bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architectural plasticity of AMPK revealed by electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography
Authors: Ouyang Yan , Zhu Li , Li Yifang , Guo Miaomiao , Liu Yang , Cheng Jin , Zhao Jing , Wu Yi
Published: April 2016

Mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) acts as an important sensor of cellular energy homeostasis related with AMP/ADP to ATP ratio. The overall architecture of AMPK has been determined in either homotrimer or monomer form by electron microscopy (EM) and X-ray crystallography successively. Accordingly proposed models have consistently revealed a key role of the α subunit linker in sensing adenosine nucleoside binding on the γ subunit and mediating allosteric regulation of kinase domain (KD) activity, whereas there are vital differences in orienting N-terminus of α subunit and locating carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) of β subunit. Given that Mg2+, an indispensable cofactor of AMPK was present in the EM sample preparation buffer however absent when forming crystals, here we carried out further reconstructions without Mg2+ to expectably inspect if this ion may contribute to this difference. However, no essential alteration has been found in this study compared to our early work. Further analyses indicate that the intra-molecular movement of the KD and CBM are most likely due to the flexible linkage of the disordered linkers with the rest portion as well as a contribution from the plasticity in the inter-molecular assembly mode, which might ulteriorly reveal an architectural complication of AMPK.
Neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 suppresses growth and migration of human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Lan Huiyin , Tang Zaiming , Jin Hongchuan , Sun Yi
Published: April 2016

MLN4924 is a recently discovered small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-Activating Enzyme (NAE). Because cullin RING ligase (CRL), the largest family of E3 ubiquitin ligase, requires cullin neddylation for its activity, MLN4924, therefore, acts as an indirect inhibitor of CRL by blocking cullin neddylation. Given that CRLs components are up-regulated, whereas neddylation modification is over-activated in a number of human cancers, MLN4924 was found to be effective in growth suppression of cancer cells. Whether MLN4924 is effective against gastric cancer cells, however, remains elusive. Here we showed that in gastric cancer cells, MLN4924 rapidly inhibited cullin 1 neddylation and remarkably suppressed growth and survival as well as migration in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies in combination with siRNA knockdown-based rescue experiments revealed that MLN4924 induced the accumulation of a number of CRL substrates, including CDT1/ORC1, p21/p27 and PHLPP1 to trigger DNA damage response and induce growth arrest at the G2/M phase, to induce senescence, as well as autophagy, respectively. MLN4924 also significantly suppressed migration by transcriptionally activating E-cadherin and repressing MMP-9. Taken together, our study suggest that neddylation modification and CRL E3 ligase are attractive gastric cancer targets and MLN4924 might be further developed as a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.
High Power Q-Switched Thulium Doped Fibre Laser using Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composite Saturable Absorber
Authors: Chernysheva Maria , Mou Chengbo , Arif Raz , AlAraimi Mohammed , Rümmeli Mark , Turitsyn Sergei , Rozhin Aleksey
Published: April 2016

We have proposed and demonstrated a Q-switched Thulium doped fibre laser (TDFL) with a ‘Yin-Yang’ all-fibre cavity scheme based on a combination of nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) and nonlinear amplified loop mirror (NALM). Unidirectional lasing operation has been achieved without any intracavity isolator. By using a carbon nanotube polymer composite based saturable absorber (SA), we demonstrated the laser output power of ~197 mW and pulse energy of 1.7 μJ. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output power from a nanotube polymer composite SA based Q-switched Thulium doped fibre laser.
ALX/FPR2 Modulates Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Mouse Submandibular Gland
Authors: Wang Ching-Shuen , Wee Yinshen , Yang Chieh-Hsiang , Melvin James E. , Baker Olga J.
Published: April 2016

Activation of the G-protein coupled formyl peptide receptor 2 (ALX/FPR2) by the lipid mediators lipoxin A4 and resolvin D1 (RvD1) promotes resolution of inflammation. Our previous in vitro studies indicate that RvD1 activation of ALX/FPR2 resolves cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in mammalian cells. However, the impact of ALX/FPR2 activation on salivary gland function in vivo is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether submandibular glands (SMG) from ALX/FPR2−/− mice display enhanced inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. For these studies, C57BL/6 and ALX/FPR2−/− mice at age 8-12-week-old were treated with LPS by i.p for 24 h. Salivary gland structure and function were analyzed by histopathological assessment, saliva flow rate, quantitative PCR, Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Our results showed the following events in the ALX/FPR2−/− mice treated with LPS: a) upregulated inflammatory cytokines and decreased M3R (Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptor M3) and AQP5 (Aquaporin 5) protein expression, b) decreased saliva secretion, c) increased apoptosis, d) alteration of tight junction and neuronal damage. Overall, our data suggest that the loss of ALX/FPR2 results in unresolved acute inflammation and SMG dysfunction (xerostomia) in response to LPS that is similar to human salivary gland dysfunction induced by bacterial infection.
Bidens pilosa and its active compound inhibit adipogenesis and lipid accumulation via down-modulation of the C/EBP and PPARγ pathways
Authors: Liang Yu-Chuan , Yang Meng-Ting , Lin Chuan-Ju , Chang Cicero Lee-Tian , Yang Wen-Chin
Published: April 2016

Obesity and its complications are a major global health problem. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of an edible plant, Bidens pilosa and its active constituent. We first assessed the long-term effect of B. pilosa on body composition, body weight, blood parameters in ICR mice. We observed that it significantly decreased fat content and increased protein content in ICR mice. Next, we verified the anti-obesity effect of B. pilosa in ob/ob mice. It effectively and dose-dependently reduced fat content, adipocyte size and/or body weight in mice. Moreover, mechanistic studies showed that B. pilosa inhibited the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) and Egr2 in adipose tissue. Finally, we examined the effect of 2-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-1-hydroxytrideca-5,7,9,11-tetrayne (GHT) on adipogenesis in adipocytes. We found that B. pilosa significantly decreased the adipogenesis and lipid accumulation. This decrease was associated with the down-regulation of expression of Egr2, C/EBPs, PPARγ, adipocyte Protein 2 (aP2) and adiponectin. In summary, this work demonstrated that B. pilosa and GHT suppressed adipogenesis and lipid content in adipocytes and/or animals via the down-regulation of the Egr2, C/EBPs and PPARγ pathways, suggesting a novel application of B. pilosa and GHT against obesity.
Construction of recombinant baculoviruses expressing hemagglutinin of H5N1 avian influenza and research on the immunogenicity
Authors: Ge Jingping , An Qi , Gao Dongni , Liu Ying , Ping Wenxiang
Published: April 2016

Recombinant baculoviruses with different promoter and regulatory elements were constructed to enhance the expression of target protein and boost the efficacies of avian influenza vaccine. Hemagglutinin gene was cloned into the baculovirus transfer vectors driven by cytomegaloviru (CMV) and White spot syndrome virus immediate-early promoter one (WSSV ie1) promoter respectively, with different regulatory elements. The recombinant baculoviruses were directly used as vaccines to immunize specific pathogen-free chickens. The protein expression levels of recombinant baculoviruses BV-S-HA and BV-S-ITRs-HA were respectively 2.43 and 2.67 times than that of BV-S-con-HA, while the protein expression levels of BV-A-HA and BV-A-ITRs-HA were respectively 2.44 and 2.69 times than that of BV-S-con-HA. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels induced by BV-A and BV-S series recombinant baculovirus were significantly higher than the commercialized vaccine group (P < 0.05). Among the groups with same promoter, the IgG antibody levels induced by the baculovirus containing regulatory elements were significantly higher than control group. Additionally, the immune effects induced by BV-A series recombinant baculoviruses with WSSV ie1 promoter were significantly stronger than the BV-S series recombinant baculoviruses with CMV promoter. The avian influenza vaccine prepared based on baculovirus vector can simultaneously stimulate the humoral and cellular immune responses.
Engineering formation of multiple recombinant Eut protein nanocompartments in E. coli
Authors: Held Mark , Kolb Alexander , Perdue Sarah , Hsu Szu-Yi , Bloch Sarah E. , Quin Maureen B. , Schmidt-Dannert Claudia
Published: April 2016

Compartmentalization of designed metabolic pathways within protein based nanocompartments has the potential to increase reaction efficiency in multi-step biosynthetic reactions. We previously demonstrated proof-of-concept of this aim by targeting a functional enzyme to single cellular protein nanocompartments, which were formed upon recombinant expression of theSalmonella entericaLT2 ethanolamine utilization bacterial microcompartment shell proteins EutS or EutSMNLK inEscherichia coli. To optimize this system, increasing overall encapsulated enzyme reaction efficiency, factor(s) required for the production of more than one nanocompartment per cell must be identified. In this work we report that the cupin domain protein EutQ is required for assembly of more than one nanocompartment per cell. Overexpression of EutQ results in multiple nanocompartment assembly in our recombinant system. EutQ specifically interacts with the shell protein EutMin vitrovia electrostatic interactions with the putative cytosolic face of EutM. These findings lead to the theory that EutQ could facilitate multiple nanocompartment biogenesis by serving as an assembly hub for shell proteins. This work offers insights into the biogenesis of Eut bacterial microcompartments and also provides an improved platform for the production of protein based nanocompartments for targeted encapsulation of enzyme pathways.
Branched methoxydiphenylamine-substituted fluorene derivatives as hole transporting materials for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Malinauskas Tadas , Saliba Michael , Matsui Taisuke , Daskeviciene Maryte , Urnikaite Simona , Gratia Paul , Send Robert , Wonneberger Henrike , Bruder Ingmar , Graetzel Michael , Getautis Vytautas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2016

Small-molecule fluorene HTMs were synthesized and tested in perovskite solar cell, PCE of up to 19.96% was reached.
Hydrothermal synthesis, structures and properties of two uranyl oxide hydroxyl hydrate phases with Co(ii) or Ni(ii) ions
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Čejka Jiří , Lumpkin Gregory R. , Tran Toan Trong , Aharonovich Igor , Karatchevtseva Inna , Price Jason R. , Scales Nicholas , Lu Kim
Published: April 2016

Two new iso-structured uranyl oxide hydroxyl hydrate phases with hydroxyl Co2+or Ni2+ions at the interlayers have been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterised.
Structure-guided stereoselectivity inversion of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase towards halogenated acetophenones
Authors: Li Aipeng , Ye Lidan , Yang Xiaohong , Yang Chengcheng , Gu Jiali , Yu Hongwei
Published: April 2016

The structure-guided rational design of an NADH-dependent short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) reversed the stereoselectivity towards halogenated acetophenones from Prelog to anti-Prelog.
Monitoring structural changes in intrinsically disordered proteins using QCM-D: application to the bacterial cell division protein ZipA
Authors: Mateos-Gil Pablo , Tsortos Achilleas , Vélez Marisela , Gizeli Electra
Published: April 2016

Characterization of structural changes in an intrinsically disordered protein attached on a QCM-D, with a sensitivity of 1.8 nm or better.
Microwave-enhanced electrochemical cycling performance of the LiNi0.2Mn1.8O4 spinel cathode material at elevated temperature
Authors: Raju Kumar , Nkosi Funeka P. , Viswanathan Elumalai , Mathe Mkhulu K. , Damodaran Krishnan , Ozoemena Kenneth I.
Published: April 2016

Microwave irradiation exposed the {111} facets and increased the Mn4+ content of LiNi0.2Mn1.8O4 spinel for improved cycling performance at 60 °C.
Lanthanum complexes containing a bis(phenolate) ligand with a ferrocene-1,1′-diyldithio backbone: synthesis, characterization, and ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide
Authors: Hermans Catherine , Rong Weifeng , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: April 2016

Lanthanum complexes with ferrocene-based ligands catalyze the polymerization of rac-lactide; activities were controlled by reversibly switching the oxidation state of the iron center.
Elution by Le Chatelier's principle for maximum recyclability of adsorbents: applied to polyacrylamidoxime adsorbents for extraction of uranium from seawater
Authors: Oyola Yatsandra , Vukovic Sinisa , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2016

A recycling method for polyacrylamidoxime polymers.
Silica fouling in high salinity waters in reverse osmosis desalination (sodium–silica system)
Authors: Lunevich L. , Sanciolo P. , Dumée L. F. , Gray S. R.
Published: April 2016

Silica fouling patterns in a sodium–silica system and the effect of pH on residual dissolved silica concentrations are reported.
Simple recycling of copper by the synergistic exploitation of industrial wastes: a step towards sustainability
Authors: Jun Minji , Srivastava Rajiv Ranjan , Jeong Jinki , Lee Jae-chun , Kim Min-seuk
Published: April 2016

A simple and sustainable recycling approach has been undertaken to treat two industrial wastes of divergent nature to mitigate the challenges of environmental hazards, human health and supply-risk of the metal of concern along with lowering the energy costs.
A FeCl3-catalyzed highly regioselective 1,2-addition/substitution sequence for the construction of coumarin-substituted bis(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Wang Wen-Bo , Zhu Yan-Shuo , Guo Sheng-Qiang , Wang Qi-Lin , Bu Zhan-Wei
Published: April 2016

A FeCl3-catalyzed highly regioselective 1,2-addition/substitution sequence of 3-acetylcoumarins and indoles has been developed to afford highly hindered coumarin-substituted bis(indolyl)methanes.
Density functional theory investigation on Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of azoles with aryl thioethers
Authors: Yang Yi-Meng , Dang Zhi-Min , Yu Hai-Zhu
Published: April 2016

The mechanism and the origin of chemoselectivity of Pd-catalyzed C–H/C–S activation have been studied by density functional theory.
Photosynthesized silver–polyaminocyclodextrin nanocomposites as promising antibacterial agents with improved activity
Authors: Russo Marco , Meli Alessandro , Sutera Alberto , Gallo Giuseppe , Chillura Martino Delia , Lo Meo Paolo , Noto Renato
Published: April 2016

Ag nanocomposites were prepared by photoreduction of ammoniacal silver acetate in the presence of poly-{6-[3-(2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylamino)propylamino]}-(6-deoxy)-β-CD (amCD).
Electroluminescence response promoted by dispersion and interaction of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride inside MOF5
Authors: Ballesteros-Garrido Rafael , da Costa André P. , Atienzar Pedro , Alvaro Mercedes , Baleizão Carlos , García Hermenegildo
Published: April 2016

Entrapment of perylene dianhydride into MOF5 result in a remarkable photo- and electroluminescence response.
A new series of HCV inhibitors based on a 2-(thieno[2,3b]pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole scaffold
Authors: Zuo Wei-Qiong , Wang Ning-Yu , Zhu Yong-xia , Liu Li , Xiao Kun-Jie , Zhang Li-Dan , Gao Chao , Liu Zhi-Hao , You Xin-Yu , Shi Yao-Jie , Peng Cui-Ting , Ran Kai , Tang Hong , Yu Luo-Ting
Published: April 2016

A new series of HCV inhibitors based on a 2-(thieno[2,3-b]pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole scaffold was developed.
Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) for selective recognition of Al3+: application to bio-imaging for bacterial sample
Authors: Huerta-Aguilar Carlos Alberto , Raj Pushap , Thangarasu Pandiyan , Singh Narinder
Published: April 2016

(a) Changes in fluorescence upon successive addition of Al3+ ions to salpn-ONPs; (b) titration profile of fluorescence; (c) recognition of Al3+ through bio-fluorescence Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cells.
Review on fungal enzyme inhibitors – potential drug targets to manage human fungal infections
Authors: Ramakrishnan Jayapradha , Rathore Sudarshan Singh , Raman Thiagarajan
Published: April 2016

The potential applications of enzyme inhibitors for the management of invasive fungal infections are explored.
Facile synthesis of a mesostructured TiO2–graphitized carbon (TiO2–gC) composite through the hydrothermal process and its application as the anode of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sohn Hiesang , Kim Daeun , Lee Jinwoo , Yoon Songhun
Published: April 2016

A mesostructured TiO2–graphitic carbon (TiO2–gC) composite was synthesized through a simple and scalable one-step hydrothermal method, exhibiting high capacity, advanced rate capability and a very stable cycle life.
A poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) complex induced route to fabricate a super-hydrophilic hydrogel and its controllable oil/water separation
Authors: Li Tingting , Shen Jie , Zhang Zheng , Wang Sui , Wei Danyi
Published: April 2016

Thermo and pH dual-controllable oil/water separation materials are successfully fabricated by free radical polymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA).
Electrochemical performance in alkaline and neutral electrolytes of a manganese phosphate material possessing a broad potential window
Authors: Ma Xue-Jing , Zhang Wei-Bin , Kong Ling-Bin , Luo Yong-Chun , Kang Long
Published: April 2016

An underlying Mn3(PO4)2 material with superior electrochemical characteristics is developed as an electrode material for use in both neutral and alkaline electrolytes.
Synthesis and property of a Helwingia-structured nickel nitride/ nickel hydroxide nanocatalyst in hydrazine decomposition
Authors: Oliaee Shirin Norooz , Zhang Changlin , Hwang Sang Youp , Cheung Harry M. , Peng Zhenmeng
Published: April 2016

Helwingia-structured nickel nitride nanoparticles on nickel hydroxide nanosheets exhibited both good activity and excellent stability in aqueous phase hydrazine decomposition.
Facile room temperature synthesis of metal–organic frameworks from newly synthesized copper/zinc hydroxide and their application in adsorptive desulfurization
Authors: Xu Wencong , Li Gang , Li Weigang , Zhang Haojie
Published: April 2016

Facile synthesis of metal–organic frameworks was demonstrated via directly adding organic ligands solution into the newly synthesized copper/zinc hydroxide solution.
Performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a direct injection VCR CI engine using a Jatropha curcas oil microemulsion: a comparative assessment with JCO B100, JCO B20 and petrodiesel
Authors: Kumar Himansh , Konwar Lakhya Jyoti , Aslam Mohammad , Sarma Anil Kumar
Published: April 2016

AJatropha curcasoil (JCO) based hybrid microemulsion fuel (MHBF) comprising pretreated JCO–1-butanol–ethanol preparation, characterization, engine performance, combustion and emission analysis.
Synthesis of polygonal Co3Sn2nanostructure with enhanced magnetic properties
Authors: Yi Zheng , Tian Xin , Han Qigang , Lian Jianshe , Wu Yaoming , Wang Limin
Published: April 2016

A one-pot solvothermal route is employed to fabricate polygonal Co3Sn2nanostructures.
Synergetic effect of functionalized carbon nanotubes on ZnCr–mixed metal oxides for enhanced solar light-driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhu Yajie , Wu Pingxiao , Yang Shanshan , Lu Yonghong , Li Wen , Zhu Nengwu , Dang Zhi , Huang Ziyan
Published: April 2016

Functionalized CNTs played a key role in facilitating the interfacial charge transfer, which accounted for the significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance.
A simple dimeric model accounts for the vibronic ECD spectra of chiral polythiophenes in their aggregated states
Authors: Padula Daniele , Santoro Fabrizio , Pescitelli Gennaro
Published: April 2016

Aggregates of chiral polythiophenes (PTs) show exciton-coupled electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with a unique vibronic structure, which can be reproduced by quantum dynamical simulations on the coupled states of small dimeric models.
Long cycle life microporous spherical carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries derived from furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Zhou Dehua , Peer Maryam , Yang Zhenzhen , Pol Vilas G. , Key Fulya Dogan , Jorne Jacob , Foley Henry C. , Johnson Christopher S.
Published: April 2016

Sub-micron carbon spheres with high porosity are synthesized and tested as sodium-ion battery anodes. At a 1C rate, 1000 cycles (Na (de)insertion) are achieved with a capacity of 115 mA h g−1 @ 0.2V average.
Materials chemistry toward electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Chen Kunfeng , Xue Dongfeng
Published: April 2016

Materials chemistry focuses on all aspects of the production of electrode materials and on the properties or applications of materials related to energy storage, which plays an important role in designing high-performance electrode materials.
Interfacial doping of carbon nanotubes at the polarisable organic/water interface: a liquid/liquid pseudo-capacitor
Authors: Toth P. S. , Rodgers A. N. J. , Rabiu A. K. , Ibañez D. , Yang J. X. , Colina A. , Dryfe R. A. W.
Published: April 2016

The interaction of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), assembled at a polarisable organic/water interface, with model redox species, was probed using a combination of electrochemical techniques and in situ Raman spectro-electrochemistry.
When cholesterol meets histamine, it gives rise to dendrogenin A: a tumour suppressor metabolite1
Authors: Poirot Marc , Silvente-Poirot Sandrine
Published: April 2016

Dendrogenin A (DDA) is the first steroidal alkaloid (SA) to be identified in human tissues to date and arises from the stereoselective enzymatic conjugation of 5,6α-epoxycholesterol (5,6α-EC) with histamine (HA). DDA induces the re-differentiation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and prevents breast cancer (BC) and melanoma development in mice, evidencing its protective role against oncogenesis. In addition, DDA production is lower in BCs compared with normal tissues, suggesting a deregulation of its biosynthesis during carcinogenesis. The discovery of DDA reveals the existence of a new metabolic pathway in mammals which lies at the crossroads of cholesterol and HA metabolism and which leads to the production of this metabolic tumour suppressor.
ER–endosome contact sites in endosome positioning and protrusion outgrowth
Authors: Raiborg Camilla , Wenzel Eva M. , Pedersen Nina M. , Stenmark Harald
Published: April 2016

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) makes abundant contacts with endosomes, and the numbers of contact sites increase as endosomes mature. It is already clear that such contact sites have diverse compositions and functions, but in this mini-review we will focus on two particular types of ER–endosome contact sites that regulate endosome positioning. Formation of ER–endosome contact sites that contain the cholesterol-binding protein oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 1L (ORP1L) is coordinated with loss of the minus-end-directed microtubule motor Dynein from endosomes. Conversely, formation of ER–endosome contact sites that contain the Kinesin-1-binding protein Protrudin results in transfer of the plus-end-directed microtubule motor Kinesin-1 from ER to endosomes. We discuss the possibility that formation of these two types of contact sites is coordinated as a ‘gear-shift’ mechanism for endosome motility, and we review evidence that Kinesin-1-mediated motility of late endosomes (LEs) to the cell periphery promotes outgrowth of neurites and other protrusions.
Antigen-specificity using chimeric antigen receptors: the future of regulatory T-cell therapy?
Authors: Boardman Dominic , Maher John , Lechler Robert , Smyth Lesley , Lombardi Giovanna
Published: April 2016

Adoptive regulatory T-cell (Treg) therapy using autologous Tregs expanded ex vivo is a promising therapeutic approach which is currently being investigated clinically as a means of treating various autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. Despite this, early results have highlighted the need for potent Tregs to yield a substantial clinical advantage. One way to achieve this is to create antigen-specific Tregs which have been shown in pre-clinical animal models to have an increased potency at suppressing undesired immune responses, compared to polyclonal Tregs. This mini review outlines where Treg therapy currently stands and discusses the approaches which may be taken to generate antigen-specific Tregs, including the potential use of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), for future clinical trials.
Touché! STARD3 and STARD3NL tether the ER to endosomes
Authors: Wilhelm Léa P. , Tomasetto Catherine , Alpy Fabien
Published: April 2016

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are subcellular regions where the membranes of distinct organelles come into close apposition. These specialized areas of the cell, which are involved in inter-organelle metabolite exchange, are scaffolded by specific complexes. STARD3 [StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein)-related lipid transfer domain-3] and its close paralogue STARD3NL (STARD3 N-terminal like) are involved in the formation of contacts between late-endosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The lipid transfer protein (LTP) STARD3 and STARD3NL, which are both anchored on the limiting membrane of late endosomes (LEs), interact with ER-anchored VAP [VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein)-associated protein] (VAP-A and VAP-B) proteins. This direct interaction allows ER–endosome contact formation. STARD3 or STARD3NL-mediated ER–endosome contacts, which affect endosome dynamics, are believed to be involved in cholesterol transport.
Dynamics of the mitochondrial network during mitosis
Authors: Kanfer Gil , Kornmann Benoît
Published: April 2016

During mitosis, cells undergo massive deformation and reorganization, impacting on all cellular structures. Mitochondria, in particular, are highly dynamic organelles, which constantly undergo events of fission, fusion and cytoskeleton-based transport. This plasticity ensures the proper distribution of the metabolism, and the proper inheritance of functional organelles. During cell cycle, mitochondria undergo dramatic changes in distribution. In this review, we focus on the dynamic events that target mitochondria during mitosis. We describe how the cell-cycle-dependent microtubule-associated protein centromeric protein F (Cenp-F) is recruited to mitochondria by the mitochondrial Rho GTPase (Miro) to promote mitochondrial transport and re-distribution following cell division.
Catastrophic cliffs: a partial suggestion for selective vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Hardy John
Published: April 2016

For each of the neurodegenerative syndromes, we now know many pathogenic and/or causative genetic risk loci. Here, I suggest that this wealth of knowledge now allows us to start to understand what are the specific vulnerabilities of different neuronal types and to suggest that each neuronal type is closer to different modes of catastrophic failure. I suggest that this is part of the basis for selective vulnerability in neurodegenerative disease.
Activity mediated phase separation: Can we understand phase behavior of the nonequilibrium problem from an equilibrium approach?
Authors: Trefz Benjamin , Das Subir K. , Egorov Sergei A. , Virnau Peter , Binder Kurt
Published: April 2016

We present results for structure and dynamics of mixtures of active and passive particles, from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and integral equation theory (IET) calculations, for a physically motivated model. The perfectly passive limit of the model corresponds to the phase-separating Asakura-Oosawa model for colloid-polymer mixtures in which, for the present study, the colloids are made self-propelling by introducing activity in accordance with the well known Vicsek model. Such activity facilitates phase separation further, as confirmed by our MD simulations and IET calculations. Depending upon the composition of active and passive particles, the diffusive motion of the active species can only be realized at large time scales. Despite this, we have been able to construct an equilibrium approach to obtain the structural properties of such inherently out-of-equilibrium systems. In this method, effective inter-particle potentials were constructed via IET by taking structural inputs from the MD simulations of the active system. These potentials in turn were used in passive MD simulations, results from which are observed to be in fair agreement with the original ones.
Phosphor doping enhanced c-axis alignment and exchange decoupling of sputtered Co-Pt perpendicular thin films
Authors: Yang Bo , Qin Gaowu , Xiao Na , Li Zongbin , Zhang Yudong , Esling Claude , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang
Published: April 2016

In the present work, Co-23.0 at. % Pt and Co-23.0 at. % Pt-3.67 at. % P thin films with their c-axis perpendicular to the substrate surface were fabricated on a glass substrate by DC magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic analyses demonstrate that the doping of P improves the c-axis alignment and forms P-rich non-magnetic phase at grain boundary areas, the latter resulting in inter-granular exchange decoupling between Co-Pt grains. The improved c-axis alignment and the inter-granular exchange decoupling give rise to the increase of the out of plane coercivity and the squareness of the Co-Pt-P films.
Repetitive operation of an L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with metal array cathode
Authors: Qin Fen , Wang Dong , Xu Sha , Zhang Yong , Fan Zhi-kai
Published: April 2016

We present the repetitive operation research results of an L-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with metal array cathode (MAC-MILO) in this paper. To ensure a more uniform emission of electrons emitted from the cathode, metal plates with different outer radii and thicknesses are periodically arranged in longitudinal direction on the cathode substrate to act as emitters. The higher order mode depressed MILO (HDMILO) structure is applied to ensure stability of the tube. Comparison experiments are carried out between velvet cathode and MAC MILO driven by a 20 GW/40 Ω/40 ns/20 Hz pulse power system. Experimental results reveal that the MAC has much lower outgassing rate, much longer life time, and higher repetitive stability. The MAC-MILO could work stably with a rep-rate up to 20 Hz at a power level of 550 MW when employing a 350 kV/35 kA electric pulse. The TE11 mode radiation pattern in the farfield region reveals the tube works steadily on the dominant mode. More than 2000 shots have been tested in repetitive mode without any obvious degradation of the detected microwave parameters.
Charged-particle spectroscopy in organic semiconducting single crystals
Authors: Ciavatti A. , Sellin P. J. , Basiricò L. , Fraleoni-Morgera A. , Fraboni B.
Published: April 2016

The use of organic materials as radiation detectors has grown, due to the easy processability in liquid phase at room temperature and the possibility to cover large areas by means of low cost deposition techniques. Direct charged-particle detectors based on solution-grown Organic Semiconducting Single Crystals (OSSCs) are shown to be capable to detect charged particles in pulse mode, with very good peak discrimination. The direct charged-particle detection in OSSCs has been assessed both in the planar and in the vertical axes, and a digital pulse processing algorithm has been used to perform pulse height spectroscopy and to study the charge collection efficiency as a function of the applied bias voltage. Taking advantage of the charge spectroscopy and the good peak discrimination of pulse height spectra, an Hecht-like behavior of OSSCs radiation detectors is demonstrated. It has been possible to estimate the mobility-lifetime value in organic materials, a fundamental parameter for the characterization of radiation detectors, whose results are equal to μτcoplanar = (5 .5 ± 0.6 ) × 10−6 cm2/V and μτsandwich = (1 .9 ± 0.2 ) × 10−6 cm2/V, values comparable to those of polycrystalline inorganic detectors. Moreover, alpha particles Time-of-Flight experiments have been carried out to estimate the drift mobility value. The results reported here indicate how charged-particle detectors based on OSSCs possess a great potential as low-cost, large area, solid-state direct detectors operating at room temperature. More interestingly, the good detection efficiency and peak discrimination observed for charged-particle detection in organic materials (hydrogen-rich molecules) are encouraging for their further exploitation in the detection of thermal and high-energy neutrons.
Analytical approach for collective diffusion: One-dimensional heterogeneous lattice
Authors: Tarasenko Alexander
Published: April 2016

Diffusion of particles adsorbed on the heterogeneous chain was investigated using a theoretical approach and Monte Carlo method. I present the derivation of the analytical expressions for the diffusion coefficients. This approach is based on the theory of the non-equilibrium statistical operator developed by Zubarev. The concentration dependencies of the center-of-mass and Fickian diffusion coefficients have been calculated for some representative values of lateral interactions between the adsorbed particles. The analytical dependencies are compared with the numerical data generated by the kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The almost perfect coincidence of the data obtained by the two quite different methods clearly demonstrates the applicability of the approach for the investigations of the particle migration in the lattice gas systems.
Modelling of electron beam induced nanowire attraction
Authors: Bitzer Lucas A. , Speich Claudia , Schäfer David , Erni Daniel , Prost Werner , Tegude Franz J. , Benson Niels , Schmechel Roland
Published: April 2016

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) induced nanowire (NW) attraction or bundling is a well known effect, which is mainly ascribed to structural or material dependent properties. However, there have also been recent reports of electron beam induced nanowire bending by SEM imaging, which is not fully explained by the current models, especially when considering the electro-dynamic interaction between NWs. In this article, we contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon, by introducing an electro-dynamic model based on capacitor and Lorentz force interaction, where the active NW bending is stimulated by an electromagnetic force between individual wires. The model includes geometrical, electrical, and mechanical NW parameters, as well as the influence of the electron beam source parameters and is validated using in-situ observations of electron beam induced GaAs nanowire (NW) bending by SEM imaging.
Metal nanoparticle mediated space charge and its optical control in an organic hole-only device
Authors: Ligorio G. , Nardi M. V. , Steyrleuthner R. , Ihiawakrim D. , Crespo-Monteiro N. , Brinkmann M. , Neher D. , Koch N.
Published: April 2016

We reveal the role of localized space charges in hole-only devices based on an organic semiconductor with embedded metal nanoparticles (MNPs). MNPs act as deep traps for holes and reduce the current density compared to a device without MNPs by a factor of 104 due to the build-up of localized space charge. Dynamic MNPs charged neutrality can be realized during operation by electron transfer from excitons created in the organic matrix, enabling light sensing independent of device bias. In contrast to the previous speculations, electrical bistability in such devices was not observed.
Hybrid graphene/silicon integrated optical isolators with photonic spin–orbit interaction
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Xi Xiang , Yu Zejie , Sun Xiankai
Published: April 2016

Optical isolators are an important building block in photonic computation and communication. In traditional optics, isolators are realized with magneto-optical garnets. However, it remains challenging to incorporate such materials on an integrated platform because of the difficulty in material growth and bulky device footprint. Here, we propose an ultracompact integrated isolator by exploiting graphene's magneto-optical property on a silicon-on-insulator platform. The photonic nonreciprocity is achieved because the cyclotrons in graphene experiencing different optical spins exhibit different responses to counterpropagating light. Taking advantage of cavity resonance effects, we have numerically optimized a device design, which shows excellent isolation performance with the extinction ratio over 45 dB and the insertion loss around 12 dB at a wavelength near 1.55 μm. Featuring graphene's CMOS compatibility and substantially reduced device footprint, our proposal sheds light on monolithic integration of nonreciprocal photonic devices.
Electric field control of Skyrmions in magnetic nanodisks
Authors: Nakatani Y. , Hayashi M. , Kanai S. , Fukami S. , Ohno H.
Published: April 2016

The control of magnetic Skyrmions confined in a nanometer scale disk using electric field pulses is studied by micromagnetic simulation. A stable Skyrmion can be created and annihilated by an electric field pulse depending on the polarity of the electric field. Moreover, the core direction of the Skyrmion can be switched using the same electric field pulses. Such creation and annihilation of Skyrmions, and its core switching do not require any magnetic field and precise control of the pulse length. This unconventional manipulation of magnetic texture using electric field pulses allows a robust way of controlling magnetic Skyrmions in nanodiscs, a path toward building ultralow power memory devices.
Power-dependent spin amplification in (In, Ga)As/GaAs quantum well via Pauli blocking by tunnel-coupled quantum dot ensembles
Authors: Chen S. L. , Kiba T. , Yang X. J. , Takayama J. , Murayama A.
Published: April 2016

Power-dependent time-resolved optical spin orientation measurements were performed on In0.1Ga0.9As quantum well (QW) and In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dot (QD) tunnel-coupled structures with an 8-nm-thick GaAs barrier. A fast transient increase of electron spin polarization was observed at the QW ground state after circular-polarized pulse excitation. The temporal maximum of polarization increased with increasing pumping fluence owing to enhanced spin blocking in the QDs, yielding a highest amplification of 174% with respect to the initial spin polarization. Further elevation of the laser power gradually quenched the polarization dynamics, which was induced by saturated spin filling of both the QDs and the QW phase spaces.
Ferroelectric properties and polarization dynamics in Ba4Sm2Ti4Ta6O30 tungsten bronze ceramics
Authors: Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: April 2016

Ferroelectricity and polarization reversal dynamics in Ba4Sm2Ti4Ta6O30 tungsten bronze ceramics were investigated by measuring dielectric spectra and the evolution of hysteresis loops over a wide temperature range. With decreasing temperature, the dielectric properties and differential scanning calorimetry results showed diffuse peaks at ∼280 K with large thermal hysteresis, suggesting a first order ferroelectric transition. A dielectric relaxation was observed at low temperature that followed the Vogel–Fulcher relationship. The saturation and remanent polarizations of the Ba4Sm2Ti4Ta6O30 ceramics showed remarkable dependence on the applied field and temperature. The temperature dependence of the coercive field was divided into three linear regions and fitted to the Vopsaroiu model. Activation energies for polarization reversal of 0.73, 0.79, and 0.65 eV were determined for the following three regions: (I) the diffuse ferroelectric transition region (323.15–293.15 K), (II) the region just below the ferroelectric transition temperature (293.15–233.15 K), and (III) the low temperature relaxation region (233.15–173.15 K), respectively. The decrease of the activation energy in region III was attributed to the low temperature relaxation of Ba4Sm2Ti4Ta6O30.
A general nonlinear magnetomechanical model for ferromagnetic materials under a constant weak magnetic field
Authors: Shi Pengpeng , Jin Ke , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: April 2016

Weak magnetic nondestructive testing (e.g., metal magnetic memory method) concerns the magnetization variation of ferromagnetic materials due to its applied load and a weak magnetic surrounding them. One key issue on these nondestructive technologies is the magnetomechanical effect for quantitative evaluation of magnetization state from stress–strain condition. A representative phenomenological model has been proposed to explain the magnetomechanical effect by Jiles in 1995. However, the Jiles' model has some deficiencies in quantification, for instance, there is a visible difference between theoretical prediction and experimental measurements on stress–magnetization curve, especially in the compression case. Based on the thermodynamic relations and the approach law of irreversible magnetization, a nonlinear coupled model is proposed to improve the quantitative evaluation of the magnetomechanical effect. Excellent agreement has been achieved between the predictions from the present model and previous experimental results. In comparison with Jiles' model, the prediction accuracy is improved greatly by the present model, particularly for the compression case. A detailed study has also been performed to reveal the effects of initial magnetization status, cyclic loading, and demagnetization factor on the magnetomechanical effect. Our theoretical model reveals that the stable weak magnetic signals of nondestructive testing after multiple cyclic loads are attributed to the first few cycles eliminating most of the irreversible magnetization. Remarkably, the existence of demagnetization field can weaken magnetomechanical effect, therefore, significantly reduces the testing capability. This theoretical model can be adopted to quantitatively analyze magnetic memory signals, and then can be applied in weak magnetic nondestructive testing.
Magnetism in transition metal-substituted germanane: A search for room temperature spintronic devices
Authors: Sun Minglei , Ren Qingqiang , Zhao Yiming , Wang Sake , Yu Jin , Tang Wencheng
Published: April 2016

Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the geometric structure, binding energy, and magnetic behavior of monolayer germanane substitutional doped with transition metals. Our work demonstrates that germanane with single vacancy forms strong bonds with all studied impurity atoms. Magnetism is observed for Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni doping. Doping of Ti and Mn atoms results in half-metallic properties, while doping of Cr results in dilute magnetic semiconducting state. We estimate a Curie temperature of about 735 K for Mn-substituted system in the mean-field approximation at impurity concentration 5.56%. Furthermore, when increasing the impurity concentration to 12.5%, Curie temperatures of Ti and Mn-substituted systems are 290 and 1120 K, respectively. Our studies demonstrate the potential of Ti and Mn-substituted germanane for room temperature spintronic devices.
Evolution and sign control of square-wave-like anisotropic magneto-resistance in spatially confined La0.3Pr0.4Ca0.3MnO3/LaAlO3(001) manganite thin films
Authors: Alagoz H. S. , Jeon J. , Keating S. , Chow K. H. , Jung J.
Published: April 2016

We investigated magneto-transport properties of a compressively strained spatially confined La0.3Pr0.4Ca0.3MnO3 (LPCMO) thin film micro-bridge deposited on LaAlO3. Angular dependence of the magneto-resistance R(θ) of this bridge, where θ is the angle between the magnetic field and the current directions in the film plane, exhibits sharp positive and negative percolation jumps near TMIT. The sign and the magnitude of these jumps can be tuned using the magnetic field. Such behavior has not been observed in LPCMO micro-bridges subjected to tensile strain, indicating a correlation between the type of the lattice strain, the distribution of electronic domains, and the anisotropic magneto-resistance in spatially confined manganite systems.
Design of high-performance memristor cell using W-implanted SiO2 films
Authors: Li Wenqing , Liu Xinqiang , Wang Yongqiang , Dai Zhigao , Wu Wei , Cheng Li , Zhang Yupeng , Liu Qi , Xiao Xiangheng , Jiang Changzhong
Published: April 2016

Highly reproducible bipolar resistance switching was demonstrated in a composite material of W-implanted silicon dioxide. Because of its excellent dielectric properties, SiO2 was selected as the sole active material for fabricating the resistance switching devices. The device employed a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure, showing an excellent resistance switching performance (the ON/OFF ratio is close to ∼106). In addition, this sandwich structure device shows a forming-free resistance switching behavior. The overall device performance of the SiO2-based memristor has the potential to open up a new avenue to a large-scale high-performance resistive random access memory, which could significantly impact their existing applications.
Engaging the Pastoral Industry in the Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP)
Authors: Digby Donna , Bird Liz , Severin Lyndee , O'Leary Paul , Jensen Mac , Mills Robin , Edwards Glenn
Published: April 2016

Feral camels occur over almost 3.3 million km2 of the Australian rangelands, including parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Within this range, pastoral land encompasses an area of 1.39 million km2 (1189 properties). The pastoral industry was identified as one of the key stakeholder groups to work with under the Australian Feral Camel Management Project. The impacts of feral camels fall into three main categories: economic, environmental and social/cultural. It should be noted that not all pastoralists were impacted by feral camels. Under the Australian Feral Camel Management Project, multiple approaches were used to engage the pastoral industry through their involvement in developing partnerships, operational planning, implementation and communication. Critical to the success of the project was the commitment to effectively consult with landholders, build partnerships, respect landholder values, establish effective project governance and adopt a flexible management approach.