bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital quantum simulators in a scalable architecture of hybrid spin-photon qubits
Authors: Chiesa Alessandro , Santini Paolo , Gerace Dario , Raftery James , Houck Andrew A. , Carretta Stefano 
Published: November 2015

AbstractResolving quantum many-body problems represents one of the greatest challenges in physics and physical chemistry, due to the prohibitively large computational resources that would be required by using classical computers. A solution has been foreseen by directly simulating the time evolution through sequences of quantum gates applied to arrays of qubits, i.e. by implementing a digital quantum simulator. Superconducting circuits and resonators are emerging as an extremely promising platform for quantum computation architectures, but a digital quantum simulator proposal that is straightforwardly scalable, universal and realizable with state-of-the-art technology is presently lacking. Here we propose a viable scheme to implement a universal quantum simulator with hybrid spin-photon qubits in an array of superconducting resonators, which is intrinsically scalable and allows for local control. As representative examples we consider the transverse-field Ising model, a spin-1 Hamiltonian and the two-dimensional Hubbard model and we numerically simulate the scheme by including the main sources of decoherence.
Combined deficiency of Notch1 and Notch3 causes pericyte dysfunction, models CADASIL and results in arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Kofler Natalie M. , Cuervo Henar , Uh Minji K. , Murtomäki Aino , Kitajewski Jan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPericytes regulate vessel stability and pericyte dysfunction contributes to retinopathies, stroke and cancer. Here we define Notch as a key regulator of pericyte function during angiogenesis. InNotch1+/−;Notch3−/−mice, combined deficiency of Notch1 and Notch3 altered pericyte interaction with the endothelium and reduced pericyte coverage of the retinal vasculature. Notch1 and Notch3 were shown to cooperate to promote proper vascular basement membrane formation and contribute to endothelial cell quiescence. Accordingly, loss of pericyte function due to Notch deficiency exacerbates endothelial cell activation caused by Notch1 haploinsufficiency. Mice mutant for Notch1 and Notch3 develop arteriovenous malformations and display hallmarks of the ischemic stroke disease CADASIL. Thus, Notch deficiency compromises pericyte function and contributes to vascular pathologies.
Microstructures and growth mechanisms of GaN films epitaxially grown on AlN/Si hetero-structures by pulsed laser deposition at different temperatures
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Yang Weijia , Lin Yunhao , Zhou Shizhong , Li Guoqiang 
Published: November 2015

Abstract2 inch-diameter GaN films with homogeneous thickness distribution have been grown on AlN/Si(111) hetero-structures by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with laser rastering technique. The surface morphology, crystalline quality and interfacial property of as-grown GaN films are characterized in detail. By optimizing the laser rastering program, the ~300 nm-thick GaN films grown at 750 °C show a root-mean-square (RMS) thickness inhomogeneity of 3.0%, very smooth surface with a RMS surface roughness of 3.0 nm, full-width at half-maximums (FWHMs) for GaN(0002) and GaN(10"Equation missing"2) X-ray rocking curves of 0.7° and 0.8°, respectively and sharp and abrupt AlN/GaN hetero-interfaces. With the increase in the growth temperature from 550 to 850 °C, the surface morphology, crystalline quality and interfacial property of as-grown ~300 nm-thick GaN films are gradually improved at first and then decreased. Based on the characterizations, the corresponding growth mechanisms of GaN films grown on AlN/Si hetero-structures by PLD with various growth temperatures are hence proposed. This work would be beneficial to understanding the further insight of the GaN films grown on Si(111) substrates by PLD for the application of GaN-based devices.
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation in high fat diet challenged C57BL/6J mice is associated with acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis
Authors: van der Heijden Roel A. , Bijzet Johan , Meijers Wouter C. , Yakala Gopala K. , Kleemann Robert , Nguyen Tri Q. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Hazenberg Bouke P. C. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Heeringa Peter 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObesity-induced inflammation presumably accelerates the development of chronic kidney diseases. However, little is known about the sequence of these inflammatory events and their contribution to renal pathology. We investigated the effects of obesity on the evolution of age-dependent renal complications in mice in conjunction with the development of renal and systemic low-grade inflammation (LGI). C57BL/6J mice susceptible to develop age-dependent sclerotic pathologies with amyloid features in the kidney, were fed low (10% lard) or high-fat diets (45% lard) for 24, 40 and 52 weeks. HFD-feeding induced overt adiposity, altered lipid and insulin homeostasis, increased systemic LGI and adipokine release. HFD-feeding also caused renal upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, infiltrating macrophages, collagen I protein, increased urinary albumin and NGAL levels. HFD-feeding severely aggravated age-dependent structural changes in the kidney. Remarkably, enhanced amyloid deposition rather than sclerosis was observed. The degree of amyloidosis correlated significantly with body weight. Amyloid deposits stained positive for serum amyloid A (SAA) whose plasma levels were chronically elevated in HFD mice. Our data indicate obesity-induced chronic inflammation as a risk factor for the acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis and functional impairment in mice and suggest that obesity-enhanced chronic secretion of SAA may be the driving factor behind this process.
Perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cell with inverted nanopyramids: realizing high efficiency by controllable light trapping
Authors: Shi Dai , Zeng Yang , Shen Wenzhong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPerovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells (TSCs) have become a promising candidate in recent years for achieving efficiency over 30%. Although general analysis has shown very high upper limits for such TSCs, it remains largely unclear what specific optical structures could best approach these limits. Here we propose the combination of perovskite/c-Si tandem structure with inverted nanopyramid morphology as a practical way of achieving efficiency above 31% based on realistic solar cell parameters. By full-field simulation, we have shown that an ultra-low surface reflectance can be achieved by tuning the pyramid geometry within the range of experimental feasibility. More importantly, we have demonstrated that the index-guided modes can be excited within the top cell layer by introducing a TCO interlayer that prevents coupling of guided light energy into the bottom cell. This light trapping scheme has shown superior performance over the Bragg stack intermediate reflector utilized in previous micropyramid-based TSCs. Finally, by controlling the coupling between the top and bottom cell through the thickness of the interlayer, current generation within the tandem can be optimized for both two- and four-terminal configurations, yielding efficiencies of 31.9% and 32.0%, respectively. These results have provided useful guidelines for the fabrication of perovskite/c-Si TSCs.
Determinants of ligand binding and catalytic activity in the myelin enzyme 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase
Authors: Raasakka Arne , Myllykoski Matti , Laulumaa Saara , Lehtimäki Mari , Härtlein Michael , Moulin Martine , Kursula Inari , Kursula Petri 
Published: November 2015

Abstract2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) is an enzyme highly abundant in the central nervous system myelin of terrestrial vertebrates. The catalytic domain of CNPase belongs to the 2H phosphoesterase superfamily and catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleoside 2′,3′-cyclic monophosphates to nucleoside 2′-monophosphates. The detailed reaction mechanism and the essential catalytic amino acids involved have been described earlier, but the roles of many amino acids in the vicinity of the active site have remained unknown. Here, several CNPase catalytic domain mutants were studied using enzyme kinetics assays, thermal stability experiments and X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the crystal structure of a perdeuterated CNPase catalytic domain was refined at atomic resolution to obtain a detailed view of the active site and the catalytic mechanism. The results specify determinants of ligand binding and novel essential residues required for CNPase catalysis. For example, the aromatic side chains of Phe235 and Tyr168 are crucial for substrate binding and Arg307 may affect active site electrostatics and regulate loop dynamics. The β5-α7 loop, unique for CNPase in the 2H phosphoesterase family, appears to have various functions in the CNPase reaction mechanism, from coordinating the nucleophilic water molecule to providing a binding pocket for the product and being involved in product release.
AKAP6 inhibition impairs myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration: Positive loop between AKAP6 and myogenin
Authors: Lee Sae-Won , Won Joo-Yun , Yang Jimin , Lee Jaewon , Kim Su-Yeon , Lee Eun Ju , Kim Hyo-Soo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSkeletal muscle regeneration occurs continuously to repair muscle damage incurred during normal activity and in chronic disease or injury. Herein, we report that A-kinase anchoring protein 6 (AKAP6) is important for skeletal myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration. Compared with unstimulated skeletal myoblasts that underwent proliferation, differentiated cells show significant stimulation of AKAP6 expression. AKAP6 knockdown with siRNA effectively halts the formation of myotubes and decreases the expression of the differentiation markers myogenin and myosin heavy chain. When shAKAP6-lentivirus is delivered to mice with cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury, muscle regeneration is impaired compared with that of mice injected with control shMock-lentivirus. The motor functions of mice infected with shAKAP6-lentivirus (CTX+shAK6) are significantly worse than those of mice infected with shMock-lentivirus (CTX+shMock). Mechanistic analysis showed that AKAP6 promotes myogenin expression through myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). Notably, myogenin increases AKAP6 expression as well. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays showed that myogenin binds to an E-box site on the AKAP6 promoter. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel interplay between AKAP6 and myogenin and we suggest that AKAP6 is an important regulator of myoblast differentiation, myotube formation and muscle regeneration.
Imprinting bulk amorphous alloy at room temperature
Authors: Kim Song-Yi , Park Eun-Soo , Ott Ryan T. , Lograsso Thomas A. , Huh Moo-Young , Kim Do-Hyang , Eckert Jürgen , Lee Min-Ha 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe present investigations on the plastic deformation behavior of a brittle bulk amorphous alloy by simple uniaxial compressive loading at room temperature. A patterning is possible by cold-plastic forming of the typically brittle Hf-based bulk amorphous alloy through controlling homogenous flow without the need for thermal energy or shaping at elevated temperatures. The experimental evidence suggests that there is an inconsistency between macroscopic plasticity and deformability of an amorphous alloy. Moreover, imprinting of specific geometrical features on Cu foil and Zr-based metallic glass is represented by using the patterned bulk amorphous alloy as a die. These results demonstrate the ability of amorphous alloys or metallic glasses to precisely replicate patterning features onto both conventional metals and the other amorphous alloys. Our work presents an avenue for avoiding the embrittlement of amorphous alloys associated with thermoplastic forming and yields new insight the forming application of bulk amorphous alloys at room temperature without using heat treatment.
High-Performance Planar-Type Photodetector on (100) Facet of MAPbI3 Single Crystal
Authors: Lian Zhipeng , Yan Qingfeng , Lv Qianrui , Wang Ying , Liu Lili , Zhang Lijing , Pan Shilie , Li Qiang , Wang Liduo , Sun Jia-Lin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecently, the discovery of organometallic halide perovskites provides promising routes for fabricating optoelectronic devices with low cost and high performance. Previous experimental studies of MAPbI3 optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors and solar cells, are normally based on polycrystalline films. In this work, a high-performance planar-type photodetector fabricated on the (100) facet of a MAPbI3 single crystal is proposed. We demonstrate that MAPbI3 photodetector based on single crystal can perform much better than that on polycrystalline-film counterpart. The low trap density of MAPbI3 single crystal accounts for the higher carrier mobility and longer carrier diffusion length, resulted in a significant performance increasement of MAPbI3 photodetector. Compared with similar planar-type photodetectors based on MAPbI3 polycrystalline film, our MAPbI3 single crystal photodetector showed excellent performance with good stability and durability, broader response spectrum to near-infrared region, about 102 times higher responsivity and EQE and approximately 103 times faster response speed. These results may pave the way for exploiting high-performance perovskites photodetectors based on single crystal.
Differentiation of human ESCs to retinal ganglion cells using a CRISPR engineered reporter cell line
Authors: Sluch Valentin M. , Davis Chung-ha O. , Ranganathan Vinod , Kerr Justin M. , Krick Kellin , Martin Russ , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Marsh-Armstrong Nicholas , Diamond Jeffrey S. , Mao Hai-Quan , Zack Donald J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRetinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and cell death from glaucoma and other forms of optic nerve disease is a major cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived RGCs could provide a source of cells for the development of novel therapeutic molecules as well as for potential cell-based therapies. In addition, such cells could provide insights into human RGC development, gene regulation and neuronal biology. Here, we report a simple, adherent cell culture protocol for differentiation of hPSCs to RGCs using a CRISPR-engineered RGC fluorescent reporter stem cell line. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of the differentiated cultures yields a highly purified population of cells that express a range of RGC-enriched markers and exhibit morphological and physiological properties typical of RGCs. Additionally, we demonstrate that aligned nanofiber matrices can be used to guide the axonal outgrowth of hPSC-derived RGCs for in vitro optic nerve-like modeling. Lastly, using this protocol we identified forskolin as a potent promoter of RGC differentiation.
High catalytic activity and pollutants resistivity using Fe-AAPyr cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cell application
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Serov Alexey , Villarrubia Claudia W. Narvaez , Stariha Sarah , Babanova Sofia , Artyushkova Kateryna , Schuler Andrew J. , Atanassov Plamen 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFor the first time, a new generation of innovative non-platinum group metal catalysts based on iron and aminoantipyrine as precursor (Fe-AAPyr) has been utilized in a membraneless single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) running on wastewater. Fe-AAPyr was used as an oxygen reduction catalyst in a passive gas-diffusion cathode and implemented in SCMFC design. This catalyst demonstrated better performance than platinum (Pt) during screening in “clean” conditions (PBS) and no degradation in performance during the operation in wastewater. The maximum power density generated by the SCMFC with Fe-AAPyr was 167 ± 6 μW cm−2and remained stable over 16 days, while SCMFC with Pt decreased to 113 ± 4 μW cm−2by day 13, achieving similar values of an activated carbon based cathode. The presence of S2−and "Equation missing"showed insignificant decrease of ORR activity for the Fe-AAPyr. The reported results clearly demonstrate that Fe-AAPyr can be utilized in MFCs under the harsh conditions of wastewater.
X-ray phase-contrast tomography for high-spatial-resolution zebrafish muscle imaging
Authors: Vågberg William , Larsson Daniel H. , Li Mei , Arner Anders , Hertz Hans M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractImaging of muscular structure with cellular or subcellular detail in whole-body animal models is of key importance for understanding muscular disease and assessing interventions. Classical histological methods for high-resolution imaging methods require excision, fixation and staining. Here we show that the three-dimensional muscular structure of unstained whole zebrafish can be imaged with sub-5 μm detail with X-ray phase-contrast tomography. Our method relies on a laboratory propagation-based phase-contrast system tailored for detection of low-contrast 4–6 μm subcellular myofibrils. The method is demonstrated on 20 days post fertilization zebrafish larvae and comparative histology confirms that we resolve individual myofibrils in the whole-body animal. X-ray imaging of healthy zebrafish show the expected structured muscle pattern while specimen with a dystrophin deficiency (sapje) displays an unstructured pattern, typical of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The method opens up for whole-body imaging with sub-cellular detail also of other types of soft tissue and in different animal models.
Modal engineering of Surface Plasmons in apertured Au Nanoprisms
Authors: Cuche Aurélien , Viarbitskaya Sviatlana , Sharma Jadab , Arbouet Arnaud , Girard Christian , Dujardin Erik 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCrystalline gold nanoprisms of sub-micrometric size sustain high order plasmon modes in the visible and near infrared range that open a new realm for plasmon modal design, integrated coplanar devices and logic gates. In this article, we explore the tailoring of the surface plasmon local density of states (SP-LDOS) by embedding a single defect, namely a small hole, carved in the platelet by focused ion beam (FIB). The change in the SP-LDOS of the hybrid structure is monitored by two-photon luminescence (TPL) microscopy. The dependency of the two-dimensional optical field intensity maps on the linear polarization of the tightly focused femtosecond laser beam reveals the conditions for which the hole defect significantly affects the initial modes. A detailed numerical analysis of the spectral characteristics of the SP-LDOS based on the Green dyadic method clearly indicates that the hole size and location can be exploited to tune or remove selected SP modes.
A novel violet/blue light-emitting device based on Ce2Si2O7
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Shenwei , Mu Guangyao , Yin Xue , Ou Kai , Yi Lixin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRare-earth silicates are highly efficient materials for silicon-based light sources. Here we report a novel light-emitting device based on Ce2Si2O7. Intense violet/blue electroluminescence was observed, with a turn-on voltage of about 13 V. The violet/blue emission is attributed to 4f–5d transitions of the Ce3+ ions in Ce2Si2O7, which are formed by interfacial reaction of CeO2 and Si. Electroluminescence and photoluminescence mechanisms of the Ce2Si2O7 light-emitting device are also discussed.
Towards an antimicrobial ‘microglove’
Authors: Reilman Ewoud , Hagting Joke G. , Flipsen Theo , Ulmer Herb , van Dijl Jan Maarten 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA large proportion of hospital-related infections are acquired and spread due to the direct contacts between patients and healthcare workers. Accordingly, proper infection prevention measures and especially hand hygiene, are key to limit the spread of infections in nosocomial settings. However, healthcare workers frequently experience difficulties in complying strictly to hand disinfection protocols. This study was therefore aimed at the development of a hand rub with antimicrobial activity that forms a protective film on the hand, a so-called microglove, in order to enhance hand hygiene. For this purpose, various co-polymer formulations consisting of different ratios of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a branched C20 derivatized maleate (M20) in combination with the known biocide benzalkonium chloride (BKC) were tested for their combined film-forming and antimicrobial activities. The results of a series of novel contamination and transmission assays show that a formulation of 80% PVP and 20% M20 co-polymer with 0.9% BKC fulfils the elementary requirements for an antimicrobial microglove.
Obesity rates in two generations of Swedish women entering pregnancy and associated obesity risk among adult daughters
Authors: Derraik José G. B. , Ahlsson Fredrik , Diderholm Barbro , Lundgren Maria 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe examined changes in obesity rates in two generations of Swedish women entering pregnancy and assessed the effects of maternal body mass index (BMI) on the risk of overweight or obesity among adult daughters. This study covered an intergenerational retrospective cohort of 26,561 Swedish mothers and their 26,561 first-born daughters. There was a 4-fold increase in obesity rates, which rose from 3.1% among women entering pregnancy in 1982–1988 to 12.3% among their daughters in 2000–2008 (p < 0.0001) when entering pregnancy. The greater the maternal BMI, the greater the odds of overweight and/or obesity among daughters. Underweight mothers had half the odds of having an overweight or obese daughter in comparison to mothers of normal BMI (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the odds ratio of obese mothers having obese daughters was 3.94 (p < 0.0001). This study showed a strong association between maternal obesity and the risk of obesity among their first-born daughters. In addition, we observed a considerable increase in obesity rates across generations in mother-daughter pairs of Swedish women entering pregnancy. Thus, it is important to have preventative strategies in place to halt the worsening intergenerational cycle of obesity.
Variations in Crystalline Structures and Electrical Properties of Single Crystalline Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , Zhou Andrew Feng , Feng Peter 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe report the studies of (1) the basic mechanism underlying the formation of defect-free, single crystalline boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) synthesized using pulsed laser plasma deposition (PLPD) technique, (2) the variation in the crystalline structure at the edges of the hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets and (3) the basic electrical properties related to the BNNSs tunneling effect and electrical breakdown voltage. The nanoscale morphologies of BNNSs are characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results show that each sample consisted of a number of transparent BNNSs that partially overlapped one another. Varying the deposition duration yielded different thicknesses of sample but did not affect the morphology, structure and thickness of individual BNNSs pieces. Analysis of the SEM and HRTEM data revealed changes in the spatial period of the B3–N3 hexagonal structures and the interlayer distance at the edge of the BNNSs, which occurred due to the limited number of atomic layers and was confirmed further by x-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The experimental results clearly indicate that the values of the electrical conductivities of the super-thin BNNSs and the effect of temperature relied strongly on the direction of observation.