bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency-noise measurements of optical frequency combs by multiple fringe-side discriminator
Authors: Coluccelli Nicola , Cassinerio Marco , Gambetta Alessio , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe frequency noise of an optical frequency comb is routinely measured through the hetherodyne beat of one comb tooth against a stable continuous-wave laser. After frequency-to-voltage conversion, the beatnote is sent to a spectrum analyzer to retrive the power spectral density of the frequency noise. Because narrow-linewidth continuous-wave lasers are available only at certain wavelengths, heterodyning the comb tooth can be challenging. We present a new technique for direct characterization of the frequency noise of an optical frequency comb, requiring no supplementary reference lasers and easily applicable in all spectral regions from the terahertz to the ultraviolet. The technique is based on the combination of a low finesse Fabry-Perot resonator and the so-called “fringe-side locking” method, usually adopted to characterize the spectral purity of single-frequency lasers, here generalized to optical frequency combs. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated with an Er-fiber comb source across the wavelength range from 1 to 2 μm.
Deciphering Supramolecular Structures with Protein-Protein Interaction Network Modeling
Authors: Tsuji Toshiyuki , Yoda Takao , Shirai Tsuyoshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMany biological molecules are assembled into supramolecules that are essential to perform complicated functions in the cell. However, experimental information about the structures of supramolecules is not sufficient at this point. We developed a method of predicting and modeling the structures of supramolecules in a biological network by combining structural data of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and interaction data in IntAct databases. Templates for binary complexes in IntAct were extracted from PDB. Modeling was attempted by assembling binary complexes with superposed shared subunits. A total of 3,197 models were constructed and 1,306 (41% of the total) contained at least one subunit absent from experimental structures. The models also suggested 970 (25% of the total) experimentally undetected subunit interfaces and 41 human disease-related amino acid variants were mapped onto these model-suggested interfaces. The models demonstrated that protein-protein interaction network modeling is useful to fill the information gap between biological networks and structures.
A metabolomics study delineating geographical location-associated primary metabolic changes in the leaves of growing tobacco plants by GC-MS and CE-MS
Authors: Zhao Yanni , Zhao Jieyu , Zhao Chunxia , Zhou Huina , Li Yanli , Zhang Junjie , Li Lili , Hu Chunxiu , Li Wenzheng , Peng Xiaojun , Lu Xin , Lin Fucheng , Xu Guowang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEcological conditions and developmental senescence significantly affect the physiological metabolism of plants, yet relatively little is known about the influence of geographical location on dynamic changes in plant leaves during growth. Pseudotargeted gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry were used to investigate a time course of the metabolic responses of tobacco leaves to geographical location. Principal component analysis revealed obvious metabolic discrimination between growing districts relative to cultivars. A complex carbon and nitrogen metabolic network was modulated by environmental factors during growth. When the Xuchang and Dali Districts in China were compared, the results indicated that higher rates of photosynthesis, photorespiration and respiration were utilized in Xuchang District to generate the energy and carbon skeletons needed for the biosynthesis of nitrogen-containing metabolites. The increased abundance of defense-associated metabolites generated from the shikimate-phenylpropanoid pathway in Xuchang relative to Dali was implicated in protection against stress.
Highly Conductive Graphene/Ag Hybrid Fibers for Flexible Fiber-Type Transistors
Authors: Yoon Sang Su , Lee Kang Eun , Cha Hwa-Jin , Seong Dong Gi , Um Moon-Kwang , Byun Joon-Hyung , Oh Youngseok , Oh Joon Hak , Lee Wonoh , Lee Jea Uk 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMechanically robust, flexible and electrically conductive textiles are highly suitable for use in wearable electronic applications. In this study, highly conductive and flexible graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were prepared and used as electrodes for planar and fiber-type transistors. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were fabricated by the wet-spinning/drawing of giant graphene oxide and subsequent functionalization with Ag nanoparticles. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers exhibited record-high electrical conductivity of up to 15,800 S cm−1. As the graphene/Ag hybrid fibers can be easily cut and placed onto flexible substrates by simply gluing or stitching, ion gel-gated planar transistors were fabricated by using the hybrid fibers as source, drain and gate electrodes. Finally, fiber-type transistors were constructed by embedding the graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes onto conventional polyurethane monofilaments, which exhibited excellent flexibility (highly bendable and rollable properties), high electrical performance (μh = 15.6 cm2 V−1 s−1, Ion/Ioff > 104) and outstanding device performance stability (stable after 1,000 cycles of bending tests and being exposed for 30 days to ambient conditions). We believe that our simple methods for the fabrication of graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes for use in fiber-type transistors can potentially be applied to the development all-organic wearable devices.
Broadband and enhanced nonlinear optical response of MoS2/graphene nanocomposites for ultrafast photonics applications
Authors: Jiang Yaqin , Miao Lili , Jiang Guobao , Chen Yu , Qi Xiang , Jiang Xiao-fang , Zhang Han , Wen Shuangchun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDue to their relatively high compatibility with specific photonic structures, strong light-matter interactions and unique nonlinear optical response, two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, are attractive for ultrafast photonics applications. Here, we fabricate MoS2/graphene nanocomposites by a typical hydrothermal method. In addition, we systematically investigate their nonlinear optical responses. Our experiments indicate that the combined advantages of ultrafast relaxation, a broadband response from graphene and the strong light-matter interaction from MoS2, can be integrated together by composition. The optical properties in terms of carrier relaxation dynamics, saturation intensity and modulation depth suggest great potential for the MoS2/graphene nanocomposites in photonics applications. We have further fabricated 2D nanocomposites based optical saturable absorbers and integrated them into a 1.5 μm Erbium-doped fiber laser to demonstrate Q-switched and mode-locked pulse generation. The fabrication of 2D nanocomposites assembled from different types of 2D materials, via this simple and scalable growth approach, paves the way for the formation and tuning of new 2D materials with desirable photonic properties and applications.
miR-150 Regulates Differentiation and Cytolytic Effector Function in CD8+ T cells
Authors: Smith Norah L. , Wissink Erin M. , Grimson Andrew , Rudd Brian D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs regulate most mammalian genes and they control numerous aspects of immune system development and function. Their precise roles in the CD8+ T cell response, however, remain unclear. In this report, we show that in the absence of the microRNA miR-150, CD8+ T cells fail to undergo robust expansion and differentiation into short-lived terminal effector cells in response to primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes or Vaccinia virus. Notably, even after transitioning into the memory pool, miR-150−/− cells still mount a weaker recall response to secondary infection and remain less differentiated than their wild-type counterparts. Transcriptome analysis shows miR-150 gene targets are globally upregulated in cells lacking miR-150 and amongst these targets, we found misregulation of genes associated with proliferation and effector cell function. These transcriptome data suggest that miR-150 deficient CD8+ T cells are less efficient in killing infected cells, which we validate experimentally. Together, these results reveal a cell-intrinsic role for miR-150 in the regulation of effector CD8+ T cell fate and function.
Hemicelluloses/montmorillonite hybrid films with improved mechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Chen Ge-Gu , Qi Xian-Ming , Li Ming-Peng , Guan Ying , Bian Jing , Peng Feng , Yao Chun-Li , Sun Run-Cang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA facile and environmentally friendly method was introduced to incorporate montmorillonite (MMT) as an inorganic phase into quaternized hemicelluloses (QH) for forming hemicellulose-based films. Two fillers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitin nanowhiskers (NCH), were added into the hemicelluloses/MMT hybrid matrices to prepare hybrid films, respectively. The hybrid films were nanocomposites with nacre-like structure and multifunctional characteristics including higher strength and good oxygen barrier properties via the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The addition of PVA and NCH could induce changes in surface topography and effectively enhance mechanical strength, thermal stability, transparency and oxygen barrier properties. The tensile strengths of the composite films FPVA(0.3), FPVA(0.5) and FNCH(0.8) were 53.7, 46.3 and 50.1 MPa, respectively, which were 171%, 134% and 153% larger than the FQH-MMT film (19.8 MPa). The tensile strength and oxygen transmission rate of QH-MMT-PVA film were better than those of quaternized hemicelluloses/MMT films. Thus, the proper filler is very important for the strength of the hybrid film. These results provide insights into the understanding of the structural relationships of hemicellulose-based composite films in coating and packaging application for the future.
An EGFR/Src-dependent β4 integrin/FAK complex contributes to malignancy of breast cancer
Authors: Tai Yu-Ling , Chu Pei-Yu , Lai I-Rue , Wang Ming-Yang , Tseng Hui-Yuan , Guan Jun-Lin , Liou Jun-Yang , Shen Tang-Long 
Published: November 2015

Abstractβ4 integrin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are often associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients and their signaling events have recently been linked to malignant outcomes. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, physical and functional interactions between β4 integrin and FAK that influence breast cancer malignancy. An amino-terminal linker within FAK is essential for its binding with the cytodomain of β4 integrin. Moreover, EGFR/Src-signaling triggers the tyrosine phosphorylation of β4 integrin, which, in turn, recruits FAK to β4 integrin and leads to FAK activation and signaling. Upon disruption of the β4 integrin/FAK complex, tumorigenesis and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer were markedly reduced. Importantly, the concomitant overexpression of β4 integrin and FAK significantly correlates with malignant potential in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. This study describes a pro-metastatic EGFR/Src-dependent β4 integrin/FAK complex that is involved in breast cancer malignancy and is a novel therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer.
Observation of Landau levels on nitrogen-doped flat graphite surfaces without external magnetic fields
Authors: Kondo Takahiro , Guo Donghui , Shikano Taishi , Suzuki Tetsuya , Sakurai Masataka , Okada Susumu , Nakamura Junji 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUnder perpendicular external magnetic fields, two-dimensional carriers exhibit Landau levels (LLs). However, it has recently been reported that LLs have been observed on graphene and graphite surfaces without external magnetic fields being applied. These anomalous LLs have been ascribed primarily to a strain of graphene sheets, leading to in-plane hopping modulation of electrons. Here, we report the observation of the LLs of massive Dirac fermions on atomically flat areas of a nitrogen-doped graphite surface in the absence of external magnetic fields. The corresponding magnetic fields were estimated to be as much as approximately 100 T. The generation of the LLs at the area with negligible strain can be explained by inequivalent hopping of π electrons that takes place at the perimeter of high-potential domains surrounded by positively charged substituted graphitic-nitrogen atoms.
Individual honey bee (Apis cerana) foragers adjust their fuel load to match variability in forage reward
Authors: Tan Ken , Latty Tanya , Dong Shihao , Liu Xiwen , Wang Chao , Oldroyd Benjamin P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAnimals may adjust their behavior according to their perception of risk. Here we show that free-flying honey bee (Apis cerana) foragers mitigate the risk of starvation in the field when foraging on a food source that offers variable rewards by carrying more ‘fuel’ food on their outward journey. We trained foragers to a feeder located 1.2 km from each of four colonies. On average foragers carried 12.7% greater volume of fuel, equivalent to 30.2% more glucose when foraging on a variable source (a random sequence of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 M sucrose solution, average sucrose content 1.5 M) than when forging on a consistent source (constant 1.5 M sucrose solution). Our findings complement an earlier study that showed that foragers decrease their fuel load as they become more familiar with a foraging place. We suggest that honey bee foragers are risk sensitive and carry more fuel to minimize the risk of starvation in the field when a foraging trip is perceived as being risky, either because the forager is unfamiliar with the foraging site, or because the forage available at a familiar site offers variable rewards.
Association of Pre-Operative Albuminuria with Post-Operative Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: George Lekha K. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Lu Jun L. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Koshy Santhosh K. G. , Kovesdy Csaba P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe effect on post-operative outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) surgery is not clear. Among 17,812 patients who underwent CABG during October 1,2006-September 28,2012 in any Department of US Veterans Affairs(VA) hospital, we identified 5,968 with available preoperative urine albumin-creatinine ratio(UACR) measurements. We examined the association of UACR<30, 30–299 and >=300 mg/g with 30/90/180/365-day and overall all-cause mortality and hospitalization length >10 days and with acute kidney injury(AKI). Mean ± SD baseline age and eGFR were 66 ± 8 years and 77 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. 788 patients(13.2%) died during a median follow-up of 3.2 years and 26.8% patients developed AKI(23.1%-Stage 1; 2.9%-Stage 2; 0.8%-Stage 3) within 30 days of CABG. The median lengths of stay were 8 days(IQR: 6–13 days), 10 days(IQR: 7–14 days) and 12 days(IQR: 8–19 days) for groups with UACR < 30 mg/g, 30–299 mg/g and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Higher UACR conferred 72 to 85% higher 90-, 180- and 365-day mortality compared to UACR<30 mg/g (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for UACR≥300 vs. <30 mg/g: 1.72(1.01–2.95); 1.85(1.14–3.01); 1.74(1.15–2.61), respectively). Higher UACR was also associated with significantly longer hospitalizations and higher incidence of all stages of AKI. Higher UACR is associated with significantly higher odds of mortality, longer post-CABG hospitalization and higher AKI incidence.
Large-area functionalized CVD graphene for work function matched transparent electrodes
Authors: Bointon Thomas H. , Jones Gareth F. , De Sanctis Adolfo , Hill-Pearce Ruth , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe efficiency of flexible photovoltaic and organic light emitting devices is heavily dependent on the availability of flexible and transparent conductors with at least a similar workfunction to that of Indium Tin Oxide. Here we present the first study of the work function of large area (up to 9 cm2) FeCl3 intercalated graphene grown by chemical vapour deposition on Nickel and demonstrate values as large as 5.1 eV. Upon intercalation, a charge density per graphene layer of 5 ⋅ 1013 ± 5 ⋅ 1012 cm−2 is attained, making this material an attractive platform for the study of plasmonic excitations in the infrared wavelength spectrum of interest to the telecommunication industry. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of this material for flexible electronics in a transparent circuit on a polyethylene naphthalate substrate.
TIMP-1 mediates TGF-β-dependent crosstalk between hepatic stellate and cancer cells via FAK signaling
Authors: Park Sang-A , Kim Min-Jin , Park So-Yeon , Kim Jung-Shin , Lim Woosung , Nam Jeong-Seok , Yhong Sheen Yhun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in progression and metastasis of HCC. This study was undertaken to gain the proof of concept of a small-molecule inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor kinase, EW-7197 as a potent anti-cancer therapy for HCC. We identified tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) as one of the secreted proteins of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and a key mediator of TGF-β-mediated crosstalk between HSCs and HCC cells. TGF-β signaling led to increased expression of TIMP-1, which activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling via its interaction with CD63. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling using EW-7197 significantly attenuated the progression and intrahepatic metastasis of HCC in an SK-HEP1-Luc orthotopic-xenograft mouse model. In addition, EW-7197 inhibited TGF-β-stimulated TIMP-1 secretion by HSCs as well as the TIMP-1-induced proliferation, motility and survival of HCC cells. Further, EW-7197 interrupted TGF-β-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and Akt signaling, leading to significant reductions in the motility and anchorage-independent growth of HCC cells. In conclusion, we found that TIMP-1 mediates TGF-β-regulated crosstalk between HSCs and HCC cells via FAK signaling. In addition, EW-7197 demonstrates potent in vivo anti-cancer therapeutic activity and may be a potential new anti-cancer drug of choice to treat patients with liver cancer.
Convergent evolution of marine mammals is associated with distinct substitutions in common genes
Authors: Zhou Xuming , Seim Inge , Gladyshev Vadim N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPhenotypic convergence is thought to be driven by parallel substitutions coupled with natural selection at the sequence level. Multiple independent evolutionary transitions of mammals to an aquatic environment offer an opportunity to test this thesis. Here, whole genome alignment of coding sequences identified widespread parallel amino acid substitutions in marine mammals; however, the majority of these changes were not unique to these animals. Conversely, we report that candidate aquatic adaptation genes, identified by signatures of likelihood convergence and/or elevated ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rate, are characterized by very few parallel substitutions and exhibit distinct sequence changes in each group. Moreover, no significant positive correlation was found between likelihood convergence and positive selection in all three marine lineages. These results suggest that convergence in protein coding genes associated with aquatic lifestyle is mainly characterized by independent substitutions and relaxed negative selection.
Bats and Rodents Shape Mammalian Retroviral Phylogeny
Authors: Cui Jie , Tachedjian Gilda , Wang Lin-Fa 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEndogenous retroviruses (ERVs) represent past retroviral infections and accordingly can provide an ideal framework to infer virus-host interaction over their evolutionary history. In this study, we target high quality Pol sequences from 7,994 Class I and 8,119 Class II ERVs from 69 mammalian genomes and surprisingly find that retroviruses harbored by bats and rodents combined occupy the major phylogenetic diversity of both classes. By analyzing transmission patterns of 30 well-defined ERV clades, we corroborate the previously published observation that rodents are more competent as originators of mammalian retroviruses and reveal that bats are more capable of receiving retroviruses from non-bat mammalian origins. The powerful retroviral hosting ability of bats is further supported by a detailed analysis revealing that the novel bat gammaretrovirus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum retrovirus, likely originated from tree shrews. Taken together, this study advances our understanding of host-shaped mammalian retroviral evolution in general.
Rayleigh-wave dispersion reveals crust-mantle decoupling beneath eastern Tibet
Authors: Legendre Cédric P. , Deschamps Frédéric , Zhao Li , Chen Qi-Fu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Tibetan Plateau results from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates during the Cenozoic, which produced at least 2,000 km of convergence. Its tectonics is dominated by an eastward extrusion of crustal material that has been explained by models implying either a mechanical decoupling between the crust and the lithosphere, or lithospheric deformation. Discriminating between these end-member models requires constraints on crustal and lithospheric mantle deformations. Distribution of seismic anisotropy may be inferred from the mapping of azimuthal anisotropy of surface waves. Here, we use data from the CNSN to map Rayleigh-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and lithospheric mantle beneath eastern Tibet. Beneath Tibet, the anisotropic patterns at periods sampling the crust support an eastward flow up to 100°E in longitude and a southward bend between 100°E and 104°E. At longer periods, sampling the lithospheric mantle, the anisotropic structures are consistent with the absolute plate motion. By contrast, in the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons, the direction of fast propagation remains unchanged throughout the period range sampling the crust and lithospheric mantle. These observations suggest that the crust and lithospheric mantle are mechanically decoupled beneath eastern Tibet and coupled beneath the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons.
Triple‐band ground radiation antenna for GPS, WiFi 2.4 and 5 GHz band applications
Authors: Zhang Rui , Kim Hyung‐Hoon , Kim Hyeondong 
Published: November 2015

A compact triple‐band ground radiation antenna for GPS, WiFi 2.4 and 5 GHz band operations in mobile terminals is proposed. Within a considerably small area of 12 × 6 mm, by employing the inductive excitation concept of characteristic radiation modes on a mobile terminal chassis, impedance bandwidths of 21, 210, and 1820 MHz are achieved, covering the GPS, WiFi 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, respectively, at VSWR <2.