bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing aridity, temperature and soil pH induce soil C-N-P imbalance in grasslands
Authors: Jiao Feng , Shi Xin-Rong , Han Feng-Peng , Yuan Zhi-You 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDue to the different degrees of controls exerted by biological and geochemical processes, climate changes are suggested to uncouple biogeochemical C, N and P cycles, influencing biomass accumulation, decomposition and storage in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the possible extent of such disruption in grassland ecosystems remains unclear, especially in China’s steppes which have undergone rapid climate changes with increasing drought and warming predicted moving forward in these dryland ecosystems. Here, we assess how soil C-N-P stoichiometry is affected by climatic change along a 3500-km temperate climate transect in Inner Mongolia, China. Our results reveal that the soil from more arid and warmer sites are associated with lower soil organic C, total N and P. The ratios of both soil C:P and N:P decrease, but soil C:N increases with increasing aridity and temperature, indicating the predicted decreases in precipitation and warming for most of the temperate grassland region could lead to a soil C-N-P decoupling that may reduce plant growth and production in arid ecosystems. Soil pH, mainly reflecting long-term climate change in our sites, also contributes to the changing soil C-N-P stoichiometry, indicating the collective influences of climate and soil type on the shape of soil C-N-P balance.
c.A2456C-substitution in Pck1 changes the enzyme kinetic and functional properties modifying fat distribution in pigs
Authors: Latorre Pedro , Burgos Carmen , Hidalgo Jorge , Varona Luis , Carrodeguas José Alberto , López-Buesa Pascual 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, PCK1, is one of the main regulatory enzymes of gluconeogenesis and glyceroneogenesis. The substitution of a single amino acid (Met139Leu) in PCK1 as a consequence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), c.A2456C, is associated in the pig to a negative phenotype characterized by reduced intramuscular fat content, enhanced backfat thickness and lower meat quality. The p.139L enzyme shows reduced kcat values in the glyceroneogenic direction and enhanced ones in the anaplerotic direction. Accordingly, the expression of the p.139L isoform results in about 30% lower glucose and 9% lower lipid production in cell cultures. Moreover, the ability of this isoform to be acetylated is also compromised, what would increase its susceptibility to be degraded in vivo by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The high frequency of the c.2456C allele in modern pig breeds implies that the benefits of including c.A2456C SNP in selection programs could be considerable.
Tubastatin A, an HDAC6 inhibitor, alleviates stroke-induced brain infarction and functional deficits: potential roles of α-tubulin acetylation and FGF-21 up-regulation
Authors: Wang Zhifei , Leng Yan , Wang Junyu , Liao Hsiao-Mei , Bergman Joel , Leeds Peter , Kozikowski Alan , Chuang De-Maw 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHistone deacetylase (HDAC) 6 exists exclusively in cytoplasm and deacetylates cytoplasmic proteins such as α-tubulin. HDAC6 dysfunction is associated with several pathological conditions in the central nervous system. This study investigated the beneficial effects of tubastatin A (TubA), a novel specific HDAC6 inhibitor, in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. Post-ischemic TubA treatment robustly improved functional outcomes, reduced brain infarction and ameliorated neuronal cell death in MCAO rats. These beneficial effects lasted at least three days after MCAO. Notably, when given at 24 hours after MCAO, TubA still exhibited significant protection. Levels of acetylated α-tubulin were decreased in the ischemic hemisphere on Days 1 and 3 after MCAO and were significantly restored by TubA. MCAO markedly downregulated fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and TubA significantly reversed this downregulation. TubA also mitigated impaired FGF-21 signaling in the ischemic hemisphere, including up-regulating β-Klotho and activating ERK and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathways. In addition, both TubA and exogenous FGF-21 conferred neuroprotection and restored mitochondrial trafficking in rat cortical neurons against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Our findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of TubA likely involve HDAC6 inhibition and the subsequent up-regulation of acetylated α-tubulin and FGF-21.
Hair cortisol varies with season and lifestyle and relates to human interactions in German shepherd dogs
Authors: Roth Lina S. V. , Faresjö Åshild , Theodorsson Elvar , Jensen Per 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIt is challenging to measure long-term endocrine stress responses in animals. We investigated whether cortisol extracted from dog hair reflected the levels of activity and stress long-term, during weeks and months. Hair samples from in total 59 German shepherds were analysed. Samples for measuring cortisol concentrations were collected at three occasions and we complemented the data with individual scores from the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) results showed that hair cortisol varied with season and lifestyle: competition dogs had higher levels than companion and professional working dogs and levels were higher in January than in May and September. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the cortisol levels and the C-BARQ score for stranger-directed aggression (r = 0.31, P = 0.036). Interestingly, the factor “playing often with the dog” (r = −0.34, P = 0.019) and “reward with a treat/toy when the dog behaves correctly” (r = −0.37, P = 0.010) correlated negatively with cortisol levels, suggesting that positive human interactions reduce stress. In conclusion, hair cortisol is a promising method for revealing the activity of the HPA-axis over a longer period of time and human interactions influence the cortisol level in dogs.
Proteomics Profiling Reveals Carbohydrate Metabolic Enzymes and 14-3-3 Proteins Play Important Roles for Starch Accumulation during Cassava Root Tuberization
Authors: Wang Xuchu , Chang Lili , Tong Zheng , Wang Dongyang , Yin Qi , Wang Dan , Jin Xiang , Yang Qian , Wang Liming , Sun Yong , Huang Qixing , Guo Anping , Peng Ming 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCassava is one of the most important root crops as a reliable source of food and carbohydrates. Carbohydrate metabolism and starch accumulation in cassava storage root is a cascade process that includes large amounts of proteins and cofactors. Here, comparative proteomics were conducted in cassava root at nine developmental stages. A total of 154 identified proteins were found to be differentially expressed during starch accumulation and root tuberization. Many enzymes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism were significantly up-regulated and functional classification of the differentially expressed proteins demonstrated that the majority were binding-related enzymes. Many proteins were took part in carbohydrate metabolism to produce energy. Among them, three 14-3-3 isoforms were induced to be clearly phosphorylated during storage root enlargement. Overexpression of a cassava 14-3-3 gene inArabidopsis thalianaconfirmed that the older leaves of these transgenic plants contained higher sugar and starch contents than the wild-type leaves. The 14-3-3 proteins and their binding enzymes may play important roles in carbohydrate metabolism and starch accumulation during cassava root tuberization. These results not only deepened our understanding of the tuberous root proteome, but also uncovered new insights into carbohydrate metabolism and starch accumulation during cassava root enlargement.
Secure Multiparty Quantum Computation for Summation and Multiplication
Authors: Shi Run-hua , Mu Yi , Zhong Hong , Cui Jie , Zhang Shun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAs a fundamental primitive, Secure Multiparty Summation and Multiplication can be used to build complex secure protocols for other multiparty computations, specially, numerical computations. However, there is still lack of systematical and efficient quantum methods to compute Secure Multiparty Summation and Multiplication. In this paper, we present a novel and efficient quantum approach to securely compute the summation and multiplication of multiparty private inputs, respectively. Compared to classical solutions, our proposed approach can ensure the unconditional security and the perfect privacy protection based on the physical principle of quantum mechanics.
Urinary Kininogen-1 and Retinol binding protein-4 respond to Acute Kidney Injury: predictors of patient prognosis?
Authors: Gonzalez-Calero Laura , Martin-Lorenzo Marta , Ramos-Barron Angeles , Ruiz-Criado Jorge , Maroto Aroa S. , Ortiz Alberto , Gomez-Alamillo Carlos , Arias Manuel , Vivanco Fernando , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria 
Published: January 2016

AbstractImplementation of therapy for acute kidney injury (AKI) depends on successful prediction of individual patient prognosis. Clinical markers as serum creatinine (sCr) have limitations in sensitivity and early response. The aim of the study was to identify novel molecules in urine which show altered levels in response to AKI and investigate their value as predictors of recovery. Changes in the urinary proteome were here investigated in a cohort of 88 subjects (55 AKI patients and 33 healthy donors) grouped in discovery and validation independent cohorts. Patients’ urine was collected at three time points: within the first 48 h after diagnosis(T1), at 7 days of follow-up(T2) and at discharge of Nephrology(T3). Differential gel electrophoresis was performed and data were confirmed by Western blot (WB), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and kininogen-1 (KNG1) were found significantly altered following AKI. RBP4 increased at T1 and progressively decreased towards normalization. Maintained decrease was observed for KNG1 from T1. Individual patient response along time revealed RBP4 responds to recovery earlier than sCr. In conclusion, KNG1 and RBP4 respond to AKI. By monitoring RBP4, patient’s recovery can be anticipated pointing to a role of RBP4 in prognosis evaluation.
Positive changes in ideal CVH metrics reduce the incidence of stroke
Authors: Yang Xiaomeng , Wang Anxin , Liu Xiaoxue , An Shasha , Chen Shuohua , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun , Wu Shouling 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe American Heart Association defined 7 ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and the benefits of them in reducing the incidence of stroke are well established, but it is unclear whether changes in them alter stroke risk. We calculated the changes of 7 ideal CVH metrics from 2006 to 2008 among 64,373 participants in the Kailuan study. We tested whether changes in the numbers and total scores for the CVH metrics were associated with the incidence of stroke in the 4.89 person-years follow-up. Cox regression modeling was used to estimate the risk of stroke. By year 2008, CVH metrics number of 32.54% participants improved (change ≥+1); 31.90% deteriorated (≤−1); 35.56% stayed the same; In the follow-up,we identified1,182 incident stroke events. Each increase in CVH metrics and every 1-point increase in total CVH score from 2006 to 2008 were associated with reduced odds of total stroke (hazard ratio = 0.87; 95% confidence interval; 0.83–0.92 and 0.89[0.86–0.92] respectively), after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, income and scores for the metrics of ideal CVH at baseline. Positive changes in ideal CVH metrics reduce the incidence of stroke. Our results support the concept that achieving ideal CVH helps to prevent stroke.
IFNα enhances the production of IL-6 by human neutrophils activated via TLR8
Authors: Zimmermann Maili , Arruda-Silva Fabio , Bianchetto-Aguilera Francisco , Finotti Giulia , Calzetti Federica , Scapini Patrizia , Lunardi Claudio , Cassatella Marco A. , Tamassia Nicola 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRecently, we reported that human neutrophils produce biologically active amounts of IL-6 when incubated with agonists activating TLR8, a receptor recognizing viral single strand RNA. In this study, we demonstrate that IFNα, a cytokine that modulates the early innate immune responses toward viral and bacterial infections, potently enhances the production of IL-6 in neutrophils stimulated with R848, a TLR8 agonist. We also show that such an effect is not caused by an IFNα-dependent induction of TLR7 and its consequent co-activation with TLR8 in response to R848, but, rather, it is substantially mediated by an increased production and release of endogenous TNFα. The latter cytokine, in an autocrine manner, leads to an augmented synthesis of the IkBζ co-activator and an enhanced recruitment of the C/EBPβ transcription factor to the IL-6 promoter. Moreover, we show that neutrophils from SLE patients with active disease state, hence displaying an IFN-induced gene expression signature, produce increased amounts of both IL-6 and TNFα in response to R848 as compared to healthy donors. Altogether, data uncover novel effects that type I IFN exerts in TLR8-activated neutrophils, which therefore enlarge our knowledge on the various biological actions which type I IFN orchestrates during infectious and autoimmune diseases.
Unique pioneer microbial communities exposed to volcanic sulfur dioxide
Authors: Fujimura Reiko , Kim Seok-Won , Sato Yoshinori , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Kamijo Takashi , Ohta Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNewly exposed volcanic substrates contain negligible amounts of organic materials. Heterotrophic organisms in newly formed ecosystems require bioavailable carbon and nitrogen that are provided from CO2 and N2 fixation by pioneer microbes. However, the knowledge of initial ecosystem developmental mechanisms, especially the association between microbial succession and environmental change, is still limited. This study reports the unique process of microbial succession in fresh basaltic ash, which was affected by long-term exposure to volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2). Here we compared the microbial ecosystems among deposits affected by SO2 exposure at different levels. The results of metagenomic analysis suggested the importance of autotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria, particularly those involved in CO2 and N2 fixation, in the heavily SO2 affected site. Changes in the chemical properties of the deposits after the decline of the SO2 impact led to an apparent decrease in the iron-oxidizer abundance and a possible shift in the microbial community structure. Furthermore, the community structure of the deposits that had experienced lower SO2 gas levels showed higher similarity with that of the control forest soil. Our results implied that the effect of SO2 exposure exerted a selective pressure on the pioneer community structure by changing the surrounding environment of the microbes.
New insights into transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) formation from precursor materials at various Na+/Ca2+ ratios
Authors: Meng Shujuan , Liu Yu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTransparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are planktonic, organic microgels which play significant roles in cycling of carbon and trace elements, aggregation of particles, feeding and accommodating microbes as well as development of biofilms. However, few studies are available on the mechanism of TEP formation in various water environments. Here we investigate the formation of TEP with alginate blocks as precursors at various Na+/Ca2+ ratios to simulate the situations in different aquatic environments (e.g. freshwater and seawater). We found that the formation of TEP from precursor materials studied was essentially determined by the Ca2+ concentration at a fixed sodium concentration, while Na+ at high Na+/Ca2+ ratio out-competed Ca2+ for the binding sites on the precursor molecules, leading to a significantly decreased trend of TEP formation. Our results indicate that a more abundant TEP could be expected in freshwater than in seawater and we also discuss the engineering implications of the findings.
A novel non-fluorescent excited state intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon induced by intramolecular hydrogen bonds: an experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Yin Hang , Li Hui , Xia Guomin , Ruan Chengyan , Shi Ying , Wang Hongming , Jin Mingxing , Ding Dajun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTwo molecules, 1-hydroxypyrene-2-carbaldehyde (HP) and 1-methoxypyrene-2-carbaldehyde (MP) were explored. We investigated their photophysical properties, using experimental transient absorption and theoretical density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory (DFT/TDDFT). HP and MP have similar geometric conformations but exhibit entirely different photophysical properties upon excitation into the S1 state. In contrast to traditional excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in molecules that exhibit either single or dual fluorescence, HP has an unusual non-fluorescent property. Specifically, the ultrafast ESIPT process occurs in 158 fs and is followed by an intersystem crossing (ISC) component of 11.38 ps. In contrast to HP, MP undergoes only an 8 ps timescale process, which was attributed to interactions between solute and solvent. We concluded that this difference arises from intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IMHBs), which induce drastic structural alterntion upon excitation.
Super Soft All-Ethylene Oxide Polymer Electrolyte for Safe All-Solid Lithium Batteries
Authors: Porcarelli Luca , Gerbaldi Claudio , Bella Federico , Nair Jijeesh Ravi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHere we demonstrate that by regulating the mobility of classic −EO− based backbones, an innovative polymer electrolyte system can be architectured. This polymer electrolyte allows the construction of all solid lithium-based polymer cells having outstanding cycling behaviour in terms of rate capability and stability over a wide range of operating temperatures. Polymer electrolytes are obtained by UV-induced (co)polymerization, which promotes an effective interlinking between the polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains plasticized by tetraglyme at various lithium salt concentrations. The polymer networks exhibit sterling mechanical robustness, high flexibility, homogeneous and highly amorphous characteristics. Ambient temperature ionic conductivity values exceeding 0.1 mS cm−1 are obtained, along with a wide electrochemical stability window (>5 V vs. Li/Li+), excellent lithium ion transference number (>0.6) as well as interfacial stability. Moreover, the efficacious resistance to lithium dendrite nucleation and growth postulates the implementation of these polymer electrolytes in next generation of all-solid Li-metal batteries working at ambient conditions.
Performance of SnO2/carbon nanotube composite electrode materials synthesised by the Pechini method
Authors: Liu Rui , Yang Wein‐Duo , Fang Hsin‐Yun 
Published: January 2016

SnO2/CNT (CNT: carbon nanotube) composite electrode materials have been successfully synthesised using the Pechini method. The crystal structures of SnO2/CNTs were identified by X‐ray diffraction. The surface morphology and internal structure, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, indicated that SnO2 nanoparticles were embedded in the CNT matrix or dispersed homogeneously on the outer walls of the CNTs. Furthermore, the charge–discharge properties of SnO2/CNT composite electrode materials showed that the reversible discharge capacities of the SnO2/CNT composite electrode materials were enhanced to 1062 mAh/g compared with that of pure SnO2 nanoparticles, and the capacity retention remained at approximately 91% after the 12th cycle, improving the lifetime of the lithium batteries greatly.
The Portuguese and the Sea
Authors: Newitt Malyn 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This chapter looks at the portrayal of Portuguese seamen by two English-language writers—Rudyard Kipling in Captains Courageous and Alan Villiers in The Quest of the Schooner Argus. The latter describes the White Fleet made up of cod-fishing vessels that stayed abroad in North American waters for six months of the year making their crews long term seasonal migrants.
Modern Optics
Authors: Guenther B. D. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
This book presents good treatments of paraxial matrix optics, aberration theory, Fourier transform optics (Fresnel–Kirchhoff formulation), Gaussian and Bessel beams, multiple thin films, surface plasmons, photonic crystals, and fiber optics. In addition to theory, the book surveys the state of the art in applications including laser optics, computational imaging, medical imaging, polarization, optical modulation, and nonlinear optics. It requires background in Fourier transforms, electromagnetism up to Maxwell’s equations, and matrix algebra for the relevant topics. There are problems at the end of each chapter. A large number of figures, both diagrams and photographs are included to give readers a good physical insight into optics.
What can be done to improve outcomes for prisoners with a dual diagnosis?
Authors: Moyes Hattie Catherine Ann , Heath Joshua James , Dean Lucy Victoria 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on offenders with a dual diagnosis and discuss how prison-based services can improve to better meet the needs of prisoners with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health disorders.Design/methodology/approach– A comprehensive literature search of PsycINFO, JSTOR, PubMed and Google Scholar, reviewing international studies on dual diagnosis amongst offender and community samples spanning the last three decades, supplemented by international policy, guidance papers and reports was conducted to explore how services can be improved.Findings– It was found that research into dual diagnosis amongst prisoners internationally was scarce. However, from the evidence available, several consistent factors emerged that led to the following recommendations: integrated treatment needs to be coordinated and holistic, staged and gender-responsive; increased availability of “low level”, flexible interventions; transitional support and continuity of care upon release with the utilisation of peer mentors; comprehensive assessments in conducive settings; mandatory dual diagnosis training for staff; and increased funding for female/gender-responsive services.Practical implications– The recommendations can inform commissioners, funders and service providers of areas where support must be improved to address the needs of prisoners with a dual diagnosis.Social implications– Improved outcomes for prisoners with a dual diagnosis would likely have a positive effect on society, with improvements in mental health and substance misuse treatment impacting on rates of reoffending.Originality/value– This paper brings originality and value to the sector because it reviews relevant research on dual diagnosis and translates it into practical implications for policy makers.