bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZnCr2O4 Nanoparticles: Facile Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Mousavi Zahra , Soofivand Faezeh , Esmaeili-Zare Mahdiyeh , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Bagheri Samira 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this work, zinc chromite (ZnCr2O4) nanostructures have been synthesized through co-precipitation method. The effect of various parameters such as alkaline agent, pH value and capping agent type was investigated on purity, particle size and morphology of samples. It was found that particle size and morphology of the products could be greatly influenced via these parameters. The synthesized products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The superhydrophilicity of the calcined oxides was investigated by wetting experiments and a sessile drop technique which carried out at room temperature in air to determine the surface and interfacial interactions. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles was confirmed by degradation of anionic dyes such as Eosin-Y and phenol red under UV light irradiation. The obtained ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles exhibit a paramagnetic behavior although bulk ZnCr2O4 is antiferromagnetic, this change in magnetic property can be ascribed to finite size effects.
Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Cotinine Levels in Cigarette Smokers Identifies Locus at 4q13.2
Authors: Ware Jennifer J. , Chen Xiangning , Vink Jacqueline , Loukola Anu , Minica Camelia , Pool Rene , Milaneschi Yuri , Mangino Massimo , Menni Cristina , Chen Jingchun , Peterson Roseann E. , Auro Kirsi , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Wedenoja Juho , Stiby Alexander I. , Hemani Gibran , Willemsen Gonneke , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Korhonen Tellervo , Heliövaara Markku , Perola Markus , Rose Richard J. , Paternoster Lavinia , Timpson Nic , Wassenaar Catherine A. , Zhu Andy Z. X. , Davey Smith George , T. Raitakari Olli , Lehtimäki Terho , Kähönen Mika , Koskinen Seppo , Spector Timothy , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Salomaa Veikko , Boomsma Dorret I. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Kaprio Jaakko , Munafò Marcus R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex behavioural phenotypes such as cigarette smoking typically employ self-report phenotypes. However, precise biomarker phenotypes may afford greater statistical power and identify novel variants. Here we report the results of a GWAS meta-analysis of levels of cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, in 4,548 daily smokers of European ancestry. We identified a locus close to UGT2B10 at 4q13.2 (minimum p = 5.89 × 10−10 for rs114612145), which was consequently replicated. This variant is in high linkage disequilibrium with a known functional variant in the UGT2B10 gene which is associated with reduced nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation activity, but intriguingly is not associated with nicotine intake. Additionally, we observed association between multiple variants within the 15q25.1 region and cotinine levels, all located within the CHRNA5-A3-B4 gene cluster or adjacent genes, consistent with previous much larger GWAS using self-report measures of smoking quantity. These results clearly illustrate the increase in power afforded by using precise biomarker measures in GWAS. Perhaps more importantly however, they also highlight that biomarkers do not always mark the phenotype of interest. The use of metabolite data as a proxy for environmental exposures should be carefully considered in the context of individual differences in metabolic pathways.
Loop replacements with gut-binding peptides in Cry1Ab domain II enhanced toxicity against the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Shao Ensi , Lin Li , Chen Chen , Chen Hanze , Zhuang Haohan , Wu Songqing , Sha Li , Guan Xiong , Huang Zhipeng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry toxins have been used widely in pest managements. However, Cry toxins are not effective against sap-sucking insects (Hemiptera), which limits the application of Bt for pest management. In order to extend the insecticidal spectrum of Bt toxins to the rice brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, we modified Cry1Ab putative receptor binding domains with selected BPH gut-binding peptides (GBPs). Three surface exposed loops in the domain II of Cry1Ab were replaced with two GBPs (P2S and P1Z) respectively. Bioassay results showed that toxicity of modified toxin L2-P2S increased significantly (~9 folds) against BPH nymphs. In addition, damage of midgut cells was observed from the nymphs fed with L2-P2S. Our results indicate that modifying Cry toxins based on the toxin-gut interactions can broaden the insecticidal spectrum of Bt toxin. This method provides another approach for the development of transgenic crops with novel insecticidal activity against hemipteran insects and insect populations resistant to current Bt transgenic crops.
Altered rainfall patterns increase forb abundance and richness in native tallgrass prairie
Authors: Jones Sydney K. , Collins Scott L. , Blair John M. , Smith Melinda D. , Knapp Alan K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractModels predict that precipitation variability will increase with climate change. We used a 15-year precipitation manipulation experiment to determine if altering the timing and amount of growing season rainfall will impact plant community structure in annually burned, native tallgrass prairie. The altered precipitation treatment maintained the same total growing season precipitation as the ambient precipitation treatment, but received a rainfall regime of fewer, larger rain events and longer intervals between events each growing season. Although this change in precipitation regime significantly lowered mean soil water content, overall this plant community was remarkably resistant to altered precipitation with species composition relatively stable over time. However, we found significantly higher forb cover and richness and slightly lower grass cover on average with altered precipitation, but the forb responses were manifest only after a ten-year lag period. Thus, although community structure in this grassland is relatively resistant to this type of altered precipitation regime, forb abundance in native tallgrass prairie may increase in a future characterized by increased growing season precipitation variability.
SncRNA (microRNA & snoRNA) opposite expression pattern found in multiple sclerosis relapse and remission is sex dependent
Authors: Muñoz-Culla Maider , Irizar Haritz , Sáenz-Cuesta Matías , Castillo-Triviño Tamara , Osorio-Querejeta Iñaki , Sepúlveda Lucía , López de Munain Adolfo , Olascoaga Javier , Otaegui David 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory and degenerative disease that causes neurological disability. It affects young adults and its prevalence is higher in women. The most common form is manifested as a series of acute episodes of neurological disability (relapses) followed by a recovery phase (remission). Recently, non-coding RNAs have emerged as new players in transcriptome regulation and in turn, they could have a significant role in MS pathogenesis. In this context, our aim was to investigate the involvement of microRNAs and snoRNAs in the relapse-remission dynamics of MS in peripheral blood leucocytes, to shed light on the molecular and regulatory mechanisms that underlie this complex process. With this approach, we found that a subset of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) is altered in relapse and remission, revealing unexpected opposite changes that are sex dependent. Furthermore, we found that a relapse-related miRNA signature regulated general metabolism processes in leucocytes and miRNA altered in remission are involved in the regulation of innate immunity. We observed that sncRNA dysregulation is different in relapse and remission leading to differences in transcriptome regulation and that this process is sex dependent. In conclusion, relapse and remission have a different molecular background in men and women.
Association between two CHRNA3 variants and susceptibility of lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Qu Xiao , Wang Kai , Dong Wei , Shen Hongchang , Wang Ying , Liu Qi , Du Jiajun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified two CHRNA3 polymorphisms (rs578776 and rs938682) associated with lung cancer risk. Furthermore, these polymorphisms were investigated and genotyped by PCR analysis. All eligible case-control studies published up to Mar 1st 2015 were identified by searching Pubmed and Embase database. Negative association between rs578776-T allele and risk of lung cancer was obtained without obvious heterogeneity (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.79–0.86; p = 0.898 for Q test). Rs938682-C allele carriers had a 12% to 28% decreased risk. Genotype model analysis showed results of dominant model for rs578776 (OR with 95% CI: 0.839(0.718–0.981)), dominant model for rs938682 (OR with 95% CI: 0.778(0.663–0.912)) and homozygous model for rs938682 (OR with 95% CI: 0.767(0.708–0.831)) were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis indicated rs578776-T variant had protective effect in Smokers, Caucasians, two histology subgroups and two match subgroups. Meanwhile, rs938682-C allele was associated with decreased risk in Smokers, Caucasians, Lung cancer and two match subgroups. Meta-regression suggested ethnicity might be the major source of heterogeneity in allele model and homozygous model for rs938682. Moreover, smoking status might contribute to part of heterogeneity under allele model. In summary, this meta-analysis suggested both rs578776 and rs938682 were significantly associated with the susceptibility of lung cancer.
How potentially predictable are midlatitude ocean currents?
Authors: Nonaka Masami , Sasai Yoshikazu , Sasaki Hideharu , Taguchi Bunmei , Nakamura Hisashi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPredictability of atmospheric variability is known to be limited owing to significant uncertainty that arises from intrinsic variability generated independently of external forcing and/or boundary conditions. Observed atmospheric variability is therefore regarded as just a single realization among different dynamical states that could occur. In contrast, subject to wind, thermal and fresh-water forcing at the surface, the ocean circulation has been considered to be rather deterministic under the prescribed atmospheric forcing and it still remains unknown how uncertain the upper-ocean circulation variability is. This study evaluates how much uncertainty the oceanic interannual variability can potentially have, through multiple simulations with an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model driven by the observed interannually-varying atmospheric forcing under slightly different conditions. These ensemble “hindcast” experiments have revealed substantial uncertainty due to intrinsic variability in the extratropical ocean circulation that limits potential predictability of its interannual variability, especially along the strong western boundary currents (WBCs) in mid-latitudes, including the Kuroshio and its eastward extention. The intrinsic variability also greatly limits potential predictability of meso-scale oceanic eddy activity. These findings suggest that multi-member ensemble simulations are essential for understanding and predicting variability in the WBCs, which are important for weather and climate variability and marine ecosystems.
Confinement Correction to Mercury Intrusion Capillary Pressure of Shale Nanopores
Authors: Wang Sen , Javadpour Farzam , Feng Qihong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe optimized potential parameters in a molecular dynamics model to reproduce the experimental contact angle of a macroscopic mercury droplet on graphite. With the tuned potential, we studied the effects of pore size, geometry and temperature on the wetting of mercury droplets confined in organic-rich shale nanopores. The contact angle of mercury in a circular pore increases exponentially as pore size decreases. In conjunction with the curvature-dependent surface tension of liquid droplets predicted from a theoretical model, we proposed a technique to correct the common interpretation procedure of mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP) measurement for nanoporous material such as shale. Considering the variation of contact angle and surface tension with pore size improves the agreement between MICP and adsorption-derived pore size distribution, especially for pores having a radius smaller than 5 nm. The relative error produced in ignoring these effects could be as high as 44%—samples that contain smaller pores deviate more. We also explored the impacts of pore size and temperature on the surface tension and contact angle of water/vapor and oil/gas systems, by which the capillary pressure of water/oil/gas in shale can be obtained from MICP. This information is fundamental to understanding multiphase flow behavior in shale systems.
High Resolution Quantitative Angle-Scanning Widefield Surface Plasmon Microscopy
Authors: Tan Han-Min , Pechprasarn Suejit , Zhang Jing , Pitter Mark C. , Somekh Michael G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe describe the construction of a prismless widefield surface plasmon microscope; this has been applied to imaging of the interactions of protein and antibodies in aqueous media. The illumination angle of spatially incoherent diffuse laser illumination was controlled with an amplitude spatial light modulator placed in a conjugate back focal plane to allow dynamic control of the illumination angle. Quantitative surface plasmon microscopy images with high spatial resolution were acquired by post-processing a series of images obtained as a function of illumination angle. Experimental results are presented showing spatially and temporally resolved binding of a protein to a ligand. We also show theoretical results calculated by vector diffraction theory that accurately predict the response of the microscope on a spatially varying sample thus allowing proper quantification and interpretation of the experimental results.
Reversible cardiac hypertrophy induced by PEG-coated gold nanoparticles in mice
Authors: Yang Chengzhi , Tian Aiju , Li Zijian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGold nanoparticles (GNPs) are attracting more and more attention for their great potential value in biomedical application. Currently, no study has been reported on the chronic cardiac toxicity of GNPs after repeated administration. Here we carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the chronic cardiac toxicity of GNPs to the heart. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) -coated GNPs at three different sizes (10, 30 and 50 nm) or PBS was administrated to mice via tail vein for 14 consecutive days. Then the mice were euthanized at 2 weeks, 4 weeks or 12 weeks after the first injection. The accumulation of GNPs in the mouse heart and their effects on cardiac function, structure, fibrosis and inflammation were analysized. GNPs with smaller size showed higher accumulation and faster elimination. None of the three sizes of GNPs affected cardiac systolic function. The LVIDd (left ventricular end-diastolicinner-dimension), LVMass (left ventricular mass) and HW/BW (heart weight/body weight) were significantly increased in the mice receiving 10 nm PEG-GNPs for 2 weeks, but not for 4 weeks or 12 weeks. These results indicated that the accumulation of small size GNPs can induce reversible cardiac hypertrophy. Our results provide the basis for the further biomedical applications of GNPs in cardiac diseases.
Neonatal imitation and early social experience predict gaze following abilities in infant monkeys
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth A. , Miller Grace M. , Ferrari Pier F. , Suomi Stephen J. , Paukner Annika 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndividuals vary in their social skills and motivation, the causes of which remain largely unknown. Here we investigated whether an individual’s propensity to interact with others measured within days after birth and differences in infants’ early social environment, may predict a later social skill. Specifically, we tested whether neonatal imitation—newborns’ capacity to match modelled actions—and social experience in the first months of life predict gaze following (directing attention to locations where others look), in infant macaques (Macaca mulatta; n = 119). Facial gesture imitation in the first week of life predicted gaze following at 7 months of age. Imitators were better at gaze following than non-imitators, suggesting neonatal imitation may be an early marker predicting socio-cognitive functioning. In addition, infants with rich social environments outperformed infants with less socialization, suggesting early social experiences also support the development of infants’ gaze following competence. The present study offers compelling evidence that an individual difference present from birth predicts a functional social cognitive skill in later infancy. In addition, this foundational skill—gaze following—is plastic and can be improved through social interactions, providing infants with a strong foundation for later social interaction and learning.
Lectin binding of human sperm associates with DEFB126 mutation and serves as a potential biomarker for subfertility
Authors: Xin Aijie , Cheng Li , Diao Hua , Wu Yancheng , Zhou Shumin , Shi Changgen , Sun Yangyang , Wang Peng , Duan Shiwei , Zheng Jufen , Wu Bin , Yuan Yao , Gu Yihua , Chen Guowu , Sun Xiaoxi , Shi Huijuan , Tao Shengce , Zhang Yonglian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCoating on the sperm surface, glycocalyx, plays a key role in sperm motility, maturation and fertilization. A comprehensive profile of sperm surface glycans will greatly facilitate both basic researches and clinical studies. Because of the capability of recognizing different glycan moieties, lectins are widely used in glycobiology. However, lacking high-throughput technology, limited lectins have been reported for analyzing the glycan of human sperm. In this study, we employed a lectin microarray for profiling the surface glycans of human sperm, on which 54 out of 91 lectins showed positive binding. Based on this technique, we compared lectin binding profiling of sperm with homozygous DEFB126 mutation (del/del) with that of wild type (wt/wt). DEFB126 was reported to contribute to the sialylation on sperm surface and its homozygous mutation was related to male subfertility. Six lectins (Jacalin/AIA, GHA, ACL, MPL, VVL and ABA) were found to develop lower binding affinity to sperm with del/del. Further validation showed that these lectins, especially ABA and MPL, can be potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of subfertility due to the mutation of DEFB126. Our research provides insight into the detection of some unexplained male subfertility and the lectin microarray is generally applicable for infertility/subfertility sperm biomarker discovery.
Precursor and mature NGF live tracking: one versus many at a time in the axons
Authors: De Nadai Teresa , Marchetti Laura , Di Rienzo Carmine , Calvello Mariantonietta , Signore Giovanni , Di Matteo Pierluigi , Gobbo Francesco , Turturro Sabrina , Meucci Sandro , Viegi Alessandro , Beltram Fabio , Luin Stefano , Cattaneo Antonino 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe classical view of nerve growth factor (NGF) action in the nervous system is linked to its retrograde axonal transport. However, almost nothing is known on the trafficking properties of its unprocessed precursor proNGF, characterized by different and generally opposite biological functions with respect to its mature counterpart. Here we developed a strategy to fluorolabel both purified precursor and mature neurotrophins (NTs) with a controlled stoichiometry and insertion site. Using a single particle tracking approach, we characterized the axonal transport of proNGF versus mature NGF in living dorsal root ganglion neurons grown in compartmentalized microfluidic devices. We demonstrate that proNGF is retrogradely transported as NGF, but with a lower flux and a different distribution of numbers of neurotrophins per vesicle. Moreover, exploiting a dual-color labelling technique, we analysed the transport of both NT forms when simultaneously administered to the axon tips.
Highly Tm3+ doped germanate glass and its single mode fiber for 2.0 μm laser
Authors: Wen Xin , Tang Guowu , Yang Qi , Chen Xiaodong , Qian Qi , Zhang Qinyuan , Yang Zhongmin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHighly Tm3+ doped optical fibers are urgently desirable for 2.0 μm compact single-frequency fiber laser and high-repetition-rate mode-locked fiber laser. Here, we systematically investigated the optical parameters, energy transfer processes and thermal properties of Tm3+ doped barium gallo-germanate (BGG) glasses. Highly Tm3+ doped BGG glass single mode (SM) fibers were fabricated by the rod-in-tube technique. The Tm3+ doping concentration reaches 7.6 × 1020 ions/cm3, being the reported highest level in Tm3+ doped BGG SM fibers. Using ultra short (1.6 cm) as-drawn highly Tm3+ doped BGG SM fiber, a single-frequency fiber laser at 1.95 μm has been demonstrated with a maximum output power of 35 mW when in-band pumped by a home-made 1568 nm fiber laser. Additionally, a multilongitudinal-mode fiber laser at 1.95 μm has also been achieved in a 10 cm long as-drawn active fiber, yielding a maximum laser output power of 165 mW and a slope efficiency of 17%. The results confirm that the as-drawn highly Tm3+ doped BGG SM fibers are promising in applications that require high gain and high power from a short piece of active optical fiber.
Metasurface Broadband Solar Absorber
Authors: Azad Abul K. , Kort-Kamp Wilton J. M. , Sykora Milan , Weisse-Bernstein Nina R. , Luk Ting S. , Taylor Antoinette J. , Dalvit Diego A. R. , Chen Hou-Tong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate a broadband, polarization independent, wide-angle absorber based on a metallic metasurface architecture, which accomplishes greater than 90% absorptance in the visible and near-infrared range of the solar spectrum and exhibits low absorptivity (emissivity) at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths. The complex unit cell of the metasurface solar absorber consists of eight pairs of gold nano-resonators that are separated from a gold ground plane by a thin silicon dioxide spacer. Our experimental measurements reveal high-performance absorption over a wide range of incidence angles for both s- and p-polarizations. We also investigate numerically the frequency-dependent field and current distributions to elucidate how the absorption occurs within the metasurface structure.
Bt proteins Cry1Ah and Cry2Ab do not affect cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and ladybeetle Propylea japonica
Authors: Zhao Yao , Zhang Shuai , Luo Jun-Yu , Wang Chun-Yi , Lv Li-Min , Wang Xiao-Ping , Cui Jin-Jie , Lei Chao-Liang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPlant varieties expressing theBt(Bacillus thuringiensis) insecticidal proteins Cry1Ah and Cry2Ab have potential commercialization prospects in China. However, their potential effects on non-target arthropods (NTAs) remain uncharacterized. The cotton aphidAphis gossypiiis a worldwide pest that damages various important crops. The ladybeetlePropylea japonicais a common and abundant natural enemy in many cropping systems in East Asia. In the present study, the effects of Cry1Ah and Cry2Ab proteins onA. gossypiiandP. japonicawere assessed from three aspects. First, neither of the Cry proteins affected the growth or developmental characteristics of the two test insects. Second, the expression levels of the detoxification-related genes of the two test insects did not change significantly in either Cry protein treatment. Third, neither of the Cry proteins had a favourable effect on the expression of genes associated with the amino acid metabolism ofA. gossypiiand the nutrition utilization ofP. japonica. In conclusion, the Cry1Ah and Cry2Ab proteins do not appear to affect the cotton aphidA. gossypiior the ladybeetleP. japonica.