bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anisotropy and NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Nardelli Francesca , Borsacchi Silvia , Calucci Lucia , Carignani Elisa , Martini Francesca , Geppi Marco 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this paper, different aspects concerning anisotropy in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been reviewed. In particular, the relevant theory has been presented, showing how anisotropy stems from the dependence of internal nuclear spin interactions on the molecular orientation with respect to the external magnetic field direction. The consequences of anisotropy in the use of NMR spectroscopy have been critically discussed: on one side, the availability of very detailed structural and dynamic information, and on the other side, the loss of spectral resolution. The experiments used to measure the anisotropic properties in solid and soft materials, where, in contrast to liquids, such properties are not averaged out by the molecular tumbling, have been described. Such experiments can be based either on static low-resolution techniques or on one- and two-dimensional pulse sequences exploiting Magic Angle Spinning (MAS). Examples of applications of NMR spectroscopy have been shown, which exploit anisotropy to obtain important physico-chemical information on several categories of systems, including pharmaceuticals, inorganic materials, polymers, liquid crystals, and self-assembling amphiphiles in water. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy can be considered, nowadays, one of the most powerful characterization techniques for all kinds of solid, either amorphous or crystalline, and semi-solid systems for the obtainment of both structural and dynamic properties on a molecular and supra-molecular scale.

Graphic abstract
Ready-to-use workflows for the implementation of genetic tools in conservation management
Authors: Holderegger Rolf , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Grünig Christoph , Meier Robert , Csencsics Daniela , Gassner Martin , Rellstab Christian , Stapfer André 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe present a conservation genetics tool kit, which offers two ready-to-use workflows for the routine application of genetic methods in conservation management. The workflows were optimized for work load and costs and are accompanied by an easy-to-read and richly illustrated manual with guidelines regarding sampling design, sampling of genetic material, necessary permits, laboratory methods, statistical analyses and documentation of results in a practice-oriented way. The manual also provides a detailed interpretation help for the implementation of the results in conservation management. One workflow deals with the identification of pond-breeding amphibians based on metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples. This workflow also discriminates the morphologically similar water frogs (Pelophylaxsp.) and other closely related species (e.g.Triturus cristatusandT. carnifex). The second workflow studies connectivity among populations using microsatellite markers. Its statistical analyses encompass the detection of genetic groups and historical, recent and current dispersal and gene flow. Using the two workflows does not involve academic research institutes; they can be applied by environmental consultancies, laboratories from the private sector, governmental agencies or non-governmental organisations. These and additional conservation genetic workflows will hopefully foster the routine use of genetic methods in conservation management.
GEN2VCF: a converter for human genome imputation output format to VCF format
Authors: Shin Dong Mun , Hwang Mi Yeong , Kim Bong-Jo , Ryu Keun Ho , Kim Young Jin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
For a genome-wide association study in humans, genotype imputation is an essential analysis tool for improving association mapping power. When IMPUTE software is used for imputation analysis, an imputation output (GEN format) should be converted to variant call format (VCF) with imputed genotype dosage for association analysis. However, the conversion requires multiple software packages in a pipeline with a large amount of processing time.

Objective
We developed GEN2VCF, a fast and convenient GEN format to VCF conversion tool with dosage support.

Methods
The performance of GEN2VCF was compared to BCFtools, QCTOOL, and Oncofunco. The test data set was a 1 Mb GEN-formatted file of 5000 samples. To determine the performance of various sample sizes, tests were performed from 1000 to 5000 samples with a step size of 1000. Runtime and memory usage were used as performance measures.

Results
GEN2VCF showed drastically increased performances with respect to runtime and memory usage. Runtime and memory usage of GEN2VCF was at least 1.4- and 7.4-fold lower compared to other methods, respectively.

Conclusions
GEN2VCF provides users with efficient conversion from GEN format to VCF with the best-guessed genotype, genotype posterior probabilities, and genotype dosage, as well as great flexibility in implementation with other software packages in a pipeline.
Genome-wide insights of Ethiopian indigenous sheep populations reveal the population structure related to tail morphology and phylogeography
Authors: Amane Agraw , Belay Gurja , Nasser Yao , Kyalo Martina , Dessie Tadelle , Kebede Adebabay , Getachew Tesfaye , Entfellner Jean-Baka Domelevo , Edea Zewdu , Hanotte Olivier , Tarekegn Getinet Mekuriaw 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEthiopian sheep living in different climatic zones and having contrasting morphologies are a most promising subject of molecular-genetic research. Elucidating their genetic diversity and genetic structure is critical for designing appropriate breeding and conservation strategies.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to investigate genome-wide genetic diversity and population structure of eight Ethiopian sheep populations.MethodsA total of 115 blood samples were collected from four Ethiopian sheep populations that include Washera, Farta and Wollo (short fat-tailed) and Horro (long fat-tailed). DNA was extracted using Quick-DNA™ Miniprep plus kit. All DNA samples were genotyped using Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip. To infer genetic relationships of Ethiopian sheep at national, continental and global levels, genotype data on four Ethiopian sheep (Adilo, Arsi-Bale, Menz and Black Head Somali) and sheep from east, north, and south Africa, Middle East and Asia were included in the study as reference.ResultsMean genetic diversity of Ethiopian sheep populations ranged from 0.352 ± 0.14 for Horro to 0.379 ± 0.14 for Arsi-Bale sheep. Population structure and principal component analyses of the eight Ethiopian indigenous sheep revealed four distinct genetic cluster groups according to their tail phenotype and geographical distribution. The short fat-tailed sheep did not represent one genetic cluster group. Ethiopian fat-rump sheep share a common genetic background with the Kenyan fat-tailed sheep.ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed the principal component and population structure follows a clear pattern of tail morphology and phylogeography. There is clear signature of admixture among the study Ethiopian sheep populations
Anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity of Gentiana lutea root extract
Authors: Cafaro Teresa , Carnicelli Veronica , Caprioli Giovanni , Maggi Filippo , Celenza Giuseppe , Perilli Mariagrazia , Bozzi Argante , Amicosante Gianfranco , Brisdelli Fabrizia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGentiana lutea roots have been widely used in the traditional medicine, especially for their stomachic properties. In this study, the effect of G. lutea root methanol extract on SH-SY5Y cell survival and on anti-proliferative activity of pro-apoptotic agents was evaluated. In neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, the extract did not exhibit any cytotoxic activity, but protected cells from vinblastine-induced apoptosis. In the combined treatment with 200 µg/ml extract plus 0.1 µM vinblastine, extract significantly increased cell survival, reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells and decreased caspase-3 activity if compared with the vinblastine alone treatment. The anti-apoptotic activity of the extract was associated to the down-regulation of Sirt-1 protein and to the increase of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression and intracellular GSH levels. Since the apoptosis modulation was evidenced on a neuroblastoma cell line, G. lutea extract could have a promising potential as a neuroprotective agent. Moreover, G. lutea root extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, since it inhibited LPS-induced expression of TNF-α in macrophage RAW264.7 cells.
A review of CoSb3-based skutterudite thermoelectric materials
Authors: Liu Zhi-Yuan , Zhu Jiang-Long , Tong Xin , Niu Shuo , Zhao Wen-Yu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe binary skutterudite CoSb3 is a narrow bandgap semiconductor thermoelectric (TE) material with a relatively flat band structure and excellent electrical performance. However, thermal conductivity is very high because of the covalent bond between Co and Sb, resulting in a very low ZT value. Therefore, researchers have been trying to reduce its thermal conductivity by the different optimization methods. In addition, the synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters is also a key to improve the ZT value of CoSb3 material because the electrical and thermal transport parameters of TE materials are closely related to each other by the band structure and scattering mechanism. This review summarizes the main research progress in recent years to reduce the thermal conductivity of CoSb3-based materials at atomic-molecular scale and nano-mesoscopic scale. We also provide a simple summary of achievements made in recent studies on the non-equilibrium preparation technologies of CoSb3-based materials and synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters. In addition, the research progress of CoSb3-based TE devices in recent years is also briefly discussed.
Subjective well‐being and academic performance among middle schoolers: A two‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Gai Xiaosong , Wang Wen 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionPrevious studies have suggested that present subjective well‐being promotes students’ academic achievement. However, adolescents’ subjective well‐being tends to be future‐oriented; for example, when adolescents think about the future, they have hopeful expectations, feel energized, or confused. Therefore, this 14‐month follow‐up study conducted in China aimed to establish the longitudinal relationships between present‐ and future‐oriented well‐being and academic achievement.MethodsUsing two waves of data, this longitudinal study explored the bidirectional relationships between present‐ and future‐oriented well‐being and academic achievement among 189 Chinese middle school students (102 girls, 82 boys, 5 unknown) whose mean age was 13.76 at Time 1 and 14.78 at Time 2. The Adolescent Well‐being Scale, which has six dimensions (present life satisfaction, present positive affect, present negative affect, hopeful future expectations, positive affect toward future life, and negative affect toward future life) was administered to all students at Time1 and Time 2, and academic scores were collected two weeks later. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.ResultsCross‐lagged analyses revealed that present life satisfaction, present positive affect, and positive affect toward future life at Time 1 were positively correlated with academic achievement at Time 2.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that both present‐ and future‐oriented well‐being are associated with later academic achievement. Teachers and parents should cultivate students’ well‐being by targeting not only present life satisfaction and positive affect but also positive feelings toward the future.
Sexual Dysfunction and Distress Among Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: The Role of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Lahav Yael 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Research has revealed that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have elevated sexual dysfunction and distress. Nevertheless, a vast majority of studies examining sexual dysfunction and distress among CSA survivors were conducted among women only, and the moderating role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms between a history of CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress is yet to be investigated.

Aim
To fill this gap, the present study aimed to investigate the following: (i) are there sex differences in the relations between CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress and (ii) whether PTSD symptoms mediate the relations between CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress.

Methods
This study was conducted online among 792 Israeli men and women aged 18–70 years; among whom, 367 reported a history of CSA.

Outcomes
The findings of the present study suggest that PTSD symptoms mediate the relations between CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress.

Results
Results indicated that those who had a history of CSA reported elevated sexual dysfunction and sexual distress, as compared with non-abused participants, regardless of their sex. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms were related to sexual dysfunction and sexual distress and mediated the relations between a history of CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress. A history of CSA predicted elevated PTSD symptoms, which in turn, were related to elevated sexual dysfunction and distress. Clinical interventions for CSA survivors should incorporate various treatment approaches to alleviate both PTSD symptoms and sexual dysfunction and distress.

Clinical translation
The present findings indicate the need for clinicians to identify PTSD symptoms and to conjoin distinctive treatment approaches to relieve survivors’ PTSD symptoms, as well as their sexual dysfunction and distress.

Strengths & limitations
The study included a non-clinical, convenience sample and used self-report measures, which are highly subjective and increase the possibility of social desirability biases. However, on the plus side, it provides important information on CSA survivor’s sexual functioning and can assist in establishing intervention goals, and to evaluate treatment.

Conclusion
PTSD symptoms were found to mediate the relations between a history of CSA and sexual dysfunction and distress, implying that PTSD symptoms serve as a mechanism underlying sexual dysfunction and distress among CSA survivors.
Interpreting the lake-status record of the East Asian monsoon using a hydrological model
Authors: Yu Ge , Ye Liangtao , Liu Zhengyu , Xue Bin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe East Asian monsoon (EAM) has experienced significant changes over the past 10,000 years that influenced East Asian agricultural development. However, the magnitude and extent of the EAM precipitation fluctuations at 6 ka remain unresolved, owing to uncertainty in individual lake records and substantial variations in the expansion limits in simulations of the mid-Holocene EAM precipitation. Here we present an approach based on multiple lake-level records using the “1D lake level—2D lake area—3D catchment hydrology” model to reconstruct the precipitation patterns in northern China, and to further quantify the extent of the EAM precipitation expansion in the mid-Holocene relative to today. The precipitation reconstructions suggest an ~550–1100 km northward expansion and an ~530–840 km westward migration of the EAM at 6 ka. At that time, the EAM precipitation domain covered over 6 million square kilometers. Thus, this approach mitigates the uncertainty and arbitrariness of reconstructions of the limit of the EAM precipitation fields and provides a benchmark for future climate modeling studies.
COMBATTING OR ENABLING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? EVALUATING THE RESIDENCE RIGHTS OF MIGRANT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN EUROPE
Authors: Briddick Catherine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe treatment of third-country nationals (TCNs) under EU law falls far short of the EU's commitments to eliminate gender inequality and to ‘combat all kinds of domestic violence’. Not only does Article 13(2)(c) of the EU Citizens’ Directive, as interpreted by the CJEU in Secretary of State for the Home Department v NA, fail to ‘safeguard’ the rights of TCNs, it may also enable domestic violence. When presented with an opportunity to remedy its disadvantageous treatment of TCNs by fully ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention), the Council of the EU chose instead to pursue a selective and partial ratification which leaves TCN victims without recourse to the very provisions designed to assist them. The European Parliament stated that it ‘regrets’ this approach, recommending instead ‘a broad EU accession … without any limitations’. This article's analysis of the EU Citizens’ Directive and Istanbul Convention supports this recommendation.
ON THE STABILITY OF THE DIFFERENTIAL PROCESS GENERATED BY COMPLEX INTERPOLATION
Authors: Castillo Jesús M. F. , Corrêa Willian H. G. , Ferenczi Valentin , González Manuel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe study the stability of the differential process of Rochberg and Weiss associated with an analytic family of Banach spaces obtained using the complex interpolation method for families. In the context of Köthe function spaces, we complete earlier results of Kalton (who showed that there is global bounded stability for pairs of Köthe spaces) by showing that there is global (bounded) stability for families of up to three Köthe spaces distributed in arcs on the unit circle while there is no (bounded) stability for families of four or more Köthe spaces. In the context of arbitrary pairs of Banach spaces, we present some local stability results and some global isometric stability results.
THE MINIMAL MODULAR FORM ON QUATERNIONIC
Authors: Pollack Aaron 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSuppose that$G$is a simple reductive group over$\mathbf{Q}$, with an exceptional Dynkin type and with$G(\mathbf{R})$quaternionic (in the sense of Gross–Wallach). In a previous paper, we gave an explicit form of the Fourier expansion of modular forms on$G$along the unipotent radical of the Heisenberg parabolic. In this paper, we give the Fourier expansion of the minimal modular form$\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{Gan}$on quaternionic$E_{8}$and some applications. The$Sym^{8}(V_{2})$-valued automorphic function$\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}_{Gan}$is a weight 4, level one modular form on$E_{8}$, which has been studied by Gan. The applications we give are the construction of special modular forms on quaternionic$E_{7},E_{6}$and$G_{2}$. We also discuss a family of degenerate Heisenberg Eisenstein series on the groups$G$, which may be thought of as an analogue to the quaternionic exceptional groups of the holomorphic Siegel Eisenstein series on the groups$\operatorname{GSp}_{2n}$.
Structure and Transport of Atlantic Water North of Svalbard From Observations in Summer and Fall 2018
Authors: Kolås Eivind H. , Koenig Zoé , Fer Ilker , Nilsen Frank , Marnela Marika 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe transport of warm Atlantic Waters north of Svalbard is one of the major heat and salt sources to the Arctic Ocean. The circulation pathways and the associated heat transport influence the variability in the Arctic sea ice extent, the onset of freezing, and marine ecosystems. We present observations obtained from research cruises and an autonomous underwater glider mission in summer and fall 2018, to describe the hydrographic structure, volume transport, and circulation patterns of the warm Atlantic Water Boundary Current between 12°E and 24°E north of Svalbard. The Atlantic Water volume transport reaches a maximum of 3.0  ± 0.2 Sv in October, with an intraseasonal variability of 1 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1). During summer and late fall, we observed an Atlantic Water recirculation flowing westward (0.1–0.2 Sv) in the outer part of the section away from the shelf break. This counter current appears to be a part of an anticyclonic circulation in the Sofia Deep. The strength of the Atlantic Water recirculation and the Atlantic Water boundary current is very sensitive to the wind stress curl: The boundary current volume transport doubled in less than a week, corresponding to a transition from strongly negative (−10−6 N m−3) to strongly positive (10−6 N m−3) wind stress curl over the Sofia Deep. A previously unknown, deep bottom‐intensified current is observed to flow parallel to the boundary current, between the 1,500 and 2,000 m isobaths. Historical data in the region support the presence of the bottom‐intensified current.
E2F7−EZH2 axis regulates PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling and glioblastoma progression
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Mei , Zhang Guanghui , Bao Yonghua , Wu Yanan , Li Xiuxiu , Yang Wancai , Cui Hongjuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
E2F transcription factors are considered to be important drivers of tumour growth. E2F7 is an atypical E2F factor, and its role in glioblastoma remains undefined.

Methods
E2F7 expression was examined in patients by IHC and qRT-PCR. The overall survival probability was determined by statistical analyses. MTT assay, colony formation, cell-cycle assay, cell metastasis and the in vivo model were employed to determine the functional role of E2F7 in glioblastoma. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay and western blot were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results
E2F7 was found to be up-regulated in glioblastoma patients, and high E2F7 expression was associated with poor overall survival in glioblastoma patients. Functional studies showed that E2F7 promoted cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, cell metastasis and tumorigenicity abilities in vitro and in vivo. E2F7 promoted the transcription of EZH2 by binding to its promoter and increased H3K27me3 level. EZH2 recruited H3K27me3 to the promoter of PTEN and inhibited PTEN expression, and then activated the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. In addition, restored expression of EZH2 recovered the abilities of cell proliferation and metastasis in E2F7-silencing cells.

Conclusion
Collectively, our findings indicate that E2F7 promotes cell proliferation, cell metastasis and tumorigenesis via EZH2-mediated PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in glioblastoma.