bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasticity During Short-Term Visual Deprivation
Authors: Brodoehl Stefan , Klingner Carsten , Schaller Denise , Witte Otto W.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. During everyday experiences, people sometimes close their eyes to better understand spoken words, to listen to music, or when touching textures and objects. A plausible explanation for this observation is that a reversible loss of vision changes the perceptual function of the remaining non-deprived sensory modalities. Within this work, we discuss general aspects of the effects of visual deprivation on the perceptual performance of the non-deprived sensory modalities with a focus on the time dependency of these modifications. In light of ambiguous findings concerning the effects of short-term visual deprivation and because recent literature provides evidence that the act of blindfolding can change the function of the non-deprived senses within seconds, we performed additional psychophysiological and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis to provide new insight into this matter. Eye closure for several seconds led to a substantial impact on tactile perception probably caused by an unmasking of preformed neuronal pathways.
Impairment of Brain Plasticity by Brain Inflammation
Authors: Witte Otto W. , Kossut Malgorzata
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The ability to learn and the ability to reshape brain circuits are regarded as some of the most remarkable and important features of the brain. This ability declines with age due to largely unknown reasons, and it also is altered following stroke. Brain aging is associated with a progressive increase of the levels of inflammatory cytokine in the brain. Likewise, stroke causes pronounced increases of inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Following stroke, plasticity of the cortical representation following sensory deprivation and visualized with [14C]-2-deoxyglucose autoradiography is impaired for several weeks. Likewise, plasticity of visual acuity induced by occlusion of the ipsilateral eye is impaired. Both forms of plasticity may be rescued by treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. In contrast to this, ocular dominance plasticity which is also induced by visual occlusion is not rescued by this intervention, neither following stroke nor in aged brains. Antiinflammatory interventions may therefore be a useful tool to enhance brain plasticity following stroke, but need to be supplemented by additional strategies to enhance brain plasticity.
A population-based study of large granular lymphocyte leukemia
Authors: Shah M V , Hook C C , Call T G , Go R S
Published: August 2016

Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a lymphoproliferative disorder of cytotoxic cells. T-cell LGL (T-LGL) leukemia is characterized by accumulation of cytotoxic T cells in blood and infiltration of the bone marrow, liver or spleen. Population-based studies have not been reported in LGL leukemia. We present clinical characteristics, natural history and risk factors for poor survival in patients with LGL leukemia using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) and the United States National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). LGL leukemia is an extremely rare disease with the incidence of 0.2 cases per 1 000 000 individuals. The median age at diagnosis was 66.5 years with females likely to be diagnosed at 3 years earlier compared with males. Analysis of patient-level data using NCDB (n=978) showed that 45% patients with T-LGL leukemia required some form of systemic treatment at the time of diagnosis. T-LGL leukemia patients have reduced survival compared with general population, with a median overall survival of 9 years. Multivariate analysis showed that age >60 years at the time of diagnosis and the presence of significant comorbidities were independent predictors of poor survival.
Endothelial PDGF-CC regulates angiogenesis-dependent thermogenesis in beige fat
Authors: Seki Takahiro , Hosaka Kayoko , Lim Sharon , Fischer Carina , Honek Jennifer , Yang Yunlong , Andersson Patrik , Nakamura Masaki , Näslund Erik , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Sun Meili , Iwamoto Hideki , Li Xuri , Liu Yizhi , Samani Nilesh J. , Cao Yihai
Published: August 2016

Cold- and β3-adrenoceptor agonist-induced sympathetic activation leads to angiogenesis and UCP1-dependent thermogenesis in mouse brown and white adipose tissues. Here we show that endothelial production of PDGF-CC during white adipose tissue (WAT) angiogenesis regulates WAT browning. We find that genetic deletion of endothelial VEGFR2, knockout of the Pdgf-c gene or pharmacological blockade of PDGFR-α impair the WAT-beige transition. We further show that PDGF-CC stimulation upregulates UCP1 expression and acquisition of a beige phenotype in differentiated mouse WAT-PDGFR-α+ progenitor cells, as well as in human WAT-PDGFR-α+ adipocytes, supporting the physiological relevance of our findings. Our data reveal a paracrine mechanism by which angiogenic endothelial cells modulate adipocyte metabolism, which may provide new targets for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Sec16 alternative splicing dynamically controls COPII transport efficiency
Authors: Wilhelmi Ilka , Kanski Regina , Neumann Alexander , Herdt Olga , Hoff Florian , Jacob Ralf , Preußner Marco , Heyd Florian
Published: August 2016

The transport of secretory proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi depends on COPII-coated vesicles. While the basic principles of the COPII machinery have been identified, it remains largely unknown how COPII transport is regulated to accommodate tissue- or activation-specific differences in cargo load and identity. Here we show that activation-induced alternative splicing of Sec16 controls adaptation of COPII transport to increased secretory cargo upon T-cell activation. Using splice-site blocking morpholinos and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering, we show that the number of ER exit sites, COPII dynamics and transport efficiency depend on Sec16 alternative splicing. As the mechanistic basis, we suggest the C-terminal Sec16 domain to be a splicing-controlled protein interaction platform, with individual isoforms showing differential abilities to recruit COPII components. Our work connects the COPII pathway with alternative splicing, adding a new regulatory layer to protein secretion and its adaptation to changing cellular environments.
Single-electron induced surface plasmons on a topological nanoparticle
Authors: Siroki G. , Lee D.K.K. , Haynes P. D. , Giannini V.
Published: August 2016

It is rarely the case that a single electron affects the behaviour of several hundred thousands of atoms. Here we demonstrate a phenomenon where this happens. The key role is played by topological insulators—materials that have surface states protected by time-reversal symmetry. Such states are delocalized over the surface and are immune to its imperfections in contrast to ordinary insulators. For topological insulators, the effects of these surface states will be more strongly pronounced in the case of nanoparticles. Here we show that under the influence of light a single electron in a topologically protected surface state creates a surface charge density similar to a plasmon in a metallic nanoparticle. Such an electron can act as a screening layer, which suppresses absorption inside the particle. In addition, it can couple phonons and light, giving rise to a previously unreported topological particle polariton mode. These effects may be useful in the areas of plasmonics, cavity electrodynamics and quantum information.
Integrated plasmonic circuitry on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting semiconductor laser platform
Authors: McPolin Cillian P. T. , Bouillard Jean-Sebastien , Vilain Sebastien , Krasavin Alexey V. , Dickson Wayne , O’Connor Daniel , Wurtz Gregory A. , Justice John , Corbett Brian , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: August 2016

Integrated plasmonic sources and detectors are imperative in the practical development of plasmonic circuitry for bio- and chemical sensing, nanoscale optical information processing, as well as transducers for high-density optical data storage. Here we show that vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) can be employed as an on-chip, electrically pumped source or detector of plasmonic signals, when operated in forward or reverse bias, respectively. To this end, we experimentally demonstrate surface plasmon polariton excitation, waveguiding, frequency conversion and detection on a VCSEL-based plasmonic platform. The coupling efficiency of the VCSEL emission to waveguided surface plasmon polariton modes has been optimized using asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures. The plasmonic VCSEL platform validated here is a viable solution for practical realizations of plasmonic functionalities for various applications, such as those requiring sub-wavelength field confinement, refractive index sensitivity or optical near-field transduction with electrically driven sources, thus enabling the realization of on-chip optical communication and lab-on-a-chip devices.
Enhanced spin–orbit coupling in core/shell nanowires
Authors: Furthmeier Stephan , Dirnberger Florian , Gmitra Martin , Bayer Andreas , Forsch Moritz , Hubmann Joachim , Schüller Christian , Reiger Elisabeth , Fabian Jaroslav , Korn Tobias , Bougeard Dominique
Published: August 2016

The spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in semiconductors is strongly influenced by structural asymmetries, as prominently observed in bulk crystal structures that lack inversion symmetry. Here we study an additional effect on the SOC: the asymmetry induced by the large interface area between a nanowire core and its surrounding shell. Our experiments on purely wurtzite GaAs/AlGaAs core/shell nanowires demonstrate optical spin injection into a single free-standing nanowire and determine the effective electron g-factor of the hexagonal GaAs wurtzite phase. The spin relaxation is highly anisotropic in time-resolved micro-photoluminescence measurements on single nanowires, showing a significant increase of spin relaxation in external magnetic fields. This behaviour is counterintuitive compared with bulk wurtzite crystals. We present a model for the observed electron spin dynamics highlighting the dominant role of the interface-induced SOC in these core/shell nanowires. This enhanced SOC may represent an interesting tuning parameter for the implementation of spin–orbitronic concepts in semiconductor-based structures.
Global Expressions Landscape of NAC Transcription Factor Family and Their Responses to Abiotic Stresses in Citrullus lanatus
Authors: Lv Xiaolong , Lan Shanrong , Guy Kateta Malangisha , Yang Jinghua , Zhang Mingfang , Hu Zhongyuan
Published: August 2016

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one xerophyte that has relative higher tolerance to drought and salt stresses as well as more sensitivity to cold stress, compared with most model plants. These characteristics facilitate it a potential model crop for researches on salt, drought or cold tolerance. In this study, a genome-wide comprehensive analysis of the ClNAC transcription factor (TF) family was carried out for the first time, to investigate their transcriptional profiles and potential functions in response to these abiotic stresses. The expression profiling analysis reveals that several NAC TFs are highly responsive to abiotic stresses and development, for instance, subfamily IV NACs may play roles in maintaining water status under drought or salt conditions, as well as water and metabolites conduction and translocation toward fruit. In contrast, rapid and negative responses of most of the ClNACs to low-temperature adversity may be related to the sensitivity to cold stress. Crosstalks among these abiotic stresses and hormone (abscisic acid and jasmonic acid) pathways were also discussed based on the expression of ClNAC genes. Our results will provide useful insights for the functional mining of NAC family in watermelon, as well as into the mechanisms underlying abiotic tolerance in other cash crops.
Mixing positive and negative valence: Affective-semantic integration of bivalent words
Authors: Kuhlmann Michael , Hofmann Markus J. , Briesemeister Benny B. , Jacobs Arthur M.
Published: August 2016

Single words have affective and aesthetic properties that influence their processing. Here we investigated the processing of a special case of word stimuli that are extremely difficult to evaluate, bivalent noun-noun-compounds (NNCs), i.e. novel words that mix a positive and negative noun, e.g. ‘Bombensex’ (bomb-sex). In a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment we compared their processing with easier-to-evaluate non-bivalent NNCs in a valence decision task (VDT). Bivalent NNCs produced longer reaction times and elicited greater activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) than non-bivalent words, especially in contrast to words of negative valence. We attribute this effect to a LIFG-grounded process of semantic integration that requires greater effort for processing converse information, supporting the notion of a valence representation based on associations in semantic networks.
Simultaneous targeted activation of Notch1 and Vhl-disruption in the kidney proximal epithelial tubular cells in mice
Authors: Johansson Elinn , Rönö Birgitte , Johansson Martin , Lindgren David , Möller Christina , Axelson Håkan , Smith Emma M. K.
Published: August 2016

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer, representing approximately 75% of all renal neoplasms. ccRCC is known to be strongly associated with silencing of the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene, yet VHL deficiency alone does not seem to be sufficient to drive the oncogenic transformation of normal renal epithelium and induce renal tumorigenesis. We, and others, have previously suggested that constitutive activation of the Notch signaling pathway, alongside with VHL loss, contribute to the oncogenic features of ccRCC. Here we report a prevailing hyperactivation of the Notch1 receptor in human ccRCC relative to the healthy counterpart. To explore the consequences of the elevated Notch1 signaling observed in ccRCC patient material, we made use of a conditional mouse model based on concurrent ectopic expression of constitutively active Notch1 (NICD1) and deletion of the Vhl gene. Histological examination of the kidneys of the conditional mice demonstrate the existence of nests of dysplastic cells with a clear cytoplasm as a consequence of lipid accumulation, thus displaying a one important hallmark of human ccRCC.
PKM2 enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin through interaction with the mTOR pathway in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Wu Jun , Zhang Wenwen , Luo Hui , Shen Zhaojun , Cheng Huihui , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: August 2016

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key driver of aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells and has been shown to be up-regulated by mTORin vitro. Our previous proteomic profiling studies showed that PKM2 was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Whether PKM2 expression predicts cisplatin-based NACT sensitivity and is mTOR dependent in cervical cancer patients remains unclear. Using paired tumor samples (pre- and post-chemotherapy) from 36 cervical cancer patients, we examined mTOR, HIF-1α, c-Myc and PKM2 expression in cervical cancer samples and investigated the response to cisplatin-based NACT. In addition, we established PKM2 suppressed cervical cancer cell lines and evaluated their sensitivity to cisplatinin vitro. We found that the mTOR/HIF-1α/c-Myc/PKM2 signaling pathway was significantly downregulated in post-chemotherapy cervical cancer tissues. High levels of mTOR, HIF-1α, c-Myc and PKM2 were associated with a positive chemotherapy response in cervical cancer patients treated with cisplatin-based NACT.In vitro, PKM2 knockdown desensitized cervical cancer cells to cisplatin. Moreover, PKM2 had complex interactions with mTOR pathways. mTOR, HIF1α, c-Myc and PKM2 expression in cervical cancer may serve as predictive biomarkers to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. PKM2 enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin through interaction with the mTOR pathway in cervical cancer.
Large-area, continuous and high electrical performances of bilayer to few layers MoS2 fabricated by RF sputtering via post-deposition annealing method
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Singh Jai , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Singh Arun Kumar , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Kumar Pushpendra , Choi Dong-Chul , Song Wooseok , An Ki-Seok , Eom Jonghwa , Lee Wan-Gyu , Jung Jongwan
Published: August 2016

We report a simple and mass-scalable approach for thin MoS2 films via RF sputtering combined with the post-deposition annealing process. We have prepared as-sputtered film using a MoS2 target in the sputtering system. The as-sputtered film was subjected to post-deposition annealing to improve crystalline quality at 700 °C in a sulfur and argon environment. The analysis confirmed the growth of continuous bilayer to few-layer MoS2 film. The mobility value of ~29 cm2/Vs and current on/off ratio on the order of ~104 were obtained for bilayer MoS2. The mobility increased up to ~173–181 cm2/Vs, respectively, for few-layer MoS2. The mobility of our bilayer MoS2 FETs is larger than any previously reported values of single to bilayer MoS2 grown on SiO2/Si substrate with a SiO2 gate oxide. Moreover, our few-layer MoS2 FETs exhibited the highest mobility value ever reported for any MoS2 FETs with a SiO2 gate oxide. It is presumed that the high mobility behavior of our film could be attributed to low charged impurities of our film and dielectric screening effect by an interfacial MoOxSiy layer. The combined preparation route of RF sputtering and post-deposition annealing process opens up the novel possibility of mass and batch production of MoS2 film.
Human native kappa opioid receptor functions not predicted by recombinant receptors: Implications for drug design
Authors: Broad John , Maurel Damien , Kung Victor W. S. , Hicks Gareth A. , Schemann Michael , Barnes Michael R. , Kenakin Terrence P. , Granier Sébastien , Sanger Gareth J.
Published: August 2016

If activation of recombinant G protein-coupled receptors in host cells (by drugs or other ligands) has predictive value, similar data must be obtained with native receptors naturally expressed in tissues. Using mouse and human recombinant κ opioid receptors transfected into a host cell, two selectively-acting compounds (ICI204448, asimadoline) equi-effectively activated both receptors, assessed by measuring two different cell signalling pathways which were equally affected without evidence of bias. In mouse intestine, naturally expressing κ receptors within its nervous system, both compounds also equi-effectively activated the receptor, inhibiting nerve-mediated muscle contraction. However, whereas ICI204448 acted similarly in human intestine, where κ receptors are again expressed within its nervous system, asimadoline was inhibitory only at very high concentrations; instead, low concentrations of asimadoline reduced the activity of ICI204448. This demonstration of species-dependence in activation of native, not recombinant κ receptors may be explained by different mouse/human receptor structures affecting receptor expression and/or interactions with intracellular signalling pathways in native environments, to reveal differences in intrinsic efficacy between receptor agonists. These results have profound implications in drug design for κ and perhaps other receptors, in terms of recombinant-to-native receptor translation, species-dependency and possibly, a need to use human, therapeutically-relevant, not surrogate tissues.
Detecting the Collapse of Cooperation in Evolving Networks
Authors: Cavaliere Matteo , Yang Guoli , Danos Vincent , Dakos Vasilis
Published: August 2016

The sustainability of biological, social, economic and ecological communities is often determined by the outcome of social conflicts between cooperative and selfish individuals (cheaters). Cheaters avoid the cost of contributing to the community and can occasionally spread in the population leading to the complete collapse of cooperation. Although such collapse often unfolds unexpectedly, it is unclear whether one can detect the risk of cheater’s invasions and loss of cooperation in an evolving community. Here, we combine dynamical networks and evolutionary game theory to study the abrupt loss of cooperation with tools for studying critical transitions. We estimate the risk of cooperation collapse following the introduction of a single cheater under gradually changing conditions. We observe an increase in the average time it takes for cheaters to be eliminated from the community as the risk of collapse increases. We argue that such slow system response resembles slowing down in recovery rates prior to a critical transition. In addition, we show how changes in community structure reflect the risk of cooperation collapse. We find that these changes strongly depend on the mechanism that governs how cheaters evolve in the community. Our results highlight novel directions for detecting abrupt transitions in evolving networks.
All-optical transistor- and diode-action and logic gates based on anisotropic nonlinear responsive liquid crystal
Authors: Wang Cheng-Yu , Chen Chun-Wei , Jau Hung-Chang , Li Cheng-Chang , Cheng Chiao-Yu , Wang Chun-Ta , Leng Shi-Ee , Khoo Iam-Choon , Lin Tsung-Hsien
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we show that anisotropic photosensitive nematic liquid crystals (PNLC) made by incorporating anisotropic absorbing dyes are promising candidates for constructing all-optical elements by virtue of the extraordinarily large optical nonlinearity of the nematic host. In particular, we have demonstrated several room-temperature ‘prototype’ PNLC-based all-optical devices such as optical diode, optical transistor and all primary logic gate operations (OR, AND, NOT) based on such optical transistor. Owing to the anisotropic absorption property and the optical activity of the twist alignment nematic cell, spatially non-reciprocal transmission response can be obtained within a sizeable optical isolation region of ~210 mW. Exploiting the same mechanisms, a tri-terminal configuration as an all-optical analogue of a bipolar junction transistor is fabricated. Its ability to be switched by an optical field enables us to realize an all-optical transistor and demonstrate cascadability, signal fan-out, logic restoration and various logical gate operations such as OR, AND and NOT. Due to the possibility of synthesizing anisotropic dyes and wide ranging choice of liquid crystals nonlinear optical mechanisms, these all-optical operations can be optimized to have much lower thresholds and faster response speeds. The demonstrated capabilities of these devices have shown great potential in all-optical control system and photonic integrated circuits.
Neuronal cholesterol metabolism increases dendritic outgrowth and synaptic markers via a concerted action of GGTase-I and Trk
Authors: Moutinho Miguel , Nunes Maria João , Correia Jorge C. , Gama Maria João , Castro-Caldas Margarida , Cedazo-Minguez Angel , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Björkhem Ingemar , Ruas Jorge L , Rodrigues Elsa
Published: August 2016

Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) is responsible for brain cholesterol elimination and therefore plays a crucial role in the control of brain cholesterol homeostasis. Altered CYP46A1 expression has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and changes in cognition. Since CYP46A1 activates small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins (sGTPases), we hypothesized that CYP46A1 might be affecting neuronal development and function by activating tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptors and promoting geranylgeranyl transferase-I (GGTase-I) prenylation activity. Our results show that CYP46A1 triggers an increase in neuronal dendritic outgrowth and dendritic protrusion density and elicits an increase of synaptic proteins in the crude synaptosomal fraction. Strikingly, all of these effects are abolished by pharmacological inhibition of GGTase-I activity. Furthermore, CYP46A1 increases Trk phosphorylation, its interaction with GGTase-I and the activity of GGTase-I, which is crucial for the enhanced dendritic outgrowth. Cholesterol supplementation studies indicate that cholesterol reduction by CYP46A1 is the necessary trigger for these effects. These results were confirmed in vivo, with a significant increase of p-Trk, pre- and postsynaptic proteins, Rac1 and decreased cholesterol levels, in crude synaptosomal fractions prepared from CYP46A1 transgenic mouse cortex. This work describes the molecular mechanisms by which neuronal cholesterol metabolism effectively modulates neuronal outgrowth and synaptic markers.
Consciousness and cortical responsiveness: a within-state study during non-rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Nieminen Jaakko O. , Gosseries Olivia , Massimini Marcello , Saad Elyana , Sheldon Andrew D. , Boly Melanie , Siclari Francesca , Postle Bradley R. , Tononi Giulio
Published: August 2016

When subjects become unconscious, there is a characteristic change in the way the cerebral cortex responds to perturbations, as can be assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS–EEG). For instance, compared to wakefulness, during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep TMS elicits a larger positive–negative wave, fewer phase-locked oscillations and an overall simpler response. However, many physiological variables also change when subjects go from wake to sleep, anesthesia, or coma. To avoid these confounding factors, we focused on NREM sleep only and measured TMS-evoked EEG responses before awakening the subjects and asking them if they had been conscious (dreaming) or not. As shown here, when subjects reported no conscious experience upon awakening, TMS evoked a larger negative deflection and a shorter phase-locked response compared to when they reported a dream. Moreover, the amplitude of the negative deflection—a hallmark of neuronal bistability according to intracranial studies—was inversely correlated with the length of the dream report (i.e., total word count). These findings suggest that variations in the level of consciousness within the same physiological state are associated with changes in the underlying bistability in cortical circuits.
Small angle x-ray scattering with edge-illumination
Authors: Modregger Peter , Cremona Tiziana P. , Benarafa Charaf , Schittny Johannes C. , Olivo Alessandro , Endrizzi Marco
Published: August 2016

Sensitivity to sub-pixel sample features has been demonstrated as a valuable capability of phase contrast x-ray imaging. Here, we report on a method to obtain angular-resolved small angle x-ray scattering distributions with edge-illumination- based imaging utilizing incoherent illumination from an x-ray tube. Our approach provides both the three established image modalities (absorption, differential phase and scatter strength), plus a number of additional contrasts related to unresolved sample features. The complementarity of these contrasts is experimentally validated by using different materials in powder form. As a significant application example we show that the extended complementary contrasts could allow the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema in a murine model. In support of this, we demonstrate that the properties of the retrieved scattering distributions are consistent with the expectation of increased feature sizes related to pulmonary emphysema. Combined with the simplicity of implementation of edge-illumination, these findings suggest a high potential for exploiting extended sub-pixel contrasts in the diagnosis of lung diseases and beyond.
Simulated Microgravity and 3D Culture Enhance Induction, Viability, Proliferation and Differentiation of Cardiac Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Jha Rajneesh , Wu Qingling , Singh Monalisa , Preininger Marcela K. , Han Pengcheng , Ding Gouliang , Cho Hee Cheol , Jo Hanjoong , Maher Kevin O. , Wagner Mary B. , Xu Chunhui
Published: August 2016

Efficient generation of cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells is critical for their regenerative applications. Microgravity and 3D culture can profoundly modulate cell proliferation and survival. Here, we engineered microscale progenitor cardiac spheres from human pluripotent stem cells and exposed the spheres to simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine for 3 days during their differentiation to cardiomyocytes. This process resulted in the production of highly enriched cardiomyocytes (99% purity) with high viability (90%) and expected functional properties, with a 1.5 to 4-fold higher yield of cardiomyocytes from each undifferentiated stem cell as compared with 3D-standard gravity culture. Increased induction, proliferation and viability of cardiac progenitors as well as up-regulation of genes associated with proliferation and survival at the early stage of differentiation were observed in the 3D culture under simulated microgravity. Therefore, a combination of 3D culture and simulated microgravity can be used to efficiently generate highly enriched cardiomyocytes.
Size dependent microbial oxidation and reduction of magnetite nano- and micro-particles
Authors: Byrne James M. , van der Laan Gerrit , Figueroa Adriana I. , Qafoku Odeta , Wang Chongmin , Pearce Carolyn I. , Jackson Michael , Feinberg Joshua , Rosso Kevin M. , Kappler Andreas
Published: August 2016

The ability for magnetite to act as a recyclable electron donor and acceptor for Fe-metabolizing bacteria has recently been shown. However, it remains poorly understood whether microbe-mineral interfacial electron transfer processes are limited by the redox capacity of the magnetite surface or that of whole particles. Here we examine this issue for the phototrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 and the Fe(III)-reducing bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens, comparing magnetite nanoparticles (d ≈ 12 nm) against microparticles (d ≈ 100–200 nm). By integrating surface-sensitive and bulk-sensitive measurement techniques we observed a particle surface that was enriched in Fe(II) with respect to a more oxidized core. This enables microbial Fe(II) oxidation to occur relatively easily at the surface of the mineral suggesting that the electron transfer is dependent upon particle size. However, microbial Fe(III) reduction proceeds via conduction of electrons into the particle interior, i.e. it can be considered as more of a bulk electron transfer process that is independent of particle size. The finding has potential implications on the ability of magnetite to be used for long range electron transport in soils and sediments.
Two-photon excited fluorescence of intrinsic fluorophores enables label-free assessment of adipose tissue function
Authors: Alonzo Carlo Amadeo , Karaliota Sevasti , Pouli Dimitra , Liu Zhiyi , Karalis Katia P. , Georgakoudi Irene
Published: August 2016

Current methods for evaluating adipose tissue function are destructive or have low spatial resolution. These limit our ability to assess dynamic changes and heterogeneous responses that occur in healthy or diseased subjects, or during treatment. Here, we demonstrate that intrinsic two-photon excited fluorescence enables functional imaging of adipocyte metabolism with subcellular resolution. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence from intracellular metabolic co-factors and lipid droplets can distinguish the functional states of excised white, brown and cold-induced beige fat. Similar optical changes are identified when white and brown fat are assessed in vivo. Therefore, these studies establish the potential of non-invasive, high resolution, endogenous contrast, two-photon imaging to identify distinct adipose tissue types, monitor their functional state and characterize heterogeneity of induced responses.
BMP7 retards peripheral myelination by activating p38 MAPK in Schwann cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhao Yahong , Peng Su , Zhang Shuqiang , Wang Meihong , Chen Yeyue , Zhang Shan , Yang Yumin , Sun Cheng
Published: August 2016

Schwann cell (SC) myelination is pivotal for the proper physiological functioning of the nervous system, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains less well understood. Here, we showed that the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) inversely correlates with myelin gene expression during peripheral myelination, which suggests that BMP7 is likely a negative regulator for myelin gene expression. Our experiments further showed that the application of BMP7 attenuates the cAMP induced myelin gene expression in SCs. Downstream pathway analysis suggested that both p38 MAPK and SMAD are activated by exogenous BMP7 in SCs. The pharmacological intervention and gene silence studies revealed that p38 MAPK, not SMAD, is responsible for BMP7-mediated suppression of myelin gene expression. In addition, c-Jun, a potential negative regulator for peripheral myelination, was up-regulated by BMP7. In vivo experiments showed that BMP7 treatment greatly impaired peripheral myelination in newborn rats. Together, our results established that BMP7 is a negative regulator for peripheral myelin gene expression and that p38 MAPK/c-Jun axis might be the main downstream target of BMP7 in this process.
Annexin A4-nuclear factor-κB feedback circuit regulates cell malignant behavior and tumor growth in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Yao Hou-Shan , Sun Chang , Li Xin-Xing , Wang Yi , Jin Kai-Zhou , Zhang Xiao-Ping , Hu Zhi-Qian
Published: August 2016

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary system. However, the mechanisms underlying its tumor initiation, progression and metastasis are not yet fully understood. The annexin A4 (ANXA4) gene is highly expressed in GBC tissues and may play an important role in the initiation and progression of this disease. In this study, we examined the up-regulation ofANXA4in human GBC tissues and cell lines. Elevated ANXA4 correlated well with invasion depth in GBC patients and predicted a poor prognosis.In vitro, GBC-SD and NOZ cells withANXA4knockdown demonstrated increased apoptosis and inhibited cell growth, migration and invasion. Interactions between ANXA4 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins were detected.In vivo,ANXA4knockdown inhibited tumor growth of GBC cells in nude mice and down-regulated the expression of downstream factors in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these data indicate that up-regulation ofANXA4leads to activation of the NF-κB pathway and its target genes in a feedback regulatory mechanism via the p65 subunit, resulting in tumor growth in GBC.
H/KDEL receptors mediate host cell intoxication by a viral A/B toxin in yeast
Authors: Becker Björn , Blum Andrea , Gießelmann Esther , Dausend Julia , Rammo Domenik , Müller Nina C. , Tschacksch Emilia , Steimer Miriam , Spindler Jenny , Becherer Ute , Rettig Jens , Breinig Frank , Schmitt Manfred J.
Published: August 2016

A/B toxins such as cholera toxin, Pseudomonas exotoxin and killer toxin K28 contain a KDEL-like amino acid motif at one of their subunits which ensures retrograde toxin transport through the secretory pathway of a target cell. As key step in host cell invasion, each toxin binds to distinct plasma membrane receptors that are utilized for cell entry. Despite intensive efforts, some of these receptors are still unknown. Here we identify the yeast H/KDEL receptor Erd2p as membrane receptor of K28, a viral A/B toxin carrying an HDEL motif at its cell binding β-subunit. While initial toxin binding to the yeast cell wall is unaffected in cells lacking Erd2p, binding to spheroplasts and in vivo toxicity strongly depend on the presence of Erd2p. Consistently, Erd2p is not restricted to membranes of the early secretory pathway but extends to the plasma membrane where it binds and internalizes HDEL-cargo such as K28 toxin, GFPHDEL and Kar2p. Since human KDEL receptors are fully functional in yeast and restore toxin sensitivity in the absence of endogenous Erd2p, toxin uptake by H/KDEL receptors at the cell surface might likewise contribute to the intoxication efficiency of A/B toxins carrying a KDEL-motif at their cytotoxic A-subunit(s).
MoS2 memristor with photoresistive switching
Authors: Wang Wei , Panin Gennady N. , Fu Xiao , Zhang Lei , Ilanchezhiyan P. , Pelenovich Vasiliy O. , Fu Dejun , Kang Tae Won
Published: August 2016

A MoS2nanosphere memristor with lateral gold electrodes was found to show photoresistive switching. The new device can be controlled by the polarization of nanospheres, which causes resistance switching in an electric field in the dark or under white light illumination. The polarization charge allows to change the switching voltage of the photomemristor, providing its multi-level operation. The device, polarized at a voltage 6 V, switches abruptly from a high resistance state (HRSL6) to a low resistance state (LRSL6) with the On/Off resistance ratio of about 10 under white light and smooth in the dark. Analysis of device conductivity in different resistive states indicates that its resistive state could be changed by the modulation of the charge in an electric field in the dark or under light, resulting in the formation/disruption of filaments with high conductivity. A MoS2photomemristor has great potential as a multifunctional device designed by using cost-effective fabrication techniques.
Antifouling membranes for sustainable water purification: strategies and mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Runnan , Liu Yanan , He Mingrui , Su Yanlei , Zhao Xueting , Elimelech Menachem , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: August 2016

Advances in fabrication/modification approaches to antifouling membranes for sustainable water purification are reviewed, and some key strategies and mechanisms are highlighted.
Self-assembled vesicles of urea-tethered foldamers as hydrophobic drug carriers
Authors: Ingole Tukaram S. , Kale Sangram S. , Santhosh Babu Sukumaran , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: August 2016

Nonamphiphilic α,β-hybrid foldamers form hollow vesicular architectures which can take up and release the anticancer hydrophobic drug curcumin.
Lithium intercalation and diffusion in TiO2 nanotubes: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Liang Ke , Chen Xue , Guo Zhenyu , Hou Tingjun , Zhang Xiaohong , Li Youyong
Published: August 2016

The effective diffusion barriers between the outer and inner surfaces of the O2c–TiO2 NT can be as low as 0.53 eV.
Tunable dual emission in visible and near-infrared spectra using Co2+-doped PbSe nanocrystals embedded in a chalcogenide glass matrix
Authors: Lourenço Sidney A. , Silva Ricardo S. , Dantas Noelio O.
Published: August 2016

Emission of Co2+-doped PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) present a excited-state crossover from 4T1(P) → 4A2(F) broadband emission to 2E(G) → 4A2(F) narrow-line emission, and its localized energy transition (4A2(F) → 4T1(4F)) can be tunable from band-gap to the conduction-band by change NC size.
Role of the deposition temperature on the self-assembly of the non-planar molecule benzene-1,3,5-triphosphonic acid (BTP) at the liquid–solid interface
Authors: Nguyen Doan Chau Yen , Smykalla Lars , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha , Mehring Michael , Hietschold Michael
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular structures of BTP at the undecanol–graphite interface were studied by STM in dependence on the deposition temperature.
Reduction enthalpy and charge distribution of substituted ferrites and doped ceria for thermochemical water and carbon dioxide splitting with DFT+U
Authors: Dimitrakis D. A. , Tsongidis N. I. , Konstandopoulos A. G.
Published: August 2016

Effect of Nickel ions on reduction energy and charge distribution of oxygen – neighbouring ions in NiFe2O4 for solar fuels.
Mono and dimetallic pyrene-imidazolylidene complexes of iridium(iii) for the deuteration of organic substrates and the C–C coupling of alcohols
Authors: Ibañez S. , Poyatos M. , Peris E.
Published: August 2016

Two pyrene-NHC complexes of Ir(iii) and one di-iridium(iii) complex with a pyrene-di-NHC ligand have been prepared and characterized. Their catalytic activity in the deuteration of organic substrates, and in the β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols is described.
Aggregation induced enhanced and exclusively highly Stokes shifted emission from an excited state intramolecular proton transfer exhibiting molecule
Authors: Behera Santosh Kumar , Murkherjee Anwesha , Sadhuragiri G. , Elumalai Palani , Sathiyendiran M. , Kumar Manishekhar , Mandal Biman B. , Krishnamoorthy G.
Published: August 2016

The inner filter effect due to self-quenching dominates the normal emission of dyes at higher concentrations, which would limit their applications. Since normal emission was also observed with aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) active excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) exhibiting molecules, two new molecules are synthesized and studied to obtain normal emission free AIEE. The molecules are 4-(3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-tert-butyl phenol (bis-HPBT) and its oxazole analogue (bis-HPBO). Of these molecules, bis-HPBT, which is weakly fluorescent in tetrahydrofuran solution, shows a sudden high enhancement in fluorescence upon addition of 70% water due to the formation of aggregates. Though the normal emission is also observed in tetrahydrofuran, it is completely eliminated in the aggregates, and the aggregates display exclusive tautomer emission. However, bis-HPBO does not emit such an exclusive tautomer emission in the water/tetrahydrofuran mixture. The enhancement in the fluorescence quantum yield of bis-HPBT in 70% water is ∼300 times higher than that in tetrahydrofuran. The modulated molecular structure of bis-HPBT is the cause of this outstanding AIEE. The observation of almost exclusive tautomer emission is a new additional advantage of AIEE from bis-HPBT over other ESIPT molecules. Since the tautomer emission is highly Stokes shifted, no overlap with the absorption spectrum occurs and therefore, the inner filter effect is averted. The aggregated structure acts as a good fluorescence chemosensor for metal ions as well as anions. The aggregated structure is cell permeable and can be used for cell imaging.
It is time for a special issue dedicated to elemental speciation analysis
Authors: Goenaga-Infante Heidi , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: August 2016

Guest Editors, Heidi Goenaga-Infante and Gunda Koellensperger, introduce the 2016 speciation themed issue.
Identification of a lncRNA involved functional module for esophageal cancer subtypes
Authors: Li Shang , Xu Yanjun , Sun Zeguo , Feng Li , Shang Desi , Zhang Chunlong , Shi Xinrui , Han Junwei , Su Fei , Yang Haixiu , Zhao Jianmei , Song Chao , Zhang Yunpeng , Li Chunquan , Li Xia
Published: August 2016

An integrative analysis of expression profile data reveals the lncRNA-involved functional module for esophageal cancer subtypes.
Revealing complex function, process and pathway interactions with high-throughput expression and biological annotation data
Authors: Singh Nitesh Kumar , Ernst Mathias , Liebscher Volkmar , Fuellen Georg , Taher Leila
Published: August 2016

We present an approach that integrates gene expression and biological annotation data to identify and describe the interactions between biological functions, processes and pathways that govern a phenotype of interest.
Post-annealing of MAPbI3 perovskite films with methylamine for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jiang Yan , Juarez-Perez Emilio J. , Ge Qianqing , Wang Shenghao , Leyden Matthew R. , Ono Luis K. , Raga Sonia R. , Hu Jinsong , Qi Yabing
Published: August 2016

Post-annealing of MAPbI3 perovskite films with methylamine improves both efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.
Heterogenization of an imidazolium ionic liquid based on magnetic carbon nanotubes as a novel organocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-amino-chromenes via a microwave-assisted multicomponent strategy
Authors: Zarnegar Zohre , Safari Javad
Published: August 2016

The microwave-assisted synthesis of the first ionic liquid stabilized CNTs–Fe3O4as a novel nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-amino-chromenesviaa multicomponent reaction is reported.
Activated carbonates: enabling the synthesis of differentiated polycarbonate resins via melt transcarbonation
Authors: Kamps J. H. , Hoeks T. , Kung E. , Lens J. P. , McCloskey P. J. , Noordover B. A. J. , Heuts J. P. A.
Published: August 2016

Higher reactivity of activated carbonate (BMSC) enabling polycarbonates based on monomers that are unsuitable for traditional melt polymerization which uses diphenol carbonate (DPC), as demonstrated in the conversion plot.
Metallic 1T phase MoS2 nanosheets as a highly efficient co-catalyst for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of CdS nanorods
Authors: Du Ping , Zhu Yuanzhi , Zhang Junyang , Xu Danyun , Peng Wenchao , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: August 2016

A 1T–MoS2/CdS NRs photocatalyst shows enhanced photocatalytic activity because of the ohmic contact with low resistance between 1T–MoS2 and CdS NRs.
Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol–cerium oxide nanocomposite films
Authors: Hemalatha K. S. , Rukmani K.
Published: August 2016

PVA–CeO2nanocomposite films were synthesized by solution casting method and exhibit tape like nanoribbon structure in the 25 wt% CeO2films. The 2.5 wt% and 25 wt% CeO2films are suitable for UV filters while the 2.5 wt% film shows highest photoluminescence.
Influence of the side-chain structure and molecular weight on the re-entrant behaviors of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Xiang Zheng , Chen Sheng , Luo Yongbing , Li Ping , Zhang Hailiang
Published: August 2016

The influence of the alkyl spacer length and the terminal group volume influence on the phase behavior and structure of mesogen-jacketed liquid-crystalline polymers.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Elixir of Life) from banana fruit waste extract – an efficient multifunctional agent
Authors: Deokar Girish K. , Ingale Arun G.
Published: August 2016

Revealing the potential of banana fruit waste extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of the Elixir of Life.
New clathrates of Rb7.50(1)Tl0.50(1)Ge46and K7.62(1)Tl0.38(1)Ge45.34(3)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Mu Gang , Huang Fuqiang , Xie Xiaoming
Published: August 2016

Rb7.50(1)Tl0.50(1)Ge46and K7.62(1)Tl0.38(1)Ge45.34(3)are synthesized and characterized.
Self-assembly of DNA double multi-arm junctions (DMaJs)
Authors: Li Mo , Yu Jinwen , Li Jingtong , Wang Eric Ben , Wang Guansong , Mao Chengde
Published: August 2016

Expanding the legendary DNA double crossover (DX) motif: pairs of multiple-arm DNA junctions have been coupled into well-behaved DX-like nanomotifs for nanoconstruction.
Selective growth of fullerene octahedra and flower-like particles by a liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method for super-hydrophobic applications
Authors: Partheeban Thamodaran , Sathish Marappan
Published: August 2016

Super-hydrophobic fullerene octahedron and flower-like microcrystals with a high water contact angle of 158.8° were prepared using anisole and IPA in a liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation method.
A visible light mediated synergistic catalyst for effective inactivation of E. coli and degradation of azo dye Direct Red-22 with mechanism investigation
Authors: Naraginti Saraschandra , Li Yi , Wu Yunbo
Published: August 2016

Novel zirconium and silver co-doped TiO2nanoparticles were fabricated and utilized as effective multifunctional visible light photocatalysts for inactivation of bacteria (E. coli) as well as degradation of azo dye (Direct Red-22) for the first time.
Back to the oligomeric state: pH-induced dissolution of concanavalin A amyloid-like fibrils into non-native oligomers
Authors: Santangelo M. G. , Foderà V. , Militello V. , Vetri V.
Published: August 2016

Changes in solution pH may result in modifications of energy landscape shape making readily accessible or more favourable native or oligomeric intermediate minima with respect to the fibrillar one.