bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new basal bird from China with implications for morphological diversity in early birds
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Yan , Zhou Zhonghe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Chinese Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group is the second oldest fossil bird-bearing deposit, only surpassed by Archaeopteryx from the German Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Limestones. Here we report a new bird, Chongmingia zhengi gen. et sp. nov., from the Jehol Biota. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Chongmingia zhengi is basal to the dominant Mesozoic avian clades Enantiornithes and Ornithuromorpha and represents a new basal avialan lineage. This new discovery adds to our knowledge regarding the phylogenetic differentiation and morphological diversity in early avian evolution. The furcula of Chongmingia is rigid (reducing its efficiency), consequently requiring more power for flight. However, the elongated forelimb and the large deltopectoral crest on the humerus might indicate that the power was available. The unique combination of features present in this species demonstrates that numerous evolutionary experimentations took place in the early evolution of powered flight. The occurrence of gastroliths further confirms that herbivory was common among basal birds. The Jehol birds faced competition with pterosaurs and occupied sympatric habitats with non-avian theropods, some of which consumed birds. Thus, avialan herbivory may have reduced ecological competition from carnivorous close relatives and other volant vertebrates early in their evolutionary history.
Switchable graphene-substrate coupling through formation/dissolution of an intercalated Ni-carbide layer
Authors: Africh Cristina , Cepek Cinzia , Patera Laerte L. , Zamborlini Giovanni , Genoni Pietro , Menteş Tevfik O. , Sala Alessandro , Locatelli Andrea , Comelli Giovanni 
Published: January 2016

AbstractControl over the film-substrate interaction is key to the exploitation of graphene’s unique electronic properties. Typically, a buffer layer is irreversibly intercalated “from above” to ensure decoupling. For graphene/Ni(111) we instead tune the film interaction “from below”. By temperature controlling the formation/dissolution of a carbide layer under rotated graphene domains, we reversibly switch graphene’s electronic structure from semi-metallic to metallic. Our results are relevant for the design of controllable graphene/metal interfaces in functional devices.
Anisotropic magnetic entropy change in RFeO3 single crystals(R = Tb, Tm, or Y)
Authors: Ke Ya-Jiao , Zhang Xiang-Qun , Ma Yue , Cheng Zhao-Hua 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCompared with traditional gas-compression/expansion refrigeration, magnetic refrigeration based on magnetocaloric effect (MCE) exhibits the advantages of high energy efficiency and environment friendliness. Here, we created large MCE in RFeO3(R = Tb or Tm) single crystals by the magnetization vector rotation of single crystal with strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA), rather than merely via the order-disorder magnetic phase transition or magnetic structural transition. Owing to the difference in charge distribution of 4f-electrons between Tb3+  and Tm3+ions, the rotating field entropy with different signs, −ΔSMR = 17.42 J/kg K, and –ΔSMR = −9.01 J/kg K are achieved at 9 K and 17 K for TbFeO3 and TmFeO3single crystals frombaxis tocaxis, at 50 kOe, respectively. The finding of the large anisotropic MCE not only advances our understanding of the anisotropy of MCE, but also extends the application for single crystals to magnetic refrigeration.
Increased intake of vegetables, but not fruits, may be associated with reduced risk of hip fracture: A meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Si yang , Li Yan , Luo Hong , Yin Xin hai , Lin Du ren , Zhao Ke , Huang Guang lei , Song Ju kun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAssociation between dietary intake of vegetables and fruits and risk of hip fracture has been reported for many years. However, the findings remain inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between intake of vegetables and fruits and risk of hip fracture. Literature search for relevant studies was performed on PubMed and Embase databases. Five observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. Summary hazard ratio (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from pooled data using the random-effects model irrespective of heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were performed to explore possible reasons for heterogeneity. The summary HR for hip fracture in relation to high intake vs. low intake of only vegetables, only fruits and combined intake of fruits and vegetables, was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61–0.92), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.74–1.04) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.61–1.03), respectively. Subgroup analyses based on study design, geographical location, number of cases and gender showed similar results. Increased intake of vegetables, but not fruits, was found to be associated with a lower risk of hip fracture. Large prospective clinical trials with robust methodology are required to confirm our findings.
Diagnostic value of thyroid transcription factor-1 for pleural or other serous metastases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Yongchun , Pang Caishuang , Shen Konglong , Wu Yanqiu , Li Diandian , Wan Chun , Liao Zenglin , Yang Ting , Chen Lei , Wen Fuqiang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe role of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) in the diagnosis of metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural, pericardial and peritoneal effusions has not been defined. This study aimed to assess the overall diagnostic accuracy of TTF-1 for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural or other effusions. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and other databases to find eligible publications. Quality was assessed according to standardized QUADAS-2 criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratio (PLR/NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were pooled. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were used to assess overall performance of the TTF-1 assay. A systematic search revealed 20 studies comprising a total of 1,213 subjects in this meta-analysis. The summary estimates were listed as follows: sensitivity, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69–0.79); specificity, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–1.00); PLR, 78.16 (95% CI: 27.15–225.05); NLR, 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22–0.32); and diagnostic odds ratio, 297.75 (95% CI: 104.16–851.19). Estimated positive and negative post-probability values for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas prevalence of 20% were 95% and 6%, respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.96. TTF-1 shows significant potential as a diagnostic marker to differentiate metastatic pulmonary from non-pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural or other effusions. These results justify larger, more rigorous studies to confirm such a diagnostic role.
Pharmacological treatment with mirtazapine rescues cortical atrophy and respiratory deficits in MeCP2 null mice
Authors: Bittolo Tamara , Raminelli Carlo Antonio , Deiana Chiara , Baj Gabriele , Vaghi Valentina , Ferrazzo Sara , Bernareggi Annalisa , Tongiorgi Enrico 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLoss of MeCP2 (Methyl CpG binding protein 2) in Rett syndrome (RTT) causes brain weight decrease, shrinkage of the cortex with reduced dendritic arborization, behavioral abnormalities, seizures and cardio-respiratory complications. The observed monoamine neurotransmitters reduction in RTT suggested antidepressants as a possible therapy. We treated MeCP2-null mice from postnatal-day 28 for two weeks with desipramine, already tested in RTT, or mirtazapine, an antidepressant with limited side-effects, known to promote GABA release. Mirtazapine was more effective than desipramine in restoring somatosensory cortex thickness by fully rescuing pyramidal neurons dendritic arborization and spine density. Functionally, mirtazapine treatment normalized heart rate, breath rate, anxiety levels and eliminated the hopping behavior observed in MeCP2-null mice, leading to improved phenotypic score. These morphological and functional effects of mirtazapine were accompanied by reestablishment of the GABAergic and glutamatergic receptor activity recorded in cortex and brainstem tissues. Thus, mirtazapine can represent a new potential pharmacological treatment for the Rett syndrome.
Targeting and retention enhancement of quantum dots decorated with amino acids in an invertebrate model organism
Authors: Xing Rui , Chen Xue-Dong , Zhou Yan-Feng , Zhang Jue , Su Yuan-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Feng , Sima Yang-Hu , Zhang Ke-Qin , He Yao , Xu Shi-Qing 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe use of quantum dots (QDs) in biological imaging applications and targeted drug delivery is expected to increase. However, the efficiency of QDs in drug targeting needs to be improved. Here, we show that amino acids linked to CdTe QDs significantly increased the targeted transfer efficiency and biological safety in the invertebrate model Bombyx mori. Compared with bare QDs530, the transfer efficiency of Ala- and Gly-conjugated QDs (QDs530-Ala and QDs530-Gly) in circulatory system increased by 2.6 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.3 times and increased by 7.8 ± 0.9 and 2.9 ± 0.2 times in target tissue silk glands, respectively, after 24 h of QDs exposure. Meanwhile, the amount of conjugated QDs decreased by (68.4 ± 4.4)% and (46.7 ± 9.1)% in the non-target tissue fat body and the speed at which they entered non-target circulating blood cells significantly decreased. The resultant QDs530-Ala revealed a better structural integrity in tissues and a longer retention time in hemolymph than that of QDs530 after exposure via the dorsal vessel. On the other hand, QDs530-Ala significantly reduced the toxicity to hemocytes, silk gland and fat body and reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues.
Microhabitat choice in island lizards enhances camouflage against avian predators
Authors: Marshall Kate L. A. , Philpot Kate E. , Stevens Martin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCamouflage can often be enhanced by genetic adaptation to different local environments. However, it is less clear how individual behaviour improves camouflage effectiveness. We investigated whether individual Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii) inhabiting different islands rest on backgrounds that improve camouflage against avian predators. In free-ranging lizards, we found that dorsal regions were better matched against chosen backgrounds than against other backgrounds on the same island. This suggests that P. erhardii make background choices that heighten individual-specific concealment. In achromatic camouflage, this effect was more evident in females and was less distinct in an island population with lower predation risk. This suggests that behavioural enhancement of camouflage may be more important in females than in sexually competing males and related to predation risk. However, in an arena experiment, lizards did not choose the background that improved camouflage, most likely due to the artificial conditions. Overall, our results provide evidence that behavioural preferences for substrates can enhance individual camouflage of lizards in natural microhabitats and that such adaptations may be sexually dimorphic and dependent on local environments. This research emphasizes the importance of considering links between ecology, behaviour and appearance in studies of intraspecific colour variation and local adaptation.
Broadband non-reciprocal transmission of sound with invariant frequency
Authors: Gu Zhong-ming , Hu Jie , Liang Bin , Zou Xin-ye , Cheng Jian-chun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe design and experimentally demonstrate a broadband yet compact acoustic diode (AD) by using an acoustic nonlinear material and a pair of gain and lossy materials. Due to the capabilities of maintaining the original frequency and high forward transmission while blocking backscattered wave, our design is closer to the desired features of a perfect AD and is promising to play the essential diode-like role in realistic acoustic systems, such as ultrasound imaging, noise control and nondestructive testing. Furthermore, our design enables improving the sensitivity and the robustness of device simultaneously by tailoring an individual structural parameter. We envision our design will take a significant step towards the realization of applicable acoustic one-way devices and inspire the research of non-reciprocal wave manipulation in other fields.
The Likelihood of Recent Record Warmth
Authors: Mann Michael E. , Rahmstorf Stefan , Steinman Byron A. , Tingley Martin , Miller Sonya K. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract2014 was nominally the warmest year on record for both the globe and northern hemisphere based on historical records spanning the past one and a half centuries1,2. It was the latest in a recent run of record temperatures spanning the past decade and a half. Press accounts reported odds as low as one-in-650 million that the observed run of global temperature records would be expected to occur in the absence of human-caused global warming. Press reports notwithstanding, the question of how likely observed temperature records may have have been both with and without human influence is interesting in its own right. Here we attempt to address that question using a semi-empirical approach that combines the latest (CMIP53) climate model simulations with observations of global and hemispheric mean temperature. We find that individual record years and the observed runs of record-setting temperatures were extremely unlikely to have occurred in the absence of human-caused climate change, though not nearly as unlikely as press reports have suggested. These same record temperatures were, by contrast, quite likely to have occurred in the presence of anthropogenic climate forcing.
Proteomic response of methicillin-resistant S. aureus to a synergistic antibacterial drug combination: a novel erythromycin derivative and oxacillin
Authors: Liu Xiaofen , Pai Pei-Jin , Zhang Weipeng , Hu Yingwei , Dong Xiaojing , Qian Pei-yuan , Chen Daijie , Lam Henry 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe use of antibacterial drug combinations with synergistic effects is increasingly seen as a critical strategy to combat multi-drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this work, the proteome responses in MRSA under the stress of a sub-inhibitory dose of a synergistic drug combination of a novel erythromycin derivative, SIPI-8294 and oxacillin, were studied by label-free quantitative proteomics. Several control treatment groups were designed to isolate proteome responses potentially related to the synergy: (1) the non-synergistic drug combination of erythromycin and oxacillin, (2) SIPI-8294 only, (3) oxacillin only and (4) erythromycin only. Results showed that 200 proteins were differentially expressed in SIPI-8294/oxacillin-treated cells. Among these proteins, the level of penicillin binding protein 2a, the protein mainly responsible for oxacillin resistance in MRSA, was four times lower in the SIPI-8294/oxacillin group than in the erythromycin/oxacillin group, suggesting that SIPI-8294 may interfere with this known oxacillin resistance mechanism. Moreover, hierarchical clustering analysis of differentially expressed proteins under different treatments revealed that SIPI-8294/oxacillin elicits very different responses than the individual drugs or the non-synergistic erythromycin/oxacillin combination. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the synergistic effect can be further traced to a disruption in oxidation-reduction homeostasis and cell wall biosynthesis.
A Bayesian framework systematic review and meta-analysis of anesthetic agents effectiveness/tolerability profile in electroconvulsive therapy for major depression
Authors: Fond Guillaume , Bennabi Djamila , Haffen Emmanuel , Brunel Lore , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Loundou Anderson , Lançon Christophe , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Auquier Pascal , Boyer Laurent 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability/acceptability of 6 anesthetic agents in ECT for depressive disorders. We systematically reviewed 14 double-blind randomized controlled trials (610 participants). Efficacy was measured by the mean scores on validated depression scales at 6 ECT (or the nearest score if not available), number of responders at the end of treatment and seizure duration. The acceptability was measured by the proportion of patients who dropped out of the allocated treatment and the tolerability by the number of serious adverse events and post-treatment cognition assessment. After excluding the trials responsible for heterogeneity, depression scores of patients who were administered methohexital were found to be significantly more improved than those who received propofol (p = 0.001). On the contrary, those who were administered propofol had lower depression scores than those with thiopental at the end of treatment (p = 0.002). Compared to propofol, methohexital was found to be significantly associated with higher seizure duration (p = 0.018). No difference was found for the acceptability profile (all p > 0.05). In summary, ketamine and methohexital may be preferred to propofol or thiopental in regard of effectiveness in depression scores and increased seizure duration. Further studies are warranted to compare ketamine and methohexital.
Mutation-induced perturbation of the special pair P840 in the homodimeric reaction center in green sulfur bacteria
Authors: Azai Chihiro , Sano Yuko , Kato Yuki , Noguchi Takumi , Oh-oka Hirozo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHomodimeric photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) in green sulfur bacteria and heliobacteria are functional homologs of Photosystem (PS) I in oxygenic phototrophs. They show unique features in their electron transfer reactions; however, detailed structural information has not been available so far. We mutated PscA-Leu688 and PscA-Val689 to cysteine residues in the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum; these residues were predicted to interact with the special pair P840, based on sequence comparison with PS I. Spectroelectrochemical measurements showed that the L688C and V689C mutations altered a near-infrared difference spectrum upon P840 oxidation, as well as the redox potential of P840. Light-induced Fourier transform infrared difference measurements showed that the L688C mutation induced a differential signal of the S-H stretching vibration in the P840+/P840 spectrum, as reported in P800+/P800 difference spectrum in a heliobacterial RC. Spectral changes in the 131-keto C=O region, caused by both mutations, revealed corresponding changes in the electronic structure of P840 and in the hydrogen-bonding interaction at the 131-keto C=O group. These results suggest that there is a common spatial configuration around the special pair sites among type 1 RCs. The data also provided evidence that P840 has a symmetric electronic structure, as expected from a homodimeric RC.
Involvement of MicroRNA-210 Demethylation in Steroid-associated Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Yuan Heng-feng , Christina Von Roemeling , Guo Chang-an , Chu Yi-wei , Liu Rong-hua , Yan Zuo-qin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAngiogenesis is an important event in steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). Here we performed miRNA microarray with SONFH tissues (ONs) and the adjacent normal tissues (NLs) to select the angiogenic miRNA. The results showed that miR-210 was differentially expressed in SONFH versus normal tissues. Unexpectedly, its specific transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, was shown of no significant changes in ONs compared with NLs. Further Bisulfite sequencing revealed that miR-210 is embedded in a CpG island and miR-210 gene has 2 CpG sites with lower methylation percentage in ONs compared with NLs. Additionally, ONs with lower miR-210 gene methylation exhibited higher miR-210 expression. Next, we found that the endothelial cells treated with demethylating agents could significantly increase the expression of miR-210, along with promoted cell viability and differentiation. Some angiogenic genes (VEGF, bFGF, TNF-α and PCNA) were up-regulated as well. In addition, the supernatant of the cells after demethylation treatment displayed an enhanced ability of recruiting new microvessels in vivo. Taken together, our study not only provides novel insights into the regulation of angiogenesis in this disease, but also reveals a therapeutic opportunity for treatment of SONFH patients with demethylating agents.
Bilateral frame rate up‐conversion algorithm based on the comparison of texture complexity
Authors: Lee K. , Jeong J. 
Published: January 2016

A new bilateral frame rate up‐conversion (FRUC) algorithm based on the bi‐directional comparison of the texture complexity in the reference frame is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, the accuracy of the motion estimation (ME) process is determined by the comparison of the prediction size in the reference region of the bi‐directional ME process. Base on this comparison, the adaptive refinement process is adjusted. In the experimental results, the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional bilateral FRUC algorithm by 0.27 dB.
Lightning surge analysis of Faraday cage using alternative transient program‐electromagnetic transients program
Authors: Mamiş Mehmet Salih , Keleş Cemal , Arkan Müslüm , Kaya Ramazan 
Published: January 2016

Lightning surge analysis of protective structures is significant for the design of system. However, simulation models are limited. In this study, a Faraday cage with four air terminals and 2 × 6 grounding rods built to protect a switchyard control building in a 380 kV substation is simulated in alternative transient program for the analysis of lightning surges. Distributed line modelling is used for cage conductors. Down conductors are represented by considering non‐uniform variation of the conductor parameters. Current waveforms through the system and voltages at some critical points after a lightning stroke are computed. The traditional lightning parameters needed in structural protection such as lightning peak current, maximum current derivative, current rise time and current duration are determined. The effects of mesh size and some system parameters such as grounding resistance and lightning surge impedance are investigated.
Cross-language priming as a means of investigating bilingual conceptual representations
Authors: Tytus Agnieszka Ewa , Rundblad Gabriella 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Cross language priming in the visual modality is a well-established paradigm that offers insights into the representation of the bilingual mental lexicon; however, here we employ a novel form of priming, (i.e., an animacy decision task), to test previous outcomes. In addition, this study is the first to carry out an auditory priming task with bilingual Chinese-English speakers. Thus, we report on two experiments in which the participants decided whether visually (Experiment 1) or auditorily (Experiment 2) presented stimuli were exemplars of living entities or non-living things. The tasks allowed for addressing the priming effect, the priming asymmetry effect, and in turn allowed for testing the Revised Hierarchical Model (Kroll & Stewart, 1994). Priming effects, where the related targets were responded to more rapidly compared to unrelated targets, were observed in both modalities in the L1 to L2 condition; however, no priming effects were found from L2 to L1. The findings obtained in this study support the use of primed animacy decision tasks in either modality as a valid tool for investigating bilingual lexical memory. Also, the observed priming effects allow for retaining the RHM in its original form.