bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Weight-Specific Power Density of Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells on Graphene Papers
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Chi , Li Dongdong , Cao Shuangying , Yin Min , Wang Peng , Ding Guqiao , Yang Liyou , Cheng Jinrong , Lu Linfeng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Flexible thin-film solar cells with high weight-specific power density are highly desired in the emerging portable/wearable electronic devices, solar-powered vehicles, etc. The conventional flexible metallic or plastic substrates are encountered either overweight or thermal and mechanical mismatch with deposited films. In this work, we proposed a novel substrate for flexible solar cells based on graphene paper, which possesses the advantages of being lightweight and having a high-temperature tolerance and high mechanical flexibility. Thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells were constructed on such graphene paper, whose power density is 4.5 times higher than that on plastic polyimide substrates. In addition, the a-Si:H solar cells present notable flexibility whose power conversion efficiencies show little degradation when the solar cells are bent to a radius as small as 14 mm for more than 100 times. The application of this unique flexible substrate can be extended to CuInGaSe and CdTe solar cells and other thin-film devices requiring high-temperature processing.
Sb2S3 Thickness-Related Photocurrent and Optoelectronic Processes in TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT Planar Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Fan , Pathak Rajesh , Jiang Lan , Chen Weimin , Chen Chong , Tong Yanhua , Zhang Tiansheng , Jian Ronghua , Qiao Qiquan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this work, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship of photon absorption, internal electrical field, transport path, and relative kinetics on Sb2S3 photovoltaic performance has been investigated. The n-i-p planar structure for TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT heterojunction hybrid solar cells was conducted, and the photon-to-electron processes including illumination depth, internal electric field, drift velocity and kinetic energy of charges, photo-generated electrons and hole concentration-related surface potential in Sb2S3, charge transport time, and interfacial charge recombination lifetime were studied to reveal the key factors that governed the device photocurrent. Dark J–V curves, Kelvin probe force microscope, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage dynamics indicate that internal electric field is the main factors that affect the photocurrent when the Sb2S3 thickness is less than the hole diffusion length. However, when the Sb2S3 thickness is larger than the hole diffusion length, the inferior area in Sb2S3 for holes that cannot be diffused to P3HT would become a dominant factor affecting the photocurrent. The inferior area in Sb2S3 layer for hole collection could also affect the Voc of the device. The reduced collection of holes in P3HT, when the Sb2S3 thickness is larger than the hole diffusion length, would increase the difference between the quasi-Fermi levels of electrons and holes for a lower Voc.
Economic cycle and deceleration of female labor force participation in Latin America
Authors: Serrano Joaquín , Gasparini Leonardo , Marchionni Mariana , Glüzmann Pablo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe study the behavior of female labor force participation (LFP) over the business cycle by estimating fixed effects models at the country and population-group level, using data from harmonized national household surveys of 18 Latin American countries in the period 1987–2014. We find that female LFP follows a countercyclical pattern—especially in the case of married, with children and vulnerable women—which suggests the existence of an inverse added-worker effect. We argue that this factor may have contributed to the deceleration in female labor supply in Latin America that took place in the 2000s, a decade of unusual high economic growth.
More animals than markers: a study into the application of the single step T-BLUP model in large-scale multi-trait Australian Angus beef cattle genetic evaluation
Authors: Boerner Vinzent , Johnston David J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Multi-trait single step genetic evaluation is increasingly facing the situation of having more individuals with genotypes than markers within each genotype. This creates a situation where the genomic relationship matrix ($$\mathbf{G }$$
G
) is not of full rank and its inversion is algebraically impossible. Recently, the SS-T-BLUP method was proposed as a modified version of the single step equations, providing an elegant way to circumvent the inversion of the $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
and therefore accommodate the situation described. SS-T-BLUP uses the Woodbury matrix identity, thus it requires an add-on matrix, which is usually the covariance matrix of the residual polygenic effet. In this paper, we examine the application of SS-T-BLUP to a large-scale multi-trait Australian Angus beef cattle dataset using the full BREEDPLAN single step genetic evaluation model and compare the results to the application of two different methods of using $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
in a single step model. Results clearly show that SS-T-BLUP outperforms other single step formulations in terms of computational speed and avoids approximation of the inverse of $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
.
Widespread nocturnality of living birds stemming from their common ancestor
Authors: Wu Yonghua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany living birds exhibit some nocturnal activity, but the genetic basis and evolutionary origins of their nocturnality remain unknown.ResultsHere, we used a molecular phyloecological approach to analyze the adaptive evolution of 33 phototransduction genes in diverse bird lineages. Our results suggest that functional enhancement of two night-vision genes, namely,GRK1andSLC24A1, underlies the nocturnal adaption of living birds. Further analyses showed that the diel activity patterns of birds have remained relatively unchanged since their common ancestor, suggesting that the widespread nocturnal activity of many living birds may largely stem from their common ancestor rather than independent evolution. Despite this evolutionary conservation of diel activity patterns in birds, photoresponse recovery genes were found to be frequently subjected to positive selection in diverse bird lineages, suggesting that birds generally have evolved an increased capacity for motion detection. Moreover, we detected positive selection on both dim-light vision genes and bright-light vision genes in the class Aves, suggesting divergent evolution of the vision of birds from that of reptiles and that different bird lineages have evolved certain visual adaptions to their specific light conditions.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the widespread nocturnality of extant birds has a deep evolutionary origin tracing back to their common ancestor.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for kernel traits in a wheat cultivar Chuannong16
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Han , Li Shuiqin , Zou Yaya , Li Ting , Liu Jiajun , Ding Puyang , Mu Yang , Tang Huaping , Deng Mei , Liu Yaxi , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) are key agronomic traits in wheat breeding. Chuannong16 (‘CN16’) is a commercial cultivar with significantly longer kernels than the line ‘20828’. To identify and characterize potential alleles from CN16 controlling KL, the previously developed recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross ‘20828’ × ‘CN16’ and the genetic map constructed by the Wheat55K SNP array and SSR markers were used to perform quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) analyses for kernel traits.

Results
A total of 11 putative QTL associated with kernel traits were identified and they were located on chromosomes 1A (2 QTL), 2B (2 QTL), 2D (3 QTL), 3D, 4A, 6A, and 7A, respectively. Among them, three major QTL, QKL.sicau-2D, QKW.sicau-2D and QTKW.sicau-2D, controlling KL, KW and TKW, respectively, were detected in three different environments. Respectively, they explained 10.88–18.85%, 17.21–21.49% and 10.01–23.20% of the phenotypic variance. Further, they were genetically mapped in the same interval on chromosome 2DS. A previously developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker KASP-AX-94721936 was integrated in the genetic map and QTL re-mapping finally located the three major QTL in a 1- cM region flanked by AX-111096297 and KASP-AX-94721936. Another two co-located QTL intervals for KL and TKW were also identified. A few predicted genes involved in regulation of kernel growth and development were identified in the intervals of these identified QTL. Significant relationships between kernel traits and spikelet number per spike and anthesis date were detected and discussed.

Conclusions
Three major and stably expressed QTL associated with KL, KW, and TKW were identified. A KASP marker tightly linked to these three major QTL was integrated. These findings provide information for subsequent fine mapping and cloning the three co-localized major QTL for kernel traits.
Genetic mechanisms in the repression of flowering by gibberellins in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Zhang Songwen , Gottschalk Christopher , van Nocker Steve 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundGibberellins (GAs) can have profound effects on growth and development in higher plants. In contrast to their flowering-promotive role in many well-studied plants, GAs can repress flowering in woody perennial plants such as apple (MalusxdomesticaBorkh.). Although this effect of GA on flowering is intriguing and has commercial importance, the genetic mechanisms linking GA perception with flowering have not been well described.ResultsApplication of a mixture of bioactive GAs repressed flower formation without significant effect on node number or shoot elongation. Using Illumina-based transcriptional sequence data and a newly available, high-quality apple genome sequence, we generated transcript models for genes expressed in the shoot apex, and estimated their transcriptional response to GA. GA treatment resulted in downregulation of a diversity of genes participating in GA biosynthesis, and strong upregulation of the GA catabolicGA2 OXIDASEgenes, consistent with GA feedback and feedforward regulation, respectively. We also observed strong downregulation of numerous genes encoding potential GA transporters and receptors. Additional GA-responsive genes included potential components of cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), brassinosteroid, and auxin signaling pathways. Finally, we observed rapid and strong upregulation of both of two copies of a gene previously observed to inhibit flowering in apple,MdTFL1(TERMINAL FLOWER 1).ConclusionThe rapid and robust upregulation of genes associated with GA catabolism in response to exogenous GA, combined with the decreased expression of GA biosynthetic genes, highlights GA feedforward and feedback regulation in the apple shoot apex. The finding that genes with potential roles in GA metabolism, transport and signaling are responsive to GA suggests GA homeostasis may be mediated at multiple levels in these tissues. The observation thatTFL1-like genes are induced quickly in response to GA suggests they may be directly targeted by GA-responsive transcription factors, and offers a potential explanation for the flowering-inhibitory effects of GA in apple. These results provide a context for investigating factors that may transduce the GA signal in apple, and contribute to a preliminary genetic framework for the repression of flowering by GAs in a woody perennial plant.
Recovery of non-reference sequences missing from the human reference genome
Authors: Li Ran , Tian Xiaomeng , Yang Peng , Fan Yingzhi , Li Ming , Zheng Hongxiang , Wang Xihong , Jiang Yu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The non-reference sequences (NRS) represent structure variations in human genome with potential functional significance. However, besides the known insertions, it is currently unknown whether other types of structure variations with NRS exist.

Results
Here, we compared 31 human de novo assemblies with the current reference genome to identify the NRS and their location. We resolved the precise location of 6113 NRS adding up to 12.8 Mb. Besides 1571 insertions, we detected 3041 alternate alleles, which were defined as having less than 90% (or none) identity with the reference alleles. These alternate alleles overlapped with 1143 protein-coding genes including a putative novel MHC haplotype. Further, we demonstrated that the alternate alleles and their flanking regions had high content of tandem repeats, indicating that their origin was associated with tandem repeats.

Conclusions
Our study detected a large number of NRS including many alternate alleles which are previously uncharacterized. We suggested that the origin of alternate alleles was associated with tandem repeats. Our results enriched the spectrum of genetic variations in human genome.
Transcriptome profiling and environmental linkage to salinity across Salicornia europaea vegetation
Authors: Furtado Bliss Ursula , Nagy Istvan , Asp Torben , Tyburski Jarosław , Skorupa Monika , Gołębiewski Marcin , Hulisz Piotr , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Salicornia europaea, a succulent obligatory halophyte is the most salt-tolerant plant species in the world. It survives salt concentrations of more than 1 M. Therefore, it is a suitable model plant to identify genes involved in salt tolerance mechanisms that can be used for the improvement of crops. The changes in a plant’s gene expression in response to abiotic stresses may depend on factors like soil conditions at the site, seasonality, etc. To date, experiments were performed to study the gene expression of S. europaea only under controlled conditions. Conversely, the present study investigates the transcriptome and physicochemical parameters of S. europaea shoots and roots from two different types of saline ecosystems growing under natural conditions.

Results
The level of soil salinity was higher at the naturally saline site than at the anthropogenic saline site. The parameters such as ECe, Na+, Cl−, Ca+, SO42− and HCO3− of the soils and plant organs significantly varied according to sites and seasons. We found that Na+ mainly accumulated in shoots, whereas K+ and Ca2+ levels were higher in roots throughout the growing period. Moreover, changes in S. europaea gene expression were more prominent in seasons, than sites and plant organs. The 30 differentially expressed genes included enzymes for synthesis of S-adenosyl methionine, CP47 of light-harvesting complex II, photosystem I proteins, Hsp70 gene, ATP-dependent Clp proteases, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and ATP synthase.

Conclusion
The comparisons made based on two seasons, plant organs and two different sites suggest the importance of seasonal variations in gene expression of S. europaea. We identify the genes that may play an important role in acclimation to season-dependent changes of salinity. The genes were involved in processes such as osmotic adjustment, energy metabolism and photosynthesis.
Inhibition of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity reduces trimethylation of H3K27 and affects development in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Ruta Veronica , Longo Chiara , Boccaccini Alessandra , Madia Valentina Noemi , Saccoliti Francesco , Tudino Valeria , Di Santo Roberto , Lorrai Riccardo , Dello Ioio Raffaele , Sabatini Sabrina , Costi Roberta , Costantino Paolo , Vittorioso Paola 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPolycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is an epigenetic transcriptional repression system, whose catalytic subunit (ENHANCER OF ZESTE HOMOLOG 2, EZH2 in animals) is responsible for trimethylating histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). In mammals, gain-of-function mutations as well as overexpression of EZH2 have been associated with several tumors, therefore making this subunit a suitable target for the development of selective inhibitors. Indeed, highly specific small-molecule inhibitors of EZH2 have been reported. In plants, mutations in some PRC2 components lead to embryonic lethality, but no trial with any inhibitor has ever been reported.ResultsWe show here that the 1,5-bis (3-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one compound (RDS 3434), previously reported as an EZH2 inhibitor in human leukemia cells, is active on the Arabidopsis catalytic subunit of PRC2, since treatment with the drug reduces the total amount of H3K27me3 in a dose-dependent fashion. Consistently, we show that the expression level of two PRC2 targets is significantly increased following treatment with the RDS 3434 compound. Finally, we show that impairment of H3K27 trimethylation in Arabidopsis seeds and seedlings affects both seed germination and root growth.ConclusionsOur results provide a useful tool for the plant community in investigating how PRC2 affects transcriptional control in plant development.
Short- and medium-term follow-up of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects
Authors: Li Hao , Shi Youyang , Zhang Songyue , Ren Yue , Rong Xing , Wang Zhenquan , Xia Tianhe , Wu Tingting , Xu Haitang , Yan Yaoyao , Zhan Yi , Chu Maoping , Wu Rongzhou 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects is one of the greatest challenges in interventional cardiology. Short- and midium-term follow-up data for large samples are limited. This report presents our experience with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using an occluder.

Methods
Two hundred fifty-three patients included in the database of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital from January 2011– December 2015 with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects and discharged from follow-up. All patients were invited for clinical and transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and thoracic radiography check-up.

Results
Device implantation was successful in 252 of 253 patients (99.6%). The median age was 42 months (range 27–216 months). The median follow-up duration was 36 months (range 6–60 months). The mean defect diameter was 3.5 ± 1.4 mm and the mean size of the ventricular septal defect rim below the aortic valve was 3.7 ± 1.8 mm. The mean diameter of the devices used was 4 mm. Thirty-seven patients developed arrhythmia after the procedure and recovered within 24 months; four patients had hemolysis and four had moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation. No other serious adverse event occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusion
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using an occluder is safe and effective in most patients.
Modeling lifetime abuse and cardiovascular disease risk among women
Authors: Scott-Storey Kelly A. , Hodgins Marilyn , Wuest Judith 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most significant health challenges facing women today. Abuse is a serious gendered issue also affecting the health of women. Despite beginning evidence that abuse may increase the risk of CVD among women, causal pathways linking abuse to CVD have received little attention. Our purpose was to test Scott-Storey’s conceptual model showing direct and indirect pathways through which lifetime abuse severity may affect women’s CVD risk.MethodsUsing data collected from a community sample of 227 Canadian women who had left an abusive partner, we conducted structural equation modeling with latent growth curve analysis using a phantom variable approach to test the direct effects of severity of lifetime abuse on CVD risk (indicated by measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure) as well as its indirect effects through CVD risk behaviors and through women’s initial level of depressive symptoms and the observed rate of change in their depressive symptoms over time.ResultsWomen in this sample had above average CVD risk factors (i.e., smoking, overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, high blood pressure) in comparison to women in the general population. Further, CVD risk behaviors increased with severity of lifetime abuse and remained present long after leaving the abusive relationship. Results of the tested model provide preliminary evidence supporting many of the hypothesized pathways by which severity of lifetime abuse can increase CVD risk among women; the model fit the data reasonably well explaining 41% of the variance in CVD risk.ConclusionsFindings support the growing recognition of the long-term effects of lifetime abuse on cardiovascular health, suggest important implications for clinicians working with women, and provide a novel approach for studying the concept of cumulative lifetime abuse through the use of a phantom variable.
Bilateral vessel-outlining carotid artery calcifications in panoramic radiographs: an independent risk marker for vascular events
Authors: Garoff Maria , Ahlqvist Jan , Edin Linda-Tereza , Jensen Sofia , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Petäjäniemi Fredrik , Wester Per , Johansson Elias 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In odontology, panoramic radiographs (PRs) are regularly performed. PRs depict the teeth and jaws as well as carotid artery calcifications (CACs). Patients with CACs on PRs have an increased risk of vascular events compared to healthy controls without CACs, but this association is often caused by more vascular events and risk factors at baseline. However, the risk of vascular events has only been analyzed based on the presence of CACs, and not their shape. Thus, this study determined if the shape of CACs in PRs affects the risk of future vascular events.

Methods
The study cohort included 117 consecutive patients with CACs in PRs and 121 age-matched controls without CACs. CAC shape in PRs was dichotomized into bilateral vessel-outlining CACs and other CAC shapes. Participants were followed prospectively for an endpoint of vascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death.

Results
Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had more previous vascular events than those with other CAC shapes and the healthy controls (p < 0.001, χ2). The mean follow-up duration was 9.5 years. The endpoint was reached in 83 people. Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had a higher annual risk of vascular events (7.0%) than those with other CAC shapes (4.4%) and the controls (2.6%) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, bilateral vessel-outlining CACs (hazard ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–4.5) were independent risk markers for the endpoint.

Conclusions
Findings of bilateral vessel-outlining CACs in PRs are independent risk markers for future vascular events.