Neurotransmitter signaling regulates distinct phases of multimodal human interneuron migration

Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons migrate over long distances from their extracortical origin into the developing cortex. In humans, this process is uniquely slow and prolonged, and it is unclear whether guidance cues unique to humans govern the various phases of this complex developmental process. Here, we use fused cerebral organoids to identify key roles of neurotransmitter signaling pathways in guiding the migratory behavior of human cortical interneurons. We use scRNAseq to reveal expression of GABA, glutamate, glycine, and serotonin receptors along distinct maturation trajectories across interneuron migration. We develop an image analysis software package, TrackPal, to simultaneously assess 48 parameters for entire migration tracks of individual cells. By chemical screening, we show that different modes of interneuron migration depend on distinct neurotransmitter signaling pathways, linking transcriptional maturation of interneurons with their migratory behavior. Altogether, our study provides a comprehensive quantitative analysis of human interneuron migration and its functional modulation by neurotransmitter signaling

A Three Dimensional Analysis of Au-Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles Using Medium Energy Ion Scattering

The medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) facility at the IIAA Huddersfield has been used for the analysis of a monolayer of Au-silica core-shell nanoparticles deposited on Si substrate. Both spherical and rod shape particles were investigated and the spectra produced by 100 keV He+ ions scattered through angles of 90º and 125º were compared with the results of RBS-MAST [1] simulations performed on artificial 3D model cells containing the nanoparticles. The thickness of the silica shell, the diameter of the Au spheres, and the diameter and length of the Au nano-rods were determined from best fits of the measured set of MEIS spectra. In addition, the effect of ion irradiation on the silica shell and gold core was monitored by MEIS measurements in conjunction with RBS-MAST simulations. Ion bombardment was performed under largely different conditions, i.e., by 30 keV Ar+, 150 keV Fe+, or 2.8 MeV N+ ions in the dose range of 2×1015 - 2×1016 cm-2. Significant changes in the particle geometry can be observed due to ion beam-induced sputtering and recoil effects, the significance of which was estimated from full-cascade SRIM simulations. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques have been applied as complementary characterization tools to monitor the amount of gold and surface morphology on the un-irradiated and irradiated sample areas. We show that MEIS can yield spatial information on the geometrical changes of particulate systems at the nanometre scale

Bioinspired artificial photonic nanoarchitecture using the elytron of the beetle Trigonophorus rothschildi varians as a 'blueprint'

An unusual, intercalated photonic nanoarchitecture was discovered in the elytra of Taiwanese Trigonophorus rothschildi varians beetles. It consists of a multilayer structure intercalated with a random distribution of cylindrical holes normal to the plane of the multilayer. The nanoarchitectures were characterized structurally by scanning electron microscopy and optically by normal incidence, integrated and goniometric reflectance measurements. They exhibit an unsaturated specular and saturated non-specular component of the reflected light. Bioinspired, artificial nanoarchitectures of similar structure and with similar properties were realized by drilling holes of submicron size in a multilayer structure, showing that such photonic nanoarchitectures of biological origin may constitute valuable blueprints for artificial photonic materials

Saccharothrix sp. PAL54, a new chloramphenicol-producing strain isolated from a Saharan soil

An actinomycete strain designated PAL54, producing an antibacterial substance, was isolated from a Saharan soil in Ghardaïa, Algeria. Morphological and chemical studies indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Saccharothrix. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence showed a similarity level ranging between 96.9 and 99.2% within Saccharothrix species, with S. longispora DSM 43749T, the most closely related. DNA–DNA hybridization confirmed that strain PAL54 belonged to Saccharothrix longispora. It showed very strong activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections and resistant to multiple antibiotics. Strain PAL54 secreted the antibiotic optimally during mid-stationary and decline phases of growth. One antibacterial compound was isolated from the culture broth and purified by HPLC. The active compound was elucidated by uv-visible and NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. The results showed that this compound was a D(-)-threo chloramphenicol. This is the first report of chloramphenicol production by a Saccharothrix species

Open for growth? Evidence on EU countries and sectors

The Open Innovation (OI) concept has pervaded the academic and policy debate due to its potential to further stimulate the circulation of knowledge between business partners and institutions and, consequently, to increase their innovation potential. This paper studies the relationships between OI and innovation and economic returns at the \u2018aggregate\u2019 level, i.e. at the country and industry levels. It exploits three waves of the Community Innovation Survey to conduct an empirical analysis on sectoral data for 16 EU countries. Results confirm the role of OI in stimulating \u2013 even at the aggregate level \u2013 innovation, with returns increasing at diminishing rates. OI also has an indirect impact on value added by strengthening the positive effect exerted on aggregate economic performance by R&D expenditure. The mutual reinforcement of R&D intensity and collaborations between companies and business partners is coherent with the principles underlying \u2018smart specialization\u2019 policies of the European Union

Openness and innovativeness across the value chain. Evidence on EU countries and industries

The Open Innovation concept has pervaded the academic and policy debate, due to its potential to further stimulate the circulation of knowledge across business partners and institutions and, consequently, to increase their innovation potential. The contribution of this paper is to unveil the economic returns associated to such a model, to answer the main question whether the productivity growth slowdown observed in the EU in recent years could be overcome through a more open and dynamic innovation environment. An empirical analysis conducted on sectoral data for 16 EU countries is provided, exploiting three waves of the Community Innovation Survey. Results confirm the role of Open Innovation in stimulating \u2013 even at the aggregate level \u2013 innovation, and, to a limited extent, to economic returns. However, when testing for the association between Open Innovation and economic growth, no robust effect emerges