bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance soil carbon sequestration in the coalfields, northwest China
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang , Bi Yin-Li , Jiang Bin , Zhakypbek Yryszhan , Peng Su-Ping , Liu Wen-Wen , Liu Hao
Published: October 2016

Carbon storage is affected by photosynthesis (Pn) and soil respiration (Rs), which have been studied extensively in natural and agricultural systems. However, the effects of Pn and Rs on carbon storages in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in coalfields remain unclear. A field experiment was established in 2014 in Shendong coal mining subsidence area. The treatments comprised two inoculation levels (inoculated with or without 100 g AMF inoculums per seedlings) and four plant species [wild cherry (Prunus discadenia Koebne L.), cerasus humilis (Prunus dictyneura Diels L.), shiny leaf Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge L.) and apricot (Armeniaca sibirica L.)]. AMF increased Pn of four species ranging from 15.3% to 33.1% and carbon storage, averaged by 17.2% compared to controls. Soil organic carbon (OC), easily extractable glomalin-relation soil protein (EE-GRSP) and total glomalin-relation soil protein (T-GRSP) were significantly increased by AMF treatment. The effect of AMF on the sensitivity of Rs depended on soil temperature. The results highlighted the exponential models to explain the responses of Rs to soil temperature and for the first time quantified AMF caused carbon sequestration and Rs. Thus, to our knowledge, AMF is beneficial to ecosystems through facilitating carbon conservation in coalfield soils.
Benford’s Distribution in Complex Networks
Authors: Morzy Mikołaj , Kajdanowicz Tomasz , Szymański Bolesław K.
Published: October 2016

Many collections of numbers do not have a uniform distribution of the leading digit, but conform to a very particular pattern known as Benford’s distribution. This distribution has been found in numerous areas such as accounting data, voting registers, census data, and even in natural phenomena. Recently it has been reported that Benford’s law applies to online social networks. Here we introduce a set of rigorous tests for adherence to Benford’s law and apply it to verification of this claim, extending the scope of the experiment to various complex networks and to artificial networks created by several popular generative models. Our findings are that neither for real nor for artificial networks there is sufficient evidence for common conformity of network structural properties with Benford’s distribution. We find very weak evidence suggesting that three measures, degree centrality, betweenness centrality and local clustering coefficient, could adhere to Benford’s law for scalefree networks but only for very narrow range of their parameters.
Multiple cellobiohydrolases and cellobiose phosphorylases cooperate in the ruminal bacterium Ruminococcus albus 8 to degrade cellooligosaccharides
Authors: Devendran Saravanan , Abdel-Hamid Ahmed M. , Evans Anton F. , Iakiviak Michael , Kwon In Hyuk , Mackie Roderick I. , Cann Isaac
Published: October 2016

Digestion of plant cell wall polysaccharides is important in energy capture in the gastrointestinal tract of many herbivorous and omnivorous mammals, including humans and ruminants. The members of the genus Ruminococcus are found in both the ruminant and human gastrointestinal tract, where they show versatility in degrading both hemicellulose and cellulose. The available genome sequence of Ruminococcus albus 8, a common inhabitant of the cow rumen, alludes to a bacterium well-endowed with genes that target degradation of various plant cell wall components. The mechanisms by which R. albus 8 employs to degrade these recalcitrant materials are, however, not clearly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that R. albus 8 elaborates multiple cellobiohydrolases with multi-modular architectures that overall enhance the catalytic activity and versatility of the enzymes. Furthermore, our analyses show that two cellobiose phosphorylases encoded by R. albus 8 can function synergistically with a cognate cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase to completely release, from a cellulosic substrate, glucose which can then be fermented by the bacterium for production of energy and cellular building blocks. We further use transcriptomic analysis to confirm the over-expression of the biochemically characterized enzymes during growth of the bacterium on cellulosic substrates compared to cellobiose.
Cascading failures in coupled networks: The critical role of node-coupling strength across networks
Authors: Liu Run-Ran , Li Ming , Jia Chun-Xiao
Published: October 2016

The robustness of coupled networks against node failure has been of interest in the past several years, while most of the researches have considered a very strong node-coupling method, i.e., once a node fails, its dependency partner in the other network will fail immediately. However, this scenario cannot cover all the dependency situations in real world, and in most cases, some nodes cannot go so far as to fail due to theirs self-sustaining ability in case of the failures of their dependency partners. In this paper, we use the percolation framework to study the robustness of interdependent networks with weak node-coupling strength across networks analytically and numerically, where the node-coupling strength is controlled by an introduced parameter α. If a node fails, each link of its dependency partner will be removed with a probability 1−α. By tuning the fraction of initial preserved nodes p, we find a rich phase diagram in the plane p−α, with a crossover point at which a first-order percolation transition changes to a second-order percolation transition.
Spectromicroscopy of C60 and azafullerene C59N: Identifying surface adsorbed water
Authors: Erbahar Dogan , Susi Toma , Rocquefelte Xavier , Bittencourt Carla , Scardamaglia Mattia , Blaha Peter , Guttmann Peter , Rotas Georgios , Tagmatarchis Nikos , Zhu Xiaohui , Hitchcock Adam P. , Ewels Chris P.
Published: October 2016

C60 fullerene crystals may serve as important catalysts for interstellar organic chemistry. To explore this possibility, the electronic structures of free-standing powders of C60 and (C59N)2 azafullerenes are characterized using X-ray microscopy with near-edge X-ray adsorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, closely coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This is supported with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements and associated core-level shift DFT calculations. We compare the oxygen 1s spectra from oxygen impurities in C60 and C59N, and calculate a range of possible oxidized and hydroxylated structures and associated formation barriers. These results allow us to propose a model for the oxygen present in these samples, notably the importance of water surface adsorption and possible ice formation. Water adsorption on C60 crystal surfaces may prove important for astrobiological studies of interstellar amino acid formation.
Peptides conjugated to silver nanoparticles in biomedicine – a “value-added” phenomenon
Authors: Ramesh Suhas , Grijalva Marcelo , Debut Alexis , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Albericio Fernando , Cumbal Luis H.
Published: October 2016

This review presents a glimpse of the various aspects of nanoparticles, in particular silver nanoparticles and their conjugation to peptides, thus opening an avenue for new discoveries in nanomaterials.
The combined effect of mechanical strain and electric field cycling on the ferroelectric performance of P(VDF-TrFE) thin films on flexible substrates and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Singh Deepa , Deepak Deepak , Garg Ashish
Published: October 2016

In this manuscript, we study the combined effect of mechanical strain and electric field cycling on the ferroelectric properties and polarization fatigue of P(VDF-TrFE) based flexible thin film capacitors from the perspective of flexible memory applications.
On the wavelength dependence of UV induced thymine photolesions: a synchrotron radiation circular dichroism study
Authors: Madsen Marlene Møller , Jones Nykola C. , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning
Published: October 2016

Solar mutagenesisviathe formation of thymine dimer photoproducts is a primary cause of skin cancer. The wavelength dependent development of the photoproducts may be followed directly by circular dichroism.
Different manifestations of enhanced π-acceptor ligation at every redox level of [Os(9-OP)L2]n, n = 2+, +, 0, − (9-OP−= 9-oxidophenalenone and L = bpy or pap)
Authors: Hazari Arijit Singha , Paretzki Alexa , Fiedler Jan , Zalis Stanislav , Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: October 2016

Enhanced metal–ligand and ligand–ligand interactions are promoted in an osmium complex with non-innocent donor and acceptor ligands.
Betacyanins enhance vitexin-2-O-xyloside mediated inhibition of proliferation of T24 bladder cancer cells
Authors: Scarpa E. S. , Emanuelli M. , Frati A. , Pozzi V. , Antonini E. , Diamantini G. , Di Ruscio G. , Sartini D. , Armeni T. , Palma F. , Ninfali P.
Published: October 2016

An innovative betacyanin purification method and treatment of T24 urinary bladder cancer cells in combination with vitexin-2-O-xyloside.
Tuning and enhancement of the Mizoroki–Heck reaction using polarized Pd nanocomposite carbon aerogels
Authors: Martín Laura , Molins Elies , Vallribera Adelina
Published: October 2016

The application of a positive electric field on a Pd(0)–carbon aerogel nanocomposite catalyst enhances the reaction rate of a Mizoroki–Heck reaction.
Post passivation light trapping back contacts for silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Smeets M. , Bittkau K. , Lentz F. , Richter A. , Ding K. , Carius R. , Rau U. , Paetzold U. W.
Published: October 2016

We present a light-management concept for silicon heterojunction solar cells which allows for decoupling of optically active and electrically active layers.
RAFT synthesis of well-defined PVDF-b-PVAc block copolymers
Authors: Guerre Marc , Wahidur Rahaman S. M. , Améduri Bruno , Poli Rinaldo , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: October 2016

This article reports that PVDF-b-PVAc diblock copolymers can be synthesized by RAFT polymerization from PVDF macroCTAs and rationalizes this discovery using DFT calculations.
A facile way to synthesize rare-earth-free Mn–Bi@Bi magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Junjie , Li Chao , Huang Qikun , Liu Guolei , Han Guangbing , Yu Shuyun , Kang Shishou
Published: October 2016

We reported a hydrothermal method to synthesize MnBi magnetic particles.
Anomalous Hall effect in tetragonal antiperovskite GeNFe3 with a frustrated ferromagnetic state
Authors: Kan X. C. , Wang B. S. , Zu L. , Lin S. , Lin J. C. , Tong P. , Song W. H. , Sun Y. P.
Published: October 2016

We report observed anomalous Hall effect (AHE) behavior in the antiperovskite compound GeNFe3 with a tetragonal symmetry.
Selective excitation and control of the molecular orientation by a phase shaped laser pulse
Authors: Huang Yunxia , Xu Shuwu , Zhang Shian
Published: October 2016

Selective excitation and control of the molecular orientation is realized by a dual-color phase-shaped laser pulse.
Sustained release of nerve growth factor from highly homogenous cubosomes stabilized by β-casein with enhanced bioactivity and bioavailability
Authors: Che Xin , Wang Zhenjie , Liu Yining , Sun Yanhui , Liu Hongzhuo
Published: October 2016

The bioactivity of NGF was improved when loaded in β-casein stabilized cubosomes and the cubosomes showed better transport through RWM as compared with free NGF.
Direct growth of few layer graphene on SiO2 substrate by low energy carbon ion implantation
Authors: Dharmaraj P. , Venkatesh P. Sundara , Kumar Pravin , Asokan K. , Jeganathan K.
Published: October 2016

A simple method that enables the direct fabrication of few layer graphene on SiO2/Si substrates with precise control of layer thickness by implantation of C ions is explored.
Synthesis, characterization and formation mechanism of Ta–W nanocrystalline composite powders fabricated by nano-in situ composite method
Authors: Chen Yubo , Fan Jinglian , Gong Haoran , Zou Fensheng , Guo Yongzhong , Luo Hang
Published: October 2016

To overcome the challenges involved in fabricating Ta–W nanocomposite powders using traditional methods, a novel process of preparing Ta–W nanocrystalline composite powders with a uniform particle size and low oxygen content is proposed herein.
Synthesis of Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures by low-temperature wet chemical method and their enhanced field emission properties
Authors: Rana Amit Kumar , Bankar Prashant , Kumar Yogendra , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J. , Shirage Parasharam M.
Published: October 2016

In this study, we report an enhancement in the field emission (FE) properties of ZnO nanostructures obtained by doping with Ni at a base pressure of ∼1 × 10−8 mbar, which were grown by a simple wet chemical process.
Fe doped LaGaO3: good white light emitters
Authors: Singh Preetam , Choudhuri Indrani , Rai Hari Mohan , Mishra Vikash , Kumar Rajesh , Pathak Biswarup , Sagdeo Archna , Sagdeo P. R.
Published: October 2016

Photoluminescence emission spectra from Fe doped LaGaO3. The luminescence due to ultra violet He–Cd laser is shown in the inset.
A facile and highly chemoselective synthesis of 1-thia-3a,6-diaza-benzo[e]azulen-3-ones by 7-exo-dig/trig halocyclizations
Authors: Kuila Bilash , Mahajan Dinesh , Singh Prabhpreet , Bhargava Gaurav
Published: October 2016

The manuscript describes a study on relatively unexplored halogen mediated 7-exo-dig/trig cyclization reactions of 2-(2-amino-aryl)-3-prop-2-ynyl/allyl-thiazolidin-4-ones for the formation of thiazole condensed 1,4-benzodiazepines in good yields.
Synthesis of a hollow CeO2/Au/C hierarchical nanostructure for high catalytic activity and recyclability
Authors: Ding Binbin , Zhou Yuming , He Man , Huang Tingyuan , Li Shiwei , Huang Shuang , Pan Wenlu
Published: October 2016

We report uniform hollow CeO2/Au/C nanocatalysts with hierarchical structures fabricated successfully via an etching process.
Transition from amorphous to crystalline state for nickel electrodeposited from an ionic liquid
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Manjum Marjanul , Islam Md. Mominul , Rahman M. Muhibur , Mollah M. Yousuf Ali , Susan Md. Abu Bin Hasan
Published: October 2016

The microstructure of metallic nickel electrodeposited from an ionic liquid onto a copper substrate may be tuned and transition from amorphous to crystalline state can be achieved by regulating water content in the bath.
Reform in a general chemistry laboratory: how do students experience change in the instructional approach?
Authors: Chopra I. , O'Connor J. , Pancho R. , Chrzanowski M. , Sandi-Urena S.
Published: October 2016

This qualitative study investigated the experience of a cohort of students exposed consecutively to two substantially different environments in their General Chemistry Laboratory programme. To this end, the first semester in a traditional expository programme was followed by a semester in a cooperative, problem-based, multi-week format. The focus on the experience of a change in the laboratory format is complementary understanding to that from participants exposed to a single format. This work used a phenomenological approach for the reduction, analysis, and interpretation of data gathered from semi-structured student interviews. Through deep analysis, five researchers distilled an outcome space with three fundamental features: (1) ten vectors of change that served as lens to analyse the phenomenon; (2) participants' ability to accurately characterise and differentiate the two instructional environments; and (3) an overarching descriptor that argues that a transition from mindless behaviour to mindful engagement subsumed the experience of a change in the laboratory environment. This outcome space is independent of participants' instructional style preferences. Findings from this work inform the design of laboratory experiences furthering the potential realisation of experimental education at the same time when they extend understanding of learning in the chemistry laboratory.
Fluoride-specific fluorescence/MRI bimodal probe based on a gadolinium(iii)–flavone complex: synthesis, mechanism and bioimaging application in vivo
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Run , Song Renfeng , Guo Ke , Meng Qingtao , Feng Huan , Duan Chunying , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2016

The present work reports a bimodal probe for the fluorescence and magnetic resonance detection of fluoride ion (F−) in aqueous medium andin vivo.
A highly sensitive fluorescent sensor with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for the detection of iodide and mercury ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang Rui Xue , Li Peng Fei , Zhang Wen Juan , Li Nan , Zhao Na
Published: October 2016

A highly sensitive fluorescent sensor with aggregation-induced emission characteristics was developed for the detection of iodide and mercury ions.
Interrogation of a lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome protein reveals novel modes of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) function
Authors: Mikolajczak Marta , Goodman Timothy , Hajihosseini Mohammad K.
Published: October 2016

Heterozygous mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) or its cognate receptor, FGF-receptor 2 IIIb result in two human syndromes — LADD (lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital) and ALSG (aplasia of lacrimal and salivary glands). To date, the partial loss-of-FGF10 function in these patients has been attributed solely to perturbed paracrine signalling functions between FGF10-producing mesenchymal cells and FGF10-responsive epithelial cells. However, the functioning of a LADD-causing G138E FGF10 mutation, which falls outside its receptor interaction interface, has remained enigmatic. In the present study, we interrogated this mutation in the context of FGF10's protein sequence and three-dimensional structure, and followed the subcellular fate of tagged proteins containing this or other combinatorial FGF10 mutations, in vitro. We report that FGF10 harbours two putative nuclear localization sequences (NLSs), termed NLS1 and NLS2, which individually or co-operatively promote nuclear translocation of FGF10. Furthermore, FGF10 localizes to a subset of dense fibrillar components of the nucleolus. G138E falls within NLS1 and abrogates FGF10's nuclear translocation whilst attenuating its progression along the secretory pathway. Our findings suggest that in addition to its paracrine roles, FGF10 may normally play intracrine role/s within FGF10-producing cells. Thus, G138E may disrupt both paracrine and intracrine function/s of FGF10 through attenuated secretion and nuclear translocation, respectively.
Proteostasis regulation by the ubiquitin system
Authors: Bett John S.
Published: October 2016

Cells have developed an evolutionary obligation to survey and maintain proteome fidelity and avoid the possible toxic consequences of protein misfolding and aggregation. Disturbances to protein homoeostasis (proteostasis) can result in severe cellular phenotypes and are closely linked with the accumulation of microscopically visible deposits of aggregated proteins. These include inclusion bodies found in AD (Alzheimer's disease), HD (Huntington's disease) and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) patient neurons. Protein aggregation is intimately linked with the ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifier system, which manages cellular protein folding stress and promotes the restoration of proteostasis. This is achieved in large part through the action of the UPS (ubiquitin–proteasome system), which is responsible for directing the proteasomal destruction of misfolded and damaged proteins tagged with ubiquitin chains. There are other less well understood ways in which ubiquitin family members can help to maintain proteostasis that complement, but are independent of, the UPS. This article discusses our current understanding of how the ubiquitin family regulates the protein misfolding pathways that threaten proteome fidelity, and how this is achieved by the key players in this process.
Regulation of cell-non-autonomous proteostasis in metazoans
Authors: O'Brien Daniel , van Oosten-Hawle Patricija
Published: October 2016

Cells have developed robust adaptation mechanisms to survive environmental conditions that challenge the integrity of their proteome and ensure cellular viability. These are stress signalling pathways that integrate extracellular signals with the ability to detect and efficiently respond to protein-folding perturbations within the cell. Within the context of an organism, the cell-autonomous effects of these signalling mechanisms are superimposed by cell-non-autonomous stress signalling pathways that allow co-ordination of stress responses across tissues. These transcellular stress signalling pathways orchestrate and maintain the cellular proteome at an organismal level. This article focuses on mechanisms in both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms that activate stress responses in a cell-non-autonomous manner. We discuss emerging insights and provide specific examples on how components of the cell-non-autonomous proteostasis network are used in cancer and protein-folding diseases to drive disease progression across tissues.
Protein quality control at the mitochondrion
Authors: Voos Wolfgang , Jaworek Witold , Wilkening Anne , Bruderek Michael
Published: October 2016

Mitochondria are essential constituents of a eukaryotic cell by supplying ATP and contributing to many mayor metabolic processes. As endosymbiotic organelles, they represent a cellular subcompartment exhibiting many autonomous functions, most importantly containing a complete endogenous machinery responsible for protein expression, folding and degradation. This article summarizes the biochemical processes and the enzymatic components that are responsible for maintaining mitochondrial protein homoeostasis. As mitochondria lack a large part of the required genetic information, most proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into the organelle. After reaching their destination, polypeptides must fold and assemble into active proteins. Under pathological conditions, mitochondrial proteins become misfolded or damaged and need to be repaired with the help of molecular chaperones or eventually removed by specific proteases. Failure of these protein quality control mechanisms results in loss of mitochondrial function and structural integrity. Recently, novel mechanisms have been identified that support mitochondrial quality on the organellar level. A mitochondrial unfolded protein response allows the adaptation of chaperone and protease activities. Terminally damaged mitochondria may be removed by a variation of autophagy, termed mitophagy. An understanding of the role of protein quality control in mitochondria is highly relevant for many human pathologies, in particular neurodegenerative diseases.
The function of small heat-shock proteins and their implication in proteostasis
Authors: Strauch Annika , Haslbeck Martin
Published: October 2016

All organisms rely on a conserved cellular machinery supporting and controlling the life cycle of proteins: the proteostasis network. Within this network, the main players that determine the fate of proteins are molecular chaperones, the ubiquitin–proteasome and the lysosome–autophagy systems. sHsps (small heat-shock proteins) represent one family of molecular chaperones found in all domains of life. They prevent irreversible aggregation of unfolded proteins and maintain proteostasis by stabilizing promiscuously a variety of non-native proteins in an ATP-independent manner. In the cellular chaperone network, sHsps act as the first line of defence and keep their substrates in a folding-competent state until they are refolded by downstream ATP-dependent chaperone systems. Besides this interaction with unfolding substrates upon stress, sHsps show a different mode of binding for specific clients which are also recognized under physiological conditions. In vertebrates, sHsps are especially needed to maintain the refractive index of the eye lens. Additionally, sHsps are linked to a broad variety of diseases such as myopathies and neuropathies. The most striking feature of sHsps is their ability to form dynamic ensembles of higher oligomers. The activity of sHsps is regulated by changes in the composition of the ensembles.
Protein quality control at the ribosome: focus on RAC, NAC and RQC
Authors: Gamerdinger Martin
Published: October 2016

The biogenesis of new polypeptides by ribosomes and their subsequent correct folding and localization to the appropriate cellular compartments are essential key processes to maintain protein homoeostasis. These complex mechanisms are governed by a repertoire of protein biogenesis factors that directly bind to the ribosome and chaperone nascent polypeptide chains as soon as they emerge from the ribosomal tunnel exit. This nascent chain ‘welcoming committee’ regulates multiple co-translational processes including protein modifications, folding, targeting and degradation. Acting at the front of the protein production line, these ribosome-associated protein biogenesis factors lead the way in the cellular proteostasis network to ensure proteome integrity. In this article, I focus on three different systems in eukaryotes that are critical for the maintenance of protein homoeostasis by controlling the birth, life and death of nascent polypeptide chains.
Epigenetic inheritance of proteostasis and ageing
Authors: Li Cheryl , Casanueva Olivia
Published: October 2016

Abundant evidence shows that the genome is not as static as once thought and that gene expression can be reversibly modulated by the environment. In some cases, these changes can be transmitted to the next generation even if the environment has reverted. Such transgenerational epigenetic inheritance requires that information be stored in the germline in response to exogenous stressors. One of the most elusive questions in the field of epigenetic inheritance is the identity of such inherited factor(s). Answering this question would allow us to understand how the environment can shape human populations for multiple generations and may help to explain the rapid rise in obesity and neurodegenerative diseases in modern society. It will also provide clues on how we might be able to reprogramme the epigenome to prevent transmission of detrimental phenotypes and identify individuals who might be at increased risk of disease. In this article, we aim to review recent developments in this field, focusing on research conducted mostly in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and mice, that link environmental modulators with the transgenerational inheritance of phenotypes that affect protein-folding homoeostasis and ageing.
Thermal properties of methyltrimethoxysilane aerogel thin films
Authors: Acquaroli Leandro N. , Newby Pascal , Santato Clara , Peter Yves-Alain
Published: October 2016

Aerogels are light and porous solids whose properties, largely determined by their nanostructure, are useful in a wide range of applications, e.g., thermal insulation. In this work, as-deposited and thermally treated air-filled silica aerogel thin films synthesized using the sol-gel method were studied for their thermal properties using the 3-omega technique, at ambient conditions. The thermal conductivity and diffusivity were found to increase as the porosity of the aerogel decreased. Thermally treated films show a clear reduction in thermal conductivity compared with that of as-deposited films, likely due to an increase of porosity. The smallest thermal conductivity and diffusivity found for our aerogels were 0.019 W m−1 K−1 and 9.8 × 10-9 m2 s−1. A model was used to identify the components (solid, gaseous and radiative) of the total thermal conductivity of the aerogel.
Optical transmittance investigation of 1-keV ion-irradiated sapphire crystals as potential VUV to NIR window materials of fusion reactors
Authors: Iwano Keisuke , Yamanoi Kohei , Iwasa Yuki , Mori Kazuyuki , Minami Yuki , Arita Ren , Yamanaka Takuma , Fukuda Kazuhito , Empizo Melvin John F. , Takano Keisuke , Shimizu Toshihiko , Nakajima Makoto , Yoshimura Masashi , Sarukura Nobuhiko , Norimatsu Takayoshi , Hangyo Masanori , Azechi Hiroshi , Singidas Bess G. , Sarmago Roland V. , Oya Makoto , Ueda Yoshio
Published: October 2016

We investigate the optical transmittances of ion-irradiated sapphire crystals as potential vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to near-infrared (NIR) window materials of fusion reactors. Under potential conditions in fusion reactors, sapphire crystals are irradiated with hydrogen (H), deuterium (D), and helium (He) ions with 1-keV energy and ∼ 1020-m-2 s-1 flux. Ion irradiation decreases the transmittances from 140 to 260 nm but hardly affects the transmittances from 300 to 1500 nm. H-ion and D-ion irradiation causes optical absorptions near 210 and 260 nm associated with an F-center and an F+-center, respectively. These F-type centers are classified as Schottky defects that can be removed through annealing above 1000 K. In contrast, He-ion irradiation does not cause optical absorptions above 200 nm because He-ions cannot be incorporated in the crystal lattice due to the large ionic radius of He-ions. Moreover, the significant decrease in transmittance of the ion-irradiated sapphire crystals from 140 to 180 nm is related to the light scattering on the crystal surface. Similar to diamond polishing, ion irradiation modifies the crystal surface thereby affecting the optical properties especially at shorter wavelengths. Although the transmittances in the VUV wavelengths decrease after ion irradiation, the transmittances can be improved through annealing above 1000 K. With an optical transmittance in the VUV region that can recover through simple annealing and with a high transparency from the ultraviolet (UV) to the NIR region, sapphire crystals can therefore be used as good optical windows inside modern fusion power reactors in terms of light particle loadings of hydrogen isotopes and helium.
Is south-western Western Australia a centre of origin for eastern Australian taxa or is the centre an artefact of a method of analysis? A comment on Hakea and its supposed divergence over the past 12 million years
Authors: McLay Todd G. B. , Bayly Michael J. , Ladiges Pauline Y.
Published: October 2016

Lamont et al. (2016) concluded that the Australian sclerophyllous genus Hakea (Proteaceae) arose 18million years ago in the South West of Western Australia (SWA) and dispersed 18 times to eastern (EA) and central Australia (CA) only 12million years ago (mid-Miocene). Their explanation of the biogeographic history of Hakea was based on the following: accepting a fully resolved molecular phylogenetic tree, although ~40% of nodes had posterior probability values below 0.95; using all nodes including geographically paralogous nodes to determine ancestral area probabilities; and applying a strict clock to estimate clade divergence times. Our re-analyses of the same dataset using a relaxed clock model pushes the age of Hakea to 32.4 (21.8–43.7) million years ago relative to its nearest outgroups, and the age of the divergence of two major clades (A and B) to 24.7 (17.2–33.7) million years ago. Calibration based on a new finding of Late Cretaceous fossil Banksia pushes these dates to 48.0 (24.3–75.2) million years ago and 36.6 (18.5–55.4) million years ago respectively. We confirm that each of the two main clades includes lineages in SWA, CA and EA. At the basal node of Clade A, two eastern Australian species form the sister group to three SWA scrub–heath–Eremaean species. These two groups together are sister to a large, mostly unresolved clade of SWA, CA and EA taxa. Similarly, at the base of Clade B is a polytomy of lineages from the SWA, CA and EA, with no resolution of area relationships. There is no evidence of a centre of origin and diversification of the genus is older than the mid-Miocene, being at least Oligocene, and probably older, although calibration points for molecular dating are too far removed from the ingroup to provide any great confidence in the methodology. Consideration should be given to the possibility of vicariance of multiple, widespread ancestral lineages as an explanation for lineages now disjunct between EA and SWA.
Piecewise Weierstrass preparation and division for o-minimal holomorphic functions
Authors: Kaiser Tobias
Published: October 2016

Given an o-minimal structure expanding the field of reals, we show a piecewise Weierstrass preparation theorem and a piecewise Weierstrass division theorem for definable holomorphic functions. In the semialgebraic setting and for the structure of globally subanalytic sets and functions we obtain the corresponding results for definable real analytic functions. As an application we show a definable global Nullstellensatz for principal ideals.
2. How International Law is Made
Authors: Lowe Vaughan
Published: October 2016

Celebrated for their conceptual clarity, titles in the Clarendon Law Series offer concise, accessible overviews of major fields of law and legal thought. This chapter explains how international law is made through the formation of customary international law and the making of treaties, and how tribunals apply other sources of law such as ‘general principles’ of law and ‘soft law’ principles derived from resolutions of international organizations.
3. The Principles of the International Legal System
Authors: Lowe Vaughan
Published: October 2016

Celebrated for their conceptual clarity, titles in the Clarendon Law Series offer concise, accessible overviews of major fields of law and legal thought. The closest thing to a manifesto for international law is the Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation Among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970 as resolution 2625 (XXV). This chapter first examines the seven basic principles of the resolution: the prohibition on the threat or use of force; the duty to settle disputes peacefully; the duty of non-intervention; the duty to co-operate; (v) the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples; the principle of sovereign equality of States; and (vii) the principle of good faith. The discussions then turn to the nature of the Declaration; provisions on State responsibility; the implementation of international responsibility; personality and the scope of application of international law; international law in domestic courts; international law in international tribunals; the diplomatic protection of nationals; and international law outside tribunals.
The ecosystem approach in the Gulf of Cadiz. A perspective from the southernmost European Atlantic regional sea
Authors: Llope Marcos
Published: October 2016

This article considers the major events in recent history, current situation and prospects for developing an ecosystem-based style of management in the Gulf of Cadiz. This particular socio-ecosystem is characterised by a clear focal ecosystem component—the role of the estuary of the Guadalquivir River as a nursery area—that has an influence on the marine ecosystem and at the same time concentrates a number of sectoral human activities. This nursery role particularly concerns the anchovy fishery, which is the most economically and culturally important fishery in the region. As a transition zone between river and marine environments, estuaries are particularly sensitive to human activities, either directly developed within the aquatic environment and its surroundings or further upstream within its catchment area. The particularities of the Guadalquivir socio-ecosystem, with an area of influence that extends as far as the city of Seville, require the consideration of multiple sectors and the corresponding conflicting interests. These include the shipping and tourism sectors, the agriculture, aquaculture, salt and mining industries, and the fisheries and conservation interests. This article aims to give an overview of the high-level policy goals and the jurisdictional framework, scope the sectors involved and describe the pressures and risks of their activities. It will identify conflicting interests relating to different visions of the ecosystem as well as the institutional arrangements that could be used to balance them and finally, put forward a vision for using ecosystem-based information to improve multi-sectoral management decisions.
Lifetime attributable risk of radiation-induced secondary cancer from proton beam therapy compared with that of intensity-modulated X-ray therapy in randomly sampled pediatric cancer patients
Authors: Tamura Masaya , Sakurai Hideyuki , Mizumoto Masashi , Kamizawa Satoshi , Murayama Shigeyuki , Yamashita Haruo , Takao Seishin , Suzuki Ryusuke , Shirato Hiroki , Ito Yoichi M.
Published: October 2016

To investigate the amount that radiation-induced secondary cancer would be reduced by using proton beam therapy (PBT) in place of intensity-modulated X-ray therapy (IMXT) in pediatric patients, we analyzed lifetime attributable risk (LAR) as an in silico surrogate marker of the secondary cancer after these treatments. From 242 pediatric patients with cancers who were treated with PBT, 26 patients were selected by random sampling after stratification into four categories: (i) brain, head and neck, (ii) thoracic, (iii) abdominal, and (iv) whole craniospinal (WCNS) irradiation. IMXT was replanned using the same computed tomography and region of interest. Using the dose–volume histograms (DVHs) of PBT and IMXT, the LARs of Schneider et al. were calculated for the same patient. All the published dose–response models were tested for the organs at risk. Calculation of the LARs of PBT and IMXT based on the DVHs was feasible for all patients. The means ± standard deviations of the cumulative LAR difference between PBT and IMXT for the four categories were (i) 1.02 ± 0.52% (n = 7, P = 0.0021), (ii) 23.3 ± 17.2% (n = 8, P = 0.0065), (iii) 16.6 ± 19.9% (n = 8, P = 0.0497) and (iv) 50.0 ± 21.1% (n = 3, P = 0.0274), respectively (one tailed t-test). The numbers needed to treat (NNT) were (i) 98.0, (ii) 4.3, (iii) 6.0 and (iv) 2.0 for WCNS, respectively. In pediatric patients who had undergone PBT, the LAR of PBT was significantly lower than the LAR of IMXT estimated by in silico modeling. Although a validation study is required, it is suggested that the LAR would be useful as an in silico surrogate marker of secondary cancer induced by different radiotherapy techniques.
Variable protostellar mass accretion rates in cloud cores
Authors: Gao Yang , Lou Yu-Qing
Published: October 2016

Spherical hydrodynamic models with a polytropic equation of state (EoS) for forming protostars are revisited in order to investigate the so-called luminosity conundrum highlighted by observations. For a molecular cloud (MC) core with such an EoS with polytropic index γ > 1, the central mass accretion rate (MAR) decreases with increasing time as a protostar emerges, offering a sensible solution to this luminosity problem. As the MAR decreases, the protostellar luminosity also decreases, meaning that it is invalid to infer the star formation time from the currently observed luminosity using an isothermal model. Furthermore, observations of radial density profiles and the radio continua of numerous MC cores evolving towards protostars also suggest that polytropic dynamic spheres of γ > 1 should be used in physical models.
Expansion measurements of supernova remnant RX J1713.7−3946
Authors: Tsuji Naomi , Uchiyama Yasunobu
Published: October 2016

Supernova remnant (SNR) RX J1713.7−3946 is well known for its bright TeV gamma-ray emission with a shell-like morphology. Strong synchrotron X-ray emission dominates the total X-ray flux in SNR RX J1713.7−3946 and the X-ray morphology is broadly similar to the TeV gamma-ray appearance. The synchrotron X-ray and TeV gamma-ray brightness allows us to perform detailed analysis of the acceleration of TeV-scale particles in this SNR. To constrain the hydrodynamical evolution of RX J1713.7−3946, we have performed six observations of the northwestern (NW) shell with the Chandra X-ray Observatory from 2005 to 2011, and measured the proper motion by using these data and the first epoch observation taken in 2000. The blast-wave shock speed at the NW shell is measured to be (3900 ± 300)(d/ kpc) km s−1 with an estimated distance of d = 1 kpc, and the proper motions of other structures within the NW shell are significantly less than that. Assuming that the measured blast-wave shock speed is representative of the remnant's outer shock wave as a whole, we have confronted our measurements, as well as a recent detection of thermal X-ray lines, with the analytic solution of the hydrodynamical properties of SNRs. Our hydrodynamical analysis indicates that the age of the remnant is 1580–2100 yr, supporting the association with SN393. A model with supernova kinetic energy of E = 1051 erg, ejecta mass of Mej = 3 M⊙, and ambient density at the current blast wave location of n2 = 0.015 cm−3, provides a reasonable explanation for our measurements and previous findings at the X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths. We find that the transition to the Sedov–Taylor phase is incomplete for any reasonable set of parameters, implying that the current maximum energy of accelerated protons in RX J1713.7−3946 would not correspond to the maximum attainable energy for this remnant.
Role of low-grade inflammation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Scanzello Carla R.
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

Inflammatory changes in joint tissues can be detected by modern imaging techniques in osteoarthritis patients, but may be clinically subtle compared with many other types of arthritis. These changes associate with disease progression and clinical severity, and many inflammatory mediators may have biomarker utility. Moreover, a number of inflammatory mechanisms play a role in animal models of disease, but it is still not clear which mechanisms predominate and might be therapeutically manipulated most effectively. This review highlights specific examples of recent advances published in the past 18 months that have advanced this field.

Recent findings

Clinical investigators now show that synovial inflammation is associated with pain sensitization, and similar to knee osteoarthritis, is a common and important feature of hand osteoarthritis. In addition, recent advances in basic studies demonstrate inflammatory markers and mechanisms related to leukocyte activity, innate immune mechanisms, and the chondrocyte-intrinsic inflammatory response that might provide better opportunities for early detection, prognosis, or therapeutic intervention.

Inflammation plays a central role in osteoarthritis pathogenesis, but additional translational work in this field is necessary, as are more clinical trials of anti-inflammatory approaches.
Fracture Pattern Assessment of Tibial Pilon Fractures
Authors: Siegel Jodi , Tornetta Paul
Published: October 2016

Tibial plafond fractures are difficult to treat successfully because of the many factors that must be addressed accurately for a patient to have an optimal outcome. A thorough understanding of the fracture patterns requires careful evaluation of the injury and traction radiographs and the traction CT scan. Recognizing the consistent fracture patterns and fragments will assist with choosing a surgical approach, affecting a fracture reduction, and optimizing patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V, expert opinion. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Aripiprazole for cocaine abstinence: a randomized–controlled trial with ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Moran Landhing M. , Phillips Karran A. , Kowalczyk William J. , Ghitza Udi E. , Agage Daniel A. , Epstein David H. , Preston Kenzie L.
Published: October 2016

Aripiprazole blocks psychostimulant seeking in a rat model of relapse. However, in humans, it may increase ongoing use. We tested aripiprazole specifically for relapse prevention. Methadone-maintained outpatients who were abstinent from cocaine in weeks 11–12 were randomized to double-blind aripiprazole (15 mg daily) or placebo in weeks 13–27 after 12 weeks of contingency management. Participants reported craving through ecological momentary assessment. We stopped the trial because very few (18/41) participants fulfilled the abstinence criterion. The results suggested that aripiprazole delayed lapse [hazard ratio (HR)=0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.14–1.42, P=0.17] and relapse (HR=0.31, 95% CI=0.07–1.27, P=0.10), but the effects did not reach statistical significance. Unexpectedly, the proportion of participants reporting cocaine craving was higher in the aripiprazole group (Fisher’s exact P=0.026), although the frequency of craving was similar in the aripiprazole and placebo groups (1.89 vs. 1.16%, r
effect=0.43, 95% CI=−0.08−0.76). The results suggest that in recently abstinent cocaine users, aripiprazole might delay relapse, but might also slightly increase craving. Difficulty in trial implementation underscores the fact that initial abstinence from cocaine is not a trivial hurdle.
Adversity impacting on oxytocin and behaviour: timing matters
Authors: Johnson Jacinta L. , Buisman-Pijlman Femke T.A.
Published: October 2016

The endogenous oxytocin system plays a vital role in facilitating parturition, lactation and social interaction in humans and other mammals. It also impacts on a number of important endocrine, immune and neurotransmitter systems. A well-regulated oxytocin system has been proposed to increase resilience, and therefore reduce the likelihood of an individual developing mental illness or substance dependence. This review discusses the adverse external influences that can modulate oxytocin receptor and protein levels and impact on substance use and mental health. The paper highlights the impact of adversity such as poor maternal care, parental substance use and child abuse or neglect. We review clinical and preclinical data on the impact of adversity on the basis of the time of exposure from infancy and early childhood, to adolescence, adulthood to older age. Previous research suggests that dysregulation of the endogenous oxytocin system may be implicated in determining susceptibility to stress, anxiety, addiction and mental health conditions. The impact of external influence seems to be strongest in specific time periods where the system shows experience-based development or natural fluctuations in oxytocin levels. Interventions that target the oxytocin system during or soon after exposure to adversity may prove protective.