bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the speed of piezostrain-mediated voltage-driven perpendicular magnetization reversal: a computational elastodynamics-micromagnetic phase-field study
Authors: Peng Ren-Ci , Hu Jia-Mian , Chen Long-Qing , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: July 2017

By linking the dynamics of local piezostrain to the dynamics of local magnetization, we computationally analyzed the speed of a recently proposed scheme of piezostrain-mediated perpendicular magnetization reversal driven by a voltage pulse in magnetoelectric heterostructures. We used a model heterostructure consisting of an elliptical ultrathin amorphous Co20Fe60B20 on top of a polycrystalline Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin film. We constructed a diagram showing the speed of perpendicular magnetization reversal as a function of the amplitude of the applied voltage pulse and the stiffness damping coefficient of PZT film. In addition, we investigated the influence of thermal fluctuations on the switching speed. The analyses suggest that the switching time remains well below 10 ns and that the energy dissipation per switching is on the order of femtojoule. The present computational analyses can be generally used to predict the speed of piezostrain-enabled magnetization switching and magnetic domain-wall motion, which critically determines the response time of corresponding piezostrain-enabled spintronic and magnonic devices.
Combining dendritic cells and B cells for presentation of oxidised tumour antigens to CD8+ T cells
Authors: Grant Melanie L , Shields Nicholas , Neumann Silke , Kramer Katrin , Bonato Andrea , Jackson Christopher , Baird Margaret A , Young Sarah L
Published: July 2017

The dendritic cell (DC) is the foremost antigen‐presenting cell (APC) for ex vivo expansion of tumour‐specific patient T cells. Despite marked responses in some patients following reinfusion of DC‐activated autologous or HLA‐matched donor T cells, overall response rates remain modest in solid tumours. Furthermore, most studies aim to generate immune responses against defined tumour‐associated antigens (TAA), however, meta‐analysis reveals that those approaches have less clinical success than those using whole tumour cells or their components. Tumour lysate (TL) is used as a source of tumour antigen in clinical trials and potentially represents the full range of TAAs in an undefined state. Little is known about how different APCs cooperate to present TL antigens. We examined the effect of oxidised whole‐cell lysate (ox‐L) versus soluble fraction freeze–thaw lysate (s‐L) on bone marrow‐derived DCs and macrophages, and magnetic bead‐isolated splenic B cells. The APCs were used individually, or in combination, to prime T cells. CD8+ T cells produced interferon (IFN)‐γ in response to both s‐L and ox‐L, but only proliferated in response to ox‐L. IFN‐γ production and proliferation was enhanced by priming with the DC+B cell combination. Compared to DC alone, a trend toward greater interleukin (IL)‐12 production was observed when DC+B cell were loaded with s‐L and ox‐L antigens. CD8+ T‐cell specific lysis in vivo was greatest in ox‐L‐primed groups and DC+B cell priming significantly increased in vivo cytotoxicity compared to DC alone. These improved T‐cell responses with two APCs and stressed cell lysate has implications for APC‐based adoptive cell therapies.
Immobility responses are induced by photoactivation of single glomerular species responsive to fox odour TMT
Authors: Saito Harumi , Nishizumi Hirofumi , Suzuki Satoshi , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Ieki Nao , Abe Takaya , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Morita Masahiko , Yokota Hideo , Hirayama Nozomi , Yamazaki Takahiro , Kikusui Takefumi , Mori Kensaku , Sakano Hitoshi
Published: July 2017

Fox odour 2,4,5-trimethyl thiazoline (TMT) is known to activate multiple glomeruli in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and elicits strong fear responses. In this study, we screened TMT-reactive odourant receptors and identified Olfr1019 with high ligand reactivity and selectivity, whose glomeruli are located in the posterodorsal OB. In the channelrhodopsin knock-in mice for Olfr1019, TMT-responsive olfactory-cortical regions were activated by photostimulation, leading to the induction of immobility, but not aversive behaviour. Distribution of photoactivation signals was overlapped with that of TMT-induced signals, but restricted to the narrower regions. In the knockout mice, immobility responses were reduced, but not entirely abolished likely due to the compensatory function of other TMT-responsive glomeruli. Our results demonstrate that the activation of a single glomerular species in the posterodorsal OB is sufficient to elicit immobility responses and that TMT-induced fear may be separated into at least two different components of immobility and aversion.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase and RNA-binding protein ZNF598 orchestrates ribosome quality control of premature polyadenylated mRNAs
Authors: Garzia Aitor , Jafarnejad Seyed Mehdi , Meyer Cindy , Chapat Clément , Gogakos Tasos , Morozov Pavel , Amiri Mehdi , Shapiro Maayan , Molina Henrik , Tuschl Thomas , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: July 2017

Cryptic polyadenylation within coding sequences (CDS) triggers ribosome-associated quality control (RQC), followed by degradation of the aberrant mRNA and polypeptide, ribosome disassembly and recycling. Although ribosomal subunit dissociation and nascent peptide degradation are well-understood, the molecular sensors of aberrant mRNAs and their mechanism of action remain unknown. We studied the Zinc Finger Protein 598 (ZNF598) using PAR-CLIP and revealed that it cross-links to tRNAs, mRNAs and rRNAs, thereby placing the protein on translating ribosomes. Cross-linked reads originating from AAA-decoding tRNALys(UUU) were 10-fold enriched over its cellular abundance, and poly-lysine encoded by poly(AAA) induced RQC in a ZNF598-dependent manner. Encounter with translated polyA segments by ZNF598 triggered ubiquitination of several ribosomal proteins, requiring the E2 ubiquitin ligase UBE2D3 to initiate RQC. Considering that human CDS are devoid of >4 consecutive AAA codons, sensing of prematurely placed polyA tails by a specialized RNA-binding protein is a novel nucleic-acid-based surveillance mechanism of RQC.
Inhibitory effect of eugenol on seed germination and pre-harvest sprouting of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hu Qijuan , Lin Cheng , Guan Yajing , Sheteiwy Mohamed Salah , Hu Weimin , Hu Jin
Published: July 2017

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a constrain problem in hybrid rice production. The present study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of eugenol on seed germination and PHS of hybrid rice variety (Qian You 1). The results showed that seed germination speed and the activities of α-amylase were inhibited by eugenol pre-soaking and these effects enhanced with the increasing of eugenol concentrations; while seedling growth was not negatively affected. In field trials, eugenol application caused a significant decline in PHS as compared with control, whereas no sustained inhibition in post-harvested seed germination was observed. The HPLC analysis indicated that eugenol raised the internal ABA content by 1–4 times more than control, and seeds treated with eugenol had relatively lower OsABA8OH2 and higher transcript levels of OsNCED2 expression during early stages of seed imbibitions. In addition, seed germinated faster after GA3 application than eugenol alone, and seed endogenous ABA content decreased obviously. It suggested that eugenol strongly delayed seed germination and the PHS in the field, which might be mainly due to the increased ABA contents caused by eugenol. However, the phenomenon of delayed germination and high ABA content caused by eugenol could be effectively recovered by exogenous GA3.
Frequency conversion in ultrastrong cavity QED
Authors: Kockum Anton Frisk , Macrì Vincenzo , Garziano Luigi , Savasta Salvatore , Nori Franco
Published: July 2017

We propose a new method for frequency conversion of photons which is both versatile and deterministic. We show that a system with two resonators ultrastrongly coupled to a single qubit can be used to realise both single- and multiphoton frequency-conversion processes. The conversion can be exquisitely controlled by tuning the qubit frequency to bring the desired frequency-conversion transitions on or off resonance. Considering recent experimental advances in ultrastrong coupling for circuit QED and other systems, we believe that our scheme can be implemented using available technology.
Freezing response-independent facilitation of fear extinction memory in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Hong Jiso , Kim Daesoo
Published: July 2017

The infralimbic cortex (IL) is known to facilitate the formation of extinction memory through reciprocal interactions with the amygdala, which produces fear responses such as freezing. Thus, whether presynaptic input from the amygdala and post-synaptic output of IL neurons are functionally dissociated in extinction memory formation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that photostimulation of IL inputs from BLA did not change freezing responses to conditioned stimuli (CS) during training, but did facilitate extinction memory, measured as a reduction in freezing responses to the CS 1 day later. On the other hand, photostimulation of somata of IL neurons induced an immediate reduction in freezing to CS, but this did not affect extinction memory tested the next day. These results provide in vivo evidence for IL-dependent facilitation of extinction memory without post-synaptic modulation of freezing circuits.
Impairment of Neuroplasticity in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex by Alcohol
Authors: Loheswaran Genane , Barr Mera S. , Zomorrodi Reza , Rajji Tarek K. , Blumberger Daniel M. , Le Foll Bernard , Daskalakis Zafiris J.
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption impairs neuroplasticity in the motor cortex. However, it is unknown whether alcohol produces a similar impairment of neuroplasticity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region that plays an important role in cognitive functioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of alcohol intoxication on neuroplasticity in the DLPFC. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) combined with electroencephalography (EEG) was used for the induction and measurement of associative LTP-like neuroplasticity in the DLPFC. Fifteen healthy subjects were administered PAS to the DLPFC following consumption of an alcohol (1.5 g/l of body water) or placebo beverage in a within-subject cross-over design. PAS induced neuroplasticity was indexed up to 60 minutes following PAS. Additionally, the effect of alcohol on PAS-induced potentiation of theta-gamma coupling (an index associated with learning and memory) was examined prior to and following PAS. Alcohol consumption resulted in a significant impairment of mean (t = 2.456, df = 13, p = 0.029) and maximum potentiation (t = −2.945, df = 13, p = 0.011) compared to the placebo beverage in the DLPFC and globally. Alcohol also suppressed the potentiation of theta-gamma coupling by PAS. Findings from the present study provide a potential neurophysiological mechanism for impairment of cognitive functioning by alcohol.
Transmission of highly virulent community-associated MRSA ST93 and livestock-associated MRSA ST398 between humans and pigs in Australia
Authors: Sahibzada S. , Abraham S. , Coombs G. W. , Pang S. , Hernández-Jover M. , Jordan D. , Heller J.
Published: July 2017

Pigs have been recognised as a reservoir of livestock associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in Europe, Asia and North America. However, little is known about the presence and distribution of MRSA in the Australian pig population and pig industry. This study describes the presence, distribution and molecular characteristics of the human adapted Australian CA-MRSA ST93 isolated from pigs, people, and the environment within a piggery. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, DNA microarray, whole genome sequencing, multi locus sequence typing, virulence and resistance gene characterization and phylogenetic analysis. MRSA were isolated from 60% (n = 52) of farm workers where 84% of isolates returned ST93 and the rest ST398. Of the thirty-one pig isolates tested further, an equal number of ST398 and ST93 (15 each) and one as ST30-V were identified. Four of six environmental isolates were identified as ST93 and two as ST398. This study has identified for the first time in Australia the occurrence of CA-MRSA ST93 and LA-MRSA ST398 amongst farm workers, pigs, and the farm environment. Comparative genome analysis indicates that ST398 is likely to have been introduced into Australia from Europe or North America. This study also reports the first linezolid resistant MRSA isolated in Australia.
Spectral dependence of nonlinear absorption in ordered silver metallic nanoprism arrays
Authors: Sánchez-Esquivel Héctor , Raygoza-Sánchez Karen Y. , Rangel-Rojo Raúl , Gemo Emanuele , Michieli Niccolò , Kalinic Boris , Reyes-Esqueda Jorge Alejandro , Cesca Tiziana , Mattei Giovanni
Published: July 2017

Ordered metallic nanoprism arrays have been proposed as novel and versatile systems for the observation of nonlinear effects such as nonlinear absorption. The study of the effect of the local field reinforcement on the fast optical third order nonlinear response around the Surface Plasmon Resonance is of great interest for many plasmonic applications. In this work, silver nanoprism arrays have been synthesized by the nanosphere lithography method. A low repetition rate tunable picosecond laser source was used to study the irradiance and wavelength dependence of the nonlinear absorption properties around the dipolar and quadrupolar resonances of the nanoarray with the use of the z-scan technique. The irradiance dependence of the on-resonance nonlinearity was studied, and a spectral region where nonlinear absorption is negligible was identified. This is important for the possible application of these materials in optical information processing devices.
Phenomenological Model for Defect Interactions in Irradiated Functional Materials
Authors: Brewer Steven J. , Cress Cory D. , Williams Samuel C. , Zhou Hanhan , Rivas Manuel , Rudy Ryan Q. , Polcawich Ronald G. , Glaser Evan R. , Jones Jacob L. , Bassiri-Gharb Nazanin
Published: July 2017

The ability to tailor the performance of functional materials, such as semiconductors, via careful manipulation of defects has led to extraordinary advances in microelectronics. Functional metal oxides are no exception – protonic-defect-conducting oxides find use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and oxygen-deficient high-temperature superconductors are poised for power transmission and magnetic imaging applications. Similarly, the advantageous functional responses in ferroelectric materials that make them attractive for use in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), logic elements, and environmental energy harvesting, are derived from interactions of defects with other defects (such as domain walls) and with the lattice. Chemical doping has traditionally been employed to study the effects of defects in functional materials, but complications arising from compositional heterogeneity often make interpretation of results difficult. Alternatively, irradiation is a versatile means of evaluating defect interactions while avoiding the complexities of doping. Here, a generalized phenomenological model is developed to quantify defect interactions and compare material performance in functional oxides as a function of radiation dose. The model is demonstrated with historical data from literature on ferroelectrics, and expanded to functional materials for SOFCs, mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs), He-ion implantation, and superconductors. Experimental data is used to study microstructural effects on defect interactions in ferroelectrics.
Integrative Profiling of Bee Communities from Habitats of Tropical Southern Yunnan (China)
Authors: Liu X. W. , Chesters D. , Dai Q. Y. , Niu Z. Q. , Beckschäfer P. , Martin K. , Zhu C. D.
Published: July 2017

Understanding and managing pollination service is hindered by taxonomic impediments and paucity of data, particularly in the tropics. Herein we apply integrative species delineation and taxonomy to test impacts of land use on the diversity of bee communities within Xishuangbanna (Yunnan, south China), a highly biodiverse tropical region which has undergone extensive land conversion to rubber plantation. 128 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) were inferred by an iterative and integrative approach. Bee activity differed significantly across land use samples, although community composition corresponded more to level of vegetation density, when accounting for spatial structure. Species diversity was high in young rubber plantations, although composition overlapped with other species-rich habitats (natural forest edge and river banks), and older plantations (>8 years) showed very low diversity under all measures. Community structures were similar between the natural forest interior and edge, although analysis indicated contrasting drivers of diversity, with clustering in the interior and overdispersion in the forest edge. Further, phylogenetic diversity and derived indices were underestimated when reference data were omitted from analysis. The description of bee communities herein permits more informed choices in land management with respect to ensuring continuation of essential services by bees.
Dome-like behaviour at Mt. Etna: The case of the 28 December 2014 South East Crater paroxysm
Authors: Ferlito C. , Bruno V. , Salerno G. , Caltabiano T. , Scandura D. , Mattia M. , Coltorti M.
Published: July 2017

On the 28 December 2014, a violent and short paroxysmal eruption occurred at the South East Crater (SEC) of Mount Etna that led to the formation of huge niches on the SW and NE flanks of the SEC edifice from which a volume of ~3 × 106 m3 of lava was erupted. Two basaltic lava flows discharged at a rate of ~370 m3/s, reaching a maximum distance of ~5 km. The seismicity during the event was scarce and the eruption was not preceded by any notable ground deformation, which instead was dramatic during and immediately after the event. The SO2 flux associated with the eruption was relatively low and even decreased few days before. Observations suggest that the paroxysm was not related to the ascent of volatile-rich fresh magma from a deep reservoir (dyke intrusion), but instead to a collapse of a portion of SEC, similar to what happens on exogenous andesitic domes. The sudden and fast discharge eventually triggered a depressurization in the shallow volcano plumbing system that drew up fresh magma from depth. Integration of data and observations has allowed to formulate a novel interpretation of mechanism leading volcanic activity at Mt. Etna and on basaltic volcanoes worldwide.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy reverses diet-induced gene-regulatory changes impacting lipid metabolism
Authors: Du Juan , Tian Jingyan , Ding Lili , Trac Candi , Xia Brian , Sun Siming , Schones Dustin E. , Huang Wendong
Published: July 2017

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) produces sustainable weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic benefits of VSG have remained elusive. According to our previous results, diet-induced obesity induces epigenetic modifications to chromatin in mouse liver. We demonstrate here that VSG in C57BL/6J wild-type male mice can reverse these chromatin modifications and thereby impact the expression of key metabolic genes. Genes involved in lipid metabolism, especially omega-6 fatty acid metabolism, are up-regulated in livers of mice after VSG while genes in inflammatory pathways are down-regulated after VSG. Consistent with gene expression changes, regulatory regions near genes involved in inflammatory response displayed decreased chromatin accessibility after VSG. Our results indicate that VSG induces global regulatory changes that impact hepatic inflammatory and lipid metabolic pathways, providing new insight into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial metabolic effects induced by VSG.
Memristive neural network for on-line learning and tracking with brain-inspired spike timing dependent plasticity
Authors: Pedretti G. , Milo V. , Ambrogio S. , Carboni R. , Bianchi S. , Calderoni A. , Ramaswamy N. , Spinelli A. S. , Ielmini D.
Published: July 2017

Brain-inspired computation can revolutionize information technology by introducing machines capable of recognizing patterns (images, speech, video) and interacting with the external world in a cognitive, humanlike way. Achieving this goal requires first to gain a detailed understanding of the brain operation, and second to identify a scalable microelectronic technology capable of reproducing some of the inherent functions of the human brain, such as the high synaptic connectivity (~104) and the peculiar time-dependent synaptic plasticity. Here we demonstrate unsupervised learning and tracking in a spiking neural network with memristive synapses, where synaptic weights are updated via brain-inspired spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP). The synaptic conductance is updated by the local time-dependent superposition of pre- and post-synaptic spikes within a hybrid one-transistor/one-resistor (1T1R) memristive synapse. Only 2 synaptic states, namely the low resistance state (LRS) and the high resistance state (HRS), are sufficient to learn and recognize patterns. Unsupervised learning of a static pattern and tracking of a dynamic pattern of up to 4 × 4 pixels are demonstrated, paving the way for intelligent hardware technology with up-scaled memristive neural networks.
Mercury spikes suggest volcanic driver of the Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction
Authors: Gong Qing , Wang Xiangdong , Zhao Laishi , Grasby Stephen E. , Chen Zhong-Qiang , Zhang Lei , Li Yang , Cao Ling , Li Zhihong
Published: July 2017

The second largest Phanerozoic mass extinction occurred at the Ordovician-Silurian (O-S) boundary. However, unlike the other major mass extinction events, the driver for the O-S extinction remains uncertain. The abundance of mercury (Hg) and total organic carbon (TOC) of Ordovician and early Silurian marine sediments were analyzed from four sections (Huanghuachang, Chenjiahe, Wangjiawan and Dingjiapo) in the Yichang area, South China, as a test for evidence of massive volcanism associated with the O-S event. Our results indicate the Hg concentrations generally vary in parallel with TOC, and that the Hg/TOC ratios remain low and steady state through the Early and Middle Ordovician. However, Hg concentrations and the Hg/TOC ratio increased rapidly in the Late Katian, and have a second peak during the Late Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) that was temporally coincident with two main pulses of mass extinction. Hg isotope data display little to no variation associated with the Hg spikes during the extinction intervals, indicating that the observed Hg spikes are from a volcanic source. These results suggest intense volcanism occurred during the Late Ordovician, and as in other Phanerozoic extinctions, likely played an important role in the O-S event.
Highly efficient multicolor multifocus microscopy by optimal design of diffraction binary gratings
Authors: Hajj Bassam , Oudjedi Laura , Fiche Jean-Bernard , Dahan Maxime , Nollmann Marcelo
Published: July 2017

Multifocus microscopy (MFM) allows sensitive and fast three-dimensional imaging. It relies on the efficient design of diffraction phase gratings yielding homogeneous intensities in desired diffraction orders. Such performances are however guaranteed only for a specific wavelength. Here, we discuss a novel approach for designing binary phase gratings with dual color properties and improved diffraction efficiency for MFM. We simulate binary diffraction gratings with tunable phase shifts to explore its best diffraction performances. We report the design and fabrication of a binary array generator of 3 × 3 equal-intensity diffraction orders with 74% efficiency, 95% uniformity and dual color capability. The multicolor properties of this new design are highlighted by two-color MFM imaging. Finally, we discuss the basics of extending this approach to a variety of diffraction pattern designs.
Transcriptome Analysis of Three Sheep Intestinal Regions reveals Key Pathways and Hub Regulatory Genes of Large Intestinal Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Chao Tianle , Wang Guizhi , Ji Zhibin , Liu Zhaohua , Hou Lei , Wang Jin , Wang Jianmin
Published: July 2017

The large intestine, also known as the hindgut, is an important part of the animal digestive system. Recent studies on digestive system development in ruminants have focused on the rumen and the small intestine, but the molecular mechanisms underlying sheep large intestine metabolism remain poorly understood. To identify genes related to intestinal metabolism and to reveal molecular regulation mechanisms, we sequenced and compared the transcriptomes of mucosal epithelial tissues among the cecum, proximal colon and duodenum. A total of 4,221 transcripts from 3,254 genes were identified as differentially expressed transcripts. Between the large intestine and duodenum, differentially expressed transcripts were found to be significantly enriched in 6 metabolism-related pathways, among which PPAR signaling was identified as a key pathway. Three genes,CPT1A,LPLandPCK1, were identified as higher expression hub genes in the large intestine. Between the cecum and colon, differentially expressed transcripts were significantly enriched in 5 lipid metabolism related pathways, andCEPT1andMBOAT1were identified as hub genes. This study provides important information regarding the molecular mechanisms of intestinal metabolism in sheep and may provide a basis for further study.
Multiple Ligand-Bound States of a Phosphohexomutase Revealed by Principal Component Analysis of NMR Peak Shifts
Authors: Xu Jia , Sarma Akella V. S. , Wei Yirui , Beamer Lesa J. , Van Doren Steven R.
Published: July 2017

Enzymes sample multiple conformations during their catalytic cycles. Chemical shifts from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) are hypersensitive to conformational changes and ensembles in solution. Phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (PMM/PGM) is a ubiquitous four-domain enzyme that catalyzes phosphoryl transfer across phosphohexose substrates. We compared states the enzyme visits during its catalytic cycle. Collective responses of Pseudomonas PMM/PGM to phosphosugar substrates and inhibitor were assessed using NMR-detected titrations. Affinities were estimated from binding isotherms obtained by principal component analysis (PCA). Relationships among phosphosugar-enzyme associations emerge from PCA comparisons of the titrations. COordiNated Chemical Shifts bEhavior (CONCISE) analysis provides novel discrimination of three ligand-bound states of PMM/PGM harboring a mutation that suppresses activity. Enzyme phosphorylation and phosphosugar binding appear to drive the open dephosphorylated enzyme to the free phosphorylated state, and on toward ligand-closed states. Domain 4 appears central to collective responses to substrate and inhibitor binding. Hydrogen exchange reveals that binding of a substrate analogue enhances folding stability of the domains to a uniform level, establishing a globally unified structure. CONCISE and PCA of NMR spectra have discovered novel states of a well-studied enzyme and appear ready to discriminate other enzyme and ligand binding states.
The influence of electrical effects on device performance of organic solar cells with nano-structured electrodes
Authors: Mirsafaei Mina , Fallahpour Amir Hossein , Lugli Paolo , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Adam Jost , Madsen Morten
Published: July 2017

Integration of light-trapping features and exploitation of metal nanostructure plasmonic effects are promising approaches for enhancing the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. These approaches’ effects on the light absorption enhancement have been widely studied, especially in inorganic devices. While this light-trapping concept can be transferred to organic devices, one has to also consider nanostructure-induced electrical effects on the device performance, due to the fundamental difference in the organic semiconducting material properties compared to their inorganic counterparts. In this contribution, we exemplarily model the electrical properties of organic solar cells with rectangular-grating structures, as compared to planar reference devices. Based on our numeric results, we demonstrate that, beyond an optical absorption enhancement, the device fill factor improves significantly by introducing the grating structures. From the simulations we conclude that enhanced carrier collection efficiency is the main reason for the increased solar cell fill factor. This work contributes towards a more fundamental understanding of the effect of nanostructured electrodes on the electrical properties of organic solar cells.
Increased adipose tissue heme levels and exportation are associated with altered systemic glucose metabolism
Authors: Moreno-Navarrete José María , Rodríguez Amaia , Ortega Francisco , Becerril Sara , Sabater-Masdeu Mònica , Latorre Jessica , Ricart Wifredo , Frühbeck Gema , Fernández-Real José Manuel
Published: July 2017

Iron status is known to be associated with the physiology of adipose tissue (AT). We aimed to investigate AT heme and expression of heme exporter (FLVCR1) in association with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Substantial amounts of FLVCR1 mRNA and protein levels were detected in AT, being significantly increased in subjects with T2D, and positively correlated with fasting glucose, fasting triglycerides and with circulating markers of iron stores (serum ferritin, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit). In both visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous AT (SAT), increased heme levels were found in subjects with T2D. Reinforcing these associations, FLVCR1 mRNA levels were positively linked to fasting glucose in an independent cohort. Longitudianlly, the percent change of FLVCR1 positively correlated with the percent change in fasting glucose (r = 0.52, p = 0.03) after bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. High-fat diet-induced weight gain in rats did not result in significant changes in AT Flvcr1 mRNA but, remarkably, the expression of this gene positively correlated with fasting glucose and negatively with insulin sensitivity (QUICKI). Altogether, these findings showed a direct association between FLVCR1 mRNA levels and hyperglycemia, suggesting that increased adipose tissue heme exportation might disrupt, or is the consequence of, impaired systemic glucose metabolism during the progression to T2D.
Discovery of missing link between demosponges and hexactinellids confirms palaeontological model of sponge evolution
Authors: Botting Joseph P. , Zhang Yuandong , Muir Lucy A.
Published: July 2017

The two major extant groups of siliceous sponges, Demospongiae and Hexactinellida, are generally regarded as sister groups forming the clade Silicea, although the nature of their last common ancestor is uncertain. The fossil record contains a diverse range of basal demosponges that appear to have evolved from hexactine-bearing reticulosan ancestors, although a compelling morphological intermediate has not previously been discovered. Here we describe a new species of fossil sponge, Conciliospongia anjiensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Ordovician (~444 Ma) Anji Biota of South China. This species has a reticulate, tufted skeleton of minute monaxon spicules, characteristic of the fossil demosponge family Hazeliidae and modern heteroscleromorphs, with hexactine spicules and a globose body form inherited from reticulosan ancestors. This transitional morphology had previously been hypothesized in palaeontological studies. This morphological intermediate between two extant classes further confirms siliceous sponge monophyly and demosponge–hexactinellid spicule homology, and supports the primitive, stem-silicean interpretation of simpler-structured fossil reticulosans.
Patch clamp-assisted single neuron lipidomics
Authors: Merrill Collin B. , Basit Abdul , Armirotti Andrea , Jia Yousheng , Gall Christine M. , Lynch Gary , Piomelli Daniele
Published: July 2017

Our understanding of the physiological and pathological functions of brain lipids is limited by the inability to analyze these molecules at cellular resolution. Here, we present a method that enables the detection of lipids in identified single neurons from live mammalian brains. Neuronal cell bodies are captured from perfused mouse brain slices by patch clamping, and lipids are analyzed using an optimized nanoflow liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry protocol. In a first application of the method, we identified more than 40 lipid species from dentate gyrus granule cells and CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. This survey revealed substantial lipid profile differences between neurons and whole brain tissue, as well as between resting and physiologically stimulated neurons. The results suggest that patch clamp-assisted single neuron lipidomics could be broadly applied to investigate neuronal lipid homeostasis in healthy and diseased brains.
Nanopatterning of steel by one-step anodization for anti-adhesion of bacteria
Authors: Chen Shiqiang , Li Yuan , Cheng Y. Frank
Published: July 2017

Surface nanopatterning of metals has been an effective technique for improved performance and functionalization. However, it is of great challenge to fabricate nanostructure on carbon steels despite their extensive use and urgent needs to maintain the performance reliability and durability. Here, we report a one-step anodization technique to nanopattern a carbon steel in 50 wt.% NaOH solution for highly effective anti-adhesion by sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB), i.e., Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. desulfuricans (Beijerinck) Kluyver and van Niel. We characterize the morphology, structure, composition, and surface roughness of the nanostructured film formed on the steel as a function of anodizing potential. We quantify the surface hydrophobicity by contact angle measurements, and the SRB adhesion by fluorescent analysis. The optimal anodization potential of 2.0 V is determined for the best performance of anti-adhesion of SRB to the steel, resulting in a 23.5 times of reduction of SRB adhesion compared to bare steel. We discuss the mechanisms for the film formation on the steel during anodization, and the high-performance anti-adhesion of bacteria to nanopatterned steels. Our technique is simple, cost-effective and environment-friendly, providing a promising alternative for industry-scale surface nanopatterning of carbon steels for effective controlling of bacterial adhesion.
First-Principles Study of Sodium Intercalation in Crystalline Na
x
Si24 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) as Anode Material for Na-ion Batteries
Authors: Arrieta Unai , Katcho Nebil A. , Arcelus Oier , Carrasco Javier
Published: July 2017

The search for Si-based anodes capable of undergoing low volume changes during electrochemical operation in rechargeable batteries is ample and active. Here we focus on crystalline Si24, a recently discovered open-cage allotrope of silicon, to thoroughly investigate its electrochemical performance using density functional theory calculations. In particular, we examine the phase stability of Na
x
Si24 along the whole composition range (0 ≤ x ≤ 4), volume and voltage changes during the (de)sodiation process, and sodium ion mobility. We show that Na
x
Si24 forms a solid solution with minimal volume changes. Yet sodium diffusion is predicted to be insufficiently fast for facile kinetics of Na-ion intake. Considering these advantages and limitations, we discuss the potential usefulness of Si24 as anode material for Na-ion batteries.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of nanocrystalline TiO2 electrode by surface sensitization with CuxO quantum dots
Authors: Tao Jiajia , Sun Zhaoqi , Cheng Yunlang , Zhang Miao , Lv Jianguo , Shi Shiwei , He Gang , Jiang Xishun , Chen Xiaoshuang , Wang Xingzhi , Wang Zhuang , Gong Zezhou
Published: July 2017

Nanoporous anatase TiO2 films were fabricated by a screen-printing method, and CuxO quantum dots (QDs) were deposited on the TiO2 films through successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). The amount of CuxO QDs on the TiO2 films are controlled by changing the number of SILAR cycles. The morphology, microstructure, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties of different CuxO sensitized TiO2 films (CuxO/TiO2) were investigated in detail. The nanoporous TiO2 film offers a large surface area for anchoring QDs. QD deposited samples exhibited a significant improvement in photoelectrochemical performance than the bare of TiO2. CuxO/TiO2, prepared with 7 SILAR cycles, showed the best photoelectrochemical properties, where the photocurrent density was enhanced to 500.01 μA/cm2 compared with 168.88 μA/cm2 of bare TiO2 under visible light. These results indicate that the designed CuxO/TiO2 structure possesses superior charge separation efficiency and photoelectrochemical properties.
CCL11, a novel mediator of inflammatory bone resorption
Authors: Kindstedt Elin , Holm Cecilia Koskinen , Sulniute Rima , Martinez-Carrasco Irene , Lundmark Richard , Lundberg Pernilla
Published: July 2017

Normal bone homeostasis, which is regulated by bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts is perturbed by inflammation. In chronic inflammatory disease with disturbed bone remodelling, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, patients show increased serum levels of the chemokine eotaxin-1 (CCL11). Herein, we demonstrate an inflammatory driven expression of CCL11 in bone tissue and a novel role of CCL11 in osteoclast migration and resorption. Using an inflammatory bone lesion model and primary cell cultures, we discovered that osteoblasts express CCL11 in vivo and in vitro and that expression increased during inflammatory conditions. Osteoclasts did not express CCL11, but the high affinity receptor CCR3 was significantly upregulated during osteoclast differentiation and found to colocalise with CCL11. Exogenous CCL11 was internalised in osteoclast and stimulated the migration of pre-osteoclast and concomitant increase in bone resorption. Our data pinpoints that the CCL11/CCR3 pathway could be a new target for treatment of inflammatory bone resorption.
Regulation of aromatase expression in the anterior amygdala of the developing mouse brain depends on ERβ and sex chromosome complement
Authors: Cisternas Carla Daniela , Cabrera Zapata Lucas Ezequiel , Arevalo María Angeles , Garcia-Segura Luis Miguel , Cambiasso María Julia
Published: July 2017

During development sex differences in aromatase expression in limbic regions of mouse brain depend on sex chromosome factors. Genes on the sex chromosomes may affect the hormonal regulation of aromatase expression and this study was undertaken to explore that possibility. Male E15 anterior amygdala neuronal cultures expressed higher levels of aromatase (mRNA and protein) than female cultures. Furthermore, treatment with oestradiol (E2) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased Cyp19a1 expression and aromatase protein levels only in female neuronal cultures. The effect of E2 on aromatase expression was not imitated by oestrogen receptor (ER) α agonist PPT or the GPER agonist G1, but it was fully reproduced by DPN, a specific ligand of ERβ. By contrast, the effect of DHT on aromatase expression was not blocked by the anti-androgen flutamide, but completely abrogated by the ERβ antagonist PHTPP. Experiments using the four core genotype model showed a sex chromosome effect in ERβ expression (XY > XX) and regulation by E2 or DHT (only XX respond) in amygdala neurons. In conclusion, sex chromosome complement governs the hormonal regulation of aromatase expression through activation of ERβ in developing mouse brain.
Spinal pathways involved in somatosensory inhibition of the psychomotor actions of cocaine
Authors: Chang Suchan , Ryu Yeonhee , Gwak Young Seob , Kim Nam Jun , Kim Jin Mook , Lee Jun Yeon , Kim Seol Ah , Lee Bong Hyo , Steffensen Scott C. , Jang Eun Young , Yang Chae Ha , Kim Hee Young
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have demonstrated that somatosensory stimuli influence dopamine transmission in the mesolimbic reward system and can reduce drug-induced motor behaviors, craving and dependence. Until now, the central links between somatosensory and brain reward systems are not known. Here, we show that the dorsal column (DC) somatosensory pathway contains projections that convey an inhibitory input from the periphery to mesolimbic reward circuits. Stimulation of the ulnar nerve under HT7 acupoint suppressed psychomotor response to cocaine, which was abolished by disruption of the DC pathway, but not the spinothalamic tract (STT). Low-threshold or wide-dynamic range neurons in the cuneate nucleus (CN) were excited by peripheral stimulation. Lesions of dorsal column or lateral habenula (LHb) prevented the inhibitory effects of peripheral stimulation on cocaine-induced neuronal activation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). LHb neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA)/rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) regions were activated by peripheral stimulation and LHb lesions reversed the inhibitory effects on cocaine locomotion produced by peripheral stimulation. These findings suggest that there exists a pathway in spinal cord that ascends from periphery to mesolimbic reward circuits (spino-mesolimbic pathway) and the activation of somatosensory input transmitted via the DC pathway can inhibit the psychomotor response to cocaine.
Acoustic-transfection for genomic manipulation of single-cells using high frequency ultrasound
Authors: Yoon Sangpil , Wang Pengzhi , Peng Qin , Wang Yingxiao , Shung K. Kirk
Published: July 2017

Efficient intracellular delivery of biologically active macromolecules has been a challenging but important process for manipulating live cells for research and therapeutic purposes. There have been limited transfection techniques that can deliver multiple types of active molecules simultaneously into single-cells as well as different types of molecules into physically connected individual neighboring cells separately with high precision and low cytotoxicity. Here, a high frequency ultrasound-based remote intracellular delivery technique capable of delivery of multiple DNA plasmids, messenger RNAs, and recombinant proteins is developed to allow high spatiotemporal visualization and analysis of gene and protein expressions as well as single-cell gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 nuclease (Cas9), a method called acoustic-transfection. Acoustic-transfection has advantages over typical sonoporation because acoustic-transfection utilizing ultra-high frequency ultrasound over 150 MHz can directly deliver gene and proteins into cytoplasm without microbubbles, which enables controlled and local intracellular delivery to acoustic-transfection technique. Acoustic-transfection was further demonstrated to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 systems to successfully modify and reprogram the genome of single live cells, providing the evidence of the acoustic-transfection technique for precise genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9.
Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level and breast cancer risk: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jing , Huang Lei , Sun Guo-Ping
Published: July 2017

6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) is the main metabolite of melatonin in urine, and is a reliable surrogate biomarker reflecting the blood melatonin concentration. This meta-analysis assessed the association between urinary aMT6s level and BC incidence. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched. Risk ratios (RRs) were adopted to estimate the relative BC incidence. A total of 7 prospective case-control publications were included, and 6 of them were distinct studies. Pooled analysis of data from the 6 studies involving 1824 women with incident BC and 3954 matched control participants with no overlapping of subjects among studies indicated no significant association between the highest levels of urinary aMT6s and the incidence of BC (RR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.88–1.08, P = 0.56). Negative associations were observed in postmenopausal women (RR = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.75–1.02, P = 0.10), estrogen receptor positive BC (RR = 0.83, 95% CI, 0.64–1.07, P = 0.15), and studies using 12-hour overnight urine (RR = 0.81, 95% CI, 0.61–1.07, P = 0.13), all with borderline significances. Lag time or invasive degree did not interfere with the results. There was no evident publication bias detected by the Egger’s test and the funnel plot. Conclusively, the current evidence did not support a significant association between urinary aMT6s level and BC risk.
Anti-TNF-alpha agents and endothelial function in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ursini Francesco , Leporini Christian , Bene Fabiola , D’Angelo Salvatore , Mauro Daniele , Russo Emilio , De Sarro Giovambattista , Olivieri Ignazio , Pitzalis Costantino , Lewis Myles , Grembiale Rosa Daniela
Published: July 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, a pathophysiological feature of atherosclerosis. Our aim was to determine whether TNF-α blockade has a beneficial effect on endothelial function in RA. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of anti-TNF-α agents on endothelial function in RA patients. MedLine, Cochrane CENTRAL and SCOPUS were searched up to March 2016. Inclusion criteria were: 1) randomised controlled trial (RCT), quasi-RCT, before-after cohort study; 2) including RA patients; 3) treatment with anti-TNF-α medications; 4) evaluating the change from baseline in endothelial function. The search strategy retrieved 180 records, of which 20 studies were included in the systematic review. Pooled analysis using a random-effects model demonstrated a significant improvement in endothelial function following anti-TNF-α treatment (SDM 0.987, 95%CI [0.64–1.33], p < 0.0001). Generalisation of the results of the meta-analysis may be limited due to the presence of heterogeneity (I2 = 82.65%, p < 0.001) and evidence of possible publication bias. Meta-regression showed that endothelial function measurement technique was a significant contributor to heterogeneity. In conclusion, although limited by the methodological quality of the included studies, our meta-analysis suggests that anti-TNF-α treatment may improve endothelial function in RA patients.
Genetic polymorphisms of C-type lectin receptors in Behcet’s disease in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yang Yi , Tan Handan , Deng Bolin , Yu Hongsong , Su Guannan , Hu Jiayue , Cao Qingfeng , Yuan Gangxiang , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: July 2017

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) have been demonstrated to be involved in several autoimmune diseases. The role of CLRs in Behcet’s disease (BD) is unknown and thus was the purpose of this study. A two-stage association study was carried out and a total of 766 BD patients and 1674 healthy controls were recruited. Genotyping of 14 SNPs of 13 genes in CLRs was carried out by iPLEX Gold genotyping or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. The expression of mannose binding lectin 2 (MBL2) and killer cell lectin like receptor C4 (KLRC4) was measured by Real-time PCR. Significantly increased frequencies of the A allele as well as AA genotype of rs1800450 in MBL2 (Pc = 2.50 × 10−6, OR = 1.494; Pc = 2.24 × 10−6,OR = 2.899; respectively) and TT genotype of rs2617170 in KLRC4 (Pc = 2.53 × 10−6, OR = 1.695) and decreased frequencies of GG genotype of rs1800450 (Pc = 1.56 × 10−3, OR = 0.689) and C allele as well as CC genotype of rs2617170 (Pc = 2.05 × 10−9,OR = 0.664; Pc = 1.20 × 10−5, OR = 0.585; respectively) were observed in BD. Two variants, p.Gly54Asp (rs1800450) and p.Asn104Ser (rs2617170) affect MBL2 and KLRC4 protein stability and expression. Our study demonstrates that the MBL2/rs1800450 and KLRC4/rs2617170 are susceptibility factors for BD in a Chinese Han population.