bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender difference in the association between food away-from-home consumption and body weight outcomes among Chinese adults
Authors: Du Wen-Wen , Zhang Bing , Wang Hui-Jun , Wang Zhi-Hong , Su Chang , Zhang Ji-Guo , Zhang Ji , Jia Xiao-Fang , Jiang Hong-Ru 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the associations between food away-from-home (FAFH) consumption and body weight outcomes among Chinese adults.DesignFAFH was defined as food prepared at restaurants and the percentage of energy from FAFH was calculated. Measured BMI and waist circumference (WC) were used as body weight outcomes. Quantile regression models for BMI and WC were performed separately by gender.SettingInformation on demographic, socio-economic, diet and health parameters at individual, household and community levels was collected in twelve provinces of China.SubjectsA cross-sectional sample of 7738 non-pregnant individuals aged 18–60 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2011 was analysed.ResultsFor males, quantile regression models showed that percentage of energy from FAFH was associated with an increase in BMI of 0·01, 0·01, 0·01, 0·02, 0·02 and 0·03 kg/m2 at the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th quantile, and an increase in WC of 0·04, 0·06, 0·06, 0·04, 0·06, 0·05 and 0·07 cm at the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th quantile. For females, percentage of energy from FAFH was associated with 0·01, 0·01, 0·01 and 0·02 kg/m2 increase in BMI at the 10th, 25th, 90th and 95th quantile, and with 0·05, 0·04, 0·03 and 0·03 cm increase in WC at the 5th, 10th, 25th and 75th quantile.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that FAFH consumption is relatively more important for BMI and WC among males rather than females in China. Public health initiatives are needed to encourage Chinese adults to make healthy food choices when eating out.
Quantifying Variability of Manual Annotation in Cryo-Electron Tomograms
Authors: Hecksel Corey W. , Darrow Michele C. , Dai Wei , Galaz-Montoya Jesús G. , Chin Jessica A. , Mitchell Patrick G. , Chen Shurui , Jakana Jemba , Schmid Michael F. , Chiu Wah 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough acknowledged to be variable and subjective, manual annotation of cryo-electron tomography data is commonly used to answer structural questions and to create a “ground truth” for evaluation of automated segmentation algorithms. Validation of such annotation is lacking, but is critical for understanding the reproducibility of manual annotations. Here, we used voxel-based similarity scores for a variety of specimens, ranging in complexity and segmented by several annotators, to quantify the variation among their annotations. In addition, we have identified procedures for merging annotations to reduce variability, thereby increasing the reliability of manual annotation. Based on our analyses, we find that it is necessary to combine multiple manual annotations to increase the confidence level for answering structural questions. We also make recommendations to guide algorithm development for automated annotation of features of interest.
Effect of the Theta-Beta Neurofeedback Protocol as a Function of Subtype in Children Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Duarte Hernández Elimelech , González Marqués Javier , Alvarado Jesús M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNeurofeedback is a neuronal self-regulation technique that teaches people to modulate their brain frequencies using visual and auditory reinforcements presented on a computer screen. To assess the effect of neurofeedback training in children with ADHD as far as improved attention and impulse control, and analyze whether or not there are differences between the inattentive and hyperactive subtypes. Fifty children diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study: 14 comprised the control group, and 36 the experimental group (16 with the inattentive ADHD subtype, 20 with the hyperactive ADHD subtype). Attention and impulse control were assessed using the Integrated Visual Auditory CPT (IVA/CPT). Results indicated that the predominantly inattentive group showed significant differences on the Control Scale (p = .023, d = 1.31) and the Attention Scale (p < .01, d = 1.89) of the IVA/CPT; meanwhile the predominantly hyperactive group showed significant improvement on the Control Scale (p = .016, d = 1.21). The control group exhibited no significant differences on either of the two scales (p > .5). In terms of theta/beta ratio, no significant differences were detected (p = .10) between ADHD subtypes. The findings suggest that neurofeedback training using the theta/beta protocol was more effective in the predominantly inattentive subset of individuals with ADHD.
A spin-liquid with pinch-line singularities on the pyrochlore lattice
Authors: Benton Owen , Jaubert L.D.C. , Yan Han , Shannon Nic 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe mathematics of gauge theories lies behind many of the most profound advances in physics in the past 200 years, from Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism to Einstein’s theory of general relativity. More recently it has become clear that gauge theories also emerge in condensed matter, a prime example being the spin-ice materials which host an emergent electromagnetic gauge field. In spin-ice, the underlying gauge structure is revealed by the presence of pinch-point singularities in neutron-scattering measurements. Here we report the discovery of a spin-liquid where the low-temperature physics is naturally described by the fluctuations of a tensor field with a continuous gauge freedom. This gauge structure underpins an unusual form of spin correlations, giving rise to pinch-line singularities: line-like analogues of the pinch points observed in spin-ice. Remarkably, these features may already have been observed in the pyrochlore material Tb2Ti2O7.
The machinery underlying malaria parasite virulence is conserved between rodent and human malaria parasites
Authors: De Niz Mariana , Ullrich Ann-Katrin , Heiber Arlett , Blancke Soares Alexandra , Pick Christian , Lyck Ruth , Keller Derya , Kaiser Gesine , Prado Monica , Flemming Sven , del Portillo Hernando , Janse Chris J. , Heussler Volker , Spielmann Tobias 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSequestration of red blood cells infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in organs such as the brain is considered important for pathogenicity. A similar phenomenon has been observed in mouse models of malaria, using the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei, but it is unclear whether the P. falciparum proteins known to be involved in this process are conserved in the rodent parasite. Here we identify the P. berghei orthologues of two such key factors of P. falciparum, SBP1 and MAHRP1. Red blood cells infected with P. berghei parasites lacking SBP1 or MAHRP1a fail to bind the endothelial receptor CD36 and show reduced sequestration and virulence in mice. Complementation of the mutant P. berghei parasites with the respective P. falciparum SBP1 and MAHRP1 orthologues restores sequestration and virulence. These findings reveal evolutionary conservation of the machinery underlying sequestration of divergent malaria parasites and support the notion that the P. berghei rodent model is an adequate tool for research on malaria virulence.
BDNF rescues BAF53b-dependent synaptic plasticity and cocaine-associated memory in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: White André O. , Kramár Enikö A. , López Alberto J. , Kwapis Janine L. , Doan John , Saldana David , Davatolhagh M. Felicia , Alaghband Yasaman , Blurton-Jones Mathew , Matheos Dina P. , Wood Marcelo A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecent evidence implicates epigenetic mechanisms in drug-associated memory processes. However, a possible role for one major epigenetic mechanism, nucleosome remodelling, in drug-associated memories remains largely unexplored. Here we examine mice with genetic manipulations targeting a neuron-specific nucleosome remodelling complex subunit, BAF53b. These mice display deficits in cocaine-associated memory that are more severe in BAF53b transgenic mice compared with BAF53b heterozygous mice. Similar to the memory deficits, theta-induced long-term potentiation (theta-LTP) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is significantly impaired in slices taken from BAF53b transgenic mice but not heterozygous mice. Further experiments indicate that theta-LTP in the NAc is dependent on TrkB receptor activation, and that BDNF rescues theta-LTP and cocaine-associated memory deficits in BAF53b transgenic mice. Together, these results suggest a role for BAF53b in NAc neuronal function required for cocaine-associated memories, and also that BDNF/TrkB activation in the NAc may overcome memory and plasticity deficits linked to BAF53b mutations.
Climatic and environmental aspects of the Mongol withdrawal from Hungary in 1242 CE
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Di Cosmo Nicola 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Mongol invasion of Eastern Europe and especially its sudden withdrawal from Hungary in 1242 CE, has generated much speculation and an array of controversial theories. None of them, however, considered multifaceted environmental drivers and the coupled analysis of historical reports and natural archives. Here we investigate annually resolved, absolutely dated and spatially explicit paleoclimatic evidence between 1230 and 1250 CE. Documentary sources and tree-ring chronologies reveal warm and dry summers from 1238–1241, followed by cold and wet conditions in early-1242. Marshy terrain across the Hungarian plain most likely reduced pastureland and decreased mobility, as well as the military effectiveness of the Mongol cavalry, while despoliation and depopulation ostensibly contributed to widespread famine. These circumstances arguably contributed to the determination of the Mongols to abandon Hungary and return to Russia. While overcoming deterministic and reductionist arguments, our ‘environmental hypothesis’ demonstrates the importance of minor climatic fluctuations on major historical events.
Conservation of Terrestrial Vertebrates in a Global Hotspot of Karst Area in Southwestern China
Authors: Luo Zhenhua , Tang Songhua , Jiang Zhigang , Chen Jing , Fang Hongxia , Li Chunwang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe karst area of southwest China (KASC) is the largest piece of karst landscape on the earth and a global biodiversity hot-spot with high concentrations of endemic species. Although a number of nature reserves (NRs) have been established across the region, the representativeness of biodiversity of the NR system is still unknown. Based on comprehensive literature and field surveys and intensive consultations with zoologists and wildlife managers, we compiled distributions of 1,204 terrestrial vertebrate species and 271 NRs in KASC. We found Jinxiu, Mengla, Hekou and Jinghong have the richest amphibian species; Jinxiu has the highest species richness of reptiles; Jinghong, Menghai and Mengla have the largest numbers of avian species; whereas, Mengla, Longzhou and Ningming have the greatest mammalian diversity in the region. Gap analysis among NR system, species richness pattern and five biogeographic indicators found insufficient representation of the NR system on territorial vertebrate diversity. The conservation effectiveness in Guizhou Province was much lower than that in Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces. Under-representation and over-representation simultaneously occurred in many of the ecoregions, elevation classes, vegetation types, landcover categories and human disturbance intensity gradients. For conservation of terrestrial vertebrates in KASC, several suggestions were presented in this study.
Glucocorticoid receptor isoforms direct distinct mitochondrial programs to regulate ATP production
Authors: Morgan David J. , Poolman Toryn M. , Williamson Andrew J. K. , Wang Zichen , Clark Neil R. , Ma’ayan Avi , Whetton Anthony D. , Brass Andrew , Matthews Laura C. , Ray David W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor and major drug target, has a highly conserved minor splice variant, GRγ, which differs by a single arginine within the DNA binding domain. GRγ, which comprises 10% of all GR transcripts, is constitutively expressed and tightly conserved through mammalian evolution, suggesting an important non-redundant role. However, to date no specific role for GRγ has been reported. We discovered significant differences in subcellular localisation, and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling in response to ligand. In addition the GRγ transcriptome and protein interactome was distinct, and with a gene ontology signal for mitochondrial regulation which was confirmed using Seahorse technology. We propose that evolutionary conservation of the single additional arginine in GRγ is driven by a distinct, non-redundant functional profile, including regulation of mitochondrial function.
Impact of Different Promoters on Episomal Vectors Harbouring Characteristic Motifs of Matrix Attachment Regions
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yin , Zhang Jun-He , Zhang Xi , Sun Qiu-Li , Zhao Chun-Peng , Wang Tian-Yun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that the characteristic sequence of matrix attachment regions (MARs) allows transgenes to be maintained episomally in CHO cells. In the present study, six commonly used promoters from human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early (CMV), simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40), Rous sarcoma virus, Homo sapiens ubiquitin C, phosphoglycerate kinase and β-globin, respectively, were evaluated to determine their effects on transgene expression and stability in CHO cells stably transfected via the episomal vector harbouring characteristic MAR motifs. The CHO cells were transfected with vectors and then screened using G418, after which the stably transfected cells were split into two and further cultured either in the presence or absence of G418. Of the six promoters, the CMV promoter yielded the highest transgene expression levels and the highest transfection efficiency, whereas the SV40 promoter maintained transgene expression more stably during long-term culture than the other promoters did. The CMV and SV40 promoter-containing vectors were furthermore episomally maintained and conferred sustained eGFP expression in the cells even under nonselective conditions. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the CMV promoter performs best in terms of yielding both high expression levels and high levels of stability using this episomal vector system.
Systematic analysis of mutation distribution in three dimensional protein structures identifies cancer driver genes
Authors: Fujimoto Akihiro , Okada Yukinori , Boroevich Keith A. , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Taniguchi Hiroaki , Nakagawa Hidewaki 
Published: May 2016

AbstractProtein tertiary structure determines molecular function, interaction and stability of the protein, therefore distribution of mutation in the tertiary structure can facilitate the identification of new driver genes in cancer. To analyze mutation distribution in protein tertiary structures, we applied a novel three dimensional permutation test to the mutation positions. We analyzed somatic mutation datasets of 21 types of cancers obtained from exome sequencing conducted by the TCGA project. Of the 3,622 genes that had ≥3 mutations in the regions with tertiary structure data, 106 genes showed significant skew in mutation distribution. Known tumor suppressors and oncogenes were significantly enriched in these identified cancer gene sets. Physical distances between mutations in known oncogenes were significantly smaller than those of tumor suppressors. Twenty-three genes were detected in multiple cancers. Candidate genes with significant skew of the 3D mutation distribution included kinases (MAPK1,EPHA5,ERBB3andERBB4), an apoptosis related gene (APP), an RNA splicing factor (SF1), a miRNA processing factor (DICER1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase (CUL1) and transcription factors (KLF5andEEF1B2). Our study suggests that systematic analysis of mutation distribution in the tertiary protein structure can help identify cancer driver genes.
Up-regulated extracellular matrix components and inflammatory chemokines may impair the regeneration of cholestatic liver
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Tao-Sheng , Soyama Akihiko , Tanaka Takayuki , Yan Chen , Sakai Yusuke , Hidaka Masaaki , Kinoshita Ayaka , Natsuda Koji , Fujii Mio , Kugiyama Tota , Baimakhanov Zhassulan , Kuroki Tamotsu , Gu Weili , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough the healthy liver is known to have high regenerative potential, poor liver regeneration under pathological conditions remains a substantial problem. We investigated the key molecules that impair the regeneration of cholestatic liver. C57BL/6 mice were randomly subjected to partial hepatectomy and bile duct ligation (PH+BDL group, n = 16), partial hepatectomy only (PH group, n = 16), or sham operation (Sham group, n = 16). The liver sizes and histological findings were similar in the PH and sham groups 14 days after operation. However, compared with those in the sham group, the livers in mice in the PH+BDL group had a smaller size, a lower cell proliferative activity and more fibrotic tissue 14 days after the operation, suggesting the insufficient regeneration of the cholestatic liver. Pathway-focused array analysis showed that many genes were up- or down-regulated over 1.5-fold in both PH+BDL and PH groups at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after treatment. Interestingly, more genes that were functionally related to the extracellular matrix and inflammatory chemokines were found in the PH+BDL group than in the PH group at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Our data suggest that up-regulated extracellular matrix components and inflammatory chemokines may impair the regeneration of cholestatic liver.
The significance of droughts for hyporheic dwellers: evidence from freshwater crayfish
Authors: Kouba Antonín , Tíkal Jan , Císař Petr , Veselý Lukáš , Fořt Martin , Příborský Josef , Patoka Jiří , Buřič Miloš 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFreshwater biodiversity is globally threatened by various factors while severe weather events like long-term droughts may be substantially devastating. In order to remain in contact with the water or stay in a sufficiently humid environment at drying localities, the ability to withstand desiccation by dwelling in the hyporheic zone, particularly through vertical burrowing is crucial. We assessed the ability of three European native and five non-native crayfish as models to survive and construct vertical burrows in a humid sandy-clayey substrate under a simulated one-week drought. Three native species (Astacus astacus, A. leptodactylus and Austropotamobius torrentium) suffered extensive mortalities. Survival of non-native species was substantially higher while all specimens of Cherax destructor and Procambarus clarkii survived. The native species and Pacifastacus leniusculus exhibited no ability to construct vertical burrows. Procambarus fallax f. virginalis and P. clarkii constructed bigger and deeper burrows than C. destructor and Orconectes limosus. In the context of predicted weather fluctuations, the ability to withstand desiccation through constructing vertical burrows into the hyporheic zone under drought conditions might play a significant role in the success of particular crayfish species, as well as a wide range of further hyporheic-dwelling aquatic organisms in general.
Watt-level passively Q-switched heavily Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror
Authors: Shen Yanlong , Wang Yishan , Luan Kunpeng , Huang Ke , Tao Mengmeng , Chen Hongwei , Yi Aiping , Feng Guobin , Si Jinhai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA diode-cladding pumped mid-infrared passively Q-switched Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser with an average output power of watt-level based on a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is demonstrated. Stable pulse train was produced at a slope efficiency of 17.8% with respect to launched pump power. The maximum average power of 1.01 W at a repetition rate of 146.3 kHz was achieved with a corresponding pulse energy of 6.9 μJ, from which the maximum peak power was calculated to be 21.9 W. To the best of our knowledge, the average power and the peak power are the highest in 3 μm region passively Q-switched fiber lasers. The influence of gain fiber length on the operation regime of the fiber laser has been investigated in detail.
Origin of Structural Transformation in Mono- and Bi-Layered Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Wang Zhiguo , Li Zhijie , Fu Y. Q. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMono- and multi-layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is considered to be one of the next generation anode materials for rechargeable ion batteries. Structural transformation from trigonal prismatic (2H) to octahedral (1T) upon lithium or sodium intercalation has been in-situ observed experimentally using transmission electron microscope during studies of their electrochemical dynamics processes. In this work, we explored the fundamental mechanisms of this structural transformation in both mono- and bi-layered MoS2 using density functional theory. For the intercalated MoS2, the Li and Na donate their electrons to the MoS2. Based on the theoretical analysis, we confirmed that, for the first time, electron transfer is dominant in initiating this structural transformation, and the results provide an in-depth understanding of the transformation mechanism induced by the electron doping. The critical values of electron concentrations for this structural transformation are decreased with increasing the layer thickness.
A genetic polymorphism affects the risk and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma: association with follistatin-like protein 1 expression
Authors: Liu Yan , Han Xue , Yu Yongwei , Ding Yibo , Ni Chong , Liu Wenbin , Hou Xiaomei , Li Zixiong , Hou Jianguo , Shen Dan , Yin Jianhua , Zhang Hongwei , Thompson Timothy C. , Tan Xiaojie , Cao Guangwen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFew single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been identified, yet genetic predisposition contributes significantly to this malignancy. We previously showed that follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) was significantly down-regulated in clear cell RCC (ccRCC), in particular metastatic ccRCC. In the present study, we systemically investigated the associations of the 6 SNPs within FSTL1-coding genomic region with RCC risk and postoperative prognosis. Age- and gender-matched case-control study (417 vs 855) indicated that rs1259293 variant genotype CC was significantly associated with an increased risk of RCC, with an odds ratio of 2.004 (95% confidence internal [CI] = 1.190–3.375). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in 309 of 417 cases showed that rs1259293 genotype (CC vs TT + CT) independently predicted an unfavorable prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.531 (95% CI = 1.052–6.086). Expression of FSTL1 was significantly higher in adjacent renal tissues than in tumors and significantly higher in the tissues with rs1259293 TT genotype than in those with rs1259293 TC+CC genotypes. rs1259293 C allele might generate a CTCF binding site that blocks trans-activation of FSTL1 expression. Our results indicate that rs1259293 is associated with an increased risk and unfavorable postoperative prognosis of RCC, possibly by down-regulating FSTL1 expression in renal tissues.