bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supersymmetric localization in AdS5 and the protected chiral algebra
Authors: Bonetti Federico , Rastelli Leonardo
Published: August 2018

Abstract

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills theory admits [1] a protected subsector isomorphic to a two-dimensional chiral algebra, obtained by passing to the cohomology of a certain supercharge. In the large N limit, we expect this chiral algebra to have a dual description as a subsector of IIB supergravity on AdS
5 × S
5. This subsector can be carved out by a version of supersymmetric localization, using the bulk analog of the boundary supercharge. We illustrate this procedure in a simple model, the theory of an

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

vector multiplet in AdS
5, for which a convenient off-shell description is available. This model can be viewed as the simplest truncation of the full AdS
5 × S
5 supergravity, in which case the vector multiplet should be taken in the adjoint representation of

$$ {\mathfrak{g}}_F=\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{u}{(2)}_F $$

g
F

=
s
u

2

F

. Localization yields Chern-Simons theory on AdS
3 with gauge algebra

$$ {\mathfrak{g}}_F $$

g
F

, whose boundary dual is the affine Lie algebra

$$ {\widehat{\mathfrak{g}}}_F $$

g
^

F

. We comment on the generalization to the full bulk theory. We propose that the large N limit of the chiral algebra of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SYM is again dual to Chern-Simons theory, with gauge algebra a suitable higher-spin superalgebra.
Superconformal blocks from Wilson lines with loop corrections
Authors: Hikida Yasuaki , Uetoko Takahiro
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We compute the

$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$

N
=
1

superconformal blocks from the networks of open Wilson lines in the osp(1|2) Chern-Simons theory in the expansion of large central charge c. We first reproduce the 1/c correction of conformal weight from an open Wilson line by adopting the regularization prescription developed in our previous works. We then obtain the closed form expressions of superconformal blocks including 1/c corrections, which were not available before. We also examine heavy operators corresponding to supersymmetric conical spaces, and the geometry is quantized by utilizing the coadjoint orbits of the super Virasoro group. Superconformal blocks involving these operators are also examined.
The personalization of e-learning systems with the contrast of strategic knowledge and learner’s learning preferences: an investigatory analysis
Authors: Mustafa Alan
Published: August 2018

In this study, reasons for proving the relevancy of personalisation of e-learning systems to act as a knowledge management system in which tacit to tacit type of knowledge (socialisation) can be delivered, are being provided. Nonaka’s knowledge conversion model is being used as the basis of the investigation. The relationship between ‘the strategic knowledge conversion model’ drawn from the ‘identifying list of strategies’ and ‘an individual’s decision-making method’ has been investigated in relation to knowledge transferring systems and individual’s learning styles. The outcome of the qualitative as well as quantitative investigation defines a set of frameworks in which different types of e-learning systems utilizing different learning philosophies and learners learning preferences to support the learner’s learning curve.
The Nature and Challenges of Indigenous Psychologies
Authors: Allwood Carl Martin
Published: August 2018

The indigenous psychologies (IPs) stress the importance of research being grounded in the conditions and culture of the researcher's own society due to the dominance of Western culture in mainstream psychology. The nature and challenges of the IPs are discussed from the perspectives of science studies and anthropology of knowledge (the study of human understanding in its social context). The Element describes general social conditions for the development of science and the IPs globally, and their development and form in some specific countries. Next, some more specific issues relating to the IPs are discussed. These issues include the nature of the IPs, scientific standards, type of culture concept favored, views on the philosophy of science, understanding of mainstream psychology, generalization of findings, and the IPs' isolation and independence. Finally, conclusions are drawn, for example with respect to the future of the IPs.
Testing the Enemy Release Hypothesis on tall-statured grasses in South Africa, using Arundo donax, Phragmites australis, and Phragmites mauritianus as models
Authors: Canavan K. , Paterson I.D. , Hill M.P. , Dudley T.L.
Published: August 2018

The Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH) predicts that introduced plant species can escape herbivory and therefore have a competitive advantage over native plants, which are exposed to both generalist and specialist natural enemies. In this study, the ERH was explored using the invasive alien species, Arundo donax and two native tall-statured grasses, the cosmopolitan Phragmites australis and African endemic Phragmites mauritianus in South Africa. It was predicted that A. donax would have reduced species richness of herbivores compared with the native Phragmites spp., that it would be devoid of specialist herbivores and would thus be experiencing enemy escape in the adventive range. The herbivore assemblages were determined from both field surveys and a literature review. The assumptions of the ERH were for the most part not met; 13 herbivores were found on A. donax compared with 17 on P. australis and 20 on P. mauritianus. Arundo donax had two specialist herbivores from its native range, and shared native herbivores with Phragmites spp. Although A. donax had reduced species richness and diversity compared with that found in the native distribution, it has partially re-acquired a herbivore assemblage which is similar to that found on analogous native species. This suggests that enemy release may not fully explain the invasive success of A. donax in South Africa.
Description of a new species of rhinebothriidean tapeworm from the skate Dipturus batis in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Benmeslem K. , Randhawa H.S. , Tazerouti F.
Published: August 2018

Examination of rajid skates off the Algerian coast in the Mediterranean Sea revealed that three of the 33Dipturus batisLinnaeus, 1758 examined harboured a new tapeworm species:Echeneibothrium algeriensisn. sp. This new species, collected from the anterior half of the spiral valves, is described on the basis of morphological data from light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species differs from previously describedEcheneibothriumspecies by details of the scolex and loculi, total length, the length of the myzorhynchus, the number of proglottides, and the number of testes. Comparison of the diets of the ten skate species common in the Mediterranean basin indicates some varying degree of overlap, suggesting that host specificity in this host–parasite system is determined by other host and/or ecological variables such as adaptations of the parasites to their respective hosts, either on the morpho-anatomical level, in physiological characteristics of the parasite's habitat, in the trophic requirements for the successful transmission of the parasite, or in adaptations to the behavioural characteristics of the host. Furthermore, restricted overlap ofE. algeriensisn. sp. with congeners in parasite assemblages ofD. batisindicates some structuring according to attachment-site preferences. However, attachment-site preferences are not explained solely by morphological compatibility between bothridia and villi. This study reiterates the need to examine multiple factors synergistically in studies on host specificity of parasites, and the need to examine the parasite fauna of hosts across their entire geographical range in order to truly appreciate the biodiversity they harbour.
Inequalities in women's awareness of changes to the State Pension Age in England and the role of cognitive ability
Authors: Holman Daniel , Foster Liam , Hess Moritz
Published: August 2018

As a response to the ageing population, the United Kingdom (UK) government, like many others, has increased the State Pension Age. This has involved equalising women's State Pension Age with men's, raising it from 60 to 65, with further increases already underway. It has been argued that a key issue with how this change has been implemented is the lack of notice the government gave to the women affected, impacting on their ability to plan for retirement. So far, there has been very little research exploring inequalities in awareness of these developments and, in particular, considering whether women of particular socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to know about the changes. This has implications for potentially further widening inequalities in old age. In this paper we analyse data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We consider the role of cognitive ability in mediating the relationship between socio-economic background and awareness, given recent debates on deficiencies in financial literacy. We find that socio-economic inequalities exist, especially with respect to labour force status, occupation and education. We also find that cognitive ability, especially numeracy, mediates a sizeable proportion of the relationship. These findings have important implications in terms of implementing future policy changes and awareness campaigns to help mitigate the possibility that they will further entrench inequalities in older age.
Using Lake Sediment Cores to Improve Records of Volcanism at Aluto Volcano in the Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: McNamara K. , Cashman K. V. , Rust A. C. , Fontijn K. , Chalié F. , Tomlinson E. L. , Yirgu G.
Published: August 2018

Aluto is a silicic volcano in central Ethiopia, flanked by two large population centers and home to an expanding geothermal power plant. Here we present data from two lake sediment cores sampled 12 and 25 km from the volcano, which record at least 24 distinct eruptions in the Holocene. Tephra layers from the two cores are correlated using a variety of techniques, including major and trace element geochemistry as well as textural and morphological features from scanning electron microscopy‐backscatter electron imaging. The purpose is to provide a Holocene reference section for further tephrostratigraphic studies of the volcano as well as to provide information on eruption frequency. The lake cores suggest that Aluto has had a variable eruption rate, with three eruption clusters in the Holocene at ~3, 6.5, and 11 ka, with small Vulcanian‐to sub‐Plinian eruptions separated by larger, Plinian eruptions. We infer that the smaller tephras are likely the product of pumice cone‐ and dome‐forming eruptions. In addition, modern wind data suggest that the likely direction of an ash cloud from Aluto is to the west and south west, which is toward population centers and is in agreement with thickness data from the cores. We conclude that current records underestimate the volcano's eruptive history and that hazard assessments should be updated accordingly.
A Statistical Survey of Radiation Belt Dropouts Observed by Van Allen Probes
Authors: Xiang Zheng , Tu Weichao , Ni Binbin , Henderson M. G. , Cao Xing
Published: August 2018

A statistical analysis on the radiation belt dropouts is performed based on 4 years of electron phase space density data from the Van Allen Probes. The μ, K, and L* dependence of dropouts and their driving mechanisms and geomagnetic and solar wind conditions are investigated using electron phase space density data sets for the first time. Our results suggest that electronmagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave scattering is the dominant dropout mechanism at low L* region, which requires the most active geomagnetic and solar wind conditions. In contrast, dropouts at high L* have a higher occurrence and are due to a combination of EMIC wave scattering and outward radial diffusion associated with magnetopause shadowing. In addition, outward radial diffusion at high L* is found to cause larger dropouts than EMIC wave scattering and is accompanied with active geomagnetic and solar wind drivers.
Why Do Large‐Scale Land Surface Models Produce a Low Ratio of Transpiration to Evapotranspiration?
Authors: Chang Li‐Ling , Dwivedi Ravindra , Knowles John F. , Fang Yuan‐Hao , Niu Guo‐Yue , Pelletier Jon D. , Rasmussen Craig , Durcik Matej , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Meixner Thomas
Published: August 2018

Most land surface models (LSMs) used in Earth System Models produce a lower ratio of transpiration (T) to evapotranspiration (ET) than field observations, degrading the credibility of Earth System Model‐projected ecosystem responses and feedbacks to climate change. To interpret this model deficiency, we conducted a pair of model experiments using a three‐dimensional, process‐based ecohydrological model in a subhumid, mountainous catchment. One experiment (CTRL) describes lateral water flow, topographic shading, leaf dynamics, and water vapor diffusion in the soil, while the other (LSM like) does not explicitly describe these processes to mimic a conventional LSM using artificially flattened terrain. Averaged over the catchment, CTRL produced a higher T/ET ratio (72%) than LSM like (55%) and agreed better with an independent estimate (79.79 ± 27%) based on rainfall and stream water isotopes. To discern the exact causes, we conducted additional model experiments, each reverting only one process described in CTRL to that of LSM like. These experiments revealed that the enhanced T/ET ratio was mostly caused by lateral water flow and water vapor diffusion within the soil. In particular, terrain‐driven lateral water flows spread out soil moisture to a wider range along hillslopes with an optimum subrange from the middle to upper slopes, where evaporation (E) was more suppressed by the drier surface than T due to plant uptake of deep soil water, thereby enhancing T/ET. A more elaborate representation of water vapor diffusion from a dynamically changing evaporating surface to the height of the surface roughness length reduced E and increased the T/ET ratio.
Model‐Based Analysis of the Effects of Dam‐Induced River Water and Groundwater Interactions on Hydro‐Biogeochemical Transformation of Redox Sensitive Contaminants in a Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhang You‐Kuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaofan , Liu Chongxuan
Published: August 2018

Biogeochemical processes in the hyporheic zone (HZ) may retard the contaminants migration from groundwater to the river and vice versa. Anthropogenic activities may further complicate such processes. This study investigated the effects of dam‐induced hydrodynamics on biogeochemical transformation of contaminants using Cr as an example in the HZ of the Columbia River at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site. The flow velocities in the HZ were first simulated using the measured or averaged groundwater level and river stage at hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly time scales. The flow velocities were then incorporated into a reactive transport model with independently characterized biogeochemical reactions and kinetics. Simulation results indicated that hydrodynamics can significantly influence the rate and extent of Cr (VI) biogeochemical transformation, which was mainly controlled by the kinetic reduction of Cr (VI) to sparely soluble Cr (III) by sediment‐associated Fe (II) that can be regenerated by microorganisms with organic carbon as electron donor. The frequent flow direction reversals in the HZ induced by dam operations enhanced the rate of microbial consumption of bioavailable OC, which, if there was no organic carbon supply, can eventually terminate the Fe (II) regeneration mechanism and exhaust the HZ's redox capacity in reducing Cr (VI) to Cr (III). This study demonstrated the importance of hydrodynamics on biogeochemical transformation of contaminants in the HZ and of the time scales used in assessing the reactive transport of chemicals and contaminants in the HZ as the net supply of redox sensitive chemicals such as dissolved oxygen into the HZ is a function of the frequency of flow direction reversal.
Z-FL-COCHO, a cathepsin S inhibitor, enhances oxaliplatin-mediated apoptosis through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Seo Seung Un , Min Kyoung-jin , Woo Seon Min , Kwon Taeg Kyu
Published: August 2018

Multiple cancer cells highly express cathepsin S, which has pro-tumoral effects. However, it was previously unknown whether knockdown or a pharmacological inhibitor (ZFL) of cathepsin S acts as an inducer of ER stress. Here, ZFL and knockdown of cathepsin S markedly induced ER stress through the up-regulation of calcium levels in the cytosol. Induction of calcium levels by inhibition of cathepsin S is markedly blocked by an inhibitor of the IP3 receptor and the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel in the ER, but an inhibitor of a mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter had no effect on ZFL-induced calcium levels. Furthermore, production of mitochondrial ROS by ZFL was associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium levels. ZFL-mediated ER stress enhanced anti-cancer drug-induced apoptotic cell death, and pretreatment with chemical chaperones or down-regulation of ATF4 and CHOP by small interfering RNA markedly reduced ZFL plus oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings reveal that inhibition of cathepsin S is an inducer of ER stress; these findings may contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic efficiency in cancer cells.
Publisher Correction: Coupling of ocean redox and animal evolution during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition
Authors: Wang Dan , Ling Hong-Fei , Struck Ulrich , Zhu Xiang-Kun , Zhu Maoyan , He Tianchen , Yang Ben , Gamper Antonia , Shields Graham A.
Published: August 2018

The original version of this Article incorrectly gave the second address in the list of affiliations as “State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy & Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China”, instead of the correct ‘State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China”. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Crystallographic character of grain boundaries resistant to hydrogen-assisted fracture in Ni-base alloy 725
Authors: Hanson John P. , Bagri Akbar , Lind Jonathan , Kenesei Peter , Suter Robert M. , Gradečak Silvija , Demkowicz Michael J.
Published: August 2018

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) causes sudden, costly failures of metal components across a wide range of industries. Yet, despite over a century of research, the physical mechanisms of HE are too poorly understood to predict HE-induced failures with confidence. We use non-destructive, synchrotron-based techniques to investigate the relationship between the crystallographic character of grain boundaries and their susceptibility to hydrogen-assisted fracture in a nickel superalloy. Our data lead us to identify a class of grain boundaries with striking resistance to hydrogen-assisted crack propagation: boundaries with low-index planes (BLIPs). BLIPs are boundaries where at least one of the neighboring grains has a low Miller index facet—{001}, {011}, or {111}—along the grain boundary plane. These boundaries deflect propagating cracks, toughening the material and improving its HE resistance. Our finding paves the way to improved predictions of HE based on the density and distribution of BLIPs in metal microstructures.
Vertebrate myosin 1d regulates left–right organizer morphogenesis and laterality
Authors: Saydmohammed Manush , Yagi Hisato , Calderon Michael , Clark Madeline J. , Feinstein Timothy , Sun Ming , Stolz Donna B. , Watkins Simon C. , Amack Jeffrey D. , Lo Cecilia W. , Tsang Michael
Published: August 2018

Establishing left–right asymmetry is a fundamental process essential for arrangement of visceral organs during development. In vertebrates, motile cilia-driven fluid flow in the left–right organizer (LRO) is essential for initiating symmetry breaking event. Here, we report that myosin 1d (myo1d) is essential for establishing left–right asymmetry in zebrafish. Using super-resolution microscopy, we show that the zebrafish LRO, Kupffer’s vesicle (KV), fails to form a spherical lumen and establish proper unidirectional flow in the absence of myo1d. This process requires directed vacuolar trafficking in KV epithelial cells. Interestingly, the vacuole transporting function of zebrafish Myo1d can be substituted by myosin1C derived from an ancient eukaryote, Acanthamoeba castellanii, where it regulates the transport of contractile vacuoles. Our findings reveal an evolutionary conserved role for an unconventional myosin in vacuole trafficking, lumen formation, and determining laterality.
Selectively nitrogen-doped carbon materials as superior metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction
Authors: Lv Qing , Si Wenyan , He Jianjiang , Sun Lei , Zhang Chunfang , Wang Ning , Yang Ze , Li Xiaodong , Wang Xin , Deng Weiqiao , Long Yunze , Huang Changshui , Li Yuliang
Published: August 2018

Doping with pyridinic nitrogen atoms is known as an effective strategy to improve the activity of carbon-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. However, pyridinic nitrogen atoms prefer to occupy at the edge or defect sites of carbon materials. Here, a carbon framework named as hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne provides a suitable carbon matrix for pyridinic nitrogen doping. In hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne, three of the carbon atoms in a benzene ring are bonded to hydrogen and serve as active sites, like the edge or defect positions of conventional carbon materials, on which pyridinic nitrogen can be selectively doped. The as-synthesized pyridinic nitrogen-doped hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne shows much better electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction than that of the commercial platinum-based catalyst in alkaline media and comparable activity in acidic media. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the pyridinic nitrogen-doped hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne is more effective than pyridinic nitrogen-doped graphene for oxygen reduction.
Reversal of pancreatic desmoplasia by re-educating stellate cells with a tumour microenvironment-activated nanosystem
Authors: Han Xuexiang , Li Yiye , Xu Ying , Zhao Xiao , Zhang Yinlong , Yang Xiao , Wang Yongwei , Zhao Ruifang , Anderson Gregory J. , Zhao Yuliang , Nie Guangjun
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is characterised by a dense desmoplastic stroma composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). This barrier severely impairs drug delivery and penetration. Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a key role in establishing this unique pathological obstacle, but also offer a potential target for anti-tumour therapy. Here, we construct a tumour microenvironment-responsive nanosystem, based on PEGylated polyethylenimine-coated gold nanoparticles, and utilise it to co-deliver all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, an inducer of PSC quiescence) and siRNA targeting heat shock protein 47 (HSP47, a collagen-specific molecular chaperone) to re-educate PSCs. The nanosystem simultaneously induces PSC quiescence and inhibits ECM hyperplasia, thereby promoting drug delivery to pancreatic tumours and significantly enhancing the anti-tumour efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Our combination strategy to restore homoeostatic stromal function by targeting activated PSCs represents a promising approach to improving the efficacy of chemotherapy and other therapeutic modalities in a wide range of stroma-rich tumours.
Assessing modern river sediment discharge to the ocean using satellite gravimetry
Authors: Mouyen Maxime , Longuevergne Laurent , Steer Philippe , Crave Alain , Lemoine Jean-Michel , Save Himanshu , Robin Cécile
Published: August 2018

Recent acceleration of sand extraction for anthropic use threatens the sustainability of this major resource. However, continental erosion and river transport, which produce sand and sediment in general, lack quantification at the global scale. Here, we develop a new geodetic method to infer the sediment discharge to ocean of the world’s largest rivers. It combines the spatial distribution of modern sedimentation zones with new high-resolution (~170 km) data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission launched in 2002. We obtain sediment discharges consistent with in situ measurements for the Amazon, Ganges-Brahmaputra, Changjiang, Indus, and Magdalena rivers. This new approach enables to quantitatively monitor the contemporary erosion of continental basins drained by rivers with large sediment discharges and paves the way toward a better understanding of how natural and anthropic changes influence landscape dynamics.
CTD-dependent and -independent mechanisms govern co-transcriptional capping of Pol II transcripts
Authors: Noe Gonzalez Melvin , Sato Shigeo , Tomomori-Sato Chieri , Conaway Joan W. , Conaway Ronald C.
Published: August 2018

Co-transcriptional capping of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts by capping enzyme proceeds orders of magnitude more efficiently than capping of free RNA. Previous studies brought to light a role for the phosphorylated Pol II carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) in activation of co-transcriptional capping; however, CTD phosphorylation alone could not account for the observed magnitude of activation. Here, we exploit a defined Pol II transcription system that supports both CTD phosphorylation and robust activation of capping to dissect the mechanism of co-transcriptional capping. Taken together, our findings identify a CTD-independent, but Pol II-mediated, mechanism that functions in parallel with CTD-dependent processes to ensure optimal capping, and they support a “tethering” model for the mechanism of activation.
Crystal structure of human Mediator subunit MED23
Authors: Monté Didier , Clantin Bernard , Dewitte Frédérique , Lens Zoé , Rucktooa Prakash , Pardon Els , Steyaert Jan , Verger Alexis , Villeret Vincent
Published: August 2018

The Mediator complex transduces regulatory information from enhancers to promoters and performs essential roles in the initiation of transcription in eukaryotes. Human Mediator comprises 26 subunits forming three modules termed Head, Middle and Tail. Here we present the 2.8 Å crystal structure of MED23, the largest subunit from the human Tail module. The structure identifies 25 HEAT repeats-like motifs organized into 5 α-solenoids. MED23 adopts an arch-shaped conformation, with an N-terminal domain (Nter) protruding from a large core region. In the core four solenoids, motifs wrap on themselves, creating triangular-shaped structural motifs on both faces of the arch, with extended grooves propagating through the interfaces between the solenoid motifs. MED23 is known to interact with several specific transcription activators and is involved in splicing, elongation, and post-transcriptional events. The structure rationalizes previous biochemical observations and paves the way for improved understanding of the cross-talk between Mediator and transcriptional activators.
Quantifying the role of surface plasmon excitation and hot carrier transport in plasmonic devices
Authors: Tagliabue Giulia , Jermyn Adam S. , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Welch Alex J. , DuChene Joseph S. , Pala Ragip , Davoyan Artur R. , Narang Prineha , Atwater Harry A.
Published: August 2018

Harnessing photoexcited “hot” carriers in metallic nanostructures could define a new phase of non-equilibrium optoelectronics for photodetection and photocatalysis. Surface plasmons are considered pivotal for enabling efficient operation of hot carrier devices. Clarifying the fundamental role of plasmon excitation is therefore critical for exploiting their full potential. Here, we measure the internal quantum efficiency in photoexcited gold (Au)–gallium nitride (GaN) Schottky diodes to elucidate and quantify the distinct roles of surface plasmon excitation, hot carrier transport, and carrier injection in device performance. We show that plasmon excitation does not influence the electronic processes occurring within the hot carrier device. Instead, the metal band structure and carrier transport processes dictate the observed hot carrier photocurrent distribution. The excellent agreement with parameter-free calculations indicates that photoexcited electrons generated in ultra-thin Au nanostructures impinge ballistically on the Au–GaN interface, suggesting the possibility for hot carrier collection without substantial energy losses via thermalization.
Sentinel lymph node B cells can predict disease-free survival in breast cancer patients
Authors: Blenman Kim R. M. , He Ting-Fang , Frankel Paul H. , Ruel Nora H. , Schwartz Erich J. , Krag David N. , Tan Lee K. , Yim John H. , Mortimer Joanne E. , Yuan Yuan , Lee Peter P.
Published: August 2018

Tumor invasion into draining lymph nodes, especially sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), is a key determinant of prognosis and treatment in breast cancer as part of the TNM staging system. Using multicolor histology and quantitative image analysis, we quantified immune cells within SLNs from a discovery cohort of 76 breast cancer patients. We found statistically more in situ CD3+ T cells in tumor negative vs. tumor positive nodes (mean of 8878 vs. 6704, respectively, p = 0.006), but no statistical difference in CD20+ B cells or CD1a+ dendritic cells. In univariate analysis, a reduced hazard was seen with a unit increase in log CD3 with HR 0.49 (95% CI 0.30–0.80) and log CD20 with HR 0.37 (95% CI 0.22–0.62). In multivariate analysis, log CD20 remained significant with HR 0.42 (95% CI 0.25–0.69). When restricted to SLN tumor negative patients, increased log CD20 was still associated with improved DFS (HR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.90). The CD20 results were validated in a separate cohort of 21 patients (n = 11 good outcome, n = 10 poor outcome) with SLN negative triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (“good” mean of 7011 vs. “poor” mean of 4656, p = 0.002). Our study demonstrates that analysis of immune cells within SLNs, regardless of tumor invasion status, may provide additional prognostic information, and highlights B cells within SLNs as important in preventing future recurrence.
Brainstem Nuclei Associated with Mediating Apnea-Induced Respiratory Motor Plasticity
Authors: Lui Simon , Torontali Zoltan , Tadjalli Arash , Peever John
Published: August 2018

The respiratory control system is plastic. It has a working memory and is capable of retaining how respiratory stimuli affect breathing by regulating synaptic strength between respiratory neurons. For example, repeated airway obstructions trigger a form of respiratory plasticity that strengthens inspiratory activity of hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons. This form of respiratory plasticity is known as long-term facilitation (LTF) and requires noradrenaline released onto XII motoneurons. However, the brainstem regions responsible for this form of LTF remain unidentified. Here, we used electrophysiology, neuropharmacology and immunohistochemistry in adult rats to identify the brainstem regions involved in mediating LTF. First, we show that repeated airway obstructions induce LTF of XII motoneuron activity and that inactivation of the noradrenergic system prevents LTF. Second, we show that noradrenergic cells in the locus coeruleus (LC), which project to XII motoneurons, are recruited during LTF induction. Third, we show that targeted inactivation of noradrenergic LC cells during LTF induction prevents LTF. And lastly, we show that the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), which has known projections to the LC, is critical for LTF because its inactivation prevents LTF. Our results suggest that both the LC and NTS are involved in mediating apnea-induced LTF, and we hypothesize that a NTS → LC → XII circuit mechanism mediates this form of respiratory motor plasticity.
Changes in C:N:P stoichiometry modify N and P conservation strategies of a desert steppe species Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Authors: Huang Juying , Wang Pan , Niu Yubin , Yu Hailong , Ma Fei , Xiao Guoju , Xu Xing
Published: August 2018

Numerous studies have concluded that carbon (C):nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P) stoichiometry in both soils and plants tends to be decoupled under global change. We consequently hypothesized that plants will adjust nutrient conservation strategies to balance the altered elemental stoichiometry accordingly. To test our hypothesis, we conducted two pot-cultured experiments (with 8-level water and 6-level N addition treatments) using N-fixing species Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch from a desert steppe in northwestern China. We observed that high water availability lowered total N content and the N:P ratio in soils, further promoting both N and P resorption from senescing leaves of G. uralensis. High N addition enhanced soil N availability and the N:P ratio, thereby reducing N resorption, but increasing P resorption of G. uralensis. Comparatively, there were also great changes in senescing leaf C:N:P stoichiometry while no clear changes were observed in either green leaf or root C:N:P stoichiometry of G. uralensis. As expected, the altered C:N:P stoichiometry may, in turn, modify N and P conservation strategies through their close linkages with N and P uptake in green leaves of G. uralensis. This modification may also further exert effects on N and P cycling of the desert steppe.
Assessment of the Probability of Post-thrombotic Syndrome in Patients with Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Huang Hao , Gu Jian-Ping , Shi Hao-Fan , Shi Wan-Yin , Lu Jing-Yuan , Chen Liang , Su Hao-Bo
Published: August 2018

This study was performed to assess the probability of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). Patients with LEDVT undergoing their first treatments in Nanjing First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled in this study (156 patients were enrolled in the training cohort, and 135 patients were enrolled in the validation cohort). 51 and 45 patients developed PTS in the two cohorts, respectively. Independent risk factors for PTS were investigated in the training cohort, and these independent risk factors were employed to develop the APTSD scoring system with which to predict the probability of PTS. Four independent risk factors for PTS were identified: iliac vein compression syndrome, residual iliac-femoral vein thrombosis, residual femoral-popliteal vein thrombosis and insufficient anticoagulation. Patients in the training cohort were divided into 2 groups according to the APTSD score of ≤7.0 and >7.0 points regarding the probability of PTS (median PTS-free time, 21.82 vs. 18.84 months; P < 0.001). The accuracy of this score system was 81.7% for the training cohort and 82.5% for the validation cohort. Patients with an APTSD score of >7.0 points may have an increased probability of developing PTS.
Engineering an AB5 Protein Carrier
Authors: Lichtenstein Bruce R. , Höcker Birte
Published: August 2018

The promise of biologic therapeutics is hindered by the challenge to deliver their activity to biochemically relevant sites within diseased cells. The favourable application of the natural protein carriers of the AB5 toxin family to this challenge has been restricted owing to still unresolved requirements for assembling non-native cargo into carrier complexes. Here, we clarify the properties of fusion peptides which allow co-assembly of a selected fluorescent protein cargo with the non-toxic B subunit of a heat-labile enterotoxin. We establish the influence of sequence length, sequence identity and secondary structure of these linking domains on the assembly and disassembly of the complexes. Through our engineering framework we identify several non-native, reduced length fusion sequences that robustly assemble with the native carriers, maintain their ability to deliver protein cargo to cells, and demonstrate substantially refined in vitro properties. Constructs based upon these sequences should prove directly applicable to a variety of protein delivery challenges, and the described design framework should find immediate application to other members of the AB5 protein carrier family.
Combinations of soil properties, carbon inputs and climate control the saturation deficit dynamics of stable soil carbon over 17-year fertilizaiton
Authors: Di Jiaying , Xu Minggang , Zhang Wenju , Tong Xiaogang , He Xinhua , Gao Hongjun , Liu Hua , Wang Boren
Published: August 2018

The soil organic carbon (SOC) saturation deficit (Csd) of silt and clay fractions represents the potential for SOC sequestration in a stable form and can influence organic C stabilization efficiency. Little is known, however, about temporal changes of stable soil Csd and how it is affected by soil properties, climate and C inputs. We investigated the temporal changes in the Csd of fine fractions (<53 μm) and examined the factors controlling these changes at three dry-land sites with 17-year fertilizer management histories in China. The rates of change in the stable soil Csd under manure treatments varied from −0.72 to −1.24% yr−1 after 17 years of fertilization, indicating that stable C levels under manure treatments were significantly higher than those under other treatments. Stable soil Csd was controlled by a combination of soil properties, temperature, and C inputs at all sites, and the higher variance of Csd of fine fractions can be explained by the soil properties (up to 50%). Furthermore, the quantity of C inputs was the most influential variable for stable soil Csd. These results revealed key controls on stable C sequestration potential and indicated the need to develop management strategies to promote stable C sequestration under long-term intensive fertilization.
Thermal Stability of Hole-Selective Tungsten Oxide: In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Ali Haider , Koul Supriya , Gregory Geoffrey , Bullock James , Javey Ali , Kushima Akihiro , Davis Kristopher O.
Published: August 2018

In this study, the thermal stability of a contact structure featuring hole-selective tungsten oxide (WOx) and aluminum deposited onto p-type crystalline silicon (c-Si/WOx/Al) was investigated using a combination of transmission line measurements (TLM) and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The TEM images provide insight into why the charge carrier transport and recombination characteristics change as a function of temperature, particularly as the samples are annealed at temperatures above 500 °C. In the as-deposited state, a ≈ 2 nm silicon oxide (SiOx) interlayer forms at the c-Si/WOx interface and a ≈ 2–3 nm aluminum oxide (AlOx) interlayer at the WOx/Al interface. When annealing above 500 °C, Al diffusion begins, and above 600 °C complete intermixing of the SiOx, WOx, AlOx and Al layers occurs. This results in a large drop in the contact resistivity, but is the likely reason surface recombination increases at these high temperatures, since a c-Si/Al contact is basically being formed. This work provides some fundamental insight that can help in the development of WOx films as hole-selective rear contacts for p-type solar cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that in situ TEM can provide valuable information about thermal stability of transition metal oxides functioning as carrier-selective contacts in silicon solar cells.
Stably maintained microtubules protect dopamine neurons and alleviate depression-like behavior after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Kaiyuan , Zhong Jun , Wang Ju , Yu Zhongyuan , Lei Xuejiao , Chen Xuezhu , Quan Yulian , Xian Jishu , Chen Yujie , Liu Xin , Feng Hua , Tan Liang
Published: August 2018

Mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system lesion plays a key role in the pathophysiology of depression, and our previous study demonstrated that reduced microtubule (MT) stability aggravated nigrostriatal pathway impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study aimed to further investigate the occurrence regularity of depression-like behavior after ICH and determine whether maintaining MT stabilization could protect DA neurons in ventral tegmental area (VTA) and alleviate depression-like behavior after ICH. An intrastriatal injection of 20 μl of autologous blood or MT depolymerization reagent nocodazole (Noco) was used to mimic the pathology of ICH model in mice. The concentration of DA, number of DA neurons and acetylated α-tubulin (a marker for stable MT) in VTA were checked, and depression-related behavior tests were performed after ICH. A MT-stabilizing agent, epothilone B (EpoB), was administered to explore the effects of MT stabilization on DA neurons and depression-like behavior after ICH. The results showed that obvious depression-like behavior occurred at 7, 14, and 28 days (P < 0.01) after ICH. These time-points were related to significant decreases in the concentration of DA (P < 0.01) and number of DA neurons (P < 0.01) in VTA. Moreover, The decrease of acetylated α-tubulin expression after ICH and Noco injection contributed to DA neurons’ impairment in VTA, and Noco injecton also aggravate ICH-induced depression-like behaviors and DA neurons’ injury. Furthermore, EpoB treatment significantly ameliorated ICH and Noco-induced depression-like behaviors (P < 0.05) and increased the concentration of DA (P < 0.05) and number of DA neurons (P < 0.05) in VTA by increasing the level of acetylated α-tubulin. The results indicate that EpoB can protect DA neurons by enhancing MT stability, and alleviate post-ICH depressive behaviors. This MT-targeted therapeutic strategy shows promise as a bench-to-bedside translational method for treating depression after ICH.
Live Intracellular Biorthogonal Imaging by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy using Alkyne-Silver Nanoparticles Clusters
Authors: Ardini Matteo , Huang Jian-An , Sánchez Carlos S. , Mousavi Mansoureh Z. , Caprettini Valeria , Maccaferri Nicolò , Melle Giovanni , Bruno Giulia , Pasquale Lea , Garoli Denis , De Angelis Francesco
Published: August 2018

Live intracellular imaging is a valuable tool in modern diagnostics and pharmacology. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) stands out as a non-destructive and multiplexed technique, but intracellular SERS imaging still suffers from interfering background from endogenous components. Here we show the assembly of small colloidal SERS probes with Raman signal in the cell-silent window of 1800–2900 cm−1for biorthogonal intracellular SERS imaging of dopamine that was undistinguishable from the endogenous cell background. By linking colloidal silver nanoparticles with alkyne-dopamine adducts, clusters are formed by 2–6 nanoparticles spaced by tight interparticle gaps that exhibited high electric field enhancement and strong SERS signals of alkyne and dopamines. Due to the cell-silent signals of the alkyne, intracellularin-vitroRaman imaging shows that the dopamines on the internalized clusters remain distinguishable across the cytoplasm with good spatial resolution. Our method can be a general-purpose method for real-time imaging of biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, DNA and drugs.
Marchantia liverworts as a proxy to plants’ basal microbiomes
Authors: Alcaraz Luis D. , Peimbert Mariana , Barajas Hugo R. , Dorantes-Acosta Ana E. , Bowman John L. , Arteaga-Vázquez Mario A.
Published: August 2018

Microbiomes influence plant establishment, development, nutrient acquisition, pathogen defense, and health. Plant microbiomes are shaped by interactions between the microbes and a selection process of host plants that distinguishes between pathogens, commensals, symbionts and transient bacteria. In this work, we explore the microbiomes through massive sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of microbiomes twoMarchantiaspecies of liverworts. We compared microbiomes fromM.polymorphaandM.paleaceaplants collected in the wild relative to their soils substrates and from plants grownin vitrothat were established from gemmae obtained from the same populations of wild plants. Our experimental setup allowed identification of microbes found in both native andin vitro Marchantiaspecies. The main OTUs (97% identity) inMarchantiamicrobiomes were assigned to the following genera:Methylobacterium,Rhizobium,Paenibacillus,Lysobacter,Pirellula,Steroidobacter, andBryobacter. The assigned genera correspond to bacteria capable of plant-growth promotion, complex exudate degradation, nitrogen fixation, methylotrophs, and disease-suppressive bacteria, all hosted in the relatively simple anatomy of the plant. Based on their long evolutionary historyMarchantiais a promising model to study not only long-term relationships between plants and their microbes but also the transgenerational contribution of microbiomes to plant development and their response to environmental changes.
Two dimensional crowding effects on protein folding at interfaces observed by chiral vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Fu Li , Wang Zhuguang , Sohrabpour Zahra , Li Xiaobai , Liu Yuting , Wang Hong-fei , Yan Elsa C. Y.
Published: August 2018

Vibrational sum frequency generation studies demonstrate the effects of two-dimensional molecular crowding on protein folding at interfaces.
Eco-friendly synthesis of cuprizone-functionalized luminescent carbon dots and application as a sensor for the determination of copper(ii) in wastewater
Authors: Moreira Vinicius Azevedo , Toito Suarez Willian , de Oliveira Krambeck Franco Mathews , Gambarra Neto Francisco Fernandes
Published: August 2018

A novel and eco-friendly procedure for synthesizing fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) functionalized with cuprizone and their application for the selective determination of Cu2+ are presented in this work.
Assignment of Raman spectra for trifluoride anions in solid argon
Authors: Andrews Lester , Wang Xuefeng
Published: August 2018

The matrix isolated trifluoride anion has been formed by the reactions of F2 in argon with the plasma from laser ablated metals.
Rational design and synthesis of highly oriented copper–zinc ferrite QDs/titania NAE nano-heterojunction composites with novel photoelectrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic behaviors
Authors: Fan Shiying , Li Xinyong , Zhao Qidong , Zeng Libin , Zhang Mingmei , Yin Zhifan , Lian Tingting , Tadé Moses O. , Liu Shaomin
Published: August 2018

Molecular tailing of spinel-titania nano-heterojunctions towards efficient solar energy conversion and environmental remediation.
Urine-powered synergy of nutrient recovery and urine purification in a microbial electrochemical system
Authors: Gao Yifan , Sun Dongya , Wang Han , Lu Lu , Ma He , Wang Lisheng , Ren Zhiyong Jason , Liang Peng , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Chen Xi , Huang Xia
Published: August 2018

Energy in urine was extracted to synergize the in situ urine purification and nutrient recovery with net electricity production via a microbial electrochemical system named U-Power.
A high-throughput microtissue platform to probe endothelial functionin vitro
Authors: Crampton Alexandra L. , Cummins Katherine A. , Wood David K.
Published: August 2018

Using collagen microtissues, we show high-throughput assessment of endothelial function and permeability on natural ECM, supporting robust statistical analysis (scale bar 100 μm).
Surface topography and hydrophilicity regulate macrophage phenotype in milled microfluidic systems
Authors: Kosoff David , Yu Jiaquan , Suresh Vikram , Beebe David J. , Lang Joshua M.
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate that mechanical and physiochemical properties of micromilled culture surfaces regulate cell biology.
A single-component hydrogel bioink for bioprinting of bioengineered 3D constructs for dermal tissue engineering
Authors: Pereira Rúben F. , Sousa Aureliana , Barrias Cristina C. , Bártolo Paulo J. , Granja Pedro L.
Published: August 2018

Bioprinted dual-crosslinked 3D constructs with tunable biochemical and biophysical properties guide the de novo deposition of extracellular matrix components of dermal tissue.
Impact of humic acid on the fate and toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Tetrahymena pyriformis and zebrafish embryos
Authors: Gupta Govind Sharan , Kansara Krupa , Shah Helly , Rathod Ruchi , Valecha Drishti , Gogisetty Saurabh , Joshi Pankti , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: August 2018

The present study has attempted to investigate the behaviour of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in different experimental buffers in the presence of humic acid.