bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annual and seasonal spatial models for nitrogen oxides in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Amini Heresh , Taghavi-Shahri Seyed-Mahmood , Henderson Sarah B. , Hosseini Vahid , Hassankhany Hossein , Naderi Maryam , Ahadi Solmaz , Schindler Christian , Künzli Nino , Yunesian Masud 
Published: September 2016

AbstractVery few land use regression (LUR) models have been developed for megacities in low- and middle-income countries, but such models are needed to facilitate epidemiologic research on air pollution. We developed annual and seasonal LUR models for ambient oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2, and NOX) in the Middle Eastern city of Tehran, Iran, using 2010 data from 23 fixed monitoring stations. A novel systematic algorithm was developed for spatial modeling. The R2values for the LUR models ranged from 0.69 to 0.78 for NO, 0.64 to 0.75 for NO2, and 0.61 to 0.79 for NOx. The most predictive variables were: distance to the traffic access control zone; distance to primary schools; green space; official areas; bridges; and slope. The annual average concentrations of all pollutants were high, approaching those reported for megacities in Asia. At 1000 randomly-selected locations the correlations between cooler and warmer season estimates were 0.64 for NO, 0.58 for NOX, and 0.30 for NO2. Seasonal differences in spatial patterns of pollution are likely driven by differences in source contributions and meteorology. These models provide a basis for understanding long-term exposures and chronic health effects of air pollution in Tehran, where such research has been limited.
Techniques of TIPS in the treatment of liver cirrhosis combined with incompletely occlusive main portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Zhao Mengfei , Yue Zhendong , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Lei , Fan Zhenhua , He Fuliang , Yao Jiannan , Dong Xiaoqun , Liu Fuquan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe patients of liver cirrhosis associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) can be effectively treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS). Although the corresponding TIPS procedures have already performed on the patients to different types of PVT, the procedures are not specific and the relationship between different types of PVT and technical success rate of TIPS is unclear. What’s more, we aimed to explore the relationship between survival and vascular patency immediately after TIPS. 191 subjects underwent retrospective assessment. Appropriate TIPS procedures were performed based on our more specific classification. The overall success rate of TIPS was 95.8% (183/191). Success rate was significantly different between Grade II and Grade IV thrombosis (χ2 = 5.294, P = 0.021). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-and 5-year survival rates were 95.6%, 89.1%, 83.1%, 76.5% and 67.8%, respectively. The overall survival time of completely patent PV and incomplete patent PV immediately after TIPS was 57.05 ± 0.75 vs. 39.12 ± 2.64 months, respectively (P < 0.0001). We conclude that appropriate TIPS procedures and lower grade of PVT are essential for better technical success rate of TIPS. The patency of target vessels is important for survival.
Conformational Ensemble of hIAPP Dimer: Insight into the Molecular Mechanism by which a Green Tea Extract inhibits hIAPP Aggregation
Authors: Mo Yuxiang , Lei Jiangtao , Sun Yunxiang , Zhang Qingwen , Wei Guanghong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSmall oligomers formed early along human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation is responsible for the cell death in Type II diabetes. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, was found to inhibit hIAPP fibrillation. However, the inhibition mechanism and the conformational distribution of the smallest hIAPP oligomer – dimer are mostly unknown. Herein, we performed extensive replica exchange molecular dynamic simulations on hIAPP dimer with and without EGCG molecules. Extended hIAPP dimer conformations, with a collision cross section value similar to that observed by ion mobility-mass spectrometry, were observed in our simulations. Notably, these dimers adopt a three-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and contain the previously reported β-hairpin amyloidogenic precursor. We find that EGCG binding strongly blocks both the inter-peptide hydrophobic and aromatic-stacking interactions responsible for inter-peptide β-sheet formation and intra-peptide interaction crucial for β-hairpin formation, thus abolishes the three-stranded β-sheet structures and leads to the formation of coil-rich conformations. Hydrophobic, aromatic-stacking, cation-π and hydrogen-bonding interactions jointly contribute to the EGCG-induced conformational shift. This study provides, on atomic level, the conformational ensemble of hIAPP dimer and the molecular mechanism by which EGCG inhibits hIAPP aggregation.
Influence of curvature strain and Van der Waals force on the inter-layer vibration mode of WS2 nanotubes: A confocal micro-Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Wang Xiao Hu , Zheng Chang Cheng , Ning Ji Qiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTransition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanostructures including nanotubes and monolayers have attracted great interests in materials science, chemistry to condensed matter physics. We present an interesting study of the vibration modes in multi-walled tungsten sulfide (WS2) nanotubes prepared via sulfurizing tungsten oxide (WO3) nanowires which are investigated by confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. The inter-layer vibration mode of WS2 nanotubes, A1g, is found to be sensitive to the diameter and curvature strain, while the in-plane vibration mode, E12g, is not. A1g mode frequency shows a redshift by 2.5 cm−1 for the multi-layered nanotubes with small outer-diameters, which is an outcome of the competition between the Van der Waals force stiffening and the curvature strain softening. We also show that the Raman peak intensity ratio is significantly different between the 1–2 wall layered nanotubes and monolayer flat sheets.
Utility of the dual-specificity protein kinase TTK as a therapeutic target for intrahepatic spread of liver cancer
Authors: Miao Ruoyu , Wu Yan , Zhang Haohai , Zhou Huandi , Sun Xiaofeng , Csizmadia Eva , He Lian , Zhao Yi , Jiang Chengyu , Miksad Rebecca A. , Ghaziani Tahereh , Robson Simon C. , Zhao Haitao 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTherapies for primary liver cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, remain limited. Following multi-omics analysis (including whole genome and transcriptome sequencing), we were able to identify the dual-specific protein kinase TTK as a putative new prognostic biomarker for liver cancer. Herein, we show that levels of TTK protein are significantly elevated in neoplastic tissues from a cohort of liver cancer patients, when compared with adjacent hepatic tissues. We also tested the utility of TTK targeted inhibition and have demonstrated therapeutic potential in an experimental model of liver cancer in vivo. Following lentiviral shRNA knockdown in several human liver cancer cell lines, we demonstrated that TTK boosts cell growth and promotes cell spreading; as well as protects against senescence and decreases autophagy. In an experimental animal model, we show that in vitro knockdown of TTK effectively blocks intrahepatic growth of human HCC xenografts. Furthermore, we note that, in vivo silencing of TTK, by systemically delivering TTK siRNAs to already tumor-bearing liver, limits intrahepatic spread of liver cancer cells. This intervention is associated with decreased tumor aggressiveness, as well as increased senescence and autophagy. Taken together, our data suggest that targeted TTK inhibition might have clinical utility as an adjunct therapy in management of liver cancer.
Emission wavelength tuning of fluorescence by fine structural control of optical metamaterials with Fano resonance
Authors: Moritake Y. , Kanamori Y. , Hane K. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe demonstrated fine emission wavelength tuning of quantum dot (QD) fluorescence by fine structural control of optical metamaterials with Fano resonance. An asymmetric-double-bar (ADB), which was composed of only two bars with slightly different bar lengths, was used to obtain Fano resonance in the optical region. By changing the short bar length of ADB structures with high dimensional accuracy in the order of 10 nm, resonant wavelengths of Fano resonance were controlled from 1296 to 1416 nm. Fluorescence of QDs embedded in a polymer layer on ADB metamaterials were modified due to coupling to Fano resonance and fine tuning from 1350 to 1376 nm was observed. Wavelength tuning of modified fluorescence was reproduced by analysis using absorption peaks of Fano resonance. Tuning range of modified fluorescence became narrow, which was interpreted by a simple Gaussian model and resulted from comparable FWHM in QD fluorescence and Fano resonant peaks. The results will help the design and fabrication of metamaterial devices with fluorophores such as light sources and biomarkers.
The analysis of heterotaxy patients reveals new loss-of-function variants of GRK5
Authors: Lessel Davor , Muhammad Tariq , Casar Tena Teresa , Moepps Barbara , Burkhalter Martin D. , Hitz Marc-Phillip , Toka Okan , Rentzsch Axel , Schubert Stephan , Schalinski Adelheid , Bauer Ulrike M. M. , Kubisch Christian , Ware Stephanie M. , Philipp Melanie 
Published: September 2016

AbstractG protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is a regulator of cardiac performance and a potential therapeutic target in heart failure in the adult. Additionally, we have previously classified GRK5 as a determinant of left-right asymmetry and proper heart development using zebrafish. We thus aimed to identify GRK5 variants of functional significance by analysing 187 individuals with laterality defects (heterotaxy) that were associated with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Using Sanger sequencing we identified two moderately frequent variants in GRK5 with minor allele frequencies <10%, and seven very rare polymorphisms with minor allele frequencies <1%, two of which are novel variants. Given their evolutionarily conserved position in zebrafish, in-depth functional characterisation of four variants (p.Q41L, p.G298S, p.R304C and p.T425M) was performed. We tested the effects of these variants on normal subcellular localisation and the ability to desensitise receptor signalling as well as their ability to correct the left-right asymmetry defect upon Grk5l knockdown in zebrafish. While p.Q41L, p.R304C and p.T425M responded normally in the first two aspects, neither p.Q41L nor p.R304C were capable of rescuing the lateralisation phenotype. The fourth variant, p.G298S was identified as a complete loss-of-function variant in all assays and provides insight into the functions of GRK5.
Magnetic field sensing subject to correlated noise with a ring spin chain
Authors: Guo Li-Sha , Xu Bao-Ming , Zou Jian , Shao Bin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we focus on the magnetic field sensing subject to a correlated noise. We use a ring spin chain with only the nearest neighbor interactions as our probe to estimate both the intensity B and the direction θ of the magnetic field when the probe reaches its steady state. We numerically calculate the quantum Fisher information (QFI) to characterize the estimation precision. On the one hand, for estimating B, we find that the coupling between spins in the probe plays an important role in the precision, and the largest value of the QFI can be achieved when θ = π/2 together with an optimal coupling. Moreover, for any direction, the precision scaling can be better than the Heisenberg-limit (HL) with a proper coupling. On the other hand, for estimating θ, we find that our probe can perform a high precision detection for θ ~ π/2, with the QFI much larger than that for any other directions, especially when the coupling is tuned to the optimal value. And we find that the precision scaling for θ ~ π/2 can be better than the HL, but for other directions, the precision scaling is only limited to the standard quantum limit (SQL). Due to the computational complexity we restrict the number of spins in the probe to 60.
From Zirconium Nanograins to Zirconia Nanoneedles
Authors: Zalnezhad E. , Hamouda A. M. S. , Jaworski J. , Do Kim Young 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCombinations of three simple techniques were utilized to gradually form zirconia nanoneedles from zirconium nanograins. First, a physical vapor deposition magnetron sputtering technique was used to deposit pure zirconium nanograins on top of a substrate. Second, an anodic oxidation was applied to fabricate zirconia nanotubular arrays. Finally, heat treatment was used at different annealing temperatures in order to change the structure and morphology from nanotubes to nanowires and subsequently to nanoneedles in the presence of argon gas. The size of the pure zirconium nanograins was estimated to be approximately 200–300 nm. ZrO2 nanotubular arrays with diameters of 70–120 nm were obtained. Both tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO2 were observed after annealing at 450 °C and 650 °C. Only a few tetragonal peaks appeared at 850 °C, while monoclinic ZrO2 was obtained at 900 °C and 950 °C. In assessing the biocompatibility of the ZrO2 surface, the human cell line MDA-MB-231 was found to attach and proliferate well on surfaces annealed at 850 °C and 450 °C; however, the amorphous ZrO2 surface, which was not heat treated, did not permit extensive cell growth, presumably due to remaining fluoride.
Establishing nonlinearity thresholds with ultraintense X-ray pulses
Authors: Szlachetko Jakub , Hoszowska Joanna , Dousse Jean-Claude , Nachtegaal Maarten , Błachucki Wojciech , Kayser Yves , Sà Jacinto , Messerschmidt Marc , Boutet Sebastien , Williams Garth J. , David Christian , Smolentsev Grigory , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Patterson Bruce D. , Penfold Thomas J. , Knopp Gregor , Pajek Marek , Abela Rafael , Milne Christopher J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractX-ray techniques have evolved over decades to become highly refined tools for a broad range of investigations. Importantly, these approaches rely on X-ray measurements that depend linearly on the number of incident X-ray photons. The advent of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) is opening the ability to reach extremely high photon numbers within ultrashort X-ray pulse durations and is leading to a paradigm shift in our ability to explore nonlinear X-ray signals. However, the enormous increase in X-ray peak power is a double-edged sword with new and exciting methods being developed but at the same time well-established techniques proving unreliable. Consequently, accurate knowledge about the threshold for nonlinear X-ray signals is essential. Herein we report an X-ray spectroscopic study that reveals important details on the thresholds for nonlinear X-ray interactions. By varying both the incident X-ray intensity and photon energy, we establish the regimes at which the simplest nonlinear process, two-photon X-ray absorption (TPA), can be observed. From these measurements we can extract the probability of this process as a function of photon energy and confirm both the nature and sub-femtosecond lifetime of the virtual intermediate electronic state.
Model suggests potential for Porites coral population recovery after removal of anthropogenic disturbance (Luhuitou, Hainan, South China Sea)
Authors: Zhao Meixia , Riegl Bernhard , Yu Kefu , Shi Qi , Zhang Qiaomin , Liu Guohui , Yang Hongqiang , Yan Hongqiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPopulation models are important for resource management and can inform about potential trajectories useful for planning purposes, even with incomplete monitoring data. From size frequency data on Luhuitou fringing reef, Hainan, South China Sea, a matrix population model of massive corals (Porites lutea) was developed and trajectories over 100 years under no disturbance and random disturbances were projected. The model reflects a largely open population ofPorites lutea, with low local recruitment and preponderance of imported recruitment. Under no further disturbance, the population ofPorites luteawill grow and its size structure will change from predominance of small size classes to large size classes. Therewith, totalPoritescover will increase. Even under random disturbances every 10 to 20 years, thePoritespopulation could remain viable, albeit at lower space cover. The models suggest recovery at Luhuitou following the removal of chronic anthropogenic disturbance. Extending the area of coral reef reserves to protect the open coral community and the path of connectivity is advisable and imperative for the conservation of Hainan’s coral reefs.
The antidepressant roles of Wnt2 and Wnt3 in stress-induced depression-like behaviors
Authors: Zhou W-J , Xu N , Kong L , Sun S-C , Xu X-F , Jia M-Z , Wang Y , Chen Z-Y 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWnts-related signaling pathways have been reported to play roles in the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression-like behaviors. However, there is relatively few direct evidence to indicate the effect of Wnt ligands on this process. Here, we investigated the role of Wnts in mediating chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression-like behaviors. We found that CRS induced a significant decrease in the expression of Wnt2 and Wnt3 in the ventral hippocampus (VH) but not in the dorsal hippocampus. Knocking down Wnt2 or Wnt3 in the VH led to impaired Wnt/β-catenin signaling, neurogenesis deficits and depression-like behaviors. In contrast, overexpression of Wnt2 or Wnt3 reversed CRS-induced depression-like behaviors. Moreover, Wnt2 and Wnt3 activated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and there was CREB-dependent positive feedback between Wnt2 and Wnt3. Finally, fluoxetine treatment increased Wnt2 and Wnt3 levels in the VH and knocking down Wnt2 or Wnt3 abolished the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine. Taken together, our study indicates essential roles for Wnt2 and Wnt3 in CRS-induced depression-like behaviors and antidepressant.
Design of low‐profile broadband capacitive circuit absorber
Authors: Hakla N. , Ghosh S. , Srivastava K.V. 
Published: September 2016

A low‐profile broadband capacitive circuit absorber has been demonstrated both numerically and experimentally. The design consists of square loop resonators and lumped resistors periodically arranged on the top of grounded dielectric substrate. The novelty of the design lies in its capacitive reactance due to square loop geometry, which reduces the electrical thickness of the structure compared with the earlier broadband absorbers. The simulated results show that the structure exhibits reflectance below −10 dB from 1.91 to 5.75 GHz with the thickness of only 0.07λl at the lowest operating frequency. Furthermore, the proposed structure is polarisation insensitive as well as angularly stable. The structure has also been fabricated, whose measured result is in good agreement with the simulated response.
Connectivity rescues genetic diversity after a demographic bottleneck in a butterfly population network
Authors: Jangjoo Maryam , Matter Stephen F. , Roland Jens , Keyghobadi Nusha 
Published: September 2016

Significance
With climate change and associated climatic instability, populations are expected to experience more frequent and severe fluctuations in size. These population size fluctuations erode genetic diversity, which is a central concern for conservation. Connectivity among habitats should, in theory, protect against the erosion of genetic diversity because immigration of individuals into populations can counteract genetic diversity loss. Our study provides the first evidence in a natural system for a direct effect of connectivity in recovery of genetic diversity following a demographic bottleneck, highlighting the importance of maintaining connectivity in the face of climate change. Our results suggest an important potential interaction between the two global change factors of habitat fragmentation and climate change on genetic diversity of natural populations.
Twenty-million-year relationship between mammalian diversity and primary productivity
Authors: Fritz Susanne A. , Eronen Jussi T. , Schnitzler Jan , Hof Christian , Janis Christine M. , Mulch Andreas , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , Graham Catherine H. 
Published: September 2016

SignificanceOur study links diversity dynamics of fossil large mammals through time to primary productivity, i.e. net production of plant biomass. Spatial diversity patterns of extant terrestrial animals are often correlated with present-day primary productivity, but it is unclear whether the relationship holds throughout the geological past. Here we show that higher primary productivity was consistently associated with higher mammalian diversity throughout the geological period of the Neogene, supporting the hypothesis that energy flow from plants to consumers is a key factor determining the level of biodiversity. Our comparison of the fossil diversity–productivity relationship with present-day data suggests that human activity and Pleistocene climate change have conspired to dissolve the relationship that has characterized our planet over 20 My.
Aβ42 assembles into specific β-barrel pore-forming oligomers in membrane-mimicking environments
Authors: Serra-Batiste Montserrat , Ninot-Pedrosa Martí , Bayoumi Mariam , Gairí Margarida , Maglia Giovanni , Carulla Natàlia 
Published: September 2016

Significance
Numerous reports indicate that amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) oligomers, considered the pathogenic molecular form of Aβ in Alzheimer´s disease (AD), exert their neurotoxicity within the membrane. Therefore, it is critical to characterize them in such an environment. Here, we worked with two major Aβ variants and handled them as if they were membrane proteins. By doing so, we found that the Aβ variant most strongly linked to AD assembled into stable Aβ oligomers that adopted a specific structure and incorporated into membranes as pores, a feature linked to neurotoxicity. Having access to pore-forming Aβ oligomers with such a specific structure offers unique opportunities to fully characterize them and establish their involvement in AD.
A C-terminal amphipathic helix is necessary for the in vivo tubule-shaping function of a plant reticulon
Authors: Breeze Emily , Dzimitrowicz Natasha , Kriechbaumer Verena , Brooks Rhiannon , Botchway Stanley W. , Brady Jacob P. , Hawes Chris , Dixon Ann M. , Schnell Jason R. , Fricker Mark D. , Frigerio Lorenzo 
Published: September 2016

Significance
This study demonstrates, in vivo, that reticulon (RTN) proteins, responsible for the shaping and maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane tubules, rely on a highly conserved C-terminal amphipathic helix (APH) for their morphogenic function. Previously it was thought that RTN could bend the ER membrane both by assuming a wedge-like topology and by forming oligomeric arcs. We show here that deleting or mutating the APH region abolishes the function of a plant RTN but does not affect its capacity to oligomerize. These findings indicate that proteins of the RTN family use an APH to affect membrane curvature: a mechanism that is shared by several other membrane-shaping protein families.