bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite size effect on the structural and magnetic properties of MnAs/GaAs(001) patterned microstructures thin films
Authors: Mocuta Cristian , Bonamy Daniel , Stanescu Stefan , El Moussaoui Souliman , Barbier Antoine , Montaigne François , Maccherozzi Francesco , Bauer Ernst , Belkhou Rachid
Published: November 2017

MnAs epitaxial thin films on GaAs(001) single crystalline substrates crystallize at room temperature (RT) in a mixture of two crystalline phases with distinct magnetic properties, organized as stripes along the MnAs [0001] direction. This particular morphology is driven by anisotropic epitaxial strain. We elucidate here the physical mechanisms at the origin of size reduction effect on the MnAs crystalline phase transition. We investigated the structural and magnetic changes in MnAs patterned microstructures (confined geometry) when the lateral dimension is reduced to values close to the periodicity and width of the stripes observed in continuous films. The effects of the microstructure’s lateral size, shape and orientation (with respect to the MnAs $$\mathrm{[11}\bar{2}\mathrm{0]}$$
[11

2
¯

0]
direction) were characterized by local probe synchrotron X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD) using a focused X-ray beam, X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroïsm - Photo Emission Electron Microscopy (XMCD-PEEM) and Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM). Changes in the transition temperature and the crystalline phase distribution inside the microstructures are evidenced and quantitatively measured. The effect of finite size and strain relaxation on the magnetic domain structure is also discussed. Counter-intuitively, we demonstrate here that below a critical microstructure size, bulk MnAs structural and magnetic properties are restored. To support our observations we developed, tested and validated a model based on the size-dependence of the elastic energy and strain relaxation to explain this phase re-distribution in laterally confined geometry.
Disulfide driven folding for a conditionally disordered protein
Authors: Fraga Hugo , Pujols Jordi , Gil-Garcia Marcos , Roque Alicia , Bernardo-Seisdedos Ganeko , Santambrogio Carlo , Bech-Serra Joan-Josep , Canals Francesc , Bernadó Pau , Grandori Rita , Millet Oscar , Ventura Salvador
Published: November 2017

Conditionally disordered proteins are either ordered or disordered depending on the environmental context. The substrates of the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) oxidoreductase Mia40 are synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes and diffuse as intrinsically disordered proteins to the IMS, where they fold into their functional conformations; behaving thus as conditionally disordered proteins. It is not clear how the sequences of these polypeptides encode at the same time for their ability to adopt a folded structure and to remain unfolded. Here we characterize the disorder-to-order transition of a Mia40 substrate, the human small copper chaperone Cox17. Using an integrated real-time approach, including chromatography, fluorescence, CD, FTIR, SAXS, NMR, and MS analysis, we demonstrate that in this mitochondrial protein, the conformational switch between disordered and folded states is controlled by the formation of a single disulfide bond, both in the presence and in the absence of Mia40. We provide molecular details on how the folding of a conditionally disordered protein is tightly regulated in time and space, in such a way that the same sequence is competent for protein translocation and activity.
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex dampens mind-wandering in men
Authors: Bertossi Elena , Peccenini Ludovica , Solmi Andrea , Avenanti Alessio , Ciaramelli Elisa
Published: November 2017

Mind-wandering, the mind’s capacity to stray from external events and generate task-unrelated thought, has been associated with activity in the brain default network. To date, little is understood about the contribution of individual nodes of this network to mind-wandering. Here, we investigated the role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mind-wandering, by perturbing this region with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Young healthy participants performed a choice reaction time task both before and after receiving cathodal tDCS over mPFC, and had their thoughts periodically sampled. We found that tDCS over mPFC - but not occipital or sham tDCS - decreased the propensity to mind-wander. The tDCS-induced reduction in mind-wandering occurred in men, but not in women, and was accompanied by a change in the content of task-unrelated though, which became more related to other people (as opposed to the self) following tDCS. These findings indicate that mPFC is crucial for mind-wandering, possibly by helping construction of self-relevant scenarios capable to divert attention inward, away from perceptual reality. Gender-related differences in tDCS-induced changes suggest that mPFC controls mind-wandering differently in men and women, which may depend on differences in the structural and functional organization of distributed brain networks governing mind-wandering, including mPFC.
The Role of Backbone Hydration of Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) Across the Volume Phase Transition Compared to its Monomer
Authors: Futscher Moritz H. , Philipp Martine , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Schulte Alfons
Published: November 2017

Thermo-responsive polymers undergo a reversible coil-to-globule transition in water after which the chains collapse and aggregate into bigger globules when passing to above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The hydrogen bonding with the amide groups in the side chains has to be contrasted with the hydration interaction of the hydrophobic main-chain hydrocarbons. In the present investigation we study molecular changes in the polymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) and in its monomer N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) in solution across the LCST transition. Employing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy we probe changes in conformation and hydrogen bonding. We observe a nearly discontinuous shift of the peak frequencies and areas of vibrational bands across the LCST transition for PNIPAM whereas NIPAM exhibits a continuous linear change with temperature. This supports the crucial role of the polymer backbone with respect to hydration changes in the amide group in combination with cooperative interactions of bound water along the backbone chain.
An in vitro assay to measure antibody-mediated inhibition of P. berghei sporozoite invasion against P. falciparum antigens
Authors: Rodríguez-Galán Ana , Salman Ahmed M. , Bowyer Georgina , Collins Katharine A. , Longley Rhea J. , Brod Florian , Ulaszewska Marta , Ewer Katie J. , Janse Chris J. , Khan Shahid M. , Hafalla Julius C. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Spencer Alexandra J.
Published: November 2017

A large research effort is currently underway to find an effective and affordable malaria vaccine. Tools that enable the rapid evaluation of protective immune responses are essential to vaccine development as they can provide selection criteria to rank order vaccine candidates. In this study we have revisited the Inhibition of Sporozoite Invasion (ISI) assay to assess the ability of antibodies to inhibit sporozoite infection of hepatocytes. By using GFP expressing sporozoites of the rodent parasiteP.bergheiwe are able to robustly quantify parasite infection of hepatocyte cell lines by flow cytometry. In conjunction with recently produced transgenicP.bergheiparasites that expressP.falciparumsporozoite antigens, we have been able to use this assay to measure antibody mediated inhibition of sporozoite invasion against one of the lead malaria antigensP.falciparumCSP. By combining chimeric rodent parasites expressingP.falciparumantigens and a flow cytometric readout of infection, we are able to robustly assess vaccine-induced antibodies, from mice, rhesus macaques and human clinical trials, for their functional ability to block sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes.
Inhaled nicotine equivalent to cigarette smoking disrupts systemic and uterine hemodynamics and induces cardiac arrhythmia in pregnant rats
Authors: Shao Xuesi M. , López-Valdés Héctor E. , Liang Jing , Feldman Jack L.
Published: November 2017

Maternal smoking with obligatory nicotine inhalation is associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, fetal growth retardation and developmental defects. We tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoking-relevant nicotine inhalation during pregnancy impairs cardiovascular function and uterine hemodynamics with consequential fetal ischemia. Pregnant rats exposed to episodic inhaled nicotine via a novel lung alveolar region-targeted aerosol method produced nicotine pharmacokinetics resembling cigarette smoking in humans. This clinically relevant nicotine aerosol inhalation (NAI) induced transient reduction and irregular fluctuations in uterine artery blood flow associated with cardiac arrhythmia and high magnitude irregular fluctuations of systemic blood pressure. The arrhythmia included sinoatrial (SA) block, sinus arrest, 2° and 3° atrioventricular (A-V) block and supraventricular escape rhythm. These effects were blocked by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine. Resection of the ovarian nerve, which innervates uterine blood vessels, counteracted the NAI-induced reduction in uterine blood flow. We suggest that the rapid rise pattern of arterial blood nicotine concentration stimulates and then desensitizes autonomic nAChRs leading to disruptions of cardiac function as well as systemic and uterine hemodynamics that reduces uteroplacental blood flow, a mechanism underlying maternal smoking-associated pregnancy complications and developmental disorders. These findings challenge the safety of pure nicotine inhalation, i.e., E-cigarettes.
MIF -173 G > C (rs755622) Gene Polymorphism Modulates Tuberculosis Risk: Evidence from a Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Areeshi Mohammed Y. , Mandal Raju K. , Dar Sajad A. , Jawed Arshad , Wahid Mohd , Lohani Mohtashim , Panda Aditya K. , Mishra B. N. , Akhter Naseem , Haque Shafiul
Published: November 2017

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that plays an important role in inhibiting the growth of pathogenicMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb) and regulates immune responses againstM.tbpathogen.MIF-173 G > C gene polymorphism may affect immunity in an individual and leads to susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). A large number of studies have investigated the relevance of this polymorphism with TB risk, but their results were inconclusive. To obtain a precise conclusion, a meta-analysis was performed by retrieving six eligible studies from Google Scholar, PubMed (Medline), and EMBASE online databases. Overall combined analysis suggested increased TB risk betweenMIF-173 G > C polymorphism and overall risk in four genetic models, i.e., allelic (C vs. G: p = 0.001; OR = 1.517, 95% CI = 1.312 to 1.753), homozygous (CC vs. GG: p = 0.026; OR = 1.874, 95% CI = 1.079 to 3.257), heterozygous (GC vs. GG: p = 0.001; OR = 1.542, 95% CI = 1.273 to 1.868) and dominant model (CC + GC vs. GG: p = 0.001; OR = 1.631, 95% CI = 1.362 to 1.955). Similarly, increased TB risk was observed in subgroup analysis of Asian ethnicity. No publication bias was observed. These results suggested thatMIF-173 G > C variant is a significant risk factor for TB in overall and in Asian populations, and can be used as prognostic marker for TB susceptibility.
Investigation of different nitrogen reduction routes and their key microbial players in wood chip-driven denitrification beds
Authors: Grießmeier Victoria , Bremges Andreas , McHardy Alice C. , Gescher Johannes
Published: November 2017

Field denitrification beds containing polymeric plant material are increasingly used to eliminate nitrate from agricultural drainage water. They mirror a number of anoxic ecosystems. However, knowledge of the microbial composition, the interaction of microbial species, and the carbon degradation processes within these denitrification systems is sparse. This study revealed several new aspects of the carbon and nitrogen cycle, and these findings can be correlated with the dynamics of the microbial community composition and the activity of key species. Members of the order Pseudomonadales seem to be important players in denitrification at low nitrate concentrations, while a switch to higher nitrate concentrations seems to select for members of the orders Rhodocyclales and Rhizobiales. We observed that high nitrate loading rates lead to an unpredictable transition of the community’s activity from denitrification to dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonium (DNRA). This transition is mirrored by an increase in transcripts of the nitrite reductase gene nrfAH and the increase correlates with the activity of members of the order Ignavibacteriales. Denitrification reactors sustained the development of an archaeal community consisting of members of the Bathyarchaeota and methanogens belonging to the Euryarchaeota. Unexpectedly, the activity of the methanogens positively correlated with the nitrate loading rates.
Cellular automaton models for time-correlated random walks: derivation and analysis
Authors: Nava-Sedeño J. M. , Hatzikirou H. , Klages R. , Deutsch A.
Published: November 2017

Many diffusion processes in nature and society were found to be anomalous, in the sense of being fundamentally different from conventional Brownian motion. An important example is the migration of biological cells, which exhibits non-trivial temporal decay of velocity autocorrelation functions. This means that the corresponding dynamics is characterized by memory effects that slowly decay in time. Motivated by this we construct non-Markovian lattice-gas cellular automata models for moving agents with memory. For this purpose the reorientation probabilities are derived from velocity autocorrelation functions that are given a priori; in that respect our approach is “data-driven”. Particular examples we consider are velocity correlations that decay exponentially or as power laws, where the latter functions generate anomalous diffusion. The computational efficiency of cellular automata combined with our analytical results paves the way to explore the relevance of memory and anomalous diffusion for the dynamics of interacting cell populations, like confluent cell monolayers and cell clustering.
MiR-211 is essential for adult cone photoreceptor maintenance and visual function
Authors: Barbato Sara , Marrocco Elena , Intartaglia Daniela , Pizzo Mariateresa , Asteriti Sabrina , Naso Federica , Falanga Danila , Bhat Rajeshwari S. , Meola Nicola , Carissimo Annamaria , Karali Marianthi , Prosser Haydn M. , Cangiano Lorenzo , Surace Enrico Maria , Banfi Sandro , Conte Ivan
Published: November 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that play an important role in the control of fundamental biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Their function in retinal cells is just beginning to be elucidated, and a few have been found to play a role in photoreceptor maintenance and function. MiR-211 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the developing and adult eye. However, its role in controlling vertebrate visual system development, maintenance and function so far remain incompletely unexplored. Here, by targeted inactivation in a mouse model, we identify a critical role of miR-211 in cone photoreceptor function and survival. MiR-211 knockout (−/−) mice exhibited a progressive cone dystrophy accompanied by significant alterations in visual function. Transcriptome analysis of the retina from miR-211−/− mice during cone degeneration revealed significant alteration of pathways related to cell metabolism. Collectively, this study highlights for the first time the impact of miR-211 function in the retina and significantly contributes to unravelling the role of specific miRNAs in cone photoreceptor function and survival.
Provenance classification of nephrite jades using multivariate LIBS: a comparative study
Authors: Yu Jianlong , Hou Zongyu , Sheta Sahar , Dong Jian , Han Wen , Lu Taijin , Wang Zhe
Published: November 2017

Provenance classification of nephrite jades is important since the unit price of jade changes drastically with its geological origin.
Selective transformation of carbon dioxide into lower olefins with a bifunctional catalyst composed of ZnGa2O4 and SAPO-34
Authors: Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Mengheng , Zhou Cheng , Zhou Wei , Cheng Kang , Kang Jincan , Zhang Qinghong , Deng Weiping , Wang Ye
Published: November 2017

ZnGa2O4/SAPO-34 catalysed the direct conversion of CO2 into lower olefins with 86% selectivity at 13% CO2 conversion via a methanol intermediate.
Local structure of a switchable dielectric Prussian blue analogue
Authors: Duncan Helen D. , Beake Edward O. R. , Playford Helen Y. , Dove Martin T. , Phillips Anthony E.
Published: November 2017

Two crystallographically similar phases of a dielectric framework material differ markedly in the rigidity of the cyanide framework.
Ligand-induced action of the W2866.48rotamer toggle switch in the β2-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Plazinska Anita , Plazinski Wojciech , Luchowski Rafal , Wnorowski Artur , Grudzinski Wojciech , Gruszecki Wieslaw I.
Published: November 2017

The combined molecular dynamics and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy study reveals how the pharmacological character of the bound ligand is connected with its influence on the toggle switch of the β2-adrenergic receptor.
Molecular dynamics studies of irradiation effects on hydrogen isotope diffusion through nickel crystals and grain boundaries
Authors: Zhou X. W. , Dingreville R. , Karnesky R. A.
Published: November 2017

Molecular dynamics construction of the Arrhenius plot accounts for all possible diffusion paths in defective materials.
Femtosecond excited-state dynamics of fullerene-C60 nanoparticles in water
Authors: Ishibashi Yukihide , Arinishi Miya , Katayama Tetsuro , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Asahi Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2017

Femtosecond excited-state dynamics of fullerene-C60 nanoparticles (nC60) having a mean size of 50 nm dispersed in pure water was studied by means of femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
Addition of azomethine ylides to carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles
Authors: Kasprzak Artur , Nowicka Anna M. , Sek Jakub P. , Fronczak Maciej , Bystrzejewski Michał , Koszytkowska-Stawinska Mariola , Poplawska Magdalena
Published: November 2017

Carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles have been covalently functionalized using the Prato reaction.
Structural diversity in the alkaline earth metal compounds of tetra and pentacyanocyclopentadienide
Authors: Sünkel Karlheinz , Nimax Patrick R.
Published: November 2017

Both the metal ion and the substituent in [C5(CN)4X]− anions strongly influence the network structures of the alkaline earth cyanocyclopentadienides.
Bridged cyclometalated diruthenium complexes for fundamental electron transfer studies and multi-stage redox switching
Authors: Shao Jiang-Yang , Gong Zhong-Liang , Zhong Yu-Wu
Published: November 2017

Four bridged cyclometalated diruthenium systems are highlighted for fundamental electron transfer studies and as molecular materials showing multi-stage redox switching.
Association between berries intake and cardiovascular diseases risk factors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luís Ângelo , Domingues Fernanda , Pereira Luísa
Published: November 2017

The main goal of this work was to clarify the effects of the consumption of berries on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by performing a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis and a trial sequential analysis (TSA).
Subnanometer structure and function from ion beams through complex fluidics to fluorescent particles
Authors: Liao Kuo-Tang , Schumacher Joshua , Lezec Henri J. , Stavis Samuel M.
Published: November 2017

Analytical separation with subnanometer resolution of fluorescent nanoparticles in a nanofluidic device.
A robust, portable and backflow-free micromixing device based on both capillary- and vacuum-driven flows
Authors: Zhai Yaguang , Wang Anyang , Koh Domin , Schneider Philip , Oh Kwang W.
Published: November 2017

A robust, portable and backflow-free micromixing device using capillary-driven bypassing and syringe-assisted vacuum-driven pumping shows great promise for a variety of blood typing assays, agglutination-based assays and point-of-care or lab-on-a-chip testing applications.
Identification of non-substrate-like glycosyltransferase inhibitors from library screening: pitfalls & hits
Authors: Ema Masaki , Xu Yong , Gehrke Sebastian , Wagner Gerd K.
Published: November 2017

5-Methyl pyrazol-3-ones are genuine, non-substrate-like inhibitors of the bacterial glycosyltransferase LgtC, but aminosteroids are not.
Enhanced topical delivery of dexamethasone by β-cyclodextrin decorated thermoresponsive nanogels
Authors: Giulbudagian M. , Hönzke S. , Bergueiro J. , Işık D. , Schumacher F. , Saeidpour S. , Lohan S. B. , Meinke M. C. , Teutloff C. , Schäfer-Korting M. , Yealland G. , Kleuser B. , Hedtrich S. , Calderón M.
Published: November 2017

Particulate delivery systems combined with conventional penetration enhancers show superiority in delivering dexamethasone into the viable skin layers.
Strong magnetic resonances and largely enhanced second-harmonic generation of colloidal MoS2 and ReS2@Au nanoantennas with assembled 2D nanosheets
Authors: Ding Si-Jing , Luo Zhi-Jun , Xie Ya-Ming , Pan Gui-Ming , Qiu Yun-Hang , Chen Kai , Zhou Li , Wang Jianfang , Lin Hai-Qing , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: November 2017

Colloidal disk-like and sphere-like MoS2 nanoantennas are synthesized.
Carbon nanotubes as nanovectors for intracellular delivery of laronidase in Mucopolysaccharidosis type I
Authors: Da Ros T. , Ostric A. , Andreola F. , Filocamo M. , Pietrogrande M. , Corsolini F. , Stroppiano M. , Bruni S. , Serafino A. , Fiorito S.
Published: November 2017

The first example of intracellular delivery of a therapeutic enzyme by means of CNTs, retaining its activity.
Synthesis of polyheterocyclesviamulticomponent reactions
Authors: Ibarra Ilich A. , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , González-Zamora Eduardo
Published: November 2017

Polyheterocycles are one of the most desired synthetic targets due to their numerous and valuable applications in various fields.
Acrylate-based poly-high internal phase emulsions for effective enzyme immobilization and activity retention: from computationally-assisted synthesis to pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Tripodo G. , Marrubini G. , Corti M. , Brusotti G. , Milanese C. , Sorrenti M. , Catenacci L. , Massolini G. , Calleri E.
Published: November 2017

PolyHIPE functional materials were chemically conjugated with a model enzyme. It retained its activity upon flow as demonstrated by the conversion of a specific substrate.
Synthesis of a sequence-controlled in-chain alkynyl/tertiary amino dual-functionalized terpolymer via living anionic polymerization
Authors: Yang Lincan , Ma Hongwei , Han Li , Hao Xinyu , Liu Pibo , Shen Heyu , Li Yang
Published: November 2017

A dual-functionalized sequence-defined terpolymer was synthesized via living anionic polymerization; meanwhile its kinetic characteristics and sequence structure were investigated in detail via the in situ1H NMR method.
Tunable thermal conductivities of graphene and graphyne under in-plane torsion
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Lin Qianling , Li Ye , Cui Daxiang
Published: November 2017

Thermal conductivities of graphene and graphyne are revealed to be tunable under in-plane circular rotations caused by the evolution of surface morphology using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method.
Decoding resistant hypertension signalling pathways
Authors: Parreira Ricardo Cambraia , Lacerda Leandro Heleno Guimarães , Vasconcellos Rebecca , Lima Swiany Silveira , Santos Anderson Kenedy , Fontana Vanessa , Sandrim Valéria Cristina , Resende Rodrigo Ribeiro
Published: November 2017

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a clinical condition in which the hypertensive patient has become resistant to drug therapy and is often associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several signalling pathways have been studied and related to the development and progression of RH: modulation of sympathetic activity by leptin and aldosterone, primary aldosteronism, arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction and variations in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). miRNAs comprise a family of small non-coding RNAs that participate in the regulation of gene expression at post-transcriptional level. miRNAs are involved in the development of both cardiovascular damage and hypertension. Little is known of the molecular mechanisms that lead to development and progression of this condition. This review aims to cover the potential roles of miRNAs in the mechanisms associated with the development and consequences of RH, and explore the current state of the art of diagnostic and therapeutic tools based on miRNA approaches.
Tracking the Growth of Tense and Agreement in Children With Specific Language Impairment: Differences Between Measures of Accuracy, Diversity, and Productivity
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Haebig Eileen , Deevy Patricia , Brown Barbara
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Composite measures of children's use of tense and agreement morphology differ in their emphasis on accuracy, diversity, or productivity, yet little is known about how these different measures change over time. An understanding of these differences is especially important for the study of children with specific language impairment, given these children's extraordinary difficulty with this aspect of grammar.

Method

We computed 3 types of composite scores from spontaneous speech samples obtained from 17 preschoolers with specific language impairment before, during, and after their participation in a language intervention study. These measures were the Finite Verb Morphology Composite (a measure of accuracy), the Tense Marker Total (a measure of diversity), and the Productivity Score (a measure of productivity).

Results

The 3 measures differed in their growth trajectories. Sample size did not alter the linear or quadratic nature of growth of any composite, although it did affect the absolute values found for the Tense Marker Total and Productivity Score.

Conclusion

Even when sample size is controlled, early growth can be seen in tense and agreement accuracy with relatively limited diversity and productivity, whereas later growth in diversity and productivity can occur with very little change in accuracy.
The MUSEHubbleUltra Deep Field Survey
Authors: Finley Hayley , Bouché Nicolas , Contini Thierry , Paalvast Mieke , Boogaard Leindert , Maseda Michael , Bacon Roland , Blaizot Jérémy , Brinchmann Jarle , Epinat Benoît , Feltre Anna , Marino Raffaella Anna , Muzahid Sowgat , Richard Johan , Schaye Joop , Verhamme Anne , Weilbacher Peter M. , Wisotzki Lutz
Published: November 2017

Non-resonant Fe ii* (λ2365,λ2396,λ2612,λ2626) emission can potentially trace galactic winds in emission and provide useful constraints to wind models. From the 3.15′ × 3.15′ mosaic of theHubbleUltra Deep Field (UDF) obtained with the VLT/MUSE integral field spectrograph, we identify a statistical sample of 40 Fe ii* emitters and 50 Mg ii(λλ2796,2803) emitters from a sample of 271 [O ii]λλ3726,3729 emitters with reliable redshifts fromz= 0.85−1.50 down to 2 × 10-18(3σ) ergs s-1cm-2(for [O ii]), covering theM⋆range from 108−1011M⊙. The Fe ii* and Mg iiemitters follow the galaxy main sequence, but with a clear dichotomy. Galaxies with masses below 109M⊙and star formation rates (SFRs) of ≲ 1M⊙yr-1have Mg iiemission without accompanying Fe ii* emission, whereas galaxies with masses above 1010M⊙andSFRs ≳ 10M⊙yr-1have Fe ii* emission without accompanying Mg iiemission. Between these two regimes, galaxies have both Mg iiand Fe ii* emission, typically with Mg iiP Cygni profiles. Indeed, the Mg iiprofile shows a progression along the main sequence from pure emission to P Cygni profiles to strong absorption, due to resonant trapping. Combining the deep MUSE data with HST ancillary information, we find that galaxies with pure Mg iiemission profiles have lower SFR surface densities than those with either Mg iiP Cygni profiles or Fe ii* emission. These spectral signatures produced through continuum scattering and fluorescence, Mg iiP Cygni profiles and Fe ii* emission, are better candidates for tracing galactic outflows than pure Mg iiemission, which may originate from H iiregions. We compare the absorption and emission rest-frame equivalent widths for pairs of Fe iitransitions to predictions from outflow models and find that the observations consistently have less total re-emission than absorption, suggesting either dust extinction or non-isotropic outflow geometries.
Kein Urteil ohne Berufung
Authors: Casagrande C
Published: November 2017

Nicht immer muss hinter einem besorgniserregenden Laborergebnis eine ernstzunehmende Erkrankung stecken. Die DHZ-Kolumne von HP Christina Casagrande.
Tough Choices for an Agile Open Source International Development Project: The Libre LAS Case
Authors: McDowell Andrew , Drechsler Andreas
Published: November 2017

In June 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) started a three-year trust fund project to develop and pilot open source cadastre and registration software. This project was called Libre Land Administration System (Libre LAS), and its aim was to make computerised cadastre and registration systems more affordable and more sustainable in developing countries. The first stage of the Libre LAS project was undertaken at FAO headquarters (HQ) in Rome. Generic cadastre and registration processes were defined and software requirements and software architecture documents prepared. Development of the Libre LAS software began in early 2011. An international team of software developers assembled at FAO HQ and proceeded to create the generic software platform using an Agile Scrum methodology. By early 2012, the first release of Libre LAS was ready and pilot implementations began in Ghana, Nepal, and Samoa to validate and prove the Libre LAS concept. This case study tracks the initial development and implementation of Libre LAS in the pilot countries from 2011 to late 2012. It is presented from the standpoint of Brett, the Libre LAS Project Coordinator, and discusses organisational, cultural, stakeholder, and financial issues that conspired to derail the project. Ultimately, Brett is left to make some tough decisions around the pilot implementations to ensure the success of the overall project.
Theoretical and experimental study of liquid infiltration propelled by electromagnetic pressure
Authors: Cui Kai , Zhao Zhilong , Chen Sen , Gao Jianjun , Wei Lufeng
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate how the axial component of electromagnetic pressure, which is generated by the impulse current in solenoid coils, can propel infiltration of microchannels using molten metals. The generated electromagnetic pressure was theoretically studied, and the results were compared with the critical pressure calculated using the capillary law. Then, the minimum current required to initiate infiltration when metals could not wet the template was determined. A self-designed electromagnetic infiltration apparatus was employed to study the experimental phenomenon. Experiments were conducted with calculated minimum current or low values by means of infiltration. The obtained microstructural images clearly revealed the full infiltration of microchannels when currents were equal to minimum values. However, when the current was lower than the critical value, electromagnetic pressure was insufficient to overcome capillary resistance in marginal areas. The insufficiency was primarily due to the radial decrease in electromagnetic pressure. When currents were further decreased, the proportion of fully infiltrated areas reduced gradually to zero, which was in good agreement with calculations. This study may represent the effective application of electromagnetic pressure in microchannel infiltration and the regulation of infiltration effects by adjusting current values. Methodologies and conclusions may also be used as guides in the future design and fabrication of composites using the electromagnetic method.
Time delay in XUV/IR photoionization of H2O
Authors: Serov Vladislav V. , Kheifets Anatoli S.
Published: November 2017

We solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation describing a water molecule driven by a superposition of the extreme ultraviolet and IR pulses typical for a reconstruction of attosecond beating by interference of two-photon transitions experiment. This solution is obtained by a combination of the time-dependent coordinate scaling and the density functional theory with self-interaction correction. Results of this solution are used to determine the time delay in photoionization of the water and hydrogen molecules.
Dynamic principle for ensemble control tools
Authors: Samoletov A. , Vasiev B.
Published: November 2017

Dynamical equations describing physical systems in contact with a thermal bath are commonly extended by mathematical tools called “thermostats.” These tools are designed for sampling ensembles in statistical mechanics. Here we propose a dynamic principle underlying a range of thermostats which is derived using fundamental laws of statistical physics and ensures invariance of the canonical measure. The principle covers both stochastic and deterministic thermostat schemes. Our method has a clear advantage over a range of proposed and widely used thermostat schemes that are based on formal mathematical reasoning. Following the derivation of the proposed principle, we show its generality and illustrate its applications including design of temperature control tools that differ from the Nosé-Hoover-Langevin scheme.
A new instrument of VUV laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging with micrometer spatial resolution and low level of molecular fragmentation
Authors: Wang Jia , Liu Feng , Mo Yuxiang , Wang Zhaoying , Zhang Sichun , Zhang Xinrong
Published: November 2017

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has important applications in material research, biology, and medicine. The MSI method based on UV laser desorption/ionization (UVLDI) can obtain images of intact samples, but has a high level of molecular fragmentation. In this work, we report a new MSI instrument that uses a VUV laser (125.3 nm) as a desorption/ionization source to exploit its advantages of high single photon energy and small focus size. The new instrument was tested by the mass spectra of Nile red and FGB (Fibrinogen beta chain) samples and mass spectrometric images of a fly brain section. For the tested samples, the VUVDI method offers lower levels of molecular fragmentations and higher sensitivities than those of the UVLDI method and second ion mass spectrometry imaging method using a Bi3+ beam. The ablation crater produced by the focused VUV laser on a quartz plate has an area of 10 μm2. The VUV laser is prepared based on the four-wave mixing method using three collimated laser beams and a heated Hg cell.
CAT-ACT—A new highly versatile x-ray spectroscopy beamline for catalysis and radionuclide science at the KIT synchrotron light facility ANKA
Authors: Zimina A. , Dardenne K. , Denecke M. A. , Doronkin D. E. , Huttel E. , Lichtenberg H. , Mangold S. , Pruessmann T. , Rothe J. , Spangenberg Th. , Steininger R. , Vitova T. , Geckeis H. , Grunwaldt J.-D.
Published: November 2017

CAT-ACT—the hard X-ray beamline for CATalysis and ACTinide/radionuclide research at the KIT synchrotron radiation facility ANKA—is dedicated to X-ray spectroscopy, including “flux hungry” photon-in/photon-out and correlative techniques and combines state-of-the-art optics with a unique infrastructure for radionuclide and catalysis research. Measurements can be performed at photon energies varying between 3.4 keV and 55 keV, thus encompassing the actinide M- and L-edge or potassium K-edge up to the K-edges of the lanthanide series such as cerium. Well-established X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy in transmission and fluorescence detection modes is available in combination with high energy-resolution X-ray emission spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction techniques. The modular beamline design with two alternately operated in-line experimental stations enables sufficient flexibility to adapt sample environments and detection systems to many scientific challenges. The ACT experimental station focuses on various aspects of nuclear waste disposal within the mission of the Helmholtz association to contribute to the solution of one of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time—the safe disposal of heat producing, highly radioactive waste forms from nuclear energy production. It augments present capabilities at the INE-Beamline by increasing the flux and extending the energy range into the hard X-ray regime. The CAT experimental station focuses on catalytic materials, e.g., for energy-related and exhaust gas catalysis. Characterization of catalytically active materials under realistic reaction conditions and the development of in situ and operando cells for sample environments close to industrial reactors are essential aspects at CAT.
High contrast dark resonances in a cold-atom clock probed with counterpropagating circularly polarized beams
Authors: Liu X. , Yudin V. I. , Taichenachev A. V. , Kitching J. , Donley E. A.
Published: November 2017

A cold-atom coherent population trapping clock based on σ+−σ− interrogation realized by counter-propagating optical fields of opposite circular polarization is presented. The simultaneous use of σ+ and σ− polarizations prevents atoms from being trapped in the end magnetic sublevels, significantly enhancing the contrast over interrogation with a single circular polarization. Because the system is based on cold atoms and there is very little relaxation, nearly complete dark states are created, and coherent population trapping resonances with maximum contrast are observed. A frequency stability of 1.3×10−11/√τ is achieved, which averages down to 2×10−13 after a 40 000 s integration period.
Effect of high magnetic field on magnetic properties of oxidized ZnO:Co film prepared with different growth models
Authors: Liu Shiying , Li Guojian , Jia Baohai , Tian Renxiu , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2017

Growth models and high magnetic field (HMF) are employed to affect diluted magnetic performance of Co-doped ZnO (ZnO:Co) films which oxidize Co-Zn evaporated films at 300 °C for 120 min in open air. Nanograined boundaries and dense structure obtained in the co-deposition films are helpful to present a better diluted magnetic performance. Two phases of Zn and ZnO coexist in the films at a low oxidation temperature. Both the bilayer Co/Zn film and the application of HMF during the oxidation process offer an easy way to increase oxygen vacancies, which are inconducive to improve the ferromagnetism. The co-deposition 0 T film has the best diluted magnetic performance compared with the bilayer 0 T film. To be specific, saturation magnetization MS of the co-deposition 0 T film (100.1 emu/cm3) increases by 190%, squareness S increases from 0.31 to 0.75 and coercivity HC increases from 34.6 Oe to 183.5 Oe. With the application of HMF, the MS of the co-deposition films decreases by 44% to approximately 55.8 emu/cm3 and the HC increases to 118.4 Oe.
Experimental realization of all-angle negative refraction in acoustic gradient metasurface
Authors: Liu Bingyi , Ren Bin , Zhao Jiajun , Xu Xiaodong , Feng Yuxin , Zhao Wenyu , Jiang Yongyuan
Published: November 2017

In this work, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate that all-angle negative refraction can be obtained with the acoustic gradient metasurface of subwavelength thickness. The coiling labyrinthine structures are utilized to build the desired gradient metasurface, and the apparent negative refraction occurring beyond the critical incident angle has been validated by simulations and experimental measurements, which agrees well with the theoretical predictions given by the revised generalized law of refraction while taking the contribution of the Bragg scattering into account. This work provides the solution to manipulate the acoustic waves and shows good promise in building functional diffractive acoustic elements.
Continuous epitaxial growth of extremely strong Cu6Sn5 textures at liquid-Sn/(111)Cu interface under temperature gradient
Authors: Zhong Y. , Zhao N. , Liu C. Y. , Dong W. , Qiao Y. Y. , Wang Y. P. , Ma H. T.
Published: November 2017

As the diameter of solder interconnects in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs) downsizes to several microns, how to achieve a uniform microstructure with thousands of interconnects on stacking chips becomes a critical issue in 3D IC manufacturing. We report a promising way for fabricating fully intermetallic interconnects with a regular grain morphology and a strong texture feature by soldering single crystal (111) Cu/Sn/polycrystalline Cu interconnects under the temperature gradient. Continuous epitaxial growth of η-Cu6Sn5 at cold end liquid-Sn/(111)Cu interfaces has been demonstrated. The resultant η-Cu6Sn5 grains show faceted prism textures with an intersecting angle of 60° and highly preferred orientation with their ⟨112¯0⟩ directions nearly paralleling to the direction of the temperature gradient. These desirable textures are maintained even after soldering for 120 min. The results pave the way for controlling the morphology and orientation of interfacial intermetallics in 3D packaging technologies.
Role of soil quality in declining rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea yields in the Clanwilliam area, South Africa
Authors: Smith Jacobus F. N. , Botha Alfred , Hardie Ailsa G.
Published: November 2017

Global demand for rooibos tea is increasing whereas yields are decreasing in the primary production area of Clanwilliam, South Africa. Commercial rooibos producers report that tea yields decline over time following the initial clearing of the natural fynbos veld. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate soil and plant quality in cultivated rooibos plantations of various ages (1–60 years) and adjacent, wild rooibos stands in pristine fynbos in the Clanwilliam area. Soil chemical and physical properties, plant total biomass, tea yields, foliar elemental contents, extent of root nitrogen (N) nodulation and mycorrhizal colonisation were assessed. The most prominent soil quality changes at the oldest cultivated sites compared with pristine fynbos soils were an increase in soil phosphorus (P) from 1.3–1.7 mg kg–1 to 4.0–17.0 mg kg–1, a general decline in total carbon from 0.14–0.29% to 0.09–0.10% and decline in total exchangeable basic cations from 0.64–0.78 cmolc kg–1 to 0.34–0.51 cmolc kg–1, and a concomitant increase in exchangeable aluminium (Al) from 0.10–0.30 cmolc kg–1 to 1.03–1.83 cmolc kg–1. Foliar N : P ratios notably declined at the cultivated sites (12 : 0 – 20 : 1) compared with pristine fynbos sites (27 : 1 – 33 : 1), indicating foliar P accumulation and lack of N. Soil P was strongly negatively correlated with rooibos root mycorrhizal colonisation. The decline in soil organic matter and basic cations, especially potassium (K), was most strongly correlated with the decline in rooibos shoot biomass yields at cultivated sites. These findings highlight the significant role of soil quality in declining yields of rooibos tea in the Clanwilliam area. Management practices should be implemented that increase soil organic matter and essential basic cations such as K, and soil P and exchangeable Al levels should be monitored.
Rejoinder: reading Tahrir in Gramsci
Authors: De Smet Brecht
Published: November 2017

De Smet’s rejoinder to the ROAPE debate addresses the conceptual, analytical and historical questions posed by the contributors.
dTBC1D7 regulates systemic growth independently of TSC through insulin signaling
Authors: Ren Suxia , Huang Zengyi , Jiang Yuqiang , Wang Tao
Published: November 2017

The insulin signaling pathway plays key roles in systemic growth. TBC1D7 has recently been identified as the third subunit of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a negative regulator of cell growth. Here, we used Drosophila as a model system to dissect the physiological function of TBC1D7 in vivo. In mutants lacking TBC1D7, cell and organ growth were promoted, and TBC1D7 limited cell growth in a cell-nonautonomous and TSC-independent manner. TBC1D7 is specifically expressed in insulin-producing cells in the fly brain and regulated biosynthesis and release of insulin-like peptide 2, leading to systemic growth. Furthermore, animals carrying the dTBC1D7 mutation were hypoglycemic, short-lived, and sensitive to oxidative stress. Our findings provide new insights into the physiological function of TBC1D7 in the systemic control of growth, as well as insights into human disorders caused by TBC1D7 mutation.
Aurora A kinase phosphorylates Hec1 to regulate metaphase kinetochore–microtubule dynamics
Authors: DeLuca Keith F. , Meppelink Amanda , Broad Amanda J. , Mick Jeanne E. , Peersen Olve B. , Pektas Sibel , Lens Susanne M.A. , DeLuca Jennifer G.
Published: November 2017

Precise regulation of kinetochore–microtubule attachments is essential for successful chromosome segregation. Central to this regulation is Aurora B kinase, which phosphorylates kinetochore substrates to promote microtubule turnover. A critical target of Aurora B is the N-terminal “tail” domain of Hec1, which is a component of the NDC80 complex, a force-transducing link between kinetochores and microtubules. Although Aurora B is regarded as the “master regulator” of kinetochore–microtubule attachment, other mitotic kinases likely contribute to Hec1 phosphorylation. In this study, we demonstrate that Aurora A kinase regulates kinetochore–microtubule dynamics of metaphase chromosomes, and we identify Hec1 S69, a previously uncharacterized phosphorylation target site in the Hec1 tail, as a critical Aurora A substrate for this regulation. Additionally, we demonstrate that Aurora A kinase associates with inner centromere protein (INCENP) during mitosis and that INCENP is competent to drive accumulation of the kinase to the centromere region of mitotic chromosomes. These findings reveal that both Aurora A and B contribute to kinetochore–microtubule attachment dynamics, and they uncover an unexpected role for Aurora A in late mitosis.
GenSSI 2.0: multi-experiment structural identifiability analysis of SBML models
Authors: Ligon Thomas S , Fröhlich Fabian , Chiş Oana T , Banga Julio R , Balsa-Canto Eva , Hasenauer Jan
Published: November 2017

Motivation

Mathematical modeling using ordinary differential equations is used in systems biology to improve the understanding of dynamic biological processes. The parameters of ordinary differential equation models are usually estimated from experimental data. To analyze a priori the uniqueness of the solution of the estimation problem, structural identifiability analysis methods have been developed.

Results

We introduce GenSSI 2.0, an advancement of the software toolbox GenSSI (Generating Series for testing Structural Identifiability). GenSSI 2.0 is the first toolbox for structural identifiability analysis to implement Systems Biology Markup Language import, state/parameter transformations and multi-experiment structural identifiability analysis. In addition, GenSSI 2.0 supports a range of MATLAB versions and is computationally more efficient than its previous version, enabling the analysis of more complex models.

Availability and implementation

GenSSI 2.0 is an open-source MATLAB toolbox and available at https://github.com/genssi-developer/GenSSI.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.