bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Material gain engineering in GeSn/Ge quantum wells integrated with an Si platform
Authors: Mączko H. S. , Kudrawiec R. , Gladysiewicz M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIt is shown that compressively strained Ge1−xSnx/Ge quantum wells (QWs) grown on a Ge substrate with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 and width of 8 nm ≤ d ≤ 14 nm are a very promising gain medium for lasers integrated with an Si platform. Such QWs are type-I QWs with a direct bandgap and positive transverse electric mode of material gain, i.e. the modal gain. The electronic band structure near the center of Brillouin zone has been calculated for various Ge1−xSnx/Ge QWs with use of the 8-band kp Hamiltonian. To calculate the material gain for these QWs, occupation of the L valley in Ge barriers has been taken into account. It is clearly shown that this occupation has a lot of influence on the material gain in the QWs with low Sn concentrations (Sn < 15%) and is less important for QWs with larger Sn concentration (Sn > 15%). However, for QWs with Sn > 20% the critical thickness of a GeSn layer deposited on a Ge substrate starts to play an important role. Reduction in the QW width shifts up the ground electron subband in the QW and increases occupation of the L valley in the barriers instead of the Γ valley in the QW region.
A High-Throughput, Arbitrary-Waveform, MPI Spectrometer and Relaxometer for Comprehensive Magnetic Particle Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Tay Zhi Wei , Goodwill Patrick W. , Hensley Daniel W. , Taylor Laura A. , Zheng Bo , Conolly Steven M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMagnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a promising new tracer modality with zero attenuation deep in tissue, high contrast and sensitivity, and an excellent safety profile. However, the spatial resolution of MPI is limited to around 1 mm currently and urgently needs to be improved for clinical applications such as angiography and brain perfusion. Although MPI resolution is highly dependent on tracer characteristics and the drive waveforms, optimization is limited to a small subset of possible excitation strategies by current MPI hardware that only does sinusoidal drive waveforms at very few frequencies. To enable a more comprehensive and rapid optimization of drive waveforms for multiple metrics like resolution and signal strength simultaneously, we demonstrate the first untuned MPI spectrometer/relaxometer with unprecedented 400 kHz excitation bandwidth and capable of high-throughput acquisition of harmonic spectra (100 different drive-field frequencies in only 500 ms). It is also capable of arbitrary drive-field waveforms which have not been experimentally evaluated in MPI to date. Its high-throughput capability, frequency-agility and tabletop size makes this Arbitrary Waveform Relaxometer/Spectrometer (AWR) a convenient yet powerfully flexible tool for nanoparticle experts seeking to characterize magnetic particles and optimize MPI drive waveforms for in vitro biosensing and in vivo imaging with MPI.
A pre-metazoan origin of the CRK gene family and co-opted signaling network
Authors: Shigeno-Nakazawa Yoko , Kasai Takuma , Ki Sewon , Kostyanovskaya Elina , Pawlak Jana , Yamagishi Junya , Okimoto Noriaki , Taiji Makoto , Okada Mariko , Westbrook Jody , Satta Yoko , Kigawa Takanori , Imamoto Akira 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCRK and CRKL adapter proteins play essential roles in development and cancer through their SRC homology 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3) domains. To gain insight into the origin of their shared functions, we have investigated their evolutionary history. We propose a term, crk/crkl ancestral (crka), for orthologs in invertebrates before the divergence of CRK and CRKL in the vertebrate ancestor. We have isolated two orthologs expressed in the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis, a unicellular relative to the metazoans. Consistent with its highly-conserved three-dimensional structure, the SH2 domain of M. brevicollis crka1 can bind to the mammalian CRK/CRKL SH2 binding consensus phospho-YxxP, and to the SRC substrate/focal adhesion protein BCAR1 (p130CAS) in the presence of activated SRC. These results demonstrate an ancient origin of the CRK/CRKL SH2-target recognition specificity. Although BCAR1 orthologs exist only in metazoans as identified by an N-terminal SH3 domain, YxxP motifs, and a C-terminal FAT-like domain, some pre-metazoan transmembrane proteins include several YxxP repeats in their cytosolic region, suggesting that they are remotely related to the BCAR1 substrate domain. Since the tyrosine kinase SRC also has a pre-metazoan origin, co-option of BCAR1-related sequences may have rewired the crka-dependent network to mediate adhesion signals in the metazoan ancestor.
The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases and sterol receptor coactivator-1 in TGF-β-regulated expression of genes implicated in macrophage cholesterol uptake
Authors: Salter Rebecca C. , Foka Pelagia , Davies Thomas S. , Gallagher Hayley , Michael Daryn R. , Ashlin Tim G. , Ramji Dipak P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe anti-atherogenic cytokine TGF-β inhibits macrophage foam cell formation by suppressing the expression of key genes implicated in the uptake of modified lipoproteins. We have previously shown a critical role for p38 MAPK and JNK in the TGF-β-mediated regulation of apolipoprotein E expression in human monocytes. However, the roles of these two MAPK pathways in the control of expression of key genes involved in the uptake of modified lipoproteins in human macrophages is poorly understood and formed the focus of this study. TGF-β activated both p38 MAPK and JNK, and knockdown of p38 MAPK or c-Jun, a key downstream target of JNK action, demonstrated their requirement in the TGF-β-inhibited expression of several key genes implicated in macrophage lipoprotein uptake. The potential role of c-Jun and specific co-activators in the action of TGF-β was investigated further by studies on the lipoprotein lipase gene. c-Jun did not directly interact with the minimal promoter region containing the TGF-β response elements and a combination of transient transfection and knock down assays revealed an important role for SRC-1. These studies provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the TGF-β-mediated inhibition of macrophage gene expression associated with the control of cholesterol homeostasis.
Auditory cortical field coding long-lasting tonal offsets in mice
Authors: Baba Hironori , Tsukano Hiroaki , Hishida Ryuichi , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Horii Arata , Takahashi Sugata , Shibuki Katsuei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAlthough temporal information processing is important in auditory perception, the mechanisms for coding tonal offsets are unknown. We investigated cortical responses elicited at the offset of tonal stimuli using flavoprotein fluorescence imaging in mice. Off-responses were clearly observed at the offset of tonal stimuli lasting for 7 s, but not after stimuli lasting for 1 s. Off-responses to the short stimuli appeared in a similar cortical region, when conditioning tonal stimuli lasting for 5–20 s preceded the stimuli. MK-801, an inhibitor of NMDA receptors, suppressed the two types of off-responses, suggesting that disinhibition produced by NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic depression might be involved in the off-responses. The peak off-responses were localized in a small region adjacent to the primary auditory cortex and no frequency-dependent shift of the response peaks was found. Frequency matching of preceding tonal stimuli with short test stimuli was not required for inducing off-responses to short stimuli. Two-photon calcium imaging demonstrated significantly larger neuronal off-responses to stimuli lasting for 7 s in this field, compared with off-responses to stimuli lasting for 1 s. The present results indicate the presence of an auditory cortical field responding to long-lasting tonal offsets, possibly for temporal information processing.
Novel roles for the radial spoke head protein 9 in neural and neurosensory cilia
Authors: Sedykh Irina , TeSlaa Jessica J. , Tatarsky Rose L. , Keller Abigail N. , Toops Kimberly A. , Lakkaraju Aparna , Nyholm Molly K. , Wolman Marc A. , Grinblat Yevgenya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCilia are cell surface organelles with key roles in a range of cellular processes, including generation of fluid flow by motile cilia. The axonemes of motile cilia and immotile kinocilia contain 9 peripheral microtubule doublets, a central microtubule pair, and 9 connecting radial spokes. Aberrant radial spoke components RSPH1, 3, 4a and 9 have been linked with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a disorder characterized by ciliary dysmotility; yet, radial spoke functions remain unclear. Here we show that zebrafish Rsph9 is expressed in cells bearing motile cilia and kinocilia, and localizes to both 9 + 2 and 9 + 0 ciliary axonemes. Using CRISPR mutagenesis, we show that rsph9 is required for motility of presumptive 9 + 2 olfactory cilia and, unexpectedly, 9 + 0 neural cilia. rsph9 is also required for the structural integrity of 9 + 2 and 9 + 0 ciliary axonemes. rsph9 mutant larvae exhibit reduced initiation of the acoustic startle response consistent with hearing impairment, suggesting a novel role for Rsph9 in the kinocilia of the inner ear and/or lateral line neuromasts. These data identify novel roles for Rsph9 in 9 + 0 motile cilia and in sensory kinocilia, and establish a useful zebrafish PCD model.
Electroacupuncture in conscious free-moving mice reduces pain by ameliorating peripheral and central nociceptive mechanisms
Authors: Wang Ying , Lei Jianxun , Gupta Mihir , Peng Fei , Lam Sarah , Jha Ritu , Raduenz Ellis , Beitz Al J. , Gupta Kalpna 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntegrative approaches such as electroacupuncture, devoid of drug effects are gaining prominence for treating pain. Understanding the mechanisms of electroacupuncture induced analgesia would benefit chronic pain conditions such as sickle cell disease (SCD), for which patients may require opioid analgesics throughout life. Mouse models are instructive in developing a mechanistic understanding of pain, but the anesthesia/restraint required to administer electroacupuncture may alter the underlying mechanisms. To overcome these limitations, we developed a method to perform electroacupuncture in conscious, freely moving, unrestrained mice. Using this technique we demonstrate a significant analgesic effect in transgenic mouse models of SCD and cancer as well as complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced pain. We demonstrate a comprehensive antinociceptive effect on mechanical, cold and deep tissue hyperalagesia in both genders. Interestingly, individual mice showed a variable response to electroacupuncture, categorized into high-, moderate- and non-responders. Mechanistically, electroacupuncture significantly ameliorated inflammatory and nociceptive mediators both peripherally and centrally in sickle mice correlative to the antinociceptive response. Application of sub-optimal doses of morphine in electroacupuncture-treated moderate-responders produced equivalent antinociception as obtained in high-responders. Electroacupuncture in conscious freely moving mice offers an effective approach to develop a mechanism-based understanding of analgesia devoid of the influence of anesthetics or restraints.
Frequency-time coherence for all-optical sampling without optical pulse source
Authors: Preußler Stefan , Raoof Mehrpoor Gilda , Schneider Thomas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSampling is the first step to convert an analogue optical signal into a digital electrical signal. The latter can be further processed and analysed by well-known electrical signal processing methods. Optical pulse sources like mode-locked lasers are commonly incorporated for all-optical sampling, but have several drawbacks. A novel approach for a simple all-optical sampling is to utilise the frequency-time coherence of each signal. The method is based on only using two coupled modulators driven with an electrical sine wave. Since no optical source is required, a simple integration in appropriate platforms, such as Silicon Photonics might be possible. The presented method grants all-optical sampling with electrically tunable bandwidth, repetition rate and time shift.
Ectopic expression of Cripto-1 in transgenic mouse embryos causes hemorrhages, fatal cardiac defects and embryonic lethality
Authors: Lin Xiaolin , Zhao Wentao , Jia Junshuang , Lin Taoyan , Xiao Gaofang , Wang Shengchun , Lin Xia , Liu Yu , Chen Li , Qin Yujuan , Li Jing , Zhang Tingting , Hao Weichao , Chen Bangzhu , Xie Raoying , Cheng Yushuang , Xu Kang , Yao Kaitai , Huang Wenhua , Xiao Dong , Sun Yan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTargeted disruption of Cripto-1 in mice caused embryonic lethality at E7.5, whereas we unexpectedly found that ectopic Cripto-1 expression in mouse embryos also led to embryonic lethality, which prompted us to characterize the causes and mechanisms underlying embryonic death due to ectopic Cripto-1 expression. RCLG/EIIa-Cre embryos displayed complex phenotypes between embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) and E17.5, including fatal hemorrhages (E14.5-E15.5), embryo resorption (E14.5-E17.5), pale body surface (E14.5-E16.5) and no abnormal appearance (E14.5-E16.5). Macroscopic and histological examination revealed that ectopic expression of Cripto-1 transgene in RCLG/EIIa-Cre embryos resulted in lethal cardiac defects, as evidenced by cardiac malformations, myocardial thinning, failed assembly of striated myofibrils and lack of heartbeat. In addition, Cripto-1 transgene activation beginning after E8.5 also caused the aforementioned lethal cardiac defects in mouse embryos. Furthermore, ectopic Cripto-1 expression in embryonic hearts reduced the expression of cardiac transcription factors, which is at least partially responsible for the aforementioned lethal cardiac defects. Our results suggest that hemorrhages and cardiac abnormalities are two important lethal factors in Cripto-1 transgenic mice. Taken together, these findings are the first to demonstrate that sustained Cripto-1 transgene expression after E11.5 causes fatal hemorrhages and lethal cardiac defects, leading to embryonic death at E14.5-17.5.
Europium (III) Organic Complexes in Porous Boron Nitride Microfibers: Efficient Hybrid Luminescent Material
Authors: Lin Jing , Feng Congcong , He Xin , Wang Weijia , Fang Yi , Liu Zhenya , Li Jie , Tang Chengchun , Huang Yang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe report the design and synthesis of a novel kind of organic-inorganic hybrid material via the incorporation of europium (III) β-diketonate complexes (Eu(TTA)3, TTA = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone) into one-dimensional (1D) porous boron nitride (BN) microfibers. The developed Eu(TTA)3@BN hybrid composites with typical 1D fibrous morphology exhibit bright visible red-light emission on UV illumination. The confinement of Eu(TTA)3 within pores of BN microfibers not only decreases the aggregation-caused quenching in solid Eu(TTA)3, but also improves their thermal stabilities. Moreover, The strong interactions between Eu(TTA)3 and porous BN matrix result in an interesting energy transfer process from BN host to TTA ligand and TTA ligand to Eu3+ ions, leading to the remarkable increase of red emission. The synthetic approach should be a very promising strategy which can be easily expanded to other hybrid luminescent materials based on porous BN.
Columnar structured FePt films epitaxially grown on large lattice mismatched intermediate layer
Authors: Dong K. F. , Deng J. Y. , Peng Y. G. , Ju G. , Chow G. M. , Chen J. S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe microstructure and magnetic properties of the FePt films grown on large mismatched ZrN (15.7%) intermediate layer were investigated. With using ZrN intermediate layer, FePt 10 nm films exhibited (001) texture except for some weaker FePt (110) texture. Good epitaxial relationships of FePt (001) <100>//ZrN (001) <100>//TiN (001) <100> among FePt and ZrN/TiN were revealed from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. As compared with TiN intermediate layer, although FePt-SiO2-C films grown on ZrN/TiN intermediate layer showed isotropic magnetic properties, the large interfacial energy and lattice mismatch between FePt and ZrN would lead to form columnar structural FePt films with smaller grain size and improved isolation. By doping ZrN into the TiN layer, solid solution of ZrTiN was formed and the lattice constant is increased comparing with TiN and decreased comparing with ZrN. Moreover, FePt-SiO2-C films grown on TiN 2 nm-20 vol.% ZrN/TiN 3 nm intermediate layer showed an improved perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Simultaneously, columnar structure with smaller grain size retained.
Efficient exciton generation in atomic passivated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots light-emitting devices
Authors: Kang Byoung-Ho , Lee Jae-Sung , Lee Sang-Won , Kim Sae-Wan , Lee Jun-Woo , Gopalan Sai-Anand , Park Ji-Sub , Kwon Dae-Hyuk , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kim Hak-Rin , Kang Shin-Won 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate the first-ever surface modification of green CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) using bromide anions (Br-) in cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The Br- ions reduced the interparticle spacing between the QDs and induced an effective charge balance in QD light-emitting devices (QLEDs). The fabricated QLEDs exhibited efficient charge injection because of the reduced emission quenching effect and their enhanced thin film morphology. As a result, they exhibited a maximum luminance of 71,000 cd/m2 and an external current efficiency of 6.4 cd/A, both significantly better than those of their counterparts with oleic acid surface ligands. In addition, the lifetime of the Br- treated QD based QLEDs is significantly improved due to ionic passivation at the QDs surface.
Surfactant adsorption kinetics in microfluidics
Authors: Riechers Birte , Maes Florine , Akoury Elias , Semin Benoît , Gruner Philipp , Baret Jean-Christophe 
Published: September 2016

Significance
Surfactant adsorption to interfaces is a dynamic process of relevance for foaming, emulsification, and detergency. Although the process has been described for centuries now, the rational measurement of adsorption and desorption constants, as well as the modeling of the binding mechanism, is still subject to many assumptions. The prevalence of transport through the bulk in classic measurements limits the reliability of the analysis. Microfluidics provides a means to achieve small sizes and significant droplet velocity to alleviate the limiting step of surfactant bulk transport. Adsorption kinetics are measured directly to make a link among droplet stabilization, ion exchange, and coalescence.
Antimicrobial lipopeptide tridecaptin A1selectively binds to Gram-negative lipid II
Authors: Cochrane Stephen A. , Findlay Brandon , Bakhtiary Alireza , Acedo Jeella Z. , Rodriguez-Lopez Eva M. , Mercier Pascal , Vederas John C. 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceThe increasing development of antimicrobial resistance is a major global concern, and there is an urgent need for the development of new antibiotics. We show that the antimicrobial lipopeptide tridecaptin A1selectively binds to the Gram-negative analogue of peptidoglycan precursor lipid II, disrupting the proton motive force and killing Gram-negative bacteria. We present an example of the selective targeting of Gram-negative lipid II and a binding mode to this peptidoglycan precursor. No persistent resistance develops against tridecaptin A1inEscherichia colicells exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of this peptide during a 1-mo period. This study showcases the excellent antibiotic properties of the tridecaptins in an age where new antibiotics that target Gram-negative bacteria are desperately needed.
Noninvasive chromosome screening of human embryos by genome sequencing of embryo culture medium for in vitro fertilization
Authors: Xu Juanjuan , Fang Rui , Chen Li , Chen Daozhen , Xiao Jian-Ping , Yang Weimin , Wang Honghua , Song Xiaoqing , Ma Ting , Bo Shiping , Shi Chong , Ren Jun , Huang Lei , Cai Li-Yi , Yao Bing , Xie X. Sunney , Lu Sijia 
Published: September 2016

Significance
In in vitro fertilization (IVF), current methods of diagnosing chromosome abnormality and screening for viability of transfer require biopsy of embryos, which affects embryo quality, awaits long-term biosafety test, and requires specialized skills. We demonstrate the principle of noninvasive chromosome screening (NICS), which is based on sequencing the genomic DNA secreted into the culture medium from the embryo, avoiding the need for embryo biopsy and substantially increasing the safety. By characterizing its precision and demonstrating successful live births, we validate that NICS offers the potential of significantly improving the clinical outcome of IVF.
Stationary QH-mode plasmas with high and wide pedestal at low rotation on DIII-D
Authors: Chen Xi , Burrell K.H. , Osborne T.H. , Solomon W.M. , Barada K. , Garofalo A.M. , Groebner R.J. , Luhmann N.C. , McKee G.R. , Muscatello C.M. , Ono M. , Petty C.C. , Porkolab M. , Rhodes T.L. , Rost J.C. , Snyder P.B. , Staebler G.M. , Tobias B.J. , Yan Z. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
A stationary, quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) regime with a wide pedestal and improved confinement at low rotation has been discovered on DIII-D with reactor relevant edge parameters and no ELMs. As the injected neutral beam torque is ramped down and the edge E  ×  B rotation shear reduces, the transition from standard QH to the wide pedestal QH-mode occurs. At the transition, the coherent edge harmonic oscillations (EHO) that usually regulate the standard QH edge cease and broadband edge MHD modes appear along with a rapid increase in the pedestal pressure height (by  ⩽60%) and width (by  ⩽50%). We posit that the enhanced edge turbulence-driven transport, enabled by the lower edge E  ×  B flow shear due to lower torque reduces the pedestal gradient and, combined with the high edge instability limit provided by the balanced double-null plasma shape, permits the development of a broader and thus higher pedestal that is turbulence-transport-limited. Even with the significantly enhanced pedestal pressure, the edge operating point is below the peeling ballooning mode stability boundary and thus without ELMs. Improved transport in the outer core region (0.8  ⩽  ρ  ⩽0.9) owing to increased E  ×  B flow shear in that region and the enhanced pedestal boost the overall confinement by up to 45%. These findings advance the physics basis for developing stationary ELM-free high-confinement operation at low rotation for future burning plasma where similar collisionality and rotation levels are expected.
Fast measurements of the electron temperature and parallel heat flux in ELMy H-mode on the COMPASS tokamak
Authors: Adamek J. , Seidl J. , Komm M. , Weinzettl V. , Panek R. , Stöckel J. , Hron M. , Hacek P. , Imrisek M. , Vondracek P. , Horacek J. , Devitre A. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
We report the latest results on fast measurements of the electron temperature and parallel heat flux in the COMPASS tokamak scrape-off layer (SOL) and divertor region during ELMy H-mode plasmas. The system of ball-pen and Langmuir probes installed on the divertor target, the horizontal reciprocating manipulator and the fast data-acquisition system with sampling frequency rate f  =  5 MSa s−1 allow us to measure the electron temperature and parallel heat flux during inter-ELM and ELM periods with high temporal resolution. The filamentary structure of the electron temperature and parallel heat flux was observed during ELMs in the SOL as well as in the divertor region. The position of the filaments within ELMs is not regular and therefore the resulting conditionally averaged ELM neglects the peak values of the electron temperature and parallel heat flux. We have found a substantial difference between the value of the radial power decay length in the inter-ELM period λ

q,inter  =  2.5 mm and the decay length of the peak ELM heat flux λ

q,ELM  =  13.1 mm. The decay length of the ELM energy density was found to be λ

E,ELM  =  5.4 mm.