bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy mediated by arginine depletion activation of the nutrient sensor GCN2 contributes to interferon-γ-induced malignant transformation of primary bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Xia X-j , Gao Y-y , Zhang J , Wang L , Zhao S , Che Y-y , Ao C-j , Yang H-j , Wang J-q , Lei L-c
Published: January 2016

Autophagy has been linked to the regulation of both the prevention and progression of cancer. IFN-γ has been shown to induce autophagy in multiple cell lines in vitro. However, whether IFN-γ can induce autophagy and whether autophagy promotes malignant transformation in healthy lactating bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) remain unclear. Here, we provide the first evidence of the correlation between IFN-γ treatment, autophagy and malignant transformation and of the mechanism underlying IFN-γ-induced autophagy and subsequent malignant transformation in primary BMECs. IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in cattle that received normal long-term dietary corn straw (CS) roughage supplementation. In addition, an increase in autophagy was clearly observed in the BMECs from the mammary tissue of cows expressing high levels of IFN-γ. In vitro, autophagy was clearly induced in primary BMECs by IFN-γ within 24 h. This induced autophagy could subsequently promote dramatic primary BMEC transformation. Furthermore, we found that IFN-γ promoted arginine depletion, activated the general control nonderepressible-2 kinase (GCN2) signalling pathway and resulted in an increase in autophagic flux and the amount of autophagy in BMECs. Overall, our findings are the first to demonstrate that arginine depletion and kinase GCN2 expression mediate IFN-γ-induced autophagy that may promote malignant progression and that immunometabolism, autophagy and cancer are strongly correlated. These results suggest new directions and paths for preventing and treating breast cancer in relation to diet.
Common variable immunodeficiency associated with microdeletion of chromosome 1q42.1‐q42.3 and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate kinase B (ITPKB) deficiency
Authors: Louis Ankmalika G , Yel Leman , Cao Jia N , Agrawal Sudhanshu , Gupta Sudhir
Published: January 2016

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogenous disorder characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired specific antibody response and increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity and malignancies. A number of gene mutations, including ICOS, TACI and BAFF‐R, and CD19, CD20, CD21, CD81, MSH5 and LRBA have been described; however, they account for approximately 20–25% of total cases of CVID. In this study, we report a patient with CVID with an intrinsic microdeletion of chromosome 1q42.1‐42.3, where gene for inositol 1,3,4, trisphosphate kinase β (ITPKB) is localized. ITPKB has an important role in the development, survival and function of B cells. In this subject, the expression of ITPKB mRNA as well as ITKPB protein was significantly reduced. The sequencing of ITPKB gene revealed three variants, two of them were missense variants and third was a synonymous variant; the significance of each of them in relation to CVID is discussed. This case suggests that a deficiency of ITPKB may have a role in CVID.
Assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans gut microbiota from diverse soil microbial environments
Authors: Berg Maureen , Stenuit Ben , Ho Joshua , Wang Andrew , Parke Caitlin , Knight Matthew , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa , Shapira Michael
Published: January 2016

It is now well accepted that the gut microbiota contributes to our health. However, what determines the microbiota composition is still unclear. Whereas it might be expected that the intestinal niche would be dominant in shaping the microbiota, studies in vertebrates have repeatedly demonstrated dominant effects of external factors such as host diet and environmental microbial diversity. Hypothesizing that genetic variation may interfere with discerning contributions of host factors, we turned to Caenorhabditis elegans as a new model, offering the ability to work with genetically homogenous populations. Deep sequencing of 16S rDNA was used to characterize the (previously unknown) worm gut microbiota as assembled from diverse produce-enriched soil environments under laboratory conditions. Comparisons of worm microbiotas with those in their soil environment revealed that worm microbiotas resembled each other even when assembled from different microbial environments, and enabled defining a shared core gut microbiota. Community analyses indicated that species assortment in the worm gut was non-random and that assembly rules differed from those in their soil habitat, pointing at the importance of competitive interactions between gut-residing taxa. The data presented fills a gap in C. elegans biology. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a dominant contribution of the host niche in shaping the gut microbiota.
A kagome map of spin liquids from XXZ to Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya ferromagnet
Authors: Essafi Karim , Benton Owen , Jaubert L.D.C.
Published: January 2016

Despite its deceptive simplicity, few concepts have more fundamental implications than chirality, from the therapeutic activity of drugs to the fundamental forces of nature. In magnetic materials, chirality gives rise to unconventional phenomena such as the anomalous Hall effect and multiferroicity, taking an enhanced flavour in the so-called spin-liquid phases where magnetic disorder prevails. Kagome systems sit at the crossroad of these ideas. Motivated by the recent synthesis of rare-earth kagome materials and the progresses in optical-lattice experiments, we bring together an entire network of spin liquids with anisotropic and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions. This network revolves around the Ising antiferromagnet and ends on (ferromagnetic) chiral spin liquids with spontaneously broken time-reversal symmetry. As for the celebrated Heisenberg antiferromagnet, it now belongs to a triad of equivalently disordered phases. The present work provides a unifying theory of kagome spin liquids with time-reversal invariant nearest-neighbour Hamiltonians.
Dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes for intact crystalline graphene nanostructures
Authors: Lim Joonwon , Narayan Maiti Uday , Kim Na-Young , Narayan Rekha , Jun Lee Won , Sung Choi Dong , Oh Youngtak , Min Lee Ju , Yong Lee Gil , Hun Kang Seok , Kim Hyunwoo , Kim Yong-Hyun , Ouk Kim Sang
Published: January 2016

Atomic level engineering of graphene-based materials is in high demand to enable customize structures and properties for different applications. Unzipping of the graphene plane is a potential means to this end, but uncontrollable damage of the two-dimensional crystalline framework during harsh unzipping reaction has remained a key challenge. Here we present heteroatom dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes as a reliable and controllable route to customized intact crystalline graphene-based nanostructures. Substitutional pyridinic nitrogen dopant sites at carbon nanotubes can selectively initiate the unzipping of graphene side walls at a relatively low electrochemical potential (0.6 V). The resultant nanostructures consisting of unzipped graphene nanoribbons wrapping around carbon nanotube cores maintain the intact two-dimensional crystallinity with well-defined atomic configuration at the unzipped edges. Large surface area and robust electrical connectivity of the synergistic nanostructure demonstrate ultrahigh-power supercapacitor performance, which can serve for AC filtering with the record high rate capability of −85° of phase angle at 120 Hz.
Subwavelength nonlinear phase control and anomalous phase matching in plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Almeida Euclides , Shalem Guy , Prior Yehiam
Published: January 2016

Metasurfaces, and in particular those containing plasmonic-based metallic elements, constitute an attractive set of materials with a potential for replacing standard bulky optical elements. In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on their nonlinear optical properties, particularly in the context of second and third harmonic generation and beam steering by phase gratings. Here, we harness the full phase control enabled by subwavelength plasmonic elements to demonstrate a unique metasurface phase matching that is required for efficient nonlinear processes. We discuss the difference between scattering by a grating and by subwavelength phase-gradient elements. We show that for such interfaces an anomalous phase-matching condition prevails, which is the nonlinear analogue of the generalized Snell’s law. The subwavelength phase control of optical nonlinearities paves the way for the design of ultrathin, flat nonlinear optical elements. We demonstrate nonlinear metasurface lenses, which act both as generators and as manipulators of the frequency-converted signal.
Controlling molecular transport in minimal emulsions
Authors: Gruner Philipp , Riechers Birte , Semin Benoît , Lim Jiseok , Johnston Abigail , Short Kathleen , Baret Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2016

Emulsions are metastable dispersions in which molecular transport is a major mechanism driving the system towards its state of minimal energy. Determining the underlying mechanisms of molecular transport between droplets is challenging due to the complexity of a typical emulsion system. Here we introduce the concept of ‘minimal emulsions’, which are controlled emulsions produced using microfluidic tools, simplifying an emulsion down to its minimal set of relevant parameters. We use these minimal emulsions to unravel the fundamentals of transport of small organic molecules in water-in-fluorinated-oil emulsions, a system of great interest for biotechnological applications. Our results are of practical relevance to guarantee a sustainable compartmentalization of compounds in droplet microreactors and to design new strategies for the dynamic control of droplet compositions.
LSD1 co-repressor Rcor2 orchestrates neurogenesis in the developing mouse brain
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Wu Qian , Yang Peng , Wang Chenfei , Liu Jing , Ding Wenyu , Liu Wensu , Bai Ye , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Hong , Gao Shaorong , Wang Xiaoqun
Published: January 2016

Epigenetic regulatory complexes play key roles in the modulation of transcriptional regulation underlying neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and progeny specification. How specific cofactors guide histone demethylase LSD1/KDM1A complex to regulate distinct NSC-related gene activation and repression in cortical neurogenesis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that Rcor2, a co-repressor of LSD1, is mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a key role in epigenetic regulation of cortical development. Depletion of Rcor2 results in reduced NPC proliferation, neuron population, neocortex thickness and brain size. We find that Rcor2 directly targets Dlx2 and Shh, and represses their expressions in developing neocortex. In addition, inhibition of Shh signals rescues the neurogenesis defects caused by Rcor2 depletion both in vivo and in vitro. Hence, our findings suggest that co-repressor Rcor2 is critical for cortical development by repressing Shh signalling pathway in dorsal telencephalon.
Multilayer block copolymer meshes by orthogonal self-assembly
Authors: Tavakkoli K. G. Amir , Nicaise Samuel M. , Gadelrab Karim R. , Alexander-Katz Alfredo , Ross Caroline A. , Berggren Karl K.
Published: January 2016

Continued scaling-down of lithographic-pattern feature sizes has brought templated self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into the forefront of nanofabrication research. Technologies now exist that facilitate significant control over otherwise unorganized assembly of BCP microdomains to form both long-range and locally complex monolayer patterns. In contrast, the extension of this control into multilayers or 3D structures of BCP microdomains remains limited, despite the possible technological applications in next-generation devices. Here, we develop and analyse an orthogonal self-assembly method in which multiple layers of distinct-molecular-weight BCPs naturally produce nanomesh structures of cylindrical microdomains without requiring layer-by-layer alignment or high-resolution lithographic templating. The mechanisms for orthogonal self-assembly are investigated with both experiment and simulation, and we determine that the control over height and chemical preference of templates are critical process parameters. The method is employed to produce nanomeshes with the shapes of circles and Y-intersections, and is extended to produce three layers of orthogonally oriented cylinders.
Functional profiles of orphan membrane transporters in the life cycle of the malaria parasite
Authors: Kenthirapalan Sanketha , Waters Andrew P. , Matuschewski Kai , Kooij Taco W. A.
Published: January 2016

Assigning function to orphan membrane transport proteins and prioritizing candidates for detailed biochemical characterization remain fundamental challenges and are particularly important for medically relevant pathogens, such as malaria parasites. Here we present a comprehensive genetic analysis of 35 orphan transport proteins of Plasmodium berghei during its life cycle in mice and Anopheles mosquitoes. Six genes, including four candidate aminophospholipid transporters, are refractory to gene deletion, indicative of essential functions. We generate and phenotypically characterize 29 mutant strains with deletions of individual transporter genes. Whereas seven genes appear to be dispensable under the experimental conditions tested, deletion of any of the 22 other genes leads to specific defects in life cycle progression in vivo and/or host transition. Our study provides growing support for a potential link between heavy metal homeostasis and host switching and reveals potential targets for rational design of new intervention strategies against malaria.
Recent increases in Arctic freshwater flux affects Labrador Sea convection and Atlantic overturning circulation
Authors: Yang Qian , Dixon Timothy H. , Myers Paul G. , Bonin Jennifer , Chambers Don , van den Broeke M. R. , Ribergaard Mads H. , Mortensen John
Published: January 2016

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an important component of ocean thermohaline circulation. Melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is freshening the North Atlantic; however, whether the augmented freshwater flux is disrupting the AMOC is unclear. Dense Labrador Sea Water (LSW), formed by winter cooling of saline North Atlantic water and subsequent convection, is a key component of the deep southward return flow of the AMOC. Although LSW formation recently decreased, it also reached historically high values in the mid-1990s, making the connection to the freshwater flux unclear. Here we derive a new estimate of the recent freshwater flux from Greenland using updated GRACE satellite data, present new flux estimates for heat and salt from the North Atlantic into the Labrador Sea and explain recent variations in LSW formation. We suggest that changes in LSW can be directly linked to recent freshening, and suggest a possible link to AMOC weakening.
Terpene arms race in the Seiridium cardinale – Cupressus sempervirens pathosystem
Authors: Achotegui-Castells Ander , Della Rocca Gianni , Llusià Joan , Danti Roberto , Barberini Sara , Bouneb Mabrouk , Simoni Sauro , Michelozzi Marco , Peñuelas Josep
Published: January 2016

The canker-causing fungus Seiridium cardinale is the major threat to Cupressus sempervirens worldwide. We investigated the production of terpenes by canker-resistant and susceptible cypresses inoculated with S. cardinale, the effect of these terpenes on fungal growth and the defensive biotransformation of the terpenes conducted by the fungus. All infected trees produced de novo terpenes and strongly induced terpenic responses, but the responses were stronger in the canker-resistant than the susceptible trees. In vitro tests for the inhibition of fungal growth indicated that the terpene concentrations of resistant trees were more inhibitory than those of susceptible trees. The highly induced and de novo terpenes exhibited substantial inhibition (more than a fungicide reference) and had a high concentration-dependent inhibition, whereas the most abundant terpenes had a low concentration-dependent inhibition. S. cardinale biotransformed three terpenes and was capable of detoxifying them even outside the fungal mycelium, in its immediate surrounding environment. Our results thus indicated that terpenes were key defences efficiently used by C. sempervirens, but also that S. cardinale is ready for the battle.
On-chip modulation for rotating sensing of gyroscope based on ring resonator coupled with Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Jiayang , Jin Junjie , Lin Jian , Zhao Long , Bi Zhuanfang , Huang Anping , Xiao Zhisong
Published: January 2016

An improving structure for resonance optical gyro inserting a Mach-Zehnder Interferomete (MZI) into coupler region between ring resonator and straight waveguide was proposed. The different reference phase shift parameters in the MZI arms are tunable by thermo-optic effect and can be optimized at every rotation angular rate point without additional phase bias. Four optimum paths are formed to make the gyroscope to work always at the highest sensitivity.
The clinicopathological significance of FHIT hypermethylation in non-small cell lung cancer, a meta-analysis and literature review
Authors: Yan Wei , Xu Ning , Han Xiang , Zhou Xiao-ming , He Bei
Published: January 2016

Emerging evidence indicates that FHIT is a candidate tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the correlation between FHIT hypermethylation and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of FHIT hypermethylation on the incidence of NSCLC and clinicopathological characteristics. Final analysis of 1717 NSCLC patients from 16 eligible studies was performed. FHIT hypermethylation was found to be significantly higher in NSCLC than in normal lung tissue, the pooled OR from 8 studies including 735 NSCLC and 708 normal lung tissue, OR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.15–13.79, p = 0.0003. FHIT hypermethylation was also correlated with sex status, smoking status, as well as pathological types. We did not find that FHIT hypermethylation was correlated with the differentiated types or clinical stages in NSCLC patients. However, patients with FHIT hypermethylation had a lower survival rate than those without, HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.10–2.71, p  = 0.02. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that FHIT hypermethylation is associated with an increased risk and worsen survival in NSCLC patients. FHIT hypermethylation, which induces the inactivation of FHIT gene, plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and clinical outcome and may serve as a potential drug target of NSCLC.
Effects of cycle duration of an external electrostatic field on anammox biomass activity
Authors: Yin Xin , Qiao Sen , Zhou Jiti
Published: January 2016

In this study, the effects of different cycle durations of an external electrostatic field on an anammox biomass were investigated. The total application time per day was 12 h at 2 V/cm for different cycle durations (i.e., continuous application-resting time) of 3 h-3 h, 6 h-6 h and 12 h-12 h. Compared with the control reactor, the nitrogen removal rates (NRRs) increased by 18.7%, 27.4% and 8.50% using an external electrostatic field application with a continuous application time of 3 h, 6 h and 12 h. Moreover, after the reactor was running smoothly for approximately 215 days under the optimal electrostatic field condition (mode 2, continuous application-rest time: 6 h-6 h), the total nitrogen (TN) removal rate reached a peak value of approximately 6468 g-N/m3/d, which was 44.7% higher than the control. The increase in 16S rRNA gene copy numbers, heme c content and enzyme activities were demonstrated to be the main reasons for enhancement of the NRR of the anammox process. Additionally, transmission electron microscope observations proved that a morphological change in the anammox biomass occurred under an electrostatic field application.
Threshold Dependence of Deep- and Near-subwavelength Ripples Formation on Natural MoS2 Induced by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Pan Yusong , Yang Ming , Li Yumei , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Chunling , Zhao Ying , Yao Jianghong , Wu Qiang , Xu Jingjun
Published: January 2016

Deep sub-wavelength ripples (DSRs) and near sub-wavelength ripples (NSRs) with uniform periods of ~160 nm and ~660 nm generated at the MoS2-vacuum interface is reported for the first time by the processing of femtosecond laser (800 nm, 120 fs, 1 kHz) in this paper. The DSRs and NSRs formation fluence thresholds are experimentally determined as 160 mJ/cm2 and 192 mJ/cm2, respectively. In addition, the ripple period is insensitive to the pulse number. Moreover, Raman analyses show that the MoS2 lattice in the irradiated area does not exhibit oxidation at room environment and the crystalline representation is well preserved in NSRs region. We attribute our result to the joint interactions of the spallation and sublimation of layered MoS2 together with the laser induced surface plasmon polaritons and propose an explanation to the threshold dependence of the ripple period. Our study provides some insights for ultrafast laser-matter interactions and indicates a simple effective method for future nano-fabrication of MoS2.
Mechanisms Restricting Diffusion of Intracellular cAMP
Authors: Agarwal Shailesh R. , Clancy Colleen E. , Harvey Robert D.
Published: January 2016

Although numerous receptors stimulate cAMP production in a wide array of cells, many elicit distinct, highly localized responses, implying that the subcellular distribution of cAMP is not uniform. One often used explanation is that phosphodiesterases, which breakdown cAMP, act as functional barriers limiting diffusion. However, several studies refute the notion that this is sufficient, suggesting that phosphodiesterase-independent movement of cAMP must occur at rates slower than free diffusion. But, until now this has never been demonstrated. Using Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), we measured the diffusion coefficient of a fluorescently-labeled cAMP derivative (φ450-cAMP) as well as other fluorescent molecules in order to investigate the role that molecular size, cell morphology and buffering by protein kinase A (PKA) play in restricting cAMP mobility in different cell types. Our results demonstrate that cytosolic movement of cAMP is indeed much slower than the rate of free diffusion and that interactions with PKA, especially type II PKA associated with mitochondria, play a significant role. These findings have important implications with respect to cAMP signaling in all cells.
Authentic role of ATP signaling in micturition reflex
Authors: Takezawa Kentaro , Kondo Makoto , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Ueda Norichika , Soda Tetsuji , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Takao Tetsuya , Miyagawa Yasushi , Tsujimura Akira , Matsumoto-Miyai Kazumasa , Ishida Yusuke , Negoro Hiromitsu , Ogawa Osamu , Nonomura Norio , Shimada Shoichi
Published: January 2016

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a signaling molecule that regulates cellular processes. Based on previous studies of bladder function over the past decade, bladder ATP signaling was thought to have an essential role in the normal micturition reflex. In this study, we performed detailed analyses of bladder function in purinergic receptor-deficient mice using the automated voided stain on paper method and video-urodynamics. Unexpectedly, a lack of P2X2 or P2X3 receptors did not affect bladder function under normal physiological conditions, indicating that bladder ATP signaling is not essential for normal micturition reflex. In contrast, we found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced markedly high levels of ATP release from the urothelium. In addition, LPS-induced rapid bladder hyperactivity was attenuated in P2X2−/− and P2X3−/− mice. Contrary to the previous interpretation, our present findings indicate that bladder ATP signaling has a fundamental role in the micturition reflex, especially in bladder dysfunction, under pathological conditions. Therefore, the bladder ATP signaling pathway might be a highly promising therapeutic target for functional bladder disorders. This study newly defines an authentic role for bladder ATP signaling in the micturition reflex.
Scaling law for electrocaloric temperature change in antiferroelectrics
Authors: Lisenkov S. , Mani B. K. , Glazkova E. , Miller C. W. , Ponomareva I.
Published: January 2016

A combination of theoretical and first-principles computational methods, along with experimental evidence from the literature, were used to predict the existence of a scaling law for the electrocaloric temperature change in antiferroelectric materials. We show that the temperature change scales quadratically with electric field, allowing a simple transformation to collapse the set of ΔT(E) onto a single curve. This offers a unique method that can be used to predict electrocaloric behavior beyond the limits of present measurement ranges or in regions where data are not yet available.
Hypertension associated with venous thromboembolism in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Yang Yuanhua , Chen Wenhui , Liang Lirong , Zhai Zhenguo , Guo Lijuan , Wang Chen ,   China Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Study Group, Zhang Li , Xu Qixia , Jiang Luning , Zhang Xinhong
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with lung cancer that might help estimate an individual’s risk for VTE. A total of 632 unselected patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer were investigated for VTE within the three months prior to recruitment and their major CVD risk factors were assessed at the baseline examination. Eighty-six of the 632 (13.6%) developed a VTE event. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, including age, sex, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and white blood cell count, found that hypertension (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0–3.3) and leukocytosis (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5–4.8) were significantly associated with VTE in different tumor histology models and that hypertension (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.4) and leukocytosis (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5–4.7) were also significantly associated with VTE in different tumor stage models. Leukocytosis was linearly associated with hypertension and VTE (P for trend = 0.006) and the ORs for VTE increased with leukocytosis (all P for trend <0.05). In conclusion, hypertension increased the risk of VTE in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer, which may be mediated by the presence of inflammation.
Raman fingerprint for semi-metal WTe2 evolving from bulk to monolayer
Authors: Jiang Y. C. , Gao J. , Wang L.
Published: January 2016

Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2), a layered transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD), has recently demonstrated an extremely large magnetoresistance effect, which is unique among TMDs. This fascinating feature seems to be correlated with its special electronic structure. Here, we report the observation of 6 Raman peaks corresponding to the "Equation missing", "Equation missing", "Equation missing", "Equation missing", "Equation missing"and "Equation missing"phonons, from the 33 Raman-active modes predicted for WTe2. This provides direct evidence to distinguish the space group of WTe2from those of other TMDs. Moreover, the Raman evolution of WTe2from bulk to monolayer is clearly revealed. It is interesting to find that the "Equation missing"mode, centered at ~109.8 cm−1, is forbidden in a monolayer, which may be attributable to the transition of the point group fromC2v(bulk) toC2h(monolayer). Our work characterizes all observed Raman peaks in the bulk and few-layer samples and provides a route to study the physical properties of two-dimensional WTe2.
Insights into the geometries, electronic and magnetic properties of neutral and charged palladium clusters
Authors: Xing Xiaodong , Hermann Andreas , Kuang Xiaoyu , Ju Meng , Lu Cheng , Jin Yuanyuan , Xia Xinxin , Maroulis George
Published: January 2016

We performed an unbiased structure search for low-lying energetic minima of neutral and charged palladium PdnQ (n = 2–20, Q = 0, + 1 and –1) clusters using CALYPSO method in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The main candidates for the lowest energy neutral, cationic and anionic clusters are identified and several new candidate structures for the cationic and anionic ground states are obtained. It is found that the ground state structures of small palladium clusters are more sensitive to the charge states. For the medium size Pdn0/+/– (n = 16–20) clusters, a fcc-like growth behavior is found. The structural transition from bilayer-like structures to cage-like structures is likely to occur at n = 14 for the neutral and cationic clusters. In contrast, for the anionic counterparts, the structural transition occurs at Pd13–. The photoelectron spectra (PES) of palladium clusters are simulated based on the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method and compared with the experimental data. The good agreement between the experimental PES and simulated spectra provides us unequivocal structural information to fully solve the global minimum structures, allowing for new molecular insights into the chemical interactions in the Pd cages.
Photoactivated adenylyl cyclase (PAC) reveals novel mechanisms underlying cAMP-dependent axonal morphogenesis
Authors: Zhou Zhiwen , Tanaka Kenji F. , Matsunaga Shigeru , Iseki Mineo , Watanabe Masakatsu , Matsuki Norio , Ikegaya Yuji , Koyama Ryuta
Published: January 2016

Spatiotemporal regulation of axonal branching and elongation is essential in the development of refined neural circuits. cAMP is a key regulator of axonal growth; however, whether and how intracellular cAMP regulates axonal branching and elongation remain unclear, mainly because tools to spatiotemporally manipulate intracellular cAMP levels have been lacking. To overcome this issue, we utilized photoactivated adenylyl cyclase (PAC), which produces cAMP in response to blue-light exposure. In primary cultures of dentate granule cells transfected with PAC, short-term elevation of intracellular cAMP levels induced axonal branching but not elongation, whereas long-term cAMP elevation induced both axonal branching and elongation. The temporal dynamics of intracellular cAMP levels regulated axonal branching and elongation through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), respectively. Thus, using PAC, our study for the first time reveals that temporal cAMP dynamics could regulate axonal branching and elongation via different signaling pathways.
Vertical uniformity of cells and nuclei in epithelial monolayers
Authors: Neelam Srujana , Hayes Peter Robert , Zhang Qiao , Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: January 2016

Morphological variability in cytoskeletal organization, organelle position and cell boundaries is a common feature of cultured cells. Remarkable uniformity and reproducibility in structure can be accomplished by providing cells with defined geometric cues. Cells in tissues can also self-organize in the absence of directing extracellular cues; however the mechanical principles for such self-organization are not understood. We report that unlike horizontal shapes, the vertical shapes of the cell and nucleus in the z-dimension are uniform in cells in cultured monolayers compared to isolated cells. Apical surfaces of cells and their nuclei in monolayers were flat and heights were uniform. In contrast, isolated cells, or cells with disrupted cell-cell adhesions had nuclei with curved apical surfaces and variable heights. Isolated cells cultured within micron-sized square wells displayed flat cell and nuclear shapes similar to cells in monolayers. Local disruption of nuclear-cytoskeletal linkages resulted in spatial variation in vertical uniformity. These results suggest that competition between cell-cell pulling forces that expand and shorten the vertical cell cross-section, thereby widening and flattening the nucleus and the resistance of the nucleus to further flattening results in uniform cell and nuclear cross-sections. Our results reveal the mechanical principles of self-organized vertical uniformity in cell monolayers.
Leaf morphological and anatomical traits from tropical to temperate coniferous forests: Mechanisms and influencing factors
Authors: Tian Miao , Yu Guirui , He Nianpeng , Hou Jihua
Published: January 2016

Leaf traits may reflect the adaptation mechanisms of plants to the environment. In this study, we investigated leaf morphological and anatomical traits in nine cold-temperate to tropical forests along a 4,200-km transect to test how they vary across latitudinal gradients. The results showed that leaf dry weight decreased (P < 0.05), while specific leaf area (SLA) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing latitude. Stomatal length and stomatal density did not change significantly, while stomatal pore area index increased (P < 0.05) with increasing latitude. The palisade-leaf mesophyll thickness ratio increased (P < 0.01), while the spongy-leaf mesophyll thickness ratio decreased, with increasing latitude (P < 0.01). Climate and leaf nutrients were the main factors that regulated leaf morphological and anatomical traits. Furthermore, we identified positive correlations between leaf area and leaf dry weight, leaf thickness and palisade mesophyll thickness, but negative correlations between stomatal length and stomatal density (all P < 0.01). The observed negative correlations represented the adaptive mechanisms of leaves through their morphological and anatomical traits. These findings provided new insights into the responses of leaf morphological and anatomical traits to climate changes and important parameters for future model optimization.
Printability of alloys for additive manufacturing
Authors: Mukherjee T. , Zuback J. S. , De A. , DebRoy T.
Published: January 2016

Although additive manufacturing (AM), or three dimensional (3D) printing, provides significant advantages over existing manufacturing techniques, metallic parts produced by AM are susceptible to distortion, lack of fusion defects and compositional changes. Here we show that the printability, or the ability of an alloy to avoid these defects, can be examined by developing and testing appropriate theories. A theoretical scaling analysis is used to test vulnerability of various alloys to thermal distortion. A theoretical kinetic model is used to examine predisposition of different alloys to AM induced compositional changes. A well-tested numerical heat transfer and fluid flow model is used to compare susceptibilities of various alloys to lack of fusion defects. These results are tested and validated with independent experimental data. The findings presented in this paper are aimed at achieving distortion free, compositionally sound and well bonded metallic parts.
The Arabidopsis glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR) forms a ternary complex with FLU and GluTR-binding protein
Authors: Fang Ying , Zhao Shun , Zhang Feilong , Zhao Aiguo , Zhang Wenxia , Zhang Min , Liu Lin
Published: January 2016

Tetrapyrrole biosynthesis is an essential and tightly regulated process and glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR) is a key target for multiple regulatory factors at the post-translational level. By binding to the thylakoid membrane protein FLUORESCENT (FLU) or the soluble stromal GluTR-binding protein (GBP), the activity of GluTR is down- or up-regulated. Here, we reconstructed a ternary complex composed of the C-terminal tetratricopepetide-repeat domain of FLU, GBP and GluTR, crystallized and solved the structure of the complex at 3.2 Å. The overall structure resembles the shape of merged two binary complexes as previously reported and shows a large conformational change within GluTR. We also demonstrated that GluTR binds tightly with GBP but does not bind to GSAM under the same condition. These findings allow us to suggest a biological role of the ternary complex for the regulation of plant GluTR.
Reforestation in southern China: revisiting soil N mineralization and nitrification after 8 years restoration
Authors: Mo Qifeng , Li Zhi’an , Zhu Weixing , Zou Bi , Li Yingwen , Yu Shiqin , Ding Yongzhen , Chen Yao , Li Xiaobo , Wang Faming
Published: January 2016

Nitrogen availability and tree species selection play important roles in reforestation. However, long-term field studies on the effects and mechanisms of tree species composition on N transformation are very limited. Eight years after tree seedlings were planted in a field experiment, we revisited the site and tested how tree species composition affects the dynamics of N mineralization and nitrification. Both tree species composition and season significantly influenced the soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON). N-fixing Acacia crassicarpa monoculture had the highest DON and 10-mixed species plantation had the highest DOC. The lowest DOC and DON concentrations were both observed in Eucalyptus urophylla monoculture. The tree species composition also significantly affected net N mineralization rates. The highest rate of net N mineralization was found in A. crassicarpa monoculture, which was over twice than that in Castanopsis hystrix monoculture. The annual net N mineralization rates of 10-mixed and 30-mixed plantations were similar as that of N-fixing monoculture. Since mixed plantations have good performance in increasing soil DOC, DON, N mineralization and plant biodiversity, we recommend that mixed species plantations should be used as a sustainable approach for the restoration of degraded land in southern China.
Comparative proteomics reveals abnormal binding of ATGL and dysferlin on lipid droplets from pressure overload-induced dysfunctional rat hearts
Authors: Li Linghai , Zhang Huina , Wang Weiyi , Hong Yun , Wang Jifeng , Zhang Shuyan , Xu Shimeng , Shu Qingbo , Li Juanfen , Yang Fuquan , Zheng Min , Qian Zongjie , Liu Pingsheng
Published: January 2016

Excessive retention of neutral lipids in cardiac lipid droplets (LDs) is a common observation in cardiomyopathy. Thus, the systematic investigation of the cardiac LD proteome will help to dissect the underlying mechanisms linking cardiac steatosis and myocardial dysfunction. Here, after isolation of LDs from normal and dysfunctional Sprague-Dawley rat hearts, we identified 752 heart-associated LD proteins using iTRAQ quantitative proteomic method, including 451 proteins previously unreported on LDs. The most noteworthy finding was the identification of the membrane resealing protein, dysferlin. An analysis of dysferlin truncation mutants indicated that its C2 domain was responsible for its LD localization. Quantitative proteomic results further determined that 27 proteins were increased and 16 proteins were decreased in LDs from post pressure overload-induced dysfunctional hearts, compared with normal hearts. Notably, adipose triacylglycerol lipase (ATGL) was dramatically decreased and dysferlin was substantially increased on dysfunctional cardiac LDs. This study for the first time reveals the dataset of the heart LD proteome in healthy tissue and the variation of it under cardiac dysfunction. These findings highlight an association between the altered LD protein localization of dysferlin and ATGL and myocardial dysfunction.
Signal-off impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Wan Jingzhuan , Ai Junjie , Zhang Yonghua , Geng Xiaohui , Gao Qiang , Cheng Zhiliang
Published: January 2016

A signal-off impedimetric immune-biosensor based on gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-mediated electron transfer (ET) across a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was the developed for highly sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria. The biosensor was fabricated by covalently grafting an anti-Escherichia coli O157:H7 antibody onto SAM-modified gold electrodes. Following bacterial capture, the sensor was further modified by the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Due to the strong interaction between AuNPs and Escherichia coli O157:H7, AuNPs attached to the surface of the bacteria and acted as ET pathways across the insulating SAMs on the electrode surface, resulting in a significant reduction of the electron transfer resistance (Ret) between the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox probe in the solution and the substrate gold surface. Therefore, the attachment AuNPs to captured bacteria significantly enhanced the sensitivity for Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria detection.
Inhibition of Inflammation and iNOS Improves Lymphatic Function in Obesity
Authors: Torrisi Jeremy S. , Hespe Geoffrey E. , Cuzzone Daniel A. , Savetsky Ira L. , Nitti Matthew D. , Gardenier Jason C. , García Nores Gabriela D. , Jowhar Dawit , Kataru Raghu P. , Mehrara Babak J.
Published: January 2016

Although recent studies have shown that obesity decreases lymphatic function, the cellular mechanisms regulating this response remain unknown. In the current study, we show that obesity results in perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory cells and that local inhibition of this response with topical tacrolimus, an inhibitor of T cell differentiation, increases lymphatic vessel density, decreases perilymphatic iNOS expression, increases lymphatic vessel pumping frequency and restores lymphatic clearance of interstitial fluid to normal levels. Although treatment of obese mice with 1400W, a selective inhibitor of iNOS, also improved lymphatic collecting vessel contractile function, it did not completely reverse lymphatic defects. Mice deficient in CD4+ cells fed a high fat diet also gained weight relative to controls but were protected from lymphatic dysfunction. Taken together, our findings suggest that obesity-mediated lymphatic dysfunction is regulated by perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory cells and that T cell inflammatory responses are necessary to initiate this effect.
In vivo vascularization of MSC-loaded porous hydroxyapatite constructs coated with VEGF-functionalized collagen/heparin multilayers
Authors: Jin Kai , Li Bo , Lou Lixia , Xu Yufeng , Ye Xin , Yao Ke , Ye Juan , Gao Changyou
Published: January 2016

Rapid and adequate vascularization is vital to the long-term success of porous orbital enucleation implants. In this study, porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds coated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-functionalized collagen (COL)/heparin (HEP) multilayers (porosity 75%, pore size 316.8 ± 77.1 μm, VEGF dose 3.39 ng/mm3) were fabricated to enhance vascularization by inducing the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to endothelial cells. The in vitro immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting results demonstrated that the expression of the endothelial differentiation markers CD31, Flk-1 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) was significantly increased in the HA/(COL/HEP)5/VEGF/MSCs group compared with the HA/VEGF/MSCs group. Moreover, the HA/(COL/HEP)5 scaffolds showed a better entrapment of the MSCs and accelerated cell proliferation. The in vivo assays showed that the number of newly formed vessels within the constructs after 28 d was significantly higher in the HA/(COL/HEP)5/VEGF/MSCs group (51.9 ± 6.3/mm2) than in the HA (26.7 ± 2.3/mm2) and HA/VEGF/MSCs (38.2 ± 2.4/mm2) groups. The qRT-PCR and western blotting results demonstrated that the HA/(COL/HEP)5/VEGF/MSCs group also had the highest expression of CD31, Flk-1 and vWF at both the mRNA and protein levels.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel eco-friendly corrosion inhibition for mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Binti Kassim Fatin A. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: January 2016

The acid corrosion inhibition process of mild steel in 1 M HCl by azelaic acid dihydrazide has been investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM). Azelaic acid dihydrazide was synthesized and its chemical structure was elucidated and confirmed using spectroscopic techniques (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy). Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicate that azelaic acid dihydrazide is a mixed-type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency increases with increased inhibitor concentration and reaches its maximum of 93% at 5 × 10−3M. The adsorption of the inhibitor on a mild steel surface obeys Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on corrosion behavior in the presence of 5 × 10−3M inhibitor was studied in the temperature range of 30–60 °C. The results indicated that inhibition efficiencies were enhanced with an increase in concentration of inhibitor and decreased with a rise in temperature. To inspect the surface morphology of inhibitor film on the mild steel surface, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used before and after immersion in 1.0 M HCl.
Effects of Chronic Low-Dose Radiation on Human Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Katsura Mari , Cyou-Nakamine Hiromasa , Zen Qin , Zen Yang , Nansai Hiroko , Amagasa Shota , Kanki Yasuharu , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Kaneki Kiyomi , Taguchi Akashi , Kobayashi Mika , Kaji Toshiyuki , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Miyagawa Kiyoshi , Wada Youichiro , Akimitsu Nobuyoshi , Sone Hideko
Published: January 2016

The effects of chronic low-dose radiation on human health have not been well established. Recent studies have revealed that neural progenitor cells are present not only in the fetal brain but also in the adult brain. Since immature cells are generally more radiosensitive, here we investigated the effects of chronic low-dose radiation on cultured human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) derived from embryonic stem cells. Radiation at low doses of 31, 124 and 496 mGy per 72 h was administered to hNPCs. The effects were estimated by gene expression profiling with microarray analysis as well as morphological analysis. Gene expression was dose-dependently changed by radiation. By thirty-one mGy of radiation, inflammatory pathways involving interferon signaling and cell junctions were altered. DNA repair and cell adhesion molecules were affected by 124 mGy of radiation while DNA synthesis, apoptosis, metabolism and neural differentiation were all affected by 496 mGy of radiation. These in vitro results suggest that 496 mGy radiation affects the development of neuronal progenitor cells while altered gene expression was observed at a radiation dose lower than 100 mGy. This study would contribute to the elucidation of the clinical and subclinical phenotypes of impaired neuronal development induced by chronic low-dose radiation.
A green surfactant-assisted synthesis of hierarchical TS-1 zeolites with excellent catalytic properties for oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Du Shuting , Li Fen , Sun Qiming , Wang Ning , Jia Mingjun , Yu Jihong
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical TS-1 zeolites with intracrystalline mesopores are synthesized via a green surfactant-assisted route, showing excellent performance in oxidative desulfurization.
A highly photoconductive composite prepared by incorporating polyoxometalate into perovskite for photodetection application
Authors: Zhang Yuzhuo , Tao Ran , Zhao Xuemin , Sun Zhixia , Wang Yanju , Xu Lin
Published: January 2016

The perovskite–polyoxometalate composite displayed better photoconductivity and photodetction performance than pristine perovskite.
Voltage-responsive single-chain polymer nanoparticles via host–guest interaction
Authors: Wang Fei , Pu Hongting , Che Xuan
Published: January 2016

Poly(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide) with pendant β-cyclodextrin is synthesized and intramolecularly crosslinked with bridged bis(ferrocene). This supramolecular nanoparticle can be changed reversibly between a coil and a nanoparticle upon external voltage stimuli.
Cylindrical dye-sensitized solar cells with high efficiency and stability over time and incident angle
Authors: Tang Qunwei , Zhang Lei , He Benlin , Yu Liangmin , Yang Peizhi
Published: January 2016

The presented cylindrical dye-sensitized solar cells are remarkably stable over time and incident angle.