bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warum können Jugendliche ihre eigenen computerbezogenen Kompetenzen nicht realistisch einschätzen?
Authors: Ihme Jan Marten , Senkbeil Martin
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Durch die fehlende curriculare Vermittlung computerbezogener Kompetenzen und die damit fehlende Rückmeldung neigen Jugendliche zu einer Fehleinschätzung eigener Fähigkeiten in diesem Bereich. Für diesen Befund soll in dieser Arbeit ein Erklärungsmodell aufgestellt werden, das besagt, dass computerbezogene Kompetenzen vor allem durch instruktionale Unterstützung in der Familie sowie kulturelles Kapital der Familie vorhergesagt werden können, während die zugehörigen Selbsteinschätzungen vor allem mit der Intensität selbstgesteuerter Erfahrungen mit dem Computer zusammenhängen. Das Modell wird als Strukturgleichungsmodell formuliert und empirisch geprüft, und es zeigen sich die erwarteten Zusammenhänge. Die Schule wird kaum als Vermittlungsinstanz wahrgenommen. Jugendliche erwerben computerbezogene Kompetenzen offenbar vor allem mithilfe ihrer Eltern und nur nachrangig durch selbstgesteuerte Erfahrungen, während eine positive Selbsteinschätzung wesentlich von der Häufigkeit der Nutzung des Computers abhängt. Es finden sich keine Geschlechtsunterschiede in den computerbezogenen Kompetenzen, aber Jungen schätzen ihre Fähigkeiten höher ein. Der Schule gelingt es kaum, sozial bedingten Disparitäten im Erwerb der computerbezogenen Grundbildung kompensierend entgegenzuwirken. Zugleich ist der Erwerb auch von der Unterstützung durch die Eltern abhängig, und die Motivation der Jugendlichen zu weiterem Kompetenzerwerb hängt nur wenig von ihren tatsächlichen Fähigkeiten ab. Durch das Zusammenwirken dieser Faktoren besteht die Gefahr, dass sich sozial bedingte Disparitäten in computerbezogenen Kompetenzen beständig vergrößern.
The role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells expressing the GPR17 receptor in brain remodeling after stroke
Authors: Bonfanti Elisabetta , Gelosa Paolo , Fumagalli Marta , Dimou Leda , Viganò Francesca , Tremoli Elena , Cimino Mauro , Sironi Luigi , Abbracchio Maria P
Published: June 2017

Following stroke-induced neuronal damage, quiescent oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) are activated to proliferate and later to differentiate to myelin-producing cells. GPR17, a receptor transiently expressed on early OPCs, has emerged as a target to implement stroke repair through stimulation of OPC maturation. However, being GPR17 completely downregulated in myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, its actual role in determining the final fate of OPCs after cerebral ischemia is still uncertain. Here, to univocally define the spatiotemporal changes and final fate of GPR17-expressing OPCs, we induced ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in reporter GPR17iCreERT2:CAG-eGreen florescent protein (GFP) mice, in which, upon tamoxifen treatment, cells expressing GPR17 become green and traceable for their entire life. Starting from 3 days and up to 2 weeks after MCAo, GFP+ cells markedly accumulated in regions surrounding the ischemic lesion; several of them proliferated, as shown by co-labeling of the DNA synthesis marker 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Almost all GFP+/BrdU+ cells expressed the OPC early marker neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2), indicating that they were still precursors. Accumulation of GFP+ cells was also because of OPC recruitment from surrounding areas, as suggested in vivo by acquisition of typical features of migrating OPCs, shown in vitro in presence of the chemoattractant PDGF-AA and confirmed by transplantation of GFP+-OPCs in wild-type MCAo mice. Eight weeks after MCAo, only some of these precociously recruited cells had undergone maturation as shown by NG2 loss and acquisition of mature myelinating markers like GSTpi. A pool of recruited GFP+-OPCs was kept at a precursor stage to likely make it available for further insults. Thus, very early after ischemia, GFP+-OPCs proliferate and migrate toward the lesion; however, most of these cells remain undifferentiated, suggesting functional roles other than myelination.
Simvastatin treatment boosts benefits of apoptotic cell infusion in murine lung fibrosis
Authors: Lee Ye-JI , Kim Meung-Joo , Yoon Young-So , Choi Youn-Hee , Kim Hee-Sun , Kang Jihee Lee
Published: June 2017

A single early-phase infusion of apoptotic cells can inhibit bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis; however, it is unknown whether these effects can be enhanced with additional infusions and/or statin treatment. Here, we investigated whether an increased frequency of apoptotic cell injection, with or without efferocytosis enhancer simvastatin, facilitates therapeutic efficacy. An additional injection of apoptotic cells during the intermediate phase (7 days post-bleomycin treatment) or simvastatin administration alone on days 7–13 post-treatment did not promote anti-fibrotic responses beyond those induced by a single early apoptotic cell infusion alone. Additional administration of apoptotic cells with simvastatin further enhanced the efferocytic ability of alveolar macrophages and PPARγ activity, and induced hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-10 expression, in alveolar macrophages and lung tissue. Additional administration of apoptotic cells with simvastatin also reduced mRNA expression of bleomycin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in isolated alveolar type II epithelial cells, fibrotic markers in fibroblasts, and hydroxyproline in lung tissue. Enhanced anti-EMT and anti-fibrotic efficacy was confirmed by immunofluorescence and trichrome staining of lung tissue. This suggests that additional administration of apoptotic cells with simvastatin during the intermediate phase of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis may boost the anti-fibrotic properties of early apoptotic cell infusion.
Oroxylin A suppresses the development and growth of colorectal cancer through reprogram of HIF1α-modulated fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Ni Ting , He Zihao , Dai Yuanyuan , Yao Jingyue , Guo Qinglong , Wei Libin
Published: June 2017

The occurrence and progress of colon cancer are closely associated with obesity. Therefore, the lipid metabolism, especially fatty acid metabolism, is a significant section of energy homeostasis in colon cancer cells, and it affects many important cellular processes. Oroxylin A is one of the main bioactive flavonoids of Scutellariae radix, which has a strong anticancer effect but low toxicity to normal tissue. In previous studies, we have proved that oroxylin A reprogrammes metabolism of cancer cells by inhibiting glycolysis. Here, we further investigated the metabolism-modulating effects of oroxylin A on the fatty acid metabolism in colon cancer cells under hypoxia. We found that HIF1α upregulated adipophilin, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, and downregulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), resulting in the promoted lipid uptake and transport, increased de novo fatty acid synthesis and suppressed fatty acid oxidation. Oroxylin A inactivated HIF1α and reprogrammed fatty acid metabolism of HCT116 cells, decreasing intracellular fatty acid level and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, the rapid decrease of fatty acid level caused by oroxylin A inhibited the nuclear translocation of β-cantenin and inactivated the Wnt pathway, arousing cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. In vivo studies demonstrated that high-fat diet increased the incidence of colon cancer and accelerated tumor development. Importantly, besides the growth inhibitory effects on colon cancer xenograft, oroxylin A prevented carcinogenesis and delayed progress of primary colon cancer as well. Our studies enriched the metabolic regulatory mechanism of oroxylin A, and suggested that oroxylin A was a potent candidate for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.
Myosin-dependent cell-cell communication controls synchronicity of division in acute and chronic stages of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Frénal Karine , Jacot Damien , Hammoudi Pierre-Mehdi , Graindorge Arnault , Maco Bohumil , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: June 2017

The obligate intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondiipossesses a repertoire of 11 myosins. Three class XIV motors participate in motility, invasion and egress, whereas the class XXII myosin F is implicated in organelle positioning and inheritance of the apicoplast. Here we provide evidence that TgUNC acts as a chaperone dedicated to the folding, assembly and function of allToxoplasmamyosins. The conditional ablation ofTgUNCrecapitulates the phenome of the known myosins and uncovers two functions in parasite basal complex constriction and synchronized division within the parasitophorous vacuole. We identify myosin J and centrin 2 as essential for the constriction. We demonstrate the existence of an intravacuolar cell–cell communication ensuring synchronized division, a process dependent on myosin I. This connectivity contributes to the delayed death phenotype resulting from loss of the apicoplast. Cell–cell communication is lost in activated macrophages and during bradyzoite differentiation resulting in asynchronized, slow division in the cysts.
Synthesis and preliminary PET imaging of 11C and 18F isotopologues of the ROS1/ALK inhibitor lorlatinib
Authors: Collier Thomas Lee , Normandin Marc D. , Stephenson Nickeisha A. , Livni Eli , Liang Steven H. , Wooten Dustin W. , Esfahani Shadi A. , Stabin Michael G. , Mahmood Umar , Chen Jianqing , Wang Wei , Maresca Kevin , Waterhouse Rikki N. , El Fakhri Georges , Richardson Paul , Vasdev Neil
Published: June 2017

Lorlatinib (PF-06463922) is a next-generation small-molecule inhibitor of the orphan receptor tyrosine kinase c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), which has a kinase domain that is physiologically related to anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and is undergoing Phase I/II clinical trial investigations for non-small cell lung cancers. An early goal is to measure the concentrations of this drug in brain tumour lesions of lung cancer patients, as penetration of the blood–brain barrier is important for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Here we prepare both 11C- and 18F-isotopologues of lorlatinib to determine the biodistribution and whole-body dosimetry assessments by positron emission tomography (PET). Non-traditional radiolabelling strategies are employed to enable an automated multistep 11C-labelling process and an iodonium ylide-based radiofluorination. Carbon-11-labelled lorlatinib is routinely prepared with good radiochemical yields and shows reasonable tumour uptake in rodents. PET imaging in non-human primates confirms that this radiotracer has high brain permeability.
Non-Ising and chiral ferroelectric domain walls revealed by nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Cherifi-Hertel Salia , Bulou Hervé , Hertel Riccardo , Taupier Grégory , Dorkenoo Kokou Dodzi , Andreas Christian , Guyonnet Jill , Gaponenko Iaroslav , Gallo Katia , Paruch Patrycja
Published: June 2017

The properties of ferroelectric domain walls can significantly differ from those of their parent material. Elucidating their internal structure is essential for the design of advanced devices exploiting nanoscale ferroicity and such localized functional properties. Here, we probe the internal structure of 180° ferroelectric domain walls in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films and lithium tantalate bulk crystals by means of second-harmonic generation microscopy. In both systems, we detect a pronounced second-harmonic signal at the walls. Local polarimetry analysis of this signal combined with numerical modelling reveals the existence of a planar polarization within the walls, with Néel and Bloch-like configurations in PZT and lithium tantalate, respectively. Moreover, we find domain wall chirality reversal at line defects crossing lithium tantalate crystals. Our results demonstrate a clear deviation from the ideal Ising configuration that is traditionally expected in uniaxial ferroelectrics, corroborating recent theoretical predictions of a more complex, often chiral structure.
Circuit design for multi-body interactions in superconducting quantum annealing systems with applications to a scalable architecture
Authors: Chancellor N. , Zohren S. , Warburton P. A.
Published: June 2017

Quantum annealing provides a way of solving optimization problems by encoding them as Ising spin models which are implemented using physical qubits. The solution of the optimization problem then corresponds to the ground state of the system. Quantum tunneling is harnessed to enable the system to move to the ground state in a potentially high non-convex energy landscape. A major difficulty in encoding optimization problems in physical quantum annealing devices is the fact that many real world optimization problems require interactions of higher connectivity, as well as multi-body terms beyond the limitations of the physical hardware. In this work we address the question of how to implement multi-body interactions using hardware which natively only provides two-body interactions. The main result is an efficient circuit design of such multi-body terms using superconducting flux qubits in which effective N-body interactions are implemented using N ancilla qubits and only two inductive couplers. It is then shown how this circuit can be used as the unit cell of a scalable architecture by applying it to a recently proposed embedding technique for constructing an architecture of logical qubits with arbitrary connectivity using physical qubits which have nearest-neighbor four-body interactions. It is further shown that this design is robust to non-linear effects in the coupling loops, as well as mismatches in some of the circuit parameters.
Engineering of many-body Majorana states in a topological insulator/s-wave superconductor heterostructure
Authors: Hung Hsiang-Hsuan , Wu Jiansheng , Sun Kuei , Chiu Ching-Kai
Published: June 2017

We study a vortex chain in a thin film of a topological insulator with proximity-induced superconductivity—a promising platform to realize Majorana zero modes (MZMs)—by modeling it as a two-leg Majorana ladder. While each pair of MZMs hybridizes through vortex tunneling, we hereby show that MZMs can be stabilized on the ends of the ladder with the presence of tilted external magnetic field and four-Majorana interaction. Furthermore, a fruitful phase diagram is obtained by controlling the direction of magnetic field and the thickness of the sample. We reveal many-body Majorana states and interaction-induced topological phase transitions and also identify trivial-superconducting and commensurate/incommensurate charge-density-wave states in the phase diagram.
Interval Optimization Model Considering Terrestrial Ecological Impacts for Water Rights Transfer from Agriculture to Industry in Ningxia, China
Authors: Sun Lian , Li Chunhui , Cai Yanpeng , Wang Xuan
Published: June 2017

In this study, an interval optimization model is developed to maximize the benefits of a water rights transfer system that comprises industry and agriculture sectors in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China. The model is subjected to a number of constraints including water saving potential from agriculture and ecological groundwater levels. Ecological groundwater levels serve as performance indicators of terrestrial ecology. The interval method is applied to present the uncertainty of parameters in the model. Two scenarios regarding dual industrial development targets (planned and unplanned ones) are used to investigate the difference in potential benefits of water rights transfer. Runoff of the Yellow River as the source of water rights fluctuates significantly in different years. Thus, compensation fees for agriculture are calculated to reflect the influence of differences in the runoff. Results show that there are more available water rights to transfer for industrial development. The benefits are considerable but unbalanced between buyers and sellers. The government should establish a water market that is freer and promote the interest of agriculture and farmers. Though there has been some success of water rights transfer, the ecological impacts and the relationship between sellers and buyers require additional studies.
Neural Process of the Preference Cross-category Transfer Effect: Evidence from an Event-related Potential Study
Authors: Ma Qingguo , Zhang Linanzi , Pei Guanxiong , Abdeljelil H’meidatt
Published: June 2017

In business practice, companies prefer to find highly attractive commercial spokesmen to represent and promote their products and brands. This study mainly focused on the investigation of whether female facial attractiveness influenced the preference attitudes of male subjects toward a no-named and unfamiliar logo and determined the underlying reasons via neuroscientific methods. We designed two ERP (event-related potential) experiments. Experiment 1 comprised a formal experiment with facial stimuli. The purpose of experiment 2 was to confirm whether the logos that were used did not present a significant difference for the subjects. According to the behavioural results of experiment 1, when other conditions were not significantly different, the preference degree of the logos correlated with attractive female faces was increased compared with the logos correlated with unattractive faces. Reasons to explain these behavioural phenomena were identified via ERP measures, and preference cross-category transfer mainly caused the results. Additionally, the preference developed associated with emotion. This study is the first to report a novel concept referred to as the “Preference Cross-Category Transfer Effect”. Moreover, a three-phase neural process of the face evaluation subsequently explained how the cross-category transfer of preference occurred and influenced subject preference attitude toward brand logos.
Comparative morphology and transcriptome analysis reveals distinct functions of the primary and secondary laticifer cells in the rubber tree
Authors: Tan Deguan , Hu Xiaowen , Fu Lili , Kumpeangkeaw Anuwat , Ding Zehong , Sun Xuepiao , Zhang Jiaming
Published: June 2017

Laticifers are highly specialized cells that synthesize and store natural rubber. Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensisMuell. Arg.) contain both primary and secondary laticifers. Morphological and functional differences between the two types of laticifers are largely unknown, but such information is important for breeding and cultivation practices. Morphological comparison using paraffin sections revealed only distribution differences: the primary laticifers were distributed randomly, while the secondary laticifers were distributed in concentric rings. Using isolated laticifer networks, the primary laticifers were shown to develop via intrusive “budding” and formed necklace-like morphology, while the secondary laticifers developed straight and smooth cell walls. Comparative transcriptome analysis indicated that genes involved in cell wall modification, such as pectin esterase, lignin metabolic enzymes, and expansins, were highly up-regulated in the primary laticifers and correspond to its necklace-like morphology. Genes involved in defense against biotic stresses and rubber biosynthesis were highly up-regulated in the primary laticifers, whereas genes involved in abiotic stresses and dormancy were up-regulated in the secondary laticifers, suggesting that the primary laticifers are more adequately prepared to defend against biotic stresses, while the secondary laticifers are more adequately prepared to defend against abiotic stresses. Therefore, the two types of laticifers are morphologically and functionally distinct.
Real-time imaging of intestinal bacterial β-glucuronidase activity by hydrolysis of a fluorescent probe
Authors: Chen Michael , Cheng Kai-Wen , Chen Yi-Jou , Wang Chang-Hung , Cheng Ta-Chun , Chang Kuo-Chien , Kao An-Pei , Chuang Kuo-Hsiang
Published: June 2017

Intestinal bacterial β-glucuronidase (βG) hydrolyzes glucuronidated metabolites to their toxic form in intestines, resulting in intestinal damage. The development of a method to inhibit βG is thus important but has been limited by the difficulty of directly assessing enzyme activity in live animals. Here, we utilized a fluorescent probe, fluorescein di-β-D-glucuronide (FDGlcU), to non-invasively image the intestinal bacterial βG activity in nude mice. In vitro cell-based assays showed that the detection limit is 104 colony-forming units/well of βG-expressing bacteria, and that 7.81 ng/mL of FDGlcU is enough to generate significant fluorescent signal. In whole-body optical images of nude mice, the maximum fluorescence signal for βG activity in intestines was detected 3 hours after gavage with FDGlcU. Following pretreatment with a bacterial βG inhibitor, the fluorescence signal was significantly reduced in abdomens and excised intestines images. For a 4-day antibiotic treatment to deplete intestinal bacteria, the FDGlcU-based images showed that the βG activity was decreased by 8.5-fold on day 4 and then gradually increased after treatment stopped. The results suggested that FDGlcU-based imaging revealed the in vitro and in vivo activity of intestinal bacterial βG, which would facilitate pharmacodynamic studies of specific bacterial βG inhibitors in animal studies.
Aldose reductase inhibitor increases doxorubicin-sensitivity of colon cancer cells and decreases cardiotoxicity
Authors: Sonowal Himangshu , Pal Pabitra B. , Wen Jian-Jun , Awasthi Sanjay , Ramana Kota V. , Srivastava Satish K.
Published: June 2017

Anthracycline drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) and daunorubicin remain some of the most active wide-spectrum and cost-effective drugs in cancer therapy. However, colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are inherently resistant to anthracyclines which at higher doses cause cardiotoxicity. Our recent studies indicate that aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors such as fidarestat inhibit CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that treatment of CRC cells with fidarestat increases the efficacy of DOX-induced death in HT-29 and SW480 cells and in nude mice xenografts. AR inhibition also results in higher intracellular accumulation of DOX and decreases the expression of drug transporter proteins MDR1, MRP1, and ABCG2. Further, fidarestat also inhibits DOX–induced increase in troponin-I and various inflammatory markers in the serum and heart and restores cardiac function in mice. These results suggest that fidarestat could be used as adjuvant therapy to enhance DOX sensitivity of CRC cells and to reduce DOX-associated cardiotoxicity.
Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of the Combination of Mitomycin C plus Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Deng Tuo , Liu Bing , Duan Xiaolu , Zhang Tao , Cai Chao , Zeng Guohua
Published: June 2017

This systematic review and cumulative analysis aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of intravesical mitomycin C (MMC) plus bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients. A comprehensive literature search using Pubmed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI and VIP databases was performed to identify studies applying intravesical MMC plus BCG therapy on NMIBC patients up to June 2016. Summarized unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy. A total of 25 studies containing 2749 NMIBC patients were included in this systematic review. Compared with BCG monotherapy, the combination therapy could significantly reduce the tumor recurrence rate (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44–0.94, P = 0.02) and cancer-specific mortality (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34–0.87, P = 0.01), without more toxicities (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.17–1.94, P = 0.37). The combination therapy could also lead to significant lower tumor recurrence rate than MMC monotherapy (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.69, P = 0.0009). Our study indicates that the combination of MMC plus BCG instillation is an effective and safe adjuvant treatment for NMIBC patients.
Electric-field assisted 3D-fibrous bioceramic-based scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration: Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro cellular activities
Authors: Kim Minseong , Yun Hui-suk , Kim Geun Hyung
Published: June 2017

Nano/microfibrous structure can induce high cellular activities because of the topological similarity of the extracellular matrix, and thus, are widely used in various tissue regenerative materials. However, the fabrication of a bioceramic (high weight percent)-based 3D microfibrous structure is extremely difficult because of the low process-ability of bioceramics. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) microfibrous structure can induce more realistic cellular behavior when compared to that of 2D fibrous structure. Hence, the requirement of a 3D fibrous ceramic-based structure is an important issue in bioceramic scaffolds. In this study, a bioceramic (α-TCP)-based scaffold in which the weight fraction of the ceramic exceeded 70% was fabricated using an electrohydrodynamic printing (EHDP) process. The fabricated ceramic structure consisted of layer-by-layered struts entangled with polycaprolactone microfibers and the bioceramic phase. Various processing conditions (such as applied electric field, flow rate, nozzle size, and weight fraction of the bioceramic) were manipulated to obtain an optimal processing window. A 3D printed porous structure was used as a control, which had pore geometry similar to that of a structure fabricated using the EHDP process. Various physical and cellular activities using preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) helped confirm that the newly designed bioceramic scaffold demonstrated significantly high metabolic activity and mineralization.
Functional dissection of human targets for KSHV-encoded miRNAs using network analysis
Authors: Wang Yu , Lin Yun , Guo Yanzhi , Pu Xuemei , Li Menglong
Published: June 2017

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease, etc. In this study, we firstly systematically constructed the KSHV-encoded miRNA-regulated co-expressed protein-protein interaction network (CePPIN), which display the biological knowledge regarding the mechanism of miRNA-regulated KSHV pathogenesis. Then, we investigated the topological parameters for the proteins in CePPIN, especially for those miRNA targets and we found that cellular target genes of KSHV-encoded miRNAs tend to be hubs and bottlenecks in the network. Then the GO and KEGG pathway analysis suggests that miRNA targets are involved in various cellular processes mostly related to immune regulate and cell cycle. Enrichment analysis was also performed to identify the six important functional modules which are proven to be highly related to KSHV pathogenesis. Finally, difference analysis of common targets and specific targets shows that two kinds of targets are different in terms of both topological properties and enriched functions, thus we can extrapolate that the functions of KSHV-encoded miRNAs can be also classified into two generic groups, one can act as functional mimics of some oncogenic human miRNAs which contribute to tumorigenesis and the other can contribute to maintaining viral survival.
Genetic Determinants of Crop Timing and Quality Traits in Two Interspecific Petunia Recombinant Inbred Line Populations
Authors: Guo Yufang , Lin Wei-Kuang , Chen QiuXia , Vallejo Veronica A. , Warner Ryan M.
Published: June 2017

The rate at which plants develop new nodes (development rate) is a major determinant of crop production time, yet the genetic control of this process, including genetic interactions with crop quality parameters, is poorly understood. We employed a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach and generated genetic linkage maps with 6,291 and 3,297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the interspecific Petunia recombinant inbred line (RIL) population - P. axillaris × P. exserta (AE) and P. integrifolia × P. axillaris (IA), respectively. Comparative mapping between the populations revealed perfect collinearity of marker order but different recombination frequency at the corresponding linkage groups (LGs). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping conducted for development traits and other important quality traits indicated QTL clustered on chromosome 1, 2, 4 and 6 for the AE population and chromosome 1, 2, 5 and 6 for the IA population. Additionally, 209 differentially expressed unique transcripts were identified in shoot apex tissue between fast- and slow-developing RILs, 13 of which mapped to within 1 cM of a development rate QTL. These results will facilitate the identification of novel genes controlling crop timing and quality traits in Petunia and highlight the power of using multiple interspecific populations to elucidate genetic determinants of natural variation.
Wide Incidence Angle-Insensitive Metamaterial Absorber for Both TE and TM Polarization using Eight-Circular-Sector
Authors: Nguyen Toan Trung , Lim Sungjoon
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a wide incidence angle-insensitive metamaterial absorber is proposed using eight-circular-sector (ECS). Under normal incidence, the proposed absorber shows high absorptivity at different polarizations due to its symmetric geometry. Under oblique incidence, zero-reflection conditions for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarization are different. Nevertheless, the proposed absorber shows high absorptivity under oblique incidence of both TE and TM polarization due to ECS. The performance of the proposed absorber was demonstrated with full-wave simulation and measurements. The simulated absorptivity at the specular angles exceed 90% and the frequency variation is less than 0.7% at approximately 9.26 GHz up to a 70° incidence angle in both TM and TE polarization. We built the proposed absorber on a printed-circuit board with 20 × 20 unit cells, and we demonstrated its performance experimentally in free space. The measured absorptivity at 9.26 GHz for the specular angles is close to 98% for all polarization angles under normal incidence. As the incidence angle is varied from 0° to 70°, the measured absorptivity at 9.26 GHz for the specular angles remain above 92% in both TE and TM polarization.
RNAseq based transcriptomics study of SMCs from carotid atherosclerotic plaque: BMP2 and IDs proteins are crucial regulators of plaque stability
Authors: Alloza Iraide , Goikuria Haize , Idro Juan Luis , Triviño Juan Carlos , Fernández Velasco José María , Elizagaray Elena , García-Barcina María , Montoya-Murillo Genoveva , Sarasola Esther , Vega Manrique Reyes , Freijo Maria del Mar , Vandenbroeck Koen
Published: June 2017

Carotid artery atherosclerosis is a risk factor to develop cerebrovascular disease. Atheroma plaque can become instable and provoke a cerebrovascular event or else remain stable as asymptomatic type. The exact mechanism involved in plaque destabilization is not known but includes among other events smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. The goal of this study was to perform thorough analysis of gene expression differences in SMCs isolated from carotid symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaques. Comparative transcriptomics analysis of SMCs based on RNAseq technology identified 67 significant differentially expressed genes and 143 significant differentially expressed isoforms in symptomatic SMCs compared with asymptomatic. 37 of top-scoring genes were further validated by digital PCR. Enrichment and network analysis shows that the gene expression pattern of SMCs from stable asymptomatic plaques is suggestive for an osteogenic phenotype, while that of SMCs from unstable symptomatic plaque correlates with a senescence-like phenotype. Osteogenic-like phenotype SMCs may positively affect carotid atheroma plaque through participation in plaque stabilization via bone formation processes. On the other hand, plaques containing senescence-like phenotype SMCs may be more prone to rupture. Our results substantiate an important role of SMCs in carotid atheroma plaque disruption.
Core-multishell globular oxidation in a new TiAlNbCr alloy at high temperatures
Authors: Tang S. Q. , Qu S. J. , Feng A. H. , Feng C. , Shen J. , Chen D. L.
Published: June 2017

Oxidation resistance is one of key properties of titanium aluminide (TiAl) based alloys for high-temperature applications such as in advanced aero-engines and gas turbines. A new TiAlNbCr alloy with micro-addition of yttrium has been developed, but its oxidation behavior is unknown. To provide some fundamental insights, high-temperature oxidation characteristics of this alloy are examined via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction. We show that distinctive core-multishell globular oxidation and “daisy” flower-like oxidation occur exclusively around Y2O3 particles. Globular oxides exhibit multi-layered Y2O3/TiO2/Al2O3-rich/TiO2-rich shell structures from the inside to outside. Flower-like inner oxides consist of core Y2O3 particles surrounded by divergent Al2O3 and oxygen-rich α2-Ti3Al in the near-scale substrate. As the scale-substrate interface moves inward, the inner oxide structures suffer deeper oxidation and transform into the globular oxide structures. Our results demonstrate that the unique oxidation characteristics and the understanding of formation mechanisms pave the way for the exploration and development of advanced oxidation-resistant TiAl-based materials.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, impairs E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion and alters calcium homeostasis in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Chang Huang-Yu , Chen Shu-Ling , Shen Meng-Ru , Kung Mei-Lang , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chen Yun-Wen
Published: June 2017

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for mood disorders. Long term use of SSRIs is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains elusive. E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and elevated [Ca2+]i are important for insulin release and pancreatic β cell functions. This study aims to investigate whether a SSRI, fluoxetine (Prozac), induces pancreatic β cell dysfunction through affecting E-cadherin and/or [Ca2+]i. Here we show that fluoxetine significantly reduces glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). MIN6 cells, an established murine immortalized β cell line, form smaller colonies of loosely packed cells with reduced cell-cell contact after fluoxetine treatment. Immunofluorescence staining reveals that fluoxetine increases cytoplasmic accumulation of E-cadherin and reduces the membrane-localized E-cadherin probably due to increase of its endocytosis. Fluoxetine inhibits spreading of β cells on E-cad/Fc coated slides and also disrupts E-cadherin-mediated actin filaments. Additionally, fluoxetine significantly suppresses endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium release and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) activation, probably through reduction of ER calcium storage and inhibition of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) trafficking. These data suggest that exposure to fluoxetine results in impaired β cell functions, occurring in concert with reduction of E-cadherin-dependent cell adhesion and alterations of calcium homeostasis.
Scanning tunnelling microscope light emission: Finite temperature current noise and over cut-off emission
Authors: Kalathingal Vijith , Dawson Paul , Mitra J.
Published: June 2017

The spectral distribution of light emitted from a scanning tunnelling microscope junction not only bears its intrinsic plasmonic signature but is also imprinted with the characteristics of optical frequency fluc- tuations of the tunnel current. Experimental spectra from gold-gold tunnel junctions are presented that show a strong bias (V
b
) dependence, curiously with emission at energies higher than the quantum cut-off (eV
b
); a component that decays monotonically with increasing bias. The spectral evolution is explained by developing a theoretical model for the power spectral density of tunnel current fluctuations, incorporating finite temperature contribution through consideration of the quantum transport in the system. Notably, the observed decay of the over cut-off emission is found to be critically associated with, and well explained in terms of the variation in junction conductance with V
b
. The investigation highlights the scope of plasmon-mediated light emission as a unique probe of high frequency fluctuations in electronic systems that are fundamental to the electrical generation and control of plasmons.
An alternative conformation of ERβ bound to estradiol reveals H12 in a stable antagonist position
Authors: Souza Paulo C. T. , Textor Larissa C. , Melo Denise C. , Nascimento Alessandro S. , Skaf Munir S. , Polikarpov Igor
Published: June 2017

The natural ligand 17β-estradiol (E2) is so far believed to induce a unique agonist-bound active conformation in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the estrogen receptors (ERs). Both subtypes, ERα and ERβ, are transcriptionally activated in the presence of E2 with ERβ being somewhat less active than ERα under similar conditions. The molecular bases for this intriguing behavior are mainly attributed to subtype differences in the amino-terminal domain of these receptors. However, structural details that confer differences in the molecular response of ER LBDs to E2 still remain elusive. In this study, we present a new crystallographic structure of the ERβ LBD bound to E2 in which H12 assumes an alternative conformation that resembles antagonist ERs structures. Structural observations and molecular dynamics simulations jointly provide evidence that alternative ERβ H12 position could correspond to a stable conformation of the receptor under physiological pH conditions. Our findings shed light on the unexpected role of LBD in the lower functional response of ERβ subtype.
Image based Machine Learning for identification of macrophage subsets
Authors: Rostam Hassan M. , Reynolds Paul M. , Alexander Morgan R. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Ghaemmaghami Amir M.
Published: June 2017

Macrophages play a crucial rule in orchestrating immune responses against pathogens and foreign materials. Macrophages have remarkable plasticity in response to environmental cues and are able to acquire a spectrum of activation status, best exemplified by pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes at the two ends of the spectrum. Characterisation of M1 and M2 subsets is usually carried out by quantification of multiple cell surface markers, transcription factors and cytokine profiles. These approaches are time-consuming, require large numbers of cells and are resource intensive. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to develop a simple and fast imaging-based approach that enables automated identification of different macrophage functional phenotypes using their cell size and morphology. Fluorescent microscopy was used to assess cell morphology of different cell types which were stained for nucleus and actin distribution using DAPI and phalloidin respectively. By only analysing their morphology we were able to identify M1 and M2 phenotypes effectively and could distinguish them from naïve macrophages and monocytes with an average accuracy of 90%. Thus we suggest high-content and automated image analysis can be used for fast phenotyping of functionally diverse cell populations with reasonable accuracy and without the need for using multiple markers.
6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light detection using fast terahertz quantum well photodetectors
Authors: Li Hua , Wan Wen-Jian , Tan Zhi-Yong , Fu Zhang-Long , Wang Hai-Xia , Zhou Tao , Li Zi-Ping , Wang Chang , Guo Xu-Guang , Cao Jun-Cheng
Published: June 2017

The fast detection of terahertz radiation is of great importance for various applications such as fast imaging, high speed communications, and spectroscopy. Most commercial products capable of sensitively responding the terahertz radiation are thermal detectors, i.e., pyroelectric sensors and bolometers. This class of terahertz detectors is normally characterized by low modulation frequency (dozens or hundreds of Hz). Here we demonstrate the first fast semiconductor-based terahertz quantum well photodetectors by carefully designing the device structure and microwave transmission line for high frequency signal extraction. Modulation response bandwidth of gigahertz level is obtained. As an example, the 6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light emitted from a Fabry-Pérot terahertz quantum cascade laser is successfully detected using the fast terahertz quantum well photodetector. In addition to the fast terahertz detection, the technique presented in this work can also be used for optically characterizing the frequency stability of terahertz quantum cascade lasers, heterodyne detections and photomixing applications.
Supra-Amphiphiles Based on Charge Transfer Interactions
Authors: Sikder Amrita , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: June 2017

This chapter collates examples of supra-amphiphiles constructed from donor (D)–acceptor (A) building blocks primarily through charge transfer interactions. Depending on the structure of the building blocks, they exhibit wide-ranging nanostructures—including micelles, vesicles and fibrillar networks—which often differ from the morphology of the self-assembled structure observed for the constituent D or A amphiphile. Some of the examples indicate the possibility of the redox-responsive disassembly of the aggregates of the D–A supra-amphiphiles depending on the redox conditions; the D and/or A may become oxidized or reduced and no longer inherit their D or A nature. Some of the examples show that the D–A supra-amphiphile design can be extended to the macromolecular domain. Examples of D–A supra-amphiphile-like structures in hydrocarbons are discussed, highlighting their similarity with the so-called aqueous supra-amphiphilic systems in the context of structure formation.
Process–property relationship in high-k ALD SrTiO3 and BaTiO3: a review
Authors: Shim J. H. , Choi H. J. , Kim Y. , Torgersen J. , An J. , Lee M. H. , Prinz F. B.
Published: June 2017

This review addresses recent approaches for atomic layer deposition (ALD) that are closely related to the electrical properties of ultrathin SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 films.
Potential of polymethacrylate pseudo crown ethers as solid state polymer electrolytes
Authors: Moins S. , Martins J. C. , Krumpmann A. , Lemaur V. , Cornil J. , Delbosc N. , Decroly A. , Dubois Ph. , Lazzaroni R. , Gohy J.-F. , Coulembier O.
Published: June 2017

The association of kinetic studies, DFT calculations and 1H–7Li NMR analyses allowed the control of the cyclo-ATRP of PEG9DMA and the production of polymethacrylate pseudo crown-ethers of various molar masses.
Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets as a multifunctional background-free matrix to detect small molecules and complicated samples by MALDI mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jianing , Sun Jie , Wang Jiyun , Liu Huihui , Xue Jinjuan , Nie Zongxiu
Published: June 2017

h-BN nanosheets were applied as a background-free matrix for the analysis and imaging of small molecules and as an adsorbent to enrich samples.
Order–disorder phase transition induced by proton transfer in a co-crystal of 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and trimethylamine N-oxide
Authors: D'Vries R. F. , Moreno-Fuquen R. , Camps I. , Ayala A. P. , Kennedy A. R. , Reinheimer E. W. , Ellena J.
Published: June 2017

A crystalline binary adduct between trimethylamine N-oxide and 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid was obtained. The molecular system was thermally characterized, subsequently demonstrating an order–disorder transition.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy study of the complexation of DNA hybrids, IgG antibody, and a chimeric protein of IgG-binding ZZ domains fused with a carbohydrate binding module
Authors: Rosa A. M. M. , Prazeres D. M. F. , Paulo P. M. R.
Published: June 2017

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to characterize the molecular interactions between the four components of a DNA recognition system.
Determining oxidative stability of battery electrolytes: validity of common electrochemical stability window (ESW) data and alternative strategies
Authors: Kasnatscheew J. , Streipert B. , Röser S. , Wagner R. , Cekic Laskovic I. , Winter M.
Published: June 2017

Galvanostatic and potentiodynamic measurements reveal an oxidative stability of common LiPF6 salt/carbonate solvent based electrolytes > 5 V vs. Li/Li+.
Exposure of Cucurbita pepo to binary combinations of engineered nanomaterials: physiological and molecular response
Authors: Pagano Luca , Pasquali Francesco , Majumdar Sanghamitra , De la Torre-Roche Roberto , Zuverza-Mena Nubia , Villani Marco , Zappettini Andrea , Marra Robert E. , Isch Susan M. , Marmiroli Marta , Maestri Elena , Dhankher Om Parkash , White Jason C. , Marmiroli Nelson
Published: June 2017

Holistic interpretation of data related to combinatory treatments of five ENMs in zucchini.
Ambient and laboratory observations of organic ammonium salts in PM1
Authors: Schlag P. , Rubach F. , Mentel T. F. , Reimer D. , Canonaco F. , Henzing J. S. , Moerman M. , Otjes R. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Rohrer F. , Rosati B. , Tillmann R. , Weingartner E. , Kiendler-Scharr A.
Published: June 2017

Ambient measurements of PM1aerosol chemical composition at Cabauw, the Netherlands, implicate higher ammonium concentrations than explained by the formation of inorganic ammonium salts. This additional particulate ammonium is called excess ammonium (eNH4). Height profiles over the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) tower, of combined ground based and airborne aerosol mass spectrometric (AMS) measurements on a Zeppelin airship show higher concentrations ofeNH4at higher altitudes compared to the ground. Through flights across the Netherlands, the Zeppelin based measurements furthermore substantiateeNH4as a regional phenomenon in the planetary boundary layer. The excess ammonium correlates with mass spectral signatures of (di-)carboxylic acids, making a heterogeneous acid–base reaction the likely process of NH3uptake. We show that this excess ammonium was neutralized by the organic fraction forming particulate organic ammonium salts. We discuss the significance of such organic ammonium salts for atmospheric aerosols and suggest that NH3emission control will have benefits for particulate matter control beyond the reduction of inorganic ammonium salts.
Fabrication of imidazolium-functionalized magnetic composite microspheres for selective recognition and separation of heme proteins
Authors: Wang Binghai , Shao Qian , Fang Yingtong , Wang Juanqiang , Xi Xingjun , Chu Qiao , Dong Genlai , Wei Yun
Published: June 2017

Imidazolium-functionalized magnetic composite microspheres were successfully synthesized, which exhibited high hemoglobin binding capacity (6321 mg g−1) and excellent selectivity.
Facile solvothermal decomposition synthesis of single phase ZnBi38O60nanobundles for sensitive detection of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Padmanaban A. , Dhanasekaran T. , Manigandan R. , Kumar S. Praveen , Gnanamoorthy G. , Stephen A. , Narayanan V.
Published: June 2017

We have developed the facile solvothermal decomposition route to fabricate a single phase zinc bismuthate (ZnBi38O60) binary composite nanostructure.
Discrimination of tabun mimic diethyl cyanophosphonate from sarin mimic diethyl chlorophosphate via Zn(ii)-triggered photoinduced electron transfer-decoupled excited state intramolecular proton transfer processes
Authors: Manna Abhishek , Jana Kanyashree , Guchhait Nikhil , Goswami Shyamaprosad
Published: June 2017

PET-coupled ESIPT platform and its Zn2+ complex are used for the discrimination of the nerve agent mimics DCNP and DCP.
Tailoring the optical properties of atomically-thin WS2via ion irradiation
Authors: Ma L. , Tan Y. , Ghorbani-Asl M. , Boettger R. , Kretschmer S. , Zhou S. , Huang Z. , Krasheninnikov A. V. , Chen F.
Published: June 2017

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties.
Hot-electron transfer from the semiconductor domain to the metal domain in CdSe@CdS{Au} nano-heterostructures
Authors: Dana Jayanta , Maity Partha , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: June 2017

Semiconductor–metal hybrid nanostructures are recognized as great materials due to their high level of light-induced charge separation, which has direct relevance in photocatalysis and solar energy conversion.