation of human cytokines using disposable fluoropolymer microfluidic strips and a multisyringe aspirator capable of performing up to 80 tests using a flatbed scanner.
Cellular effects of magnetic nanoparticles explored by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Mao Hongli , Li Jingchao , Dulińska-Molak Ida , Kawazoe Naoki , Takeda Yoshihiko , Mamiya Hiroaki , Chen Guoping
Published: June 2015

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to explore the cellular effects caused by magnetic nanoparticles.
Organogels formed by substituent-free pyrene-appended oligo(m-phenylene ethynylene)s
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan-Wei , Hou Jun-Li , Li Zhan-Ting
Published: June 2015

Substituent-free pyrene-appended m-phenylene ethynylene oligomers have been revealed to gelate organic solvents of low and modest polarity.
Ag nanocluster-based label-free catalytic and molecular beacons for amplified biosensing
Authors: Gong Liang , Kuai Hailan , Ren Songlei , Zhao Xu-Hua , Huan Shuang-Yan , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: June 2015

We developed a label-free catalytic and molecular beacon as a universal amplified biosensing platform for the highly selective detection of cofactors.
The solid state, surface and morphological properties of p-aminobenzoic acid in terms of the strength and directionality of its intermolecular synthons
Authors: Rosbottom I. , Roberts K. J. , Docherty R.
Published: June 2015

The lattice energy and crystal morphologies of the α and β forms of p-aminobenzoic acid are correlated to experimentally grown crystals by calculating their strength, directionality and chemical state of their bulk (intrinsic) and surface (extrinsic) synthons.
Dramatic vapor-phase modulation of the characteristics of graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Worley Barrett C. , Kim Seohee , Park Saungeun , Rossky Peter J. , Akinwande Deji , Dodabalapur Ananth
Published: June 2015

Graphene FETs exposed to vapor-phase, polar, organic molecules exhibit shifts in Dirac voltage, the magnitude of which obviously increase with increasing dipole moment of each type of polar vapor.
Cu(i) stabilizing crosslinked polyethyleneimine
Authors: Movahedi Alireza , Lundin Angelica , Kann Nina , Nydén Magnus , Moth-Poulsen Kasper
Published: June 2015

With the aim to regulate the coordination environment of Cu(i) and Cu(ii) ions, we have prepared a triazole dialdehyde crosslinking agent with ‘soft’ coordination that can crosslink PEIviaindirect reductive amination.
Distortions of ethyne when complexed with a cuprous or argentous halide: the rotational spectrum of C2H2⋯CuF
Authors: Zaleski Daniel P. , Stephens Susanna L. , Tew David P. , Bittner Dror M. , Walker Nicholas R. , Legon Anthony C.
Published: June 2015

A new molecule C2H2⋯CuF has been synthesized in the gas phase by means of the reaction of laser-ablated metallic copper with a pulse of gas consisting of a dilute mixture of ethyne and sulfur hexafluoride in argon.
Nonlinear optical response of photochromic azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Schulze Michael , Utecht Manuel , Moldt Thomas , Przyrembel Daniel , Gahl Cornelius , Weinelt Martin , Saalfrank Peter , Tegeder Petra
Published: June 2015

Incorporating photochromic molecules into organic–inorganic hybrid materials may lead to photoresponsive systems. In such systems, the second-order nonlinear properties can be controlled via external stimulation with light at appropriate wavelengths.
First-principles assessment of hole transport in pure and Li-doped NiO
Authors: Alidoust Nima , Carter Emily A.
Published: June 2015

Hole transport in nickel oxide and Li0.125Ni0.875O is predicted to be anisotropic. Homogeneous alloying at a high enough concentration introduces free holes, making Li0.125Ni0.875O a promising p-type hole conductor.
Re-evaluating selectivity as a determining factor in peroxidative methane oxidation by multimetallic copper complexes
Authors: Palomas David , Kalamaras Christos , Haycock Peter , White Andrew J. P. , Hellgardt Klaus , Horton Andrew , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: June 2015

A series of multimetallic copper(ii) complexes have been re-investigated for methane oxidation with H2O2.
Distribution of Al atoms in the clathrate-I phase Ba8AlxSi46−x at x = 6.9
Authors: Bobnar Matej , Böhme Bodo , Wedel Michael , Burkhardt Ulrich , Ormeci Alim , Prots Yurii , Drathen Christina , Liang Ying , Nguyen Hong Duong , Baitinger Michael , Grin Yuri
Published: June 2015

The distribution of Al and Si atoms in Ba8Al6.9Si39.1 was elucidated by combining the results of NMR, X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis.
New thorium(iv)–arsonates with a [Th8O13]6+ octanuclear core
Authors: Qian Xiang-Ying , Zhou Tian-Hua , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: June 2015

Three new Th(iv) organoarsonates have been hydrothermally synthesized. Their structures display 0D, 1D and 2D architectures based on novel [Th8O13]6+ clusters decorated by organoarsonate ligands.