bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistics of kinetic and thermal energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhou Quan , Sun Chao 
Published: February 2017

We investigate the statistical properties of the kinetic$\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}$and thermal$\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}$energy dissipation rates in two-dimensional (2-D) turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection. Direct numerical simulations were carried out in a box with unit aspect ratio in the Rayleigh number range$10^{6}\leqslant Ra\leqslant 10^{10}$for Prandtl numbers$Pr=0.7$and 5.3. The probability density functions (PDFs) of both dissipation rates are found to deviate significantly from a log-normal distribution. The PDF tails can be well described by a stretched exponential function, and become broader for higher Rayleigh number and lower Prandtl number, indicating an increasing degree of small-scale intermittency with increasing Reynolds number. Our results show that the ensemble averages$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}\rangle _{V,t}$and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$scale as$Ra^{-0.18\sim -0.20}$, which is in excellent agreement with the scaling estimated from the two global exact relations for the dissipation rates. By separating the bulk and boundary-layer contributions to the total dissipations, our results further reveal that$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{u}\rangle _{V,t}$and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$are both dominated by the boundary layers, corresponding to regimes$I_{l}$and$I_{u}$in the Grossmann–Lohse (GL) theory (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 407, 2000, pp. 27–56). To include the effects of thermal plumes, the plume–background partition is also considered and$\langle \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}\rangle _{V,t}$is found to be plume dominated. Moreover, the boundary-layer/plume contributions scale as those predicted by the GL theory, while the deviations from the GL predictions are observed for the bulk/background contributions. The possible reasons for the deviations are discussed.
Islamic Headcovering and Political Engagement: The Power of Social Networks
Authors: Westfall Aubrey , Çelik Russell Özge , Welborne Bozena , Tobin Sarah 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article explores the relationship between headcovering and women's political participation through an original online survey of 1,917 Muslim-American women. As a visible marker of religious group identity, wearing the headscarf can orient the integration of Muslim women into the American political system via its impact on the openness of their associational life. Our survey respondents who cover are more likely to form insular, strong ties with predominantly Muslim friend networks, which decreased their likelihood of voting and affiliating with a political party. Interestingly, frequency of mosque attendance across both covered and uncovered respondents is associated with a higher probability of political participation, an effect noted in other religious institutions in the United States. Yet, mosque attendance can simultaneously decrease the political engagement of congregants if they are steered into exclusively religious friend groups. This discovery reveals a tension within American Muslim religious life and elaborates on the role of religious institutions vs. social networks in politically mobilizing Muslim-Americans.
Designing a new cropping system for high productivity and sustainable water usage under climate change
Authors: Meng Qingfeng , Wang Hongfei , Yan Peng , Pan Junxiao , Lu Dianjun , Cui Zhenling , Zhang Fusuo , Chen Xinping 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe food supply is being increasingly challenged by climate change and water scarcity. However, incremental changes in traditional cropping systems have achieved only limited success in meeting these multiple challenges. In this study, we applied a systematic approach, using model simulation and data from two groups of field studies conducted in the North China Plain, to develop a new cropping system that improves yield and uses water in a sustainable manner. Due to significant warming, we identified a double-maize (M-M; Zea mays L.) cropping system that replaced the traditional winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) –summer maize system. The M-M system improved yield by 14–31% compared with the conventionally managed wheat-maize system, and achieved similar yield compared with the incrementally adapted wheat-maize system with the optimized cultivars, planting dates, planting density and water management. More importantly, water usage was lower in the M-M system than in the wheat-maize system, and the rate of water usage was sustainable (net groundwater usage was ≤150 mm yr−1). Our study indicated that systematic assessment of adaptation and cropping system scale have great potential to address the multiple food supply challenges under changing climatic conditions.
Physical activity is low in obese New Zealand children and adolescents
Authors: Anderson Yvonne C. , Wynter Lisa E. , Grant Cameron C. , Stewart Joanna M. , Cave Tami L. , Wild Cervantée E. K. , Derraik José G. B. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Hofman Paul L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe aimed to describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour of obese children and adolescents in Taranaki, New Zealand, and to determine how these differ in Māori (indigenous) versus non-indigenous children. Participants (n = 239; 45% Māori, 45% New Zealand European [NZE], 10% other ethnicities) aged 4.8–16.8 years enrolled in a community-based obesity programme from January 2012 to August 2014 who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 98th percentile (n = 233) or >91st–98th percentile with weight-related comorbidities (n = 6) were assessed. Baseline activity levels were assessed using the children’s physical activity questionnaire (C-PAQ), a fitness test, and ≥3 days of accelerometer wear. Average BMI standard deviation score was 3.09 (SD = 0.60, range 1.52–5.34 SDS). Reported median daily activity was 80 minutes (IQR = 88). Although 44% of the cohort met the national recommended screen time of <2 hours per day, the mean screen time was longer at 165 minutes (SD = 135). Accelerometer data (n = 130) showed low physical activity time (median 34 minutes [IQR = 29]). Only 18.5% of the total cohort met national recommended physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day. There were minimal ethnic differences. In conclusion, obese children/adolescents in this cohort had low levels of physical activity. The vast majority are not meeting national physical activity recommendations.
Efficient genome replication of hepatitis B virus using adenovirus vector: a compact pregenomic RNA-expression unit
Authors: Suzuki Mariko , Kondo Saki , Yamasaki Manabu , Matsuda Norie , Nomoto Akio , Suzuki Tetsuro , Saito Izumu , Kanegae Yumi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe complicated replication mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have impeded HBV studies and anti-HBV therapy development as well. Herein we report efficient genome replication of HBV applying adenovirus vectors (AdVs) showing high transduction efficiency. Even in primary hepatocytes derived from humanized mice the transduction efficiencies using AdVs were 450-fold higher compared than those using plasmids. By using an expression unit consisting of the CMV promoter, 1.03-copy HBV genome and foreign poly(A) signal, we successfully generated an improved AdV (HBV103-AdV) that efficiently provided 58 times more pregenomic RNA than previously reported AdVs. The HBV103-AdV-mediated HBV replication was easily and precisely detected using quantitative real-time PCR in primary hepatocytes as well as in HepG2 cells. Notably, when the AdV containing replication-defective HBV genome of 1.14 copy was transduced, we observed that HBV DNA-containing circular molecules (pseudo-ccc DNA) were produced, which were probably generated through homologous recombination. However, the replication-defective HBV103-AdV hardly yielded the pseudo-ccc, probably because the repeated sequences are vey short. Additionally, the efficacies of entecavir and lamivudine were quantitatively evaluated using this system at only 4 days postinfection with HBV103-AdVs. Therefore, this system offers high production of HBV genome replication and thus could become used widely.
Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide in Enhanced Liver Injury and Fibrogenesis during Cholestasis in Cytoglobin-deficient Mice
Authors: Van Thuy Tuong Thi , Thuy Le Thi Thanh , Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study clarified the role of Cygb, the fourth globin in mammals originally discovered in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), in cholestatic liver disease. Bile duct ligation (BDL) augmented inflammatory reactions as revealed by increased infiltrating neutrophils, CD68+-macrophages, and chemokine expression in Cygb−/− mice. In these mice, impairment of bile canalicular indicated by the loss of CD10 expression, down-regulation of bile salt transporters, increased total bile acid, and massive apoptotic and necrotic hepatocytes occurred with the release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase 3, resulting in reduced animal survival compared to wild-type mice. In Cygb−/− mouse liver, all of NO metabolites and oxidative stress were increased. Treatment with NO inhibitor restrained all above phenotypes and restored CD10 expression in BDL Cygb−/− mice, while administration of NO donor aggravated liver damage in BDL-wild type mice to the same extent of BDL-Cygb−/− mice. N-acetylcysteine administration had a negligible effect in all groups. In mice of BDL for 1–3 weeks, expression of all fibrosis-related markers was significantly increased in Cygb−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Thus, Cygb deficiency in HSCs enhances hepatocyte damage and inflammation in early phase and fibrosis development in late phase in mice subjected to BDL, presumably via altered NO metabolism.
WNT/β-Catenin signaling pathway regulates non-tumorigenesis of human embryonic stem cells co-cultured with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsun , Chu Tang-Yuan , Ding Dah-Ching 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cells harbor hope in regenerative medicine, but have limited application in treating clinical diseases due to teratoma formation. Our previous study has indicated that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSC) can be adopted as non-teratogenenic feeders for human embryonic stem cells (hESC). This work describes the mechanism of non-tumorigenesis of that feeder system. In contrast with the mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder, HUCMSC down-regulates the WNT/β-catenin/c-myc signaling in hESC. Thus, adding β-catenin antagonist (FH535 or DKK1) down-regulates β-catenin and c-myc expressions, and suppresses tumorigenesis (3/14 vs. 4/4, p = 0.01) in hESC fed with MEF, while adding the β-catenin enhancer (LiCl or 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime) up-regulates the expressions, and has a trend (p = 0.056) to promote tumorigenesis (2/7 vs. 0/21) in hESC fed with HUCMSC. Furthermore, FH535 supplement does not alter the pluripotency of hESC when fed with MEF, as indicated by the differentiation capabilities of the three germ layers. Taken together, this investigation concludes that WNT/β-catenin/c-myc pathway causes the tumorigenesis of hESC on MEF feeder, and β-catenin antagonist may be adopted as a tumor suppressor.
Subregional structural and connectivity damage in the visual cortex in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Cai Huanhuan , Zhu Jiajia , Zhang Ningnannan , Wang Qiuhui , Zhang Chao , Yang Chunsheng , Sun Jie , Sun Xianting , Yang Li , Yu Chunshui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPatients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) have shown structural and functional impairments in the visual cortex. We aimed to characterize subregional grey matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) changes in the visual cortex in NMO. Thirty-seven NMO patients and forty-two controls underwent structural and functional MRI scans. The GMV and rsFC of each visual subregion were compared between the groups. Compared with controls, NMO patients had GMV reductions in the bilateral V1, V2, V3d, VP, and LO and in the left V3A. In canonical visual pathways, the relatively low-level subregions showed more significant GMV reductions than did the high-level ones. Regardless of GMV correction, NMO patients showed reduced rsFC in the bilateral LO and V4v and in the left V2. The GMVs of the bilateral V1 and LO and of the left V2 and V3d were negatively correlated with clinical disability in NMO patients; these correlation coefficients were associated with hierarchical positions in the visual pathways. These findings suggest that in NMO, the low-level visual subregions have more severe structural damage; structural damage is not the only factor affecting rsFC alterations of visual subregions; GMV reduction in the low-level visual subregions has the highest predictive value for clinical disability.
Mapping the distribution of specific antibody interaction forces on individual red blood cells
Authors: Yeow Natasha , Tabor Rico F. , Garnier Gil 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCurrent blood typing methods rely on the agglutination of red blood cells (RBCs) to macroscopically indicate a positive result. An indirect agglutination mechanism is required when blood typing with IgG forms of antibodies. To date, the interaction forces between anti-IgG and IgG antibodies have been poorly quantified, and blood group related antigens have never been quantified with the atomic force microscope (AFM). Instead, the total intensity resulting from fluorescent-tagged antibodies adsorbed on RBC has been measured to calculate an average antigen density on a series of RBCs. In this study we mapped specific antibody interaction forces on the RBC surface. AFM cantilever tips functionalized with anti-IgG were used to probe RBCs incubated with specific IgG antibodies. This work provides unique insight into antibody-antigen interactions in their native cell-bound location, and crucially, on a per-cell basis rather than an ensemble average set of properties. Force profiles obtained from the AFM directly provide not only the anti-IgG – IgG antibody interaction force, but also the spatial distribution and density of antigens over a single cell. This new understanding might be translated into the development of very selective and quantitative interactions that underpin the action of drugs in the treatment of frontier illnesses.
Effect of polarization on HIV-1protease and fluoro-substituted inhibitors binding energies by large scale molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Duan Li L. , Zhu T. , Li Yu C. , Zhang Qing G. , Zhang John Z. H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulations in explicit water are carried out to study the binding of six inhibitors to HIV-1 protease (PR) for up to 700 ns using the standard AMBER force field and polarized protein-specific charge (PPC). PPC is derived from quantum mechanical calculation for protein in solution and therefore it includes electronic polarization effect. Our results show that in all six systems, the bridging water W301 drifts away from the binding pocket in AMBER simulation. However, it is very stable in all six complexes systems using PPC. Especially, intra-protease, protease-inhibitor hydrogen bonds are dynamic stabilized in MD simulation. The computed binding free energies of six complexes have a significantly linear correlation with those experiment values and the correlation coefficient is found to be 0.91 in PPC simulation. However, the result from AMBER simulation shows a weaker correlation with the correlation coefficient of −0.51 due to the lack of polarization effect. Detailed binding interactions of W301, inhibitors with PR are further analyzed and discussed. The present study provides important information to quantitative understanding the interaction mechanism of PR-inhibitor and PR-W301 and these data also emphasizes the importance of both the electronic polarization and the bridging water molecule in predicting precisely binding affinities.
Enhanced performance of large‐area vertical light‐emitting diodes treated by laser irradiation
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Qun , Meng Fan‐Yi , Sung Ho‐Kun , Yao Zhao , Sun Run‐Yuan , Wang Cong 
Published: February 2017

In this work, a comparative analysis of vertical light‐emitting diodes (VLEDs) examining the device properties is performed with different surface treatment schemes. The VLEDs on graphite substrate are fabricated by the laser lift‐off and the wafer bonding processes. The significance of KrF laser irradiation to form protrusions on the surfaces of undoped gallium nitride (u‐GaN) and n‐GaN is analysed in detail. The light output power of the fabricated VLEDs is significantly increased through the formation of micro‐sized protrusions by the laser irradiation. For VLED irradiated with an energy density of 600 mJ/cm2 on n‐GaN surface with a thin u‐GaN layer, the light output power is improved by 24.8% at 350 mA without degradation of electrical properties compared with that of the conventional VLED.
Long-term Neurological Outcome and Quality of Life after World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades IV and V Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in an Interdisciplinary Treatment Concept
Authors: Schwartz Christoph , Pfefferkorn Thomas , Ebrahimi Caroline , Ottomeyer Caroline , Fesl Gunther , Bender Andreas , Straube Andreas , Pfister Hans-Walter , Heck Suzette , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Schichor Christian 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Detailed data on long-term functional outcome of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades IV and V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAH) are still scarce.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of long-term outcome of WFNS IV and V aSAH patients.

METHODS: Functional outcome and quality of life were assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the 36-item short-form health survey in consecutively treated aSAH WFNS IV and V patients between 2005 and 2010. Scores from the 36-item short-form health survey were compared to a healthy German population. Prognostic factors were analyzed by uni- and multivariate models.

RESULTS: One hundred and seven eligible patients (median age: 53.0 years) were identified. After interdisciplinary consensus on optimal treatment, aneurysms were obliterated either by clipping (n = 35) or by coiling (n = 72). Ten patients were lost to long-term follow-up; the median clinical follow-up period was 3.2 years for the remaining 97 cases. Twenty-five of 97 died during the acute hospital phase and another 10 patients over the follow-up period leaving 62 long-term survivors. At the end of clinical follow-up, 40/97 patients, including 40/62 of long-term survivors, reached functional independence (mRS ≤ 2). Twelve of 97 patients were moderately (mRS = 3), 10/97 patients were severely disabled (mRS ≥ 4). Younger age (≤ 53 years; P = .001) and radiological absence of cerebral infarction (P = .03) were the strongest predictors for favorable outcome. Quality of life was perceived to be only moderately reduced compared to the healthy control group.

CONCLUSION: Poor-grade aSAH is not necessarily associated with poor long-term functional outcome; after aneurysm repair ∼60% of patients survived and among long-term survivors ∼ 60% regained functional independence.
Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Biopsy Using SmartFrame® Stereotaxis in the Setting of a Conventional Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Suite
Authors: Scheer Justin K. , Hamelin Thomas , Chang Leon , Lemkuil Brian , Carter Bob S. , Chen Clark C. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualization during stereotactic needle biopsies affords several valuable benefits to the neurosurgeon, including the opportunity to visually confirm the biopsy site at the time of surgery. Until now, reported experiences with this technique have been limited to the setting of intraoperative MRI or dedicated procedural MRI suites with modified ventilation systems.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with 11 consecutive patients who underwent real-time MRI-guided biopsy performed using SmartFrame® stereotaxis (MRI Interventions, Irvine, California) in the setting of a conventional diagnostic MRI suite.

METHODS: This is a case series of patients that underwent real-time MRI-guided biopsy at a single institution.

RESULTS: Four of the 11 lesions were previously biopsied by experienced neurosurgeons, yielding tissues that were nondiagnostic. Six of these lesions were sub-cubic centimeter in volume. One lesion was associated with aberrant venous anatomy. Two patients underwent laser thermal ablation in the same setting. There were no perioperative complications or unplanned 30-day readmission. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 to home. The operative time for the biopsy averaged 165 ± 24 min. Illustrative examples are reviewed.

CONCLUSION: Real-time MRI-guided needle biopsy can be safely performed in the setting of a conventional diagnostic MRI suite. This technique provides neurosurgeons with the opportunity to visualize and confirm the biopsy site and allows for real-time adjustments in surgical maneuvers.
EPIDEMIOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF A REPORTED CANCER CLUSTER IN A SMALL RURAL POPULATION
Authors: OSBORNE J. SCOTT , SHY CARL M. , KAPLAN BERTON H. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This study investigated a reported cluster of cancer deaths in the small rural community of Bynum, North Carolina. Residents felt the proportion of deaths involving cancer had been increasing since the mid-1960s. To address this concern, cancer mortality was investigated from 1947 to 1985 to determine 1) if the proportion of cancer deaths had increased since the mid-1960s, 2) if it differed from what should be expected based on comparison with the reference population of the state of North Carolina, and 3) if observed mortality was within the bounds of statistical probability. Results indicated that the proportion of cancer deaths remained relatively constant from 1947 to 1964 (ranging from 9% to 14%) but increased steadily after 1965 to a high of 58% (1980–1985). Standardized proportionate mortality ratios adjusted for age, sex, race, and calendar time Indicated that from 1975 to 1985 cancer deaths were 2.4 to 2.6 times greater than expected. Cancer mortality exceeded the upper limit of 95 percent Polsson confidence intervals from 1975 to 1985, which suggested that the excess proportion of cancer deaths was not likely to represent random case clustering. These findings serve to illustrate the feasibility of and a methodology for assessing reports of clusters in small populations.