bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectral features of the tunneling-induced transparency and the Autler-Townes doublet and triplet in a triple quantum dot
Authors: Luo Xiao-Qing , Li Zeng-Zhao , Jing Jun , Xiong Wei , Li Tie-Fu , Yu Ting 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe theoretically investigate the spectral features of tunneling-induced transparency (TIT) and Autler-Townes (AT) doublet and triplet in a triple-quantum-dot system. By analyzing the eigenenergy spectrum of the system Hamiltonian, we can discriminate TIT and double TIT from AT doublet and triplet, respectively. For the resonant case, the presence of the TIT does not exhibit distinguishable anticrossing in the eigenenergy spectrum in the weak-tunneling regime, while the occurrence of double anticrossings in the strong-tunneling regime shows that the TIT evolves to the AT doublet. For the off-resonance case, the appearance of a new detuning-dependent dip in the absorption spectrum leads to double TIT behavior in the weak-tunneling regime due to no distinguished anticrossing occurring in the eigenenergy spectrum. However, in the strong-tunneling regime, a new detuning-dependent dip in the absorption spectrum results in AT triplet owing to the presence of triple anticrossings in the eigenenergy spectrum. Our results can be applied to quantum measurement and quantum-optics devices in solid systems.
Quantitative Evaluation of Pain during Electrocutaneous Stimulation using a Log-Linearized Peripheral Arterial Viscoelastic Model
Authors: Matsubara Hiroki , Hirano Hiroki , Hirano Harutoyo , Soh Zu , Nakamura Ryuji , Saeki Noboru , Kawamoto Masashi , Yoshizumi Masao , Yoshino Atsuo , Sasaoka Takafumi , Yamawaki Shigeto , Tsuji Toshio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn clinical practice, subjective pain evaluations, e.g., the visual analogue scale and the numeric rating scale, are generally employed, but these are limited in terms of their ability to detect inaccurate reports, and are unsuitable for use in anesthetized patients or those with dementia. We focused on the peripheral sympathetic nerve activity that responds to pain, and propose a method for evaluating pain sensation, including intensity, sharpness, and dullness, using the arterial stiffness index. In the experiment, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and photoplethysmograms were obtained, and an arterial viscoelastic model was applied to estimate arterial stiffness. The relationships among the stiffness index, self-reported pain sensation, and electrocutaneous stimuli were examined and modelled. The relationship between the stiffness index and pain sensation could be modelled using a sigmoid function with high determination coefficients, where R2 ≥ 0.88, p < 0.01 for intensity, R2 ≥ 0.89, p < 0.01 for sharpness, and R2 ≥ 0.84, p < 0.01 for dullness when the stimuli could appropriately evoke dull pain.
Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data
Authors: Pellegrino Elisa , Bedini Stefano , Nuti Marco , Ercoli Laura 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDespite the extensive cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) maize and considerable number of scientific reports on its agro-environmental impact, the risks and benefits of GE maize are still being debated and concerns about safety remain. This meta-analysis aimed at increasing knowledge on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits of GE maize by analyzing the peer-reviewed literature (from 1996 to 2016) on yield, grain quality, non-target organisms (NTOs), target organisms (TOs) and soil biomass decomposition. Results provided strong evidence that GE maize performed better than its near isogenic line: grain yield was 5.6 to 24.5% higher with lower concentrations of mycotoxins (−28.8%), fumonisin (−30.6%) and thricotecens (−36.5%). The NTOs analyzed were not affected by GE maize, except for Braconidae, represented by a parasitoid of European corn borer, the target of Lepidoptera active Bt maize. Biogeochemical cycle parameters such as lignin content in stalks and leaves did not vary, whereas biomass decomposition was higher in GE maize. The results support the cultivation of GE maize, mainly due to enhanced grain quality and reduction of human exposure to mycotoxins. Furthermore, the reduction of the parasitoid of the target and the lack of consistent effects on other NTOs are confirmed.
First evidence of an extensive Acheulean large cutting tool accumulation in Europe from Porto Maior (Galicia, Spain)
Authors: Méndez-Quintas E. , Santonja M. , Pérez-González A. , Duval M. , Demuro M. , Arnold L. J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe describe a European Acheulean site characterised by an extensive accumulation of large cutting tools (LCT). This type of Lower Paleolithic assemblage, with dense LCT accumulations, has only been found on the African continent and in the Near East until now. The identification of a site with large accumulations of LCTs favours the hypothesis of an African origin for the Acheulean of Southwest Europe. The lithic tool-bearing deposits date back to 293–205 thousand years ago. Our chronological findings confirm temporal overlap between sites with clear “African” Acheulean affinities and Early Middle Paleolithic sites found elsewhere in the region. These complex technological patterns could be consistent with the potential coexistence of different human species in south-western Europe during the Middle Pleistocene.
Binge Alcohol Exposure Causes Neurobehavioral Deficits and GSK3β Activation in the Hippocampus of Adolescent Rats
Authors: Ji Zhe , Yuan Lin , Lu Xiong , Ding Hanqing , Luo Jia , Ke Zun-Ji 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHeavy alcohol exposure causes profound damage to the adolescent brain, particularly the hippocampus, which underlie some behavioral deficits. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain inconclusive. The current study sought to determine whether binge alcohol exposure affects the hippocampus-related behaviors and key signaling proteins that may mediate alcohol neurotoxicity in adolescent rats. Alcohol exposure reduced the number of both NeuN-positive and doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus. Alcohol also induced neurodegeneration which was confirmed by ultrastructural analysis by electronic microscopy and was accompanied with the activation of microglia. Binge alcohol exposure impaired spatial learning and memory which was evaluated by the Morris water maze. However, alcohol did not alter the spontaneous locomotor activity which was determined by the open field test. GSK3β is a multi-function serine/threonine protein kinase regulating both neuronal survival and neurogenesis and plays an important role in various neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously shown that GSK3β is a key mediator of alcohol-induced neuron apoptosis in the developing brain. We showed here binge alcohol exposure caused GSK3β activation by inducing dephosphorylation at Ser9 without affecting the phosphorylation of Tyr216 in the hippocampus. Thus, GSK3β may be involved in binge alcohol exposure-induced neuronal damage to the adolescent hippocampus.
Subduction of a low-salinity water mass around the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea
Authors: Huang Zhida , Zhuang Wei , Liu Hailong , Hu Jianyu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBased on three climatologically observed temperature and salinity datasets (i.e., GDEM-V3, SCSPOD14 and WOA13), this paper reports a low-salinity (~34.32) water mass in the subsurface-to-intermediate layer around the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. This water mass mainly subducts from the surface layer into the intermediate layer, characterized by a relatively low potential vorticity tongue extending from the bottom of mixed layer to the thermocline, and accompanied by a thermocline ventilation in spring (especially in April). The potential dynamics are the joint effects of negative wind stress curl, and an anticyclonic eddy triggered by the inherent topographic effect of the Xisha Islands, reflecting that downward vertical motion dominates the subduction. Despite lacking of the homogenous temperature and density, the low-salinity water mass is to some extent similar to the classic mode water and can be regarded as a deformed mode water in the South China Sea.
Intravenous synthetic platelet (SynthoPlate) nanoconstructs reduce bleeding and improve ‘golden hour’ survival in a porcine model of traumatic arterial hemorrhage
Authors: Hickman DaShawn A. , Pawlowski Christa L. , Shevitz Andrew , Luc Norman F. , Kim Ann , Girish Aditya , Marks Joyann , Ganjoo Simi , Huang Stephanie , Niedoba Edward , Sekhon Ujjal D. S. , Sun Michael , Dyer Mitchell , Neal Matthew D. , Kashyap Vikram S. , Sen Gupta Anirban 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTraumatic non-compressible hemorrhage is a leading cause of civilian and military mortality and its treatment requires massive transfusion of blood components, especially platelets. However, in austere civilian and battlefield locations, access to platelets is highly challenging due to limited supply and portability, high risk of bacterial contamination and short shelf-life. To resolve this, we have developed an I.V.-administrable ‘synthetic platelet’ nanoconstruct (SynthoPlate), that can mimic and amplify body’s natural hemostatic mechanisms specifically at the bleeding site while maintaining systemic safety. Previously we have reported the detailed biochemical and hemostatic characterization of SynthoPlate in a non-trauma tail-bleeding model in mice. Building on this, here we sought to evaluate the hemostatic ability of SynthoPlate in emergency administration within the ‘golden hour’ following traumatic hemorrhagic injury in the femoral artery, in a pig model. We first characterized the storage stability and post-sterilization biofunctionality of SynthoPlate in vitro. The nanoconstructs were then I.V.-administered to pigs and their systemic safety and biodistribution were characterized. Subsequently we demonstrated that, following femoral artery injury, bolus administration of SynthoPlate could reduce blood loss, stabilize blood pressure and significantly improve survival. Our results indicate substantial promise of SynthoPlate as a viable platelet surrogate for emergency management of traumatic bleeding.
Temporal Differentiation of Crop Growth as One of the Drivers of Intercropping Yield Advantage
Authors: Dong Nan , Tang Ming-Ming , Zhang Wei-Ping , Bao Xing-Guo , Wang Yu , Christie Peter , Li Long 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntercropping studies usually focus on yield advantage and interspecific interactions but few quantify temporal niche differentiation and its relationship with intercropping yield advantage. A field experiment conducted in northwest China in 2013 and 2014 examined four intercropping systems (oilseed rape/maize, oilseed rape/soybean, potato/maize, and soybean/potato) and the corresponding monocultures. Total dry matter data collected every 20 d after maize emergence were fitted to logistic models to investigate the temporal dynamics of crop growth and interspecific interactions. All four intercropping systems showed significant yield advantages. Temporal niche complementarity between intercropped species was due to differences in sowing and harvesting dates or the time taken to reach maximum daily growth rate or both. Interspecific interactions between intercropped species amplified temporal niche differentiation as indicated by postponement of the time taken to reach maximum daily growth rate of late-maturing crops (i.e. 21 to 41 days in maize associated with oilseed rape or potato). Growth trajectories of intercropped maize or soybean recovered after the oilseed rape harvest to the same values as in their monoculture on a per plant basis. Amplified niche differentiation between crop species depends on the identity of neighboring species whose relative growth rate is crucial in determining the differentiation.
Cytoskeleton stability is essential for the integrity of the cerebellum and its motor- and affective-related behaviors
Authors: Muñoz-Castañeda Rodrigo , Díaz David , Peris Leticia , Andrieux Annie , Bosc Christophe , Muñoz-Castañeda José M. , Janke Carsten , Alonso José R. , Moutin Marie-Jo , Weruaga Eduardo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe cerebellum plays a key role in motor tasks, but its involvement in cognition is still being considered. Although there is an association of different psychiatric and cognitive disorders with cerebellar impairments, the lack of time-course studies has hindered the understanding of the involvement of cerebellum in cognitive and non-motor functions. Such association was here studied using the Purkinje Cell Degeneration mutant mouse, a model of selective and progressive cerebellar degeneration that lacks the cytosolic carboxypeptidase 1 (CCP1). The effects of the absence of this enzyme on the cerebellum of mutant mice were analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. These analyses were carried out longitudinally (throughout both the pre-neurodegenerative and neurodegenerative stages) and different motor and non-motor tests were performed. We demonstrate that the lack of CCP1 affects microtubule dynamics and flexibility, defects that contribute to the morphological alterations of the Purkinje cells (PCs), and to progressive cerebellar breakdown. Moreover, this degeneration led not only to motor defects but also to gradual cognitive impairments, directly related to the progression of cellular damage. Our findings confirm the cerebellar implication in non-motor tasks, where the formation of the healthy, typical PCs structure is necessary for normal cognitive and affective behavior.
Health-related quality of life in adolescents and the retinal microvascular structure
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Liew Gerald , Burlutsky George , Baur Louise A. , Mitchell Paul 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe aimed to investigate whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with retinal vascular caliber, an indicator of subclinical cardiovascular disease risk. 1600 students aged between 11–19 years (821 girls and 779 boys) were examined during 2009–2011. Retinal vessel caliber was measured from digital retinal images. HRQoL was assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). In the overall cohort, each 1-unit increase in PedsQL total score and the psychosocial summary score was associated with ~0.05 μm narrowing in retinal arteriolar caliber (multivariable-adjusted p-value = 0.01). Participants in the lowest versus highest tertile of PedsQL total score, psychosocial summary, social and school item scores had significantly wider retinal arteriolar caliber: 161.7 μm versus 160.2 μm (p = 0.02); 161.6 μm versus 160.0 μm (p = 0.02); 161.6 μm versus 159.9 μm (p = 0.002); and 161.6 μm versus 159.9 μm (p = 0.01), respectively. Significant interactions (p < 0.05) were observed between gender and PedsQL total score with retinal arteriolar calibre. In boys, inverse associations were observed between PedsQL total score (p = 0.01), psychosocial summary (p = 0.01), and social scores (p = 0.01) and retinal arteriolar caliber. No significant associations were observed between PedsQL scores and retinal vessel caliber in girls. Diminished HRQoL in adolescents was independently associated with structural retinal microvascular changes.
Solar Thermo-coupled Electrochemical Oxidation of Aniline in Wastewater for the Complete Mineralization Beyond an Anodic Passivation Film
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Tian Lei , Li Zhida , Jiang Hong , Yan Chao , Dong Jing , Wu Hongjun , Wang Baohui 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHerein, we report the solar thermal electrochemical process (STEP) aniline oxidation in wastewater for totally solving the two key obstacles of the huge energy consumption and passivation film in the electrochemical treatment. The process, fully driven by solar energy without input of any other energies, sustainably serves as an efficient thermoelectrochemical oxidation of aniline by the control of the thermochemical and electrochemical coordination. The thermocoupled electrochemical oxidation of aniline achieved a fast rate and high efficiency for the full minimization of aniline to CO2 with the stability of the electrode and without formation of polyaniline (PAN) passivation film. A clear mechanism of aniline oxidation indicated a switching of the reactive pathway by the STEP process. Due to the coupling of solar thermochemistry and electrochemistry, the electrochemical current remained stable, significantly improving the oxidation efficiency and mineralization rate by apparently decreasing the electrolytic potential when applied with high temperature. The oxidation rate of aniline and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate could be lifted up to 2.03 and 2.47 times magnification compared to conventional electrolysis, respectively. We demonstrate that solar-driven STEP processes are capable of completely mineralizing aniline with high utilization of solar energy. STEP aniline oxidation can be utilized as a green, sustainable water treatment.
Facile emulsion mediated synthesis of phase-pure diopside nanoparticles
Authors: Tajuelo Rodriguez Elena , Anovitz Lawrence M. , Clement Caleb D. , Rondinone Adam J. , Cheshire Michael C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDiopside is a common natural pyroxene that is rarely found in a pure state, since magnesium is often partially substituted by iron, and other elements (sodium and aluminum) are often present. This pyroxene, along with feldspars and olivines, is common in concrete. As the prospective license renewal of light water reactors to 80 years of operation has raised concerns on the effects of radiation in the concrete biological shield surrounding the reactors, mineral nanoparticles can be valuable to perform amorphization studies to inform predictive models of mechanical properties of irradiated concrete. The synthesis of diopside nanoparticles was achieved in this study using a reverse-micelle sol-gel method employing TEOS, calcium chloride and Mg(MeO)2 in a methanol/toluene solution. Tert-butylamine and water were used as hydrolysis agents, and dodecylamine as a surfactant. The resulting amorphous precursor was centrifuged to remove organics and fired at 800 °C. Additional reaction with hydrogen peroxide was used to remove amine remnants. TEM and SEM examinations revealed a product comprised of 50–100 nm diameter nanoparticles. XRD indicated phase pure diopside and BET indicated a surface area of 63.5 m2/g before peroxide treatment, which at a bulk density of 3.4 g/cm3 is equivalent to particles with diameter of 28 nm.
Rapid identification of a stripe rust resistant gene in a space-induced wheat mutant using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing
Authors: Yin Jun-liang , Fang Zheng-wu , Sun Cai , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xing , Lu Chen , Wang Shu-ping , Ma Dong-fang , Zhu Yong-xing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. Resistant cultivars are the preferred strategy to control the disease. Space-induced wheat mutant R39 has adult-plant resistance (APR) to Pst. Genetic analysis indicated that a single recessive gene, designated YrR39, was responsible for the APR of R39 to Pst. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with a SLAF sequencing (SLAF-seq) strategy was used to fine-map YrR39 to a 17.39 Mb segment on chromosome 4B. The region was confirmed by analysis with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 126 genes were annotated in the region and 21 genes with annotations associated with disease response were selected for further qRT-PCR analysis. The candidate gene Traes_4BS_C868349E1 (annotated as an F-box/LRR-repeat protein) was up-regulated after 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours post inoculation with Pst, suggesting it is likely involved in the resistance. The current study demonstrated that BSA combined with SLAF-seq for SNP discovery is an efficient approach for mapping and identifying candidate functional gene.
Predicting sex from brain rhythms with deep learning
Authors: van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Olbrich Sebastian , Arns Martijn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe have excellent skills to extract sex from visual assessment of human faces, but assessing sex from human brain rhythms seems impossible. Using deep convolutional neural networks, with unique potential to find subtle differences in apparent similar patterns, we explore if brain rhythms from either sex contain sex specific information. Here we show, in a ground truth scenario, that a deep neural net can predict sex from scalp electroencephalograms with an accuracy of >80% (p < 10−5), revealing that brain rhythms are sex specific. Further, we extracted sex-specific features from the deep net filter layers, showing that fast beta activity (20–25 Hz) and its spatial distribution is a main distinctive attribute. This demonstrates the ability of deep nets to detect features in spatiotemporal data unnoticed by visual assessment, and to assist in knowledge discovery. We anticipate that this approach may also be successfully applied to other specialties where spatiotemporal data is abundant, including neurology, cardiology and neuropsychology.
Enhanced release of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes generates a lipidomics signature in CSF of Multiple Sclerosis patients
Authors: Pieragostino Damiana , Cicalini Ilaria , Lanuti Paola , Ercolino Eva , di Ioia Maria , Zucchelli Mirco , Zappacosta Romina , Miscia Sebastiano , Marchisio Marco , Sacchetta Paolo , Onofrj Marco , Del Boccio Piero 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMultiple Sclerosis (MuS) is a complex multifactorial neuropathology, resulting in heterogeneous clinical presentation. A very active MuS research field concerns the discovery of biomarkers helpful to make an early and definite diagnosis. The sphingomyelin pathway has emerged as a molecular mechanism involved in MuS, since high levels of ceramides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were related to axonal damage and neuronal dysfunction. Ceramides are the hydrolysis products of sphingomyelins through a reaction catalyzed by a family of enzymes named sphingomyelinases, which were recently related to myelin repair in MuS. Here, using a lipidomic approach, we observed low levels of several sphingomyelins in CSF of MuS patients compared to other inflammatory and non-inflammatory, central or peripheral neurological diseases. Starting by this result, we investigated the sphingomyelinase activity in CSF, showing a significantly higher enzyme activity in MuS. In support of these results we found high number of total exosomes in CSF of MuS patients and a high number of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes correlated to enzymatic activity and to disease severity. These data are of diagnostic relevance and show, for the first time, high number of acid sphingomyelinase-enriched exosomes in MuS, opening a new window for therapeutic approaches/targets in the treatment of MuS.