bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multisegmented Nanowires: a Step towards the Control of the Domain Wall Configuration
Authors: Berganza E. , Jaafar M. , Bran C. , Fernández-Roldán J. A. , Chubykalo-Fesenko O. , Vázquez M. , Asenjo A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCylindrical nanowires synthesized by controlled electrodeposition constitute excellent strategic candidates to engineer magnetic domain configurations. In this work, multisegmented CoNi/Ni nanowires are synthesized for tailoring a periodic magnetic structure determined by the balance between magnetocrystalline and magnetostatic energies. High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy confirms the segmented growth and the sharp transition between layers. Although both CoNi and Ni segments have similar fcc cubic crystal symmetry, their magnetic configuration is quite different as experimentally revealed by Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) imaging. While the Ni segments are single domain with axial magnetization direction, the CoNi segments present two main configurations: a single vortex state or a complex multivortex magnetic configuration, which is further interpreted with the help of micromagnetic simulations. This original outcome is ascribed to the tight competition between anisotropies. The almost monocrystalline fcc structure of the CoNi segments, as revealed by the electron diffraction patterns, which is atypical for its composition, contributes to balance the magnetocrystalline and shape anisotropies. The results of MFM measurements performed under in-plane magnetic field demonstrate that it is possible to switch from the multivortex configuration to a single vortex configuration with low magnetic fields.
Exposure to genetically engineered olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) has no negative impact on three non-target organisms
Authors: Marubbi Thea , Cassidy Clare , Miller Esther , Koukidou Martha , Martin-Rendon Enca , Warner Simon , Loni Augusto , Beech Camilla 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) remains a major pest of olive fruit production worldwide. Current pest management programs largely depend on chemical insecticides, resulting in high economic and environmental costs. Alternative pest control approaches are therefore highly desirable. We have created a conditional female-specific self-limiting strain of B. oleae (OX3097D-Bol) that could be applied for sustainable pest control. OX3097D-Bol olive fly carries a fluorescent marker (DsRed2) for identification and a self-limiting genetic trait that is repressed by tetracycline. In the absence of tetracycline, the tetracycline transactivator (tTAV) accumulates, resulting in female death at larvae and early pupal stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of genetically engineered OX3097D-Bol olive fly on three non-target organisms that either predate or parasitize olive flies, one from the guild of parasitoids (Psyttalia concolor) and two from the guild of predators (Pardosa spider species and the rove beetle Aleochara bilineata). No significant negative effect was observed on life history parameters, mortality and reproductive capacity of the non-target organisms studied. These results suggest that potential exposure to DsRed2 and tTAV gene products (e.g. mRNA and encoded proteins) would have a negligible impact on on-target organisms in the guilds or predators and parasitoids.
On current transients in MoS2 Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Macucci Massimo , Tambellini Gerry , Ovchinnikov Dmitry , Kis Andras , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fiori Gianluca 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present an experimental investigation of slow transients in the gate and drain currents of MoS2-based transistors. We focus on the measurement of both the gate and drain currents and, from the comparative analysis of the current transients, we conclude that there are at least two independent trapping mechanisms: trapping of charges in the silicon oxide substrate, occurring with time constants of the order of tens of seconds and involving charge motion orthogonal to the MoS2 sheet, and trapping at the channel surface, which occurs with much longer time constants, in particular when the device is in a vacuum. We observe that the presence of such slow phenomena makes it very difficult to perform reliable low-frequency noise measurements, requiring a stable and repeatable steady-state bias point condition, and may explain the sometimes contradictory results that can be found in the literature about the dependence of the flicker noise power spectral density on gate bias.
Complete reperfusion is required for maximal benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients
Authors: Chamorro Ángel , Blasco Jordi , López Antonio , Amaro Sergio , Román Luis San , Llull Laura , Renú Arturo , Rudilosso Salvatore , Laredo Carlos , Obach Victor , Urra Xabier , Planas Anna M. , Leira Enrique C. , Macho Juan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA mTICI 2b or a mTICI 3 score are currently considered success following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute stroke but is undetermined whether the two scores translate equivalent outcomes. We present a single-center, retrospective cohort of patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with MT and achieving a final mTICI score 2b or 3. A multimodal CT at baseline and a multimodal MRI at 24 hours assessed the growth of the infarct, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) assessed functional outcome at 90 days. The primary outcome was the shift analysis of the mRS at day 90 in ordinal regression adjusted for covariates (age, sex, pretreatment NIHSS score, target occlusion, infarct core, pretreatment alteplase), and the collateral score. Infarct growth was explored in a similarly adjusted multiple linear regression model. MT was started within a median of 285 minutes of symptom onset; 51 (41%) patients achieved a mTICI 2b, and 74 (59%), a mTICI 3. mTICI 3 resulted in better mRS score transitions than mTICI 2b (odds ratio 2.018 [95% CI 1.033–3.945], p = 0. 040), and reduced infarct growth (p = 0.002). We conclude that in patients with acute stroke receiving MT, success should be redefined as achieving a mTICI 3 score.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left dorsolateral premotor cortex (dPMC) interferes with rhythm reproduction
Authors: Pollok B. , Overhagen C. L. , Keitel A. , Krause V. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMovement timing in the sub-second range engages a brain network comprising cortical and sub-cortical areas. The present study aims at investigating the functional significance of the left dorsolateral premotor cortex (dPMC) for precise movement timing as determined by sensorimotor synchronization and rhythm reproduction. To this end, 18 healthy volunteers performed an auditorily paced synchronization-continuation task with the right hand. A simple reaction time task served as control condition. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was applied over the left dPMC in order to modulate cortical excitability either with anodal or cathodal polarity or as sham stimulation. TDCS was applied for 10 minutes, respectively on separate days. For the continuation task the analysis revealed significantly smaller inter-tap intervals (ITIs) following cathodal tDCS suggesting movement hastening as well as a trend towards larger ITIs following anodal stimulation suggesting movement slowing. No significant effect was found following sham stimulation. Neither for synchronization nor for reaction time tasks significant polarity-specific effects emerged. The data suggest the causal involvement of the dPMC in temporally precisereproduction of isochronous rhythms rather than sensorimotor synchronization. The present findings support the hypothesis that different cortical brain areas within the motor-control-network distinctively contribute to movement timing in the sub-second range.
Kinetic adaptation of human Myo19 for active mitochondrial transport to growing filopodia tips
Authors: Ušaj Marko , Henn Arnon 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMyosins are actin-based molecular motors which are enzymatically adapted for their cellular functions such as transportation and membrane tethering. Human Myo19 affects mitochondrial motility, and promotes their localization to stress-induced filopodia. Therefore, studying Myo19 enzymology is essential to understand how this motor may facilitate mitochondrial motility. Towards this goal, we have purified Myo19 motor domain (Myo19-3IQ) from a human-cell expression system and utilized transient kinetics to study the Myo19-3IQ ATPase cycle. We found that Myo19-3IQ exhibits noticeable conformational changes (isomerization steps) preceding both ATP and ADP binding, which may contribute to nucleotide binding r﻿egulation. Notably, the ADP isomerization step and subsequent ADP release contribute significantly to the rate-limiting step of the Myo19-3IQ ATPase cycle. Both the slow ADP isomerization and ADP release prolong the time Myo19-3IQ spend in the strong actin binding state and hence contribute to its relatively high duty ratio. However, the predicted duty ratio is lower than required to support motility as a monomer. Therefore, it may be that several Myo19 motors are required to propel mitochondria movement on actin filaments efficiently. Finally, we provide a model explaining how Myo19 translocation may be regulated by the local ATP/ADP ratio, coupled to the mitochondria presence in the filopodia.
Role of tumor necrosis factor–α and its receptors in diesel exhaust particle-induced pulmonary inflammation
Authors: Kumar Smitha , Joos Guy , Boon Louis , Tournoy Kurt , Provoost Sharen , Maes Tania 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInhalation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induces an inflammatory reaction in the lung. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that operates by binding to tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2). The role of TNF-α signaling and the importance of either TNFR1 or TNFR2 in the DEP-induced inflammatory response has not yet been elucidated. TNF-α knockout (KO), TNFR1 KO, TNFR2 KO, TNFR1/TNFR2 double KO (TNFR-DKO) and wild type (WT) mice were intratracheally exposed to saline or DEP. Pro-inflammatory cells and cytokines were assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Exposure to DEP induced a dose-dependent inflammation in the BALF in WT mice. In addition, levels of TNF-α and its soluble receptors were increased upon exposure to DEP. The DEP-induced inflammation in the BALF was decreased in TNF-α KO, TNFR-DKO and TNFR2 KO mice. In contrast, the inflammatory response in the BALF of DEP-exposed TNFR1 KO mice was largely comparable with WT controls. In conclusion, these data provide evidence for a regulatory role of TNF-α in DEP-induced pulmonary inflammation and identify TNFR2 as the most important receptor in mediating these inflammatory effects.
Coprophagous features in carnivorous Nepenthes plants: a task for ureases
Authors: Yilamujiang Ayufu , Zhu Anting , Ligabue-Braun Rodrigo , Bartram Stefan , Witte Claus-Peter , Hedrich Rainer , Hasabe Mitsuyasu , Schöner Caroline R. , Schöner Michael G. , Kerth Gerald , Carlini Célia R. , Mithöfer Axel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMost terrestrial carnivorous plants are specialized on insect prey digestion to obtain additional nutrients. Few species of the genus Nepenthes developed mutualistic relationships with mammals for nitrogen supplementation. Whether dietary changes require certain enzymatic composition to utilize new sources of nutrients has rarely been tested. Here, we investigated the role of urease for Nepenthes hemsleyana that gains nitrogen from the bat Kerivoula hardwickii while it roosts inside the pitchers. We hypothesized that N. hemsleyana is able to use urea from the bats’ excrements. In fact, we demonstrate that 15N-enriched urea provided to Nepenthes pitchers is metabolized and its nitrogen is distributed within the plant. As ureases are necessary to degrade urea, these hydrolytic enzymes should be involved. We proved the presence and enzymatic activity of a urease for Nepenthes plant tissues. The corresponding urease cDNA from N. hemsleyana was isolated and functionally expressed. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for eukaryotic ureases, including Nepenthes and five other carnivorous plants’ taxa, identified them as canonical ureases and reflects the plant phylogeny. Hence, this study reveals ureases as an emblematic example for an efficient, low-cost but high adaptive plasticity in plants while developing a further specialized lifestyle from carnivory to coprophagy.
Time-resolved analysis of DNA-protein interactions in living cells by UV laser pulses
Authors: Nebbioso Angela , Benedetti Rosaria , Conte Mariarosaria , Carafa Vincenzo , De Bellis Floriana , Shaik Jani , Matarese Filomena , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Gesuele Felice , Velotta Raffaele , Martens Joost H. A. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Altucci Carlo , Altucci Lucia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInteractions between DNA and proteins are mainly studied through chemical procedures involving bi-functional reagents, mostly formaldehyde. Chromatin immunoprecipitation is used to identify the binding between transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin, and to evaluate the occurrence and impact of histone/DNA modifications. The current bottleneck in probing DNA-protein interactions using these approaches is caused by the fact that chemical crosslinkers do not discriminate direct and indirect bindings or short-lived chromatin occupancy. Here, we describe a novel application of UV laser-induced (L-) crosslinking and demonstrate that a combination of chemical and L-crosslinking is able to distinguish between direct and indirect DNA-protein interactions in a small number of living cells. The spatial and temporal dynamics of TF bindings to chromatin and their role in gene expression regulation may thus be assessed. The combination of chemical and L-crosslinking offers an exciting and unprecedented tool for biomedical applications.
Changes in CD73, CD39 and CD26 expression on T-lymphocytes of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients suggest impairment in adenosine generation and turn-over
Authors: Kling Lovis , Benck Urs , Breedijk Annette , Leikeim Lisa , Heitzmann Marianne , Porubsky Stefan , Krämer Bernhard K. , Yard Benito A. , Kälsch Anna-Isabelle 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExtracellular adenosine, generated via the concerted action of CD39 and CD73, contributes to T-cell differentiation and function. Adenosine concentrations are furthermore influenced by adenosine deaminase binding protein CD26. Because aberrant T-cell phenotypes had been reported in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic auto-antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients, an impaired expression of these molecules on T-cells of AAV patients was hypothesized in the present study. While in AAV patients (n = 29) CD26 was increased on CD4+lymphocytes, CD39 and CD73 were generally reduced on patients’ T-cells. In CD4+cells significant differences in CD73 expression were confined to memory CD45RA-cells, while in CD4-lymphocytes differences were significant in both naïve CD45RA+and memory CD45RA-cells. The percentage of CD4-CD73+cells correlated with micro-RNA (miR)−31 expression, a putative regulator of factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (FIH-1), inversely with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and positively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). No correlation with disease activity, duration, and ANCA profile was found. It remains to be assessed if a decreased CD73 and CD39 expression underlies functional impairment of lymphocytes in AAV patients. Likewise, the relations between frequencies of CD4-CD73+cells and serum CRP or eGFR require further functional elucidation.
Differential regulation of vaginal lipocalins (OBP, MUP) during the estrous cycle of the house mouse
Authors: Černá Martina , Kuntová Barbora , Talacko Pavel , Stopková Romana , Stopka Pavel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFemale house mice produce pheromone-carrying major urinary proteins (MUPs) in a cycling manner, thus reaching the maximum urinary production just before ovulation. This is thought to occur to advertise the time of ovulation via deposited urine marks. This study aimed to characterize the protein content from the house mouse vaginal flushes to detect putative vaginal-advertising molecules for a direct identification of reproductive states. Here we show that the mouse vaginal discharge contains lipocalins including those from the odorant binding (OBP) and major urinary (MUP) protein families. OBPs were highly expressed but only slightly varied throughout the cycle, whilst several MUPs were differentially abundant. MUP20 or ‘darcin’, was thought to be expressed only by males. However, in females it was significantly up-regulated during estrus similarly as the recently duplicated central/group-B MUPs (sMUP17 and highly expressed sMUP9), which in the mouse urine are male biased. MUPs rise between proestrus and estrus, remain steady throughout metestrus, and are co-expressed with antimicrobial proteins. Thus, we suggest that MUPs and potentially also OBPs are important components of female vaginal advertising of the house mouse.
SOX9 Regulates Cancer Stem-Like Properties and Metastatic Potential of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Exposed Cells
Authors: Voronkova Maria A. , Luanpitpong Sudjit , Rojanasakul Liying Wang , Castranova Vincent , Dinu Cerasela Zoica , Riedel Heimo , Rojanasakul Yon 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEngineered nanomaterials hold great promise for the future development of innovative products but their adverse health effects are a major concern. Recent studies have indicated that certain nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), may be carcinogenic. However, the underlying mechanisms behind their potential malignant properties remain unclear. In this study, we linked SOX9, a stem cell associated transcription factor, to the neoplastic-like properties of human lung epithelial cells chronically exposed to a low-dose of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). We found that SOX9 is upregulated in SWCNT-exposed cells, which is consistent with their abilities to induce tumor formation and metastasis in vivo. We therefore hypothesized that SOX9 overexpression may be responsible for the neoplastic-like phenotype observed in our model. Indeed, SOX9 knockdown inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro and lung colonization in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. SOX9 depletion also suppressed the formation of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), as determined by tumor sphere formation and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity (Aldefluor) assays. Furthermore, SOX9 knockdown suppressed tumor metastasis and the expression of the stem cell marker ALDH1A1. Taken together, our findings provide a mechanistic insight into SWCNT-induced carcinogenesis and the role of SOX9 in CSC regulation and metastasis.
Low temperature plasma promoting fibroblast proliferation by activating the NF-κB pathway and increasing cyclinD1 expression
Authors: Liu Jin-Ren , Xu Gui-Min , Shi Xing-Min , Zhang Guan-Jun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe potential applications of low temperature plasma (LTP) in wound healing have aroused the concern of many researchers. In this study, an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet was applied to generate LTP for treatment of murine fibroblast cell (L929) culturedin vitroto investigate the effect of NF-κB pathway on fibroblast proliferation. The results showed that, compared with the control, L929 cells treated with plasma for less than 20 s had significant increases of proliferation; the productions of intracellular ROS, O2−and NO increased with prolongation of LTP treatment time; NF-κB pathway was activated by LTP in a proper dose range, and the expression of cyclinD1 in LTP-treated cells increased with the same trend as cell proliferation. After RNA interference to block p65 expression, with the same treatment time, RNAi-treated cells proliferated more slowly and expressed less cyclinD1 than normal cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) markedly prevented the plasma-induced changes in cells. In conclusion, the proliferation of L929 cells induced by LTP was closely related to NF-κB signaling pathway, which might be activated by appropriate level of intracellular ROS. These novel findings can provide some theoretical reference of LTP inducing cell proliferation and promoting wound healing.
Plasmon-Coupled Whispering Gallery Modes on Nanodisk Arrays for Signal Enhancements
Authors: Kang Tae Young , Lee Wonju , Ahn Heesang , Shin Dong-Myeong , Kim Chang-Seok , Oh Jin-Woo , Kim Donghyun , Kim Kyujung 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMetallic nanostructures including single and double nanodisks are successfully used to enhance the localized electric field in vicinity of microcavity in whispering gallery mode (WGM) sensor. We demonstrate numerical calculations of plasmonic coupling of WGMs to single and double nanodisk arrays on a planar substrate. We then experimentally confirmed that the resonance wavelength of WGM sensor was dramatically shifted by adoption of single and double nanodisks on the surface of microcavity in the WGM sensor. Thus, our approach provides the tunable sensitivity of WGM sensor, and has a great potential to be used in numerous areas where the single biomolecule, protein-protein folding and biomolecular interactions are involved.
Enhancement of the Device Performance and the Stability with a Homojunction-structured Tungsten Indium Zinc Oxide Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Park Hyun-Woo , Song Aeran , Choi Dukhyun , Kim Hyung-Jun , Kwon Jang-Yeon , Chung Kwun-Bum 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTungsten-indium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (WIZO-TFTs) were fabricated using a radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering system with two types of source/drain (S/D)-electrode material of conducting WIZO (homojunction structure) and the indium-tin oxide (ITO) (heterojunction structure) on the same WIZO active-channel layer. The electrical properties of the WIZO layers used in the S/D electrode and the active-channel layer were adjusted through oxygen partial pressure during the deposition process. To explain enhancements of the device performance and stability of the homojunction-structured WIZO-TFT, a systematic investigation of correlation between device performance and physical properties at the interface between the active layer and the S/D electrodes such as the contact resistance, surface/interfacial roughness, interfacial-trap density, and interfacial energy-level alignments was conducted. The homojunction-structured WIZO-TFT exhibited a lower contact resistance, smaller interfacial-trap density, and flatter interfacial roughness than the WIZO-TFT with the heterojunction structure. The 0.09 eV electron barrier of the homojunction-structured WIZO-TFT is lower than the 0.21 eV value that was obtained for the heterojunction-structured WIZO-TFT. This reduced electron barrier may be attributed to enhancements of device performance and stability, that are related to the carrier transport.