bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dipolar interactions on the sensitivity of nonlinear spinor-BEC interterometry
Authors: Tan Qing-Shou , Xie Qiong-Tao , Kuang Le-Man 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe consider the effects of dipole-dipole interactions on a nonlinear interferometer with spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates. Compared with the traditional atomic SU(1,1) interferometer, the shot-noise phase sensitivity can be beaten with respect to the input total average number of particles; and the improved sensitivity depends on the effective strength of the dipolar interaction via modifying the trapping geometry. It indicates that the best performance of the interferometer is achieved with highly oblate trap potential. The Bayesian phase estimation strategy is explored to extract the phase information. We show that the Cramér-Rao phase uncertainly bound can saturate, when the ideal dis-entangle scheme is applied. The phase average of the phase sensitivity is also discussed.
Light pollution is greatest within migration passage areas for nocturnally-migrating birds around the world
Authors: Cabrera-Cruz Sergio A. , Smolinsky Jaclyn A. , Buler Jeffrey J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExcessive or misdirected artificial light at night (ALAN) produces light pollution that influences several aspects of the biology and ecology of birds, including disruption of circadian rhythms and disorientation during flight. Many migrating birds traverse large expanses of land twice every year at night when ALAN illuminates the sky. Considering the extensive and increasing encroachment of light pollution around the world, we evaluated the association of the annual mean ALAN intensity over land within the geographic ranges of 298 nocturnally migrating bird species with five factors: phase of annual cycle, mean distance between breeding and non-breeding ranges, range size, global hemisphere of range, and IUCN category of conservation concern. Light pollution within geographic ranges was relatively greater during the migration season, for shorter-distance migrants, for species with smaller ranges, and for species in the western hemisphere. Our results suggest that migratory birds may be subject to the effects of light pollution particularly during migration, the most critical stage in their annual cycle. We hope these results will spur further research on how light pollution affects not only migrating birds, but also other highly mobile animals throughout their annual cycle.
iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals important metabolic pathways for arsenic-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Wu Shunhua , Li Jing , Jin Xiang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLong-term consumption of sodium arsenite contaminated water can cause endemic arsenic disease. The proteome profile changes of liver fibrosis after exposure to arsenite containing water remain unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were treated with sodium arsenite (iAs3+), using a daily dose of 1.36 mg/kg body weight (medium dose group, M), 2.73 mg/kg body weight (high dose group, H) or deionized water (control group, C). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) were used to identify the different abundant proteins (DAPs) after arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. A total of 2987 high-quality proteins were detected (95% confident peptides ≥ 2), 608 of which were differentially expressed (fold change > 2 andp < 0.05) in M group and 475 in H group. Moreover, 431 DAPs were found in both M and H groups and used in subsequent bioinformatic analyses. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed 4,709 GO terms could be mapped, among which purine binding, actin filament binding and protein kinase binding were the most enriched terms for molecular function category. In addition, protein-protein interaction analysis showed six clusters of interaction networks. Our data provided new insights into the proteome changes after arsenic-induced liver fibrosis in model rats.
The CaV2α1 EF-hand F helix tyrosine, a highly conserved locus for GPCR inhibition of CaV2 channels
Authors: Dunn Tyler W. , Fan Xiaotang , Ase Ariel R. , Séguéla Philippe , Sossin Wayne S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe sensory neuron ofAplysia californicaparticipates in several forms of presynaptic plasticity including homosynaptic depression, heterosynaptic depression, facilitation and the reversal of depression. The calcium channel triggering neurotransmitter release at most synapses is CaV2, consisting of the pore forming α1 subunit (CaV2α1), and auxiliary CaVβ, and CaVα2δ subunits. To determine the role of the CaV2 channel in presynaptic plasticity inAplysia, we cloned Aplysia CaV2α1, CaVβ, and CaVα2δ and over-expressed the proteins in Aplysia sensory neurons (SN). We show expression of exogenous CaV2α1 in the neurites of culturedAplysiaSN. One proposed mechanism for heterosynaptic depression inAplysiais through inhibition of CaV2. Here, we demonstrate that heterosynaptic depression of the CaV2 calcium current is inhibited when a channel with a Y-F mutation at the conserved Src phosphorylation site is expressed, showing the strong conservation of this mechanism over evolution. We also show that the Y-F mutation reduces heterosynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release, highlighting the physiological importance of this mechanism for the regulation of synaptic efficacy. These results also demonstrate our ability to replace endogenous CaV2 channels with recombinant channels allowing future examination of the structure function relationship of CaV2 in the regulation of transmitter release in this system.
Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension is Reduced by Deficiency of P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Hui , Wang Jintao , Venugopal Jessica , Kleiman Kyle , Guo Chiao , Sun Yingxian , Eitzman Daniel T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIdentification of inflammatory mediators that regulate the vascular response to vasopressor molecules may aid in the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat or prevent hypertensive vascular diseases. Leukocytes have recently been shown to be capable of modifying blood pressure responses to vasopressor molecules. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that deficiency of the leukocyte ligand, Psgl-1, would reduce the pressor response to angiotensin II (Ang II). Mice deficient in Psgl-1 (Psgl-1−/−) along with wild-type (WT) controls were treated for 2 weeks with a continuous infusion of Ang II. No differences in blood pressure between the groups were noted at baseline, however after 5 days of Ang II infusion, systolic blood pressures were higher in WT compared to Psgl-1−/− mice. The pressor response to acute administration of high dose Ang II was also attenuated in Psgl-1−/− compared to WT mice. Chimeric mice with hematopoietic deficiency of Psgl-1 similarly showed a reduced pressor response to Ang II. This effect was associated with reduced plasma interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels in Psgl-1−/− mice and the reduced pressor response was restored by administration of recombinant IL-17. In conclusion, hematopoietic deficiency of Psgl-1 attenuates Ang II-induced hypertension, an effect that may be mediated by reduced IL-17.
Substantial Seasonal Contribution of Observed Biogenic Sulfate Particles to Cloud Condensation Nuclei
Authors: Sanchez Kevin J. , Chen Chia-Li , Russell Lynn M. , Betha Raghu , Liu Jun , Price Derek J. , Massoli Paola , Ziemba Luke D. , Crosbie Ewan C. , Moore Richard H. , Müller Markus , Schiller Sven A. , Wisthaler Armin , Lee Alex K. Y. , Quinn Patricia K. , Bates Timothy S. , Porter Jack , Bell Thomas G. , Saltzman Eric S. , Vaillancourt Robert D. , Behrenfeld Mike J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiogenic sources contribute to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the clean marine atmosphere, but few measurements exist to constrain climate model simulations of their importance. The chemical composition of individual atmospheric aerosol particles showed two types of sulfate-containing particles in clean marine air masses in addition to mass-based Estimated Salt particles. Both types of sulfate particles lack combustion tracers and correlate, for some conditions, to atmospheric or seawater dimethyl sulfide (DMS) concentrations, which means their source was largely biogenic. The first type is identified as New Sulfate because their large sulfate mass fraction (63% sulfate) and association with entrainment conditions means they could have formed by nucleation in the free troposphere. The second type is Added Sulfate particles (38% sulfate), because they are preexisting particles onto which additional sulfate condensed. New Sulfate particles accounted for 31% (7 cm−3) and 33% (36 cm−3) CCN at 0.1% supersaturation in late-autumn and late-spring, respectively, whereas sea spray provided 55% (13 cm−3) in late-autumn but only 4% (4 cm−3) in late-spring. Our results show a clear seasonal difference in the marine CCN budget, which illustrates how important phytoplankton-produced DMS emissions are for CCN in the North Atlantic.
Impaired Cardiac Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis by Comparison with Normal Subjects
Authors: Mincu Raluca Ileana , Magda Stefania Lucia , Mihaila Sorina , Florescu Maria , Mihalcea Diana Janina , Velcea Andreea , Chiru Adela , Tiu Cristina , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu , Cinteza Mircea , Vinereanu Dragos 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS), neurologic disease affecting young population, may cause cardiovascular dysfunction, due to autonomous nervous dysfunction, physical invalidity, increased oxidative stress, and systemic inflammatory status. However, cardiovascular function is rarely evaluated in these patients. We assessed left and right ventricular (LV and RV) function by 2D, 3D, tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking echocardiography, and vascular function by remodeling, stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction parameters in patients with MS, compared to control subjects. 103 subjects (35 ± 10 years,70 women) were studied: 67 patients with MS and 36 control subjects. Patients with MS had decreased LV systolic function, confirmed by lower 2D and 3D ejection fraction, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, longitudinal myocardial systolic velocities, and 2D and 3D global longitudinal strain. The RV function was also decreased, as demonstrated by lower fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, longitudinal systolic velocities, and longitudinal strain. Additionally, LV diastolic and left atrial (LA) function were decreased compared to controls. The parameters of arterial and endothelial function were similar between groups. Patients with MS have impaired biventricular function by comparison with normal subjects, with reduced LA function, but normal arterial and endothelial function. The noninvasive echocardiographic techniques might help to determine patients with MS at risk of developing cardiovascular dysfunction.
Climate variability in the northern and southern Altai Mountains during the past 50 years
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Yang Yunpeng , Lan Bo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Holocene drying trend in the northern Altai Mountains and the wetting trend in the southern Altai Mountains inferred from the paleoclimatic studies indicated it is needed to understand the modern climatic characters in this region. However, a detailed analysis of modern climate variations in the northern and southern Altai Mountains is lacking. Here, we investigate the monthly temperature and monthly precipitation data from seventeen meteorological stations during 1966–2015 in the northern and southern Altai. The result shows that temperature increases significantly in the northern (0.42 °C/10 yr) and in the southern (0.54 °C/10 yr). The precipitation decreases insignificantly (−1.41 mm/10 yr) in the northern, whereas it increases significantly (8.89 mm/10 yr) in the southern. The out-of-phase relationship of precipitation changes is also recorded at different time-scales (i.e., season, year, multi-decades, centennial and millennial scales), indicating the Altai Mountains are an important climatic boundary. Based on the analysis of modern atmosphere circulation, the decreased precipitation in the northern corresponds to the decreasing contribution of ‘Northern meridional and Stationary anticyclone’ and ‘Northern meridional and East zonal’ circulation and the increased precipitation in the southern are associated with the increasing contribution of ‘West zonal and Southern meridional’ circulation.
Molecular subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Di Fede Giuseppe , Catania Marcella , Maderna Emanuela , Ghidoni Roberta , Benussi Luisa , Tonoli Elisa , Giaccone Giorgio , Moda Fabio , Paterlini Anna , Campagnani Ilaria , Sorrentino Stefano , Colombo Laura , Kubis Adriana , Bistaffa Edoardo , Ghetti Bernardino , Tagliavini Fabrizio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractProtein misfolding and aggregation is a central feature of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in which assemblies of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides accumulate in the brain in the form of parenchymal and/or vascular amyloid. A widely accepted concept is that AD is characterized by distinct clinical and neuropathological phenotypes. Recent studies revealed that Aβ assemblies might have structural differences among AD brains and that such pleomorphic assemblies can correlate with distinct disease phenotypes. We found that in both sporadic and inherited forms of AD, amyloid aggregates differ in the biochemical composition of Aβ species. These differences affect the physicochemical properties of Aβ assemblies including aggregation kinetics, resistance to degradation by proteases and seeding ability. Aβ-amyloidosis can be induced and propagated in animal models by inoculation of brain extracts containing aggregated Aβ. We found that brain homogenates from AD patients with different molecular profiles of Aβ are able to induce distinct patterns of Aβ-amyloidosis when injected into mice. Overall these data suggest that the assembly of mixtures of Aβ peptides into different Aβ seeds leads to the formation of distinct subtypes of amyloid having distinctive physicochemical and biological properties which result in the generation of distinct AD molecular subgroups.
Greater corneal nerve loss at the inferior whorl is related to the presence of diabetic neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Kalteniece Alise , Ferdousi Maryam , Petropoulos Ioannis , Azmi Shazli , Adam Safwaan , Fadavi Hassan , Marshall Andrew , Boulton Andrew J. M. , Efron Nathan , Faber Catharina G. , Lauria Giuseppe , Soran Handrean , Malik Rayaz A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe assessed whether a measure of more distal corneal nerve fibre loss at the inferior whorl(IW) region is better than proximal measures of central corneal nerve damage in relation to the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN), painful DPN and quality of life(QoL). Participants underwent detailed assessment of neuropathy, QoL using the SF36 questionnaire, pain visual analogue score(VAS), and corneal confocal microscopy(CCM). Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD) and length (CNFL) at the central cornea and inferior whorl length (IWL) and average(ANFL) and total(TNFL) nerve fibre length were compared in patients with and without DPN and between patients with and without painful DPN and in relation to QoL. All CCM parameters were significantly reduced, but IWL was reduced ~three-fold greater than CNFL in patients with and without DPN compared to controls. IWL(p = 0.001), ANFL(p = 0.01) and TNFL(p = 0.02) were significantly lower in patients with painful compared to painless DPN. The VAS score correlated with IWL(r = −0.36, P = 0.004), ANFL(r = −0.32, P = 0.01) and TNFL(r = −0.32, P = 0.01) and QoL correlated with CNFL(r = 0.35, P = 0.01) and IWL(r = 0.4, P = 0.004). Corneal nerve fibre damage is more prominent at the IW, lower in patients with painful compared to painless neuropathy and relates to their QoL. IWL may provide additional clinical utility for CCM in patients with DPN.
Human Pressures on Natural Reserves in Yunnan Province and Management Implications
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Hu Jinming , Yang Feiling , Liu Feng , Li Xinwang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe analysis of status and major sources of human pressures on natural reserves (NRs) is important for optimizing their management. This study selected population density, gross domestic product (GDP) density and areal percentage of human land use to reveal the human pressures of national and provincial NRs (NNRs and PNRs) in Yunnan Province, China. We calculated three types of internal and external human pressure index (HPI) and comprehensive HPI (CHPI) for NRs. Human pressures on most of NRs were slight and light, indicating that most of NRs were well protected. Human pressures on PNRs were higher than on NNRs; with respect to five types of NRs, geological relict NRs were facing the highest human pressures, followed by wetland ecosystem NRs. Land use and population density were the main human pressures on these NRs. Yunnan Province should put the highest emphasis on three NNRs and two Ramsar site PNRs with severe CHPI, secondly pay attention to eight conservation-oriented PNRs with extreme or severe CHPI. It’s urgent for Yunnan to implement scientific policies and measures to reduce land use and population density pressures of NRs, especially with severe and extreme CHPI, by transforming internal land use and/or implementing residents’ eco-migration.
Initial meconium microbiome in Chinese neonates delivered naturally or by cesarean section
Authors: Shi Yi-Chao , Guo He , Chen Jing , Sun Gang , Ren Rong-Rong , Guo Ming-Zhou , Peng Li-Hua , Yang Yun-Sheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have revealed significant differences in microbiome compositions between infants delivered via cesarean section (C-section) and natural vaginal birth. However, the importance of the delivery mode in the first days of life remains unclear. Importantly, this stage is minimally affected by infant feeding. Here, we used a metagenomic sequencing technique to characterize the meconium microbiome from the feces of a Chinese cohort of vaginally and C-section-delivered infants, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) newborns, during the first 24 h after birth. Meconium microbiome diversity was higher in vaginally delivered infants than that in C-section-delivered infants. Propionibacterium species were most abundant in the vaginally delivered infants, whereas the C-section group had high levels of Bacillus licheniformis. The two IVF newborns delivered by C-section harbored microbial communities similar to the vaginal microbiome in terms of taxonomic composition. Metabolic functions of the C-section group suffered more from the influence of the dominant group (B. licheniformis), whereas the vaginal group was more homogeneous, with a metabolism dominated by multi-microbes. Moreover, different modes of delivery affected the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) prevalence. These findings provide novel information for the development of strategies to guide a healthy mode of delivery and promote the formation of healthy microbiota.
Nanodiamonds for device applications: An investigation of the properties of boron-doped detonation nanodiamonds
Authors: Afandi Abdulkareem , Howkins Ashley , Boyd Ian W. , Jackman Richard B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe inclusion of boron within nanodiamonds to create semiconducting properties would create a new class of applications in the field of nanodiamond electronics. Theoretical studies have differed in their conclusions as to whether nm-scale NDs would support a stable substitutional boron state, or whether such a state would be unstable, with boron instead aggregating or attaching to edge structures. In the present study detonation-derived NDs with purposefully added boron during the detonation process have been studied with a wide range of experimental techniques. The DNDs are of ~4 nm in size, and have been studied with CL, PL, Raman and IR spectroscopies, AFM and HR-TEM and electrically measured with impedance spectroscopy; it is apparent that the B-DNDs studied here do indeed support substitutional boron species and hence will be acting as semiconducting diamond nanoparticles. Evidence for moderate doping levels in some particles (~1017 B cm−3), is found alongside the observation that some particles are heavily doped (~1020 B cm−3) and likely to be quasi-metallic in character. The current study has therefore shown that substitutional boron doping in nm NDs is in fact possible, opening-up the path to a whole host of new applications for this interesting class of nano-particles.
Structural heterogeneity of the rat pulmonary vein myocardium: consequences on intracellular calcium dynamics and arrhythmogenic potential
Authors: Pasqualin C. , Yu A. , Malécot C. O. , Gannier F. , Cognard C. , Godin-Ribuot D. , Morand J. , Bredeloux P. , Maupoil V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMechanisms underlying ectopic activity in the pulmonary vein (PV) which triggers paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are unknown. Although several studies have suggested that calcium signalling might be involved in these arrhythmias, little is known about calcium cycling in PV cardiomyocytes (CM). We found that individual PV CM showed a wide range of transverse tubular incidence and organization, going from their virtual absence, as described in atrial CM, to well transversally organised tubular systems, like in ventricular CM. These different types of CM were found in groups scattered throughout the tissue. The variability of the tubular system was associated with cell to cell heterogeneity of calcium channel (Cav1.2) localisation and, thereby, of Cav1.2-Ryanodine receptor coupling. This was responsible for multiple forms of PV CM calcium transient. Spontaneous calcium sparks and waves were not only more abundant in PV CM than in LA CM but also associated with a higher depolarising current. In conclusion, compared with either the atrium or the ventricle, PV myocardium presents marked structural and functional heterogeneity.
The characteristics of positive and confusing hand X-ray signs in diagnosing Kashin–Beck Disease in children in China
Authors: Song Quan-Quan , Liu Hui , Lian Wei , Wang Yue , Sun Li-Yan , Gao Mei , Liu Yun-Qi , Deng Hong-Xia , Deng Qing , Liu Ning , Yu Jun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhen screening for Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) in children, hand X-ray examination is the most important measure. However, there is high rate of misdiagnosis because of confusing X-ray signs. We studied the characteristics of positive and confusing hand X-ray signs. Clinical and radiological examinations were conducted in all 7- to 12-year-olds in selected villages from some KBD and non-KBD areas. We analysed the radiological and epidemiological characteristics of the X-ray signs of KBD and the confusing signs. Images from 3,193 children were valid. No cases of KBD were found. Seventeen children (0.53%) had X-ray signs positive for KBD. The confusing X-ray signs included closure reaction of metaphysis-epiphysis (CRME, 14.28%), thumb variation (0.22%), little finger variation (8.89%), the second metacarpal-phalangeal variation (0.13%) and cystic change (3.85%). The onset of CRME in children occurred earlier in girls (9) than in boys (10). The onset occurred earlier in KBD areas (9) than in non-KBD areas (10). The onset occurred earlier in Han children (9) than in Tibetan children (11). In summary, KBD was effectively controlled in all investigated KBD endemic villages, and the age range should be adjusted to 7- to 11-year-olds in Han children to reduce the misdiagnosis rates in KBD surveillance.