bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aeolian silt contribution to soils on mountain slopes (Mt. Ślęża, southwest Poland)
Authors: Waroszewski Jaroslaw , Sprafke Tobias , Kabala Cezary , Musztyfaga Elżbieta , Łabaz Beata , Woźniczka Przemysław
Published: October 2017

This paper evaluates the possible contribution of aeolian silt to soils of Mt. Ślęża (southwest Poland). Silt loam textures are common across Lower Silesia and are often confused with silt clay loam, especially at the outer boundaries with thin loess deposits. Eight study sites with different thicknesses of silt loam mantles that are covered and/or mixed with underlying sediments were examined in the field. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed the particle size and geochemistry of representative horizons. Concentrations of major and trace elements as well as their cross ratios confirmed the aeolian origin of silt loam materials and clearly distinguished them from basal sediments. There is a clear relationship between the presence and depth of aeolian mantles and mixing zones with the type of underlying material. Furthermore, the incorporation of aeolian silt to regoliths/soils was a main agent initiating and stimulating clay translocation leading to the formation of an argic horizon below the silt mantles. Mixing aeolian silt with acid granite regoliths and further illuviation resulted in the formation of alisols, while silt contributions to serpentine sediments resulted in development of skeletic luvisols. Soils receiving very weak input of aeolian silts remain as leptosols/cambisols.
Anatomy and the Reconfiguration of Life and Death in Republican China
Authors: Luesink David
Published: October 2017

This article argues that the establishment of anatomo-power in China preceded and set the foundation for biopower. Anatomo-power is disciplinary power over live bodies in the military, schools, and hospitals, but also the power of the medical profession over dead bodies to investigate pathology through dissection. At the turn of the twentieth century, Chinese conceptions of political anatomy were used to advocate anatomical knowledge, and an anatomy law in 1913 made routinized dissection possible. Chinese society began to be transformed as old taboos were broken, and thousands of new terms allowed the scientific worldview to take root among professionals and the public. Anatomical researchers addressed both microscopic pathology to cure individuals and macroscopic questions that grouped individuals into a population to be managed, or that sought data to tell new narratives about the origins and future of humanity—a new political anatomy based on the practice of human dissection.
Animacy, Abstraction, and Affect in the Andean Past: Toward a Relational Approach to Art
Authors: DeMarrais Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

In this article, I set out a relational approach to Andean art, with the aim of investigating, in broad terms, the making, viewing and experience of art among pre-Hispanic peoples. The analysis draws upon the ideas of art historians, as well as upon the work of ethnographers and archaeologists, to integrate theoretical approaches that consider animacy and the ways art objects gain significance as part of assemblages. Examining four aspects of Andean art: (1) insistence; (2) abstraction; (3) networks and linkages; and (4) affect and embodied experience, I conclude that the term ‘art’ (as an analytic category) overlaps poorly with Andean categories of cognition, sociality and material practice. Archaeologists can usefully refocus attention on the ways these craft items were made, used in daily life, displayed in rituals and ultimately deposited in the places where they were found.
Heteromorphism in seeds ofLeptocereus scopulophilus(Cactaceae) from Pan de Matanzas, Cuba
Authors: García-Beltrán José Angel , Barrios Duniel , Cuza-Pérez Alina
Published: October 2017

Seed heteromorphism is the formation of different seed morphs from the same individual. Two seed morphs have been preliminarily observed inLeptocereus scopulophilus. One morph shows an apparent natural scarification of its coat. Herein we describe the seeds, taking into account shape, coat integrity, surface, dimensions, mass and the position of germination cracks. We defined two seed morphs using the integrity of the spermoderma: fragmented seed coats (FSC) and complete seed coats (CSC). We also evaluated minimum germination time, germination rate and germinability. The seed morphs did not differ significantly in traits; however, regular striations along the cuticle of the periclinal walls were more visible in the FSC compared with the CSC. Both seed morphs displayed anticlinal cell boundaries in the border region that are channelled and straight in the dorsal-ventral region but difficult to define in the lateral region. We found four morphological variations in different positions where the radicle or cotyledons emerge and variations in cuticle thickness in different regions of the seed that could determine the formation of cracks during germination. All germination variants occurred in both seed morphs, albeit in different proportions. Germination was higher and faster for the FSC compared with the CSC. These germination differences could be related to a thinner cuticle in the FSC and the punctual release of its spermoderma, which facilitates a quick imbibition of the embryo and the breaking of the seed coat. Our results indicate that differences in germination parameters between the two seed morphs relate to differences in the percentage of dormant seeds, which favour the temporal expansion of germination and reduce competition between siblings. To propagate the species for conservation purposes, we recommend using FSC, while CSC may be used to establish a seed collectionex situ.
Neuropsychological Assessment at Preschool Age: Adaptation and Validation of the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities to 4 Year-old Basque-speaking Children
Authors: Andiarena Ainara , Balluerka Nekane , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Ibarluzea Jesús
Published: October 2017

Early neuropsychological assessment provides important information for clinical practice and research. As previously no tool for neuropsychological assessment has been developed in or adapted to Basque, the aim of this study was to adapt and validate the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities for 4 years old children. The adaptation and validation of the original instrument followed the methodological steps established by the International Test Commission. We examined the psychometric properties of the adapted instrument in 273 Basque preschool children (aged between 4 years and 4 months and 4 years and 11 months; 52.2% boys). Confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory fit indexes except for the General Cognitive and Memory scales. Most scales presented adequate internal consistency (Reliability coefficients ranged between .55 and .81). The Basque version also showed evidence of validity based on the relationship between neuropsychological development and sex, parental education, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like behaviours and early neurodevelopment (p < .05; effect sizes ranged between Cohen’s d = .26 and .52 and r = .15 and 39). The Basque MSCA can be regarded as a useful tool to evaluate cognitive and psychomotor development in preschool children.
Making Sense of 1917: Towards a Global History of the Russian Revolution
Authors: Rendle Matthew
Published: October 2017

It is clear that the global impact of the Russian Revolution over the last century has been immense. What is less clear, however, is the global impactonthe revolution. Historians have appreciated that contemporaries made immediate comparisons with previous revolutions, especially the French Revolution and the Paris Commune, but considerations of broader global influences on the revolution have been rare. This article explores how historians can study these global influences, exploring the circulation of ideas and their influence on people and policies. Whilst not denying the continuing primacy of traditional “internal” factors in explaining the nature and process of the revolution, the article argues that globalizing 1917, as contemporaries did, helps historians to better understand the widespread belief in progress that fueled developments as people sought to create a new country, and to appreciate how people tried to make sense of the tumultuous events of revolution.
The Legacy of 1917 in Graphic Satire
Authors: Etty John
Published: October 2017

This essay explores political cartoons published in various journals in 1917, and investigates the legacy of that year's graphic satire. As many previous works have noted, the revolutions of 1917 brought struggles for the meaning of signs, and in political cartoons there were marked changes in subject matter and visual vocabulary. While previous studies have interpreted these developments as illustrations of political revolution, this essay, which is based on original research, will argue that the fundamental shift that began in 1917 was towards a kind of visual satirical discourse that possessed performative power. Proposing a new conceptual framework for analysis based on theories of performativity, the theoretical contribution of this essay will be to show how graphic satire reveals the performative force of cartoons, by arguing that Soviet graphic satire's aesthetic invites readers’ critical engagement with contemporary discourses, a vision that derives from the political cartoons of 1917.
(Good) Land and Freedom (for Former Serfs): Determinants of Peasant Unrest in European Russia, March–October 1917
Authors: Finkel Evgeny , Gehlbach Scott , Kofanov Dmitrii
Published: October 2017

What was the nature of geographic variation in peasant unrest during the Russian Revolution? What explains this variation? We discuss and compare two extant sources of information on peasant disturbances from March to October 1917, we illustrate geographic variation in the actions recorded by these sources, and we statistically identify determinants of this variation. We show that two factors robustly drive province-level variation in peasant unrest in 1917: soil quality and the historical prevalence of serfdom.
February 23 and March 8: Two Holidays that Upstaged the February Revolution
Authors: Wood Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2017

By most accounts, the Russian Revolution began on February 23, 1917 with the women's strike for bread and suffrage. Yet for the next thirteen years (until 1930), that revolutionary beginning was celebrated on March 12, after which it was expunged from the revolutionary calendar altogether. “International Women's Day” meanwhile became March 8 because of the change in the Russian calendar in 1918 (it had been 13 days behind the European calendar), and February 23 became “Red Army Day” and subsequently (in 2006), “Day of the Defender of the Fatherland.” Over the course of the early 1920s, the connection between the women's strike on February 23/March 8 and the February Revolution was actively undermined in several ways. First, the February Revolution itself was dated not from the moment when women marched in the streets of Petrograd calling out the men to strike, but rather from March 12 (February 27), which was the day of the founding of the Temporary Committee of the State Duma, soon to become the Provisional Government. Second, the celebration of the two holidays of Red Army Day on February 23 and International Women's Day on March 8 created a split between men and women in their celebrations, separating them and assigning spheres to each, the army for men and the home for women. Finally, the creation of February 23 as the anniversary of the Red Army's founding seems to have deliberately upstaged both women's involvement in the 1917 Revolution and the overthrow of autocracy.
Precision cosmology from future lensed gravitational wave and electromagnetic signals
Authors: Liao Kai , Fan Xi-Long , Ding Xuheng , Biesiada Marek , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: October 2017

The standard siren approach of gravitational wave cosmology appeals to the direct luminosity distance estimation through the waveform signals from inspiralling double compact binaries, especially those with electromagnetic counterparts providing redshifts. It is limited by the calibration uncertainties in strain amplitude and relies on the fine details of the waveform. The Einstein telescope is expected to produce 104–105 gravitational wave detections per year, 50–100 of which will be lensed. Here, we report a waveform-independent strategy to achieve precise cosmography by combining the accurately measured time delays from strongly lensed gravitational wave signals with the images and redshifts observed in the electromagnetic domain. We demonstrate that just 10 such systems can provide a Hubble constant uncertainty of 0.68% for a flat lambda cold dark matter universe in the era of third-generation ground-based detectors.
The circular RNA circBIRC6 participates in the molecular circuitry controlling human pluripotency
Authors: Yu Chun-Ying , Li Tung-Cheng , Wu Yi-Ying , Yeh Chan-Hsien , Chiang Wei , Chuang Ching-Yu , Kuo Hung-Chih
Published: October 2017

Accumulating evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant in the human transcriptome. However, their involvement in biological processes, including pluripotency, remains mostly undescribed. We identified a subset of circRNAs that are enriched in undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and demonstrated that two, circBIRC6 and circCORO1C, are functionally associated with the pluripotent state. Mechanistically, we found that circBIRC6 is enriched in the AGO2 complex and directly interacts with microRNAs, miR-34a, and miR-145, which are known to modulate target genes that maintain pluripotency. Correspondingly, circBIRC6 attenuates the downregulation of these target genes and suppresses hESC differentiation. We further identified hESC-enriched splicing factors (SFs) and demonstrated that circBIRC6 biogenesis in hESCs is promoted by the SF ESRP1, whose expression is controlled by the core pluripotency-associated factors, OCT4 and NANOG. Collectively, our data suggest that circRNA serves as a microRNA “sponge” to regulate the molecular circuitry, which modulates human pluripotency and differentiation.
Exciton fission in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors
Authors: Steinhoff A. , Florian M. , Rösner M. , Schönhoff G. , Wehling T. O. , Jahnke F.
Published: October 2017

When electron-hole pairs are excited in a semiconductor, it is a priori not clear if they form a plasma of unbound fermionic particles or a gas of composite bosons called excitons. Usually, the exciton phase is associated with low temperatures. In atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors, excitons are particularly important even at room temperature due to strong Coulomb interaction and a large exciton density of states. Using state-of-the-art many-body theory, we show that the thermodynamic fission–fusion balance of excitons and electron-hole plasma can be efficiently tuned via the dielectric environment as well as charge carrier doping. We propose the observation of these effects by studying exciton satellites in photoemission and tunneling spectroscopy, which present direct solid-state counterparts of high-energy collider experiments on the induced fission of composite particles.
Van der Waals MoS2/VO2 heterostructure junction with tunable rectifier behavior and efficient photoresponse
Authors: Oliva Nicoló , Casu Emanuele Andrea , Yan Chen , Krammer Anna , Rosca Teodor , Magrez Arnaud , Stolichnov Igor , Schueler Andreas , Martin Olivier J. F. , Ionescu Adrian Mihai
Published: October 2017

Junctions between n-type semiconductors of different electron affinity show rectification if the junction is abrupt enough. With the advent of 2D materials, we are able to realize thin van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures based on a large diversity of materials. In parallel, strongly correlated functional oxides have emerged, having the ability to show reversible insulator-to-metal (IMT) phase transition by collapsing their electronic bandgap under a certain external stimulus. Here, we report for the first time the electronic and optoelectronic characterization of ultra-thin n-n heterojunctions fabricated using deterministic assembly of multilayer molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) on a phase transition material, vanadium dioxide (VO2). The vdW MoS2/VO2 heterojunction combines the excellent blocking capability of an n-n junction with a high conductivity in on-state, and it can be turned into a Schottky rectifier at high applied voltage or at temperatures higher than 68 °C, exploiting the metal state of VO2. We report tunable diode-like current rectification with a good diode ideality factor of 1.75 and excellent conductance swing of 120 mV/dec. Finally, we demonstrate unique tunable photosensitivity and excellent junction photoresponse in the 500/650 nm wavelength range.
Functionalization of microparticles with mineral coatings enhances non-viral transfection of primary human cells
Authors: Khalil Andrew S. , Yu Xiaohua , Xie Angela W. , Fontana Gianluca , Umhoefer Jennifer M. , Johnson Hunter J. , Hookway Tracy A. , McDevitt Todd C. , Murphy William L.
Published: October 2017

Gene delivery to primary human cells is a technology of critical interest to both life science research and therapeutic applications. However, poor efficiencies in gene transfer and undesirable safety profiles remain key limitations in advancing this technology. Here, we describe a materials-based approach whereby application of a bioresorbable mineral coating improves microparticle-based transfection of plasmid DNA lipoplexes in several primary human cell types. In the presence of these mineral-coated microparticles (MCMs), we observed up to 4-fold increases in transfection efficiency with simultaneous reductions in cytotoxicity. We identified mechanisms by which MCMs improve transfection, as well as coating compositions that improve transfection in three-dimensional cell constructs. The approach afforded efficient transfection in primary human fibroblasts as well as mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells for both two- and three-dimensional transfection strategies. This MCM-based transfection is an advancement in gene delivery technology, as it represents a non-viral approach that enables highly efficient, localized transfection and allows for transfection of three-dimensional cell constructs.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of the novel mouse substrain C57BL/6N Korl with increased body weight
Authors: Choi Kyung-Min , Jung Jaehoon , Cho Young Min , Kim Kwondo , Kim Mi-Gyeong , Kim Jinho , Kim Huibae , Shin Hee Jung , Kim Hae Deun , Chung Seung-Tae , Cho Seoae , Chung Myeon-Woo
Published: October 2017

In inbred mouse lines, there is generally little genetic difference between individuals. This small genetic variability facilitates carrying out research on minute changes of various traits and the gene pool. Also, characterizing the diversity and detecting selective genetic and phenotypic signatures are crucial to understanding the genomic basis of a population and to identify specific patterns of evolutionary change. In this study, we investigated the underlying genetic profiles of a newly developed mouse strain, C57BL/6NKorl (Korl), established through sibling mating over 30 generations. To analyse the distinctive genomic features of Korl mice, we used whole-genome sequencing from six samples, which were compared to those of other C57BL/6N-based mouse strains. Korl strain-specific polymorphisms were identified and signatures of a selective sweep were detected. In particular, the candidate genes related to the increased body weight of the Korl strain were identified. Establishment of the genetic profile of Korl mice can provide insight into the inbreeding-induced changes to the gene pool, and help to establish this strain as a useful model for practical and targeted research purposes.
Self-propulsion of a grain-filled dimer in a vertically vibrated channel
Authors: Xu C. , Zheng N. , Wang L.-P. , Li L.-S. , Shi Q.-F. , Lu Zhiyue
Published: October 2017

Steady dissipation of energy is a crucial property that distinguishes active particles from Brownian particles. However, it is not straightforward to explicitly model the dissipative property of existing active particles driven by a vibrating plate. We present a novel active particle that can be explicitly modeled by Newtonian dynamics of a conservative force field plus two asymmetrical dissipative terms. The particle is a dimer consisting of two ping-pong balls connected by a rigid rod, and its two balls are filled with granular particles of the same total mass but of different grain size. This dimer placed on a vibrating plate exhibits 3 types of motion – by tuning the frequency and the amplitude of the vibration, the dimer undergoes either a directed motion toward the small (or large) grain-filled side or an unbiased random motion. We investigate the various modes of motion both experimentally and numerically and show that the directed motion is a result of the asymmetric damping due to the size difference in the filling grains. Furthermore, the numerical simulation reveals that the dimer’s dynamics in either directed motion mode resembles a limit cycle attractor that is independent of its initial condition.
Differential inter-subject correlation of brain activity when kinship is a variable in moral dilemma
Authors: Bacha-Trams Mareike , Glerean Enrico , Dunbar Robin , Lahnakoski Juha M. , Ryyppö Elisa , Sams Mikko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P.
Published: October 2017

Previous behavioural studies have shown that humans act more altruistically towards kin. Whether and how knowledge of genetic relatedness translates into differential neurocognitive evaluation of observed social interactions has remained an open question. Here, we investigated how the human brain is engaged when viewing a moral dilemma between genetic vs. non-genetic sisters. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, a movie was shown, depicting refusal of organ donation between two sisters, with subjects guided to believe the sisters were related either genetically or by adoption. Although 90% of the subjects self-reported that genetic relationship was not relevant, their brain activity told a different story. Comparing correlations of brain activity across all subject pairs between the two viewing conditions, we found significantly stronger inter-subject correlations in insula, cingulate, medial and lateral prefrontal, superior temporal, and superior parietal cortices, when the subjects believed that the sisters were genetically related. Cognitive functions previously associated with these areas include moral and emotional conflict regulation, decision making, and mentalizing, suggesting more similar engagement of such functions when observing refusal of altruism from a genetic sister. Our results show that mere knowledge of a genetic relationship between interacting persons robustly modulates social cognition of the perceiver.
Entanglement-Gradient Routing for Quantum Networks
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: October 2017

We define the entanglement-gradient routing scheme for quantum repeater networks. The routing framework fuses the fundamentals of swarm intelligence and quantum Shannon theory. Swarm intelligence provides nature-inspired solutions for problem solving. Motivated by models of social insect behavior, the routing is performed using parallel threads to determine the shortest path via the entanglement gradient coefficient, which describes the feasibility of the entangled links and paths of the network. The routing metrics are derived from the characteristics of entanglement transmission and relevant measures of entanglement distribution in quantum networks. The method allows a moderate complexity decentralized routing in quantum repeater networks. The results can be applied in experimental quantum networking, future quantum Internet, and long-distance quantum communications.
Male fertility restored by transplanting primordial germ cells into testes: a new way towards efficient transgenesis in chicken
Authors: Trefil Pavel , Aumann Dorothea , Koslová Anna , Mucksová Jitka , Benešová Barbora , Kalina Jiří , Wurmser Christine , Fries Ruedi , Elleder Daniel , Schusser Benjamin , Hejnar Jiří
Published: October 2017

The ongoing progress in primordial germ cell derivation and cultivation is opening new ways in reproductive biotechnology. This study tested whether functional sperm cells can be matured from genetically manipulated primordial germ cells after transplantation in adult testes and used to restore fertility. We show that spermatogenesis can be restored after mCherry-expressing or GFP-expressing primordial germ cells are transplantated into the testes of sterilized G0 roosters and that mCherry-positive or GFP-positive non-chimeric transgenic G1 offspring can be efficiently produced. Compared with the existing approaches to primordial germ cell replacement, this new technique eliminates the germ line chimerism of G0 roosters and is, therefore, faster, more efficient and requires fewer animals. Furthermore, this is the only animal model, where the fate of primordial germ cells in infertile recipients can be studied.
In Vitro Seamless Stack Enzymatic Assembly of DNA Molecules Based on a Strategy Involving Splicing of Restriction Sites
Authors: Yu Dong , Tan Yanning , Sun Zhizhong , Sun Xuewu , Sheng Xiabing , Zhou Tianshun , Liu Ling , Mo Yi , Jiang Beibei , Ouyang Ning , Yin Xiaolin , Duan Meijuan , Yuan Dingyang
Published: October 2017

The standard binary enzymatic assembly, which operates by inserting one DNA fragment into a plasmid, has a higher assembly success rate than the polynary enzymatic assembly, which inserts two or more fragments into the plasmid. However, it often leaves a nucleotide scar at the junction site. When a large DNA molecule is assembled stepwise into a backbone plasmid in a random piecewise manner, the scars will damage the structure of the original DNA sequence in the final assembled plasmids. Here, we propose an in vitro Seamless Stack Enzymatic Assembly (SSEA) method, a novel binary enzymatic assembly method involving a seamless strategy of splicing restriction sites via a stepwise process of multiple enzymatic reactions that does not leave nucleotide scars at the junction sites. We have demonstrated the success and versatility of this method through the assembly of 1) a 4.98 kb DNA molecule in the 5′ → 3′ direction using BamHI to generate the sticky end of the assembly entrance, 2) a 7.09 kb DNA molecule in the 3′ → 5′ direction using SmaI to generate the blunt end of the assembly entrance, and 3) an 11.88 kb DNA molecule by changing the assembly entrance.
Complementary mechanisms for neurotoxin resistance in a copepod
Authors: Roncalli Vittoria , Lenz Petra H. , Cieslak Matthew C. , Hartline Daniel K.
Published: October 2017

Toxin resistance is a recurring evolutionary response by predators feeding on toxic prey. These adaptations impact physiological interaction and community ecology. Mechanisms for resistance vary depending on the predator and the nature of the toxin. Potent neurotoxins like tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) that are highly toxic to humans and other vertebrates, target conserved voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) of nerve and muscle, causing paralysis. The copepod Calanus finmarchicus consumes the STX-producing dinoflagellate, Alexandrium fundyense with no effect on survival. Using transcriptomic approaches to search for the mechanism that confers resistance in C. finmarchicus, we identified splice variants of NaVs that were predicted to be toxin resistant. These were co-expressed with putatively non-resistant form in all developmental stages. However its expression was unresponsive to toxin challenge nor was there any up-regulation of genes involved in multi-xenobiotic resistance (MXR) or detoxification (phases I or II). Instead, adults consistently regulated genes encoding digestive enzymes, possibly to complement channel resistance by limiting toxin assimilation via the digestive process. The nauplii, which were more susceptible to STX, did not regulate these enzymes. This study demonstrates how deep-sequencing technology can elucidate multiple mechanisms of toxin resistance concurrently, revealing the linkages between molecular/cellular adaptations and the ecology of an organism.
Involvement of ER stress, PI3K/AKT activation, and lung fibroblast proliferation in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hsu Han-Shui , Liu Chen-Chi , Lin Jiun-Han , Hsu Tien-Wei , Hsu Jyuan-Wei , Su Kelly , Hung Shih-Chieh
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodelling, leading to respiratory insufficiency. The mechanisms underlying this progressive and devastating disease remain unclear. Conditions that can impair the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cause accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins, resulting in ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). ER stress has been implicated in many conditions including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. It is also involved in lung fibrosis, through myofibroblastic differentiation of fibroblasts; however, the precise role of ER stress in lung fibrosis is unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of ER stress inhibitors in the treatment of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. We demonstrated that bleomycin can activate ER stress associated proteins, including GRP78, CHOP, and ATF-4, both in vitro and in vivo. PI3K/AKT acts upstream of ER stress to affect lung fibroblast proliferation, resulting in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment with ER stress inhibitors or a PI3K inhibitor caused a reduction in fibroblast proliferation and improved pulmonary function. The relationship between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ER stress in pulmonary fibrosis, and the application of PI3K inhibitors and ER stress inhibitors in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis require further investigation.
Comprehensive single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals heterogeneity in endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues
Authors: Hashimoto Shinichi , Tabuchi Yuta , Yurino Hideaki , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Deshimaru Shungo , Asano Takuya , Mariya Tasuku , Oshima Kenshiro , Takamura Yuzuru , Ukita Yoshiaki , Ametani Akio , Kondo Naoto , Monma Norikazu , Takeda Tadayuki , Misu Sadahiko , Okayama Toshitugu , Ikeo Kazuho , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kaneko Shuich , Suzuki Yutaka , Hattori Masahira , Matsushima Kouji , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: October 2017

Single cell transcriptome analysis of a cancer tissue can provide objective assessment of subtype population or the activation of each of various microenvironment component cells. In this study, we applied our newly developed technique of single cell analysis to the myometrial infiltration side (M-side) and the endometrial side (E-side) of a human endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation tissues. We also analyzed spherogenic cultures derived from the same tissue to identify putative regulators of stemness in vivo. Cancer cells in the E-side were highly malignant compared with those in the M-side. Many cells on the E-side were positive for spheroid-specific tumorigenesis-related markers including SOX2. In addition, there were higher numbers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cells in the E-side compared with the M-side. This study identified a site containing cells with high malignant potential such as EMT and cancer stem-like cells in cancer tissues. Finally, we demonstrate that established endometrioid adenocarcinoma subtype classifiers were variably expressed across individual cells within a tumor. Thus, such intratumoral heterogeneity may be related to prognostic implications.
Glycolipid-peptide conjugate vaccines enhance CD8+ T cell responses against human viral proteins
Authors: Speir M. , Authier-Hall A. , Brooks C. R. , Farrand K. J. , Compton B. J. , Anderson R. J. , Heiser A. , Osmond T. L. , Tang C. W. , Berzofsky J. A. , Terabe M. , Painter G. F. , Hermans I. F. , Weinkove R.
Published: October 2017

An important goal of vaccination against viruses and virus-driven cancers is to elicit cytotoxic CD8+T cells specific for virus-derived peptides. CD8+T cell responses can be enhanced by engaging help from natural killer T (NKT) cells. We have produced synthetic vaccines that induce strong peptide-specific CD8+T cell responsesin vivoby incorporating an NKT cell-activating glycolipid. Here we examine the effect of a glycolipid-peptide conjugate vaccine incorporating an NKT cell-activating glycolipid linked to an MHC class I-restricted peptide from a viral antigen in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The vaccine induces CD1d-dependent activation of human NKT cells following enzymatic cleavage, activates human dendritic cells in an NKT-cell dependent manner, and generates a pool of activated antigen-specific CD8+T cells with cytotoxic potential. Compared to unconjugated peptide, the vaccine upregulates expression of genes encoding interferon-γ, CD137 and granzyme B. A similar vaccine incorporating a peptide from the clinically-relevant human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 E7 oncoprotein induces cytotoxicity against peptide-expressing targetsin vivo, and elicits a better antitumor response in a model of E7-expressing lung cancer than its unconjugated components. Glycolipid-peptide conjugate vaccines may prove useful for the prevention or treatment of viral infections and tumors that express viral antigens.
Reference gene selection for gene expression study in shell gland and spleen of laying hens challenged with infectious bronchitis virus
Authors: Khan Samiullah , Roberts Juliet , Wu Shu-Biao
Published: October 2017

Ten reference genes were investigated for normalisation of candidate target gene expression data in the shell gland and spleen of laying hens challenged with two strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Data were analysed with geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, and a comprehensive ranking (geomean) was calculated. In the combined data set of IBV challenged shell gland samples, the comprehensive ranking showed TATA-box binding protein (TBP) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) as the two most stable, and succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA) and albumin (ALB) as the two least stable reference genes. In the spleen, and in the combined data set of the shell gland and spleen, the two most stable and the two least stable reference genes were TBP and YWHAZ, and ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) and ALB, respectively. Different ranking has been due to different algorithms. Validation studies showed that the use of the two most stable reference genes produced accurate and more robust gene expression data. The two most and least stable reference genes obtained in the study, were further used for candidate target gene expression data normalisation of the shell gland and spleen under an IBV infection model.
Flexible and Tunable 3D Gold Nanocups Platform as Plasmonic Biosensor for Specific Dual LSPR-SERS Immuno-Detection
Authors: Focsan M. , Craciun A. M. , Potara M. , Leordean C. , Vulpoi A. , Maniu D. , Astilean S.
Published: October 2017

Early medical diagnostic in nanomedicine requires the implementation of innovative nanosensors with highly sensitive, selective, and reliable biomarker detection abilities. In this paper, a dual Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance - Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (LSPR- SERS) immunosensor based on a flexible three-dimensional (3D) gold (Au) nanocups platform has been implemented for the first time to operate as a relevant “proof-of-concept” for the specific detection of antigen-antibody binding events, using the human IgG - anti-human IgG recognition interaction as a model. Specifically, polydimethylsilane (PDMS) elastomer mold coated with a thin Au film employed for pattern replication of hexagonally close-packed monolayer of polystyrene nanospheres configuration has been employed as plasmonic nanoplatform to convey both SERS and LSPR readout signals, exhibiting both well-defined LSPR response and enhanced 3D electromagnetic field. Synergistic LSPR and SERS sensing use the same reproducible and large-area plasmonic nanoplatform providing complimentary information not only on the presence of anti-human IgG (by LSPR) but also to identify its specific molecular signature by SERS. The development of such smart flexible healthcare nanosensor platforms holds promise for mass production, opening thereby the doors for the next generation of portable point-of-care devices.
Ultrasensitive gold micro-structured electrodes enabling the detection of extra-cellular long-lasting potentials in astrocytes populations
Authors: Mestre Ana L. G. , Cerquido Mónica , Inácio Pedro M. C. , Asgarifar Sanaz , Lourenço Ana S. , Cristiano Maria L. S. , Aguiar Paulo , Medeiros Maria C. R. , Araújo Inês M. , Ventura João , Gomes Henrique L.
Published: October 2017

Ultra-sensitive electrodes for extracellular recordings were fabricated and electrically characterized. A signal detection limit defined by a noise level of 0.3–0.4 μV for a bandwidth of 12.5 Hz was achieved. To obtain this high sensitivity, large area (4 mm2) electrodes were used. The electrode surface is also micro-structured with an array of gold mushroom-like shapes to further enhance the active area. In comparison with a flat gold surface, the micro-structured surface increases the capacitance of the electrode/electrolyte interface by 54%. The electrode low impedance and low noise enable the detection of weak and low frequency quasi-periodic signals produced by astrocytes populations that thus far had remained inaccessible using conventional extracellular electrodes. Signals with 5 μV in amplitude and lasting for 5–10 s were measured, with a peak-to-peak signal-to-noise ratio of 16. The electrodes and the methodology developed here can be used as an ultrasensitive electrophysiological tool to reveal the synchronization dynamics of ultra-slow ionic signalling between non-electrogenic cells.
Combined x-ray crystallography and computational modeling approach to investigate the Hsp90 C-terminal peptide binding to FKBP51
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Moche Martin , Winblad Bengt , Pavlov Pavel F.
Published: October 2017

FK506 binding protein of 51 kDa (FKBP51) is a heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) co-chaperone involved in the regulation of steroid hormone receptors activity. It is known for its role in various regulatory pathways implicated in mood and stress-related disorders, cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and corticosteroid resistant asthma. It consists of two FKBP12 like active peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase) domains (an active FK1 and inactive FK2 domain) and one tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain that mediates interaction with Hsp90 via its C-terminal MEEVD peptide. Here, we report a combined x-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics study to reveal the binding mechanism of Hsp90 MEEVD peptide to the TPR domain of FKBP51. The results demonstrated that the Hsp90 C-terminal peptide binds to the TPR domain of FKBP51 with the help of di-carboxylate clamp involving Lys272, Glu273, Lys352, Asn322, and Lys329 which are conserved throughout several di-carboxylate clamp TPR proteins. Interestingly, the results from molecular dynamics study are also in agreement to the complex structure where all the contacts between these two partners were consistent throughout the simulation period. In a nutshell, our findings provide new opportunity to engage this important protein-protein interaction target by small molecules designed by structure based drug design strategy.
Codelivery of sorafenib and GPC3 siRNA with PEI-modified liposomes for hepatoma therapy
Authors: Sun Weitong , Wang Yong , Cai Mingyue , Lin Liteng , Chen Xiaoyan , Cao Zhong , Zhu Kangshun , Shuai Xintao
Published: October 2017

A novel liposomal system incorporating branched PEI was prepared to efficiently codeliver sorafenib and GPC3 siRNA for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Continuous-feed nanocasting process for the synthesis of bismuth nanowire composites
Authors: Vandaele K. , Heremans J. P. , Van Driessche I. , Van Der Voort P. , De Buysser K.
Published: October 2017

We present a novel, continuous-feed nanocasting procedure for the synthesis of bismuth nanowire structures embedded in the pores of a mesoporous silica template.
Homeostasis in CuxO/SrTiO3 hybrid allows highly active and stable visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Kong Jiejing , Rui Zebao , Liu Senhong , Liu Hanwei , Ji Hongbing
Published: October 2017

Reversible conversion between Cu2+ and Cu+, together with CuxO photosensitizer function and p–n heterojunction formation, lead to highly active and stable visible light photocatalytic performance of hybrid CuxO/SrTiO3.
Organocatalyst-assisted Ar–18F bond formation: a universal procedure for direct aromatic radiofluorination
Authors: Jakobsson Jimmy Erik , Grønnevik Gaute , Riss Patrick Johannes
Published: October 2017

A metal free, phosphane-catalysed protocol for C–F bond formation based on ipso-elimination of iodanes allows for rapid and efficient radiofluorination of biomolecules.
Two dimensional oxygen-vacancy-rich Co3O4 nanosheets with excellent supercapacitor performances
Authors: Xiang Kun , Xu Zhicheng , Qu Tingting , Tian Zhengfang , Zhang Yu , Wang Yongzheng , Xie Mingjiang , Guo Xiangke , Ding Weiping , Guo Xuefeng
Published: October 2017

A higher oxygen-vacancy content in Co3O4 nanosheets delivers a higher electrochemical performance.
In situ encapsulation of platinum clusters within H-ZSM-5 zeolite for highly stable benzene methylation catalysis
Authors: Wang Qingtao , Han Wenwen , Lyu Jinghui , Zhang Qunfeng , Guo Lingling , Li Xiaonian
Published: October 2017

Well-dispersed and tiny Pt clusters within hierarchical ZSM-5 are prepared via a direct hydrothermal method. The facile in situ encapsulation of Pt in zeolites endows the catalyst with excellent activity, high stability and superior recyclability for benzene methylation with methanol.
Physico-mechanical properties of Mg and Ag doped hydroxyapatite/chitosan biocomposites
Authors: Mansour S. F. , El-dek S. I. , Dorozhkin S. V. , Ahmed M. K.
Published: October 2017

Co-Substituted hydroxyapatite Mg–Ag-HAP/chitosan biocomposites were synthesized successfully using a simple chemical method, and the compressive strength progressed up to 15.2 MPa atx= 0.8.
Impact of chromium doping on physical, optical, electronic and photovoltaic properties of nanoparticle TiO2photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Vafaei M. , Mohammadi M. R.
Published: October 2017

Electronic band structure and photovoltaic performance of Cr-doped TiO2DSCs.
Experimental and computational kinetic investigations for the reactions of Cl atoms with unsaturated ketones in the gas phase
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Kumar Avinash , Rajakumar B.
Published: October 2017

Cl atom initiated photo oxidation of unsaturated ketones.
Speed dependence of liquid superlubricity stability with H3PO4 solution
Authors: Xiao Chen , Li Jinjin , Chen Lei , Zhang Chenhui , Zhou Ningning , Qian Linmao , Luo Jianbin
Published: October 2017

The water-based superlubricity can be promoted to a high-speed of 1.6 m s−1 after pre-running-in at low-speed of 0.075 m s−1.
Energy efficiency: a critically important but neglected factor in battery research
Authors: Eftekhari Ali
Published: October 2017

Many of novel electrode materials under consideration have low energy efficiency and this makes them practically unattractive despite other factors.
High performance fiber-shaped perovskite solar cells based on lead acetate precursor
Authors: Hu Hsienwei , Dong Bin , Chen Buxin , Gao Xue , Zou Dechun
Published: October 2017

For the first time, lead acetate was introduced as the lead source to improve the perovskite film morphology on highly curved surfaces. The resulting fiber-shaped perovskite solar cells achieved a PCE of 7.53%.
Co-encapsulation of CdSe/ZnS and CeO2 nanoparticles in waterborne polymer dispersions: enhancement of fluorescence emission under sunlight
Authors: De San Luis Alicia , Paulis Maria , Leiza Jose Ramon
Published: October 2017

Fluorescence emission enhancement of latexes and films exposed to sunlight was achieved by the co-encapsulation of QDs and CeO2 nanoparticles in polymer particles.
Pyridinium functionalized coordination containers as highly efficient electrocatalysts for sustainable oxygen evolution
Authors: Bhuvaneswari Nagarajan , Annamalai K. P. , Dai Feng-Rong , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: October 2017

Pyridinium functionalized supercontainers exhibit efficient and stable electrocatalytic oxygen evolution.
Physisorption-induced structural change directing carbon monoxide chemisorption and nitric oxide coordination on hemilabile porous metal organic framework NaNi3(OH)(SIP)2(H2O)5·H2O (SIP = 5-sulfoisophthalate)
Authors: Bell Jon G. , Morris Samuel A. , Aidoudi Farida , McCormick Laura J. , Morris Russell E. , Thomas K. Mark
Published: October 2017

Physisorption drives structural change leading to thermally stable CO chemisorption.
Eutectic-directed self-templating synthesis of PtNi nanoporous nanowires with superior electrocatalytic performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction: experiment and DFT calculation
Authors: Wang Ying , Yin Kuibo , Lv Lanfen , Kou Tianyi , Zhang Chi , Zhang Jie , Gao Hui , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: October 2017

A bridge could be built between traditional eutectic alloys and advanced 1D nanowire materials through solidification/dealloying control.
Tailoring pore structures to improve the permselectivity of organosilica membranes by tuning calcination parameters
Authors: Song Huating , Wei Yibin , Qi Hong
Published: October 2017

The pore structures of BTESE-derived organosilica membranes were tailored to improve the permselectivity by adjusting calcination parameters.
Water-enabled crystallization of mesoporous SnO2 as a binder-free electrode for enhanced sodium storage
Authors: Bian Haidong , Dong Ranran , Shao Qingguo , Wang Shuo , Yuen Muk-Fung , Zhang Zhenyu , Yu Denis Y. W. , Zhang Wenjun , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: October 2017

Amorphous anodic SnO2 grown on Cu foil can be crystallized in water and then directly used as a Na-ion battery anode.
Intermetallic Pd3Pb nanowire networks boost ethanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions with significantly improved methanol tolerance
Authors: Shi Qiurong , Zhu Chengzhou , Bi Cuixia , Xia Haibing , Engelhard Mark H. , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: October 2017

Intermetallic nanocrystals are currently receiving extensive attention due to their well-defined crystal structures, highly ordered atomic distribution and superior structural stability that endow them with optimized catalytic activities, stabilities and high selectivity for use as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Fluorescent metal quantum clusters: an updated overview of the synthesis, properties, and biological applications
Authors: Khandelwal Puneet , Poddar Pankaj
Published: October 2017

A brief history of metal quantum clusters, their synthesis methods, physical properties, and an updated overview of their applications is provided.
Effects of line defects on the electronic and optical properties of strain-engineered WO3 thin films
Authors: Yang Jing-ting , Ma Chao , Ge Chen , Zhang Qing-hua , Du Jian-yu , Li Jian-kun , Huang He-yi , He Meng , Wang Can , Meng Sheng , Gu Lin , Lu Hui-bin , Yang Guo-zhen , Jin Kui-juan
Published: October 2017

We report the discovery of a new line defect, and the modification of electronic structures in strain engineered WO3 films.