bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum phases of dipolar rotors on two-dimensional lattices
Authors: Abolins B. P. , Zillich R. E. , Whaley K. B.
Published: January 2018

The quantum phase transitions of dipoles confined to the vertices of two-dimensional lattices of square and triangular geometry is studied using path integral ground state quantum Monte Carlo. We analyze the phase diagram as a function of the strength of both the dipolar interaction and a transverse electric field. The study reveals the existence of a class of orientational phases of quantum dipolar rotors whose properties are determined by the ratios between the strength of the anisotropic dipole-dipole interaction, the strength of the applied transverse field, and the rotational constant. For the triangular lattice, the generic orientationally disordered phase found at zero and weak values of both dipolar interaction strength and applied field is found to show a transition to a phase characterized by net polarization in the lattice plane as the strength of the dipole-dipole interaction is increased, independent of the strength of the applied transverse field, in addition to the expected transition to a transverse polarized phase as the electric field strength increases. The square lattice is also found to exhibit a transition from a disordered phase to an ordered phase as the dipole-dipole interaction strength is increased, as well as the expected transition to a transverse polarized phase as the electric field strength increases. In contrast to the situation with a triangular lattice, on square lattices, the ordered phase at high dipole-dipole interaction strength possesses a striped ordering. The properties of these quantum dipolar rotor phases are dominated by the anisotropy of the interaction and provide useful models for developing quantum phases beyond the well-known paradigms of spin Hamiltonian models, implementing in particular a novel physical realization of a quantum rotor-like Hamiltonian that possesses an anisotropic long range interaction.
Comparison of mechanical properties of silicene estimated using different testing procedures: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Das D. K. , Sarkar Jit
Published: January 2018

Silicene, a two-dimensional allotrope and silicon counterpart of graphene, has recently attracted scientists all over the world due to its superior material properties and thus can be a potential applicant as a reinforcing agent. The mechanical properties of silicene have been studied using several testings (tensile, bending, oscillation, and equilibrium) through the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. Plastic flow occurs, and 46% elongation is observed in a silicene sheet with dimensions of (200 × 700) Å for room temperature (298 K) tensile testing. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus (E), cohesive energy, and bulk modulus are found to be 18.28 GPa, 23.96 GPa, 5.25 TPa, 3.72 eV atom−1, and 3.62 TPa, respectively. For the same sample, a Poisson ratio of 0.75 is observed. An ultrahigh mechanical strength of silicene, even higher than the previously predicted value of 0.178 TPa, is observed in this study.
Dust-acoustic shock waves in a dusty plasma with non-thermal ions and super-thermal electrons
Authors: Emamuddin M. , Mamun A. A.
Published: January 2018

The propagation of dust-acoustic shock waves (DASWs) in a collisionless unmagnetized dusty plasma (containing super-thermal electrons of two distinct temperatures, non-thermal ions, and a negatively charged viscous dust fluid) has been theoretically investigated by deriving and solving the nonlinear Burgers' equation. It has been observed that the viscous force acting on the dust fluid is a source of dissipation, and is responsible for the formation of DASWs, and that the basic features (viz., amplitude, polarity, width, etc.) of the DASWs are significantly modified by the presence of super-thermal electrons and non-thermal ions. The possible applications of this investigation in Earth's mesosphere, the solar atmosphere, Saturn's magnetosphere, etc., have also been briefly addressed.
Compressible Kolmogorov flow in strongly coupled dusty plasma using molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics. II. A comparative study
Authors: Gupta Akanksha , Ganesh Rajaraman , Joy Ashwin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we perform comparative studies of compressible Kolmogorov flow in the two-dimensional strongly coupled dusty plasma by means of atomistic or molecular dynamics (MD) and continuum or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. Recently, using MD simulation, generation of molecular shear heat at the atomistic level is shown to reduce the average coupling strength of the system and destruct the vortical structures. To suppress the molecular heat, a novel method of a thermostat, namely, the configurational thermostat is introduced by which the microscale heat generated by the shear flow has shown to be thermostatted out efficiently without compromising the large scale vortex dynamics. While using a configurational thermostat, it has been found that the growth rate obtained from both the studies is the same with the marginal difference. To make the comparison with the continuum fluid model, we perform the same study using the generalised hydrodynamic model, wherein molecular shear heating phenomena is completely absent, however, viscous dissipation is there at the macroscale level. For this purpose, an Advanced Generalised SPECTral Code has been developed to study the linear and nonlinear aspects of the Kolmogorov flow in the incompressible and compressible limit for viscoelastic fluids. All the phenomenological parameters used in CFD simulations have been calculated from MD simulations. Code is benchmarked against the eigen value solver in the linear regime. Linear growth-rates calculated from the phenomenological fluid model is found to be close to that obtained from MD simulation for the same set of input parameters. The transition from laminar to turbulent flow has been found at a critical value of Reynolds number Rc in both the macroscopic (CFD) and microscopic (MD) simulation. Rc in MD is smaller than the one obtained by CFD simulation. In the nonlinear regime of CFD, the mode becomes unstable and vortex formation happens earlier than in MD. The peak vorticity value is better preserved in MD whereas in the CFD model, we find that the peak vorticity is dissipated relatively earlier.
Two-dimensional self-similar plasma equilibria
Authors: Lukin Alexander , Vasko Ivan , Artemyev Anton , Yushkov Egor
Published: January 2018

Force-free plasma equilibria are expected to form in the solar corona, while in-situ spacecraft observations have shown that force-free equilibria are formed in the planetary magnetotails. In this paper, we develop fluid models of two-dimensional axially symmetric force-free equilibria and discuss similar slab equilibria. The group theory approach is used to find the symmetry groups and reduce the Grad-Shafranov equation with exponential and power law nonlinearities to ordinary differential equations for the self-similar (automodel) solutions that we analyze analytically and numerically. Force-free equilibria of the developed class have a magnetotail-type configuration with magnetic field lines stretched in the radial direction and represent nonlinear force-free equilibria, because rot B=α(r) B with α(r)≠const. Making use of the same symmetry groups, we generalize the developed force-free equilibria by including a finite plasma pressure gradient and compare different equilibria of the developed class. These models can be useful for describing the structure and stability of current sheets observed in planetary magnetotails and formed in the solar atmosphere.
Observation of Goos-Hänchen shift in plasmon-induced transparency
Authors: Hirai Yusuke , Matsunaga Kouki , Neo Yoichiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Tomita Makoto
Published: January 2018

We observed positive and negative Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts in plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) in a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) multi-layer structure based on the attenuated total reflection response. Here, the MIM waveguide (WG) mode and the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance act as low- and high-Q resonances, respectively. SPP also induced the transparency window in otherwise opaque wavenumber (k) regions. The observed GH shifts were caused by the relevant k-domain dispersion in PIT, which is controllable through the adjustment of the coupling strength between the MIM WG and SPP resonances. This effect, thus, can be recognized as a rigorous counterpart of slow light in electromagnetically induced transparency and other related phenomena in the frequency domain. The tunable GH shift in PIT in a MIM structure would enable applications in beam steering devices and high-sensitivity sensors.
Improving subthreshold swing to thermionic emission limit in carbon nanotube network film-based field-effect
Authors: Zhao Chenyi , Zhong Donglai , Qiu Chenguang , Han Jie , Zhang Zhiyong , Peng Lian-Mao
Published: January 2018

In this letter, we explore the vertical scaling-down behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT) network film field-effect transistors (FETs) and show that by using a high-efficiency gate insulator, we can substantially improve the subthreshold swing (SS) and its uniformity. By using an HfO2 layer with a thickness of 7.3 nm as the gate insulator, we fabricated CNT network film FETs with a long channel (>2 μm) that exhibit an SS of approximately 60 mV/dec. The preferred thickness of HfO2 as the gate insulator in a CNT network FET is between 7 nm and 10 nm, simultaneously yielding an excellent SS (<80 mV/decade) and low gate leakage. However, because of the statistical fluctuations of the network CNT channel, the lateral scaling of CNT network film-based FETs is more difficult than that of conventional FETs. Experiments suggest that excellent SS is difficult to achieve statistically in CNT network film FETs with a small channel length (smaller than the mean length of the CNTs), which eventually limits the further scaling down of this kind of CNT FET to the sub-micrometer regime.
Bi2O2Se nanosheet: An excellent high-temperature n-type thermoelectric material
Authors: Yu Jiabing , Sun Qiang
Published: January 2018

Motivated by the recent synthesis of an ultrathin film of layered Bi2O2Se [Wu et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 12, 530 (2017); Wu et al., Nano Lett. 17, 3021 (2017)], we have systematically studied the thermoelectric properties of a Bi2O2Se nanosheet using first principles density functional theory combined with semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory. The calculated results indicate that the Bi2O2Se nanosheet exhibits a figure of merit (ZT) of 3.35 for optimal n-type doping at 800 K, which is much larger than the ZT value of 2.6 at 923 K in SnSe known as the most efficient thermoelectric material [Zhao et al., Nature 508, 373 (2014)]. Equally important, the high ZT in the n-type doped Bi2O2Se nanosheet highlights the efficiency of the reduced dimension on improving thermoelectric performance as compared with strain engineering by which the ZT of n-type doped bulk Bi2O2Se cannot be effectively enhanced.
Dielectric relaxation in epitaxial films of paraelectric-magnetic SrTiO3-SrMnO3 solid solution
Authors: Savinov M. , Bovtun V. , Tereshina-Chitrova E. , Stupakov A. , Dejneka A. , Tyunina M.
Published: January 2018

Magneto-dielectric properties of (A2+)MnO3-type perovskites are attractive for applications and stimulate extensive studies of these materials. Here, the complex dielectric and magnetic responses are investigated as in epitaxial films of SrTi0.6Mn0.4O3, solid solution of paraelectric SrTiO3 and magnetic SrMnO3. The impedance and resonance measurements at frequencies of 10−2–1010 Hz and temperatures of 10–500 K reveal broad dielectric anomalies centered at 100–200 K, while the films are paramagnetic at all temperatures. Analysis shows polaronic electrical conductivity behind the observed behavior. Electron-phonon correlations, rather than spin-phonon correlations, are suggested to produce the apparent magneto-dielectric responses in many multiferroic manganites.
Breit corrections to individual atomic and molecular orbital energies
Authors: Kozioł Karol , Giménez Carlos A. , Aucar Gustavo A.
Published: January 2018

Several issues concerning Breit correction to electron-electron interaction in many-electron systems, which are important in precise atomic and molecular calculations, are presented. At first, perturbative versus self-consistent calculations of Breit correction were studied in selected cases. Second, the Z-dependence of Breit contribution per subshell is shown, based on values calculated for selected atoms with 30 ≤ Z ≤ 118. Third, the relations between magnetic and retardation parts of Breit interaction are analyzed. Finally, Gaunt contribution calculated for Kr, Xe, and Rn noble gas atoms and its iso-electronic HBr, HI, and HAt diatomic molecules has been compared to full-Breit atomic calculations. We found that Breit corrections should be treated by self-consistent calculations and that there is a functional dependence of those corrections for subshells as εnlBreit(Z)≃a×Zb. We also found that molecular Gaunt corrections are close to their atomic counterparts for inner electrons though they are not for outer orbitals. In any case, accurate calculations must include retardation correction in addition to Gaunt.
Plate-type acoustic metamaterial with cavities coupled via an orifice for enhanced sound transmission loss
Authors: Ang Linus Yinn Leng , Koh Yong Khiang , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: January 2018

Membrane-type acoustic metamaterials generally involve a heavy platelet attached to a pretensioned membrane. Their acoustical performance is characterised solely based on the resonant behaviour of the membrane-platelet assembly. However, typical designs may pose manufacturing issues if extended in scale for industrial applications. Examples include the spatial consistency of the platelet(s), the uniformity of the membrane pretension, and the durability of the membrane—not to mention stress relaxation. As large-scale designs are recently gaining interest, it is imperative to address the shortcomings for manufacturability. This study presents a proof-of-concept design using tensionless membranes without any platelets. The results showed that the acoustical performance could be complemented by the coupling effect between two enclosed cavities via an orifice. The orifice diameter could serve as a tuning parameter for broadband or narrowband transmission loss at selected frequencies. Consequently, the proposed design could address the shortcomings of membrane-type acoustic metamaterials and complement their acoustical performance with the additional feature.
On the transient dynamics of piezoelectric-based, state-switched systems
Authors: Lopp Garrett K. , Kelley Christopher R. , Kauffman Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2018

This letter reports on the induced mechanical transients for piezoelectric-based, state-switching approaches utilizing both experimental tests and a numerical model that more accurately captures the dynamics associated with a switch between stiffness states. Currently, switching models instantaneously dissipate the stored piezoelectric voltage, resulting in a discrete change in effective stiffness states and a discontinuity in the system dynamics during the switching event. The proposed model allows for a rapid but continuous voltage dissipation and the corresponding variation between stiffness states, as one sees in physical implementations. This rapid variation in system stiffness when switching at a point of non-zero strain leads to high-frequency, large-amplitude transients in the system acceleration response. Utilizing a fundamental piezoelectric bimorph, a comparison between the numerical and experimental results reveals that these mechanical transients are much stronger than originally anticipated and masked by measurement hardware limitations, thus highlighting the significance of an appropriate system model governing the switch dynamics. Such a model enables designers to analyze systems that incorporate piezoelectric-based state switching with greater accuracy to ensure that these transients do not degrade the intended performance. Finally, if the switching does create unacceptable transients, controlling the duration of voltage dissipation enables control over the frequency content and peak amplitudes associated with the switch-induced acceleration transients.
Corrigendum to: Improving vegetation quality for the restoration of pollinators – the relevance of co-flowering species in space and time
Authors: Gross C. L.
Published: January 2018

Pollination is a key ecosystem function that directly and indirectly provides food for all organisms – regardless of the trophic level. In degraded ecosystems, installing plant and habitat resources for pollinators starts with an understanding of the temporal and spatial habitat needs of pollinators, and the augmentations, the co-factors and conditions required for pollinator populations. These co-factors, not immediately recognised as linked to the provision of pollination services, are critical for complexity and include a diverse array of resources such as food plants for larvae, shelter and temporal legacies of earlier flowering species. Practical steps for restoration include the installation of an array of plant species that provide a staggered supply of flowers and this can be refined to include specific floral types that are the mega supermarkets for nectar and pollen resources in them.
Disruption of the ciliary GTPase Arl13b suppresses Sonic hedgehog overactivation and inhibits medulloblastoma formation
Authors: Bay Sarah N. , Long Alyssa B. , Caspary Tamara
Published: January 2018

Significance

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Current therapies are associated with negative side effects, and one-fourth of patients are treatment-resistant or develop tumor progression. Since 30% of medulloblastomas exhibit activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway, much research centers on identifying molecular targets that are able to reduce the high levels of Shh pathway activity that cause tumors. As cilia are required for Shh signaling, we provide evidence that inactivation of a ciliary protein called Arl13b reduces Shh-dependent transcription and proliferation, inhibiting tumor formation in a mouse model of medulloblastoma. Arl13b disruption moderately affects cilia, indicating that Arl13b is a potential candidate for therapeutic drug development.
Field migration rates of tidal meanders recapitulate fluvial morphodynamics
Authors: Finotello Alvise , Lanzoni Stefano , Ghinassi Massimiliano , Marani Marco , Rinaldo Andrea , D’Alpaos Andrea
Published: January 2018

Significance

Meandering tidal channel networks play a central role in the ecomorphodynamic evolution of the landscapes they cut through. Despite their ubiquitous presence and relevance to sedimentary and landscape features, few observations of tidal-meander evolution exist, and we lack a full understanding of the governing processes. Field analyses show that tidal meanders, traditionally viewed as stable landscape features, display modes of migration and migration rates per unit width quite similar to those characterizing their fluvial counterparts, with important implications for the characterization of the related sedimentary products. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the morphological evolution of tidal landscapes.
Insecurity, polio vaccination rates, and polio incidence in northwest Pakistan
Authors: Verma Amol A. , Jimenez Marcia P. , Tangermann Rudolf H. , Subramanian S. V. , Razak Fahad
Published: January 2018

Significance

The international spread of poliovirus has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, and Pakistan is one of only three countries that have never stopped poliovirus circulation. We analyzed polio incidence and polio vaccination data from 32 districts of northwest Pakistan and constructed a measure of insecurity based on journalistic reports of deaths and injuries resulting from conflict-related security incidents. Insecurity was associated with reduced vaccinator access, reduced polio vaccination, and increased polio incidence. These findings provide strong scientific evidence that insecurity is an important obstacle to global polio eradication.
Ocean acidification affects coral growth by reducing skeletal density
Authors: Mollica Nathaniel R. , Guo Weifu , Cohen Anne L. , Huang Kuo-Fang , Foster Gavin L. , Donald Hannah K. , Solow Andrew R.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Ocean acidification (OA) threatens coral reef futures by reducing the concentration of carbonate ions that corals need to construct their skeletons. However, quantitative predictions of reef futures under OA are confounded by mixed responses of corals to OA in experiments and field observations. We modeled the skeletal growth of a dominant reef-building coral,
Porites
, as a function of seawater chemistry and validated the model against observational data. We show that OA directly and negatively affects one component of the two-step growth process (density) but not the other (linear extension). Combining our growth model with Global Climate Model output, we show that skeletal density of
Porites
corals could decline by up to 20.3% over the 21st century solely due to OA.
Adaptation of commensal proliferating
Escherichia coli
to the intestinal tract of young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Matamouros Susana , Hayden Hillary S. , Hager Kyle R. , Brittnacher Mitchell J. , Lachance Kristina , Weiss Eli J. , Pope Christopher E. , Imhaus Anne-Flore , McNally Colin P. , Borenstein Elhanan , Hoffman Lucas R. , Miller Samuel I.
Published: January 2018

The mature human gut microbiota is established during the first years of life, and altered intestinal microbiomes have been associated with several human health disorders.
Escherichia coli
usually represents less than 1% of the human intestinal microbiome, whereas in cystic fibrosis (CF), greater than 50% relative abundance is common and correlates with intestinal inflammation and fecal fat malabsorption. Despite the proliferation of
E. coli
and other Proteobacteria in conditions involving chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammation, little is known about adaptation of specific characteristics associated with microbiota clonal expansion. We show that
E. coli
isolated from fecal samples of young children with CF has adapted to growth on glycerol, a major component of fecal fat.
E. coli
isolates from different CF patients demonstrate an increased growth rate in the presence of glycerol compared with
E. coli
from healthy controls, and unrelated CF
E. coli
strains have independently acquired this growth trait. Furthermore, CF and control
E. coli
isolates have differential gene expression when grown in minimal media with glycerol as the sole carbon source. While CF isolates display a growth-promoting transcriptional profile, control isolates engage stress and stationary-phase programs, which likely results in slower growth rates. Our results indicate that there is selection of unique characteristics within the microbiome of individuals with CF, which could contribute to individual disease outcomes.
OLT1177, a β-sulfonyl nitrile compound, safe in humans, inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome and reverses the metabolic cost of inflammation
Authors: Marchetti Carlo , Swartzwelter Benjamin , Gamboni Fabia , Neff Charles P. , Richter Katrin , Azam Tania , Carta Sonia , Tengesdal Isak , Nemkov Travis , D’Alessandro Angelo , Henry Curtis , Jones Gerald S. , Goodrich Scott A. , St. Laurent Joseph P. , Jones Terry M. , Scribner Curtis L. , Barrow Robert B. , Altman Roy D. , Skouras Damaris B. , Gattorno Marco , Grau Veronika , Janciauskiene Sabina , Rubartelli Anna , Joosten Leo A. B. , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: January 2018

Significance

The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular oligomer regulating the activation of caspase-1 for the processing and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Although there is growing evidence to substantiate inflammasome inhibition as a therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, to date, there are no approved humans agents. OLT1177, a β-sulfonyl nitrile molecule, shown to be safe in humans, is a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, with unique properties to reverse the metabolic costs of inflammation and to treat IL-1β– and IL-18–mediated diseases.
Myopic (HD-PTP, PTPN23) selectively regulates synaptic neuropeptide release
Authors: Bulgari Dinara , Jha Anupma , Deitcher David L. , Levitan Edwin S.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Neurotransmission relies on exocytosis of two vesicle types: small synaptic vesicles (SSVs) that contain small-molecule transmitters and dense-core vesicles (DCVs) that contain neuropeptides. The secretory apparatus for synaptic exocytosis has appeared to be conserved for the two vesicle types. This study at the fruit fly neuromuscular junction shows that up- or down-regulating the multifunctional protein Myopic increases synaptic neuropeptide stores by selectively reducing synaptic neuropeptide release evoked by electrical activity or cAMP. In contrast, SSV-mediated release is not affected by Myopic. These results show that Myopic, which is already implicated in neuropeptide gene expression, selectively participates in exocytosis of synaptic DCVs.
Economic value of ecological information in ecosystem-based natural resource management depends on exploitation history
Authors: Essington Timothy E. , Sanchirico James N. , Baskett Marissa L.
Published: January 2018

Ecosystem approaches to natural resource management are seen as a way to provide better outcomes for ecosystems and for people, yet the nature and strength of interactions among ecosystem components is usually unknown. Here we characterize the economic benefits of ecological knowledge through a simple model of fisheries that target a predator (piscivore) and its prey. We solve for the management (harvest) trajectory that maximizes net present value (NPV) for different ecological interactions and initial conditions that represent different levels of exploitation history. Optimal management trajectories generally approached similar harvest levels, but the pathways toward those levels varied considerably by ecological scenario. Application of the wrong harvest trajectory, which would happen if one type of ecological interaction were assumed but in fact another were occurring, generally led to only modest reductions in NPV. However, the risks were not equal across fleets: risks of incurring large losses of NPV and missing management targets were much higher in the fishery targeting piscivores, especially when piscivores were heavily depleted. Our findings suggest that the ecosystem approach might provide the greatest benefits when used to identify system states where management performs poorly with imperfect knowledge of system linkages so that management strategies can be adopted to avoid those states.
AtCAP2 is crucial for lytic vacuole biogenesis during germination by positively regulating vacuolar protein trafficking
Authors: Kwon Yun , Shen Jinbo , Lee Myoung Hui , Geem Kyoung Rok , Jiang Liwen , Hwang Inhwan
Published: January 2018

Protein trafficking is a fundamental mechanism of subcellular organization and contributes to organellar biogenesis. AtCAP2 is an
Arabidopsis
homolog of the
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 adaptor protein 2 (McCAP2), a member of the syntaxin superfamily. Here, we show that AtCAP2 plays an important role in the conversion to the lytic vacuole (LV) during early plant development. The
AtCAP2
loss-of-function mutant
atcap2-1
displayed delays in protein storage vacuole (PSV) protein degradation, PSV fusion, LV acidification, and biosynthesis of several vacuolar proteins during germination. At the mature stage,
atcap2-1
plants accumulated vacuolar proteins in the prevacuolar compartment (PVC) instead of the LV. In wild-type plants, AtCAP2 localizes to the PVC as a peripheral membrane protein and in the PVC compartment recruits glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase C2 (GAPC2) to the PVC. We propose that AtCAP2 contributes to LV biogenesis during early plant development by supporting the trafficking of specific proteins involved in the PSV-to-LV transition and LV acidification during early stages of plant development.
ATR-Chk1 activation mitigates replication stress caused by mismatch repair-dependent processing of DNA damage
Authors: Gupta Dipika , Lin Bo , Cowan Ann , Heinen Christopher D.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Mismatch repair pathway (MMR)-mediated mismatch correction has largely been recapitulated in the test tube using mismatch-containing DNA substrates. However, a long-standing question remains: How does MMR respond to
Me
G/T mismatches caused by alkylation damage, and does this affect cellular replication forks? We demonstrate that MMR-mediated processing of
Me
G/T mismatches creates replication stress, perhaps due to iterative futile repair cycles that affects DNA replication. Activation of an ensuing ATR-Chk1–mediated replication stress response becomes important for mitigating DNA damage accumulation and prolonging cell survival. This study provides evidence that MMR processing may disturb replication forks encountering alkylation damage, which has important implications for sensitivity to DNA alkylating agents and for the MMR mechanism.
Neurobiology of bilingualism
Authors: Maschio Nicola Del , Abutalebi Jubin
Published: January 2018

A basic issue in the neuroscience of language is whether the neural representation of L2 converges with that of L1. In this chapter we review data from functional and structural neuroimaging studies focusing on phonological, grammatical and lexico-semantic processing in bilinguals. Functional data indicate that L1 and L2 are processed through the same neural structures, both in comprehension and production. Reported L1-L2 differences are typically modulated by L2 proficiency and exposure. Structural data show that bilinguals may exhibit neuroanatomical alterations as a consequence of bilingual experience, and that the quantity and quality of second-language experience affects brain structure. Neuroimaging evidence also supports the notion that language control is a crucial aspect specific to the bilingual language system.
Dependence on temperature of tensile properties of the single-crystal superalloy DD11
Authors: Liu Y. F. , Zhao Y. S. , Liu C. G. , Guo Y. Y. , Zhang J. , Luo Y. S. , Sha J. B.
Published: January 2018

Tensile tests within a temperature range from room temperature (RT) to 1100°C were performed on a novel second-generation single-crystal superalloy DD11. The experimental results indicated that the yield strength (YS) remained constant up to 760°C, while a maximum was reached at 850°C. The elongation and area reduction decreased gradually from RT to 760°C and then they increased rapidly at temperatures above 760°C. As for the deformation mechanism, when the temperature was below 850°C, the γ′ precipitates were sheared by isolated faults, faulted loops and dislocation pairs. The formation of dislocation networks and dislocation climb mechanism were confirmed at temperatures above 980°C. Finally, the relationship between the YS of the DD11 alloy and the operative deformation mechanism was discussed.
Effect of the Japanese diet during pregnancy and lactation or post-weaning on the risk of metabolic syndrome in offspring
Authors: Ishikawa Haruna , Guo Xiaoxu , Sugawara Saeko , Iwagaki Yui , Yamamoto Kazushi , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2018

We examined the effects on offspring of ingestion of the 1975 Japanese diet during pregnancy and lactation and after weaning in mice. Pregnant dams were divided into groups that were fed the Japanese diet or a control diet and raised until offspring were weaned. The offspring after weaning were further divided into groups that were raised on the Japanese diet or the control diet. Ingestion of the Japanese diet after weaning suppressed accumulation of visceral fat in offspring, and reduced the amount of lipids in serum and liver. This effect was weakened if the Japanese diet was only ingested during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, it was suggested that ingestion of the Japanese diet of mothers during pregnancy and lactation weakens the lipid accumulation inhibitory effect of the Japanese diet in children.
Community structure of coralline algae and its relationship with environment in Sanya reefs, China
Authors: Lei Xinming , Huang Hui , Lian Jiansheng , Zhou Guowei , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2018

Coralline algae are an important functional group in coral reef ecosystems. Despite the importance of coralline algae, little is known about their abundance and community structure, especially within Sanya reefs. It was fundamental to study coralline algae species abundance and distribution, and evaluate the effects of environmental factors on the species composition and abundance in Sanya reefs. A total of 24 species in 10 genera were identified based on 11 sampling stations, with the family Corallinaceae being dominant within the study area. The 7 dominant species, which constituted 62.4% of the overall collection, were Amphiroa ephedraea (16.8%), Mesophyllum simulans (11.1%), Porolithon onkodes (9.8%), Neogoniolithon fosliei (7.5%), Mesophyllum mesomorphum (6.6%), Pneophyllum conicum (6.6%) and Hydrolithon boergesenii (4.0%). There was significant spatial variability in the species composition and abundance of coralline algae (ANOSIM: R = 0.356, P = 0.013). The correlation analysis between biotic and abiotic variables indicated that the turbidity had a negative effect and salinity had a positive correlation on the pattern of coralline algae assemblages (global ρ = 0.486, BIOENV analysis). The living cover of coralline algae was greater in deep water than in shallow water at the same sites. This suggests that physical disturbance, either natural or anthropogenic, is more important in regulating the coralline algae community structure in Sanya reefs.
A p-angulated Generalisation of Conway and Coxeter’s Theorem on Frieze Patterns
Authors: Holm Thorsten , Jørgensen Peter
Published: January 2018

Coxeter defined the notion of frieze pattern, and Conway and Coxeter proved that triangulations of polygons are in bijection with integral frieze patterns. We show a p-angulated generalisation involving nonintegral frieze patterns. We also show that polygon dissections give rise to even more general nonintegral frieze patterns.
Effect of ruminal acidosis and short-term low feed intake on indicators of gastrointestinal barrier function in Holstein steers
Authors: Pederzolli Rae-Leigh A , Van Kessel Andrew G , Campbell John , Hendrick Steve , Wood Katie M , Penner Gregory B
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to determine effect of ruminal acidosis (RA) and low feed intake [LFI] on the regional barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty-one Holstein steers were fed for ad libitum intake for 5 d (control [CON]), fed at 25% of ad libitum intake for 5 d (LFI), or provided 2 d of ad libitum intake followed by 1-d of feed restriction (25% of ad libitum intake), 1 d where 30% of ad libitum dry matter intake (DMI) was provided as pelleted barley followed by the full allocation (RA) and fed for ad libitum intake the following day. Tissues and digesta from the rumen, omasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, proximal, and distal colon were collected. Permeability was assessed using the mucosal-to-serosal flux of inulin (JMS-inulin) and mannitol (JMS-mannitol). Digesta pH was 0.81, 0.63, and 0.42 pH units less for RA than CON in the rumen, cecum, and proximal colon; while, LFI had pH that was 0.47 and 0.36 pH units greater in the rumen and proximal colon compared to CON. Total ruminal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration were less for LFI (92 mM; P = 0.010) and RA (87 mM; P = 0.007) than CON (172 mM) steers. In the proximal colon, the proportion of butyrate (P = 0.025 and P = 0.022) and isobutyrate (P = 0.019 and P = 0.019) were greater, and acetate (P = 0.028 and P = 0.028) was less for LFI and RA, respectively, when compared to CON steers. Ruminal papillae length, width, perimeter, and surface area were 1.21 mm, 0.78 mm, 3.84 mm, and 11.15 mm2 less for LFI than CON; while, RA decreased papillae width by 0.52 mm relative to CON. The JMS-mannitol was less for LFI steers than CON in the proximal colon (P = 0.041) and in the distal colon (P = 0.015). Increased gene expression for claudin 1, occludin, tight-cell junction protein 1 and 2, and toll-like receptor 4 were detected for LFI relative to CON in the rumen, jejunum, and proximal colon. For RA steers, expression of toll-like receptor 4 in the rumen, and occludin and tight-cell junction protein 1 were greater in the jejunum than CON. An acute RA challenge decreased pH in the rumen and large intestine but did not increase tissue permeability due to increases in the expression of genes related to barrier function within 1 d of the challenge. Steers exposed to LFI for 5 d had reduced ruminal SCFA concentrations, smaller ruminal papillae dimensions, and increased tissue permeability in the proximal and distal colon despite increases for genes related to barrier function and immune function.
Dumping of Waste at Sea
Authors: Harrison James
Published: January 2018

Chapter 5 considers how dumping of waste at sea is regulated at the international level and how the relevant norms have evolved over time in order to provide stronger protection for the marine environment. The chapter starts by considering the scope of the term dumping before looking at the relevant provisions in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant treaty regimes. In particular, it focuses on the development of the 1972 London Convention on Dumping and its 1996 Protocol and how these instruments have promoted a progressively more precautionary approach to dumping at sea. Outstanding challenges in the implementation and enforcement of these treaties are highlighted. The chapter then explores how these global treaties interact with UNCLOS through the operation of rules of reference. Finally, the chapter considers what additional protection can be offered through the regulation of dumping at the regional level.
The Political Economy of the Investment Treaty Regime
Authors: Bonnitcha Jonathan , Skovgaard Poulsen Lauge N , Waibel Michael
Published: January 2018

Investment treaties are some of the most controversial but least understood instruments of global economic governance. Public interest in investment treaty arbitration is growing, and some developed and developing countries are beginning to revisit their investment treaty policies. This book synthesizes and advances the growing literature on the investment treaty regime by integrating legal, economic, and political perspectives. Based on an analysis of the substantive and procedural rights conferred by investment treaties, the book asks four basic questions. What are the costs and benefits of investment treaties for investors, states, and other stakeholders? Why did developed and developing countries sign the treaties? Why should private arbitrators be allowed to review public regulations passed by states? And what is the relationship between the investment treaty regime and the broader regime complex that governs international investment?
1 The Idea of European Public Law Today
Authors: Armin von Bogdandy
Published: January 2018

This chapter argues that for an analysis of European law, a comparative public law approach is necessary. It contends that European law calls for a broader reach when compared with the traditional private-law orientation of international law. European law began with a strong orientation towards public law, and this encompassed comparative public law. Moreover, the chapter shows how this approach can address the structural transformations of public law and authority in Europe. The crises of the last few years — the financial crisis, the debt crisis, the refugee crisis, systemic deficiencies, and the fading confidence in democratic self-government — also contribute to the impression of ‘messiness’ in European public law. Hence, while the comparison approach might seem less useful, the chapter emphasizes that it is still worthy of academic study.
8 Evolution and Gestalt of the Greek State
Authors: Michael Ioannidis , Stylianos-Ioannis G Koutnatzis
Published: January 2018

This chapter presents the genesis and the basic characteristics of the Greek state and administration in two parts. The first part looks at the genesis of the Greek state, administration, and the early layers of administrative law. This phase may be seen as an ambivalent contest between the proponents of modern bureaucratic institutions and those adhering to the traditions and social attitudes towards authority developed under the long Ottoman rule. The second part of the chapter considers the classic elements of the modern Greek state, administration, and administrative law. It examines the basic elements of a modern administrative system where the rule of law was secured by the Council of State.
14 The Complex Relationship Between Administrative and Constitutional Law: A Comparative and Historical Analysis
Authors: Luc Heuschling
Published: January 2018

This chapter analyses the position of ‘administrative law’ vis-à-vis ‘constitutional law’, and vice versa, from a comparative and historical perspective. Its primary aim is to get an exact view of how far the national legal systems in Europe converge, or diverge, with respect to the relationship between constitutional and administrative law. However, pleading the thesis of an Ius commune Europaeum (i.e., the existence of a common legal view in Europe) requires an in-depth analysis of all European countries, without excluding individual cases that do not fit into the mainstream (particularly the United Kingdom and Sweden). Only then can any thesis of unity amongst diversity be truly persuasive. In addition, the secondary aim of this chapter's investigation is to get a better theoretical understanding of administrative law in general.
16 A Typology of Administrative Law in Europe
Authors: Michel Fromont
Published: January 2018

This chapter examines the diversity of administrative law in European states. It considers administrative-law orders that have remained unique as well as those which have been influential. Three archetypes of administrative law provide the focal point for this discussion: Great Britain, France, and Germany. These three states have propagated their own system of administrative law throughout Europe, either in the shadow of their military and political power, through their economic significance, or through the influence of their legal scholarship. Groups or families of countries have grown around these ‘source states’ and partly use the same legal institutes and principles.
Part I General and Introductory, 1 Introduction
Authors: Trevor C Hartley
Published: January 2018

This introductory chapter discusses the basic characteristics of three legal instruments: the Brussels Regulation, Lugano Convention, and Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements. Together, the three instruments constitute a package governing jurisdiction and the recognition of judgments in wide areas of civil and commercial litigation. However, these instruments do not all have the same legal nature. Brussels 2012 is a regulation of the European Union — the equivalent of legislation — and it applies as such in the Member States. Lugano and Hague are both international agreements and consequently form part of the international legal system. But since the European Union is a Party to them — the Member States (except Denmark) are not — they also form part of the EU legal system.
Part I General and Introductory, 6 Conflict of Instruments
Authors: Trevor C Hartley
Published: January 2018

This chapter examines conflicts between Brussels 2012, Lugano 2007, and the Hague Convention. Situations may arise wherein two or all three of the instruments may be applicable according to their terms in a given case. The main question is which one prevails. The chapter first considers the instrument that courts of an EU State should apply in the event that both Brussels 2012 and Lugano 2007 apply according to their terms. It then looks at conflicts between Brussels 2012 and Hague. Since Hague has only limited scope — it only applies to choice-of-court agreements and then only if the designated court is in a State Party to Hague — conflicts with other instruments will be not be common. Conflicts between Lugano 2007 and Hague will arise only if Hague is ratified by one of more of the Lugano States — Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland. If such conflicts do occur, they will be resolved according to the rules set out in Hague, Article 26, paragraphs 1 to 5.
Part II Jurisdiction, 10 Maritime Claims
Authors: Trevor C Hartley
Published: January 2018

This chapter discusses the law on maritime claims. Maritime claims are civil or commercial matters and, as there is no special exclusion that puts them outside the subject-matter scope of the instruments, they are covered by both Brussels 2012 and Lugano 2007. The normal rules in Brussels and Lugano apply to maritime claims, both in rem and in personam. Thus, a maritime claim may be brought against a shipowner if the shipowner is domiciled in the Member State of the forum; and claims in contract or tort against a shipowner domiciled in another Member State may be brought under the appropriate provisions of Brussels 2012, Article 7. The chapter also covers the rules on salvage cases and proceedings for the limitation of liability.
Part II Jurisdiction, 11 Protective Jurisdiction
Authors: Trevor C Hartley
Published: January 2018

This chapter deals with a series of provisions based on the principle of protective jurisdiction. This is derived from the idea that parties who are in a weak bargaining position should be given jurisdictional protection in order to prevent unscrupulous opponents from taking advantage of their weakness. The three instances in which this applies in Brussels and Lugano are insurance contracts, consumer contracts, and employment contracts. Brussels 2012, Recital 18 expresses this policy as follows: In relation to insurance, consumer, and employment contracts, the weaker party should be protected by rules of jurisdiction more favourable to his interests than the general rules. This means that the jurisdictional rules are more generous where the weaker party is suing the stronger party than the other way round. The chapter first discusses certain questions relating to all three areas in general. It then considers each of the three areas individually.
Part III Recognition and Enforcement, 16 Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments: Introduction
Authors: Trevor C Hartley
Published: January 2018

This chapter considers the recognition and enforcement of judgments under Brussels 2012, Lugano 2007, and the Hague Convention. The relevant provisions are in Chapter III of Brussels and Lugano (and for authentic instruments and court settlements, Chapter IV); in Hague the relevant provisions are in Chapter III. These provisions apply only to judgments, authentic instruments, and court settlements from States covered by the instrument in question. Brussels applies only to Member States of the European Union; Lugano applies only to States to which Lugano applies; and Hague applies only to States that are Parties to that convention. The chapter discusses the terminology used in the three instruments, recognition and enforcement, what constitutes a judgment, jurisdiction of the court of origin, subject-matter of the judgment, and review as to substance (révision au fond).