bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Experimental X-Ray Peak/Background Ratios and Implications for Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry in the Next-Generation Analytical Electron Microscope
Authors: Zaluzec Nestor J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractModern analytical electron microscopes equipped with silicon drift detectors now allow for a wide range of geometrical configurations capable of performing quantitative X-ray spectrometry. Recent work has improved the collection solid angles of these detectors, however, the impact of increasing the solid angle on detection sensitivity as measured by the peak/background ratio has not been addressed. This work compares theoretical and experimental peak/background ratios for incident electron energies in the range of 20–200 keV, with X-ray detectors in both conventional orientations (on the electron entrance surface) as well as new geometries (the electron exit surface). The implications of these parameters on detectability limits for the next generations of “Lab-in-the-Gap” analytical microscope are also considered. It was found that theoretical calculations of the angular distribution of bremsstrahlung and their effects on the peak/background ratio match well with experimental measurements, and indicate that new geometries which can result in large solid angles provided an added benefit in addition to increased characteristic signal, namely increased sensitivity for the analyst.
New Transitions from Human Rights to the Environment to the Rights of Nature
Authors: Borràs Susana 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe weaknesses of our environmental laws stem in large part from the fact that legal systems treat the natural world as property that can be exploited and degraded, rather than as an integral ecological partner with its own rights to exist and thrive. This article analyzes the recent rise of a new generation of environmental laws which reject the ‘false dogma’ of ‘humans over nature’ and instead recognize our interconnectedness with the natural world and acknowledge its rights to exist, persist, and maintain its vital cycles. The article focuses on the transition from an anthropocentric approach, denoted by the ‘right to the environment’, to a biocentric approach constructed around ‘rights of nature’. This transition is evident in various new legal instruments – the Ecuadorian Constitution, certain Bolivian laws, and numerous ordinances of the United States – which incorporate and respect rights of nature, and grant legal rights to the natural world and enforcement rights to affected communities. These instruments serve as models for legal systems which can steer us towards more robust and effective environmental laws.
Autophagy mediated by arginine depletion activation of the nutrient sensor GCN2 contributes to interferon-γ-induced malignant transformation of primary bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Xia X-j , Gao Y-y , Zhang J , Wang L , Zhao S , Che Y-y , Ao C-j , Yang H-j , Wang J-q , Lei L-c 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAutophagy has been linked to the regulation of both the prevention and progression of cancer. IFN-γ has been shown to induce autophagy in multiple cell lines in vitro. However, whether IFN-γ can induce autophagy and whether autophagy promotes malignant transformation in healthy lactating bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) remain unclear. Here, we provide the first evidence of the correlation between IFN-γ treatment, autophagy and malignant transformation and of the mechanism underlying IFN-γ-induced autophagy and subsequent malignant transformation in primary BMECs. IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in cattle that received normal long-term dietary corn straw (CS) roughage supplementation. In addition, an increase in autophagy was clearly observed in the BMECs from the mammary tissue of cows expressing high levels of IFN-γ. In vitro, autophagy was clearly induced in primary BMECs by IFN-γ within 24 h. This induced autophagy could subsequently promote dramatic primary BMEC transformation. Furthermore, we found that IFN-γ promoted arginine depletion, activated the general control nonderepressible-2 kinase (GCN2) signalling pathway and resulted in an increase in autophagic flux and the amount of autophagy in BMECs. Overall, our findings are the first to demonstrate that arginine depletion and kinase GCN2 expression mediate IFN-γ-induced autophagy that may promote malignant progression and that immunometabolism, autophagy and cancer are strongly correlated. These results suggest new directions and paths for preventing and treating breast cancer in relation to diet.
Assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans gut microbiota from diverse soil microbial environments
Authors: Berg Maureen , Stenuit Ben , Ho Joshua , Wang Andrew , Parke Caitlin , Knight Matthew , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa , Shapira Michael 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
It is now well accepted that the gut microbiota contributes to our health. However, what determines the microbiota composition is still unclear. Whereas it might be expected that the intestinal niche would be dominant in shaping the microbiota, studies in vertebrates have repeatedly demonstrated dominant effects of external factors such as host diet and environmental microbial diversity. Hypothesizing that genetic variation may interfere with discerning contributions of host factors, we turned to Caenorhabditis elegans as a new model, offering the ability to work with genetically homogenous populations. Deep sequencing of 16S rDNA was used to characterize the (previously unknown) worm gut microbiota as assembled from diverse produce-enriched soil environments under laboratory conditions. Comparisons of worm microbiotas with those in their soil environment revealed that worm microbiotas resembled each other even when assembled from different microbial environments, and enabled defining a shared core gut microbiota. Community analyses indicated that species assortment in the worm gut was non-random and that assembly rules differed from those in their soil habitat, pointing at the importance of competitive interactions between gut-residing taxa. The data presented fills a gap in C. elegans biology. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a dominant contribution of the host niche in shaping the gut microbiota.
A kagome map of spin liquids from XXZ to Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya ferromagnet
Authors: Essafi Karim , Benton Owen , Jaubert L.D.C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDespite its deceptive simplicity, few concepts have more fundamental implications than chirality, from the therapeutic activity of drugs to the fundamental forces of nature. In magnetic materials, chirality gives rise to unconventional phenomena such as the anomalous Hall effect and multiferroicity, taking an enhanced flavour in the so-called spin-liquid phases where magnetic disorder prevails. Kagome systems sit at the crossroad of these ideas. Motivated by the recent synthesis of rare-earth kagome materials and the progresses in optical-lattice experiments, we bring together an entire network of spin liquids with anisotropic and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions. This network revolves around the Ising antiferromagnet and ends on (ferromagnetic) chiral spin liquids with spontaneously broken time-reversal symmetry. As for the celebrated Heisenberg antiferromagnet, it now belongs to a triad of equivalently disordered phases. The present work provides a unifying theory of kagome spin liquids with time-reversal invariant nearest-neighbour Hamiltonians.
Dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes for intact crystalline graphene nanostructures
Authors: Lim Joonwon , Narayan Maiti Uday , Kim Na-Young , Narayan Rekha , Jun Lee Won , Sung Choi Dong , Oh Youngtak , Min Lee Ju , Yong Lee Gil , Hun Kang Seok , Kim Hyunwoo , Kim Yong-Hyun , Ouk Kim Sang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAtomic level engineering of graphene-based materials is in high demand to enable customize structures and properties for different applications. Unzipping of the graphene plane is a potential means to this end, but uncontrollable damage of the two-dimensional crystalline framework during harsh unzipping reaction has remained a key challenge. Here we present heteroatom dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes as a reliable and controllable route to customized intact crystalline graphene-based nanostructures. Substitutional pyridinic nitrogen dopant sites at carbon nanotubes can selectively initiate the unzipping of graphene side walls at a relatively low electrochemical potential (0.6 V). The resultant nanostructures consisting of unzipped graphene nanoribbons wrapping around carbon nanotube cores maintain the intact two-dimensional crystallinity with well-defined atomic configuration at the unzipped edges. Large surface area and robust electrical connectivity of the synergistic nanostructure demonstrate ultrahigh-power supercapacitor performance, which can serve for AC filtering with the record high rate capability of −85° of phase angle at 120 Hz.
Subwavelength nonlinear phase control and anomalous phase matching in plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Almeida Euclides , Shalem Guy , Prior Yehiam 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMetasurfaces, and in particular those containing plasmonic-based metallic elements, constitute an attractive set of materials with a potential for replacing standard bulky optical elements. In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on their nonlinear optical properties, particularly in the context of second and third harmonic generation and beam steering by phase gratings. Here, we harness the full phase control enabled by subwavelength plasmonic elements to demonstrate a unique metasurface phase matching that is required for efficient nonlinear processes. We discuss the difference between scattering by a grating and by subwavelength phase-gradient elements. We show that for such interfaces an anomalous phase-matching condition prevails, which is the nonlinear analogue of the generalized Snell’s law. The subwavelength phase control of optical nonlinearities paves the way for the design of ultrathin, flat nonlinear optical elements. We demonstrate nonlinear metasurface lenses, which act both as generators and as manipulators of the frequency-converted signal.
Controlling molecular transport in minimal emulsions
Authors: Gruner Philipp , Riechers Birte , Semin Benoît , Lim Jiseok , Johnston Abigail , Short Kathleen , Baret Jean-Christophe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEmulsions are metastable dispersions in which molecular transport is a major mechanism driving the system towards its state of minimal energy. Determining the underlying mechanisms of molecular transport between droplets is challenging due to the complexity of a typical emulsion system. Here we introduce the concept of ‘minimal emulsions’, which are controlled emulsions produced using microfluidic tools, simplifying an emulsion down to its minimal set of relevant parameters. We use these minimal emulsions to unravel the fundamentals of transport of small organic molecules in water-in-fluorinated-oil emulsions, a system of great interest for biotechnological applications. Our results are of practical relevance to guarantee a sustainable compartmentalization of compounds in droplet microreactors and to design new strategies for the dynamic control of droplet compositions.
LSD1 co-repressor Rcor2 orchestrates neurogenesis in the developing mouse brain
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Wu Qian , Yang Peng , Wang Chenfei , Liu Jing , Ding Wenyu , Liu Wensu , Bai Ye , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Hong , Gao Shaorong , Wang Xiaoqun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEpigenetic regulatory complexes play key roles in the modulation of transcriptional regulation underlying neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and progeny specification. How specific cofactors guide histone demethylase LSD1/KDM1A complex to regulate distinct NSC-related gene activation and repression in cortical neurogenesis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that Rcor2, a co-repressor of LSD1, is mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a key role in epigenetic regulation of cortical development. Depletion of Rcor2 results in reduced NPC proliferation, neuron population, neocortex thickness and brain size. We find that Rcor2 directly targets Dlx2 and Shh, and represses their expressions in developing neocortex. In addition, inhibition of Shh signals rescues the neurogenesis defects caused by Rcor2 depletion both in vivo and in vitro. Hence, our findings suggest that co-repressor Rcor2 is critical for cortical development by repressing Shh signalling pathway in dorsal telencephalon.
Multilayer block copolymer meshes by orthogonal self-assembly
Authors: Tavakkoli K. G. Amir , Nicaise Samuel M. , Gadelrab Karim R. , Alexander-Katz Alfredo , Ross Caroline A. , Berggren Karl K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractContinued scaling-down of lithographic-pattern feature sizes has brought templated self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into the forefront of nanofabrication research. Technologies now exist that facilitate significant control over otherwise unorganized assembly of BCP microdomains to form both long-range and locally complex monolayer patterns. In contrast, the extension of this control into multilayers or 3D structures of BCP microdomains remains limited, despite the possible technological applications in next-generation devices. Here, we develop and analyse an orthogonal self-assembly method in which multiple layers of distinct-molecular-weight BCPs naturally produce nanomesh structures of cylindrical microdomains without requiring layer-by-layer alignment or high-resolution lithographic templating. The mechanisms for orthogonal self-assembly are investigated with both experiment and simulation, and we determine that the control over height and chemical preference of templates are critical process parameters. The method is employed to produce nanomeshes with the shapes of circles and Y-intersections, and is extended to produce three layers of orthogonally oriented cylinders.
Functional profiles of orphan membrane transporters in the life cycle of the malaria parasite
Authors: Kenthirapalan Sanketha , Waters Andrew P. , Matuschewski Kai , Kooij Taco W. A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAssigning function to orphan membrane transport proteins and prioritizing candidates for detailed biochemical characterization remain fundamental challenges and are particularly important for medically relevant pathogens, such as malaria parasites. Here we present a comprehensive genetic analysis of 35 orphan transport proteins of Plasmodium berghei during its life cycle in mice and Anopheles mosquitoes. Six genes, including four candidate aminophospholipid transporters, are refractory to gene deletion, indicative of essential functions. We generate and phenotypically characterize 29 mutant strains with deletions of individual transporter genes. Whereas seven genes appear to be dispensable under the experimental conditions tested, deletion of any of the 22 other genes leads to specific defects in life cycle progression in vivo and/or host transition. Our study provides growing support for a potential link between heavy metal homeostasis and host switching and reveals potential targets for rational design of new intervention strategies against malaria.
Recent increases in Arctic freshwater flux affects Labrador Sea convection and Atlantic overturning circulation
Authors: Yang Qian , Dixon Timothy H. , Myers Paul G. , Bonin Jennifer , Chambers Don , van den Broeke M. R. , Ribergaard Mads H. , Mortensen John 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an important component of ocean thermohaline circulation. Melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is freshening the North Atlantic; however, whether the augmented freshwater flux is disrupting the AMOC is unclear. Dense Labrador Sea Water (LSW), formed by winter cooling of saline North Atlantic water and subsequent convection, is a key component of the deep southward return flow of the AMOC. Although LSW formation recently decreased, it also reached historically high values in the mid-1990s, making the connection to the freshwater flux unclear. Here we derive a new estimate of the recent freshwater flux from Greenland using updated GRACE satellite data, present new flux estimates for heat and salt from the North Atlantic into the Labrador Sea and explain recent variations in LSW formation. We suggest that changes in LSW can be directly linked to recent freshening, and suggest a possible link to AMOC weakening.
Terpene arms race in the Seiridium cardinale – Cupressus sempervirens pathosystem
Authors: Achotegui-Castells Ander , Della Rocca Gianni , Llusià Joan , Danti Roberto , Barberini Sara , Bouneb Mabrouk , Simoni Sauro , Michelozzi Marco , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe canker-causing fungus Seiridium cardinale is the major threat to Cupressus sempervirens worldwide. We investigated the production of terpenes by canker-resistant and susceptible cypresses inoculated with S. cardinale, the effect of these terpenes on fungal growth and the defensive biotransformation of the terpenes conducted by the fungus. All infected trees produced de novo terpenes and strongly induced terpenic responses, but the responses were stronger in the canker-resistant than the susceptible trees. In vitro tests for the inhibition of fungal growth indicated that the terpene concentrations of resistant trees were more inhibitory than those of susceptible trees. The highly induced and de novo terpenes exhibited substantial inhibition (more than a fungicide reference) and had a high concentration-dependent inhibition, whereas the most abundant terpenes had a low concentration-dependent inhibition. S. cardinale biotransformed three terpenes and was capable of detoxifying them even outside the fungal mycelium, in its immediate surrounding environment. Our results thus indicated that terpenes were key defences efficiently used by C. sempervirens, but also that S. cardinale is ready for the battle.
On-chip modulation for rotating sensing of gyroscope based on ring resonator coupled with Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Jiayang , Jin Junjie , Lin Jian , Zhao Long , Bi Zhuanfang , Huang Anping , Xiao Zhisong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn improving structure for resonance optical gyro inserting a Mach-Zehnder Interferomete (MZI) into coupler region between ring resonator and straight waveguide was proposed. The different reference phase shift parameters in the MZI arms are tunable by thermo-optic effect and can be optimized at every rotation angular rate point without additional phase bias. Four optimum paths are formed to make the gyroscope to work always at the highest sensitivity.
The clinicopathological significance of FHIT hypermethylation in non-small cell lung cancer, a meta-analysis and literature review
Authors: Yan Wei , Xu Ning , Han Xiang , Zhou Xiao-ming , He Bei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEmerging evidence indicates that FHIT is a candidate tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the correlation between FHIT hypermethylation and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of FHIT hypermethylation on the incidence of NSCLC and clinicopathological characteristics. Final analysis of 1717 NSCLC patients from 16 eligible studies was performed. FHIT hypermethylation was found to be significantly higher in NSCLC than in normal lung tissue, the pooled OR from 8 studies including 735 NSCLC and 708 normal lung tissue, OR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.15–13.79, p = 0.0003. FHIT hypermethylation was also correlated with sex status, smoking status, as well as pathological types. We did not find that FHIT hypermethylation was correlated with the differentiated types or clinical stages in NSCLC patients. However, patients with FHIT hypermethylation had a lower survival rate than those without, HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.10–2.71, p  = 0.02. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that FHIT hypermethylation is associated with an increased risk and worsen survival in NSCLC patients. FHIT hypermethylation, which induces the inactivation of FHIT gene, plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and clinical outcome and may serve as a potential drug target of NSCLC.
Effects of cycle duration of an external electrostatic field on anammox biomass activity
Authors: Yin Xin , Qiao Sen , Zhou Jiti 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, the effects of different cycle durations of an external electrostatic field on an anammox biomass were investigated. The total application time per day was 12 h at 2 V/cm for different cycle durations (i.e., continuous application-resting time) of 3 h-3 h, 6 h-6 h and 12 h-12 h. Compared with the control reactor, the nitrogen removal rates (NRRs) increased by 18.7%, 27.4% and 8.50% using an external electrostatic field application with a continuous application time of 3 h, 6 h and 12 h. Moreover, after the reactor was running smoothly for approximately 215 days under the optimal electrostatic field condition (mode 2, continuous application-rest time: 6 h-6 h), the total nitrogen (TN) removal rate reached a peak value of approximately 6468 g-N/m3/d, which was 44.7% higher than the control. The increase in 16S rRNA gene copy numbers, heme c content and enzyme activities were demonstrated to be the main reasons for enhancement of the NRR of the anammox process. Additionally, transmission electron microscope observations proved that a morphological change in the anammox biomass occurred under an electrostatic field application.
Threshold Dependence of Deep- and Near-subwavelength Ripples Formation on Natural MoS2 Induced by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Pan Yusong , Yang Ming , Li Yumei , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Chunling , Zhao Ying , Yao Jianghong , Wu Qiang , Xu Jingjun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDeep sub-wavelength ripples (DSRs) and near sub-wavelength ripples (NSRs) with uniform periods of ~160 nm and ~660 nm generated at the MoS2-vacuum interface is reported for the first time by the processing of femtosecond laser (800 nm, 120 fs, 1 kHz) in this paper. The DSRs and NSRs formation fluence thresholds are experimentally determined as 160 mJ/cm2 and 192 mJ/cm2, respectively. In addition, the ripple period is insensitive to the pulse number. Moreover, Raman analyses show that the MoS2 lattice in the irradiated area does not exhibit oxidation at room environment and the crystalline representation is well preserved in NSRs region. We attribute our result to the joint interactions of the spallation and sublimation of layered MoS2 together with the laser induced surface plasmon polaritons and propose an explanation to the threshold dependence of the ripple period. Our study provides some insights for ultrafast laser-matter interactions and indicates a simple effective method for future nano-fabrication of MoS2.