Showing papers by "University of Tokyo published in 2009"
TL;DR: Two organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals were found to efficiently sensitize TiO(2) for visible-light conversion in photoelectrochemical cells, which exhibit strong band-gap absorptions as semiconductors.
Abstract: Two organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals, CH3NH3PbBr3 and CH3NH3PbI3, were found to efficiently sensitize TiO2 for visible-light conversion in photoelectrochemical cells. When self-assembled on mesoporous TiO2 films, the nanocrystalline perovskites exhibit strong band-gap absorptions as semiconductors. The CH3NH3PbI3-based photocell with spectral sensitivity of up to 800 nm yielded a solar energy conversion efficiency of 3.8%. The CH3NH3PbBr3-based cell showed a high photovoltage of 0.96 V with an external quantum conversion efficiency of 65%.
16,634 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that an abundant material, polymeric carbon nitride, can produce hydrogen from water under visible-light irradiation in the presence of a sacrificial donor.
Abstract: The production of hydrogen from water using a catalyst and solar energy is an ideal future energy source, independent of fossil reserves. For an economical use of water and solar energy, catalysts that are sufficiently efficient, stable, inexpensive and capable of harvesting light are required. Here, we show that an abundant material, polymeric carbon nitride, can produce hydrogen from water under visible-light irradiation in the presence of a sacrificial donor. Contrary to other conducting polymer semiconductors, carbon nitride is chemically and thermally stable and does not rely on complicated device manufacturing. The results represent an important first step towards photosynthesis in general where artificial conjugated polymer semiconductors can be used as energy transducers.
9,751 citations
Kevork N. Abazajian1, Jennifer K. Adelman-McCarthy2, Marcel A. Agüeros3, S. Allam2 +220 more•Institutions (77)
TL;DR: A series of improvements to the spectroscopic reductions are described, including better flat fielding and improved wavelength calibration at the blue end, better processing of objects with extremely strong narrow emission lines, and an improved determination of stellar metallicities.
Abstract: This paper describes the Seventh Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), marking the completion of the original goals of the SDSS and the end of the phase known as SDSS-II. It includes 11,663 deg^2 of imaging data, with most of the ~2000 deg^2 increment over the previous data release lying in regions of low Galactic latitude. The catalog contains five-band photometry for 357 million distinct objects. The survey also includes repeat photometry on a 120° long, 2°.5 wide stripe along the celestial equator in the Southern Galactic Cap, with some regions covered by as many as 90 individual imaging runs. We include a co-addition of the best of these data, going roughly 2 mag fainter than the main survey over 250 deg^2. The survey has completed spectroscopy over 9380 deg^2; the spectroscopy is now complete over a large contiguous area of the Northern Galactic Cap, closing the gap that was present in previous data releases. There are over 1.6 million spectra in total, including 930,000 galaxies, 120,000 quasars, and 460,000 stars. The data release includes improved stellar photometry at low Galactic latitude. The astrometry has all been recalibrated with the second version of the USNO CCD Astrograph Catalog, reducing the rms statistical errors at the bright end to 45 milliarcseconds per coordinate. We further quantify a systematic error in bright galaxy photometry due to poor sky determination; this problem is less severe than previously reported for the majority of galaxies. Finally, we describe a series of improvements to the spectroscopic reductions, including better flat fielding and improved wavelength calibration at the blue end, better processing of objects with extremely strong narrow emission lines, and an improved determination of stellar metallicities.
5,665 citations
TL;DR: The authors showed that colonisation of mice with a segmented filamentous bacterium (SFB) is sufficient to induce the appearance of CD4+ T helper cells that produce IL-17 and IL-22 (Th17 cells) in the lamina propria.
3,860 citations
University of Colorado Boulder1, Carnegie Mellon University2, Paul Scherrer Institute3, University at Albany, SUNY4, University of California, Berkeley5, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology6, University of California, Davis7, State University of New York System8, University of Eastern Finland9, Finnish Meteorological Institute10, University of Helsinki11, Stockholm University12, Texas A&M University13, Max Planck Society14, University of Tokyo15, University of New Hampshire16, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration17
TL;DR: A unifying model framework describing the atmospheric evolution of OA that is constrained by high–time-resolution measurements of its composition, volatility, and oxidation state is presented, which can serve as a basis for improving parameterizations in regional and global models.
Abstract: Organic aerosol (OA) particles affect climate forcing and human health, but their sources and evolution remain poorly characterized. We present a unifying model framework describing the atmospheric evolution of OA that is constrained by high-time-resolution measurements of its composition, volatility, and oxidation state. OA and OA precursor gases evolve by becoming increasingly oxidized, less volatile, and more hygroscopic, leading to the formation of oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA), with concentrations comparable to those of sulfate aerosol throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Our model framework captures the dynamic aging behavior observed in both the atmosphere and laboratory: It can serve as a basis for improving parameterizations in regional and global models.
3,104 citations
French Institute of Health and Medical Research1, Institut Gustave Roussy2, University of Paris-Sud3, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai4, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center5, Thomas Jefferson University6, McMaster University7, University of Massachusetts Medical School8, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans9, Roswell Park Cancer Institute10, University of Gothenburg11, Boston Children's Hospital12, University of Freiburg13, University of California, San Francisco14, Buck Institute for Research on Aging15, Centre national de la recherche scientifique16, National Institutes of Health17, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology18, University of Leicester19, University of Chieti-Pescara20, Istituto Superiore di Sanità21, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill22, New York University23, University of Pennsylvania24, Yale University25, Howard Hughes Medical Institute26, University of Ulm27, University of Burgundy28, Aix-Marseille University29, Pasteur Institute30, University of Strasbourg31, Johns Hopkins University32, University of Zurich33, University of Tokyo34, Weizmann Institute of Science35, University of Michigan36, University College London37, Duke University38, University of Graz39, Ghent University40, Trinity College, Dublin41, University of Amsterdam42, University of Lyon43, University of Rome Tor Vergata44, University of Göttingen45, Stony Brook University46, Kyoto University47, Merck & Co.48, Austrian Academy of Sciences49, National University of Singapore50, University of Chicago51, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland52, La Trobe University53, University of Buenos Aires54, University of Padua55, University of Lisbon56, University of Cambridge57, University of Würzburg58, University of Geneva59, University of Bern60, Rockefeller University61, University of Lausanne62, Osaka University63, University of California, San Diego64, University of Glasgow65, Harvard University66, Karolinska Institutet67
TL;DR: A nonexhaustive comparison of methods to detect cell death with apoptotic or nonapoptotic morphologies, their advantages and pitfalls is provided and the importance of performing multiple, methodologically unrelated assays to quantify dying and dead cells is emphasized.
Abstract: Cell death is essential for a plethora of physiological processes, and its deregulation characterizes numerous human diseases Thus, the in-depth investigation of cell death and its mechanisms constitutes a formidable challenge for fundamental and applied biomedical research, and has tremendous implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies It is, therefore, of utmost importance to standardize the experimental procedures that identify dying and dead cells in cell cultures and/or in tissues, from model organisms and/or humans, in healthy and/or pathological scenarios Thus far, dozens of methods have been proposed to quantify cell death-related parameters However, no guidelines exist regarding their use and interpretation, and nobody has thoroughly annotated the experimental settings for which each of these techniques is most appropriate Here, we provide a nonexhaustive comparison of methods to detect cell death with apoptotic or nonapoptotic morphologies, their advantages and pitfalls These guidelines are intended for investigators who study cell death, as well as for reviewers who need to constructively critique scientific reports that deal with cellular demise Given the difficulties in determining the exact number of cells that have passed the point-of-no-return of the signaling cascades leading to cell death, we emphasize the importance of performing multiple, methodologically unrelated assays to quantify dying and dead cells
2,218 citations
TL;DR: Model calculations and experimental observations consistently show that polyethylene accumulates more organic contaminants than other plastics such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, and PCBs could transfer from contaminated plastics to streaked shearwater chicks.
Abstract: Plastics debris in the marine environment, including resin pellets, fragments and microscopic plastic fragments, contain organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides (2,2′-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, hexachlorinated hexanes), polybrominated diphenylethers, alkylphenols and bisphenol A, at concentrations from sub ng g–1 to µg g–1. Some of these compounds are added during plastics manufacture, while others adsorb from the surrounding seawater. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants adsorbed on plastics showed distinct spatial variations reflecting global pollution patterns. Model calculations and experimental observations consistently show that polyethylene accumulates more organic contaminants than other plastics such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Both a mathematical model using equilibrium partitioning and experimental data have demonstrated the transfer of contaminants from plastic to organisms. A feeding experiment indicated that PCBs could transfer from contaminated plastics to streaked shearwater chicks. Plasticizers, other plastics additives and constitutional monomers also present potential threats in terrestrial environments because they can leach from waste disposal sites into groundwater and/or surface waters. Leaching and degradation of plasticizers and polymers are complex phenomena dependent on environmental conditions in the landfill and the chemical properties of each additive. Bisphenol A concentrations in leachates from municipal waste disposal sites in tropical Asia ranged from sub µg l–1 to mg l–1 and were correlated with the level of economic development.
2,114 citations
Nagoya City University1, University of Tokyo2, Tokyo Medical and Dental University3, Hokkaido University4, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine5, Shinshu University6, Saitama Medical University7, Tottori University8, Kanazawa University9, Ehime University10, Hyogo College of Medicine11, Hitachi12, Yamaguchi University13
TL;DR: A genome-wide association study to null virological response (NVR) in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 within a Japanese population is reported.
Abstract: Masashi Mizokami and colleagues report a genome-wide association study to hepatitis C treatment response in two Japanese cohorts. They report common variants at IL28B associated with sustained as well as null virologic response following pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin combined therapy.
2,097 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest that obese adipose tissue activates CD8+ T cells, which, in turn, promote the recruitment and activation of macrophages in this tissue, which supports the notion that CD8- T cells have an essential role in the initiation and propagation of adipose inflammation.
Abstract: Inflammation is increasingly regarded as a key process underlying metabolic diseases in obese individuals. In particular, obese adipose tissue shows features characteristic of active local inflammation. At present, however, little is known about the sequence of events that comprises the inflammatory cascade or the mechanism by which inflammation develops. We found that large numbers of CD8(+) effector T cells infiltrated obese epididymal adipose tissue in mice fed a high-fat diet, whereas the numbers of CD4(+) helper and regulatory T cells were diminished. The infiltration by CD8(+) T cells preceded the accumulation of macrophages, and immunological and genetic depletion of CD8(+) T cells lowered macrophage infiltration and adipose tissue inflammation and ameliorated systemic insulin resistance. Conversely, adoptive transfer of CD8(+) T cells to CD8-deficient mice aggravated adipose inflammation. Coculture and other in vitro experiments revealed a vicious cycle of interactions between CD8(+) T cells, macrophages and adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that obese adipose tissue activates CD8(+) T cells, which, in turn, promote the recruitment and activation of macrophages in this tissue. These results support the notion that CD8(+) T cells have an essential role in the initiation and propagation of adipose inflammation.
1,932 citations
TL;DR: The first quantum technology that harnesses quantum mechanical effects for its core operation has arrived in the form of commercially available quantum key distribution systems as mentioned in this paper, which achieves enhanced security by encoding information in photons such that an eavesdropper in the system can be detected.
Abstract: The first quantum technology that harnesses quantum mechanical effects for its core operation has arrived in the form of commercially available quantum key distribution systems. This technology achieves enhanced security by encoding information in photons such that an eavesdropper in the system can be detected. Anticipated future quantum technologies include large-scale secure networks, enhanced measurement and lithography, and quantum information processors, which promise exponentially greater computational power for particular tasks. Photonics is destined to have a central role in such technologies owing to the high-speed transmission and outstanding low-noise properties of photons. These technologies may use single photons, quantum states of bright laser beams or both, and will undoubtedly apply and drive state-of-the-art developments in photonics.
1,889 citations
TL;DR: A literature review has been performed on the measurements of five key concepts in HRI: anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, perceived intelligence, and perceived safety, distilled into five consistent questionnaires using semantic differential scales.
Abstract: This study emphasizes the need for standardized measurement tools for human robot interaction (HRI). If we are to make progress in this field then we must be able to compare the results from different studies. A literature review has been performed on the measurements of five key concepts in HRI: anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, perceived intelligence, and perceived safety. The results have been distilled into five consistent questionnaires using semantic differential scales. We report reliability and validity indicators based on several empirical studies that used these questionnaires. It is our hope that these questionnaires can be used by robot developers to monitor their progress. Psychologists are invited to further develop the questionnaires by adding new concepts, and to conduct further validations where it appears necessary.
National Institutes of Health1, Norwegian University of Science and Technology2, National Research Council3, University of São Paulo4, University of Tübingen5, University of Coimbra6, University of Paris7, French Institute of Health and Medical Research8, Chang Gung University9, Columbia University10, Mayo Clinic11, Tel Aviv University12, Rambam Health Care Campus13, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology14, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center15, University of Rostock16, University Health Network17, National Taiwan Normal University18, University of Washington19, University of Tokyo20, Kobe University21, Magna Græcia University22, University of Toronto23, Singapore General Hospital24, Duke University25
TL;DR: Data collected demonstrate that there is a strong association between GBA mutations and Parkinson's disease, and those with a GBA mutation presented earlier with the disease, were more likely to have affected relatives, and were morelikely to have atypical clinical manifestations.
Abstract: Background Recent studies indicate an increased frequency of mutations in the gene encoding glucocerebrosidase (GBA), a deficiency of which causes Gaucher's disease, among patients with Parkinson's disease. We aimed to ascertain the frequency of GBA mutations in an ethnically diverse group of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods Sixteen centers participated in our international, collaborative study: five from the Americas, six from Europe, two from Israel, and three from Asia. Each center genotyped a standard DNA panel to permit comparison of the genotyping results across centers. Genotypes and phenotypic data from a total of 5691 patients with Parkinson's disease (780 Ashkenazi Jews) and 4898 controls (387 Ashkenazi Jews) were analyzed, with multivariate logistic-regression models and the Mantel–Haenszel procedure used to estimate odds ratios across centers. Results All 16 centers could detect two GBA mutations, L444P and N370S. Among Ashkenazi Jewish subjects, either mutation was found in 15% of p...
TL;DR: The manufacture of printable elastic conductors comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) uniformly dispersed in a fluorinated rubber is described, which is constructed a rubber-like stretchable active-matrix display comprising integrated printed elastic conductor, organic transistors and organic light-emitting diodes.
Abstract: Stretchability will significantly expand the applications scope of electronics, particularly for large-area electronic displays, sensors and actuators. Unlike for conventional devices, stretchable electronics can cover arbitrary surfaces and movable parts. However, a large hurdle is the manufacture of large-area highly stretchable electrical wirings with high conductivity. Here, we describe the manufacture of printable elastic conductors comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) uniformly dispersed in a fluorinated rubber. Using an ionic liquid and jet-milling, we produce long and fine SWNT bundles that can form well-developed conducting networks in the rubber. Conductivity of more than 100 S cm(-1) and stretchability of more than 100% are obtained. Making full use of this extraordinary conductivity, we constructed a rubber-like stretchable active-matrix display comprising integrated printed elastic conductors, organic transistors and organic light-emitting diodes. The display could be stretched by 30-50% and spread over a hemisphere without any mechanical or electrical damage.
TL;DR: This Review briefly highlights the various molecular flasks synthesized before focusing on their use as functional molecular containers--specifically for the encapsulation of guest molecules to either engender unusual reactions or unique chemical phenomena.
Abstract: The application of self-assembled hosts as "molecular flasks" has precipitated a surge of interest in the reactivity and properties of molecules within well-defined confined spaces. The facile and modular synthesis of self-assembled hosts has enabled a variety of hosts of differing sizes, shapes, and properties to be prepared. This Review briefly highlights the various molecular flasks synthesized before focusing on their use as functional molecular containers--specifically for the encapsulation of guest molecules to either engender unusual reactions or unique chemical phenomena. Such self-assembled cavities now constitute a new phase of chemistry, which cannot be achieved in the conventional solid, liquid, and gas phases.
TL;DR: The mechanisms by which different kinesin recognize and bind to specific cargos, as well as how kinesins unload cargo and determine the direction of transport, have now been identified and open exciting new areas of kinesIn research.
Abstract: Intracellular transport is fundamental for cellular function, survival and morphogenesis. Kinesin superfamily proteins (also known as KIFs) are important molecular motors that directionally transport various cargos, including membranous organelles, protein complexes and mRNAs. The mechanisms by which different kinesins recognize and bind to specific cargos, as well as how kinesins unload cargo and determine the direction of transport, have now been identified. Furthermore, recent molecular genetic experiments have uncovered important and unexpected roles for kinesins in the regulation of such physiological processes as higher brain function, tumour suppression and developmental patterning. These findings open exciting new areas of kinesin research.
TL;DR: This review aims to integrate the current understanding of functions of the endocannabinoid system, especially focusing on the control of synaptic transmission in the brain, and summarizes recent electrophysiological studies carried out on synapses of various brain regions and discusses how synaptic transmission is regulated by endoc cannabinoidoid signaling.
Abstract: The discovery of cannabinoid receptors and subsequent identification of their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) in early 1990s have greatly accelerated research on cannabinoid actions in the br...
TL;DR: The International Lipid Classification and Nomenclature Committee under the sponsorship of the LIPID MAPS Consortium developed and established a "Comprehensive Classification System for Lipids" based on well defined chemical and biochemical principles and using an ontology that is extensible, flexible, and scalable as mentioned in this paper.
TL;DR: The results identify two new PD susceptibility loci, show involvement of autosomal dominant parkinsonism loci in typical PD and suggest that population differences contribute to genetic heterogeneity in PD.
Abstract: To identify susceptibility variants for Parkinson's disease (PD), we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and two replication studies in a total of 2,011 cases and 18,381 controls from Japan. We identified a new susceptibility locus on 1q32 (P = 1.52 x 10(-12)) and designated this as PARK16, and we also identified BST1 on 4p15 as a second new risk locus (P = 3.94 x 10(-9)). We also detected strong associations at SNCA on 4q22 (P = 7.35 x 10(-17)) and LRRK2 on 12q12 (P = 2.72 x 10(-8)), both of which are implicated in autosomal dominant forms of parkinsonism. By comparing results of a GWAS performed on individuals of European ancestry, we identified PARK16, SNCA and LRRK2 as shared risk loci for PD and BST1 and MAPT as loci showing population differences. Our results identify two new PD susceptibility loci, show involvement of autosomal dominant parkinsonism loci in typical PD and suggest that population differences contribute to genetic heterogeneity in PD.
TL;DR: In this paper, the production of mesons containing strange quarks (KS, φ) and both singly and doubly strange baryons (,, and − + +) are measured at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at √ s = 0.9 TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC.
A. Adare1, Serguei Afanasiev2, Christine Angela Aidala3, Christine Angela Aidala4 +601 more•Institutions (57)
TL;DR: This study reveals a previously unrecognized function of p53 in miRNA processing, which may underlie key aspects of cancer biology, and suggests that transcription-independent modulation of miRNA biogenesis is intrinsically embedded in a tumour suppressive program governed by p53.
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Although miRNAs can function as both tumour suppressors and oncogenes in tumour development, a widespread downregulation of miRNAs is commonly observed in human cancers and promotes cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. This indicates an inherent significance of small RNAs in tumour suppression. However, the connection between tumour suppressor networks and miRNA biogenesis machineries has not been investigated in depth. Here we show that a central tumour suppressor, p53, enhances the post-transcriptional maturation of several miRNAs with growth-suppressive function, including miR-16-1, miR-143 and miR-145, in response to DNA damage. In HCT116 cells and human diploid fibroblasts, p53 interacts with the Drosha processing complex through the association with DEAD-box RNA helicase p68 (also known as DDX5) and facilitates the processing of primary miRNAs to precursor miRNAs. We also found that transcriptionally inactive p53 mutants interfere with a functional assembly between Drosha complex and p68, leading to attenuation of miRNA processing activity. These findings suggest that transcription-independent modulation of miRNA biogenesis is intrinsically embedded in a tumour suppressive program governed by p53. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized function of p53 in miRNA processing, which may underlie key aspects of cancer biology.
TL;DR: The T OCN films prepared from softwood cellulose were transparent and flexible and had extremely low coefficients of thermal expansion caused by high crystallinity of TOCN, which is promising for potential applications in some high-tech materials.
TL;DR: In this paper, a nonlinear effect of a circularly polarized light can open a gap in the Dirac cone, which is predicted to lead to photoinduced dc Hall current.
Abstract: Response of electronic systems in intense lights (ac electric fields) to dc source-drain fields is formulated with the Floquet method. We have then applied the formalism to graphene, for which we show that a nonlinear effect of a circularly polarized light can open a gap in the Dirac cone, which is predicted to lead to a photoinduced dc Hall current. This is numerically confirmed for a graphene ribbon attached to electrodes with the Keldysh Green's function.
TL;DR: It is shown that CA04 is sensitive to approved and experimental antiviral drugs, suggesting that these compounds could function as a first line of defence against the recently declared S-OIV pandemic.
Abstract: Influenza A viruses cause recurrent outbreaks at local or global scale with potentially severe consequences for human health and the global economy. Recently, a new strain of influenza A virus was detected that causes disease in and transmits among humans, probably owing to little or no pre-existing immunity to the new strain. On 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization declared that the infections caused by the new strain had reached pandemic proportion. Characterized as an influenza A virus of the H1N1 subtype, the genomic segments of the new strain were most closely related to swine viruses. Most human infections with swine-origin H1N1 influenza viruses (S-OIVs) seem to be mild; however, a substantial number of hospitalized individuals do not have underlying health issues, attesting to the pathogenic potential of S-OIVs. To achieve a better assessment of the risk posed by the new virus, we characterized one of the first US S-OIV isolates, A/California/04/09 (H1N1; hereafter referred to as CA04), as well as several other S-OIV isolates, in vitro and in vivo. In mice and ferrets, CA04 and other S-OIV isolates tested replicate more efficiently than a currently circulating human H1N1 virus. In addition, CA04 replicates efficiently in non-human primates, causes more severe pathological lesions in the lungs of infected mice, ferrets and non-human primates than a currently circulating human H1N1 virus, and transmits among ferrets. In specific-pathogen-free miniature pigs, CA04 replicates without clinical symptoms. The assessment of human sera from different age groups suggests that infection with human H1N1 viruses antigenically closely related to viruses circulating in 1918 confers neutralizing antibody activity to CA04. Finally, we show that CA04 is sensitive to approved and experimental antiviral drugs, suggesting that these compounds could function as a first line of defence against the recently declared S-OIV pandemic.
TL;DR: Piezochromic luminescent materials - which change the colour of their luminescence in response to mechanical stimuli - are described and have potential for various applications, including sensors, memory and displays.
Abstract: Altering the shape and properties of a material through external factors such as heat, light, pressure, pH, electric or magnetic fields, or the introduction of a guest molecule, is an attractive prospect. In this Perspective, piezochromic luminescent materials - which change the colour of their luminescence in response to mechanical stimuli - are described. Such piezochromism has been observed for a few molecular materials that contain luminescent cores in liquid-crystalline and crystalline solid states, as well as for polymeric materials doped with dyes. These changes in photoluminescent colour can be activated by various types of mechanical pressure such as shearing, grinding or elongation, which can trigger different mechanisms of producing the colour. Such stimuli-responsive materials have potential for various applications, including sensors, memory and displays.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated with Il17a(-/-), Il17f(-/-) mice that IL-17F played only marginal roles, if at all, in the development of delayed-type and contact hypersensitivities, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, collagen-induced arthritis, and arthritis in Il1rn(-/-).
TL;DR: Nogi et al. as discussed by the authors proposed an optically transparent paper with low thermal expansion (CTE <8.5 ppm K ) using 15 nm cellulose nanofibers with the same chemical constituents as conventional paper and a production process also similar to conventional paper.
Abstract: M Optically Transparent Nanofiber Paper M U N IC By Masaya Nogi,* Shinichiro Iwamoto, Antonio Norio Nakagaito, and Hiroyuki Yano A T IO N Glass has well-suited low thermal expansion for use in electronic devices, but it is fragile, and the search for a stronger, more flexible optically clear medium has gone on for many years. Plastics have been widely studied; however, most of them have large coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE, approx. 50 ppm K ), and foldable plastics in particular exhibit extremely large CTEs, in excess of 200 ppm K . Further, the functional materials deposited on plastic substrates are prone to be damaged by the temperatures involved in the assembly and mounting processes due to themismatch between CTEs from differentmaterials. This article reports on what might be best described as optically transparent paper. It is a foldable nanofiber material with low thermal expansion (CTE <8.5 ppm K ) prepared using 15 nm cellulose nanofibers with the same chemical constituents as conventional paper and a production process also similar to that of conventional paper. The only difference is in the fiber width and the size of the interstitial cavities (Fig. 1). The foldable, low-CTE, and optically transparent nanofiber paper is the perfect candidate for substrates for continuous roll-to-roll processing in the future production of electronic devices, such as flexible displays, solar cells, e-papers, and a myriad of new flexible circuit technologies, and could replace the costly conventional batch processes based on glass substrates currently used. We project that it will also replace conventional paper as an advanced information medium, which can still be produced using traditional paper-making equipment that is used in production today. Cellulose nanofibers are the main component of plant and wood pulp fibers. These tiny elements with diameters of 15–20 nm are composed of bundles of cellulose microfibrils smaller than 4 nm in width, which, in turn, are composed of long cellulose molecules laterally stabilized by hydrogen bonds forming highly crystalline domains. As such, cellulose nanofibers have a CTE of 0.1 ppm K , which is as low as that of quartz glass, and an estimated strength of 2–3 GPa, rendering it five times stronger than mild steel. The nanofibers also exhibit good heat-transfer properties comparable to glass. Another significant property of the nanofibers is that light scattering can be suppressed. If the cellulose nanofibers are densely packed, and the interstices between the fibers are small enough to avoid
TL;DR: Results indicate that LUBAC is involved in the physiological regulation of the canonical NF-κB activation pathway through linear polyubiquitylation of NEMO.
Abstract: Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a key transcription factor in inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and immune processes. The ubiquitin pathway is crucial in regulating the NF-kappaB pathway. We have found that the LUBAC ligase complex, composed of the two RING finger proteins HOIL-1L and HOIP, conjugates a head-to-tail-linked linear polyubiquitin chain to substrates. Here, we demonstrate that LUBAC activates the canonical NF-kappaB pathway by binding to NEMO (NF-kappaB essential modulator, also called IKKgamma) and conjugates linear polyubiquitin chains onto specific Lys residues in the CC2-LZ domain of NEMO in a Ubc13-independent manner. Moreover, in HOIL-1 knockout mice and cells derived from these mice, NF-kappaB signalling induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta was suppressed, resulting in enhanced TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes of HOIL-1 knockout mice. These results indicate that LUBAC is involved in the physiological regulation of the canonical NF-kappaB activation pathway through linear polyubiquitylation of NEMO.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that group A PP2Cs act as ‘gatekeepers’ of subclass III SnRK2s, unraveling an important regulatory mechanism of ABA signaling.
Abstract: Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling is important for stress responses and developmental processes in plants. A subgroup of protein phosphatase 2C (group A PP2C) or SNF1-related protein kinase 2 (subclass III SnRK2) have been known as major negative or positive regulators of ABA signaling, respectively. Here, we demonstrate the physical and functional linkage between these two major signaling factors. Group A PP2Cs interacted physically with SnRK2s in various combinations, and efficiently inactivated ABA-activated SnRK2s via dephosphorylation of multiple Ser/Thr residues in the activation loop. This step was suppressed by the RCAR/PYR ABA receptors in response to ABA. However the abi1–1 mutated PP2C did not respond to the receptors and constitutively inactivated SnRK2. Our results demonstrate that group A PP2Cs act as ‘gatekeepers’ of subclass III SnRK2s, unraveling an important regulatory mechanism of ABA signaling.
TL;DR: It is proposed that active Tead4 promotes TE development in outside cells, whereas Tead 4 activity is suppressed in inside cells by cell contact- and Lats-mediated inhibition of nuclear Yap localization, and differential signaling between inside and outside cell populations leads to changes in cell fate specification during TE formation.