University of Lorraine

About: University of Lorraine is a education organization based out in Nancy, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Nonlinear system. The organization has 11942 authors who have published 25010 publications receiving 425227 citations. The organization is also known as: Lorraine University.

Comparative genomics and transcriptomics depict ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as versatile saprotrophs and plant mutualists

Abstract: Some soil fungi in the Leotiomycetes form ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) symbioses with Ericaceae. In the harsh habitats in which they occur, ERM plant survival relies on nutrient mobilization from soil organic matter (SOM) by their fungal partners. The characterization of the fungal genetic machinery underpinning both the symbiotic lifestyle and SOM degradation is needed to understand ERM symbiosis functioning and evolution, and its impact on soil carbon (C) turnover. We sequenced the genomes of the ERM fungi Meliniomyces bicolor, M. variabilis, Oidiodendron maius and Rhizoscyphus ericae, and compared their gene repertoires with those of fungi with different lifestyles (ecto- and orchid mycorrhiza, endophytes, saprotrophs, pathogens). We also identified fungal transcripts induced in symbiosis. The ERM fungal gene contents for polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, lipases, proteases and enzymes involved in secondary metabolism are closer to those of saprotrophs and pathogens than to those of ectomycorrhizal symbionts. The fungal genes most highly upregulated in symbiosis are those coding for fungal and plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), lipases, proteases, transporters and mycorrhiza-induced small secreted proteins (MiSSPs). The ERM fungal gene repertoire reveals a capacity for a dual saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyle. This may reflect an incomplete transition from saprotrophy to the mycorrhizal habit, or a versatile life strategy similar to fungal endophytes.

Nitrogen Isotopes and Mantle Geodynamics: The Emergence of Life and the Atmosphere–Crust–Mantle Connection

Abstract: Nitrogen shows unique features among the volatile elements. To be cycled, atmospheric di-nitrogen (N2) needs to be reduced, which is efficiently done by bacterial processes. Crustal uptake of nitrogen and its eventual recycling into the mantle is thus primarily mediated by the biosphere. There is also a marked isotopic contrast between the mantle (15N depleted) and the Earth's surface (15N enriched). Although the cause of such disequilibrium is not fully understood, it provides insights into mantle–surface interactions over geological time, including recycling of surface sediments into the deep mantle.

Heterostructured Bi2S3-Bi2O3 Nanosheets with a Built-In Electric Field for Improved Sodium Storage.

Abstract: Constructing novel heterostructures has great potential in tuning the physical/chemical properties of functional materials for electronics, catalysis, as well as energy conversion and storage. In this work, heterostructured Bi2S3-Bi2O3 nanosheets (BS-BO) have been prepared through an easy water-bath approach. The formation of such unique BS-BO heterostructures was achieved through a controllable thioacetamide-directed surfactant-assisted reaction process. Bi2O3 sheets and Bi2S3 sheets can be also prepared through simply modifying the synthetic recipe. When employed as the sodium-ion battery anode material, the resultant BS-BO displays a reversible capacity of ∼630 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1. In addition, the BS-BO demonstrates improved rate capability and enhanced cycle stability compared to its Bi2O3 sheets and Bi2S3 sheets counterparts. The improved electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the built-in electric field in the BS-BO heterostructure, which effectively facilitates the charge transport. This work would shed light on the construction of novel heterostructures for high-performance sodium-ion batteries and other energy-related devices.

Light-induced magnetization reversal of high-anisotropy TbCo alloy films

Abstract: Magnetization reversal using circularly polarized light provides a way to control magnetization without any external magnetic field and has the potential to revolutionize magnetic data storage. However, in order to reach ultra-high density data storage, high anisotropy media providing thermal stability are needed. Here, we evidence all-optical magnetization switching for different TbxCo1−x ferrimagnetic alloy compositions using fs- and ps-laser pulses and demonstrate all-optical switching for films with anisotropy fields reaching 6 T corresponding to anisotropy constants of 3 × 106 ergs/cm3. Optical magnetization switching is observed only for alloy compositions where the compensation temperature can be reached through sample heating.