bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of dye sensitized solar cell efficiency via incorporation of upconverting phosphor nanoparticles as spectral converters
Authors: Chander Nikhil , Khan Atif F. , Komarala Vamsi K. , Chawla Santa , Dutta Viresh 
Published: December 2015

AbstractUpconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+/NaYF4 core‐shell (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by thermal decomposition of lanthanide trifluoroacetate precursors and mixed with TiO2 NPs to fabricate dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The CS geometry effectively prevents the capture of electrons because of the surface states and improves photo‐emission. The as‐synthesized CS NPs show upconversion (UC) luminescence, converting near infrared (NIR) light into visible light (450–700 nm), making the photon absorption by the ruthenium‐based dyes (which have little or no absorption in the NIR region) possible. The champion DSSCs fabricated using CS UC NPs (average size = 25 nm) show enhancements of ~12.5% (sensitized with black/N749 dye) and of ~5.5% (sensitized with N719 dye) in overall power conversion efficiency under AM 1.5G illumination. This variation in the enhancement of the DSSC efficiencies for black and N719 dyes is attributed to the difference in the extinction coefficient and the absorption wavelength range of dyes. Incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency measurements also evidently showed the photocurrent enhancement in the NIR region of the spectrum because of the UC effect. The results prove that the augmentation in efficiency is primarily due to NIR to visible spectrum modification by the fluorescent UC NPs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of major SSTA modes to the climate variability of tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the western North Pacific
Authors: Yu Jinhua , Chen Cheng , Li Tim , Zhao Xiaotong , Xue Huaxing , Sun Qiying 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Analysis method was used to isolate the contributions of major sea‐surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes over three oceanic basins to the climate variability of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis number (TCGN) in the peak TC season over the western North Pacific (WNP) between 1970 and 2012. The results show that TCGN variation has a statistically significant response to the first SST mode over the tropical North Pacific (TNP1), Indian Ocean (IOBM) and North Atlantic (NA1). The dominant SSTA modes in the three basins contribute 16.6, 12.1 and 13.6% of total TCGN variance, respectively. Among them, TNP1 and NA1 are primarily responsible for TCGN interdecadal variability, with a contribution of 22 and 14.5% to its interdecadal variance at 96 and 93% confidence levels, respectively. TCGN interannual variability, on the other hand, is significantly influenced by IOBM and NA1 with a contribution of 17.6 and 14.3% of the total interannual variance, respectively. The maximum TCGN variability centres are located in the central WNP and South China Sea. The former is primarily associated with responses of low‐level relative vorticity to TNP1 and NA1 and the latter is closely linked to the forcing from IOBM and NA1.
Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder: The Process of Parental Adaptation and Implications for Genetic Counseling
Authors: Andrighetti Heather , Semaka Alicia , Stewart S. Evelyn , Shuman Cheryl , Hayeems Robin , Austin Jehannine 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) has primarily pediatric onset and well‐documented unique impacts on family functioning. Limited research has assessed the understanding that parents of children with OCD have of the etiology of the condition, and there are no data regarding potential applications of genetic counseling for this population. We recruited 13 parents of 13 children diagnosed with OCD from the OCD Registry at British Columbia Children's Hospital, and conducted qualitative semi‐structured telephone interviews to explore participants’ experiences with their child's OCD, causal attributions of OCD, and perceptions of two genetic counseling vignettes. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using elements of grounded theory qualitative methodology. Analysis revealed key components and contextual elements of the process through which parents adapt to their child's OCD. This adaptation process involved conceptualizing the meaning of OCD, navigating its impact on family dynamics, and developing effective illness management strategies. Adaptation took place against a backdrop of stigmatization and was shaped by participants’ family history of mental illness and their child's specific manifestations of OCD. Parents perceived genetic counseling, as described in the vignettes, as being empowering, alleviating guilt and blame, and positively impacting treatment orientation. These data provide insight into the process of parental adaptation to pediatric OCD, and suggest that genetic counseling services for families affected by OCD may help facilitate adaptation to this illness.
Impact of the mass media OBERTAMENT campaign on the levels of stigma among the population of Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Rubio-Valera M. , Fernández A. , Evans-Lacko S. , Luciano J.V. , Thornicroft G. , Aznar-Lou I. , Serrano-Blanco A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractReducing public stigma could improve patients’ access to care, recovery and social integration. The aim of the study was to evaluate a mass media intervention, which aimed to reduce the mental health, related stigma among the general population in Catalonia (Spain). We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey of a representative sample of the Catalan non-institutionalized adult population (n = 1019). We assessed campaign awareness, attitudes to people with mental illness (CAMI) and intended behaviour (RIBS). To evaluate the association between campaign awareness and stigma, multivariable regression models were used. Over 20% of respondents recognized the campaign when prompted, and 11% when unprompted. Campaign aware individuals had better attitudes on the benevolence subscale of the CAMI than unaware individuals (P = 0.009). No significant differences in authoritarianism and support for community mental health care attitudes subscales were observed. The campaign aware group had better intended behaviour than the unaware group (P < 0.01). The OBERTAMENT anti-stigma campaign had a positive impact to improve the attitudes and intended behaviour towards people with mental illness of the Catalan population. The impact on stigma was limited to attitudes related to benevolence. A wider range of anti-stigma messages could produce a stronger impact on attitudes and intended behaviour.
Identification of an allosteric binding site for RORγt inhibition
Authors: Scheepstra Marcel , Leysen Seppe , van Almen Geert C. , Miller J. Richard , Piesvaux Jennifer , Kutilek Victoria , van Eenennaam Hans , Zhang Hongjun , Barr Kenneth , Nagpal Sunil , Soisson Stephen M. , Kornienko Maria , Wiley Kristen , Elsen Nathaniel , Sharma Sujata , Correll Craig C. , Trotter B. Wesley , van der Stelt Mario , Oubrie Arthur , Ottmann Christian , Parthasarathy Gopal , Brunsveld Luc 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRORγt is critical for the differentiation and proliferation of Th17 cells associated with several chronic autoimmune diseases. We report the discovery of a novel allosteric binding site on the nuclear receptor RORγt. Co-crystallization of the ligand binding domain (LBD) of RORγt with a series of small-molecule antagonists demonstrates occupancy of a previously unreported allosteric binding pocket. Binding at this non-canonical site induces an unprecedented conformational reorientation of helix 12 in the RORγt LBD, which blocks cofactor binding. The functional consequence of this allosteric ligand-mediated conformation is inhibition of function as evidenced by both biochemical and cellular studies. RORγt function is thus antagonized in a manner molecularly distinct from that of previously described orthosteric RORγt ligands. This brings forward an approach to target RORγt for the treatment of Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. The elucidation of an unprecedented modality of pharmacological antagonism establishes a mechanism for modulation of nuclear receptors.
Ontogeny of the maxilla in Neanderthals and their ancestors
Authors: Lacruz Rodrigo S. , Bromage Timothy G. , O’Higgins Paul , Arsuaga Juan-Luis , Stringer Chris , Godinho Ricardo Miguel , Warshaw Johanna , Martínez Ignacio , Gracia-Tellez Ana , de Castro José María Bermúdez , Carbonell Eudald 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNeanderthals had large and projecting (prognathic) faces similar to those of their putative ancestors from Sima de los Huesos (SH) and different from the retracted modern human face. When such differences arose during development and the morphogenetic modifications involved are unknown. We show that maxillary growth remodelling (bone formation and resorption) of the Devil’s Tower (Gibraltar 2) and La Quina 18 Neanderthals and four SH hominins, all sub-adults, show extensive bone deposition, whereas in modern humans extensive osteoclastic bone resorption is found in the same regions. This morphogenetic difference is evident by ∼5 years of age. Modern human faces are distinct from those of the Neanderthal and SH fossils in part because their postnatal growth processes differ markedly. The growth remodelling identified in these fossil hominins is shared withAustralopithecus and earlyHomobut not with modern humans suggesting that the modern human face is developmentally derived.
Near-global freshwater-specific environmental variables for biodiversity analyses in 1 km resolution
Authors: Domisch Sami , Amatulli Giuseppe , Jetz Walter 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe lack of freshwater-specific environmental information at sufficiently fine spatial grain hampers broad-scale analyses in aquatic biology, biogeography, conservation, and ecology. Here we present a near-global, spatially continuous, and freshwater-specific set of environmental variables in a standardized 1 km grid. We delineate the sub-catchment for each grid cell along the HydroSHEDS river network and summarize the upstream climate, topography, land cover, surface geology and soil to each grid cell using various metrics (average, minimum, maximum, range, sum, inverse distance-weighted average and sum). All variables were subsequently averaged across single lakes and reservoirs of the Global lakes and Wetlands Database that are connected to the river network. Monthly climate variables were summarized into 19 long-term climatic variables following the ‘bioclim’ framework. This new set of variables provides a basis for spatial ecological and biodiversity analyses in freshwater ecosystems at near global extent, yet fine spatial grain. To facilitate the generation of freshwater variables for custom study areas and spatial grains, we provide the ‘r.stream.watersheds’ and ‘r.stream.variables’ add-ons for the GRASS GIS software.
Genomic amplification upregulates estrogen-related receptor alpha and its depletion inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma tumors in vivo
Authors: Tiwari Ankana , Swamy Shivananda , Gopinath Kodaganur S. , Kumar Arun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe ESRRA gene encodes a transcription factor and regulates several genes, such as WNT11 and OPN, involved in tumorigenesis. It is upregulated in several cancers, including OSCC. We have previously shown that the tumor suppressor miR-125a targets ESRRA and its downregulation causes upregulation of ESRRA in OSCC. Upregulation of ESRRA in the absence of downregulation of miR-125a in a subset of OSCC samples suggests the involvement of an alternative mechanism. Using TaqMan® copy number assay, here we report for the first time that the genomic amplification of ESRRA causes its upregulation in a subset of OSCC samples. Ectopic overexpression of ESRRA led to accelerated cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth and invasion and inhibited apoptosis. Whereas, knockdown of ESRRA expression by siRNA led to reduced cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth and invasion and accelerated apoptosis. Furthermore, the delivery of a synthetic biostable ESRRA siRNA to OSCC cells resulted in regression of xenografts in nude mice. Thus, the genomic amplification of ESRRA is another novel mechanism for its upregulation in OSCC. Based on our in vitro and in vivo experiments, we suggest that targeting ESRRA by siRNA could be a novel therapeutic strategy for OSCC and other cancers.
Ice-templated synthesis of multifunctional three dimensional graphene/noble metal nanocomposites and their mechanical, electrical, catalytic and electromagnetic shielding properties
Authors: Sahoo P. K. , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Panda Himanshu Sekhar , Bahadur D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn-situ homogeneous dispersion of noble metals in three-dimensional graphene sheets is a key tactic for producing macroscopic architecture, which is desirable for practical applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding and catalyst. We report a one-step greener approach for developing porous architecture of 3D-graphene/noble metal (Pt and Ag) nanocomposite monoliths. The resulting graphene/noble metal nanocomposites exhibit a combination of ultralow density, excellent elasticity and good electrical conductivity. Moreover, in order to illuminate the advantages of the 3D-graphene/noble metal nanocomposites, their electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and electrocatalytic performance are further investigated. The as-synthesized 3D-graphene/noble metal nanocomposites exhibit excellent EMI shielding effectiveness when compared to bare graphene; the effectiveness has an average of 28 dB in the 8.2–12.4 GHz X-band range. In the electro-oxidation of methanol, the 3D-graphene/Pt nanocomposite also exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performance and stability than compared to reduced graphene oxide/Pt and commercial Pt/C.
Functional properties of resting state networks in healthy full-term newborns
Authors: De Asis-Cruz Josepheen , Bouyssi-Kobar Marine , Evangelou Iordanis , Vezina Gilbert , Limperopoulos Catherine 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjective, early and non-invasive assessment of brain function in high-risk newborns is critical to initiate timely interventions and to minimize long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities. A prerequisite to identifying deviations from normal, however, is the availability of baseline measures of brain function derived from healthy, full-term newborns. Recent advances in functional MRI combined with graph theoretic techniques may provide important, currently unavailable, quantitative markers of normal neurodevelopment. In the current study, we describe important properties of resting state networks in 60 healthy, full-term, unsedated newborns. The neonate brain exhibited an efficient and economical small world topology: densely connected nearby regions, sparse, but well integrated, distant connections, a small world index greater than 1 and global/local efficiency greater than network cost. These networks showed a heavy-tailed degree distribution, suggesting the presence of regions that are more richly connected to others (‘hubs’). These hubs, identified using degree and betweenness centrality measures, show a more mature hub organization than previously reported. Targeted attacks on hubs show that neonate networks are more resilient than simulated scale-free networks. Networks fragmented faster and global efficiency decreased faster when betweenness, as opposed to degree, hubs were attacked suggesting a more influential role of betweenness hub in the neonate network.
Effective directional self-gathering of drops on spine of cactus with splayed capillary arrays
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Xue Yan , Chen Yuan , Zheng Yongmei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe report that the fast droplet transport without additional energy expenditure can be achieved on the spine of cactus (Gymnocalycium baldianum) with the assistance of its special surface structure: the cactus spine exhibits a cone-like structure covered with tilted scales. A single scale and the spine surface under it cooperatively construct a splayed capillary tube. The arrays of capillary tube formed by the overlapping scales build up the out layer of the spine. The serial drops would be driven by the asymmetric structure resulted from tilt-up scales-by-scales on the cone-shaped spine and move directionally toward the bottom from top of spine, by means of the Laplace pressure in differences. In addition, after the past of the first droplet, thin liquid film of drop is trapped in the splayed capillary micro-tube on the surface of spine, which greatly reduces the friction of subsequential droplet transport in efficiency. This finding provides a new biological model which could be used to transport droplet spontaneously and directionally. Also this work offers a way to reduce the surface adhesion by constructing liquid film on the surface, which has great significance in prompting droplet transport efficiency.
Iron-overload injury and cardiomyopathy in acquired and genetic models is attenuated by resveratrol therapy
Authors: Das Subhash K. , Wang Wang , Zhabyeyev Pavel , Basu Ratnadeep , McLean Brent , Fan Dong , Parajuli Nirmal , DesAulniers Jessica , Patel Vaibhav B. , Hajjar Roger J. , Dyck Jason R. B. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIron-overload cardiomyopathy is a prevalent cause of heart failure on a world-wide basis and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with secondary iron-overload and genetic hemochromatosis. We investigated the therapeutic effects of resveratrol in acquired and genetic models of iron-overload cardiomyopathy. Murine iron-overload models showed cardiac iron-overload, increased oxidative stress, altered Ca2+ homeostasis and myocardial fibrosis resulting in heart disease. Iron-overload increased nuclear and acetylated levels of FOXO1 with corresponding inverse changes in SIRT1 levels in the heart corrected by resveratrol therapy. Resveratrol, reduced the pathological remodeling and improved cardiac function in murine models of acquired and genetic iron-overload at varying stages of iron-overload. Echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis revealed a complete normalization of iron-overload mediated diastolic and systolic dysfunction in response to resveratrol therapy. Myocardial SERCA2a levels were reduced in iron-overloaded hearts and resveratrol therapy restored SERCA2a levels and corrected altered Ca2+ homeostasis. Iron-mediated pro-oxidant and pro-fibrotic effects in human and murine cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts were suppressed by resveratrol which correlated with reduction in iron-induced myocardial oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis. Resveratrol represents a clinically and economically feasible therapeutic intervention to reduce the global burden from iron-overload cardiomyopathy at early and chronic stages of iron-overload.
Analytical framework and methodologies for analysing farm-level vulnerability.
Authors: Singh N. P. , Byjesh K. , Bantilan C. , Rao V. U. M. , Nedumaran S. , Venkateswarulu B. , Niranjan F. , Jayatilaka W. , Deb U. K. , Ha P. Q. , Suddhiyam P. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

A comprehensive and well-thought-out framework of analysis is a pre-requisite in analysing pathways in improving resilience to climate change. This chapter discusses the analytical framework that includes macro data analysis, modelling, social analysis, etc., with an inclusive Q2 approach. All information gathered is from primary data collected through questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions and personal interviews. The analytics adopted include: climatic analysis; vulnerability analysis; farmers' perceptional analysis and matching perceptions with reality; social analysis including gender and social networks; and regional assessment of climate change impacts on agriculture using an integrated modelling approach.
What's in store for Asia: making sense of changes in climate trends.
Authors: Singh N. P. , Byjesh K. , Bantilan C. , Rao V. U. M. , Venkateswarulu B. , Niranjan F. , Jayatilaka W. , Deb U. K. , Ha P. Q. , Suddhiyam P. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

This chapter provides a comparative meta-analysis of several global studies on long-term climatic trends, extreme events and their consequences on the important countries in Asia and Africa. Here we argue that climate-related losses are of greater magnitude than, and inventoried less than, the losses due to climatic extremes and natural disasters. It tries to answer questions such as what do the data indicate for the regions? Comparative assessment and regional trends are reported for: (i) the semi-arid tropics of India; (ii) the Mekong river region and north-east region of Vietnam; (iii) the semi-arid north-east region of Thailand; (iv) the drought and flood plains of Bangladesh; and (v) the dry regions of Sri Lanka.
The size distribution of inhabited planets
Authors: Simpson Fergus 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Earth-like planets are expected to provide the greatest opportunity for the detection of life beyond the Solar system. However, our planet cannot be considered a fair sample, especially if intelligent life exists elsewhere. Just as a person's country of origin is a biased sample among countries, so too their planet of origin may be a biased sample among planets. The magnitude of this effect can be substantial: over 98 per cent of the world's population live in a country larger than the median. In the context of a simple model where the mean population density is invariant to planet size, we infer that a given inhabited planet (such as our nearest neighbour) has a radius r &lt; 1.2r⊕ (95 per cent confidence bound). We show that this result is likely to hold not only for planets hosting advanced life, but also for those which harbour primitive life forms. Further, inferences may be drawn for any variable which influences population size. For example, since population density is widely observed to decline with increasing body mass, we conclude that most intelligent species are expected to exceed 300 kg.
New detections of Galactic molecular absorption systems toward ALMA calibrator sources
Authors: Ando Ryo , Kohno Kotaro , Tamura Yoichi , Izumi Takuma , Umehata Hideki , Nagai Hiroshi 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
We report on Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) detections of molecular absorption lines in Bands 3, 6, and 7 toward four radio-loud quasars, which were observed as the bandpass and complex gain calibrators. The absorption systems, three of which are newly detected, are found to be Galactic origin. Moreover, HCO absorption lines toward two objects are detected, which almost doubles the number of HCO absorption samples in the Galactic diffuse medium. In addition, high HCO-to-H13CO+ column density ratios are found, suggesting that the interstellar media (ISM) observed toward the two calibrators are in photodissociation regions, which observationally illustrates the chemistry of diffuse ISM driven by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These results demonstrate that calibrators in the ALMA Archive are potential sources for the quest for new absorption systems and for detailed investigation of the nature of the ISM.