bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VENACULAR POETS IN BEDE AND MUIRCHÚ A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EARLY INSULAR CULTURAL HISTORIES
Authors: IRELAND COLIN A.
Published: November 2016

This comparative study examines the treatment of named vernacular poets from the Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon worlds in the subsequent literary cultural histories of their traditions. Both societies developed sophisticated bilingual intellectual cultures. After a brief survey of historical poets and anonymous secular texts from both vernacular literatures, this essay examines two accounts that involve vernacular poets from Latin texts written by clerics. Muirchú maccu Machtheni wroteVita Sancti Patricii(ca. 690) and briefly mentioned the presence of the poets Dubthach maccu Lugair and Fiacc Finn Sléibte at the pagan court of Lóegaire mac Néill in Tara in the fifth century. Bede devoted a full chapter of hisHistoria Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum(ca. 731) to the poet Cædmon at the monastery of Whitby sometime in the second half of the seventh century. The presence of these three vernacular poets in the works of two clerics suggests their perceived potential contributions to the Church. But their treatment in later cultural history differs markedly between the self-referential Gaelic world and more reticent Anglo-Saxons. In the Gaelic tradition Dubthach and Fiacc are recorded in law tracts, hagiography, martyrologies, genealogies, prose narratives, and poems. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition Cædmon does not exist outside of Bede's account. It is suggested that the legally recognized social rank, formal training, and professional status of poets in Gaelic society helps explain the discrepancy in subsequent cultural acknowledgement.
Interprofessionelle Lehre – Gesundheits- und Berufspolitik
Authors: Lázár Marika
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Politische Bildung in den Gesundheitsfachberufen ist heute wichtiger denn je, steigt doch gerade in diesem Bereich die Unzufriedenheit mit gegebenen Rahmenbedingungen und Strukturen. Zur kritischen Reflexion und Identifikation von Änderungsmöglichkeiten bedarf es umfassendes Wissen zur gesundheitspolitischen Lage. Es erfordert jedoch Kreativität und Sensibilität politische Themen den Adressaten nahe zu bringen. Folgend sind Methoden dargestellt, die über eine reine Wissensvermittlung hinausgehen.
Kein Platz für Ohnmacht
Authors: Eberhardt Doris
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Im nachfolgenden Artikel wird das Bewusstsein für informelle Strukturen und Machtverhältnisse sowie deren Einflusspotential (Political Awareness) als mögliche Zielsetzung Politischer Bildung in der Pflege diskutiert. Eine Methode, die zur Förderung von Political Awareness genutzt werden kann, ist das Zeitungstheater. Die Umsetzung der Methode wird am exemplarischen Thema der Pflegeakademisierung veranschaulicht, um danach Erfahrungen mit der Methode zu reflektieren und den Beitrag des Zeitungstheaters zu politischen Bildungsprozessen zu diskutieren.
Kooperationsprojekt «Lernen in der Praxis»
Authors: Thieringer Fabian , Sohn Jutta
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. In einem Modellprojekt «Lernen in der Praxis» haben zwei süddeutsche Pflegeheime in Kooperation mit der Mettnau-Schule Radolfzell erstmalig Schüler aus dem 3. Ausbildungsjahr zum Altenpfleger bzw. zur Altenpflegerin Wohnbereiche eigenständig übernehmen lassen – ein Erfahrungsbericht.
Enhanced but hypofunctional osteoclastogenesis in an autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II case carrying a c.1856C>T mutation in CLCN7
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhang Kun , Hock Janet , Wang Chunyu , Yu Xijie
Published: November 2016

Type II autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO2), which is the most common form of osteopetrosis, is caused by heterozygous mutations in the chloride channel 7 (CLCN7) gene. The osteopetrosis of ADO2 has been attributed to hypofunctional osteoclasts. The mechanism underlying the abnormality in osteoclast function remains largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate gene mutations and osteoclast function in a case that was clinically diagnosed as ADO2. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of this patient, and the 25 exons of CLCN7 were amplified. Peripheral blood from the ADO2 subject and a healthy age- and sex-matched control was used to evaluate osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast morphology, and bone resorption. Analysis of DNA from the patient showed a germline heterozygous missense mutation, c.1856C>T (p.P619L), in exon 20 of CLCN7. A similar homozygous mutation at this site was previously reported in a patient with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis. When cultured, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the ADO2 patient spontaneously differentiated into mature osteoclasts in vitro. The ADO2 patient’s PBMCs formed enhanced, but heterogeneous, osteoclasts in both the presence and absence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and nuclear factor-ĸB ligand. Bone resorption was reduced in the ADO2 patient’s osteoclasts, which exhibited aberrant morphology and abnormal distribution of integrin avβ3. Gene analysis found increased c-fos expression and reduced RhoA and integrin beta 3 expression in ADO2 cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that enhanced, heterogeneous osteoclast induction may be an intrinsic characteristic of ADO2.
Batf3 selectively determines acquisition of CD8+ dendritic cell phenotype and function
Authors: Chandra Janin , Kuo Paula T Y , Hahn Anne M , Belz Gabrielle T , Frazer Ian H
Published: November 2016

Batf3 is a transcription factor that impacts the development of CD103+ tissue‐resident dendritic cells (DCs). However, whether Batf3 is absolutely required for the development of CD8+ DCs remains controversial. Id2 is required for CD8+ DC development. Here we show that bone marrow chimeric mice with a deletion of Id2 in the CD11c compartment lose the ability to reject a skin graft expressing a non‐self protein antigen or mount a delayed hypersensitivity response. In contrast, Batf3−/− mice remained competent for skin graft rejection and delayed hypersensitivity, and retained a CD8+ DC population with markers characteristic of the CD11b+ DC lineage, including CD11b, CD4 and CD172α, as well as the key regulator transcription factor IRF4, but lacked IRF8 expression. CD8+ DCs in Batf3−/− mice took up and cleaved protein antigen and larger particles but were unable to phagocytose dying cells, a characteristic feature to the CD8+ DC lineage. These data clarify a requirement for CD8+ lineage DCs to induce effectors of neo‐antigen‐driven skin graft rejection, and improve our understanding of DC subtype commitment by demonstrating that in the absence of Batf3 CD8+ DCs can change their fate and become CD11b+ DCs.
Complex N acquisition by soil diazotrophs: how the ability to release exoenzymes affects N fixation by terrestrial free-living diazotrophs
Authors: Norman Jeffrey S , Friesen Maren L
Published: November 2016

Terrestrial systems support a variety of free-living soil diazotrophs, which can fix nitrogen (N) outside of plant associations. However, owing to the metabolic costs associated with N fixation, free-living soil diazotrophs likely rely on soil N to satisfy the majority of cellular N demand and only fix atmospheric N under certain conditions. Culture-based studies and genomic data show that many free-living soil diazotrophs can access high-molecular weight organic soil N by releasing N-acquiring enzymes such as proteases and chitinases into the extracellular environment. Here, we formally propose a N acquisition strategy used by free-living diazotrophs that accounts for high-molecular weight N acquisition through exoenzyme release by these organisms. We call this the ‘LAH N-acquisition strategy’ for the preferred order of N pools used once inorganic soil N is limiting: (1) low-molecular weight organic N, (2) atmospheric N and (3) high-molecular weight organic N. In this framework, free-living diazotrophs primarily use biological N fixation (BNF) as a short-term N acquisition strategy to offset the cellular N lost in exoenzyme excretion as low-molecular weight N becomes limiting. By accounting for exoenzyme release by free-living diazotrophs within a cost–benefit framework, investigation of the LAH N acquisition strategy will contribute to a process-level understanding of BNF in soil environments.
TruePrime is a novel method for whole-genome amplification from single cells based on TthPrimPol
Authors: Picher Ángel J. , Budeus Bettina , Wafzig Oliver , Krüger Carola , García-Gómez Sara , Martínez-Jiménez María I. , Díaz-Talavera Alberto , Weber Daniela , Blanco Luis , Schneider Armin
Published: November 2016

Sequencing of a single-cell genome requires DNA amplification, a process prone to introducing bias and errors into the amplified genome. Here we introduce a novel multiple displacement amplification (MDA) method based on the unique DNA primase features of Thermus thermophilus (Tth) PrimPol. TthPrimPol displays a potent primase activity preferring dNTPs as substrates unlike conventional primases. A combination of TthPrimPol’s unique ability to synthesize DNA primers with the highly processive Phi29 DNA polymerase (Φ29DNApol) enables near-complete whole genome amplification from single cells. This novel method demonstrates superior breadth and evenness of genome coverage, high reproducibility, excellent single-nucleotide variant (SNV) detection rates with low allelic dropout (ADO) and low chimera formation as exemplified by sequencing HEK293 cells. Moreover, copy number variant (CNV) calling yields superior results compared with random primer-based MDA methods. The advantages of this method, which we named TruePrime, promise to facilitate and improve single-cell genomic analysis.
Direct visualization of a Fe(IV)–OH intermediate in a heme enzyme
Authors: Kwon Hanna , Basran Jaswir , Casadei Cecilia M. , Fielding Alistair J. , Schrader Tobias E. , Ostermann Andreas , Devos Juliette M. , Aller Pierre , Blakeley Matthew P. , Moody Peter C. E. , Raven Emma L.
Published: November 2016

Catalytic heme enzymes carry out a wide range of oxidations in biology. They have in common a mechanism that requires formation of highly oxidized ferryl intermediates. It is these ferryl intermediates that provide the catalytic engine to drive the biological activity. Unravelling the nature of the ferryl species is of fundamental and widespread importance. The essential question is whether the ferryl is best described as a Fe(IV)=O or a Fe(IV)–OH species, but previous spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies have not been able to unambiguously differentiate between the two species. Here we use a different approach. We report a neutron crystal structure of the ferryl intermediate in Compound II of a heme peroxidase; the structure allows the protonation states of the ferryl heme to be directly observed. This, together with pre-steady state kinetic analyses, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray fluorescence, identifies a Fe(IV)–OH species as the reactive intermediate. The structure establishes a precedent for the formation of Fe(IV)–OH in a peroxidase.
Increased DNA methylation variability in type 1 diabetes across three immune effector cell types
Authors: Paul Dirk S. , Teschendorff Andrew E. , Dang Mary A.N. , Lowe Robert , Hawa Mohammed I. , Ecker Simone , Beyan Huriya , Cunningham Stephanie , Fouts Alexandra R. , Ramelius Anita , Burden Frances , Farrow Samantha , Rowlston Sophia , Rehnstrom Karola , Frontini Mattia , Downes Kate , Busche Stephan , Cheung Warren A. , Ge Bing , Simon Marie-Michelle , Bujold David , Kwan Tony , Bourque Guillaume , Datta Avik , Lowy Ernesto , Clarke Laura , Flicek Paul , Libertini Emanuele , Heath Simon , Gut Marta , Gut Ivo G , Ouwehand Willem H. , Pastinen Tomi , Soranzo Nicole , Hofer Sabine E. , Karges Beate , Meissner Thomas , Boehm Bernhard O. , Cilio Corrado , Elding Larsson Helena , Lernmark Åke , Steck Andrea K. , Rakyan Vardhman K. , Beck Stephan , Leslie R. David
Published: November 2016

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has substantially increased over the past decade, suggesting a role for non-genetic factors such as epigenetic mechanisms in disease development. Here we present an epigenome-wide association study across 406,365 CpGs in 52 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for T1D in three immune effector cell types. We observe a substantial enrichment of differentially variable CpG positions (DVPs) in T1D twins when compared with their healthy co-twins and when compared with healthy, unrelated individuals. These T1D-associated DVPs are found to be temporally stable and enriched at gene regulatory elements. Integration with cell type-specific gene regulatory circuits highlight pathways involved in immune cell metabolism and the cell cycle, including mTOR signalling. Evidence from cord blood of newborns who progress to overt T1D suggests that the DVPs likely emerge after birth. Our findings, based on 772 methylomes, implicate epigenetic changes that could contribute to disease pathogenesis in T1D.
A design principle of polymers processable into 2D homeotropic order
Authors: Chen Zhen , Chan Yi-Tsu , Miyajima Daigo , Kajitani Takashi , Kosaka Atsuko , Fukushima Takanori , Lobez Jose M. , Aida Takuzo
Published: November 2016

How to orient polymers homeotropically in thin films has been a long-standing issue in polymer science because polymers intrinsically prefer to lie down. Here we provide a design principle for polymers that are processable into a 2D homeotropic order. The key to this achievement was a recognition that cylindrical polymers can be designed to possess oppositely directed local dipoles in their cross-section, which possibly force polymers to tightly connect bilaterally, affording a 2D rectangular assembly. With a physical assistance of the surface grooves on Teflon sheets that sandwich polymer samples, homeotropic ordering is likely nucleated and gradually propagates upon hot-pressing towards the interior of the film. Consequently, the 2D rectangular lattice is constructed such that its b axis (side chains) aligns along the surface grooves, while its c axis (polymer backbone) aligns homeotropically on a Teflon sheet. This finding paves the way to molecularly engineered 2D polymers with anomalous functions.
Parvalbumin- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing neocortical interneurons impose differential inhibition on Martinotti cells
Authors: Walker F. , Möck M. , Feyerabend M. , Guy J. , Wagener R. J. , Schubert D. , Staiger J. F. , Witte M.
Published: November 2016

Disinhibition of cortical excitatory cell gate information flow through and between cortical columns. The major contribution of Martinotti cells (MC) is providing dendritic inhibition to excitatory neurons and therefore they are a main component of disinhibitory connections. Here we show by means of optogenetics that MC in layers II/III of the mouse primary somatosensory cortex are inhibited by both parvalbumin (PV)- and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-expressing cells. Paired recordings revealed stronger synaptic input onto MC from PV cells than from VIP cells. Moreover, PV cell input showed frequency-independent depression, whereas VIP cell input facilitated at high frequencies. These differences in the properties of the two unitary connections enable disinhibition with distinct temporal features.
EZH1 and EZH2 promote skeletal growth by repressing inhibitors of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy
Authors: Lui Julian C. , Garrison Presley , Nguyen Quang , Ad Michal , Keembiyehetty Chithra , Chen Weiping , Jee Youn Hee , Landman Ellie , Nilsson Ola , Barnes Kevin M. , Baron Jeffrey
Published: November 2016

Histone methyltransferases EZH1 and EZH2 catalyse the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27), which serves as an epigenetic signal for chromatin condensation and transcriptional repression. Genome-wide associated studies have implicated EZH2 in the control of height and mutations in EZH2 cause Weaver syndrome, which includes skeletal overgrowth. Here we show that the combined loss of Ezh1 and Ezh2 in chondrocytes severely impairs skeletal growth in mice. Both of the principal processes underlying growth plate chondrogenesis, chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy, are compromised. The decrease in chondrocyte proliferation is due in part to derepression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors Ink4a/b, while ineffective chondrocyte hypertrophy is due to the suppression of IGF signalling by the increased expression of IGF-binding proteins. Collectively, our findings reveal a critical role for H3K27 methylation in the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in the growth plate, which are the central determinants of skeletal growth.
A statistical algorithm showing coenzyme Q10 and citrate synthase as biomarkers for mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities
Authors: Yubero D. , Adin A. , Montero R. , Jou C. , Jiménez-Mallebrera C. , García-Cazorla A. , Nascimento A. , O’Callaghan M. M. , Montoya J. , Gort L. , Navas P. , Ribes A. , Ugarte M. D. , Artuch R.
Published: November 2016

Laboratory data interpretation for the assessment of complex biological systems remains a great challenge, as occurs in mitochondrial function research studies. The classical biochemical data interpretation of patients versus reference values may be insufficient, and in fact the current classifications of mitochondrial patients are still done on basis of probability criteria. We have developed and applied a mathematic agglomerative algorithm to search for correlations among the different biochemical variables of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in order to identify populations displaying correlation coefficients >0.95. We demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 may be a better biomarker of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities than the citrate synthase activity. Furthermore, the application of this algorithm may be useful to re-classify mitochondrial patients or to explore associations among other biochemical variables from different biological systems.
Evolution of the intrinsic electronic phase separation in La0.6Er0.1Sr0.3MnO3 perovskite
Authors: Chen Lili , Fan Jiyu , Tong Wei , Hu Dazhi , Ji Yanda , Liu Jindong , Zhang Lei , Pi Li , Zhang Yuheng , Yang Hao
Published: November 2016

Magnetic and electronic transport properties of perovskite manganite La0.6Er0.1Sr0.3MnO3 have been thoroughly examined through the measurements of magnetization, electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR), and resistivity. It was found that the substitution of Er3+ for La3+ ions introduced the chemical disorder and additional strain in this sample. An extra resonance signal occurred in EPR spectra at high temperatures well above T
C
gives a strong evidence of electronic phase separation(EPS). The analysis of resistivity enable us to identify the polaronic transport mechanism in the paramagnetic region. At low temperature, a new ferromagnetic interaction generates in the microdomains of Er3+-disorder causing the second increase of magnetization. However, the new ferromagnetic interaction does not improve but decreases electronic transport due to the enhancement of interface resistance among neighboring domains. In view of a really wide temperature region for the EPS existence, this sample provides an ideal platform to uncover the evolution law of different magnetic structures in perovskite manganites.
Discovery of an enzyme and substrate selective inhibitor of ADAM10 using an exosite-binding glycosylated substrate
Authors: Madoux Franck , Dreymuller Daniela , Pettiloud Jean-Phillipe , Santos Radleigh , Becker-Pauly Christoph , Ludwig Andreas , Fields Gregg B. , Bannister Thomas , Spicer Timothy P. , Cudic Mare , Scampavia Louis D. , Minond Dmitriy
Published: November 2016

ADAM10 and ADAM17 have been shown to contribute to the acquired drug resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer in response to trastuzumab. The majority of ADAM10 and ADAM17 inhibitor development has been focused on the discovery of compounds that bind the active site zinc, however, in recent years, there has been a shift from active site to secondary substrate binding site (exosite) inhibitor discovery in order to identify non-zinc-binding molecules. In the present work a glycosylated, exosite-binding substrate of ADAM10 and ADAM17 was utilized to screen 370,276 compounds from the MLPCN collection. As a result of this uHTS effort, a selective, time-dependent, non-zinc-binding inhibitor of ADAM10 with Ki = 883 nM was discovered. This compound exhibited low cell toxicity and was able to selectively inhibit shedding of known ADAM10 substrates in several cell-based models. We hypothesize that differential glycosylation of these cognate substrates is the source of selectivity of our novel inhibitor. The data indicate that this novel inhibitor can be used as an in vitro and, potentially, in vivo, probe of ADAM10 activity. Additionally, results of the present and prior studies strongly suggest that glycosylated substrate are applicable as screening agents for discovery of selective ADAM probes and therapeutics.
Stepwise onset of the Icehouse world and its impact on Oligo-Miocene Central Asian mammals
Authors: Harzhauser Mathias , Daxner-Höck Gudrun , López-Guerrero Paloma , Maridet Olivier , Oliver Adriana , Piller Werner E. , Richoz Sylvain , Erbajeva Margarita A. , Neubauer Thomas A. , Göhlich Ursula B.
Published: November 2016

Central Asia is a key area to study the impact of Cenozoic climate cooling on continental ecosystems. One of the best places to search for rather continuous paleontological records is the Valley of Lakes in Mongolia with its outstandingly fossil-rich Oligocene and Miocene terrestrial sediments. Here, we investigate the response by mammal communities during the early stage of Earth’s icehouse climate in Central Asia. Based on statistical analyses of occurrence and abundance data of 18608 specimens representing 175 mammal species and geochemical (carbon isotopes) and geophysical (magnetic susceptibility) data we link shifts in diversities with major climatic variations. Our data document for the first time that the post-Eocene aridification of Central Asia happened in several steps, was interrupted by short episodes of increased precipitation, and was not a gradual process. We show that the timing of the major turnovers in Oligocene mammal communities is tightly linked with global climate events rather than slow tectonics processes. The most severe decline of up 48% of total diversity is related to aridification during the maximum of the Late Oligocene Warming at 25 Ma. Its magnitude was distinctly larger than the community turnover linked to the mid-Oligocene Glacial Maximum.
Coupled multiple-mode theory for s± pairing mechanism in iron based superconductors
Authors: Kiselev M. N. , Efremov D. V. , Drechsler S. L. , van den Brink Jeroen , Kikoin K.
Published: November 2016

We investigate the interplay between the magnetic and the superconducting degrees of freedom in unconventional multi-band superconductors such as iron pnictides. For this purpose a dynamical mode-mode coupling theory is developed based on the coupled Bethe-Salpeter equations. In order to investigate the region of the phase diagram not too far from the tetracritical point where the magnetic spin density wave, (SDW) and superconducting (SC) transition temperatures coincide, we also construct a Ginzburg-Landau functional including both SC and SDW fluctuations in a critical region above the transition temperatures. The fluctuation corrections tend to suppress the magnetic transition, but in the superconducting channel the intraband and interband contribution of the fluctuations nearly compensate each other.
On-site Rapid Diagnosis of Intracranial Hematoma using Portable Multi-slice Microwave Imaging System
Authors: Mobashsher Ahmed Toaha , Abbosh A. M.
Published: November 2016

Rapid, on-the-spot diagnostic and monitoring systems are vital for the survival of patients with intracranial hematoma, as their conditions drastically deteriorate with time. To address the limited accessibility, high costs and static structure of currently used MRI and CT scanners, a portable non-invasive multi-slice microwave imaging system is presented for accurate 3D localization of hematoma inside human head. This diagnostic system provides fast data acquisition and imaging compared to the existing systems by means of a compact array of low-profile, unidirectional antennas with wideband operation. The 3D printed low-cost and portable system can be installed in an ambulance for rapid on-site diagnosis by paramedics. In this paper, the multi-slice head imaging system’s operating principle is numerically analysed and experimentally validated on realistic head phantoms. Quantitative analyses demonstrate that the multi-slice head imaging system is able to generate better quality reconstructed images providing 70% higher average signal to clutter ratio, 25% enhanced maximum signal to clutter ratio and with around 60% hematoma target localization compared to the previous head imaging systems. Nevertheless, numerical and experimental results demonstrate that previous reported 2D imaging systems are vulnerable to localization error, which is overcome in the presented multi-slice 3D imaging system. The non-ionizing system, which uses safe levels of very low microwave power, is also tested on human subjects. Results of realistic phantom and subjects demonstrate the feasibility of the system in future preclinical trials.
Chemical induction of hairpin RNAi molecules to silence vital genes in plant roots
Authors: Liu Siming , Yoder John I.
Published: November 2016

Understanding the functions encoded by plant genes can be facilitated by reducing transcript levels by hairpin RNA (hpRNA) mediated silencing. A bottleneck to this technology occurs when a gene encodes a phenotype that is necessary for cell viability and silencing the gene inhibits transformation. Here we compared the use of two chemically inducible plant promoter systems to drive hpRNA mediated gene silencing in transgenic, hairy roots. We cloned the gene encoding the Yellow Fluorescence Protein (YFP) into the dexamethasone inducible vector pOpOff2 and into the estradiol induced vector pER8. We then cloned a hpRNA targeting YFP under the regulation of the inducible promoters, transformed Medicago truncatula roots, and quantified YFP fluorescence and mRNA levels. YFP fluorescence was normal in pOpOff2 transformed roots without dexamethasone but was reduced with dexamethasone treatment. Interestingly, dexamethasone removal did not reverse YFP inhibition. YFP expression in roots transformed with pER8 was low even in the absence of inducer. We used the dexamethasone system to silence acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene and observed prolific root growth when this construct was transformed into Medicago until dexamethasone was applied. Our study shows that dexamethasone inducibility can be useful to silence vital genes in transgenic roots.
Thickness Effects for Thermoelectric Property of Antimony Telluride Nanoplatelets via Solvothermal Method
Authors: Yan Xinxin , Zheng Wenwen , Liu Fengming , Yang Shuhua , Wang Ziyu
Published: November 2016

Nanostructures have the potential to exhibit good thermoelectric properties by tuning and controlling their size and thickness, and the competing electrical and thermal properties can be decoupled by engineering the interface and grain boundary. In the present study, Sb2Te3 nanoplatelets with different sizes were fabricated using a practical solvothermal method. The thickness of the platelets were regulated between sizes of 10 nm and 100 nm, and the opposite edge length was varied between 1 and 10 μm by altering chemical conditions. Consequently, manipulating the grain size made it suitable to benefit the carrier transport and also block phonons for the thin platelets, resulting in a significant decrease in thermal conductivity and simultaneous increase in electrical conductivity. The results showed that the optimized figure of merit ZT, increased from 0.2 to 1.0 for thin samples, providing a comprehensive understanding of size-dependent thermoelectric performance.
Monotreme glucagon-like peptide-1 in venom and gut: one gene – two very different functions
Authors: Tsend-Ayush Enkhjargal , He Chuan , Myers Mark A. , Andrikopoulos Sof , Wong Nicole , Sexton Patrick M. , Wootten Denise , Forbes Briony E. , Grutzner Frank
Published: November 2016

The importance of Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) for metabolic control and insulin release sparked the evolution of genes mimicking GLP-1 action in venomous species (e.g. Exendin-4 in Heloderma suspectum (gila monster)). We discovered that platypus and echidna express a single GLP-1 peptide in both intestine and venom. Specific changes in GLP-1 of monotreme mammals result in resistance to DPP-4 cleavage which is also observed in the GLP-1 like Exendin-4 expressed in Heloderma venom. Remarkably we discovered that monotremes evolved an alternative mechanism to degrade GLP-1. We also show that monotreme GLP-1 stimulates insulin release in cultured rodent islets, but surprisingly shows low receptor affinity and bias toward Erk signaling. We propose that these changes in monotreme GLP-1 are the result of conflicting function of this peptide in metabolic control and venom. This evolutionary path is fundamentally different from the generally accepted idea that conflicting functions in a single gene favour duplication and diversification, as is the case for Exendin-4 in gila monster. This provides novel insight into the remarkably different metabolic control mechanism and venom function in monotremes and an unique example of how different selective pressures act upon a single gene in the absence of gene duplication.
Correction: Corrigendum: SREBP-2/PNPLA8 axis improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through activation of autophagy
Authors: Kim Kwang-Youn , Jang Hyun-Jun , Yang Yong Ryoul , Park Kwang-Il , Seo JeongKon , Shin Il-Woo , Jeon Tae-Il , Ahn Soon-cheol , Suh Pann-Ghill , Osborne Timothy F. , Seo Young-Kyo
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 35732; published online: 21 October 2016; updated: 29 November 2016
Fabrication of WS2/GaN p-n Junction by Wafer-Scale WS2 Thin Film Transfer
Authors: Yu Yang , Fong Patrick W. K. , Wang Shifeng , Surya Charles
Published: November 2016

High quality wafer-scale free-standing WS2 grown by van der Waals rheotaxy (vdWR) using Ni as a texture promoting layer is reported. The microstructure of vdWR grown WS2 was significantly modified from mixture of crystallites with their c-axes both parallel to (type I) and perpendicular to (type II) the substrate to large type II crystallites. Wafer-scale transfer of vdWR grown WS2 onto different substrates by an etching-free technique was demonstrated for the first time that utilized the hydrophobic property of WS2 and hydrophilic property of sapphire. Our results show that vdWR is a reliable technique to obtain type-II textured crystallites in WS2, which is the key factor for the wafer-scale etching-free transfer. The transferred films were found to be free of observable wrinkles, cracks, or polymer residues. High quality p-n junctions fabricated by room-temperature transfer of the p-type WS2 onto an n-type GaN was demonstrated with a small leakage current density of 29.6 μA/cm2 at −1 V which shows superior performances compared to the directly grown WS2/GaN heterojunctions.
Soil respiration and its environmental response varies by day/night and by growing/dormant season in a subalpine forest
Authors: Hu Zongda , Liu Shirong , Liu Xingliang , Fu Liyong , Wang Jingxin , Liu Kuan , Huang Xueman , Zhang Yuandong , He Fei
Published: November 2016

Comparisons of soil respiration (RS) and its components of heterotrophic (RH) and rhizospheric (RR) respiration during daytime and nighttime, growing (GS) and dormant season (DS), have not being well studied and documented. In this study, we compared RS, RH, RR, and their responses to soil temperature (T5) and moisture (θ5) in daytime vs. nighttime and GS vs. DS in a subalpine forest in 2011. In GS, nighttime RS and RH rates were 30.5 ± 4.4% (mean ± SE) and 30.2 ± 6.5% lower than in daytime, while in DS, they were 35.5 ± 5.5% and 37.3 ± 8.5% lower, respectively. DS RS and RH accounted for 27.3 ± 2.5% and 27.6 ± 2.6% of GS RS and RH, respectively. The temperature sensitivities (Q10) of RS and RH were higher in nighttime than daytime, and in DS than GS, while they all decreased with increase of T5. Soil C fluxes were more responsive to θ5 in nighttime than daytime, and in DS than GS. Our results suggest that the DS and nighttime RS play an important role in regulating carbon cycle and its response to climate change in alpine forests, and therefore, they should be taken into consideration in order to make accurate predictions of RS and ecosystem carbon cycle under climate change scenarios.
The incidence and drug resistance of Clostridium difficile infection in Mainland China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Chenjie , Cui Lunbiao , Xu Yuqiao , Xie Le , Sun Pengfei , Liu Chengcheng , Xia Wenying , Liu Genyan
Published: November 2016

It has been widely reported that the incidence and severity ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) have increased dramatically in North America and Europe. However, little is known about CDI in Mainland China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of CDI and the main epidemic and drug-resistant strains ofC. difficilein Mainland China through meta-analysis of related studies published after the year 2010. A total of 51 eligible studies were included. The pooled incidence of toxigenicC. difficileamong patients with diarrhoea was 14% (95% CI = 12–16%). In Mainland China, ST-37 and ST-3 were the most prevalent strains; fortunately, hypervirulent strains, such as ST-1 (BI/NAP1/027) and ST-11 (RT 078), have only occurred sporadically to date. The rates ofC. difficileresistance to ciprofloxacin (98.3%; 95% CI = 96.9–99.7%), clindamycin (81.7%; 95% CI = 76.1–87.3%) and erythromycin (80.2%; 95% CI = 73.5–86.9%) are higher than in other counties; however, none of theC. difficileisolates reported in Mainland China were resistant to metronidazole (n/N = 0/960), vancomycin (n/N = 0/960), tigecycline (n/N = 0/41) or piperacillin/tazobactam(n/N = 0/288).
Lipid-II Independent Antimicrobial Mechanism of Nisin Depends On Its Crowding And Degree Of Oligomerization
Authors: Prince Ashutosh , Sandhu Padmani , Ror Pankaj , Dash Eva , Sharma Shingarika , Arakha Manoranjan , Jha Suman , Akhter Yusuf , Saleem Mohammed
Published: November 2016

Nisin inhibits bacterial growth by generating pores in cell membrane and interrupting cell-wall biosynthesis through specific lipid II interaction. However, the role of the hinge region and C-terminus residues of the peptide in antibacterial action of nisin is largely unknown. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental approach, we report that at high concentration regimes of nisin, interaction with phospholipids may equally deform the bacterial cell membranes even under significantly varying amounts of lipid-II. Membrane thinning, destabilization and decrease in lipid density depend on the degree of oligomerization of nisin. Growth kinetics of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli interestingly show recovery by extended lag phase under low concentrations of nisin treatment while high concentrations of nisin caused decrease in cell viability as recorded by striking reduction in membrane potential and surface area. The significant changes in the dipole potential and fluorescence anisotropy were observed in negatively charged membranes in the absence of lipid-II with increasing concentration of nisin. The identical correlation of cell viability, membrane potential dissipation and morphology with the concentration regime of nisin, in both Bacillus subtilis (lipid II rich) and Escherichia coli (lipid II impoverished), hints at a non-specific physical mechanism where degree of membrane deformation depends on degree of crowding and oligomerization of nisin.
Beta 1-integrin ligation and TLR ligation enhance GM-CSF–induced ALDH1A2 expression in dendritic cells, but differentially regulate their anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Yokota-Nakatsuma Aya , Ohoka Yoshiharu , Takeuchi Hajime , Song Si-Young , Iwata Makoto
Published: November 2016

Retinoic acid (RA)–producing CD103+ mature dendritic cells (DCs) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) play crucial roles in gut immunity. GM-CSF and RA contribute to the expression of the RA-producing enzyme ALDH1A2. However, additional signals appeared to be required for inducing ALDH1A2high mature DCs from immature DCs. We found here that TLR ligands (Ls) and immobilized E-cadherin could provide such signals in FLT3-L–generated bone marrow (BM)–derived DCs after treatment with GM-CSF and the RA receptor agonist Am80. The TLR-L-treated DCs produced proinflammatory cytokines unlike normal ALDH1A2high MLN-DCs, whereas the E-cadherin-treated DCs did not. Immobilized VCAM-1 and semaphorin 7 A exerted effects similar to those of E-cadherin. Soluble anti-integrin β1 antibodies or inhibitors of integrin signaling molecules suppressed the effects of these immobilized proteins, whereas immobilized anti-integrin β1 antibodies enhanced the GM-CSF/Am80-induced ALDH1A2 expression without inducing proinflammatory cytokines. Sequential stimulation of splenic pre-DCs with GM-CSF/Am80 and immobilized E-cadherin or anti-integrin β1 antibody also induced differentiation to mature DCs with high ALDH activity. The E-cadherin-treated BM-DCs induced gut-tropic Foxp3+ T cells and alleviated DSS–induced colitis, whereas the TLR-L-treated DCs aggravated DSS–induced colitis. The results suggest that integrin β1-mediated signals contribute to the differentiation and maturation of RA-producing anti-inflammatory DCs.
Arrangement at the nanoscale: Effect on magnetic particle hyperthermia
Authors: Myrovali E. , Maniotis N. , Makridis A. , Terzopoulou A. , Ntomprougkidis V. , Simeonidis K. , Sakellari D. , Kalogirou O. , Samaras T. , Salikhov R. , Spasova M. , Farle M. , Wiedwald U. , Angelakeris M.
Published: November 2016

In this work, we present the arrangement of Fe3O4magnetic nanoparticles into 3D linear chains and its effect on magnetic particle hyperthermia efficiency. The alignment has been performed under a 40 mT magnetic field in an agarose gel matrix. Two different sizes of magnetite nanoparticles, 10 and 40 nm, have been examined, exhibiting room temperature superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic behavior, in terms of DC magnetic field, respectively. The chain formation is experimentally visualized by scanning electron microscopy images. A molecular Dynamics anisotropic diffusion model that outlines the role of intrinsic particle properties and inter-particle distances on dipolar interactions has been used to simulate the chain formation process. The anisotropic character of the aligned samples is also reflected to ferromagnetic resonance and static magnetometry measurements. Compared to the non-aligned samples, magnetically aligned ones present enhanced heating efficiency increasing specific loss power value by a factor of two. Dipolar interactions are responsible for the chain formation of controllable density and thickness inducing shape anisotropy, which in turn enhances magnetic particle hyperthermia efficiency.
LINC00978 predicts poor prognosis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Deng Lin-lin , Chi Ya-yun , Liu Lei , Huang Nai-si , Wang Lin , Wu Jiong
Published: November 2016

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs in the human genome that involves in breast cancer development and progression. Here, we identify a lncRNA, LINC00978, which is upregulated in breast cancer cell lines and tissues compared with corresponding controls. Furthermore, LINC00978 expression is negatively associated with hormone receptor (HR) status in 195 breast cancer patients studied (p = 0.033). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis shows that patients with high LINC00978 expression have poorer disease-free survival (DFS) than those with low LINC00978 expression (p = 0.012), and multivariate analysis identifies LINC00978 as an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer (p = 0.008, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.270, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.237–4.165). Our study indicates that LINC00978 may be an oncogene in breast cancer, and can serve as a potential biomarker to predict prognosis in breast cancer patients.
Groundwater helium anomaly reflects strain change during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake in Southwest Japan
Authors: Sano Yuji , Takahata Naoto , Kagoshima Takanori , Shibata Tomo , Onoue Tetsuji , Zhao Dapeng
Published: November 2016

Geochemical monitoring of groundwater and soil gas emission pointed out precursor and/or coseismic anomalies of noble gases associated with earthquakes, but there was lack of plausible physico-chemical basis. A laboratory experiment of rock fracturing and noble gas emission was conducted, but there is no quantitative connection between the laboratory results and observation in field. We report here deep groundwater helium anomalies related to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which is an inland crustal earthquake with a strike-slip fault and a shallow hypocenter (10 km depth) close to highly populated areas in Southwest Japan. The observed helium isotope changes, soon after the earthquake, are quantitatively coupled with volumetric strain changes estimated from a fault model, which can be explained by experimental studies of helium degassing during compressional loading of rock samples. Groundwater helium is considered as an effective strain gauge. This suggests the first quantitative linkage between geochemical and seismological observations and may open the possibility to develop a new monitoring system to detect a possible strain change prior to a hazardous earthquake in regions where conventional borehole strain meter is not available.
Hyperglycaemia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa acidify cystic fibrosis airway surface liquid by elevating epithelial monocarboxylate transporter 2 dependent lactate-H+ secretion
Authors: Garnett James Peter , Kalsi Kameljit K. , Sobotta Mirko , Bearham Jade , Carr Georgina , Powell Jason , Brodlie Malcolm , Ward Christopher , Tarran Robert , Baines Deborah L.
Published: November 2016

The cystic fibrosis (CF) airway surface liquid (ASL) provides a nutrient rich environment for bacterial growth including elevated glucose, which together with defective bacterial killing due to aberrant HCO3− transport and acidic ASL, make the CF airways susceptible to colonisation by respiratory pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Approximately half of adults with CF have CF related diabetes (CFRD) and this is associated with increased respiratory decline. CF ASL contains elevated lactate concentrations and hyperglycaemia can also increase ASL lactate. We show that primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells secrete lactate into ASL, which is elevated in hyperglycaemia. This leads to ASL acidification in CFHBE, which could only be mimicked in non-CF HBE following HCO3− removal. Hyperglycaemia-induced changes in ASL lactate and pH were exacerbated by the presence of P. aeruginosa and were attenuated by inhibition of monocarboxylate lactate-H+ co-transporters (MCTs) with AR-C155858. We conclude that hyperglycaemia and P. aeruginosa induce a metabolic shift which increases lactate generation and efflux into ASL via epithelial MCT2 transporters. Normal airways compensate for MCT-driven H+ secretion by secreting HCO3−, a process which is dysfunctional in CF airway epithelium leading to ASL acidification and that these processes may contribute to worsening respiratory disease in CFRD.
Timelike curves can increase entanglement with LOCC
Authors: Moulick Subhayan Roy , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: November 2016

We study the nature of entanglement in presence of Deutschian closed timelike curves (D-CTCs) and open timelike curves (OTCs) and find that existence of such physical systems in nature would allow us to increase entanglement using local operations and classical communication (LOCC). This is otherwise in direct contradiction with the fundamental definition of entanglement. We study this problem from the perspective of Bell state discrimination, and show how D-CTCs and OTCs can unambiguously distinguish between four Bell states with LOCC, that is otherwise known to be impossible.
Neural oscillations in the temporal pole for a temporally congruent audio-visual speech detection task
Authors: Ohki Takefumi , Gunji Atsuko , Takei Yuichi , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Kaneko Yuu , Kita Yosuke , Hironaga Naruhito , Tobimatsu Shozo , Kamio Yoko , Hanakawa Takashi , Inagaki Masumi , Hiraki Kazuo
Published: November 2016

Though recent studies have elucidated the earliest mechanisms of processing in multisensory integration, our understanding of how multisensory integration of more sustained and complicated stimuli is implemented in higher-level association cortices is lacking. In this study, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to determine how neural oscillations alter local and global connectivity during multisensory integration processing. We acquired MEG data from 15 healthy volunteers performing an audio-visual speech matching task. We selected regions of interest (ROIs) using whole brain time-frequency analyses (power spectrum density and wavelet transform), then applied phase amplitude coupling (PAC) and imaginary coherence measurements to them. We identified prominent delta band power in the temporal pole (TP), and a remarkable PAC between delta band phase and beta band amplitude. Furthermore, imaginary coherence analysis demonstrated that the temporal pole and well-known multisensory areas (e.g., posterior parietal cortex and post-central areas) are coordinated through delta-phase coherence. Thus, our results suggest that modulation of connectivity within the local network, and of that between the local and global network, is important for audio-visual speech integration. In short, these neural oscillatory mechanisms within and between higher-level association cortices provide new insights into the brain mechanism underlying audio-visual integration.
Comprehensive investigation of tobacco leaves during natural early senescence via multi-platform metabolomics analyses
Authors: Li Lili , Zhao Jieyu , Zhao Yanni , Lu Xin , Zhou Zhihui , Zhao Chunxia , Xu Guowang
Published: November 2016

Senescence is the final stage of leaf growth and development. Many different physiological activities occur during this process. A comprehensive metabolomics analysis of tobacco middle leaves at 5 different developmental stages was implemented through multi-platform methods based on liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In total, 412 metabolites were identified, including pigments, sterols, lipids, amino acids, polyamines, sugars and secondary metabolites. Dramatic metabolic changes were observed. Firstly, membrane degradation and chlorophyll down-regulation occurred after the 50% flower bud stage. Levels of major membrane lipids decreased, including those of the glycolipids in chloroplast thylakoids and phospholipids in membrane envelopes. Clear decreases in free sterols and acylated sterol glucosides were detected along with the accumulation of sterol esters. The accumulation of alkaloids was found. The amino acid levels were significantly decreased, particularly those of N-rich amino acids (glutamine and asparagine), thus reflecting N translocation. Subsequently, the antioxidant system was activated. Sugar alcohols and polyphenols accumulated when the lower leaves turned yellow. These results comprehensively revealed the metabolic changes that occur during tobacco leaf development and senescence under natural conditions.