bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic detection of electron spin accumulation in ferromagnet–semiconductor devices by ferromagnetic resonance
Authors: Liu Changjiang , Patel Sahil J. , Peterson Timothy A. , Geppert Chad C. , Christie Kevin D. , Stecklein Gordon , Palmstrøm Chris J. , Crowell Paul A.
Published: January 2016

A distinguishing feature of spin accumulation in ferromagnet–semiconductor devices is its precession in a magnetic field. This is the basis for detection techniques such as the Hanle effect, but these approaches become ineffective as the spin lifetime in the semiconductor decreases. For this reason, no electrical Hanle measurement has been demonstrated in GaAs at room temperature. We show here that by forcing the magnetization in the ferromagnet to precess at resonance instead of relying only on the Larmor precession of the spin accumulation in the semiconductor, an electrically generated spin accumulation can be detected up to 300 K. The injection bias and temperature dependence of the measured spin signal agree with those obtained using traditional methods. We further show that this approach enables a measurement of short spin lifetimes (<100 ps), a regime that is not accessible in semiconductors using traditional Hanle techniques.
Insertion compounds and composites made by ball milling for advanced sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Biao , Dugas Romain , Rousse Gwenaelle , Rozier Patrick , Abakumov Artem M. , Tarascon Jean-Marie
Published: January 2016

Sodium-ion batteries have been considered as potential candidates for stationary energy storage because of the low cost and wide availability of Na sources. However, their future commercialization depends critically on control over the solid electrolyte interface formation, as well as the degree of sodiation at the positive electrode. Here we report an easily scalable ball milling approach, which relies on the use of metallic sodium, to prepare a variety of sodium-based alloys, insertion layered oxides and polyanionic compounds having sodium in excess such as the Na4V2(PO4)2F3 phase. The practical benefits of preparing sodium-enriched positive electrodes as reservoirs to compensate for sodium loss during solid electrolyte interphase formation are demonstrated by assembling full C/P′2-Na1[Fe0.5Mn0.5]O2 and C/‘Na3+xV2(PO4)2F3’ sodium-ion cells that show substantial increases (>10%) in energy storage density. Our findings may offer electrode design principles for accelerating the development of the sodium-ion technology.
A better-ventilated ocean triggered by Late Cretaceous changes in continental configuration
Authors: Donnadieu Yannick , Pucéat Emmanuelle , Moiroud Mathieu , Guillocheau François , Deconinck Jean- François
Published: January 2016

Oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are large-scale events of oxygen depletion in the deep ocean that happened during pre-Cenozoic periods of extreme warmth. Here, to assess the role of major continental configuration changes occurring during the Late Cretaceous on oceanic circulation modes, which in turn influence the oxygenation level of the deep ocean, we use a coupled ocean atmosphere climate model. We simulate ocean dynamics during two different time slices and compare these with existing neodymium isotope data (ɛNd). Although deep-water production in the North Pacific is continuous, the simulations at 94 and 71 Ma show a shift in southern deep-water production sites from South Pacific to South Atlantic and Indian Ocean locations. Our modelling results support the hypothesis that an intensification of southern Atlantic deep-water production and a reversal of deep-water fluxes through the Caribbean Seaway were the main causes of the decrease in ɛNd values recorded in the Atlantic and Indian deep waters during the Late Cretaceous.
Visualizing band offsets and edge states in bilayer–monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides lateral heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Chendong , Chen Yuxuan , Huang Jing-Kai , Wu Xianxin , Li Lain-Jong , Yao Wang , Tersoff Jerry , Shih Chih-Kang
Published: January 2016

Semiconductor heterostructures are fundamental building blocks for many important device applications. The emergence of two-dimensional semiconductors opens up a new realm for creating heterostructures. As the bandgaps of transition metal dichalcogenides thin films have sensitive layer dependence, it is natural to create lateral heterojunctions (HJs) using the same materials with different thicknesses. Here we show the real space image of electronic structures across the bilayer–monolayer interface in MoSe2 and WSe2, using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. Most bilayer–monolayer HJs are found to have a zig-zag-orientated interface, and the band alignment of such atomically sharp HJs is of type-I with a well-defined interface mode that acts as a narrower-gap quantum wire. The ability to utilize such commonly existing thickness terraces as lateral HJs is a crucial addition to the tool set for device applications based on atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides, with the advantage of easy and flexible implementation.
Evidence for an ice shelf covering the central Arctic Ocean during the penultimate glaciation
Authors: Jakobsson Martin , Nilsson Johan , Anderson Leif , Backman Jan , Björk Göran , Cronin Thomas M. , Kirchner Nina , Koshurnikov Andrey , Mayer Larry , Noormets Riko , O’Regan Matthew , Stranne Christian , Ananiev Roman , Barrientos Macho Natalia , Cherniykh Denis , Coxall Helen , Eriksson Björn , Flodén Tom , Gemery Laura , Gustafsson Örjan , Jerram Kevin , Johansson Carina , Khortov Alexey , Mohammad Rezwan , Semiletov Igor
Published: January 2016

The hypothesis of a km-thick ice shelf covering the entire Arctic Ocean during peak glacial conditions was proposed nearly half a century ago. Floating ice shelves preserve few direct traces after their disappearance, making reconstructions difficult. Seafloor imprints of ice shelves should, however, exist where ice grounded along their flow paths. Here we present new evidence of ice-shelf groundings on bathymetric highs in the central Arctic Ocean, resurrecting the concept of an ice shelf extending over the entire central Arctic Ocean during at least one previous ice age. New and previously mapped glacial landforms together reveal flow of a spatially coherent, in some regions >1-km thick, central Arctic Ocean ice shelf dated to marine isotope stage 6 (∼140 ka). Bathymetric highs were likely critical in the ice-shelf development by acting as pinning points where stabilizing ice rises formed, thereby providing sufficient back stress to allow ice shelf thickening.
A role for Separase in telomere protection
Authors: Cipressa Francesca , Morciano Patrizia , Bosso Giuseppe , Mannini Linda , Galati Alessandra , Daniela Raffa Grazia , Cacchione Stefano , Musio Antonio , Cenci Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Drosophila telomeres are elongated by transposition of specialized retroelements rather than telomerase activity and are assembled independently of the sequence. Fly telomeres are protected by the terminin complex that localizes and functions exclusively at telomeres and by non-terminin proteins that do not serve telomere-specific functions. We show that mutations in the Drosophila Separase encoding gene Sse lead not only to endoreduplication but also telomeric fusions (TFs), suggesting a role for Sse in telomere capping. We demonstrate that Separase binds terminin proteins and HP1, and that it is enriched at telomeres. Furthermore, we show that loss of Sse strongly reduces HP1 levels, and that HP1 overexpression in Sse mutants suppresses TFs, suggesting that TFs are caused by a HP1 diminution. Finally, we find that siRNA-induced depletion of ESPL1, the Sse human orthologue, causes telomere dysfunction and HP1 level reduction in primary fibroblasts, highlighting a conserved role of Separase in telomere protection.
Uncoupling of EGFR–RAS signaling and nuclear localization of YBX1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Roßner F , Gieseler C , Morkel M , Royer H-D , Rivera M , Bläker H , Dietel M , Schäfer R , Sers C
Published: January 2016

The transcription factor YBX1 can act as a mediator of signals transmitted via the EGFR–RAS–MAPK axis. YBX1 expression has been associated with tumor progression and prognosis in multiple types of cancer. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed dependency between YBX1 expression and individual EGFR family members. We analyzed YBX1 and EGFR family proteins in a colorectal cancer (CRC) cohort and provide functional analyses of YBX1 in the context of EGFR–RAS–MAPK signaling. Immunohistochemistry for YBX1 and EGFR family receptors with two antibodies for YBX1 and EGFR were performed and related to clinicopathological data. We employed Caco2 cells expressing an inducible KRASV12 gene to determine effects on localization and levels of YBX1. Mouse xenografts of Caco2-KRASV12 cells were used to determine YBX1 dynamics in a tissue context. The two different antibodies against YBX1 showed discordant immunohistochemical stainings in cell culture and clinical specimens. Expression of YBX1 and EGFR family members were not correlated in CRC. Analysis of Caco2 xenografts displayed again heterogeneity of YBX1 staining with both antibodies. Our results suggest that YBX1 is controlled via complex regulatory mechanisms involving tumor stroma interaction and signal transduction processes. Our study highlights that YBX1 antibodies have different specificities, advocating their use in a combined manner.
Extrapolating microdomain Ca2+ dynamics using BK channels as a Ca2+ sensor
Authors: Hou Panpan , Xiao Feng , Liu Haowen , Yuchi Ming , Zhang Guohui , Wu Ying , Wang Wei , Zeng Wenping , Ding Mingyue , Cui Jianming , Wu Zhengxing , Wang Lu-Yang , Ding Jiuping
Published: January 2016

Ca2+ ions play crucial roles in mediating physiological and pathophysiological processes, yet Ca2+ dynamics local to the Ca2+ source, either from influx via calcium permeable ion channels on plasmic membrane or release from internal Ca2+ stores, is difficult to delineate. Large-conductance calcium-activated K+ (BK-type) channels, abundantly distribute in excitable cells and often localize to the proximity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), spatially enabling the coupling of the intracellular Ca2+ signal to the channel gating to regulate membrane excitability and spike firing patterns. Here we utilized the sensitivity and dynamic range of BK to explore non-uniform Ca2+ local transients in the microdomain of VGCCs. Accordingly, we applied flash photolysis of caged Ca2+ to activate BK channels and determine their intrinsic sensitivity to Ca2+. We found that uncaging Ca2+ activated biphasic BK currents with fast and slow components (time constants being τf ≈ 0.2 ms and τs ≈ 10 ms), which can be accounted for by biphasic Ca2+ transients following light photolysis. We estimated the Ca2+-binding rate constant kb (≈1.8 × 108 M−1s−1) for mSlo1 and further developed a model in which BK channels act as a calcium sensor capable of quantitatively predicting local microdomain Ca2+ transients in the vicinity of VGCCs during action potentials.
A gigantic new dinosaur from Argentina and the evolution of the sauropod hind foot
Authors: González Riga Bernardo J. , Lamanna Matthew C. , Ortiz David Leonardo D. , Calvo Jorge O. , Coria Juan P.
Published: January 2016

Titanosauria is an exceptionally diverse, globally-distributed clade of sauropod dinosaurs that includes the largest known land animals. Knowledge of titanosaurian pedal structure is critical to understanding the stance and locomotion of these enormous herbivores and, by extension, gigantic terrestrial vertebrates as a whole. However, completely preserved pedes are extremely rare among Titanosauria, especially as regards the truly giant members of the group. Here we describeNotocolossus gonzalezparejasigen. et sp. nov. from the Upper Cretaceous of Mendoza Province, Argentina. With a powerfully-constructed humerus 1.76 m in length,Notocolossusis one of the largest known dinosaurs. Furthermore, the complete pes of the new taxon exhibits a strikingly compact, homogeneous metatarsus—seemingly adapted for bearing extraordinary weight—and truncated unguals, morphologies that are otherwise unknown in Sauropoda. The pes underwent a near-progressive reduction in the number of phalanges along the line to derived titanosaurs, eventually resulting in the reduced hind foot of these sauropods.
Global patterns of insect diversification: towards a reconciliation of fossil and molecular evidence?
Authors: Condamine Fabien L. , Clapham Matthew E. , Kergoat Gael J.
Published: January 2016

Macroevolutionary studies of insects at diverse taxonomic scales often reveal dynamic evolutionary patterns, with multiple inferred diversification rate shifts. Responses to major past environmental changes, such as the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, or the development of major key innovations, such as wings or complete metamorphosis are usually invoked as potential evolutionary triggers. However this view is partially contradicted by studies on the family-level fossil record showing that insect diversification was relatively constant through time. In an attempt to reconcile both views, we investigate large-scale insect diversification dynamics at family level using two distinct types of diversification analyses on a molecular timetree representing ca. 82% of the extant families and reassess the insect fossil diversity using up-to-date records. Analyses focusing on the fossil record recovered an early burst of diversification, declining to low and steady rates through time, interrupted by extinction events. Phylogenetic analyses showed that major shifts of diversification rates only occurred in the four richest holometabolous orders. Both suggest that neither the development of flight or complete metamorphosis nor the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution environmental changes induced immediate changes in diversification regimes; instead clade-specific innovations likely promoted the diversification of major insect orders.
Cytotoxic polyfunctionality maturation of cytomegalovirus-pp65-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses in older adults positively correlates with response size
Authors: Chiu Yen-Ling , Lin Chung-Hao , Sung Bo-Yi , Chuang Yi-Fang , Schneck Jonathan P. , Kern Florian , Pawelec Graham , Wang George C.
Published: January 2016

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common persistent viral infections in humans worldwide and is epidemiologically associated with many adverse health consequences during aging. Previous studies yielded conflicting results regarding whether large, CMV-specific T-cell expansions maintain their function during human aging. In the current study, we examined the in vitro CMV-pp65-reactive T-cell response by comprehensively studying five effector functions (i.e., interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, perforin and CD107a expression) in 76 seropositive individuals aged 70 years or older. Two data-driven, polyfunctionality panels (IL-2-associated and cytotoxicity-associated) derived from effector function co-expression patterns were used to analyze the results. We found that, CMV-pp65-reactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells contained similar polyfunctional subsets and the level of polyfunctionality was related to the size of antigen-specific response. In both CD8 + and CD4 + cells, polyfunctional cells with high cytotoxic potential accounted for a larger proportion of the total response as the total response size increased. Notably, a higher serum CMV-IgG level was positively associated with a larger T-cell response size and a higher level of cytotoxic polyfunctionality. These findings indicate that CMV-pp65-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell undergo simultaneous cytotoxic polyfunctionality maturation during aging.
Lipoprotein hydrophobic core lipids are partially extruded to surface in smaller HDL: “Herniated” HDL, a common feature in diabetes
Authors: Amigó Núria , Mallol Roger , Heras Mercedes , Martínez-Hervás Sergio , Blanco-Vaca Francisco , Escolà-Gil Joan Carles , Plana Núria , Yanes Óscar , Masana Lluís , Correig Xavier
Published: January 2016

Recent studies have shown that pharmacological increases in HDL cholesterol concentrations do not necessarily translate into clinical benefits for patients, raising concerns about its predictive value for cardiovascular events. Here we hypothesize that the size-modulated lipid distribution within HDL particles is compromised in metabolic disorders that have abnormal HDL particle sizes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). By using NMR spectroscopy combined with a biochemical volumetric model we determined the size and spatial lipid distribution of HDL subclasses in a cohort of 26 controls and 29 DM2 patients before and after two drug treatments, one with niacin plus laropiprant and another with fenofibrate as an add-on to simvastatin. We further characterized the HDL surface properties using atomic force microscopy and fluorescent probes to show an abnormal lipid distribution within smaller HDL particles, a subclass particularly enriched in the DM2 patients. The reduction in the size, force cholesterol esters and triglycerides to emerge from the HDL core to the surface, making the outer surface of HDL more hydrophobic. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions had no effect on this undesired configuration, which may explain the lack of clinical benefits in DM2 subjects.
Fosfomycin enhances phagocyte-mediated killing of Staphylococcus aureus by extracellular traps and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Shen Fengge , Tang Xudong , Cheng Wei , Wang Yang , Wang Chao , Shi Xiaochen , An Yanan , Zhang Qiaoli , Liu Mingyuan , Liu Bo , Yu Lu
Published: January 2016

The successful treatment of bacterial infections is the achievement of a synergy between the host’s immune defences and antibiotics. Here, we examined whether fosfomycin (FOM) could improve the bactericidal effect of phagocytes and investigated the potential mechanisms. FOM enhanced the phagocytosis and extra- or intracellular killing of S. aureus by phagocytes. And FOM enhanced the extracellular killing of S. aureus in macrophage (MФ) and in neutrophils mediated by extracellular traps (ETs). ET production was related to NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, FOM increased the intracellular killing of S. aureus in phagocytes, which was mediated by ROS through the oxidative burst process. Our results also showed that FOM alone induced S. aureus producing hydroxyl radicals in order to kill the bacterial cells in vitro. In a mouse peritonitis model, FOM treatment increased the bactericidal extra- and intracellular activity in vivo and FOM strengthened ROS and ET production from peritoneal lavage fluid ex vivo. An IVIS imaging system assay further verified the observed in vivo bactericidal effect of the FOM treatment. This work may provide a deeper understanding of the role of the host’s immune defences and antibiotic interactions in microbial infections.
Single Droplet on Micro Square-Post Patterned Surfaces – Theoretical Model and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zu Y. Q. , Yan Y. Y.
Published: January 2016

In this study, the wetting behaviors of single droplet on a micro square-post patterned surface with different geometrical parameters are investigated theoretically and numerically. A theoretical model is proposed for the prediction of wetting transition from the Cassie to Wenzel regimes. In addition, due to the limitation of theoretical method, a numerical simulation is performed, which helps get a view of dynamic contact lines, detailed velocity fields, etc., even if the droplet size is comparable with the scale of the surface micro-structures. It is found that the numerical results of the liquid drop behaviours on the square-post patterned surface are in good agreement with the predicted values by the theoretical model.
Locating influential nodes in complex networks
Authors: Malliaros Fragkiskos D. , Rossi Maria-Evgenia G. , Vazirgiannis Michalis
Published: January 2016

Understanding and controlling spreading processes in networks is an important topic with many diverse applications, including information dissemination, disease propagation and viral marketing. It is of crucial importance to identify which entities act as influential spreaders that can propagate information to a large portion of the network, in order to ensure efficient information diffusion, optimize available resources or even control the spreading. In this work, we capitalize on the properties of theK-truss decomposition, a triangle-based extension of the core decomposition of graphs, to locate individual influential nodes. Our analysis on real networks indicates that the nodes belonging to the maximalK-truss subgraph show better spreading behavior compared to previously used importance criteria, including node degree andk-core index, leading to faster and wider epidemic spreading. We further show that nodes belonging to such dense subgraphs, dominate the small set of nodes that achieve the optimal spreading in the network.
Disorder and defects are not intrinsic to boron carbide
Authors: Mondal Swastik , Bykova Elena , Dey Somnath , Ali Sk Imran , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Parakhonskiy Gleb , van Smaalen Sander
Published: January 2016

A unique combination of useful properties in boron-carbide, such as extreme hardness, excellent fracture toughness, a low density, a high melting point, thermoelectricity, semi-conducting behavior, catalytic activity and a remarkably good chemical stability, makes it an ideal material for a wide range of technological applications. Explaining these properties in terms of chemical bonding has remained a major challenge in boron chemistry. Here we report the synthesis of fully ordered, stoichiometric boron-carbide B13C2by high-pressure–high-temperature techniques. Our experimental electron-density study using high-resolution single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction data conclusively demonstrates that disorder and defects are not intrinsic to boron carbide, contrary to what was hitherto supposed. A detailed analysis of the electron density distribution reveals charge transfer between structural units in B13C2and a new type of electron-deficient bond with formally unpaired electrons on the C–B–C group in B13C2. Unprecedented bonding features contribute to the fundamental chemistry and materials science of boron compounds that is of great interest for understanding structure-property relationships and development of novel functional materials.
Fabrication of Wide–Range–Visible Photocatalyst Bi2WO6−x nanoplates via Surface Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Lv Yanhui , Yao Wenqing , Zong Ruilong , Zhu Yongfa
Published: January 2016

Bi2WO6 as a high visible-light-driven catalyst has been aroused broad interest. However, it can only be excitated by the light with λ < 450 nm and the solar energy utilization need to be improved. Here, the wide–range–visible photoresponse Bi2WO6−x nanoplates were fabricated by introducing surface oxygen vacancies through the controllable hydrogen reduction method. The visible photoresponse wavelength range is extended from 450 nm to more than 600 nm. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6−x is also increased and is 2.1 times as high as that of pristine Bi2WO6. The extending of the photoresponse range and the enhancement of the photoactivity both can be attributed to the surface-oxygen-vacancy states. This is because surface-oxygen–vacancy states generated above and partly overlapping of with the valence band (VB) will result in the rising of valence band maximum (VBM), thus broadening the VB width. This approach is proposed to develop many types of wide–range–visible optical materials and to be applicable to many narrow and wide bandgap materials.
Comparative transcriptome analysis highlights the crucial roles of photosynthetic system in drought stress adaptation in upland rice
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Feng , Li Yuan-Yuan , Xiao Ben-Ze
Published: January 2016

Drought stress is one of the major adverse environmental factors reducing plant growth. With the aim to elucidate the underlying molecular basis of rice response to drought stress, comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted between drought susceptible rice cultivar Zhenshan97 and tolerant cultivar IRAT109 at the seedling stage. 436 genes showed differential expression and mainly enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms of stress defence. A large number of variations exist between these two genotypes including 2564 high-quality insertion and deletions (INDELs) and 70,264 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). 1041 orthologous gene pairs show the ratio of nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rate to synonymous nucleotide substitutions rate (Ka/Ks) larger than 1.5, indicating the rapid adaptation to different environments during domestication. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of positive selection genes suggested that photosynthesis represents the most significant category. The collocation of positively selected genes with the QTLs of photosynthesis and the different photosynthesis performance of these two cultivars further illuminate the crucial function of photosynthesis in rice adaptation to drought stress. Our results also provide fruitful functional markers and candidate genes for future genetic research and improvement of drought tolerance in rice.
Global nitrogen budgets in cereals: A 50-year assessment for maize, rice and wheat production systems
Authors: Ladha J. K. , Tirol-Padre A. , Reddy C. K. , Cassman K. G. , Verma Sudhir , Powlson D. S. , van Kessel C. , de B. Richter Daniel , Chakraborty Debashis , Pathak Himanshu
Published: January 2016

Industrially produced N-fertilizer is essential to the production of cereals that supports current and projected human populations. We constructed a top-down global N budget for maize, rice and wheat for a 50-year period (1961 to 2010). Cereals harvested a total of 1551 Tg of N, of which 48% was supplied through fertilizer-N and 4% came from net soil depletion. An estimated 48% (737 Tg) of crop N, equal to 29, 38 and 25 kg ha−1 yr−1for maize, rice and wheat, respectively, is contributed by sources other than fertilizer- or soil-N. Non-symbiotic N2fixation appears to be the major source of this N, which is 370 Tg or 24% of total N in the crop, corresponding to 13, 22 and 13 kg ha−1 yr−1for maize, rice and wheat, respectively. Manure (217 Tg or 14%) and atmospheric deposition (96 Tg or 6%) are the other sources of N. Crop residues and seed contribute marginally. Our scaling-down approach to estimate the contribution of non-symbiotic N2fixation is robust because it focuses on global quantities of N in sources and sinks that are easier to estimate, in contrast to estimating N losses per se, because losses are highly soil-, climate- and crop-specific.
Food supply confers calcifiers resistance to ocean acidification
Authors: Ramajo Laura , Pérez-León Elia , Hendriks Iris E. , Marbà Núria , Krause-Jensen Dorte , Sejr Mikael K. , Blicher Martin E. , Lagos Nelson A. , Olsen Ylva S. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: January 2016

Invasion of ocean surface waters by anthropogenic CO2 emitted to the atmosphere is expected to reduce surface seawater pH to 7.8 by the end of this century compromising marine calcifiers. A broad range of biological and mineralogical mechanisms allow marine calcifiers to cope with ocean acidification, however these mechanisms are energetically demanding which affect other biological processes (trade-offs) with important implications for the resilience of the organisms against stressful conditions. Hence, food availability may play a critical role in determining the resistance of calcifiers to OA. Here we show, based on a meta-analysis of existing experimental results assessing the role of food supply in the response of organisms to OA, that food supply consistently confers calcifiers resistance to ocean acidification.
Exotic vortex lattices in a rotating binary dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Fei , Wen Lin , Dai Cai-Qing , Dong Rui-Fang , Jiang Hai-Feng , Chang Hong , Zhang Shou-Gang
Published: January 2016

In the last decade, considerable advances have been made in the investigation of dipolar quantum gases. Previous theoretical investigations of a rotating binary dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate, where only one component possesses dipole moment, were mainly focused on two special orientations of the dipoles: perpendicular or parallel to the plane of motion. Here we study the ground-state and rotational properties of such a system for an arbitrary orientation of the dipoles. We demonstrate the ground-state vortex structures depend strongly on the relative strength between dipolar and contact interactions and the rotation frequency, as well as on the orientation of the dipoles. In the absence of rotation, the tunable dipolar interaction can be used to induce the squeezing or expansion of the cloud and to derive the phase transition between phase coexistence and separation. Under finite rotation, the system is found to exhibit exotic ground-state vortex configurations, such as kernel-shell, vortex necklace and compensating stripe vortex structures. We also check the validity of the Feynman relation and find no significant deviations from it. The obtained results open up alternate ways for the quantum control of dipolar quantum gases.
Bi deficiency-tuned functionality in multiferroic Bi1-δFe0.95Mn0.05O3 films
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Wang Yao , Wang Hui , Zhang Shuangmei , Deng Yuan
Published: January 2016

Structural evolution and ferroelectric (FE)-to-antiferroelectric (AFE) transition behaviors were observed in Bi1-δFe0.95Mn0.05O3 (100)-textured films with a carefully controlled Bi deficiency concentration δ. Raman spectra revealed an orthorhombic structural transition induced by Mn substitution. The polarization-electric field hysteresis loops and capacitance-voltage loops of Bi1-δFe0.95Mn0.05O3 films clearly demonstrated antiferroelectric behavior with increasing δ. The responses of the domain structure of the Bi1-δFe0.95Mn0.05O3 film under positive and negative applied voltages directly suggested the coexistence of FE and AFE phases. The existence of (100) superstructure reflections and antiparallel displacements of the Bi atoms along the [100] direction observed by transmission electron microscopy unambiguously reveal the AFE phase. The chemical substitution-induced orthorhombic structural transition in BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 film implies that as the δ concentration increases, the changes in Bi-O bonding and the stereochemical activity of Bi 6s lone pair affect both the ferroelectric distortion and the antiferrodistortive rotation and therefore drive the Bi1-δFe0.95Mn0.05O3 crystal lattice to form a PbZrO3-type orthorhombic phase with an AFE order. A continuing increase in Bi deficiency creates defect dipole complexes which produce an internal field leading to a preferred direction of the ferroelectric domain. The Bi deficiency in multiferroic BiFeO3 provides a new route by which to tune functionality.
Anti-nociceptive effect of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in non-inflammatory IBS-like models
Authors: Miquel S. , Martín R. , Lashermes A. , Gillet M. , Meleine M. , Gelot A. , Eschalier A. , Ardid D. , Bermúdez-Humarán L. G. , Sokol H. , Thomas M. , Theodorou V. , Langella P. , Carvalho F. A.
Published: January 2016

Visceral pain and intestinal dysbiosis are associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder without available efficient therapies. In this study, a decrease of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii presence has been observed in an IBS-like rodent model induced by a neonatal maternal separation (NMS) stress. Moreover, it was investigated whether F. prausnitzii may have an impact on colonic sensitivity. The A2-165 reference strain, but not its supernatant, significantly decreased colonic hypersensitivity induced by either NMS in mice or partial restraint stress in rats. This effect was associated with a reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier. Thus, F. prausnitzii exhibits anti-nociceptive properties, indicating its potential to treat abdominal pain in IBS patients.
An integrated Pan-European perspective on coastal Lagoons management through a mosaic-DPSIR approach
Authors: Dolbeth Marina , Stålnacke Per , Alves Fátima L. , Sousa Lisa P. , Gooch Geoffrey D. , Khokhlov Valeriy , Tuchkovenko Yurii , Lloret Javier , Bielecka Małgorzata , Różyński Grzegorz , Soares João A. , Baggett Susan , Margonski Piotr , Chubarenko Boris V. , Lillebø Ana I.
Published: January 2016

A decision support framework for the management of lagoon ecosystems was tested using four European Lagoons: Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), Mar Menor (Spain), Tyligulskyi Liman (Ukraine) and Vistula Lagoon (Poland/Russia). Our aim was to formulate integrated management recommendations for European lagoons. To achieve this we followed a DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State Change-Impacts-Responses) approach, with focus on integrating aspects of human wellbeing, welfare and ecosystem sustainability. The most important drivers in each lagoon were identified, based on information gathered from the lagoons’ stakeholders, complemented by scientific knowledge on each lagoon as seen from a land-sea perspective. The DPSIR cycles for each driver were combined into a mosaic-DPSIR conceptual model to examine the interdependency between the multiple and interacting uses of the lagoon. This framework emphasizes the common links, but also the specificities of responses to drivers and the ecosystem services provided. The information collected was used to formulate recommendations for the sustainable management of lagoons within a Pan-European context. Several common management recommendations were proposed, but specificities were also identified. The study synthesizes the present conditions for the management of lagoons, thus analysing and examining the activities that might be developed in different scenarios, scenarios which facilitate ecosystem protection without compromising future generations.
Carbon incorporation effects and reaction mechanism of FeOCl cathode materials for chloride ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiangyu , Li Qiang , Yu Tingting , Yang Meng , Fink Karin , Shen Xiaodong
Published: January 2016

Metal oxychlorides are proved to be new cathode materials for chloride ion batteries. However, this kind of cathode materials is still in a very early stage of research and development. The obtained reversible capacity is low and the electrochemical reaction mechanism concerning chloride ion transfer is not clear. Herein, we report FeOCl/carbon composites prepared by mechanical milling of the as-prepared FeOCl with carbon nanotube, carbon black or graphene nanoplatelets as cathode materials for chloride ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of the FeOCl electrode is evidently improved by the incorporation of graphene into the cathode. FeOCl/graphene cathode shows a high reversible capacity of 184 mAh g−1 based on the phase transformation between FeOCl and FeO. Two stages of this phase transformation are observed for the FeOCl cathode. New insight into the reaction mechanism of chloride ion dissociation of FeOCl is investigated by DFT + U + D2 calculations.
Impaired differentiation of macrophage lineage cells attenuates bone remodeling and inflammatory angiogenesis in Ndrg1 deficient mice
Authors: Watari Kosuke , Shibata Tomohiro , Nabeshima Hiroshi , Shinoda Ai , Fukunaga Yuichi , Kawahara Akihiko , Karasuyama Kazuyuki , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Iwamoto Yukihide , Kuwano Michihiko , Ono Mayumi
Published: January 2016

N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a responsible gene for a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy-Lom (Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 4D). This is the first study aiming to assess the contribution of NDRG1 to differentiation of macrophage lineage cells, which has important implications for bone remodeling and inflammatory angiogenesis. Ndrg1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited abnormal curvature of the spine, high trabecular bone mass and reduced number of osteoclasts. We observed that serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and macrophage-related cytokines were markedly decreased in KO mice. Differentiation of bone marrow (BM) cells into osteoclasts, M1/M2-type macrophages and dendritic cells was all impaired. Furthermore, KO mice also showed reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis by cancer cells, accompanied by decreased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages. The transfer of BM-derived macrophages from KO mice into BM-eradicated wild type (WT) mice induced much less tumor angiogenesis than observed in WT mice. Angiogenesis in corneas in response to inflammatory stimuli was also suppressed with decreased infiltration of macrophages. Taken together, these results indicate that NDRG1 deficiency attenuates the differentiation of macrophage lineage cells, suppressing bone remodeling and inflammatory angiogenesis. This study strongly suggests the crucial role of NDRG1 in differentiation process for macrophages.
Vertical La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanorods tailored by high magnetic field assisted pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Zhang Kejun , Dai Jianming , Zhu Xuebin , Zhu Xiaoguang , Zuo Xuzhong , Zhang Peng , Hu Ling , Lu Wenjian , Song Wenhai , Sheng Zhigao , Wu Wenbin , Sun Yuping , Du Youwei
Published: January 2016

La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) thin films on (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 (001) [LSAT (001)] single crystal substrates have been prepared by high magnetic field assisted pulsed laser deposition (HMF-PLD) developed by ourselves. Uniformly sized and vertically aligned nanorod structures can be obtained under an applied high magnetic field above 5 T and the dimension size of the nanorods can be manipulated by varying the applied magnetic field. It is found that the magnetic anisotropy is strongly correlated to the dimension size of the nanorods. A significantly enhanced low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) of −36% under 0.5 T at 100 K can be obtained due to the enhanced carrier scattering at the vertical grain boundaries between the nanorods for the LCMO films. The growth mechanism of the nanorods has been also discussed, which can be attributed to the variation of deposition rate, adatom surface diffusion and nucleation induced by the application of a high magnetic field in the film processing. The successful achievements of such vertical nanorod structures will provide an instructive route to investigate the physical nature of these nanostructures and achieve nanodevice manipulation.
Aligned silver nanowire-based transparent electrodes for engineering polarisation-selective optoelectronics
Authors: Park Byoungchoo , Bae In-Gon , Huh Yoon Ho
Published: January 2016

We herein report on a remarkably simple, fast and economic way of fabricating homogeneous and well oriented silver nanowires (AgNWs) that exhibit strong in-plane electrical and optical anisotropies. Using a small quantity of AgNW suspension, the horizontal-dip (H-dip) coating method was applied, in which highly oriented AgNWs were deposited unidirectionally along the direction of coating over centimetre-scale lengths very rapidly. In applying the H-dip-coating method, we adjusted the shear strain rate of the capillary flow in the Landau-Levich meniscus of the AgNW suspension, which induced a high degree of uniaxial orientational ordering (0.37–0.43) of the AgNWs, comparable with the ordering seen in archetypal nematic liquid crystal (LC) materials. These AgNWs could be used to fabricate not only transparent electrodes, but also LC-alignment electrodes for LC devices and/or polarising electrodes for organic photovoltaic devices, having the potential to revolutionise the architectures of a number of polarisation-selective opto-electronic devices for use in printed/organic electronics.
The effects of organic solvents on the folding pathway and associated thermodynamics of proteins: a microscopic view
Authors: Yu Yuqi , Wang Jinan , Shao Qiang , Shi Jiye , Zhu Weiliang
Published: January 2016

Protein folding is subject to the effects of solvation environment. A variety of organic solvents are used as additives for in vitro refolding of denatured proteins. Examination of the solvent effects on protein folding could be of fundamental importance to understand the molecular interactions in determining protein structure. This article investigated the folding of α-helix and β-hairpin structures in water and the solutions of two representative refolding additives (methanol (MeOH) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIM-Cl) ionic liquid) using REMD simulations. For both α-helix and β-hairpin in MeOH/water solution or α-helix in EMIM-Cl/water solution, the transient structures along the folding pathway are consistent with the counterparts in water but the relative statistical weights are changed, leading to the decrease in the overall folding free energy barrier. Accordingly, MeOH promotes the folding of both α-helix and β-hairpin but EMIM-Cl ionic liquid only promotes the folding of α-helix, consistent with experimental observations. The present study reveals for the first time the trivial effects on folding route but significant effects on folding thermodynamics from MeOH and EMIM-Cl, explaining the function of protein refolding additives and testifying the validity of the folding mechanism revealed by in vitro protein folding study using refolding additives.
Structure of the transmembrane domain of human nicastrin-a component of γ-secretase
Authors: Li Yan , Liew Lynette Sin Yee , Li Qingxin , Kang CongBao
Published: January 2016

Nicastrin is the largest component of γ-secretase that is an intramembrane protease important in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Nicastrin contains a large extracellular domain, a single transmembrane (TM) domain and a short C-terminus. Its TM domain is important for the γ-secretase complex formation. Here we report nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of the TM and C-terminal regions of human nicastrin in both sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles. Structural study and dynamic analysis reveal that the TM domain is largely helical and stable under both SDS and DPC micelles with its N-terminal region undergoing intermediate time scale motion. The TM helix contains a hydrophilic patch that is important for TM-TM interactions. The short C-terminus is not structured in solution and a region formed by residues V697-A702 interacts with the membrane, suggesting that these residues may play a role in the γ-secretase complex formation. Our study provides structural insight into the function of the nicastrin TM domain and the C-terminus in γ-secretase complex.
Sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, mediates breast cancer inhibition as an immune modulator
Authors: Yin Tao , Wang Guoping , Ye Tinghong , Wang Yongsheng
Published: January 2016

The cooperation of adaptive immunity with pharmacologic therapy influences cancer progression. Though non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a long history of cancer prevention, it is unclear whether adaptive immune system affects the action of those drugs. In present study, we revealed a novel immunological mechanism of sulindac. Our data showed that sulindac had substantial efficacy as a single agent against 4T1 murine breast cancer and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. However, in the athymic nude mice, sulindac treatment was ineffective. Further in vivo T cell subsets depletion experiments showed that CD8+ T lymphocytes deficiency reversed the anti-tumor effect of sulindac. In addition, sulindac significantly reduced M2 macrophages recruitment, cancer-related inflammation and tumor angiogenesis. Our results advance our understanding of the mechanisms of NSAIDs and more importantly, this will provide insight into rational drug design or antitumor immunotherapy.
Stable multilineage xenogeneic replacement of definitive hematopoiesis in adult zebrafish
Authors: Hess Isabell , Boehm Thomas
Published: January 2016

Bony fishes are the most numerous and phenotypically diverse group of vertebrates inhabiting our planet, making them an ideal target for identifying general principles of tissue development and function. However, lack of suitable experimental platforms prevents the exploitation of this rich source of natural phenotypic variation. Here, we use a zebrafish strain lacking definitive hematopoiesis for interspecific analysis of hematopoietic cell development. Without conditioning prior to transplantation, hematopoietic progenitor cells from goldfish stably engraft in adult zebrafish homozygous for the c-mybI181N mutation. However, in competitive repopulation experiments, zebrafish hematopoietic cells exhibit an advantage over their goldfish counterparts, possibly owing to subtle species-specific functional differences in hematopoietic microenvironments resulting from over 100 million years of independent evolution. Thus, our unique animal model provides an unprecedented opportunity to genetically and functionally disentangle universal and species-specific contributions of the microenvironment to hematopoietic progenitor cell maintenance and development.
Does size matter? Study of performance of pseudo-ELISAs based on molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles prepared for analytes of different sizes
Authors: Cáceres C. , Canfarotta F. , Chianella I. , Pereira E. , Moczko E. , Esen C. , Guerreiro A. , Piletska E. , Whitcombe M. J. , Piletsky S. A.
Published: January 2016

Here we evaluate whether the size of the template used to produce molecularly imprinted nanoparticles can affect their performance in pseudo-ELISAs.
Chemical cytometry of thiols using capillary zone electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence and TMPAB-o-M, an improved fluorogenic reagent
Authors: Guo Xiao-Feng , Arceo Jennifer , Huge Bonnie Jaskowski , Ludwig Katelyn R. , Dovichi Norman J.
Published: January 2016

Low molecular weight thiol compounds play crucial roles in many physiological processes.
Manipulating the inter pillar gap in pillar array ultra-thin layer planar chromatography platforms
Authors: Crane Nichole A. , Lavrik Nickolay V. , Sepaniak Michael J.
Published: January 2016

An advantage of separation platforms based on deterministic micro- and nano-fabrications, relative to traditional systems based on packed beds of particles, is the exquisite control of all morphological parameters.
Microfluidic cell surface antigen expression analysis using a single antibody type
Authors: Zhang Ye , Pappas Dimitri
Published: January 2016

A single-chip approach to capture and isolate cells based on differences in antigen expression.
Development of an integrated microfluidic solid-phase extraction and electrophoresis device
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Sahore Vishal , Rogers Chad I. , Woolley Adam T.
Published: January 2016

Integrated microfluidic devices with pumps, valves, and a solid-phase extraction monolith provide improved signal in microchip electrophoresis.
Enhancement of binding kinetics on affinity substrates by laser point heating induced transport
Authors: Wang Bu , Cheng Xuanhong
Published: January 2016

Binding of analyte to an affinity substrate is significantly enhanced by laser point heating induced transport.
Sample stage designed for force modulation microscopy using a tip-mounted AFM scanner
Authors: Lu Lu , Xu Song , Zhang Donghui , Garno Jayne C.
Published: January 2016

Among the modes of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), force modulation microscopy (FMM) is often used to acquire mechanical properties of samples concurrent with topographic information.
A unique dual recognition hairpin probe mediated fluorescence amplification method for sensitive detection of uracil-DNA glycosylase and endonuclease IV activities
Authors: Wu Yushu , Yan Ping , Xu Xiaowen , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2016

A dual recognition probe mediated fluorescence amplification method was developed for sensitively and selectively detecting UDG and Endo IV activities.
Resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy of platinum(ii) anticancer complexes
Authors: Sá Jacinto , Czapla-Masztafiak Joanna , Lipiec Ewelina , Kayser Yves , Fernandes Daniel L. A. , Szlachetko Jakub , Dufrasne François , Berger Gilles
Published: January 2016

Platinum-based drugs are commonly used in cancer treatment.