bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The physical mechanism of magnetic field controlled magnetocaloric effect and magnetoresistance in bulk PrGa compound
Authors: Zheng X. Q. , Wu H. , Chen J. , Zhang B. , Li Y. Q. , Hu F. X. , Sun J. R. , Huang Q. Z. , Shen B. G.
Published: October 2015

The PrGa compound shows excellent performance on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and magnetoresistance (MR). The physical mechanism of MCE and MR in PrGa compound was investigated and elaborated in detail on the basis of magnetic measurement, heat capacity measurement and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiment. New types of magnetic structure and magnetic transition are found. The results of the NPD along with the saturation magnetic moment (MS) and magnetic entropy (SM) indicate that the magnetic moments are randomly distributed within the equivalent conical surface in the ferromagnetic (FM) temperature range. PrGa compound undergoes an FM to FM transition and an FM to paramagnetic (PM) transition as temperature increases. The magnetizing process was discussed in detail and the physical mechanism of the magnetic field controlled magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and the magnetoresistance (MR) was studied. The formation of the plateau on MCE curve was explained and MR was calculated in detail on the basis of the magnetic structure and the analysis of the magnetizing process. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with the calculations. Finally, the expression of MR = β(T)X2 and its application conditions were discussed, where X is M(H)/Meff and Meff is the paramagnetic effective moment.
Fast optical cooling of a nanomechanical cantilever by a dynamical Stark-shift gate
Authors: Yan Leilei , Zhang Jian-Qi , Zhang Shuo , Feng Mang
Published: October 2015

The efficient cooling of nanomechanical resonators is essential to exploration of quantum properties of the macroscopic or mesoscopic systems. We propose such a laser-cooling scheme for a nanomechanical cantilever, which works even for the low-frequency mechanical mode and under weak cooling lasers. The cantilever is coupled by a diamond nitrogen-vacancy center under a strong magnetic field gradient and the cooling is assisted by a dynamical Stark-shift gate. Our scheme can effectively enhance the desired cooling efficiency by avoiding the off-resonant and undesired carrier transitions and thereby cool the cantilever down to the vicinity of the vibrational ground state in a fast fashion.
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, Mist1, induces maturation of mouse fetal hepatoblasts
Authors: Chikada Hiromi , Ito Keiichi , Yanagida Ayaka , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Kamiya Akihide
Published: October 2015

Hepatic stem/progenitor cells, hepatoblasts, have a high proliferative ability and can differentiate into mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Therefore, these cells are considered to be useful for regenerative medicine and drug screening for liver diseases. However, it is problem that in vitro maturation of hepatoblasts is insufficient in the present culture system. In this study, a novel regulator to induce hepatic differentiation was identified and the molecular function of this factor was examined in embryonic day 13 hepatoblast culture with maturation factor, oncostatin M and extracellular matrices. Overexpression of the basic helix-loop-helix type transcription factor, Mist1, induced expression of mature hepatocytic markers such as carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase1 and several cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in this culture system. In contrast, Mist1 suppressed expression of cholangiocytic markers such as Sox9, Sox17, Ck19 and Grhl2. CYP3A metabolic activity was significantly induced by Mist1 in this hepatoblast culture. In addition, Mist1 induced liver-enriched transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α, which are known to be involved in liver functions. These results suggest that Mist1 partially induces mature hepatocytic expression and function accompanied by the down-regulation of cholangiocytic markers.
Mismatch negativity in common marmosets: Whole-cortical recordings with multi-channel electrocorticograms
Authors: Komatsu Misako , Takaura Kana , Fujii Naotaka
Published: October 2015

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a component of event-related potentials (ERPs) evoked by violations of regularity in sensory stimulus-series in humans. Recently, the MMN has received attention as a clinical and translatable biomarker of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and for the development animal models of these psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated the generation of MMN in common marmosets, which are an important non-human primate model with genetic manipulability. We recorded the electrocorticograms (ECoGs) from two common marmosets with epidurally implanted electrodes covering a wide range of cortical regions. ECoG recordings were conducted in a passive listening condition with a roving oddball paradigm. We compared the ERPs evoked by repeatedly presented standard stimuli and those evoked by the deviant stimuli. Significant differences in the ERPs were observed in several cortical areas. In particular, deviant stimuli elicited larger negative activity than standard stimuli in the temporal area. In addition, the latency and polarity of the activity were comparable to human MMNs. This is thus the first report of MMN-like activity in common marmosets. Our findings have the potential to advance future gene-manipulation studies that aim to establish non-human primate models of schizophrenia.
Serum trace element differences between Schizophrenia patients and controls in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Cai Lei , Chen Tianlu , Yang Jinglei , Zhou Kejun , Yan Xiaomei , Chen Wenzhong , Sun Liya , Li Linlin , Qin Shengying , Wang Peng , Yang Ping , Cui Donghong , Burmeister Margit , He Lin , Jia Wei , Wan Chunling
Published: October 2015

Little is known about the trace element profile differences between Schizophrenia patients and healthy controls; previous studies about the association of certain elements with Schizophrenia have obtained conflicting results. To identify these differences in the Han Chinese population, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the levels of 35 elements in the sera of 111 Schizophrenia patients and 110 healthy participants, which consisted of a training (61/61 for cases/controls included) and a test group including remaining participants. An orthogonal projection to latent structures model was constructed from the training group (R2Y = 0.465, Q2cum = 0.343) had a sensitivity of 76.0% and a specificity of 71.4% in the test group. Single element analysis indicated that the concentrations of cesium, zinc and selenium were significantly reduced in patients with Schizophrenia in both the training and test groups. The meta-analysis including 522 cases and 360 controls supported that Zinc was significantly associated with Schizophrenia (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.81; 95% confidence intervals [CI], −1.46 to −0.16, P = 0.01) in the random-effect model. Information theory analysis indicated that Zinc could play roles independently in Schizophrenia. These results suggest clear element profile differences between patients with Schizophrenia and healthy controls and reduced Zn level is confirmed in the Schizophrenia patients.
MicroRNA panels as disease biomarkers distinguishing hepatitis B virus infection caused hepatitis and liver cirrhosis
Authors: Jin Bo-Xun , Zhang Yong-Hong , Jin Wen-Jing , Sun Xiang-Ying , Qiao Gui-Fang , Wei Ying-Ying , Sun Li-Bo , Zhang Wei-Hong , Li Ning
Published: October 2015

An important unresolved clinical issue is to distinguish hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection caused chronic hepatitis and their corresponding liver cirrhosis (LC). Recent research suggests that circulating microRNAs are useful biomarkers for a wide array of diseases. We analyzed microRNA profiles in the plasmas of a total of 495 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, LC patients and healthy donors and identified 10 miRNAs that were differentially expressed between CHB and LC patients. Our logistic models show that three panels of miRNAs have promising diagnostic performances in discriminating CHB from LC. Blinded tests were subsequently conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performances in clinical practice and a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 70% have been achieved in separating CHB from LC pateints. The expression levels of some circulating miRNAs were significantly correlated with HBV DNA load and liver function, such as prothrombin activity (PTA) and levels of alanin aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB) and cholinesterase (CHE). Our results provide important information for developing novel diagnostic tools for distinguishing chronic HBV hepatitis and their corresponding cirrhosis.
Induction of Mincle by Helicobacter pylori and consequent anti-inflammatory signaling denote a bacterial survival strategy
Authors: Devi Savita , Rajakumara Eerappa , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: October 2015

Evasion of innate immune recognition is one of the key strategies for persistence of Helicobacter pylori, by virtue of its ability to modulate or escape the host innate immune receptors and signaling pathways. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) predominantly expressed by macrophages are pivotal in tailoring immune response against pathogens. The recognition of glyco or carbohydrate moieties by Mincle (Macrophage inducible C-type lectin) is emerging as a crucial element in anti-fungal and anti-mycobacterial immunity. Herein, we demonstrate the role of Mincle in modulation of innate immune response against H. pylori infection. Our results revealed an upregulated expression of Mincle which was independent of direct host cell contact. Upon computational modelling, Mincle was observed to interact with the Lewis antigens of H. pylori LPS and possibly activating an anti-inflammatory cytokine production, thereby maintaining a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, siRNA mediated knockdown of Mincle in human macrophages resulted in up regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and consequent down regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our study demonstrates a novel mechanism employed by H. pylori to escape clearance by exploiting functional plasticity of Mincle to strike a balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory responses ensuring its persistence in the host.
Soybean Hydrophobic Protein is Present in a Matrix Secreted by the Endocarp Epidermis during Seed Development
Authors: Enstone Daryl E. , Peterson Carol A. , Gijzen Mark
Published: October 2015

Hydrophobic protein from soybean (HPS) is present in soybean dust and is an allergen (Gly m 1) that causes asthma in allergic individuals. Past studies have shown that HPS occurs on the seed surface. To determine the microscopic localization of HPS during seed development, monoclonal antibodies to HPS were used to visualize the protein by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Seed coat and endocarp sections were also examined for pectin, cellulose, callose, starch and protein by histochemical staining. HPS is present in the endocarp epidermal cells at 18 to 28 days post anthesis. At later stages of seed development, HPS occurs in extracellular secretions that accumulate unevenly on the endocarp epidermis and seed surface. HPS is synthesized by the endocarp epidermis and deposited on the seed surface as part of a heterogeneous matrix.
A Fully Transparent Resistive Memory for Harsh Environments
Authors: Yang Po-Kang , Ho Chih-Hsiang , Lien Der-Hsien , Durán Retamal José Ramón , Kang Chen-Fang , Chen Kuan-Ming , Huang Teng-Han , Yu Yueh-Chung , Wu Chih-I , He Jr-Hau
Published: October 2015

A fully transparent resistive memory (TRRAM) based on Hafnium oxide (HfO2) with excellent transparency, resistive switching capability and environmental stability is demonstrated. The retention time measured at 85 °C is over 3 × 104 sec and no significant degradation is observed in 130 cycling test. Compared with ZnO TRRAM, HfO2 TRRAM shows reliable performance under harsh conditions, such as high oxygen partial pressure, high moisture (relative humidity = 90% at 85 °C), corrosive agent exposure and proton irradiation. Moreover, HfO2 TRRAM fabricated in cross-bar array structures manifests the feasibility of future high density memory applications. These findings not only pave the way for future TRRAM design, but also demonstrate the promising applicability of HfO2 TRRAM for harsh environments.
Dual mode of action of Bt proteins: protoxin efficacy against resistant insects
Authors: Tabashnik Bruce E. , Zhang Min , Fabrick Jeffrey A. , Wu Yidong , Gao Meijing , Huang Fangneng , Wei Jizhen , Zhang Jie , Yelich Alexander , Unnithan Gopalan C. , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario , Carrière Yves , Li Xianchun
Published: October 2015

Transgenic crops that produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for pest control are grown extensively, but insect adaptation can reduce their effectiveness. Established mode of action models assert that Bt proteins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac are produced as inactive protoxins that require conversion to a smaller activated form to exert toxicity. However, contrary to this widely accepted paradigm, we report evidence from seven resistant strains of three major crop pests showing that Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac protoxins were generally more potent than the corresponding activated toxins. Moreover, resistance was higher to activated toxins than protoxins in eight of nine cases evaluated in this study. These data and previously reported results support a new model in which protoxins and activated toxins kill insects via different pathways. Recognizing that protoxins can be more potent than activated toxins against resistant insects may help to enhance and sustain the efficacy of transgenic Bt crops.
Adrenergic ligands that block oviposition in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus affect ovary contraction
Authors: Cossío-Bayúgar Raquel , Miranda-Miranda Estefan , Fernández-Rubalcaba Manuel , Narváez Padilla Verónica , Reynaud Enrique
Published: October 2015

The tyraminergic/octopaminergic system is central for the control of arthropod oviposition. Previous works demonstrated that the pharmacological perturbation of this system inhibits oviposition in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. In this work, we describe a physiologically active whole-mount preparation of the contractile tick ovary that allows the quantitative videometrical analysis of ovary contraction in response to different compounds. Eight adrenergic ligands known to inhibit oviposition, including octopamine and tyramine were tested. These compounds exhibited antagonistic effects; octopamine relaxes the ovary preparation while tyramine induces a very strong contraction. The other adrenergic compounds tested were classified as able to contract or relax ovary muscle tissue. Isoprotenerol has a stronger relaxative effect than octopamine. Tyramine induces the biggest contraction observed of all the compounds tested, followed, in descending amount of contraction, by salbutamol, prazosin, epinastine, clonidine and the acaricide amitraz. The effect of these adrenergic ligands on the ovary preparation, explains why these molecules inhibit tick oviposition and suggest a regulatory mechanism for ovary contraction and relaxation during oviposition. Our results also provide a physiological explanation of the egg-laying inhibition effect of amitraz when used on the cattle tick.
Delineation of Natural Killer Cell Differentiation from Myeloid Progenitors in Human
Authors: Chen Qingfeng , Ye Weijian , Jian Tan Wei , Mei Yong Kylie Su , Liu Min , Qi Tan Shu , Loh Eva , TE Chang Kenneth , Chye Tan Thiam , Preiser Peter R. , Chen Jianzhu
Published: October 2015

Understanding of natural killer (NK) cell development in human is incomplete partly because of limited access to appropriate human tissues. We have developed a cytokine-enhanced humanized mouse model with greatly improved reconstitution and function of human NK cells. Here we report the presence of a cell population in the bone marrow of the cytokine-treated humanized mice that express both NK cell marker CD56 and myeloid markers such as CD36 and CD33. The CD56+CD33+CD36+ cells are also found in human cord blood, fetal and adult bone marrow. Although the CD56+CD33+CD36+ cells do not express the common NK cell functional receptors and exhibit little cytotoxic and cytokine-producing activities, they readily differentiate into mature NK cells by acquiring expression of NK cell receptors and losing expression of the myeloid markers. Further studies show that CD33+CD36+ myeloid NK precursors are derived from granulo-myelomonocytic progenitors. These results delineate the pathway of human NK cell differentiation from myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow and suggest the utility of humanized mice for studying human hematopoiesis.
Relationships between the resting-state network and the P3: Evidence from a scalp EEG study
Authors: Li Fali , Liu Tiejun , Wang Fei , Li He , Gong Diankun , Zhang Rui , Jiang Yi , Tian Yin , Guo Daqing , Yao Dezhong , Xu Peng
Published: October 2015

The P3 is an important event-related potential that can be used to identify neural activity related to the cognitive processes of the human brain. However, the relationships, especially the functional correlations, between resting-state brain activity and the P3 have not been well established. In this study, we investigated the relationships between P3 properties (i.e., amplitude and latency) and resting-state brain networks. The results indicated that P3 amplitude was significantly correlated with resting-state network topology and in general, larger P3 amplitudes could be evoked when the resting-state brain network was more efficient. However, no significant relationships were found for the corresponding P3 latency. Additionally, the long-range connections between the prefrontal/frontal and parietal/occipital brain regions, which represent the synchronous activity of these areas, were functionally related to the P3 parameters, especially P3 amplitude. The findings of the current study may help us better understand inter-subject variation in the P3, which may be instructive for clinical diagnosis, cognitive neuroscience studies and potential subject selection for brain-computer interface applications.
Removal of oxygen demand and nitrogen using different particle-sizes of anthracite coated with nine kinds of LDHs for wastewater treatment
Authors: Zhang Xiangling , Guo Lu , Wang Yafen , Ruan Congying
Published: October 2015

This paper reports the application of anthracite particles of different sizes and coated with nine kinds of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) varying in MII–MIII cations, as alternative substrates in the simulated vertical-flow constructed wetland columns. Effects of LDHs-coating and particle size of modified anthracites were examined to evaluate their abilities in removing oxygen demand and nitrogen from sewage wastewater. Results showed that LDHs modification effectively enhanced the removal of nitrogen and organics. The removal efficiencies of total nitrogen (TN) , ammonia and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were best improved by 28.5%, 11.9% and 4.1% for the medium particle size (1–3 mm), followed by 9.2%, 5.5% and 13.6% for the large size (3–5 mm), respectively. Only TN removal was improved up to 16.6% for the small particle size (0.5–1 mm). Nitrate tended to accumulate and fluctuate greatly across all the treatments, probably due to the dominancy of aerobic condition in the vertical-flow columns. Overall, MgFe-LDHs was selected as the best-modified coating for anthracite. The results suggested LDHs modification would be one of the promising strategies to provide new-types of highly efficient and lasting wetland substrates.
Determination of steroid hormones in sediments based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (modified-QuEChERS) extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: Camilleri Julien , Vulliet Emmanuelle
Published: October 2015

The method enables the determination of the target analytes with limits of detection comprised between 0.03 and 0.2 ng g¬1and limits of quantification comprised between 0.1 and 0.6 ng g¬1.
Tailoring the photocatalytic activity of layered perovskites by opening the interlayer vacancy via ion-exchange reactions
Authors: Wang Yingqi , Lai Xiaofang , Lü Xujie , Li Yanting , Liu Qinglong , Lin Jianhua , Huang Fuqiang
Published: October 2015

The photocatalytic activity of the layered perovskite K2La2Ti3O10 was regulated by an ion-exchange reaction with a series of cations – Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+. The underlying mechanism of the improved performance and an effective model for designing the photocatalyst were discussed.
Size-dependent properties of transition metal clusters: from molecules to crystals and surfaces – computational studies with the program ParaGauss
Authors: Soini Thomas M. , Rösch Notker
Published: October 2015

Scaling relations on the basis of accurate DFT results are a useful tool for analyzing size-dependent properties of transition metal clusters and adsorption complexes on such systems.
Solvent effects on electrosynthesis, morphological and electrochromic properties of a nitrogen analog of PEDOT
Authors: Ming Shouli , Feng Zilan , Mo Daize , Wang Zhipeng , Lin Kaiwen , Lu Baoyang , Xu Jingkun
Published: October 2015

A new nitrogen analog of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), N-methyl-3,4-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]oxazine (MDTO), was electropolymerized in different solvents (deionized water, acetonitrile, and propylene carbonate) using LiClO4 as the electrolyte.
Hybrid functional study of the NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3: crystal and electronic structures, and polaron–Na vacancy complex diffusion
Authors: Bui Kieu My , Dinh Van An , Okada Susumu , Ohno Takahisa
Published: October 2015

The crystal and electronic structures, electrochemical properties and diffusion mechanism of NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 have been investigated based on the hybrid density functional Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE06).
Metallosupramolecular receptors for fullerene binding and release
Authors: García-Simón Cristina , Costas Miquel , Ribas Xavi
Published: October 2015

Different strategies for fullerene separation and purification mediated by supramolecular metallocages are reviewed in this Tutorial.
Potential of serum metabolites for diagnosing post-stroke cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Min , Zhou Kaige , Li Hailong , Dong Xin , Tan Guangguo , Chai Yifeng , Wang Weizhong , Bi Xiaoying
Published: October 2015

A panel of serum metabolite markers (glutamine, kynurenine, and LysoPC(18:2)) was identified as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for post-stroke cognitive impairment.
Efficient solid phase extraction of codeine from human urine samples using a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoadsorbent and its spectrofluorometric determination
Authors: Madrakian Tayyebeh , Fazl Fariba , Ahmadi Mazaher , Afkhami Abbas
Published: October 2015

From a medical or clinical point of view, to assess toxicity, adverse effects, interactions and therapeutic efficiency, monitoring drug levels in body fluids, such as urine and plasma, has become increasingly necessary.
Destruction of amyloid fibrils by graphene through penetration and extraction of peptides
Authors: Yang Zaixing , Ge Cuicui , Liu Jiajia , Chong Yu , Gu Zonglin , Jimenez-Cruz Camilo A. , Chai Zhifang , Zhou Ruhong
Published: October 2015

Graphene nanosheets can penetrate and extract a large number of peptides from pre-formed amyloid fibrils, which provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms that define graphene–amyloid interaction and suggest that further research on nanotherapies for Alzheimer's and other protein aggregation-related diseases is warranted.
Hollow silica–copper–carbon anodes using copper metal–organic frameworks as skeletons
Authors: Sun Zixu , Xin Fengxia , Cao Can , Zhao Chongchong , Shen Cai , Han Wei-Qiang
Published: October 2015

Hollow silica–copper–carbon (H-SCC) nanocomposites are first synthesized using copper metal–organic frameworks as skeletons to form Cu-MOF@SiO2 and then subjected to heat treatment.
Facilitated extracellular electron transfer of Shewanella loihica PV-4 by antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles as active microelectrodes
Authors: Zhang Xiaojian , Liu Huan , Wang Jinrong , Ren Guangyuan , Xie Beizhen , Liu Hong , Zhu Ying , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2015

The microbial current generated by Shewanella loihica PV-4 can be greatly improved, up to ca. 115 fold, by adding ATO nanoparticles.
Thermal conductivity from hierarchical heat sinks using carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets
Authors: Hsieh Chien-Te , Lee Cheng-En , Chen Yu-Fu , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Teng Hsi-sheng
Published: October 2015

The relationship between thermal conductivity (k) and electrical conductivity (ε) values was well described by two empirical equations. The experimental results were obtained within the 323–373 K range, suitably complementing the thermal management of chips for consumer electronics.
Faculty beliefs about the purposes for teaching undergraduate physical chemistry courses
Authors: Mack Michael R. , Towns Marcy H.
Published: October 2015

We report the results of a phenomenographic analysis of faculty beliefs about the purposes for teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses in the undergraduate curriculum. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit a diverse group of faculty for interviews. Collectively, the participating faculty regularly teach or have taught physical chemistry courses in 16 different chemistry departments in the United States. While faculty agreed that the goal of teaching physical chemistry was to help students develop robust conceptual knowledge of the subject matter within thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, and other major topics, some articulated strong beliefs about epistemic and social learning goals. An understanding of the relations between different ways of thinking about teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses offers practitioners with alternative perspectives that may help them expand their awareness of the purposes for teaching physical chemistry in the undergraduate curriculum. Furthermore, knowledge of faculty beliefs about their teaching provides educational researchers and curriculum developers with an understanding about the potential opportunities or barriers for helping faculty align their beliefs and goals for teaching with research-based instructional strategies. We discuss our findings with the intention to expand faculty awareness of the discourse on physical chemistry education to include various perspectives of the purpose for teaching upper-division physical chemistry courses.
Exploration of the nature of a unique natural polymer-based thermosensitive hydrogel
Authors: Lu Shanling , Yang Yuhong , Yao Jinrong , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: October 2015

This research not only understands the unresolved CS/GP gelation mechanism, but also helps to interpret the complicated LAOS results.
Photoactivated acidochromic elastomeric films for on demand acidic vapor sensing
Authors: Genovese Maria Erminia , Athanassiou Athanassia , Fragouli Despina
Published: October 2015

Photoresponsive, self-indicating and portable composite SP/PDMS films for on demand reversible broad acid vapor detection.
Enhancement of physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of dry-cured loin by using processed sulfur-fed pigs
Authors: Kim Ji-Han , Hong Go-Eun , Pyun Chang-Won , Park Woojoon , Lee Chi-Ho
Published: October 2015

The present study showed that processed sulfur supplementation and processing condition affected changes in physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties of dry-cured loin. The pigs were divided into two groups at the fattening phase: non-sulfur-fed pigs (NSFP) and 0.3% processed sulfur-fed pigs (SFP) in fattening phase. The crude fat content of SFP was lower than that of NSFP in raw meat and dry-cured loin. Lipid and pigment oxidation were suppressed in SFP compared with NSFP during whole process. Lightness of SFP was significantly higher than that of NSFP during storage. SFP showed higher colour stability than did NSFP during storage. Moreover, microbial spoilage of dry-cured loin was greatly prevented in SFP compared with NSFP. Free amino acids related to taste in SFP were significantly higher than those in NSFP. Polyunsaturated fatty acid of dry-cured loin from SFP group was higher than that of NSFP, while saturated fatty acid of NSFP was significantly higher than that of SFP. SFP had higher preference and flavour scores than did NSFP in a sensory test. Feeding processed sulfur improved the meat-quality characteristics and extended the shelf-life of meat products.
Effects of dietary zinc supplementation on nutrient digestibility, haematological biochemical parameters and production performance in male sika deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Kun Bao , Weili Sun , Chunyi Li , Kaiying Wang , Zhipeng Li , Shidan Bi , Guangyu Li
Published: October 2015

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary zinc (Zn) supplementation on antler growth, haematological biochemical parameters and nutrient digestibility in farmed male sika deer. Twenty-five 2-year-old growing male sika deer were randomly divided into five Groups (A, B, C, D and E; 5/group). Animals in Groups A, B, C, Dand E received 0, 5, 15, 40, 100 mg Zn/kg, respectively. Group A, without supplementation acted as a control. The treatment diets were the same basal diet supplemented with 5, 15, 40 and 100 mg Zn/kg (provided as Zn methionine), respectively. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein in Groups D and E were greater than that in Groups A, B and C (P < 0.05). Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre in Group E was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Plasma Zn concentrations were increased by Zn supplementation and were higher (P < 0.01) for the treatment groups supplemented with 15, 40 and 100 mg Zn/kg DM than for the control and 5 mg/kg Zn groups (P < 0.01). Faecal Zn content in Groups D and E was higher than that in Group A (P < 0.01). The content of albumin in plasma from Group E was greater than in the control and Groups B, C and D (P < 0.05). The concentrations of testosterone in plasma from Groups C, D and E were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the control. The days between antler initiation and harvesting of deer in Groups D and E were decreased (P < 0.05). Average daily gain of fresh antler and dry antler of deer in Groups D and E was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a control diet containing 58.6 mg Zn/kg was inadequate for achieving optimal productivity for sika deer. The recommended Zn supplementation is from 76.7 to 99.0 mg/kg for 2-year-old male sika deer.
A comparative structural and functional study of leaf traits and sap flow in Dracaena cinnabari and Dracaena draco seedlings
Authors: Nadezhdina Nadezhda , Plichta Roman , Nadezhdin Valeriy , Gebauer Roman , Jupa Radek , Habrova Hana , Madera Petr
Published: October 2015

Water relations for two remote populations of Dracaena tree species from the dragon tree group, Dracaena cinnabari Balfour f. and Dracaena draco (L.) L., were studied to test our hypothesis that morphological and anatomical differences in leaf structure may lead to varied functional responses to changing environmental conditions. Sap flow measurements were performed using the heat field deformation method for four Dracaena seedlings grown in one glasshouse and two greenhouses, and leaf traits related to plant–water relationships were characterised. All traits studied confirmed that D. cinnabari leaves are more xeric in their morpho-anatomical structure compared with D. draco leaves. No radial sap flow variability was detected in D. draco plant stems, whereas sap flow was found to be higher in the inner part of D. cinnabari stems. The regular occurrence of reverse sap flow at night in both Dracaena species was consistent with a staining experiment. Vapour pressure deficit (VPD) was found to be the main driver for transpiration for both Dracaena species. However, the relationship between VPD and sap flow appeared to be different for each species, with a clockwise or no hysteresis loop for D. draco and a counter-clockwise hysteresis loop for D. cinnabari. This resulted in a shorter transpiration cycle in D. cinnabari. The observed superior water-saving strategy of D. cinnabari corresponds to its more xeric morpho-anatomical leaf structure compared with D. draco.
In vitro cell wall extensibility controls age-related changes in the growth rate of etiolated Arabidopsis hypocotyls
Authors: Suslov Dmitry , Ivakov Alexander , Boron Agnieszka K. , Vissenberg Kris
Published: October 2015

Plant cell growth is controlled by cell wall extensibility, which is currently estimated indirectly by various microtensile and nano/microindentation techniques. Their outputs differ in the accuracy of growth rate and in vivo extensibility prediction. Using the creep method we critically tested several metrics (creep rate, creep rate × stress–1, in vitro cell wall extensibility (ϕ) and in vitro cell wall yield threshold (y)) for their ability to predict growth rates of etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana (L. Heynh.) hypocotyls. We developed novel approaches for ϕ and y determination and statistical analysis based on creep measurements under single loads coupled with wall stress calculation. The best indicator of growth rate was ϕ because the 3-fold developmental decrease in the growth rate of 4- vs 3-day-old hypocotyls was accompanied by a 3-fold decrease in ϕ determined at pH 5. Although the acid-induced expansin-mediated creep of cell walls resulted exclusively from increasing ϕ values, the decrease in ϕ between 3- and 4-day-old hypocotyls was not mediated by a decrease in expansin abundance. We give practical recommendations on the most efficient use of creep rate, creep rate × stress–1, ϕ and y in different experimental situations and provide scripts for their automated calculations and statistical comparisons.
Implementing Anticipatory Care Plans in general practice: a practice approach to improving the health literacy of the community and reducing reliance on emergency services during after-hour periods
Authors: Evangelista Eloisa J. , James Jo , Deveny Elizabeth
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to trial a general practice approach to improve the health literacy of patients at risk of utilising medical, emergency or ambulatory services during after-hour periods in Australia. It did so by introducing an anticipatory after-hours care component in all new and revised care plans, known as an Anticipatory Care Plan (AntCaP).The pilot was conducted over a 6-month period in 2013–14. Thirteen general practices were recruited via expressions of interest and were paid a financial grant. Key practice staff were required to attend three workshops conducted by a Medicare Local and to be involved in the evaluation process. A pragmatic qualitative and quantitative evaluation process was conducted during the pilot, and ceased 6 months after the final workshop. The results indicate that the integration of AntCaPs into general practice was generally well received by practice staff and their patients, with early indications that AntCaPs can influence patient behaviour in the after-hours period.
Factors influencing workplace violence risk among correctional health workers: insights from an Australian survey
Authors: Cashmore Aaron W. , Indig Devon , Hampton Stephen E. , Hegney Desley G. , Jalaludin Bin B.
Published: October 2015

Little is known about the environmental and organisational determinants of workplace violence in correctional health settings. This paper describes the views of health professionals working in these settings on the factors influencing workplace violence risk. All employees of a large correctional health service in New South Wales, Australia, were invited to complete an online survey. The survey included an open-ended question seeking the views of participants about the factors influencing workplace violence in correctional health settings. Responses to this question were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Participants identified several factors that they felt reduced the risk of violence in their workplace, including: appropriate workplace health and safety policies and procedures; professionalism among health staff; the presence of prison guards and the quality of security provided; and physical barriers within clinics. Conversely, participants perceived workplace violence risk to be increased by: low health staff-to-patient and correctional officer-to-patient ratios; high workloads; insufficient or underperforming security staff; and poor management of violence, especially horizontal violence. The views of these participants should inform efforts to prevent workplace violence among correctional health professionals.
Observations on effects of feral pig (Sus scrofa) age and sex on diet
Authors: Wishart Jason , Lapidge Steven , Braysher Michael , Sarre Stephen D. , Hone Jim
Published: October 2015

Context Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species that cause damage to ecologically sensitive areas. Management of biodiversity and of feral pigs assumes the diet of pigs of different ages and sexes are similar. Aims We aimed to investigate effects of feral pig age and sex on broad feral pig diet to identify potential at-risk native wildlife species so as to improve biodiversity and feral pig management. Methods Diet was determined by macroscopic analysis of the stomach content of 58 aerially shot feral pigs of mixed ages and sexes. The study occurred in the Macquarie Marshes, New South Wales, a Ramsar wetland of international significance. Results Feral pigs were largely herbivorous, with vegetable matter being found in all stomachs and contributing to a majority of the food material that was present in each stomach, by volume. Adult feral pigs had significantly more grasses and crop material in their stomachs than juveniles, while juveniles had significantly more forbs in their stomachs than adult feral pigs. Vertebrate prey items included frogs, lizard and snake, but no threatened wildlife species. Conclusions Juvenile and adult feral pigs differed in their diet, especially with regards to plant material, which has not been reported previously. There was, however, no difference in the consumption of vertebrate wildlife species between juvenile and adult, or male and female feral pigs. Slow-moving, nocturnal amphibians and reptiles were the most common vertebrate item recorded. Implications Biodiversity and feral pig management should recognise plant diet differences between demographic segments of the feral pig population. Further research is recommended to determine if diet differences also occur for threatened wildlife species, which will require more intensive nocturnal sampling.
Ribosome binding induces repositioning of the signal recognition particle receptor on the translocon
Authors: Kuhn Patrick , Draycheva Albena , Vogt Andreas , Petriman Narcis-Adrian , Sturm Lukas , Drepper Friedel , Warscheid Bettina , Wintermeyer Wolfgang , Koch Hans-Georg
Published: October 2015

Cotranslational protein targeting delivers proteins to the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane or to the eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The signal recognition particle (SRP) binds to signal sequences emerging from the ribosomal tunnel and targets the ribosome-nascent-chain complex (RNC) to the SRP receptor, termed FtsY in bacteria. FtsY interacts with the fifth cytosolic loop of SecY in the SecYEG translocon, but the functional role of the interaction is unclear. By using photo-cross-linking and fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements, we show that FtsY–SecY complex formation is guanosine triphosphate independent but requires a phospholipid environment. Binding of an SRP–RNC complex exposing a hydrophobic transmembrane segment induces a rearrangement of the SecY–FtsY complex, which allows the subsequent contact between SecY and ribosomal protein uL23. These results suggest that direct RNC transfer to the translocon is guided by the interaction between SRP and translocon-bound FtsY in a quaternary targeting complex.
Surface apposition and multiple cell contacts promote myoblast fusion in Drosophila flight muscles
Authors: Dhanyasi Nagaraju , Segal Dagan , Shimoni Eyal , Shinder Vera , Shilo Ben-Zion , VijayRaghavan K. , Schejter Eyal D.
Published: October 2015

Fusion of individual myoblasts to form multinucleated myofibers constitutes a widely conserved program for growth of the somatic musculature. We have used electron microscopy methods to study this key form of cell–cell fusion during development of the indirect flight muscles (IFMs) of Drosophila melanogaster. We find that IFM myoblast–myotube fusion proceeds in a stepwise fashion and is governed by apparent cross talk between transmembrane and cytoskeletal elements. Our analysis suggests that cell adhesion is necessary for bringing myoblasts to within a minimal distance from the myotubes. The branched actin polymerization machinery acts subsequently to promote tight apposition between the surfaces of the two cell types and formation of multiple sites of cell–cell contact, giving rise to nascent fusion pores whose expansion establishes full cytoplasmic continuity. Given the conserved features of IFM myogenesis, this sequence of cell interactions and membrane events and the mechanistic significance of cell adhesion elements and the actin-based cytoskeleton are likely to represent general principles of the myoblast fusion process.
Inhibition of β-catenin–TCF1 interaction delays differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Chatterjee Sujash S. , Saj Abil , Gocha Tenzin , Murphy Matthew , Gonsalves Foster C. , Zhang Xiaoqian , Hayward Penelope , Akgöl Oksuz Betül , Shen Steven S. , Madar Aviv , Martinez Arias Alfonso , DasGupta Ramanuj
Published: October 2015

The ability of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to self-renew or differentiate into various cell lineages is regulated by signaling pathways and a core pluripotency transcriptional network (PTN) comprising Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway promotes pluripotency by alleviating T cell factor TCF3-mediated repression of the PTN. However, it has remained unclear how β-catenin’s function as a transcriptional activator with TCF1 influences mESC fate. Here, we show that TCF1-mediated transcription is up-regulated in differentiating mESCs and that chemical inhibition of β-catenin/TCF1 interaction improves long-term self-renewal and enhances functional pluripotency. Genetic loss of TCF1 inhibited differentiation by delaying exit from pluripotency and conferred a transcriptional profile strikingly reminiscent of self-renewing mESCs with high Nanog expression. Together, our data suggest that β-catenin’s function in regulating mESCs is highly context specific and that its interaction with TCF1 promotes differentiation, further highlighting the need for understanding how its individual protein–protein interactions drive stem cell fate.
Caveolae protect endothelial cells from membrane rupture during increased cardiac output
Authors: Cheng Jade P.X. , Mendoza-Topaz Carolina , Howard Gillian , Chadwick Jessica , Shvets Elena , Cowburn Andrew S. , Dunmore Benjamin J. , Crosby Alexi , Morrell Nicholas W. , Nichols Benjamin J.
Published: October 2015

Caveolae are strikingly abundant in endothelial cells, yet the physiological functions of caveolae in endothelium and other tissues remain incompletely understood. Previous studies suggest a mechanoprotective role, but whether this is relevant under the mechanical forces experienced by endothelial cells in vivo is unclear. In this study we have sought to determine whether endothelial caveolae disassemble under increased hemodynamic forces, and whether caveolae help prevent acute rupture of the plasma membrane under these conditions. Experiments in cultured cells established biochemical assays for disassembly of caveolar protein complexes, and assays for acute loss of plasma membrane integrity. In vivo, we demonstrate that caveolae in endothelial cells of the lung and cardiac muscle disassemble in response to acute increases in cardiac output. Electron microscopy and two-photon imaging reveal that the plasma membrane of microvascular endothelial cells in caveolin 1−/− mice is much more susceptible to acute rupture when cardiac output is increased. These data imply that mechanoprotection through disassembly of caveolae is important for endothelial function in vivo.
Conformational coupling of integrin and Thy-1 regulates Fyn priming and fibroblast mechanotransduction
Authors: Fiore Vincent F. , Strane Patrick W. , Bryksin Anton V. , White Eric S. , Hagood James S. , Barker Thomas H.
Published: October 2015

Progressive fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in gross alterations in tissue mechanics. Changes in tissue mechanics can further augment scar deposition through fibroblast mechanotransduction. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal form of progressive lung fibrosis, previous work has shown that loss of Thy-1 (CD90) expression in fibroblasts correlates with regions of active fibrogenesis, thus representing a pathologically relevant fibroblast subpopulation. We now show that Thy-1 is a regulator of fibroblast rigidity sensing. Thy-1 physically couples to inactive αvβ3 integrins via its RGD-like motif, altering baseline integrin avidity to ECM ligands and also facilitating preadhesion clustering of integrin and membrane rafts via Thy-1’s glycophosphatidylinositol tether. Disruption of Thy-1–αvβ3 coupling altered recruitment of Src family kinases to adhesion complexes and impaired mechanosensitive, force-induced Rho signaling, and rigidity sensing. Loss of Thy-1 was sufficient to induce myofibroblast differentiation in soft ECMs and may represent a physiological mechanism important in wound healing and fibrosis.
Lamellipodial actin branches out
Authors: Short Ben
Published: October 2015

In the late 1990s, Tatyana Svitkina and colleagues described how actin is organized at the leading edge of migrating cells.
Lin He: “Junk” DNA isn’t
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: October 2015

He studies how the noncoding genome shapes development and cancer.
ER stress and development of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Engin Feyza
Published: October 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from an autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells. The incidence of T1D is on the rise globally around 3% to 5% per year and rapidly increasing incidence in younger children is of the greatest concern. currently, there is no way to cure or prevent T1D; hence, a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of this disease is essential to the development of new effective therapies. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle with multiple functions that are essential for cellular homeostasis. Excessive demand on the ER, chronic inflammation, and environmental factors lead to ER stress and to re-establish cellular homeostasis, the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered. However, chronic ER stress leads to a switch from a prosurvival to a proapoptotic UPR, resulting in cell death. Accumulating data have implicated ER stress and defective UPR in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and ER stress has been implicated in β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes. However, the role of ER stress and the UPR in β-cell pathophysiology and in the initiation and propagation of the autoimmune responses in T1D remains undefined. This review will highlight the current understanding and recent in vivo data on the role of ER stress and adaptive responses in T1D pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic aspect of enhancing β-cell ER function and restoring UPR defects as novel clinical strategies against this disease.