bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic memory of odors stratifies Alzheimer biomarkers in normal elderly
Authors: Dhilla Albers Alefiya , Asafu‐Adjei Josephine , Delaney Mary K. , Kelly Kathleen E. , Gomez‐Isla Teresa , Blacker Deborah , Johnson Keith A. , Sperling Reisa A. , Hyman Bradley T. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Hastings Lloyd , Albers Mark W.
Published: October 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to relate a novel test of identifying and recalling odor percepts to biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in well‐characterized elderly individuals, ranging from cognitively normal to demented.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐three participants (cognitively normal: n = 70; subjective cognitive concerns: n = 74; mild cognitive impairment [MCI]: n = 29, AD dementia: n = 10) were administered novel olfactory tests: the Odor Percept IDentification (OPID) and the Percepts of Odor Episodic Memory (POEM) tests. Univariate cross‐sectional analyses of performance across diagnoses; logistic regression modeling, including covariates of age, sex, education,APOEgenotype, and neuropsychological test scores; and linear mixed modeling of longitudinal cognitive scores were performed. Amyloid deposition and MRI volumetrics were analyzed in a subset of participants.

Results

Accuracy of identification and episodic memory of odor percepts differed significantly across diagnosis and age, with progressively worse performance across degrees of impairment. Among the participants who were cognitively normal or had subjective cognitive concerns, poorer than expected performance on the POEM test (based on the same individual's performance on the OPID and odor discrimination tests) was associated with higher frequencies of theAPOEε4 allele, thinner entorhinal cortices, and worse longitudinal trajectory of Logical Memory scores.

Interpretation

Selective impairment of episodic memory of odor percepts, relative to identification and discrimination of odor percepts revealed by this novel POEM battery, is associated with biomarkers of AD in a well‐characterized pre‐MCI population. These affordable, noninvasive olfactory tests offer potential to identify clinically normal individuals who have greater likelihood of future cognitive decline. Ann Neurol 2016;80:846–857
Multivalency Effects on the Immobilization of Sucrose Phosphorylase in Flow Microchannels and Their Use in the Development of a High‐Performance Biocatalytic Microreactor
Authors: Valikhani Donya , Bolivar Juan M. , Pfeiffer Martin , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: October 2016

Microstructured reactors are emerging engineering tools for the development of biocatalytic conversions in continuous flow. A promising layout involves flow microchannels that are wall‐coated with enzyme. As protein immobilization within closed microstructures is challenging, we suggested a confluent design of enzyme and microreactor: fusion to the silica‐binding module Zbasic2 is used to engineer enzymes for high‐affinity oriented attachment to the plain wall surface of glass microchannels. In this study of sucrose phosphorylase, we examined the effects of multiple Zbasic2 modules in a single enzyme molecule on the activity and adsorption stability of the phosphorylase immobilized in a glass microchannel reactor. Compared to the “monovalent” enzyme, two Zbasic2 modules, present in tandem repeat at the N‐terminus, separated at the N‐ and C‐terminus of an enzyme monomer, or arranged N‐terminally in a protein homodimer, boosted the effectiveness of the immobilized phosphorylase by up to twofold. They attenuated (up to 12‐fold) the elution of the wall‐coated enzyme during continuous reactor operation. The divalent phosphorylase was distributed uniformly on the microchannel surface and approximately 70 % activity could still be retained after 690 reactor cycles. Reaction–diffusion regime analysis in terms of the second Damköhler number (DaII≤0.02) revealed the absence of mass transport limitations on the conversion rate. The synthesis of α‐d‐glucose 1‐phosphate occurred with a productivity of ∼14 mm min−1 at 50 % substrate conversion (50 mm). The use of wall‐coated enzyme microreactors in high‐performance biocatalytic reaction engineering is supported strongly.
Further Time Regularity for Nonlocal, Fully Nonlinear Parabolic Equations
Authors: Chang‐Lara Héctor A. , Kriventsov Dennis
Published: October 2016

We establish Hölder estimates for the time derivative of solutions of nonlocal parabolic equations under mild assumptions for the boundary data. As a consequence we are able to extend the Evans‐Krylov estimate for rough kernels to parabolic equations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidative DNA Cleavage Promoted by a Phenoxyl‐Radical Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Cuzan Olesea , Kochem Amélie , Simaan A. Jalila , Bertaina Sylvain , Faure Bruno , Robert Viviane , Shova Sergiu , Giorgi Michel , Maffei Michel , Réglier Marius , Orio Maylis
Published: October 2016

Three neutral copper(II) complexes [Cu(L)2X] [X = none, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)0.5, N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA)0.5 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively] containing benzotriazole–phenolate ligand HL [HL = 2‐(2H‐benzotriazol‐2‐yl)‐4,6‐di‐tert‐pentylphenol] have been synthesized and investigated with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and spectroscopic techniques [ESI‐MS, IR, UV/Vis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)]. The geometry of complex 1 is distorted square planar, while the isostructural complexes 2 and 3 are pentacoordinated. The redox properties of complex 1 were studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the corresponding one‐electron oxidized species was generated and characterized by UV/Vis and EPR. Theoretical calculations were performed to support and rationalize the experimental data. Complex 1 was evaluated for its capability to perform veratryl alcohol oxidation and oxidative cleavage of DNA in DMF and DMSO in the presence of different agents (hydrogen peroxide, ascorbate, dithiothreitol).
Synthesis, characterization, and molecular structures of Ni(II) and Cd(II) complexes derived from dithiophosphonate
Authors: Banaei Alireza , Saadat Afshin , Mohammad Goli Mina , McArdle Patrick , Pourbasheer Eslam , Pargolghasemi Parinaz
Published: October 2016

Two novel dithiophosphonate ligands, HS2P(p‐C6H4OMe)(OCH2CH2CH(CH3)2) (1) and HS2P(p‐C6H4OMe)(OCH(CH3)2) (2), were synthesized and characterized by multinuclear (1H, 31P, and 13C) NMR, infrared spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. The reactions of 1 and 2 with NiCl2·6H2O and Cd(NO3)2·4H2O in methanol led to novel complexes 3 and 4. The single crystal X‐ray structures of 3 and 4 showed tetracoordinated structure with square planar geometry for the nickel complex, while it showed pentacoordinated structure with distorted square‐pyramid environment for the cadmium complex.
Estimation of land surface evapotranspiration over complex terrain based on multi‐spectral remote sensing data
Authors: Liu Xingran , Shen Yanjun , Li Hongjun , Guo Ying , Pei Hongwei , Dong Wei
Published: October 2016

Land surface evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in energy and water balances. ET can significantly affect the runoff yield of a basin and the available water resources in mountainous areas. The existing models to estimate ET are typically applicable to plains, and excessive data are required to calculate the surface fluxes accurately. This study established a simple and practical model capable of depicting the surface fluxes, while using relatively less parameters. Considering the complex terrain, solar radiation was corrected by importing a series of topographic factors. The water deficit index, a measure of land surface wetness, was calculated by applying the fc (vegetation fractional cover)‐Trad (land surface temperature) framework in the two‐source trapezoid model for evapotranspiration model to mountainous areas after corrections of temperature based on altitude variations. The model was successfully applied to the Kaidu River Basin, a basin with few gauges located in the east Tien Shan Mountains of China. Based on the time scale extensions, ET was analyzed at different time scales from 2000 to 2013. The results demonstrated that the corrected solar radiation and water deficit index were reasonably distributed in space and that this model is applicable to ungauged catchments, such as the Kaidu River Basin.
Disposition of intravenously or orally administered silver nanoparticles in pregnant rats and the effect on the biochemical profile in urine
Authors: Fennell Timothy R. , Mortensen Ninell P. , Black Sherry R. , Snyder Rodney W. , Levine Keith E. , Poitras Eric , Harrington James M. , Wingard Christopher J. , Holland Nathan A. , Pathmasiri Wimal , Sumner Susan C. J.
Published: October 2016

Few investigations have been conducted on the disposition and fate of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in pregnancy. The distribution of a single dose of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐stabilized AgNP was investigated in pregnant rats. Two sizes of AgNP, 20 and 110 nm, and silver acetate (AgAc) were used to investigate the role of AgNP diameter and particle dissolution in tissue distribution, internal dose and persistence. Dams were administered AgNP or AgAc intravenously (i.v.) (1 mg kg−1) or by gavage (p.o.) (10 mg kg−1), or vehicle alone, on gestation day 18 and euthanized at 24 or 48 h post‐exposure. The silver concentration in tissues was measured using inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of silver in dams was influenced by route of administration and AgNP size. The highest concentration of silver (μg Ag g−1 tissue) at 48 h was found in the spleen for i.v. administered AgNP, and in the lungs for AgAc. At 48 h after p.o. administration of AgNP, the highest concentration was measured in the cecum and large intestine, and for AgAc in the placenta. Silver was detected in placenta and fetuses for all groups. Markers of cardiovascular injury, oxidative stress marker, cytokines and chemokines were not significantly elevated in exposed dams compared to vehicle‐dosed control. NMR metabolomics analysis of urine indicated that AgNP and AgAc exposure impact the carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. This study demonstrates that silver crosses the placenta and is transferred to the fetus regardless of the form of silver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human influences on regional temperature change – comparing adjacent plains of China and Russia
Authors: Du Haibo , He Hong S. , Wu Zhengfang , Wang Lei , Zong Shengwei , Liu Jie
Published: October 2016

Land‐use and land‐cover change (LUCC, such as the conversion of natural landscape to agricultural land) and human activities (HAs) are the most important human influences (HIs) on regional climate. Studying such influences is fundamental to understanding anthropogenic climate change. Our objectives were to quantify contributions of HI on regional temperature change and demonstrate that HI may cause abrupt climate change. We quantified the contribution of HI on regional temperature by comparing the seasonal temperature changes between a human‐dominated plain and an adjoining natural plain using the daily maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperature data from 12 meteorological stations. We quantified the contribution of HA on regional temperature change using winter weather data because snow cover in both plains masked the effects of LUCC. HI caused decreases in Tmax and increases in Tmin, and an increase in mean temperature. HA contributed to the reduction in the diurnal temperature range, whereas LUCC caused an increase in the range. The abrupt temperature change was in accord with the abrupt changes in agricultural land area and population. The HI led to an abrupt change in Tmax 3 years earlier (1985) than the recognized abrupt climate change in the Northern Hemisphere (1988). The synthetic effects of HI (LUCC and HA) evidently altered the change trends and accelerated abrupt changes in regional temperature, which affected the regional climate. Our findings can elucidate regional climate patterns and improve the accuracy of downscaling general circulation models.
Prevalence of Convergence Insufficiency in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Irving Elizabeth L. , Chriqui Estefania , Law Caroline , Kergoat Marie‐Jeanne , Leclerc Bernard‐Simon , Panisset Michel , Postuma Ronald , Kergoat Hélène
Published: October 2016

Background

We recently reported that convergence insufficiency (CI)‐type visual symptomatology was more prevalent in participants with Parkinson's disease (PD), compared to controls. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of a confirmed clinical diagnosis of CI in PD, compared to controls.

Methods

Participants with (n = 80) and without (n = 80) PD were recruited and received an eye exam. Published criteria were used to arrive at a clinical diagnosis of CI. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS‐15) questionnaire was administered to each participant, with a score of ≥21 being considered positive for CI symptomatology. Student t test, chi‐square, or nonparametric tests at the 0.05 level were used for statistical significance.

Results

A total of 43.8% of participants with versus 16.3% without PD had a clinical diagnosis of CI (P ≤ 0.001). A total of 53.8% of participants with versus 18.8% without PD had scores on the CISS‐15 of ≥21 (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

These results indicate that individuals with PD have a higher prevalence of CI and CI symptomatology than controls. These data provide evidence supporting the notion that treatment for symptomatic CI should be investigated in individuals with PD.
Polymerization of mono‐, Di‐, and trichloroethyl methacrylates: A study in chain transfer
Authors: Snow Arthur W.
Published: October 2016

Bulk free radical polymerization of the monomer series CH2 = C(CH3)C(O)OCH2CH3‐nCln, n = 1, 2, 3, yields an unexpectedly crosslinked product with a crosslink density that increases with decreasing chlorine content of the respective monomer (n = 3 < n = 2 < n = 1). This chlorine substituent effect is investigated by correlation with chain transfer constant measurements for four homologous series of chloroalkyl compounds (chloroethyl acetates (CH3C(O)OCH2CH3‐nCln, n = 1,2,3); chloromethanes (CH4‐nCln, n = 2,3,4) and CD2Cl2 and CDCl3 analogs; butyl chloride isomers (n‐, iso‐, sec‐, tert‐) and tert‐C4D9Cl analog; and nine chloroethanes (C2Hn−6Cln, n = 1–6)) in a methyl methacrylate polymerization. The pattern conveyed by the magnitude of chain transfer constants and deuterium isotope effects is consistent with a vicinal chlorine effect (i.e., chlorine activation of a vicinal hydrogen for abstraction) to account for the relative activities of the four series of model compounds and for the propensity of the chloroethyl methacrylates to crosslink in a bulk free radical polymerization. The chloroalkyl moiety's contribution to chain transfer is relatively modest (≤10−4), but, when incorporated as a monomer pendant group in free radical polymerizations, it is effective in broadening molecular weight to the extent of resulting in a crosslinked polymer. Published 2016.† J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 93–106
Cada vez aprendo más y más de menos y menos. ¿Cómo avanzar en la banda sinfín educativa?
Authors: Sánchez-Mendiola Melchor
Published: October 2016

Los gremios y agrupaciones profesionales de médicos, enfermeras y otros elementos del equipo de salud han generado en el último siglo una gran cantidad de incentivos (tanto negativos como positivos) para asistir a congresos y eventos académicos dedicados a presentar los «conceptos actuales» y el «estado del arte» de sus respectivas áreas, como cardiología, medicina crítica, pediatría, entre muchas otras.
Developing the Mexican Countryside: The Department of Fomento's Social Project of Modernization
Authors: Lurtz Casey Marina
Published: October 2016

From the mid-nineteenth century onward, governments across Latin America founded departments offomento, or development, to promote economic growth and modernization. This article looks at the evolution of this department in Mexico and the ways in which it integrated infrastructure, migration, land policy, science, and education into a rural economic and social project. For Department of Fomento leaders, agriculture became the connective tissue linking peace to prosperity. Though many failed, initiatives aimed at increasing the diversity of Mexico's rural production illustrate a concerted effort to avoid top-heavy monoculture and use scientific planning to stabilize and unify the nation.
Adenoidectomy can improve obstructive sleep apnoea in young children: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Reckley L K , Song S A , Chang E T , Cable B B , Certal V , Camacho M
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To systematically search for studies reporting outcomes for adenoidectomy alone as a treatment for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea and use the data to perform a meta-analysis.

Methods:

Nine databases, including PubMed and Medline, were systematically searched through to 1 April 2016. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed.

Results:

A total of 1032 articles were screened and 126 full texts were reviewed. Three paediatric studies (47 patients) reported outcomes. Overall, apnoea–hypopnoea index values decreased from 18.1 ± 16.8 to 3.1 ± 5.5 events per hour (28 patients). Random-effects modelling demonstrated a mean difference of −14.43 events per hour (I2 = 23 per cent (low inconsistency)). The apnoea–hypopnoea index standardised mean difference was −1.14 (large magnitude of effect). The largest reduction in apnoea–hypopnoea index was observed in children aged less than 12 months (reduction of 56.6−94.9 per cent). Lowest oxygen saturation values improved from 80.0 ± 9.5 to 85.5 ± 6.0 per cent (13 children).

Conclusion:

Adenoidectomy alone has improved obstructive sleep apnoea in children, especially in those aged less than 12 months; however, given the low number of studies, isolated adenoidectomy remains an area for additional research.
Summer time predation on the obligatory off-host stage of an invasive ectoparasite
Authors: KAUNISTO SIRPA , RAUNISMAA ILKKA , KORTET RAINE , YLÖNEN HANNU
Published: October 2016

Predation can regulate populations and strongly affect invasion success of novel prey. The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi; Linnaeus 1758) is an invasive ectoparasite of cervids that spends a long period of its life cycle outside the host. Prior to this study, virtually nothing was known about natural summer time predation on the deer ked. We aimed to evaluate the magnitude of summer time predation onL. cervipupae in different habitats and to identify potential predators. We conducted a set of field experiments, where we exposedL. cervipupae to various ground-dwelling vertebrate and invertebrate predators. The loss of pupae was monitored for different predator guilds. Three habitats of the moose, the main host species, were studied: (1) moist heath forest; (2) dry, logged heath forest; and (3) moist meadow. The results indicate notable summer time predation onL. cervipupae, and the pupal predation varied within and between habitats, being lowest in the meadow habitat. We found a positive correlation between pupal loss and abundance of the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), harvestmen (Opiliones), ground spiders (Gnaphosidae) and Formicinae-ants. We conclude that summer time predation during the pupal phase can have a notable local importance for theL. cerviabundance.
Modified Diet Supplementation With Group B Vitamins Changes Antioxidant Defense Activity Of Brain
Authors: Goluch-Koniuszy Zuzanna , Drozd Radosław
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The research aimed at effect of modified diet and supplementation with synthetic B vitamins on brain antioxidant status evaluation. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10); group I – fed Basic Diet (BD), groups II-IV – Modified Diet (MD), where wheat flour replaced 83.5 % wheat and sucrose replaced 50 % maize. Groups I-II received only water, while group III (MD + AS) was given an aqueous vitamins solution supplementing deficiency from diet modification (MD + Adequate Supplementation: B1-0.94, B2-0.48, B6-0.5, niacin-1.9 mg); group IV (MD + ES) received a solution in order to supplement deficiency resulting from the change in diet and recommended prophylactic dose of vitamins (MD + Excessive Supplementation: B1-3.1, B2-2.3, B6-2.4, niacin-6.65 mg). The experimental phase lasted 6 weeks. Blood serum was examined, to determine glucose and iron concentration; determination of FRAP in plasma, in brain tissue the activities of GST, GPx, CAT, SOD, SH content, and FRAP. It was found that MD and MD + AS did not influence cereal antioxidant status. In brain tissue, MD + ES group exhibited an increased glycaemia (7.49 mmol×l-1 p = 0.038) and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes activity (GST 0,099 U/mg protein p = 0.005; GPx 0,039 U/mg protein p = 0.007). Brain tissue of rats also exhibited larger content of protein bond SH in comparison to BD, MD and MD + AS groups (SH 414.6 mmol/g wet weight p < 0.001; p < 0.005). These findings suggest that, an excessive supplementation with vitamins B and niacin, in sucrose rich diet, may lead to enhancing activity of cellular antioxidant defense in brain tissue of rats.
Climate-Driven Change in Ice-Free Areas of Greenland
Authors: Northington Robert , Bullard Joanna , Telling Jon
Published: October 2016

KAIRN (Kangerlussuaq International Research Network) 2nd Annual Meeting; Acadia National Park, Maine, 4–7 May 2016
Cubans, Americans Bridge a Scientific Rift
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: October 2016

Two scientific communities that evolved separately for more than 50 years reunited last week to share their findings and plan a more unified future.
Interplay between evanescence and disorder in deep subwavelength photonic structures
Authors: Herzig Sheinfux Hanan , Kaminer Ido , Genack Azriel Z. , Segev Mordechai
Published: October 2016

Deep subwavelength features are expected to have minimal impact on wave transport. Here we show that in contrast to this common understanding, disorder can have a dramatic effect in a one-dimensional disordered optical system with spatial features a thousand times smaller than the wavelength. We examine a unique regime of Anderson localization where the localization length is shown to scale linearly with the wavelength instead of diverging, because of the role of evanescent waves. In addition, we demonstrate an unusual order of magnitude enhancement of transmission induced due to localization. These results are described for electromagnetic waves, but are directly relevant to other wave systems such as electrons in multi-quantum-well structures.
Obesity-associated NLRC4 inflammasome activation drives breast cancer progression
Authors: Kolb Ryan , Phan Liem , Borcherding Nicholas , Liu Yinghong , Yuan Fang , Janowski Ann M. , Xie Qing , Markan Kathleen R. , Li Wei , Potthoff Matthew J. , Fuentes-Mattei Enrique , Ellies Lesley G. , Knudson C. Michael , Lee Mong-Hong , Yeung Sai-Ching J. , Cassel Suzanne L. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Zhang Weizhou
Published: October 2016

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and is also associated with worse clinical prognosis. The mechanistic link between obesity and breast cancer progression remains unclear, and there has been no development of specific treatments to improve the outcome of obese cancer patients. Here we show that obesity-associated NLRC4 inflammasome activation/ interleukin (IL)-1 signalling promotes breast cancer progression. The tumour microenvironment in the context of obesity induces an increase in tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells with an activated NLRC4 inflammasome that in turn activates IL-1β, which drives disease progression through adipocyte-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression and angiogenesis. Further studies show that treatment of mice with metformin inhibits obesity-associated tumour progression associated with a marked decrease in angiogenesis. This report provides a causal mechanism by which obesity promotes breast cancer progression and lays out a foundation to block NLRC4 inflammasome activation or IL-1β signalling transduction that may be useful for the treatment of obese cancer patients.
Loss of immune tolerance to IL-2 in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pérol Louis , Lindner John M. , Caudana Pamela , Nunez Nicolas Gonzalo , Baeyens Audrey , Valle Andrea , Sedlik Christine , Loirat Delphine , Boyer Olivier , Créange Alain , Cohen José Laurent , Rogner Ute Christine , Yamanouchi Jun , Marchant Martine , Leber Xavier Charles , Scharenberg Meike , Gagnerault Marie-Claude , Mallone Roberto , Battaglia Manuela , Santamaria Pere , Hartemann Agnès , Traggiai Elisabetta , Piaggio Eliane
Published: October 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by a chronic, progressive autoimmune attack against pancreas-specific antigens, effecting the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. Here we show interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a non-pancreatic autoimmune target in T1D. Anti-IL-2 autoantibodies, as well as T cells specific for a single orthologous epitope of IL-2, are present in the peripheral blood of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and patients with T1D. In NOD mice, the generation of anti-IL-2 autoantibodies is genetically determined and their titre increases with age and disease onset. In T1D patients, circulating IgG memory B cells specific for IL-2 or insulin are present at similar frequencies. Anti-IL-2 autoantibodies cloned from T1D patients demonstrate clonality, a high degree of somatic hypermutation and nanomolar affinities, indicating a germinal centre origin and underscoring the synergy between cognate autoreactive T and B cells leading to defective immune tolerance.
A route for a strong increase of critical current in nanostrained iron-based superconductors
Authors: Ozaki Toshinori , Wu Lijun , Zhang Cheng , Jaroszynski Jan , Si Weidong , Zhou Juan , Zhu Yimei , Li Qiang
Published: October 2016

The critical temperature Tc and the critical current density Jc determine the limits to large-scale superconductor applications. Superconductivity emerges at Tc. The practical current-carrying capability, measured by Jc, is the ability of defects in superconductors to pin the magnetic vortices, and that may reduce Tc. Simultaneous increase of Tc and Jc in superconductors is desirable but very difficult to realize. Here we demonstrate a route to raise both Tc and Jc together in iron-based superconductors. By using low-energy proton irradiation, we create cascade defects in FeSe0.5Te0.5 films. Tc is enhanced due to the nanoscale compressive strain and proximity effect, whereas Jc is doubled under zero field at 4.2 K through strong vortex pinning by the cascade defects and surrounding nanoscale strain. At 12 K and above 15 T, one order of magnitude of Jc enhancement is achieved in both parallel and perpendicular magnetic fields to the film surface.
Spiral magnetic order and pressure-induced superconductivity in transition metal compounds
Authors: Wang Yishu , Feng Yejun , Cheng J.-G. , Wu W. , Luo J. L. , Rosenbaum T. F.
Published: October 2016

Magnetic and superconducting ground states can compete, cooperate and coexist. MnP provides a compelling and potentially generalizable example of a material where superconductivity and magnetism may be intertwined. Using a synchrotron-based non-resonant X-ray magnetic diffraction technique, we reveal a spiral spin order in MnP and trace its pressure evolution towards superconducting order via measurements in a diamond anvil cell. Judging from the magnetostriction, ordered moments vanish at the quantum phase transition as pressure increases the electron kinetic energy. Spins remain local in the disordered phase, and the promotion of superconductivity is likely to emerge from an enhanced coupling to residual spiral spin fluctuations and their concomitant suppression of phonon-mediated superconductivity. As the pitch of the spiral order varies across the 3d transition metal compounds in the MnP family, the magnetic ground state switches between antiferromagnet and ferromagnet, providing an additional tuning parameter in probing spin-fluctuation-induced superconductivity.
Sensory feedback synchronizes motor and sensory neuronal networks in the neonatal rat spinal cord
Authors: Inácio Ana R. , Nasretdinov Azat , Lebedeva Julia , Khazipov Roustem
Published: October 2016

Early stages of sensorimotor system development in mammals are characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous movements. Whether and how these movements support correlated activity in developing sensorimotor spinal cord circuits remains unknown. Here we show highly correlated activity in sensory and motor zones in the spinal cord of neonatal rats in vivo. Both during twitches and complex movements, movement-generating bursts in motor zones are followed by bursts in sensory zones. Deafferentation does not affect activity in motor zones and movements, but profoundly suppresses activity bursts in sensory laminae and results in sensorimotor uncoupling, implying a primary role of sensory feedback in sensorimotor synchronization. This is further supported by largely dissociated activity in sensory and motor zones observed in the isolated spinal cord in vitro. Thus, sensory feedback resulting from spontaneous movements is instrumental for coordination of activity in developing sensorimotor spinal cord circuits.
Direct X-ray photoconversion in flexible organic thin film devices operated below 1 V
Authors: Basiricò Laura , Ciavatti Andrea , Cramer Tobias , Cosseddu Piero , Bonfiglio Annalisa , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: October 2016

The application of organic electronic materials for the detection of ionizing radiations is very appealing thanks to their mechanical flexibility, low-cost and simple processing in comparison to their inorganic counterpart. In this work we investigate the direct X-ray photoconversion process in organic thin film photoconductors. The devices are realized by drop casting solution-processed bis-(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) onto flexible plastic substrates patterned with metal electrodes; they exhibit a strong sensitivity to X-rays despite the low X-ray photon absorption typical of low-Z organic materials. We propose a model, based on the accumulation of photogenerated charges and photoconductive gain, able to describe the magnitude as well as the dynamics of the X-ray-induced photocurrent. This finding allows us to fabricate and test a flexible 2 × 2 pixelated X-ray detector operating at 0.2 V, with gain and sensitivity up to 4.7 × 104 and 77,000 nC mGy−1 cm−3, respectively.
Unveiling the pentagonal nature of perfectly aligned single-and double-strand Si nano-ribbons on Ag(110)
Authors: Cerdá Jorge I. , Sławińska Jagoda , Le Lay Guy , Marele Antonela C. , Gómez-Rodríguez José M. , Dávila María E.
Published: October 2016

Carbon and silicon pentagonal low-dimensional structures attract a great interest as they may lead to new exotic phenomena such as topologically protected phases or increased spin–orbit effects. However, no pure pentagonal phase has yet been realized for any of them. Here we unveil through extensive density functional theory calculations and scanning tunnelling microscope simulations, confronted to key experimental facts, the hidden pentagonal nature of single- and double-strand chiral Si nano-ribbons perfectly aligned on Ag(110) surfaces whose structure has remained elusive for over a decade. Our study reveals an unprecedented one-dimensional Si atomic arrangement solely comprising almost perfect alternating pentagons residing in the missing row troughs of the reconstructed surface. We additionally characterize the precursor structure of the nano-ribbons, which consists of a Si cluster (nano-dot) occupying a silver di-vacancy in a quasi-hexagonal configuration. The system thus materializes a paradigmatic shift from a silicene-like packing to a pentagonal one.
Activation of Xer-recombination at dif: structural basis of the FtsKγ–XerD interaction
Authors: Keller Andrew N. , Xin Yue , Boer Stephanie , Reinhardt Jonathan , Baker Rachel , Arciszewska Lidia K. , Lewis Peter J. , Sherratt David J. , Löwe Jan , Grainge Ian
Published: October 2016

Bacterial chromosomes are most often circular DNA molecules. This can produce a topological problem; a genetic crossover from homologous recombination results in dimerization of the chromosome. A chromosome dimer is lethal unless resolved. A site-specific recombination system catalyses this dimer-resolution reaction at the chromosomal site dif. In Escherichia coli, two tyrosine-family recombinases, XerC and XerD, bind to dif and carry out two pairs of sequential strand exchange reactions. However, what makes the reaction unique among site-specific recombination reactions is that the first step, XerD-mediated strand exchange, relies on interaction with the very C-terminus of the FtsK DNA translocase. FtsK is a powerful molecular motor that functions in cell division, co-ordinating division with clearing chromosomal DNA from the site of septation and also acts to position the dif sites for recombination. This is a model system for unlinking, separating and segregating large DNA molecules. Here we describe the molecular detail of the interaction between XerD and FtsK that leads to activation of recombination as deduced from a co-crystal structure, biochemical and in vivo experiments. FtsKγ interacts with the C-terminal domain of XerD, above a cleft where XerC is thought to bind. We present a model for activation of recombination based on structural data.
Pomegranate extract decreases oxidative stress and alleviates mitochondrial impairment by activating AMPK-Nrf2 in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Sun Wenyan , Yan Chunhong , Frost Bess , Wang Xin , Hou Chen , Zeng Mengqi , Gao Hongli , Kang Yuming , Liu Jiankang
Published: October 2016

High blood pressure, or “hypertension,” is associated with high levels of oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. While pomegranate extract is a known antioxidant that is thought to have antihypertensive effects, the mechanism whereby pomegranate extract lowers blood pressure and the tissue that mediates its antihypertensive effects are currently unknown. We have used a spontaneously hypertensive rat model to investigate the antihypertensive properties of pomegranate extract. We found that chronic treatment of hypertensive rats with pomegranate extract significantly reduced blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, pomegranate extract reduced oxidative stress, increased the antioxidant defense system and decreased inflammation in the paraventricular nucleus of hypertensive rats. We determined that pomegranate extract reduced mitochondrial superoxide anion levels and increased mitochondrial function in the paraventricular nucleus of hypertensive rats by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and improving mitochondrial dynamics and clearance. We went on to identify the AMPK-nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway as a mechanism whereby pomegranate extract reduces oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus to relieve hypertension. Our findings demonstrate that pomegranate extract alleviates hypertension by reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function in the paraventricular nucleus and reveal multiple novel targets for therapeutic treatment of hypertension.
Role of areca nut induced JNK/ATF2/Jun axis in the activation of TGF-β pathway in precancerous Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Pant Ila , Rao S. Girish , Kondaiah Paturu
Published: October 2016

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is potentially premalignant with progressive and irreversible extracellular matrix deposition accompanied by epithelial atrophy and like other fibrotic disorders, is primarily a TGF-β driven disease. OSF is caused by prolonged chewing of areca nut. Our previous studies reported a pivotal role for TGF-β activation and its effects contributing to OSF. However, the mechanism for activation of TGF-β signaling in OSF is still unknown. In this study we demonstrate activation of TGF-β signaling with sub-cytotoxic dose of areca nut in epithelial cells and discovered a key role for pJNK in this process. In good correlation; pJNK was detected in OSF tissues but not in normal tissues. Moreover, activation of JNK was found to be dependent on muscarinic acid receptor induced Ca2+/CAMKII as well as ROS. JNK dependent phosphorylation of ATF2/c-Jun transcription factors resulted in TGF-β transcription and its signaling. pATF2/p-c-Jun were enriched on TGF-β promoter and co-localized in nuclei of epithelial cells upon areca nut treatment. In corroboration, OSF tissue sections also had nuclear pATF2 and p-c-Jun. Our results provide comprehensive mechanistic details of TGF-β signaling induced by etiological agent areca nut in the manifestation of fibrosis which can lead to new therapeutic modalities for OSF.
SDF-1α-induced dual pairs of E-selectin/ligand mediate endothelial progenitor cell homing to critical ischemia
Authors: Liu Zhao-Jun , Tian Runxia , Li Yan , Zhang Leiming , Shao Hongwei , Yang Cuixia , Velazquez Omaida C.
Published: October 2016

Homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) to the ischemic tissues is a key event in neovascularization and tissue regeneration. In response to ischemic insult, injured tissues secrete several chemo-cytokines, including stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), which triggers mobilization and homing of bone marrow-derived EPC (BMD-EPC). We previously reported that SDF-1α-induced EPC homing is mediated by a panel of adhesion molecules highly or selectively expressed on the activated endothelium in ischemic tissues, including E-selectin. Elevated E-selectin on wound vasculature serve as docking sites for circulating EPC, which express counterpart E-selectin ligands. Here, we show that SDF-1α presented in wound tissue and released into circulation can act both locally and remotely to induce ischemic tissue endothelium and BMD-EPC to express both E-selectin and its ligands. By performing BM transplantation using E-selectin−/− and E-selectin+/+ mice as the donors and recipients respectively, we demonstrate that upregulated dual E-selectin/ligand pairs reciprocally expressed on ischemic tissue endothelium and BMD-EPC act as double-locks to secure targeted EPC- endothelium interactions by which to facilitate EPC homing and promote neovascularization and tissue repair. These findings describe a novel mechanism for BMD-EPC homing and indicate that dual E-selectin/ligand pairs may be effective targets/tools for therapeutic neovascularization and targeted cell delivery.
Spatial and Structural Metrics for Living Cells Inspired by Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Åberg Christoffer , Varela Juan A. , Fitzpatrick Laurence W. , Dawson Kenneth A.
Published: October 2016

Experimental observations in cell biology have advanced to a stage where theory could play a larger role, much as it has done in the physical sciences. Possibly the lack of a common framework within which experimentalists, computational scientists and theorists could equally contribute has hindered this development, for the worse of both disciplines. Here we demonstrate the usage of tools and concepts from statistical mechanics to describe processes inside living cells based on experimental data, suggesting that future theoretical/computational models may be based on such concepts. To illustrate the ideas, we describe the organisation of subcellular structures within the cell in terms of (density) pair correlation functions and subsequently use the same concepts to follow nano-sized objects being transported inside the cell. Finally, we quantify an interesting subcellular re-organisation, not previously discerned by molecular biology methods.
Activation and increase of radio-sensitive CD11b+ recruited Kupffer cells/macrophages in diet-induced steatohepatitis in FGF5 deficient mice
Authors: Nakashima Hiroyuki , Nakashima Masahiro , Kinoshita Manabu , Ikarashi Masami , Miyazaki Hiromi , Hanaka Hiromi , Imaki Junko , Seki Shuhji
Published: October 2016

We have recently reported that Kupffer cells consist of two subsets, radio-resistant resident CD68+ Kupffer cells and radio-sensitive recruited CD11b+ Kupffer cells/macrophages (Mφs). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized not only by hepatic steatosis but also chronic inflammation and fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the immunological mechanism of diet-induced steatohepatitis in fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) deficient mice. After consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, FGF5 null mice developed severe steatohepatitis and fibrosis resembling human NASH. F4/80+ Mφs which were both CD11b and CD68 positive accumulated in the liver. The production of TNF and FasL indicated that they are the pivotal effectors in this hepatitis. The weak phagocytic activity and lack of CRIg mRNA suggested that they were recruited Mφs. Intermittent exposure to 1 Gy irradiation markedly decreased these Mφs and dramatically inhibited liver inflammation without attenuating steatosis. However, depletion of the resident subset by clodronate liposome (c-lipo) treatment increased the Mφs and tended to exacerbate disease progression. Recruited CD11b+ CD68+ Kupffer cells/Mφs may play an essential role in steatohepatitis and fibrosis in FGF5 null mice fed with a HFD. Recruitment and activation of bone marrow derived Mφs is the key factor to develop steatohepatitis from simple steatosis.
Humic acid inhibits HBV-induced autophagosome formation and induces apoptosis in HBV-transfected Hep G2 cells
Authors: Pant Kishor , Yadav Ajay K. , Gupta Parul , Rathore Abhishek Singh , Nayak Baibaswata , Venugopal Senthil K.
Published: October 2016

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) utilizes several mechanisms to survive in the host cells and one of the main pathways being autophagosome formation. Humic acid (HA), one of the major components of Mineral pitch, is an Ayurvedic medicinal food, commonly used by the people of the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India for various body ailments. We hypothesized that HA could induce cell death and inhibit HBV-induced autophagy in hepatic cells. Incubation of Hep G2.2.1.5 cells (HepG2 cells stably expressing HBV) with HA (100 μM) inhibited both cell proliferation and autophagosome formation significantly, while apoptosis induction was enhanced. Western blot results showed that HA incubation resulted in decreased levels of beclin-1, SIRT-1 and c-myc, while caspase-3 and β-catenin expression were up-regulated. Western blot results showed that HA significantly inhibited the expression of HBx (3-fold with 50 μM and 5-fold with 100 μM) compared to control cells. When HA was incubated with HBx-transfected Hep G2 cells, HBx-induced autophagosome formation and beclin-1 levels were decreased. These data showed that HA induced apoptosis and inhibited HBV-induced autophagosome formation and proliferation in hepatoma cells.
A chimeric protein-based malaria vaccine candidate induces robust T cell responses against Plasmodium vivax MSP119
Authors: Fonseca Jairo Andres , Cabrera-Mora Monica , Singh Balwan , Oliveira-Ferreira Joseli , da Costa Lima-Junior Josué , Calvo-Calle J. Mauricio , Lozano Jose Manuel , Moreno Alberto
Published: October 2016

The most widespread Plasmodium species, Plasmodium vivax, poses a significant public health threat. An effective vaccine is needed to reduce global malaria burden. Of the erythrocytic stage vaccine candidates, the 19 kDa fragment of the P. vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (PvMSP119) is one of the most promising. Our group has previously defined several promiscuous T helper epitopes within the PvMSP1 protein, with features that allow them to bind multiple MHC class II alleles. We describe here a P. vivax recombinant modular chimera based on MSP1 (PvRMC-MSP1) that includes defined T cell epitopes genetically fused to PvMSP119. This vaccine candidate preserved structural elements of the native PvMSP119 and elicited cytophilic antibody responses and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells capable of recognizing PvMSP119. Although CD8+ T cells that recognize blood stage antigens have been reported to control blood infection, CD8+ T cell responses induced by P. falciparum or P. vivax vaccine candidates based on MSP119 have not been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first time a protein based subunit vaccine has been able to induce CD8+ T cell against PvMSP119. The PvRMC-MSP1 protein was also recognized by naturally acquired antibodies from individuals living in malaria endemic areas with an antibody profile associated with protection from infection. These features make PvRMC-MSP1 a promising vaccine candidate.
Dissecting the contribution of Staphylococcus aureus α-phenol-soluble modulins to biofilm amyloid structure
Authors: Marinelli Patrizia , Pallares Irantzu , Navarro Susanna , Ventura Salvador
Published: October 2016

The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as one of the most frequent causes of biofilm-associated infections. The recently discovered phenol soluble modulins (PSMs) are small α-helical amphipathic peptides that act as the main molecular effectors of staphylococcal biofilm maturation, promoting the formation of an extracellular fibril structure with amyloid-like properties. Here, we combine computational, biophysical and in cell analysis to address the specific contribution of individual PSMs to biofilm structure. We demonstrate that despite their highly similar sequence and structure, contrary to what it was previously thought, not all PSMs participate in amyloid fibril formation. A balance of hydrophobic/hydrophilic forces and helical propensity seems to define the aggregation propensity of PSMs and control their assembly and function. This knowledge would allow to target specifically the amyloid properties of these peptides. In this way, we show that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the principal polyphenol in green tea, prevents the assembly of amyloidogenic PSMs and disentangles their preformed amyloid fibrils.
Identification of the nuclear localisation signal of O-GlcNAc transferase and its nuclear import regulation
Authors: Seo Hyeon Gyu , Kim Han Byeol , Kang Min Jueng , Ryum Joo Hwan , Yi Eugene C. , Cho Jin Won
Published: October 2016

Nucleocytoplasmic O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) attaches a single GlcNAc to hydroxyl groups of serine and threonine residues. Although the cellular localisation of OGT is important to regulate a variety of cellular processes, the molecular mechanisms regulating the nuclear localisation of OGT is unclear. Here, we characterised three amino acids (DFP; residues 451–453) as the nuclear localisation signal of OGT and demonstrated that this motif mediated the nuclear import of non-diffusible β-galactosidase. OGT bound the importin α5 protein, and this association was abolished when the DFP motif of OGT was mutated or deleted. We also revealed that O-GlcNAcylation of Ser389, which resides in the tetratricopeptide repeats, plays an important role in the nuclear localisation of OGT. Our findings may explain how OGT, which possesses a NLS, exists in the nucleus and cytosol simultaneously.