bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear polarisation of Class I methanol masers in massive star formation regions
Authors: Kang Ji-hyun , Byun Do-Young , Kim Kee-Tae , Lyo Aran , Kim Jongsoo , Kim Mi-kyoung , Vlemmings Wouter , Lankhaar Boy , Surcis Gabriele
Published: July 2018

We present the results of the linear polarisation observations of methanol masers at 44 and 95 GHz towards 39 massive star forming regions (Kanget al.2016). These two lines are observed simultaneously with the 21-m Korean VLBI Network (KVN) telescope in single dish mode. About 60% of the observed showed fractional polarisation of a few percents at least at one of the two transition lines. We note that the linear polarisation of the 44 GHz methanol maser is first detected in this study including single dish and interferometer observations. We find the polarisation properties of these two lines are similar as expected, since they trace similar regions. As a follow-up study, we have carried out the VLBI polarisation observations toward some 44 GHz maser targets using the KVN telescope. We present preliminary VLBI polarisation results of G10.34-0.14, which show consistent polarisation properties in multiple epoch observations.
The extraordinary outburst in NGC6334I-MM1: the rise of dust and emergence of 6.7 GHz methanol masers
Authors: Hunter Todd R. , Brogan Crystal L. , Chibueze James O. , Cyganowski Claudia J. , Hirota Tomoya , MacLeod Gordon C.
Published: July 2018

Our 2015-2016 ALMA 1.3 to 0.87 mm observations (resolution ~200 au) of the massive protocluster NGC6334I revealed that an extraordinary outburst had occurred in the dominant millimeter dust core MM1 (luminosity increase of 70×) when compared with earlier SMA data. The outburst was accompanied by the flaring of ten maser transitions of three species. We present new results from our recent JVLA observations of Class II 6.7 GHz methanol masers and 6 GHz excited OH masers in this region. Class II masers had not previously been detected toward MM1 in any interferometric observations recorded over the past 30 years that targeted the bright masers toward other members of the protocluster (MM2 and MM3=NGC6334F). Methanol masers now appear both toward and adjacent to MM1 with the strongest spots located in a dust cavity ~1 arcsec (1300 au) north of the MM1B hypercompact HII region. In addition, new excited OH masers appear on the non-thermal source CM2. These data reveal the dramatic effects of episodic accretion onto a deeply-embedded high mass protostar and demonstrate its ongoing impact on the surrounding protocluster.
Spatially resolving the OH masers in M82
Authors: Argo Megan
Published: July 2018

With luminosities between those of typical Galactic OH masers and more distant OH megamasers, the masers in the nearby galaxy M82 are an interesting population which can be used to probe the physical conditions in the central starburst region of this irregular galaxy. Following on from previous low spatial resolution studies, here we present the initial results of two high-resolution observations separated by eight years. We find that some of the maser spots are resolved into multiple spatial components when observed with the EVN, as predicted by our previous studies, but that significantly less flux is recovered that that seen with the previous VLA observations. We conclude that some of this flux difference is likely due to variability but that, in common with the results seen in Arp220, there may also be a significant diffuse component.
Physical properties of Class I methanol masers
Authors: Leurini Silvia , Menten Karl M.
Published: July 2018

As first realised in the late 1980s, methanol masers come in two varieties, termed Class I and Class II. While Class II masers had observationally been extensively studied in the past, until recently relatively little attention was paid to Class I methanol masers due to their low luminosities compared to other maser transitions. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in our understanding of Class I methanol masers both from an observational and from a theoretical point of view.
Long-term photometric observations in the field of the star formation region NGC7129
Authors: Semkov Evgeni , Peneva Stoyanka , Ibryamov Sunay , Mutafov Asen
Published: July 2018

We present results from long-term optical photometric observations of the Pre-Main Sequence (PMS) stars, located in the star formation region around the bright nebula NGC 7129. Using the long-term light curves and spectroscopic data, we tried to classify the PMS objects in the field and to define the reasons for the observed brightness variations. Our main goal is to explore the known PMS stars and discover new, young, variable stars. The new variable PMS star 2MASS J21403576+6635000 exhibits unusual brightness variations for very short time intervals (few minutes or hours) with comparatively large amplitudes (ΔI = 2.65 mag).
VLA Observations of a Sample of Low-Brightness 6.7 GHz Methanol Masers
Authors: Olmi Luca , Araya Esteban D. , Armstrong Jason
Published: July 2018

In 2014 we conducted a survey for 6.7 GHz methanol masers with the Arecibo Telescope toward far infrared sources selected from the Hi-GAL catalog of massive cores. We found a number of sources with weak 6.7 GHz methanol masers, possibly indicating regions in early stages of star formation. Here we describe the results of follow-up observations that were conducted with the Very Large Array in New Mexico to characterize this new population of “weak” 6.7 GHz methanol masers.
Zinc Depletion Increases Readmission in Older Patients: An Example of Interactions Between Nutrition and Disease
Authors: Gariballa Salah , Alessa Awad
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Background: ill health may lead to poor nutrition and poor nutrition to ill health, so identifying priorities for management still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present data on the impact of plasma zinc (Zn) depletion on important health outcomes after adjusting for other poor prognostic indicators in hospitalised patients. Methods: Hospitalised acutely ill older patients who were part of a large randomised controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed using anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data. Plasma Zn concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and at 6 months using inductively- coupled plasma spectroscopy method. Other clinical outcome measures of health were also measured. Results: A total of 345 patients assessed at baseline, 133 at 6 weeks and 163 at 6 months. At baseline 254 (74%) patients had a plasma Zn concentration below 10.71 μmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 86 (65%) and 114 (70%) patients respectively. After adjusting for age, co-morbidity, nutritional status and tissue inflammation measured using CRP, only muscle mass and serum albumin showed significant and independent effects on plasma Zn concentrations. The risk of non-elective readmission in the 6-months follow up period was significantly lower in patients with normal Zn concentrations compared with those diagnosed with Zn depletion (adjusted hazard ratio 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99), p = 0.047. Conclusions: Zn depletion is common and associated with increased risk of readmission in acutely-ill older patients, however, the influence of underlying comorbidity on these results can not excluded.
Emerging Relationships Between Vitamin D Status, Physical Activity Habits, and Immune Indices in College-Aged Females
Authors: Forney Laura A. , Dietrich Marilyn A. , Johannsen Neil M. , Henagan Tara M. , Tuuri Georgianna , Nelson Arnold G. , Barkemeyer Amanda K. , Stewart Laura K.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. It has been determined that individuals who are regularly physically active have more favorable inflammatory profiles; less is known about how vitamin D levels can impact inflammation. This study explored the relationship between inflammatory indices in physically active (PA) and not physically active (NPA) individuals with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations either above or below optimal concentrations. All female subjects (n = 63, age 19 – 35 years) were evaluated for body composition, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and anaerobic power (Wingate). Blood samples were analyzed for 25OHD and C-reactive protein (CRP), stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and assessed for interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and used for flow cytometric analysis. PA (n = 30) had higher 25OHD levels (45.2 ± 2.7 vs. 17.05 ± 1.4 ng / mL; p = 0.015), higher VO2peak (p < 0.0001), lower body weight (p = 0.039) and lower estimated percent body fat (p = 0.011) compared to NPA (n = 33). PA also had lower LPS-stimulated IL-6 production compared to NPA (p = 0.0163), although there were no differences between resting CRP concentrations. NPA with optimal 25OHD had fewer total monocytes, CD14+CD16-cells, CD14+CD16+ cells, and decreased TLR4 expression on CD14+CD16+ cells compared to NPA with suboptimal 25OHD (< 32 ng / mL). In summary, regular physical activity was associated with higher serum 25OHD, healthier measures of body composition, and reduced stimulated IL-6 production. However, optimal vitamin D status was not associated with anti-inflammatory benefits beyond those which are provided by regular physical activity.
On the Genesis of Postmidnight Equatorial Spread F: Results for the American/Peruvian Sector
Authors: Zhan Weijia , Rodrigues Fabiano S. , Milla Marco A.
Published: July 2018

Previous studies of the Earth's low‐latitude ionosphere using in situ measurements made by sensors on the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite showed an unexpected predominance of equatorial spread F (ESF) events in the postmidnight sector during June and December solstice months of the 2008–2009 deep solar minimum. It has been suggested that these events might have been driven by the unusual behavior of the equatorial plasma drifts, which showed an abnormal upward peak around midnight during the same period. We use coherent backscatter radar (Jicamarca Unattended Long‐term Investigations of the Ionosphere and Atmosphere ‐ JULIA) measurements made at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory (11.95°S, 76.87°W, ∼1∘ dip lat) in Peru to better understand the origin of the ESF irregularities observed by C/NOFS. The radar observations show that ESF events during December solstice start in the postsunset sector. These ESF events and the conditions for their development are shown to continue through midnight hours. The predominance of postmidnight irregularities on C/NOFS observations during December solstice is caused by the slow vertical development of the ESF structures, which only reach the topside near midnight in most cases. On June solstice, however, JULIA observations show that ESF started predominately in the midnight to postmidnight sector. Collocated digisonde observations provide additional insight on F‐region conditions leading to these ESF events.
The Signature of Oceanic Processes in Decadal Extratropical SST Anomalies
Authors: O'Reilly Christopher H. , Zanna Laure
Published: July 2018

The relationship between decadal sea surface temperature (SST) and turbulent heat fluxes is assessed and used to identify where oceanic processes play an important role in extratropical decadal SST variability. In observational data sets and coupled climate model simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 archive, positive correlations between upward turbulent heat flux and SSTs indicate an active role of oceanic processes over regions in the North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Southern Atlantic. The contrasting nature of oceanic influence on decadal SST anomalies in the Northwest Pacific and North Atlantic is identified. Over the Northwest Pacific, SST anomalies are consistent with changes in the horizontal wind‐driven gyre circulation on timescales of between 3 and 7 years, in both the observations and models. Over the North Atlantic, SST anomalies are also preceded by atmospheric circulation anomalies, though the response is stronger at longer timescales—peaking at around 20 years in the observations and at around 10 years in the models.
EMIC Wave Events During the Four GEM QARBM Challenge Intervals
Authors: Engebretson M. J. , Posch J. L. , Braun D. J. , Li W. , Ma Q. , Kellerman A. C. , Huang C.‐L. , Kanekal S. G. , Kletzing C. A. , Wygant J. R. , Spence H. E. , Baker D. N. , Fennell J. F. , Angelopoulos V. , Singer H. J. , Lessard M. R. , Horne R. B. , Raita T. , Shiokawa K. , Rakhmatulin R. , Dmitriev E. , Ermakova E.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves from multiple data sources during the four Geospace Environment Modeling challenge events in 2013 selected by the Geospace Environment Modeling Quantitative Assessment of Radiation Belt Modeling focus group: 17 and 18 March (stormtime enhancement), 31 May to 2 June (stormtime dropout), 19 and 20 September (nonstorm enhancement), and 23–25 September (nonstorm dropout). Observations include EMIC wave data from the Van Allen Probes, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, and Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft in the near‐equatorial magnetosphere and from several arrays of ground‐based search coil magnetometers worldwide, as well as localized ring current proton precipitation data from low‐altitude Polar Operational Environmental Satellite spacecraft. Each of these data sets provides only limited spatial coverage, but their combination shows consistent occurrence patterns and reveals some events that would not be identified as significant using near‐equatorial spacecraft alone. Relativistic and ultrarelativistic electron flux observations, phase space density data, and pitch angle distributions based on data from the Relativistic Electron‐Proton Telescope and Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer instruments on the Van Allen Probes during these events show two cases during which EMIC waves are likely to have played an important role in causing major flux dropouts of ultrarelativistic electrons, particularly near L* ~4.0. In three other cases, identifiable smaller and more short‐lived dropouts appeared, and in five other cases, these waves evidently had little or no effect.
Three‐Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Distribution Beneath the Beppu–Shimabara Graben With a Focus on Aso Caldera, Southwest Japan Subduction Zone
Authors: Hata M. , Uyeshima M. , Tanaka Y. , Hashimoto T. , Oshiman N. , Yoshimura R.
Published: July 2018

The Beppu–Shimabara graben, a tectonically active region comprising a N–S extensional stress field, is characterized by volcanically and seismically active regions in the Southwest Japan subduction zone. We determine the three‐dimensional electrical resistivity structure of the graben by inverting network‐magnetotelluric data. Our resistivity structure model indicates that the crust beneath the graben is a discontinuous electrically conductive belt that contains four significant conductive anomalies. The four anomalies in the graben are located from the east to west as the following arrangement: in the Hohi volcanic zone centered on Kuju volcano at depths of 0–39 km, at around the northwestern rim of Aso caldera at depths shallower than 7 km, at around the active Naka‐dake cone in Aso caldera at depths of 0–17 km, and in the northwestern part of the graben at depths shallower than 7 km. These conductive anomalies in the four locations mainly reflect the effects of various fluids: slab‐derived hydrothermal fluid, volcanic thermal fluid, aqueous fluid, and melt. The locations of the anomalies correspond with low seismicity areas in the graben, whereas resistive blocks of the model correspond with high seismicity areas, especially at the southwestern graben, the northeastern graben, and a border between Aso caldera and the Hohi volcanic zone. Our model suggests that the electrical resistivity distribution can contribute to evaluating whether each part of the graben in the regional extensional stress field has a high potential for the earthquake occurrence.
Equation of State of Polycrystalline Stishovite Across the Tetragonal‐Orthorhombic Phase Transition
Authors: Buchen Johannes , Marquardt Hauke , Schulze Kirsten , Speziale Sergio , Boffa Ballaran Tiziana , Nishiyama Norimasa , Hanfland Michael
Published: July 2018

High‐pressure silica polymorphs may contribute to lithologies in Earth's lower mantle. Stishovite, the tetragonal rutile‐type polymorph of SiO2, distorts to an orthorhombic CaCl2‐type structure at pressures and temperatures of the lower mantle. We compressed sintered polycrystalline stishovite and determined the unit cell parameters as a function of pressure using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The compression behavior of sintered polycrystalline stishovite deviates systematically from previous results on stishovite powder and single crystals. Following an initial stiffening, the bulk modulus of sintered polycrystalline stishovite drops at the ferroelastic phase transition. We analyzed the observed spontaneous strains using Landau theory to predict the complete elastic behavior of sintered polycrystalline silica across the phase transition. The reduction in bulk modulus at the phase transition as derived here from the compression curve of sintered polycrystalline silica may have implications for the seismic detection of silica‐rich materials in Earth's lower mantle.
Latitudinal variation in soil biota: testing the biotic interaction hypothesis with an invasive plant and a native congener
Authors: Lu Xinmin , He Minyan , Ding Jianqing , Siemann Evan
Published: July 2018

Soil biota community structure can change with latitude, but the effects of changes on native plants, invasive plants, and their herbivores remain unclear. Here, we examined latitudinal variation in the soil biota community associated with the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and its native congener A. sessilis, and the effects of soil biota community variation on these plants and the beetle Agasicles hygrophila. We characterized the soil bacterial and fungal communities and root-knot nematodes of plant rhizospheres collected from 22 °N to 36.6 °N in China. Soil biota community structure changed with latitude as a function of climate and soil properties. Root-knot nematode abundance and potential soil fungal pathogen diversity (classified with FUNGuild) decreased with latitude, apparently due to higher soil pH and lower temperatures. A greenhouse experiment and lab bioassay showed native plant mass, seed production, and mass of beetles fed native foliage increased with soil collection latitude. However, there were no latitudinal patterns for the invasive plant. These results suggest that invasive and native plants and, consequently, their herbivores have different responses to latitudinal changes in soil-borne enemies, potentially creating spatial variation in enemy release or biotic resistance. This highlights the importance of linking above- and below-ground multitrophic interactions to explore the role of soil biota in non-native plant invasions with a biogeographic approach.
Ciliary parathyroid hormone signaling activates transforming growth factor-β to maintain intervertebral disc homeostasis during aging
Authors: Zheng Liwei , Cao Yong , Ni Shuangfei , Qi Huabin , Ling Zemin , Xu Xin , Zou Xuenong , Wu Tianding , Deng Ruoxian , Hu Bo , Gao Bo , Chen Hao , Li Yusheng , Zhu Jianxi , Tintani Francis , Demehri Shadpour , Jain Amit , Kebaish Khaled M. , Liao Shenghui , Séguin Cheryle A. , Crane Janet L. , Wan Mei , Lu Hongbin , Sponseller Paul D. , Riley Lee H. , Zhou Xuedong , Hu Jianzhong , Cao Xu
Published: July 2018

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration of spinal instability. Here, we report that the cilia of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells mediate mechanotransduction to maintain anabolic activity in the discs. We found that mechanical stress promotes transport of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) to the cilia and enhances parathyroid hormone (PTH) signaling in NP cells. PTH induces transcription of integrin αvβ6to activate the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-connective tissue growth factor (CCN2)-matrix proteins signaling cascade. Intermittent injection of PTH (iPTH) effectively attenuates disc degeneration of aged mice by direct signaling through NP cells, specifically improving intervertebral disc height and volume by increasing levels of TGF-β activity, CCN2, and aggrecan. PTH1R is expressed in both mouse and human NP cells. Importantly, knockout PTH1R or cilia in the NP cells results in significant disc degeneration and blunts the effect of PTH on attenuation of aged discs. Thus, mechanical stress-induced transport of PTH1R to the cilia enhances PTH signaling, which helps maintain intervertebral disc homeostasis, particularly during aging, indicating therapeutic potential of iPTH for DDD.
Correction: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 produced by mouse Sertoli cells in response to mumps virus infection induces male germ cell apoptosis
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wang Fei , Shi Lili , Zhao Xiang , Gong Maolei , Liu Weihua , Song Chengyi , Li Qihan , Chen Yongmei , Wu Han , Han Daishu
Published: July 2018

The PDF and HTML versions of the article have been updated to include the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License information.
TIGIT+ iTregs elicited by human regulatory macrophages control T cell immunity
Authors: Riquelme Paloma , Haarer Jan , Kammler Anja , Walter Lisa , Tomiuk Stefan , Ahrens Norbert , Wege Anja K. , Goecze Ivan , Zecher Daniel , Banas Bernhard , Spang Rainer , Fändrich Fred , Lutz Manfred B. , Sawitzki Birgit , Schlitt Hans J. , Ochando Jordi , Geissler Edward K. , Hutchinson James A.
Published: July 2018

Human regulatory macrophages (Mreg) have shown early clinical promise as a cell-based adjunct immunosuppressive therapy in solid organ transplantation. It is hypothesised that recipient CD4+ T cell responses are actively regulated through direct allorecognition of donor-derived Mregs. Here we show that human Mregs convert allogeneic CD4+ T cells to IL-10-producing, TIGIT+ FoxP3+-induced regulatory T cells that non-specifically suppress bystander T cells and inhibit dendritic cell maturation. Differentiation of Mreg-induced Tregs relies on multiple non-redundant mechanisms that are not exclusive to interaction of Mregs and T cells, including signals mediated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, TGF-β, retinoic acid, Notch and progestagen-associated endometrial protein. Preoperative administration of donor-derived Mregs to living-donor kidney transplant recipients results in an acute increase in circulating TIGIT+ Tregs. These results suggest a feed-forward mechanism by which Mreg treatment promotes allograft acceptance through rapid induction of direct-pathway Tregs.
An autophagy assay reveals the ESCRT-III component CHMP2A as a regulator of phagophore closure
Authors: Takahashi Yoshinori , He Haiyan , Tang Zhenyuan , Hattori Tatsuya , Liu Ying , Young Megan M. , Serfass Jacob M. , Chen Longgui , Gebru Melat , Chen Chong , Wills Carson A. , Atkinson Jennifer M. , Chen Han , Abraham Thomas , Wang Hong-Gang
Published: July 2018

The mechanism of phagophore closure remains unclear due to technical limitations in distinguishing unclosed and closed autophagosomal membranes. Here, we report the HaloTag-LC3 autophagosome completion assay that specifically detects phagophores, nascent autophagosomes, and mature autophagic structures. Using this assay, we identify the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-III component CHMP2A as a critical regulator of phagophore closure. During autophagy, CHMP2A translocates to the phagophore and regulates the separation of the inner and outer autophagosomal membranes to form double-membrane autophagosomes. Consistently, inhibition of the AAA-ATPase VPS4 activity impairs autophagosome completion. The ESCRT-mediated membrane abscission appears to be a critical step in forming functional autolysosomes by preventing mislocalization of lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 to the inner autophagosomal membrane. Collectively, our work reveals a function for the ESCRT machinery in the final step of autophagosome formation and provides a useful tool for quantitative analysis of autophagosome biogenesis and maturation.
Arc-like magmas generated by mélange-peridotite interaction in the mantle wedge
Authors: Codillo E. A. , Le Roux V. , Marschall H. R.
Published: July 2018

The mechanisms of transfer of crustal material from the subducting slab to the overlying mantle wedge are still debated. Mélange rocks, formed by mixing of sediments, oceanic crust, and ultramafics along the slab-mantle interface, are predicted to ascend as diapirs from the slab-top and transfer their compositional signatures to the source region of arc magmas. However, the compositions of melts that result from the interaction of mélanges with a peridotite wedge remain unknown. Here we present experimental evidence that melting of peridotite hybridized by mélanges produces melts that carry the major and trace element abundances observed in natural arc magmas. We propose that differences in nature and relative contributions of mélanges hybridizing the mantle produce a range of primary arc magmas, from tholeiitic to calc-alkaline. Thus, assimilation of mélanges into the wedge may play a key role in transferring subduction signatures from the slab to the source of arc magmas.
Retraction Note: Identification of a novel Na+-coupled Fe3+-citrate transport system, distinct from mammalian INDY, for uptake of citrate in mammalian cells
Authors: Ogura Jiro , Babu Ellappan , Miyauchi Seiji , Ramachandran Sabarish , Nemeth Elizebeta , Bhutia Yangzom D. , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: July 2018

This paper has been retracted at the request of the authors.
Gut Sphingolipid Composition as a Prelude to Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Rusconi B. , Jiang X. , Sidhu R. , Ory D. S. , Warner B. B. , Tarr P. I.
Published: July 2018

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major challenge in neonatology. Little is known about NEC pathophysiology apart from the presence of pre-event gut dysbiosis. Here, we applied broad range metabolomics to stools obtained 1–5 days before NEC developed from 9 cases (9 samples) and 19 (32 samples) controls matched for gestational age at birth and birth weight. The 764 identified metabolites identified six pathways that differ between cases and controls. We pursued sphingolipid metabolism because cases had decreased ceramides and increased sphingomyelins compared to controls, and because of the relevance of sphingolipids to human inflammatory disorders. Targeted analysis of samples from 23 cases and 46 controls confirmed the initial broad range observations. While metabolites provided only 73% accuracy of classification by machine learning, hierarchical clustering defined a sphingolipid associated grouping that contained 60% of the cases but only 13% of the controls, possibly identifying a pathophysiologically distinct subset of NEC. The clustering did not associate with any of the analyzed clinical and sample variables. We conclude that there are significant changes in sphingolipid metabolism components in pre-NEC stools compared to controls, but our data urge circumspection before using sphingolipids as broadly applicable predictive biomarkers.
Intestinal crypts recover rapidly from focal damage with coordinated motion of stem cells that is impaired by aging
Authors: Choi Jiahn , Rakhilin Nikolai , Gadamsetty Poornima , Joe Daniel J. , Tabrizian Tahmineh , Lipkin Steven M. , Huffman Derek M. , Shen Xiling , Nishimura Nozomi
Published: July 2018

Despite the continuous renewal and turnover of the small intestinal epithelium, the intestinal crypt maintains a ‘soccer ball-like’, alternating pattern of stem and Paneth cells at the base of the crypt. To study the robustness of the alternating pattern, we used intravital two-photon microscopy in mice with fluorescently-labeled Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells and precisely perturbed the mosaic pattern with femtosecond laser ablation. Ablation of one to three cells initiated rapid motion of crypt cells that restored the alternation in the pattern within about two hours with only the rearrangement of pre-existing cells, without any cell division. Crypt cells then performed a coordinated dilation of the crypt lumen, which resulted in peristalsis-like motion that forced damaged cells out of the crypt. Crypt cell motion was reduced with inhibition of the ROCK pathway and attenuated with old age, and both resulted in incomplete pattern recovery. This suggests that in addition to proliferation and self-renewal, motility of stem cells is critical for maintaining homeostasis. Reduction of this newly-identified behavior of stem cells could contribute to disease and age-related changes.
Assessment of DNA-PKcs kinase activity by quantum dot–based microarray
Authors: Lafont Florian , Ayadi Nizar , Charlier Cathy , Weigel Pierre , Nabiev Igor , Benhelli-Mokrani Houda , Fleury Fabrice
Published: July 2018

Therapeutic efficacy against cancer is often based on a variety of DNA lesions, including DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) which are repaired by homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways. In the past decade, the functions of the DNA repair proteins have been described as a potential mechanism of resistance in tumor cells. Therefore, the DNA repair proteins have become targets to improve the efficacy of anticancer therapy. Given the central role of DNA-PKcs in NHEJ, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting DNA-PKcs is frequently described as a strategy to prevent repair of treatment-induced DNA damage in cancer cells. The screening of a new inhibitor acting as a sensitizer requires the development of a high-throughput tool in order to identify and assess the most effective molecule. Here, we describe the elaboration of an antibody microarray dedicated to the NHEJ pathway that we used to evaluate the DNA-PKcs kinase activity in response to DNA damage. By combining a protein microarray with Quantum-Dot detection, we show that it is possible to follow the modification of phosphoproteomic cellular profiles induced by inhibitors during the response to DNA damage. Finally, we discuss the promising tool for screening kinase inhibitors and targeting DSB repair to improve cancer treatment.
Narrative and active video game in separate and additive effects of physical activity and cognitive function among young adults
Authors: Hwang Jungyun , Lu Amy Shirong
Published: July 2018

Physically active video games (AVGs) have been found to positively impact physical activity behaviors, especially when a narrative is added. However, the motivational and cognitive benefits of adding narrative to AVG are unclear. We examined the separate and additive effects of narrative and AVG on physical activity and cognitive function versus an active comparator, such as a sedentary video game (SVG). We randomly assigned young adults to one of four groups (narrative-AVG, AVG, narrative-SVG, or SVG) and had them complete sustained attention and working memory tasks before and after a 30-min experimental condition. Participants in both narrative-AVG and AVG groups achieved a moderate-intensity physical activity, while adding narrative to AVG resulted in higher step counts and more time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than AVG without narrative. Regardless of the narrative effect, participants in both AVG groups performed better on overall working memory than both SVG groups, while both AVG and SVG groups similarly achieved maximal performance in sustained attention. Working memory enhancement was positively correlated with increased heart rate. Participants in narrative-SVG group had a better response accuracy in working memory than those who played SVG without narrative. Taken together, adding narrative to AVG as a motivational component increased physical activity, which was the primary factor in the improvement of overall working memory.
3D Printed Microfluidic Probes
Authors: Brimmo Ayoola , Goyette Pierre-Alexandre , Alnemari Roaa , Gervais Thomas , Qasaimeh Mohammad A.
Published: July 2018

In this work, we fabricate microfluidic probes (MFPs) in a single step by stereolithographic 3D printing and benchmark their performance with standard MFPs fabricated via glass or silicon micromachining. Two research teams join forces to introduce two independent designs and fabrication protocols, using different equipment. Both strategies adopted are inexpensive and simple (they only require a stereolithography printer) and are highly customizable. Flow characterization is performed by reproducing previously published microfluidic dipolar and microfluidic quadrupolar reagent delivery profiles which are compared to the expected results from numerical simulations and scaling laws. Results show that, for most MFP applications, printer resolution artifacts have negligible impact on probe operation, reagent pattern formation, and cell staining results. Thus, any research group with a moderate resolution (≤100 µm) stereolithography printer will be able to fabricate the MFPs and use them for processing cells, or generating microfluidic concentration gradients. MFP fabrication involved glass and/or silicon micromachining, or polymer micromolding, in every previously published article on the topic. We therefore believe that 3D printed MFPs is poised to democratize this technology. We contribute to initiate this trend by making our CAD files available for the readers to test our “print & probe” approach using their own stereolithographic 3D printers.
High resolution low kV EBSD of heavily deformed and nanocrystalline Aluminium by dictionary-based indexing
Authors: Singh Saransh , Guo Yi , Winiarski Bartłomiej , Burnett Timothy L. , Withers Philip J. , De Graef Marc
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate the capability of a novel Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) dictionary indexing (DI) approach by means of orientation mapping of a highly deformed graded microstructure in a shot peened Aluminium 7075-T651 alloy. A low microscope accelerating voltage was used to extract, for the first time from a bulk sample, statistically significant orientation information from a region close to a shot crater, showing both recrystallized nano-grains and heavily deformed grains. We show that the robust nature of the DI method allows for faster acquisition of lower quality patterns, limited only by the camera hardware, compared to the acquisition speed and pattern quality required for the conventional Hough indexing (HI) approach. The proposed method paves the way for the quantitative and accurate EBSD characterization of heavily deformed microstructures at a sub-micrometer length scale in cases where the current indexing techniques largely fail.
Low-Temperature Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction Grown Anatase TiO2 Nanocrystalline Films for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cell and Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Ghule Balaji G. , Nakate Umesh T. , Shinde Pritamkumar V. , Ekar Satish U. , O’Dwyer Colm , Kim Kwang Ho , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: July 2018

A low-temperature (90 °C) and directly grown anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystalline film using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) for perovskite solar cell and gas sensor applications. TiO2 nanocrystalline electron transfer layer (ETL) improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells due to faster charge transport kinetics as well as slower charge recombination process. The optimized TiO2 nanocrystalline ETL (15 L) demonstrates as high as ~10% PCE with a short circuit current density of 18.0 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage of 0.81 V and fill factor of 66.3% in perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, room-temperature ammonia sensing characteristics of TiO2 nanocrystalline film (25 L) were  demonstrated for various concentration levels of ammonia in dry air conditions. A high room-temperature response of 80% was achieved at 100 ppm of ammonia with rapid response and recovery signatures of 30 and 85 s, and nearly fifteen days stability, respectively. The response of the sensor to other gases such as formaldehyde, petrol, ethanol acetone, and ammonia etc, indicated a high selectivity towards volatile organic compounds of ammonia gas. The room temperature operation, with high selectivity, repeatability and fast transition times, suggests potentially useful in flexible and cost-effective production in optoelectrochemical device technology.
Single crystal growth, optical absorption and luminescence properties under VUV-UV synchrotron excitation of type III Ce3+:KGd(PO3)4, a promising scintillator material
Authors: Adell Irina , Solé Rosa Maria , Pujol Maria Cinta , Lancry Matthieu , Ollier Nadège , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc
Published: July 2018

Scintillator materials have gained great interest for many applications, among which the medical applications stand out. Nowadays, the research is focused on finding new scintillator materials with properties that suit the needs of each application. In particular, for medical diagnosis a fast and intense response under high-energy radiation excitation is of great importance. Here, type III Ce3+-doped KGd(PO3)4 single crystals with high crystalline quality are grown and optically characterized as a new promising scintillator material. The 4f → 5d electronic transitions of Ce3+ are identified by optical absorption. The optical absorption cross section of Ce3+ for the electronic transition from the 2F5/2 to the 5d1 level is 370 × 10−20 cm2. The luminescence of KGd0.996Ce0.004(PO3)4 crystal by exciting the 5d levels of Ce3+ with VUV-UV synchrotron radiation shows down-shifting properties with strong emissions at 322 and 342 nm from the 5d1 to 2F5/2 and 2F7/2 levels of Ce3+ with a short decay time of ~16 ns, which is very suitable for scintillator applications. Moreover, these intense emissions are also observed when Gd3+ is excited since an energy transfer from Gd3+ to Ce3+ exists.
Correlative Detection of Isolated Single and Multi-Cellular Calcifications in the Internal Elastic Lamina of Human Coronary Artery Samples
Authors: Wen Han , Morales Martinez Alejandro , Miao Houxun , Larsen Thomas C. , Nguyen Catherine P. , Bennett Eric E. , Moorse Kellan P. , Yu Zu-Xi , Remaley Alan T. , Boehm Manfred , Gharib Ahmed M.
Published: July 2018

Histopathology protocols often require sectioning and processing of numerous microscopy slides to survey a sample. Trade-offs between workload and sampling density means that small features can be missed. Aiming to reduce the workload of routine histology protocols and the concern over missed pathology in skipped sections, we developed a prototype x-ray tomographic scanner dedicated to rapid scouting and identification of regions of interest in pathology specimens, thereby allowing targeted histopathology analysis to replace blanket searches. In coronary artery samples of a deceased HIV patient, the scanner, called Tomopath, obtained depth-resolved cross-sectional images at 15 µm resolution in a 15-minute scan, which guided the subsequent histological sectioning and microscopy. When compared to a commercial tabletop micro-CT scanner, the prototype provided several-fold contrast-to-noise ratio in 1/11th the scan time. Correlated tomographic and histological images revealed two types of micro calcifications: scattered loose calcifications typically found in atherosclerotic lesions; isolated focal calcifications in one or several cells in the internal elastic lamina and occasionally in the tunica media, which we speculate were the initiation of medial calcification linked to kidney disease, but rarely detected at this early stage due to their similarity to particle contaminants introduced during histological processing, if not for the evidence from the tomography scan prior to sectioning. Thus, in addition to its utility as a scouting tool, in this study it provided complementary information to histological microscopy. Overall, the prototype scanner represents a step toward a dedicated scouting and complementary imaging tool for routine use in pathology labs.
The alerting effect of the wake maintenance zone during 40 hours of sleep deprivation
Authors: Zeeuw Jan de , Wisniewski Sophia , Papakonstantinou Alexandra , Bes Frederik , Wahnschaffe Amely , Zaleska Mandy , Kunz Dieter , Münch Mirjam
Published: July 2018

Under entrained conditions, the accumulation of homeostatic sleep pressure in the evening is opposed by a strong circadian arousal signal prior to the dim light melatonin onset, called the Wake Maintenance Zone (WMZ). This study aimed at investigating the impact of the WMZ on different cognitive performance tests, as well as on subjective and objective sleepiness. Twelve young male participants completed a constant routine protocol with 40 h of extended wakefulness that included two WMZs. Cognitive tests and saliva samples were assessed hourly, while the electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded continuously. Participants improved in cognitive response inhibition during WMZ1 (13.5 h awake) and sustained attention during WMZ2 (37.5 h awake), but not in higher executive function tests. There were significant EEG power density reductions in the delta/theta frequency range during WMZ1 and in delta/theta, alpha, and sigma/beta ranges during WMZ2, with a greater change in the sigma/beta range during WMZ2 compared to WMZ1. EEG power reductions coincided during WMZ1 with stable subjective sleepiness and sustained attention. During WMZ2, EEG power reductions were more pronounced and coincided with improved sustained attention. Our results suggest the circadian arousal signal in the evening differently modulates cognitive functions and EEG power depending on the duration of prior wakefulness.
Coactivation of MEP-biosynthetic genes and accumulation of abietane diterpenes in Salvia sclarea by heterologous expression of WRKY and MYC2 transcription factors
Authors: Alfieri Mariaevelina , Vaccaro Maria Carmela , Cappetta Elisa , Ambrosone Alfredo , De Tommasi Nunziatina , Leone Antonietta
Published: July 2018

Plant abietane diterpenoids (e.g. aethiopinone, 1- oxoaethiopinone, salvipisone and ferruginol), synthesized in the roots of several Salvia spp, have antibacterial, antifungal, sedative and anti-proliferative properties. Recently we have reported that content of these compounds in S. sclarea hairy roots is strongly depending on transcriptional regulation of genes belonging to the plastidial MEP-dependent terpenoid pathway, from which they mostly derive. To boost the synthesis of this interesting class of compounds, heterologous AtWRKY18, AtWRKY40, and AtMYC2 TFs were overexpressed in S. sclarea hairy roots and proved to regulate in a coordinated manner the expression of several genes encoding enzymes of the MEP-dependent pathway, especially DXS, DXR, GGPPS and CPPS. The content of total abietane diterpenes was enhanced in all overexpressing lines, although in a variable manner due to a negative pleiotropic effect on HR growth. Interestingly, in the best performing HR lines overexpressing the AtWRKY40 TF induced a significant 4-fold increase in the final yield of aethiopinone, for which we have reported an interesting anti-proliferative activity against resistant melanoma cells. The present results are also informative and instrumental to enhance the synthesis of abietane diterpenes derived from the plastidial MEP-derived terpenoid pathway in other Salvia species.
Detection of alpha radionuclides in air from patients during Ra-223 alpha radionuclide therapy
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Kato Katsuhiko , Fujita Naotoshi , Yamashita Masato , Nishimoto Takuya , Kameyama Hiroshi , Abe Shinji
Published: July 2018

Ra-223 has recently been introduced to alpha radionuclide therapy. According to the decay scheme of Ra-223, an inert gas, Rn-219 is released from patients during alpha radionuclide therapy and its daughter radionuclides may accumulate around the patient. However, the concentration of these radon daughters during alpha radionuclide therapy was not obvious. Here, we first detected the radon daughters of Rn-219 around patients during alpha radionuclide therapy. While the Ra-223-administered patients were in a room for ~1.5 hours, the radon daughter concentration increased to 4 to 5 times higher than without the patients. When the patients were in the room, the energy spectra of the alpha particles in the air showed the peak of the radon daughter of Rn-219, Bi-211 (6.6 MeV), which was different from that without the patients. We conclude that the daughter radionuclides of Rn-219 are accumulated around the patient, and the concentration was higher than that of the natural radon daughters. However, the increase in levels of alpha emitters, while detectable, is lower than the daily variations and thus is likely not a source of concern for radiation exposure.
Controlled communication between physically separated bacterial populations in a microfluidic device
Authors: Osmekhina Ekaterina , Jonkergouw Christopher , Schmidt Georg , Jahangiri Farzin , Jokinen Ville , Franssila Sami , Linder Markus B.
Published: July 2018

The engineering of microbial systems increasingly strives to achieve a co-existence and co-functioning of different populations. By creating interactions, one can utilize combinations of cells where each population has a specialized function, such as regulation or sharing of metabolic burden. Here we describe a microfluidic system that enables long-term and independent growth of fixed and distinctly separate microbial populations, while allowing communication through a thin nano-cellulose filter. Using quorum-sensing signaling, we can couple the populations and show that this leads to a rapid and stable connection over long periods of time. We continue to show that this control over communication can be utilized to drive nonlinear responses. The coupling of separate populations, standardized interaction, and context-independent function lay the foundation for the construction of increasingly complex community-wide dynamic genetic regulatory mechanisms.
Controlling the phase and morphology of amorphous Se nanoparticles: their prolonged stabilization and anticancer efficacy
Authors: Guleria Apurav , Chakraborty Snigdha , Neogy Suman , Maurya Dharmendra K. , Adhikari Soumyakanti
Published: July 2018

Resolving issues related to the synthesis and stabilization of amorphous selenium nanoparticles: recycling of a matrix and promising biological applications.
Role of transition metals in a charge transfer mechanism and oxygen removal in Li1.17Ni0.17Mn0.5Co0.17O2: experimental and first-principles analysis
Authors: Sarkar Tanmay , Prakasha Kunkanadu R. , Bharadwaj Mridula Dixit , Prakash Annigere S.
Published: July 2018

First principles calculations based on density functional theory were performed to understand the charge transfer mechanism and oxygen binding energy in Li1.17Ni0.17Mn0.5Co0.17O2.
fvs-Si48: a direct bandgap silicon allotrope
Authors: Hu Menglei , Wang Ziao , Xu Yanheng , Liang Jiechun , Li Jiagen , Zhu Xi
Published: July 2018

A structurally stable silicon allotrope is predicted by means of first principles calculations.
Pinpointing the active species of the Cu(DAT) catalyzed oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: van Dijk Bas , Hofmann Jan P. , Hetterscheid Dennis G. H.
Published: July 2018

The activity of the 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole copper system for the oxygen reduction reaction was found to originate from an electrodeposition rather than the parent complex.
How accurate are static polarizability predictions from density functional theory? An assessment over 132 species at equilibrium geometry
Authors: Hait Diptarka , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: July 2018

Static polarizabilities are the first response of the electron density to electric fields, and offer a formally exact measure of the accuracy of excited states. We have developed a benchmark database of polarizabilities and have assessed the performance of 60 popular and recent functionals in predicting them.
Mechanistic insights into hydrodeoxygenation of phenol on bimetallic phosphide catalysts
Authors: Jain Varsha , Bonita Yolanda , Brown Alicia , Taconi Anna , Hicks Jason C. , Rai Neeraj
Published: July 2018

Different binding modes of the reactant on different catalysts determine the hydrodeoxygenation selectivity.