bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A versatile functionalized ionic liquid to boost the solution-mediated performances of lithium-oxygen batteries
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , Sun Bing , Zhao Yufei , Tkacheva Anastasia , Liu Zhenjie , Yan Kang , Guo Xin , McDonagh Andrew M. , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Wang Chengyin , Rojo Teofilo , Armand Michel , Peng Zhangquan , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDue to the high theoretical specific energy, the lithium–oxygen battery has been heralded as a promising energy storage system for applications such as electric vehicles. However, its large over-potentials during discharge–charge cycling lead to the formation of side-products, and short cycle life. Herein, we report an ionic liquid bearing the redox active 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy moiety, which serves multiple functions as redox mediator, oxygen shuttle, lithium anode protector, as well as electrolyte solvent. The additive contributes a 33-fold increase of the discharge capacity in comparison to a pure ether-based electrolyte and lowers the over-potential to an exceptionally low value of 0.9 V. Meanwhile, its molecule facilitates smooth lithium plating/stripping, and promotes the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface to suppress side-reactions. Moreover, the proportion of ionic liquid in the electrolyte influences the reaction mechanism, and a high proportion leads to the formation of amorphous lithium peroxide and a long cycling life (> 200 cycles). In particular, it enables an outstanding electrochemical performance when operated in air.
Versatile kit of robust nanoshapes self-assembling from RNA and DNA modules
Authors: Monferrer Alba , Zhang Douglas , Lushnikov Alexander J. , Hermann Thomas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDNA and RNA have emerged as a material for nanotechnology applications that take advantage of the nucleic acids’ ability to encode folding and programmable self-assembly through mainly base pairing. The two types of nucleic acid have rarely been used in combination to enhance structural diversity or for partitioning of functional and architectural roles. Here, we report a design and screening strategy to integrate combinations of RNA motifs as architectural joints and DNA building blocks as functional modules for programmable self-assembly of a versatile toolkit of polygonal nucleic acid nanoshapes. Clean incorporation of diverse DNA modules with various topologies attest to the extraordinary robustness of the RNA-DNA hybrid framework. The design and screening strategy enables systematic development of RNA-DNA hybrid nanoshapes as programmable platforms for applications in molecular recognition, sensor and catalyst development as well as protein interaction studies.
Identification and characterization of a direct activator of a gene transfer agent
Authors: Fogg Paul C. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGene transfer agents (GTAs) are thought to be ancient bacteriophages that have been co-opted into serving their host and can now transfer any gene between bacteria. Production of GTAs is controlled by several global regulators through unclear mechanisms. In Rhodobacter capsulatus, gene rcc01865 encodes a putative regulatory protein that is essential for GTA production. Here, I show that rcc01865 (hereafter gafA) encodes a transcriptional regulator that binds to the GTA promoter to initiate production of structural and DNA packaging components. Expression of gafA is in turn controlled by the pleiotropic regulator protein CtrA and the quorum-sensing regulator GtaR. GafA and CtrA work together to promote GTA maturation and eventual release through cell lysis. Identification of GafA as a direct GTA regulator allows the first integrated regulatory model to be proposed and paves the way for discovery of GTAs in other species that possess gafA homologues.
Negative differential resistance as a critical indicator for the discharge capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries
Authors: Hase Yoko , Komori Yasuhiro , Kusumoto Takayoshi , Harada Takashi , Seki Juntaro , Shiga Tohru , Kamiya Kazuhide , Nakanishi Shuji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn non-aqueous lithium-oxygen batteries, the one-electron reduction of oxygen and subsequent lithium oxide formation both occur during discharge. This lithium oxide can be converted to insulating lithium peroxide via two different pathways: a second reduction at the cathode surface or disproportionation in solution. The latter process is known to be advantageous with regard to increasing the discharge capacity and is promoted by a high donor number electrolyte because of the stability of lithium oxide in media of this type. Herein, we report that the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction during discharge typically exhibits negative differential resistance. Importantly, the magnitude of negative differential resistance, which varies with the system component, and the position of the cathode potential relative to the negative differential resistance determined the reaction pathway and the discharge capacity. This result implies that the stability of lithium oxide on the cathode also contributes to the determination of the reaction pathway.
High-resolution spectroscopy of single nuclear spins via sequential weak measurements
Authors: Pfender Matthias , Wang Ping , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Yang Wen , Dasari Durga Bhaktavatsala Rao , Neumann Philipp , Pan Xin-Yu , Isoya Junichi , Liu Ren-Bao , Wrachtrup Jörg 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of single spins have recently been detected by quantum sensors. However, the spectral resolution has been limited by the sensor’s relaxation to a few kHz at room temperature. This can be improved by using quantum memories, at the expense of sensitivity. In contrast, classical signals can be measured with exceptional spectral resolution by using continuous measurement techniques, without compromising sensitivity. When applied to single-spin NMR, it is critical to overcome the impact of back action inherent of quantum measurement. Here we report sequential weak measurements on a single 13C nuclear spin. The back-action causes the spin to undergo a quantum dynamics phase transition from coherent trapping to coherent oscillation. Single-spin NMR at room-temperature with a spectral resolution of 3.8 Hz is achieved. These results enable the use of measurement-correlation schemes for the detection of very weakly coupled single spins.
Cytoskeletal stiffening in synthetic hydrogels
Authors: de Almeida Paula , Jaspers Maarten , Vaessen Sarah , Tagit Oya , Portale Giuseppe , Rowan Alan E. , Kouwer Paul H. J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlthough common in biology, controlled stiffening of hydrogels in vitro is difficult to achieve; the required stimuli are commonly large and/or the stiffening amplitudes small. Here, we describe the hierarchical mechanics of ultra-responsive hybrid hydrogels composed of two synthetic networks, one semi-flexible and stress-responsive, the other flexible and thermoresponsive. Heating collapses the flexible network, which generates internal stress that causes the hybrid gel to stiffen up to 50 times its original modulus; an effect that is instantaneous and fully reversible. The average generated forces amount to ~1 pN per network fibre, which are similar to values found for stiffening resulting from myosin molecular motors in actin. The excellent control, reversible nature and large response gives access to many biological and bio-like applications, including tissue engineering with truly dynamic mechanics and life-like matter.
Craniometrics Reveal “Two Layers” of Prehistoric Human Dispersal in Eastern Eurasia
Authors: Matsumura Hirofumi , Hung Hsiao-chun , Higham Charles , Zhang Chi , Yamagata Mariko , Nguyen Lan Cuong , Li Zhen , Fan Xue-chun , Simanjuntak Truman , Oktaviana Adhi Agus , He Jia-ning , Chen Chung-yu , Pan Chien-kuo , He Gang , Sun Guo-ping , Huang Wei-jin , Li Xin-wei , Wei Xing-tao , Domett Kate , Halcrow Siân , Nguyen Kim Dung , Trinh Hoang Hiep , Bui Chi Hoang , Nguyen Khanh Trung Kien , Reinecke Andreas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis cranio-morphometric study emphasizes a “two-layer model” for eastern Eurasian anatomically modern human (AMH) populations, based on large datasets of 89 population samples including findings directly from ancient archaeological contexts. Results suggest that an initial “first layer” of AMH had related closely to ancestral Andaman, Australian, Papuan, and Jomon groups who likely entered this region via the Southeast Asian landmass, prior to 65–50 kya. A later “second layer” shared strong cranial affinities with Siberians, implying a Northeast Asian source, evidenced by 9 kya in central China and then followed by expansions of descendant groups into Southeast Asia after 4 kya. These two populations shared limited initial exchange, and the second layer grew at a faster rate and in greater numbers, linked with contexts of farming that may have supported increased population densities. Clear dichotomization between the two layers implies a temporally deep divergence of distinct migration routes for AMH through both southern and northern Eurasia.
A variant in the MICA gene is associated with liver fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis C through TGF-β1 dependent mechanisms
Authors: Sharkawy Rasha El , Bayoumi Ali , Metwally Mayada , Mangia Alessandra , Berg Thomas , Romero-Gomez Manuel , Abate Maria Lorena , Irving William L. , Sheridan David , Dore Gregory J. , Spengler Ulrich , Lampertico Pietro , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Weltman Martin , Mollison Lindsay , Cheng Wendy , Riordan Stephen , Santoro Rosanna , Gallego-Durán Rocío , Fischer Janett , Nattermann Jacob , D’Ambrosio Roberta , McLeod Duncan , Powell Elizabeth , latchoumanin Olivier , Thabet Khaled , Najim Mustafa A. M. , Douglas Mark W. , Liddle Christopher , Qiao Liang , George Jacob , Eslam Mohammed ,   International Liver Disease Genetics Consortium (ILDGC), White Rose , Rojas Angela , Bassendine Margaret , Rosso Chiara , Mezzabotta Lavinia , Leung Reynold , Malik Barbara , Matthews Gail , Grebely Jason , Fragomeli Vincenzo , Jonsson Julie R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHepatocarcinogenesis is tightly linked to liver fibrosis. Recently, two GWAS variants, MICA rs2596542 and DEPDC5 rs1012068 were identified as being associated with the development of HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japanese patients. The role of these variants on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis that are closely associated with HCC development is not known, nor are the biological mechanisms underlying their impact on the liver. Here, we demonstrate in 1689 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (1,501 with CHC and 188 with HCV-related HCC), that the MICA (T) allele, despite not being associated with HCC susceptibility, is associated with increased fibrosis stage (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05–2.06, p = 0.02) and fibrosis progression rate (hazards ratio: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04–1.90, p = 0.02). The DEPDC5 variant was not associated with any of these phenotypes. MICA expression was down-regulated in advanced fibrosis stages. Further, (T) allele carriage was associated with lower MICA expression in liver and serum. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression suppresses MICA expression in hepatic stellate cells. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism linking susceptibility to advanced fibrosis and subsequently indirectly to HCC, to the level of MICA expression through TGF-β1-dependent mechanisms.
Evolutionary dynamics of sexual size dimorphism in non-volant mammals following their independent colonization of Madagascar
Authors: Kappeler Peter M. , Nunn Charles L. , Vining Alexander Q. , Goodman Steven M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs predicted by sexual selection theory, males are larger than females in most polygynous mammals, but recent studies found that ecology and life history traits also affect sexual size dimorphism (SSD) through evolutionary changes in either male size, female size, or both. The primates of Madagascar (Lemuriformes) represent the largest group of mammals without male-biased SSD. The eco-evo-devo hypothesis posited that adaptations to unusual climatic unpredictability on Madagascar have ultimately reduced SSD in lemurs after dispersing to Madagascar, but data have not been available for comparative tests of the corresponding predictions that SSD is also absent in other terrestrial Malagasy mammals and that patterns of SSD changed following the colonization of Madagascar. We used phylogenetic methods and new body mass data to test these predictions among the four endemic radiations of Malagasy primates, carnivorans, tenrecs, and rodents. In support of our prediction, we found that male-biased SSD is generally absent among all Malagasy mammals. Phylogenetic comparative analyses further indicated that after their independent colonization of Madagascar, SSD decreased in primates and tenrecs, but not in the other lineages or when analyzed across all species. We discuss several mechanisms that may have generated these patterns and conclude that neither the eco-evo-devo hypothesis, founder effects, the island rule nor sexual selection theory alone can provide a compelling explanation for the observed patterns of SSD in Malagasy mammals.
Decreased complexity of glucose dynamics in diabetes in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Raubertas Richard , Beech Jeremy , Watson Wendy , Fox Steven , Tiesma Scott , Gilberto David B. , Bone Ashleigh , Rebbeck Patricia A. , Gantert Liza T. , Conarello Stacey , Knapp Walter , Gray Tasha , Handt Larry , Li Cai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUntil recently, preclinical and clinical work on diabetes has focused on the understanding of blood glucose elevation and its detrimental metabolic sequelae. The advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology now allows real time monitoring of blood glucose levels as a time series, and thus the exploration of glucose dynamics at short time scales. Previous work has shown decreases in the complexity of glucose dynamics, as measured by multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis, in diabetes in humans, mice, and rats. Analyses for non-human primates (NHP) have not been reported, nor is it known if anti-diabetes compounds affect complexity of glucose dynamics. We instrumented four healthy and six diabetic rhesus monkeys with CGM probes in the carotid artery and collected glucose values at a frequency of one data point per second for the duration of the sensors’ life span. Sensors lasted between 45 and 78 days. Five of the diabetic rhesus monkeys were also administered the anti-diabetic drug liraglutide daily beginning at day 39 of the CGM monitoring period. Glucose levels fluctuated during the day in both healthy and diabetic rhesus monkeys, peaking between 12 noon – 6 pm. MSE analysis showed reduced complexity of glucose dynamics in diabetic monkeys compared to healthy animals. Although liraglutide decreased glucose levels, it did not restore complexity in diabetic monkeys consistently. Complexity varied by time of day, more strongly for healthy animals than for diabetic animals. And by dividing the monitoring period into 3-day or 1-week subperiods, we were able to estimate within-animal variability of MSE curves. Our data reveal that decreased complexity of glucose dynamics is a conserved feature of diabetes from rodents to NHPs to man.
Transport mechanism of deformable micro-gel particle through micropores with mechanical properties characterized by AFM
Authors: Lei Wenhai , Xie Chiyu , Wu Tianjiang , Wu Xingcai , Wang Moran 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDeformable micro-gel particles (DMP) have been used to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in reservoirs with unfavourable conditions. Direct pore-scale understanding of the DMP transport mechanism is important for further improvements of its EOR performance. To consider the interaction between soft particle and fluid in complex pore-throat geometries, we perform an Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann (IB-LB) simulation of DMP passing through a throat. A spring-network model is used to capture the deformation of DMP. In order to obtain appropriate simulation parameters that represent the real mechanical properties of DMP, we propose a procedure via fitting the DMP elastic modulus data measured by the nano-indentation experiments using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The pore-scale modelling obtains the critical pressure of the DMP for different particle-throat diameter ratios and elastic modulus. It is found that two-clog particle transport mode is observed in a contracted throat, the relationship between the critical pressure and the elastic modulus/particle-throat diameter ratio follows a power law. The particle-throat diameter ratio shows a greater impact on the critical pressure difference than the elastic modulus of particles.
The eastern extent of seasonal iron limitation in the high latitude North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Birchill A. J. , Hartner N. T. , Kunde K. , Siemering B. , Daniels C. , González-Santana D. , Milne A. , Ussher S. J. , Worsfold P. J. , Leopold K. , Painter S. C. , Lohan M. C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe availability of iron (Fe) can seasonally limit phytoplankton growth in the High Latitude North Atlantic (HLNA), greatly reducing the efficiency of the biological carbon pump. However, the spatial extent of seasonal iron limitation is not yet known. We present autumn nutrient and dissolved Fe measurements, combined with microphytoplankton distribution, of waters overlying the Hebridean (Scottish) shelf break. A distinct biogeochemical divide was observed, with Fe deficient surface waters present beyond the shelf break, much further eastwards than previously recognised. Due to along and on-shelf circulation, the Hebridean shelf represents a much-localised source of Fe, which does not fertilise the wider HLNA. Shelf sediments are generally thought to supply large quantities of Fe to overlying waters. However, for this Fe to influence upper-ocean biogeochemical cycling, efficient off-shelf transport mechanisms are required. This work challenges the view that the oceanic surface waters in close proximity to continental margins are iron replete with respect to marine primary production demands.
Attention to colors induces surround suppression at category boundaries
Authors: Fang Ming W. H. , Becker Mark W. , Liu Taosheng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigated how attention to a visual feature modulates representations of other features. The feature-similarity gain model predicts a graded modulation, whereas an alternative model asserts an inhibitory surround in feature space. Although evidence for both types of modulations can be found, a consensus has not emerged in the literature. Here, we aimed to reconcile these different views by systematically measuring how attention modulates color perception. Based on previous literature, we also predicted that color categories would impact attentional modulation. Our results showed that both surround suppression and feature-similarity gain modulate perception of colors but they operate on different similarity scales. Furthermore, the region of the suppressive surround coincided with the color category boundary, suggesting a categorical sharpening effect. We implemented a neural population coding model to explain the observed behavioral effects, which revealed a hitherto unknown connection between neural tuning shift and surround suppression.
Volcanic contribution to emergence of Central Panama in the Early Miocene
Authors: Buchs David M. , Irving Derek , Coombs Henry , Miranda Roberto , Wang Jian , Coronado Maurylis , Arrocha Rodrigo , Lacerda Mauricio , Goff Creed , Almengor Eladio , Portugal Enier , Franceschi Pastora , Chichaco Eric , Redwood Stewart D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFormation of the Panama Isthmus, that had global oceanographic and biotic effects in the Neogene, is generally associated with tectonic uplift during collision of the Panama volcanic arc with South America. However, new field, geochemical and geochronological data from the Culebra Cut of the Panama Canal suggest that volcanism also contributed to the Isthmus emergence in the Early Miocene. This volcanism is recorded in a newly-recognised Central Panama volcanic field that includes several phases of development. Early activity of this field along the Panama Canal was associated with proximal effusive to explosive felsic products during formation of subaerial stratovolcanoes and possible domes ca. 21 Ma. This was followed by a period of marine transgression ca. 21–18 Ma, with more distal volcanism documented by tuffs that deposited in marine to terrestrial environments. Finally, proximal mafic volcanism formed tephra cones in a monogenetic field ca. 18(-?) Ma. This was associated with phreatomagmatic processes in a coastal environment, with remarkable kilometre-wide subvolcanic peperitic intrusions. We propose based on these observations that formation of the Central Panama volcanic field was critical in shaping regional topography, and that this could have actively contributed to obstruction and closure of an interoceanic strait in Central Panama.
NeuroD2 controls inhibitory circuit formation in the molecular layer of the cerebellum
Authors: Pieper Alexander , Rudolph Stephanie , Wieser Georg L. , Götze Tilmann , Mießner Hendrik , Yonemasu Tomoko , Yan Kuo , Tzvetanova Iva , Castillo Bettina Duverge , Bode Ulli , Bormuth Ingo , Wadiche Jacques I. , Schwab Markus H. , Goebbels Sandra 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe cerebellar cortex is involved in the control of diverse motor and non-motor functions. Its principal circuit elements are the Purkinje cells that integrate incoming excitatory and local inhibitory inputs and provide the sole output of the cerebellar cortex. However, the transcriptional control of circuit assembly in the cerebellar cortex is not well understood. Here, we show that NeuroD2, a neuronal basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, promotes the postnatal survival of both granule cells and molecular layer interneurons (basket and stellate cells). However, while NeuroD2 is not essential for the integration of surviving granule cells into the excitatory circuit, it is required for the terminal differentiation of basket cells. Axons of surviving NeuroD2-deficient basket cells follow irregular trajectories and their inhibitory terminals are virtually absent from Purkinje cells in Neurod2 mutants. As a result inhibitory, but not excitatory, input to Purkinje cells is strongly reduced in the absence of NeuroD2. Together, we conclude that NeuroD2 is necessary to instruct a terminal differentiation program in basket cells that regulates targeted axon growth and inhibitory synapse formation. An imbalance of excitation and inhibition in the cerebellar cortex affecting Purkinje cell output may underlay impaired adaptive motor learning observed in Neurod2 mutants.
CdSe/ZnS quantum dot encapsulated MoS2 phototransistor for enhanced radiation hardness
Authors: Park Jinwu , Yoo Geonwook , Heo Junseok 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNotable progress achieved in studying MoS2 based phototransistors reveals the great potential to be applicable in various field of photodetectors, and to further expand it, a durability study of MoS2 phototransistors in harsh environments is highly required. Here, we investigate effects of gamma rays on the characteristics of MoS2 phototransistors and improve its radiation hardness by incorporating CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as an encapsulation layer. A 73.83% decrease in the photoresponsivity was observed after gamma ray irradiation of 400 Gy, and using a CYTOP and CdSe/ZnS quantum dot layer, the photoresponsivity was successfully retained at 75.16% on average after the gamma ray irradiation. Our results indicate that the CdSe/ZnS quantum dots having a high atomic number can be an effective encapsulation method to improve radiation hardness and thus to maintain the performance of the MoS2 phototransistor.