bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultraflexible organic amplifier with biocompatible gel electrodes
Authors: Sekitani Tsuyoshi , Yokota Tomoyuki , Kuribara Kazunori , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Fukushima Takanori , Inoue Yusuke , Sekino Masaki , Isoyama Takashi , Abe Yusuke , Onodera Hiroshi , Someya Takao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn vivo electronic monitoring systems are promising technology to obtain biosignals with high spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of a biocompatible highly conductive gel composite comprising multi-walled carbon nanotube-dispersed sheet with an aqueous hydrogel. This gel composite exhibits admittance of 100 mS cm−2 and maintains high admittance even in a low-frequency range. On implantation into a living hypodermal tissue for 4 weeks, it showed a small foreign-body reaction compared with widely used metal electrodes. Capitalizing on the multi-functional gel composite, we fabricated an ultrathin and mechanically flexible organic active matrix amplifier on a 1.2-μm-thick polyethylene-naphthalate film to amplify (amplification factor: ∼200) weak biosignals. The composite was integrated to the amplifier to realize a direct lead epicardial electrocardiography that is easily spread over an uneven heart tissue.
Quantum Einstein-de Haas effect
Authors: Ganzhorn Marc , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Ruben Mario , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe classical Einstein-de Haas experiment demonstrates that a change of magnetization in a macroscopic magnetic object results in a mechanical rotation of this magnet. This experiment can therefore be considered as a macroscopic manifestation of the conservation of total angular momentum and energy of electronic spins. Since the conservation of angular momentum is a consequence of a system’s rotational invariance, it is valid for an ensemble of spins in a macroscopic ferromaget as well as for single spins. Here we propose an experimental realization of an Einstein-de Haas experiment at the single-spin level based on a single-molecule magnet coupled to a nanomechanical resonator. We demonstrate that the spin associated with the single-molecule magnet is then subject to conservation of total angular momentum and energy, which results in a total suppression of the molecule’s quantum tunnelling of magnetization.
RhoA determines lineage fate of mesenchymal stem cells by modulating CTGF–VEGF complex in extracellular matrix
Authors: Li Changjun , Zhen Gehua , Chai Yu , Xie Liang , Crane Janet L. , Farber Emily , Farber Charles R. , Luo Xianghang , Gao Peisong , Cao Xu , Wan Mei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participate in the repair/remodelling of many tissues, where MSCs commit to different lineages dependent on the cues in the local microenvironment. Here we show that TGFβ-activated RhoA/ROCK signalling functions as a molecular switch regarding the fate of MSCs in arterial repair/remodelling after injury. MSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts when RhoA/ROCK is turned on, endothelial cells when turned off. The former is pathophysiologic resulting in intimal hyperplasia, whereas the latter is physiological leading to endothelial repair. Further analysis revealed that MSC RhoA activation promotes formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) complex consisting of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inactivation of RhoA/ROCK in MSCs induces matrix metalloproteinase-3-mediated CTGF cleavage, resulting in VEGF release and MSC endothelial differentiation. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which cell–ECM interactions determine stem cell lineage specificity and offer additional molecular targets to manipulate MSC-involved tissue repair/regeneration.
Effects of cyclone-generated disturbance on a tropical reef foraminifera assemblage
Authors: Strotz Luke C. , Mamo Briony L. , Dominey-Howes Dale 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe sedimentary record and associated micropalaeontological proxies, is one tool that has been employed to quantify a region’s tropical cyclone history. Doing so has largely relied on the identification of allochthonous deposits (sediments and microfossils), sourced from deeper water and entrained by tropical cyclone waves and currents, in a shallow-water or terrestrial setting. In this study, we examine microfossil assemblages before and after a known tropical cyclone event (Cyclone Hamish) with the aim to better resolve the characteristics of this known signal. Our results identify no allochthonous material associated with Cyclone Hamish. Instead, using a swathe of statistical tools typical of ecological studies but rarely employed in the geosciences, we identify new, previously unidentified, signal types. These signals include a homogenising effect, with the level of differentiation between sample sites greatly reduced immediately following Cyclone Hamish and discernible shifts in assemblage diversity. In the subsequent years following Hamish, the surface assemblage returns to its pre-cyclone form, but results imply that it is unlikely the community ever reaches steady state.
Infra-red photoresponse of mesoscopic NiO-based solar cells sensitized with PbS quantum dot
Authors: Raissi Mahfoudh , Pellegrin Yann , Jobic Stéphane , Boujtita Mohammed , Odobel Fabrice 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSensitized NiO based photocathode is a new field of investigation with increasing scientific interest in relation with the development of tandem dye-sensitized solar cells (photovoltaic) and dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthetic cells (solar fuel). We demonstrate herein that PbS quantum dots (QDs) represent promising inorganic sensitizers for NiO-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The solar cell sensitized with PbS quantum dot exhibits significantly higher photoconversion efficiency than solar cells sensitized with a classical and efficient molecular sensitizer (P1 dye = 4-(Bis-{4-[5-(2,2-dicyano-vinyl)-thiophene-2-yl]-phenyl}-amino)-benzoic acid). Furthermore, the system features an IPCE (Incident Photon-to-Current Efficiency) spectrum that spreads into the infra-red region, reaching operating wavelengths of 950 nm. The QDSSC photoelectrochemical device works with the complexes tris(4,4′-ditert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine)cobalt(III/II) redox mediators, underscoring the formation of a long-lived charge-separated state. The electrochemical impedance spectrocopy measurements are consistent with a high packing of the QDs upon the NiO surface, the high density of which limits the access of the electrolyte and results in favorable light absorption cross-sections and a significant hole lifetime. These notable results highlight the potential of NiO-based photocathodes sensitized with quantum dots for accessing and exploiting the low-energy part of the solar spectrum in photovoltaic and photocatalysis applications.
In vivo assembly of DNA-fragments in the moss, Physcomitrella patens
Authors: King Brian Christopher , Vavitsas Konstantinos , Ikram Nur Kusaira Binti Khairul , Schrøder Josephine , Scharff Lars B. , Bassard Jean-Étienne , Hamberger Björn , Jensen Poul Erik , Simonsen Henrik Toft 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDirect assembly of multiple linear DNA fragments via homologous recombination, a phenomenon known as in vivo assembly or transformation associated recombination, is used in biotechnology to assemble DNA constructs ranging in size from a few kilobases to full synthetic microbial genomes. It has also enabled the complete replacement of eukaryotic chromosomes with heterologous DNA. The moss Physcomitrella patens, a non-vascular and spore producing land plant (Bryophyte), has a well-established capacity for homologous recombination. Here, we demonstrate the in vivo assembly of multiple DNA fragments in P. patens with three examples of effective genome editing: we (i) efficiently deleted a genomic locus for diterpenoid metabolism yielding a biosynthetic knockout, (ii) introduced a salt inducible promoter, and (iii) re-routed endogenous metabolism into the formation of amorphadiene, a precursor of high-value therapeutics. These proof-of-principle experiments pave the way for more complex and increasingly flexible approaches for large-scale metabolic engineering in plant biotechnology.
Traumatic insemination and female counter-adaptation in Strepsiptera (Insecta)
Authors: Peinert Miriam , Wipfler Benjamin , Jetschke Gottfried , Kleinteich Thomas , Gorb Stanislav N. , Beutel Rolf G. , Pohl Hans 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn a few insect groups, males pierce the female’s integument with their penis during copulation to transfer sperm. This so-called traumatic insemination was previously confirmed for Strepsiptera but only in species with free-living females. The more derived endoparasitic groups (Stylopidia) were suggested to exhibit brood canal mating. Further, it was assumed that females mate once and that pheromone production ceases immediately thereafter. Here we examined Stylops ovinae to provide details of the mating behaviour within Stylopidia. By using μCT imaging of Stylops in copula, we observed traumatic insemination and not, as previously suggested, brood canal mating. The penis is inserted in an invagination of the female cephalothorax and perforates its cuticle. Further we show that female Stylops are polyandrous and that males detect the mating status of the females. Compared to other strepsipterans the copulation is distinctly prolonged. This may reduce the competition between sperm of the first mating male with sperm from others. We describe a novel paragenital organ of Stylops females, the cephalothoracic invagination, which we suggest to reduce the cost of injuries. In contrast to previous interpretations we postulate that the original mode of traumatic insemination was maintained after the transition from free-living to endoparasitic strepsipteran females.
Ultrafast Band Engineering and Transient Spin Currents in Antiferromagnetic Oxides
Authors: Gu Mingqiang , Rondinelli James M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report a dynamic structure and band engineering strategy with experimental protocols to induce indirect-to-direct band gap transitions and coherently oscillating pure spin-currents in three-dimensional antiferromagnets (AFM) using selective phononic excitations. In the Mott insulator LaTiO3, we show that a photo-induced nonequilibrium phonon mode amplitude destroys the spin and orbitally degenerate ground state, reduces the band gap by 160 meV and renormalizes the carrier masses. The time scale of this process is a few hundreds of femtoseconds. Then in the hole-doped correlated metallic titanate, we show how pure spin-currents can be achieved to yield spin-polarizations exceeding those observed in classic semiconductors. Last, we demonstrate the generality of the approach by applying it to the non-orbitally degenerate AFM CaMnO3. These results advance our understanding of electron-lattice interactions in structures out-of-equilibrium and establish a rational framework for designing dynamic phases that may be exploited in ultrafast optoelectronic and optospintronic devices.
Global and local oscillatory entrainment of visual behavior across retinotopic space
Authors: Sokoliuk Rodika , VanRullen Rufin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOngoing brain oscillations (7–10 Hz) modulate visual perception; in particular, their precise phase can predict target perception. Here, we employ this phase-dependence of perception in a psychophysical experiment to track spatial properties of entrained oscillations of visual perception across the visual field. Is this entrainment local, or a more global phenomenon? If the latter, does oscillatory phase synchronize over space, or vary with increasing distance from the oscillatory source? We presented a disc stimulus in the upper left quadrant, oscillating in luminance at different frequencies (individual alpha frequency (IAF), 5 Hz and 15 Hz) to entrain an oscillation with specific frequency and spatial origin. Observers fixated centrally, while flash stimuli at perceptual threshold appeared at different positions and times with respect to the oscillating stimulus. IAF and 5 Hz luminance oscillations modulated detection performance at all tested positions, whereas at 15 Hz, the effect was weaker and less consistent. Furthermore, for IAF and 5 Hz entrainment, preferred phases for target detection differed significantly between spatial locations, suggesting “local” entrainment of detection performance next to the oscillatory source, whereas more distant target locations shared a “global” effect with a significantly different phase. This unexpected global component of entrainment is tentatively attributed to widespread connectivity from thalamic nuclei such as the pulvinar.
Paracrine Factors from Irradiated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Improve Skin Regeneration and Angiogenesis in a Porcine Burn Model
Authors: Hacker Stefan , Mittermayr Rainer , Nickl Stefanie , Haider Thomas , Lebherz-Eichinger Diana , Beer Lucian , Mitterbauer Andreas , Leiss Harald , Zimmermann Matthias , Schweiger Thomas , Keibl Claudia , Hofbauer Helmut , Gabriel Christian , Pavone-Gyöngyösi Mariann , Redl Heinz , Tschachler Erwin , Mildner Michael , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBurn wounds pose a serious threat to patients and often require surgical treatment. Skin grafting aims to achieve wound closure but requires a well-vascularized wound bed. The secretome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) has been shown to improve wound healing and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that topical application of the PBMC secretome would improve the quality of regenerating skin, increase angiogenesis, and reduce scar formation after burn injury and skin grafting in a porcine model. Full-thickness burn injuries were created on the back of female pigs. Necrotic areas were excised and the wounds were covered with split-thickness mesh skin grafts. Wounds were treated repeatedly with either the secretome of cultured PBMCs (SecPBMC), apoptotic PBMCs (Apo-SecPBMC), or controls. The wounds treated with Apo-SecPBMC had an increased epidermal thickness, higher number of rete ridges, and more advanced epidermal differentiation than controls. The samples treated with Apo-SecPBMC had a two-fold increase in CD31+ cells, indicating more angiogenesis. These data suggest that the repeated application of Apo-SecPBMC significantly improves epidermal thickness, angiogenesis, and skin quality in a porcine model of burn injury and skin grafting.
Neurodevelopmental delay among children under the age of three years at immunization clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria – Preliminary report
Authors: Bakare Muideen O. , Bello-Mojeed Mashudat A. , Munir Kerim M. , Ogun Oluwayemi C. , Eaton Julian 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLate diagnosis and interventions characterize childhood neurodevelopmental disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa. This has negatively impacted on the prognosis of the children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and pattern of neurodevelopmental delays among children under the age of 3 years attending immunization clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria and also affords opportunity of early follow-up and interventions, which had been documented to improve prognosis. The study involved two stage assessments; which consisted of first phase screening of the children for neurodevelopmental delays in immunization clinics at primary healthcare centers Lagos State, Nigeria and second phase which consists of definitive clinical evaluation and follow-up interventions for children screened positive for neurodevelopmental delays. Twenty seven (0.9%) of a total of 3,011 children under the age of 3 years were screened positive for neurodevelopmental delays and subsequently undergoing clinical evaluation and follow-up interventions. Preliminary working diagnoses among these children include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder trait, nutritional deficiency, Down syndrome and Non-specific neurodevelopmental delay with co-morbid seizure disorder accounting for 33.3%, 14.8%, 18.5%, 7.4% and 25.9% respectively. This is a preliminary report that would be followed up with information on medium and long term intervention phase.
Proteome analysis of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hA-MSCs) reveals impaired antioxidant ability, cytoskeleton and metabolic functionality in maternal obesity
Authors: Capobianco Valentina , Caterino Marianna , Iaffaldano Laura , Nardelli Carmela , Sirico Angelo , Del Vecchio Luigi , Martinelli Pasquale , Pastore Lucio , Pucci Pietro , Sacchetti Lucia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMaternal obesity increases the risk of obesity and/or obesity-related diseases in the offspring of animal models. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic dysfunctions that could represent an enhanced risk for human obesity or obesity-related diseases in newborn or in adult life, similar to what occurs in animal models. To this aim, we studied the proteome of 12 obese (Ob-) and 6 non-obese (Co-) human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hA-MSCs) obtained from women at delivery by cesarean section (pre-pregnancy body mass index [mean ± SD]: 42.7 ± 7.7 and 21.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2, respectively). The proteome, investigated by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, revealed 62 differently expressed proteins in Ob- vs Co-hA-MSCs (P < 0.05), nine of which were confirmed by western blotting. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these 62 proteins are involved in several statistically significant pathways (P < 0.05), including the stress response, cytoskeleton and metabolic pathways. Oxidative stress was shown to be an early triggering factor of tissue fat accumulation and obesity-related disorders in the offspring of obese animal models. Our finding of a reduced stress response in Ob-hA-MSCs suggests that a similar mechanism could occur also in humans. Long-term follow-up studies of newborns of obese mothers are required to verify this hypothesis.
Identification and characterisation of the immune response properties of Lampetra japonica BLNK
Authors: Han Yinglun , Liu Xin , Shi Biyue , Xiao Rong , Gou Meng , Wang Hao , Li Qingwei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractB cell linker protein (BLNK) is a central linker protein involved in B cell signal transduction in jawed vertebrates. In a previous study, we have reported the identification of a BLNK homolog named Lj-BLNK in lampreys. In this study, a 336 bp cDNA fragment encoding the Lj-BLNK Src homology 2 (SH2) domain was cloned into the vector pET-28a(+) and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The recombinant fragment of Lj-BLNK (rLj-BLNK) was purifiedby His-Bind affinity chromatography and polyclonal antibodies against rLj-BLNK were raised in male New Zealand rabbits. Fluorescenceactivated cell sorting (FACS) analysisrevealed that Lj-BLNK was expressed in approximately 48% of the lymphocyte-like cells of control lampreys and a significant increase in Lj-BLNK expression was observed in lampreys stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blotting analysis showed that variable lymphocyte receptor B (VLRB) and Lj-BLNKwere distributed in the same immune-relevant tissues and the levels of both were upregulated in supraneural myeloid bodies and lymphocyte-like cells after LPS stimulation. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that Lj-BLNK was localized in VLRB+ lymphocyte-like cells. These results indicate that the Lj-BLNK protein identified in lampreys might play an important role in the VLRB-mediated adaptive immune response.
Leucine alleviates dexamethasone-induced suppression of muscle protein synthesis via synergy involvement of mTOR and AMPK pathways
Authors: Wang Xiao J. , Yang Xin , Wang Ru X. , Jiao Hong C. , Zhao Jing P. , Song Zhi G. , Lin Hai 
Published: April 2016

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are negative muscle protein regulators that contribute to the whole-body catabolic state during stress. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-signalling pathway, which acts as a central regulator of protein metabolism, can be activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). In the present study, the effect of leucine on the suppression of protein synthesis induced by GCs and the pathway involved were investigated. In vitro experiments were conducted using cultured C2C12 myoblasts to study the effect of GCs on protein synthesis, and the involvement of mTOR pathway was investigated as well. After exposure to dexamethasone (DEX, 100 μmol/l) for 24 h, protein synthesis in muscle cells was significantly suppressed (P&lt;0.05), the phosphorylations of mTOR, ribosomal protein S6 protein kinase 1 (p70s6k1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) were significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05). Leucine supplementation (5 mmol/l, 10 mmol/l and 15 mmol/l) for 1 h alleviated the suppression of protein synthesis induced by DEX (P&lt;0.05) and was accompanied with the increased phosphorylation of mTOR and decreased phosphorylation of AMPK (P&lt;0.05). Branched-chain amino transferase 2 (BCAT2) mRNA level was not influenced by DEX (P&gt;0.05) but was increased by leucine supplementation at a dose of 5 mmol/l (P&lt;0.05).
4.2 GHz 0.81 mW triple‐modulus prescaler based on true single‐phase clock
Authors: Jiang Wenjian , Yu Fengqi 
Published: April 2016

A dual‐modulus prescaler based on true single‐phase clock D flip‐flop is presented. Instead of using the conventional digital logic circuit, the pass transistor logic circuit is applied to reduce the number of the transistors and the power of the divider. By adding only two additional transistors, a dual‐modulus operation is achieved. Implemented in a standard 180 nm CMOS process, the proposed divide‐by 6/7/8 prescaler based on the proposed dual‐modulus one achieves an operating frequency of 4.2 GHz with a measured power consumption of 0.81 mW for a 1.2 V supply.
Fractionated irradiation-induced EMT-like phenotype conferred radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hongfang , Luo Honglei , Jiang Zhenzhen , Yue Jing , Hou Qiang , Xie Ruifei , Wu Shixiu 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The efficacy of radiotherapy, one major treatment modality for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is severely attenuated by radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process that determines therapy response and tumor progression. However, whether EMT is induced by ionizing radiation and involved in tumor radioresistance has been less studied in ESCC. Using multiple fractionated irradiation, the radioresistant esophageal squamous cancer cell line KYSE-150R had been established from its parental cell line KYSE-150. We found KYSE-150R displayed a significant EMT phenotype with an elongated spindle shape and down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin and up-regulated mesenchymal marker N-cadherin in comparison with KYSE-150. Furthermore, KYSE-150R also possessed some stemness-like properties characterized by density-dependent growth promotion and strong capability for sphere formation and tumorigenesis in NOD-SCID mice. Mechanical studies have revealed that WISP1, a secreted matricellular protein, is highly expressed in KYSE-150R and mediates EMT-associated radioresistance both in ESCC cells and in xenograft tumor models. Moreover, WISP1 has been demonstrated to be closely associated with the EMT phenotype observed in ESCC patients and to be an independent prognosis factor of ESCC patients treated with radiotherapy. Our study highlighted WISP1 as an attractive target to reverse EMT-associated radioresistance in ESCC and can be used as an independent prognostic factor of patients treated with radiotherapy.