bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging Nanoscale Electromagnetic Near-Field Distributions Using Optical Forces
Authors: Huang Fei , Ananth Tamma Venkata , Mardy Zahra , Burdett Jonathan , Kumar Wickramasinghe H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe demonstrate the application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for mapping optical near-fields with nanometer resolution, limited only by the AFM probe geometry. By detecting the optical force between a gold coated AFM probe and its image dipole on a glass substrate, we profile the electric field distributions of tightly focused laser beams with different polarizations. The experimentally recorded focal force maps agree well with theoretical predictions based on a dipole-dipole interaction model. We experimentally estimate the aspect ratio of the apex of gold coated AFM probe using only optical forces. We also show that the optical force between a sharp gold coated AFM probe and a spherical gold nanoparticle of radius 15 nm, is indicative of the electric field distribution between the two interacting particles. Photo Induced Force Microscopy (PIFM) allows for background free, thermal noise limited mechanical imaging of optical phenomenon over wide range of wavelengths from Visible to RF with detection sensitivity limited only by AFM performance.
Quantum magnetism in strongly interacting one-dimensional spinor Bose systems
Authors: Dehkharghani Amin , Volosniev Artem , Lindgren Jonathan , Rotureau Jimmy , Forssén Christian , Fedorov Dmitri , Jensen Aksel , Zinner Nikolaj 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStrongly interacting one-dimensional quantum systems often behave in a manner that is distinctly different from their higher-dimensional counterparts. When a particle attempts to move in a one-dimensional environment it will unavoidably have to interact and ‘push’ other particles in order to execute a pattern of motion, irrespective of whether the particles are fermions or bosons. A present frontier in both theory and experiment are mixed systems of different species and/or particles with multiple internal degrees of freedom. Here we consider trapped two-component bosons with short-range inter-species interactions much larger than their intra-species interactions and show that they have novel energetic and magnetic properties. In the strongly interacting regime, these systems have energies that are fractions of the basic harmonic oscillator trap quantum and have spatially separated ground states with manifestly ferromagnetic wave functions. Furthermore, we predict excited states that have perfect antiferromagnetic ordering. This holds for both balanced and imbalanced systems and we show that it is a generic feature as one crosses from few- to many-body systems.
Prmt5 is required for germ cell survival during spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Zhu Tianxiang , Li Qiuling , Liu Chunyi , Han Feng , Chen Min , Zhang Lianjun , Cui Xiuhong , Qin Yan , Bao Shilai , Gao Fei 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDuring germ cell development, epigenetic modifications undergo extensive remodeling. Abnormal epigenetic modifications usually result in germ cell loss and reproductive defect. Prmt5 (Protein arginine methyltransferase 5) encodes a protein arginine methyltransferase which has been demonstrated to play important roles in germ cell development during embryonic stages. In the present study, we found that Prmt5 was also abundantly expressed in male germ cells after birth. Inactivation of this gene by crossing with Stra8-Cre transgenic mice resulted in germ cell loss during spermatogenesis. Further study revealed that the germ cell development was grossly normal before P10. However, most of the germ cells in Prmt5Δ/f; Stra8-Cre mice were blocked at meiotic stage. The expression of meiosis associated genes was reduced in Prmt5Δ/f; Stra8-Cre testes compared to control testes at P10. γH2AX was detected in sex body of control germ cells at P12, whereas multiple foci were observed in Prmt5-deficient germ cells. Further study revealed that H4R3me2s was virtually absent in germ cells after Prmt5 inactivation. The results of this study indicate that Prmt5 also plays important roles in germ cell development during spermatogenesis.
Aggravation of post-ischemic liver injury by overexpression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3
Authors: Zhou Lu , Koh Hyoung-Won , Bae Ui-Jin , Park Byung-Hyun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInsulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is known to inhibit reperfusion-induced apoptosis. IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is the major circulating carrier protein for IGF-1 and induces apoptosis. In this study, we determined if IGFBP-3 was important in the hepatic response to I/R. To deliver IGFBP-3, we used an adenovirus containing IGFBP-3 cDNA (AdIGFBP-3) or an IGFBP-3 mutant devoid of IGF binding affinity but retaining IGFBP-3 receptor binding ability (AdIGFBP-3GGG). Mice subjected to I/R injury showed typical patterns of hepatocellular damage. Protein levels of IGFBP-3 were increased after reperfusion and showed a positive correlation with the extent of liver injury. Prior injection with AdIGFBP-3 aggravated liver injury: serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time, proinflammatory cytokines, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration were markedly increased compared to control mice. A decrease in antioxidant potential and an upregulation of NADPH oxidase might have caused these aggravating effects of IGFBP-3. Experiments using HepG2 cells and N-acetylcysteine-pretreated mice showed a discernible effect of IGFBP-3 on reactive oxygen species generation. Lastly, AdIGFBP-3 abolished the beneficial effects of ischemic preconditioning and hypothermia. Mice treated with AdIGFBP-3GGG exhibited effects similar to those of AdIGFBP-3, suggesting a ligand-independent effect of IGFBP-3. Our results suggest IGFBP-3 as an aggravating factor during hepatic I/R injury.
Recursion-Transform method to a non-regular m×n cobweb with an arbitrary longitude
Authors: Tan Zhi-Zhong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA general Recursion-Transform method is put forward and is applied to resolving a difficult problem of the two-point resistance in a non-regular m × n cobweb network with an arbitrary longitude (or call radial), which has never been solved before as the Green’s function technique and the Laplacian matrix approach are difficult in this case. Looking for the explicit solutions of non-regular lattices is important but difficult, since the non-regular condition is like a wall or trap which affects the behavior of finite network. This paper gives several general formulae of the resistance between any two nodes in a non-regular cobweb network in both finite and infinite cases by the R-T method which, is mainly composed of the characteristic roots, is simpler and can be easier to use in practice. As applications, several interesting results are deduced from a general formula and a globe network is generalized.
A novel male sterility-fertility restoration system in plants for hybrid seed production
Authors: Singh Surendra Pratap , Singh Sudhir P. , Pandey Tripti , Singh Ram Rakshpal , Sawant Samir V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHybrid seeds are used for stimulated crop production, as they harness heterosis. The achievement of complete male-sterility in the female-parent and the restored-fertility in F1-hybrids are the major bottlenecks in the commercial hybrid seed production. Here, we report a male sterility–fertility restoration system by engineering the inmost nutritive anther wall layer tapetum of female and male parents. In the female parent, high–level and stringent expression of Arabidopsis autophagy–related geneBECLIN1was achieved in the tapetum, which altered the tapetal degeneration program, leading to male sterility. This works on our previously demonstrated expression cassette based on functional complementation of TATA-box mutant (TGTA) promoter and TATA-binding protein mutant3 (TBPm3), with modification by conjugating Long Hypocotyle in Far-Red1 fragment (HFR1NT131) with TBPm3 (HFR1NT131-TBPm3) to exercise regulatory control over it. In the male parent, tapetum–specific Constitutive photo-morphogenesis1 (COP1) was expressed. The F1 obtained by crossing these engineered parents showed decreasedBECLIN1expression, which was further completely abolished when COP1-mutant (COP1L105A) was used as a male parent, leading to normal tapetal development and restored fertility. The system works on COP1-HFR1 interaction and COP1–mediated degradation of TBPm3 pool (HFR1NT131-TBPm3). The system can be deployed for hybrid seed production in agricultural crops.
Rapid, automated, parallel quantitative immunoassays using highly integrated microfluidics and AlphaLISA
Authors: Tak For Yu Zeta , Guan Huijiao , Ki Cheung Mei , McHugh Walker M. , Cornell Timothy T. , Shanley Thomas P. , Kurabayashi Katsuo , Fu Jianping 
Published: June 2015

AbstractImmunoassays represent one of the most popular analytical methods for detection and quantification of biomolecules. However, conventional immunoassays such as ELISA and flow cytometry, even though providing high sensitivity and specificity and multiplexing capability, can be labor-intensive and prone to human error, making them unsuitable for standardized clinical diagnoses. Using a commercialized no-wash, homogeneous immunoassay technology (‘AlphaLISA’) in conjunction with integrated microfluidics, herein we developed a microfluidic immunoassay chip capable of rapid, automated, parallel immunoassays of microliter quantities of samples. Operation of the microfluidic immunoassay chip entailed rapid mixing and conjugation of AlphaLISA components with target analytes before quantitative imaging for analyte detections in up to eight samples simultaneously. Aspects such as fluid handling and operation, surface passivation, imaging uniformity and detection sensitivity of the microfluidic immunoassay chip using AlphaLISA were investigated. The microfluidic immunoassay chip could detect one target analyte simultaneously for up to eight samples in 45 min with a limit of detection down to 10 pg mL−1. The microfluidic immunoassay chip was further utilized for functional immunophenotyping to examine cytokine secretion from human immune cells stimulated ex vivo. Together, the microfluidic immunoassay chip provides a promising high-throughput, high-content platform for rapid, automated, parallel quantitative immunosensing applications.
Growth from behind: Intercalation-growth of two-dimensional FeO moiré structure underneath of metal-supported graphene
Authors: Dahal Arjun , Batzill Matthias 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGrowth of graphene by chemical vapor deposition on metal supports has become a promising approach for the large-scale synthesis of high quality graphene. Decoupling of the graphene from the metal has been achieved by either mechanical transfer or intercalation of elements/molecules in between the metal and graphene. Here we show that metal stabilized two-dimensional (2D)-oxide monolayers can be grown in between graphene and the metal substrate thus forming 2D-heterostructures that enable tuning of the materials properties of graphene. Specifically, we demonstrate the intercalation-growth of a 2D-FeO layer in between graphene and Pt(111), which can decouple the graphene from the metal substrate. It is known that the 2D-FeO/Pt(111) system exhibits a moiré-structure with locally strongly varying surface potential. This variation in the substrate surface potential modifies the interface charge doping to graphene locally, causing nanometer-scale variation in its work function and Fermi-level shifts relative to its Dirac point.
Origin of the non-monotonic variance of Tc in the 1111 iron based superconductors with isovalent doping
Authors: Usui Hidetomo , Suzuki Katsuhiro , Kuroki Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMotivated by recent experimental investigations of the isovalent doping iron-based superconductors LaFe(AsxP1-x)O1-yFy and NdFe(AsxP1-x)O1-yFy, we theoretically study the correlation between the local lattice structure, the Fermi surface, the spin fluctuation-mediated superconductivity and the composition ratio. In the phosphides, the dXZ and dYZ orbitals barely hybridize around the Γ point to give rise to two intersecting ellipse shape Fermi surfaces. As the arsenic content increases and the Fe-As-Fe bond angle is reduced, the hybridization increases, so that the two bands are mixed to result in concentric inner and outer Fermi surfaces and the orbital character gradually changes to dxz and dyz, where x–y axes are rotated by 45 degrees from X–Y. This makes the orbital matching between the electron and hole Fermi surfaces better and enhances the spin fluctuation within the dxz/yz orbitals. On the other hand, the hybridization splits the two bands, resulting in a more dispersive inner band. Hence, there is a trade-off between the density of states and the orbital matching, thereby locally maximizing the dxz/yz spin fluctuation and superconductivity in the intermediate regime of As/P ratio. The consistency with the experiment strongly indicate the importance of the spin fluctuation played in this series of superconductors.
pH-Taxis of Biohybrid Microsystems
Authors: Zhuang Jiang , Wright Carlsen Rika , Sitti Metin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe last decade has seen an increasing number of studies developing bacteria and other cell-integrated biohybrid microsystems. However, the highly stochastic motion of these microsystems severely limits their potential use. Here, we present a method that exploits the pH sensing of flagellated bacteria to realize robust drift control of multi-bacteria propelled microrobots. Under three specifically configured pH gradients, we demonstrate that the microrobots exhibit both unidirectional and bidirectional pH-tactic behaviors, which are also observed in free-swimming bacteria. From trajectory analysis, we find that the swimming direction and speed biases are two major factors that contribute to their tactic drift motion. The motion analysis of microrobots also sheds light on the propulsion dynamics of the flagellated bacteria as bioactuators. It is expected that similar driving mechanisms are shared among pH-taxis, chemotaxis and thermotaxis. By identifying the mechanism that drives the tactic behavior of bacteria-propelled microsystems, this study opens up an avenue towards improving the control of biohybrid microsystems. Furthermore, assuming that it is possible to tune the preferred pH of bioactuators by genetic engineering, these biohybrid microsystems could potentially be applied to sense the pH gradient induced by cancerous cells in stagnant fluids inside human body and realize targeted drug delivery.
Rice ragged stunt virus-induced apoptosis affects virus transmission from its insect vector, the brown planthopper to the rice plant
Authors: Huang Hai-Jian , Bao Yan-Yuan , Lao Shu-Hua , Huang Xiao-Hui , Ye Yi-Zhou , Wu Jian-Xiang , Xu Hai-Jun , Zhou Xue-Ping , Zhang Chuan-Xi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMost plant viruses that seriously damage agricultural crops are transmitted by insects. However, the mechanisms enabling virus transmission by insect vectors are poorly understood. The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most serious rice pests, causing extensive damage to rice plants by sucking the phloem sap and transmitting viruses, including Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of RRSV transmission from its insect vector to the rice plant in vivo using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay and RNA interference technology. RRSV induced apoptosis in the salivary gland cells of its insect vector, N. lugens. The RRSV-induced apoptosis was regulated through a caspase-dependent manner and inhibition of the expression of N. lugens caspase-1 genes significantly interfered with virus transmission. Our findings establish a link between virus-associated apoptosis and virus transmission from the insect vector to the host plant.
Entrainment of the mouse circadian clock by sub-acute physical and psychological stress
Authors: Tahara Yu , Shiraishi Takuya , Kikuchi Yosuke , Haraguchi Atsushi , Kuriki Daisuke , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Motohashi Hiroaki , Sakai Tomoko , Shibata Shigenobu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe effects of acute stress on the peripheral circadian system are not well understood in vivo. Here, we show that sub-acute stress caused by restraint or social defeat potently altered clock gene expression in the peripheral tissues of mice. In these peripheral tissues, as well as the hippocampus and cortex, stressful stimuli induced time-of-day-dependent phase-advances or -delays in rhythmic clock gene expression patterns; however, such changes were not observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, i.e. the central circadian clock. Moreover, several days of stress exposure at the beginning of the light period abolished circadian oscillations and caused internal desynchronisation of peripheral clocks. Stress-induced changes in circadian rhythmicity showed habituation and disappeared with long-term exposure to repeated stress. These findings suggest that sub-acute physical/psychological stress potently entrains peripheral clocks and causes transient dysregulation of circadian clocks in vivo.
Cultural background shapes spatial reference frame proclivity
Authors: Goeke Caspar , Kornpetpanee Suchada , Köster Moritz , Fernández-Revelles Andrés B. , Gramann Klaus , König Peter 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSpatial navigation is an essential human skill that is influenced by several factors. The present study investigates how gender, age and cultural background account for differences in reference frame proclivity and performance in a virtual navigation task. Using an online navigation study, we recorded reaction times, error rates (confusion of turning axis) and reference frame proclivity (egocentric vs. allocentric reference frame) of 1823 participants. Reaction times significantly varied with gender and age, but were only marginally influenced by the cultural background of participants. Error rates were in line with these results and exhibited a significant influence of gender and culture, but not age. Participants’ cultural background significantly influenced reference frame selection; the majority of North-Americans preferred an allocentric strategy, while Latin-Americans preferred an egocentric navigation strategy. European and Asian groups were in between these two extremes. Neither the factor of age nor the factor of gender had a direct impact on participants’ navigation strategies. The strong effects of cultural background on navigation strategies without the influence of gender or age underlines the importance of socialized spatial cognitive processes and argues for socio-economic analysis in studies investigating human navigation.
High‐voltage gain dc–dc boost converter with coupled inductors for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Freitas Antônio Alisson Alencar , Tofoli Fernando Lessa , Sá Júnior Edilson Mineiro , Daher Sergio , Antunes Fernando Luiz Marcelo 
Published: June 2015

This study presents the analysis, design and experimental evaluation of a high‐voltage gain dc–dc converter applied to photovoltaic (PV) systems. A PV module rated at 17 V is connected to the input side, whereas the converter is responsible for stepping the voltage up to 311 V with the achievement of maximum power point tracking (MPPT). An experimental prototype rated at 100 W is implemented, which does not employ electrolytic capacitors, thus increasing the useful life of the arrangement and also allowing the incorporation of the converter to the PV module. Prominent advantages of the topology are low cost and simplicity in terms of the MPPT algorithm and the system implementation, which are mandatory characteristics for renewable energy applications.
Shortnose Sturgeon in the Gulf of Maine: Use of Spawning Habitat in the Kennebec System and Response to Dam Removal
Authors: Wippelhauser Gail S. , Zydlewski Gayle B. , Kieffer Micah , Sulikowski James , Kinnison Michael T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEvidence has become available in this century indicating that populations of the endangered Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum migrate outside their natal river systems, but the full extent and functional basis of these migrations are not well understood. Between 2007 and 2013, 40 Shortnose Sturgeon captured and tagged in four Gulf of Maine river systems migrated long distances in coastal waters to reach the Kennebec System where their movements were logged by an acoustic receiver array. Twenty‐one (20%) of 104 Shortnose Sturgeon tagged in the Penobscot River, two (50%) of four tagged in the Kennebec System, one (50%) of two tagged in the Saco River, and 16 (37%) of 43 tagged in the Merrimack River moved to a previously identified spawning site or historical spawning habitat in the Kennebec System in spring. Most (65%) moved in early spring from the tagging location directly to a spawning site in the Kennebec System, whereas the rest moved primarily in the fall from the tagging location to a wintering site in that system and moved to a spawning site the following spring. Spawning was inferred from the location, behavior, and sexual status of the fish and from season, water temperature, and discharge, and was confirmed by the capture of larvae in some years. Tagged fish went to a known spawning area in the upper Kennebec Estuary (16 events) or the Androscoggin Estuary (14 events), an historical spawning habitat in the restored Kennebec River (8 events), or two spawning areas in a single year (7 events). We have provided the first evidence indicating that Shortnose Sturgeon spawn in the restored Kennebec River in an historical habitat that became accessible in 1999 when Edwards Dam was removed, 162 years after it was constructed. These results highlight the importance of the Kennebec System to Shortnose Sturgeon throughout the Gulf of Maine.
Fermented barley extract supplementation ameliorates metabolic state in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors:   Ardiansyah, Shirakawa Hitoshi , Giriwono Puspo E , Oguchi Kazuki , Ueda Kazuma , Hokazono Hideki , Hiwatashi Kazuyuki , Takahashi Saori , Sato Shoko , Komai Michio 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
We studied the effects of fermented barley extract P (FBEP) in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Male 10-week-old SHRSP were divided into three groups that were fed: an AIN-93M diet (control), a low dose of FBEP (4 g/kg; FBEP1), and a high dose of FBEP (20 g/kg; FBEP2) for three weeks. Hypertension was significantly improved by the use of FBEP supplementation. The FBEP diet improved plasma triglyceride, insulin sensitivity, enhanced plasma catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased plasma 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels. In addition, the FBEP diet upregulated hepatic antioxidative genes and modulated Nrf2 protein levels in the liver. Furthermore, a single oral dose of FBEP (2 g/kg body weight) was able to lower blood pressure in SHRSP. In conclusion, our data suggest that increased expression of hepatic antioxidative genes and modulation of Nrf2 may play a role in the regulation of metabolic diseases in SHRSP consuming a FBEP diet.