Theoretical analysis of flexible strain-gauge sensor with nanofibrillar mechanical interlocking

A flexible, and skin-attachable strain gauge sensor based on interconnected nanofibers was recently reported with discernible gauge factor for a flexible and highly sensitive pressure sensor. Here, we present a simple theory that can explain the observed electrical responses by employing the well-established friction law and electrical circuit analysis. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained under physical loads. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved1111sciescopuskc

Intracellular domains of amyloid precursor-like protein 2 interact with CP2 transcription factor in the nucleus and induce glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta expression

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a member of a gene family that includes two APP-like proteins, APLP1 and 2. Recently, it has been reported that APLP1 and 2 undergo presenilin-dependent gamma-secretase cleavage, as does APP, resulting in the release of an similar to 6 kDa intracellular C-terminal domain (ICD), which can translocate into the nucleus. In this study, we demonstrate that the APLP2-ICDs interact with CP2/LSF/LBP1 (CP2) transcription factor in the nucleus and induce the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3 beta), which has broad-ranged substrates such as tau- and beta-catenin. The significance of this finding is substantiated by the in vivo evidence of the increase in the immunoreactivities for the nuclear C-terminal fragments of APLP2, and for GSK-3 beta in the AD patients' brain. Taken together, these results suggest that APLP2-ICDs contribute to the AD pathogenesis, by inducing GSK-3 beta expression through the interaction with CP2 transcription factor in the nucleus.X1129sciescopu