bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health risk assessment of rare earth elements in cereals from mining area in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhuang Maoqiang , Wang Liansen , Wu Guangjian , Wang Kebo , Jiang Xiaofeng , Liu Taibin , Xiao Peirui , Yu Lianlong , Jiang Ying , Song Jian , Zhang Junli , Zhou Jingyang , Zhao Jinshan , Chu Zunhua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo investigate the concentrations of rare earth elements in cereals and assess human health risk through cereal consumption, a total of 327 cereal samples were collected from rare earth mining area and control area in Shandong, China. The contents of 14 rare earth elements were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry (ICP—MS). The medians of total rare earth elements in cereals from mining and control areas were 74.22 μg/kg and 47.83 μg/kg, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The wheat had the highest rare earth elements concentrations (109.39 μg/kg and 77.96 μg/kg for mining and control areas, respectively) and maize had the lowest rare earth elements concentrations (42.88 μg/kg and 30.25 μg/kg for mining and control areas, respectively). The rare earth elements distribution patterns for both areas were characterized by enrichment of light rare earth elements. The health risk assessment demonstrated that the estimated daily intakes of rare earth elements through cereal consumption were considerably lower than the acceptable daily intake (70 μg/kg bw). The damage to adults can be neglected, but more attention should be paid to the effects of continuous exposure to rare earth elements on children.
Novel evidence for complement system activation in chick myopia and hyperopia models: a meta-analysis of transcriptome datasets
Authors: Riddell Nina , Crewther Sheila G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMyopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness) occur when the eye grows too long or short, respectively, for its refractive power. There are currently approximately 1.45 billion myopes worldwide and prevalence is rising dramatically. Although high myopia significantly increases the risk of developing a range of sight-threatening disorders, the molecular mechanisms underlying ocular growth regulation and its relationship to these secondary complications remain poorly understood. Thus, this study meta-analyzed transcriptome datasets collected in the commonly used chick model of optically-induced refractive error. Fifteen datasets (collected across five previous studies) were obtained from GEO, preprocessed in Bioconductor, and divided into 4 conditions representing early (≤1 day) and late (>1 day) myopia and hyperopia induction. Differentially expressed genes in each condition were then identified using Rank Product meta-analysis. The results provide novel evidence for transcriptional activation of the complement system during both myopia and hyperopia induction, and confirm existing literature implicating cell signaling, mitochondrial, and structural processes in refractive error. Further comparisons demonstrated that the meta-analysis results also significantly improve concordance with broader omics data types (i.e., human genetic association and animal proteomics studies) relative to previous transcriptome studies, and show extensive similarities with the genes linked to age-related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and cataract.
Unraveling the gut microbiome of the long-lived naked mole-rat
Authors: Debebe Tewodros , Biagi Elena , Soverini Matteo , Holtze Susanne , Hildebrandt Thomas Bernd , Birkemeyer Claudia , Wyohannis Dereje , Lemma Alemayehu , Brigidi Patrizia , Savkovic Vulk , König Brigitte , Candela Marco , Birkenmeier Gerd 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a subterranean mouse-sized African mammal that shows astonishingly few age-related degenerative changes and seems to not be affected by cancer. These features make this wild rodent an excellent model to study the biology of healthy aging and longevity. Here we characterize for the first time the intestinal microbial ecosystem of the naked mole-rat in comparison to humans and other mammals, highlighting peculiarities related to the specific living environment, such as the enrichment in bacteria able to utilize soil sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor to sustain an anaerobic oxidative metabolism. Interestingly, some compositional gut microbiota peculiarities were also shared with human gut microbial ecosystems of centenarians and Hadza hunter-gatherers, considered as models of a healthy gut microbiome and of a homeostatic and highly adaptive gut microbiota-host relationship, respectively. In addition, we found an enrichment of short-chain fatty acids and carbohydrate degradation products in naked mole-rat compared to human samples. These data confirm the importance of the gut microbial ecosystem as an adaptive partner for the mammalian biology and health, independently of the host phylogeny.
Stress Writing Textured Graphite Conducting Wires/Patterns in Insulating Amorphous Carbon Matrix as Interconnects
Authors: Wang Ding-Shiang , Chang Shou-Yi , Chen Tai-Sheng , Chou Tung-Huan , Huang Yi-Ching , Wu Jin-Bao , Leu Ming-Sheng , Lai Hong-Jen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study reports a mechanical stress-based technique that involves scratching or imprinting to write textured graphite conducting wires/patterns in an insulating amorphous carbon matrix for potential use as interconnects in future carbonaceous circuits. With low-energy post-annealing below the temperature that is required for the thermal graphitization of amorphous carbon, the amorphous carbon phase only in the mechanically stressed regions transforms into a well aligned crystalline graphite structure with a low electrical resistivity of 420 μΩ-cm, while the surrounding amorphous carbon matrix remains insulating. Micro-Raman spectra with obvious graphitic peaks and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic observations of clear graphitic lattice verified the localized phase transformation of amorphous carbon into textured graphite exactly in the stressed regions. The stress-induced reconstruction of carbon bonds to generate oriented graphitic nuclei is believed to assist in the pseudo-self-formation of textured graphite during low-temperature post annealing.
Expression and characterisation of a Sarcoptes scabiei protein tyrosine kinase as a potential antigen for scabies diagnosis
Authors: Shen Nengxing , He Ran , Liang Yuqing , Xu Jing , He Manli , Ren Yongjun , Gu Xiaobin , Lai Weimin , Xie Yue , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou 
Published: August 2017

AbstractScabies is a disease that harms humans and other animals that is caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the stratum corneum of the skin. In the early stages of scabies, symptoms are often subclinical and there are no effective diagnostic methods. Herein, we cloned, expressed and characterised an S. scabiei protein tyrosine kinase (SsPTK) and evaluated its diagnostic value as a recombinant antigen in rabbit during the early stages of Sarcoptes infestation. The SsPTK protein is ~30 kDa, lacks a signal peptide, and shares high homology with a PTK from the rabbit ear mite Psoroptes ovis cuniculi. The protein was widely distributed at the front end of mites, particularly in the chewing mouthparts and legs. Indirect ELISA using recombinant SsPTK showed good diagnostic value, with 95.2% (40/42) sensitivity and 94.1% (48/51) specificity for detecting anti-PTK antibody in serum samples from naturally-infested rabbits. More importantly, PTK ELISA could diagnose infection in the early stages (infestation for 1 week) with an accuracy of 100% (24/24). SsPTK therefore shows potential as a sensitive antigen for the early diagnosis of parasitic mite infestation.
Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses During Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Tupaia belangeri
Authors: Kayesh Mohammad Enamul Hoque , Ezzikouri Sayeh , Sanada Takahiro , Chi Haiying , Hayashi Yukiko , Rebbani Khadija , Kitab Bouchra , Matsuu Aya , Miyoshi Noriaki , Hishima Tsunekazu , Kohara Michinori , Tsukiyama-Kohara Kyoko 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To address the molecular basis of HCV pathogenesis using tupaias (Tupaia belangeri), we characterized host responses upon HCV infection. Adult tupaias were infected with HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, or 4a. Viral RNA, alanine aminotransferase, anti-HCV core and anti-nonstructural protein NS3 antibody titres, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and anti-3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24reductase (DHCR24) antibody levels were measured at 2-week intervals from 0 to 41 weeks postinfection. All HCV genotypes established infections and showed intermittent HCV propagation. Moreover, all tupaias produced anti-core and anti-NS3 antibodies. ROS levels in sera and livers were significantly increased, resulting in induction of DHCR24 antibody production. Similarly, lymphocytic infiltration, disturbance of hepatic cords, and initiation of fibrosis were observed in livers from HCV-infected tupaias. Intrahepatic levels of Toll-like receptors 3, 7, and 8 were significantly increased in all HCV-infected tupaias. However, interferon-β was only significantly upregulated in HCV1a- and HCV2a-infected tupaias, accompanied by downregulation of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide. Thus, our findings showed that humoral and innate immune responses to HCV infection, ROS induction, and subsequent increases in DHCR24 auto-antibody production occurred in our tupaia model, providing novel insights into understanding HCV pathogenesis.
Role of ultrasonic treatment, inoculation and solute in the grain refinement of commercial purity aluminium
Authors: Wang G. , Wang Q. , Easton M. A. , Dargusch M. S. , Qian M. , Eskin D. G. , StJohn D. H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe present study investigates the influence of ultrasonic treatment on the grain refinement of commercial purity aluminium with a range of Al3Ti1B master alloy additions. When the aluminium contains the smallest amount of added master alloy, ultrasonics caused significant additional grain refinement compared to that provided by the master alloy alone. However, the influence of ultrasonics on grain size reduces with increasing addition of the master alloy which adds additional TiB2 particles and Ti solute with each incremental addition. Applying the Interdependence model to analyse the experimentally measured grain sizes revealed that the results of this study and those from similar experiments on an Al-2Cu alloy were consistent when the alloy compositions are converted to their growth restriction factors (Q) and that increasing Q had a major effect on reducing grain size and increasing grain number density. Compared with the application of ultrasonic treatment where an order of magnitude increase in the grain number density is achieved, an increase in the Ti content over the range of master alloy additions, causes the grain number density to increase by approximately three times.
Low Carbon sink capacity of Red Sea mangroves
Authors: Almahasheer Hanan , Serrano Oscar , Duarte Carlos M. , Arias-Ortiz Ariane , Masque Pere , Irigoien Xabier 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMangroves forests of Avicennia marina occupy about 135 km2 in the Red Sea and represent one of the most important vegetated communities in this otherwise arid and oligotrophic region. We assessed the soil organic carbon (Corg) stocks, soil accretion rates (SAR; mm y−1) and soil Corg sequestration rates (g Corg m−2 yr−1) in 10 mangrove sites within four locations along the Saudi coast of the Central Red Sea. Soil Corg density and stock in Red Sea mangroves were among the lowest reported globally, with an average of 4 ± 0.3 mg Corg cm−3 and 43 ± 5 Mg Corg ha−1 (in 1 m-thick soils), respectively. Sequestration rates of Corg, estimated at 3 ± 1 and 15 ± 1 g Corg m−2 yr−1 for the long (millennia) and short (last century) temporal scales, respectively, were also relatively low compared to mangrove habitats from more humid bioregions. In contrast, the accretion rates of Central Red Sea mangroves soils were within the range reported for global mangrove forests. The relatively low Corg sink capacity of Red Sea mangroves could be due to the extreme environmental conditions such as low rainfall, nutrient limitation and high temperature, reducing the growth rates of the mangroves and increasing soil respiration rates.
Phase-change devices for simultaneous optical-electrical applications
Authors: Au Yat-Yin , Bhaskaran Harish , Wright C. David 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present a viable pathway to the design and characterization of phase-change devices operating in a mixed-mode optical-electrical, or optoelectronic, manner. Such devices have potential applications ranging from novel displays to optically-gated switches to reconfigurable metamaterials-based devices. With this in mind, a purpose-built optoelectronics probe station capable of simultaneous optical-electrical excitation and simultaneous optical-electrical response measurement has been designed and constructed. Two prototype phase-change devices that might exploit simultaneous optical and electrical effects and/or require simultaneous optical and electrical characterisation, namely a mixed-mode cross-bar type structure and a microheater-based structure, have been designed, fabricated and characterized. The microheater-based approach was shown to be capable of successful thermally-induced cycling, between amorphous and crystalline states, of large-area phase-change devices, making it attractive for practicable pixel fabrication in phase-change display applications.
Semi-synthetic vNAR libraries screened against therapeutic antibodies primarily deliver anti-idiotypic binders
Authors: Könning Doreen , Rhiel Laura , Empting Martin , Grzeschik Julius , Sellmann Carolin , Schröter Christian , Zielonka Stefan , Dickgießer Stephan , Pirzer Thomas , Yanakieva Desislava , Becker Stefan , Kolmar Harald 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnti-idiotypic binders which specifically recognize the variable region of monoclonal antibodies have proven to be robust tools for pharmacokinetic studies of antibody therapeutics and for the development of cancer vaccines. In the present investigation, we focused on the identification of anti-idiotypic, shark-derived IgNAR antibody variable domains (vNARs) targeting the therapeutic antibodies matuzumab and cetuximab for the purpose of developing specific capturing ligands. Using yeast surface display and semi-synthetic, CDR3-randomized libraries, we identified several highly specific binders targeting both therapeutic antibodies in their corresponding variable region, without applying any counter selections during screening. Importantly, anti-idiotypic vNAR binders were not cross-reactive towards cetuximab or matuzumab, respectively, and comprised good target recognition in the presence of human and mouse serum. When coupled to magnetic beads, anti-idiotypic vNAR variants could be used as efficient capturing tools. Moreover, a two-step procedure involving vNAR-functionalized beads was employed for the enrichment of potentially bispecific cetuximab × matuzumab antibody constructs. In conclusion, semi-synthetic and CDR3-randomized vNAR libraries in combination with yeast display enable the fast and facile identification of anti-idiotypic vNAR domains targeting monoclonal antibodies primarily in an anti-idiotypic manner.
A new global anthropogenic heat estimation based on high-resolution nighttime light data
Authors: Yang Wangming , Luan Yibo , Liu Xiaolei , Yu Xiaoyong , Miao Lijuan , Cui Xuefeng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConsumption of fossil fuel resources leads to global warming and climate change. Apart from the negative impact of greenhouse gases on the climate, the increasing emission of anthropogenic heat from energy consumption also brings significant impacts on urban ecosystems and the surface energy balance. The objective of this work is to develop a new method of estimating the global anthropogenic heat budget and validate it on the global scale with a high precision and resolution dataset. A statistical algorithm was applied to estimate the annual mean anthropogenic heat (AH-DMSP) from 1992 to 2010 at 1×1 km2 spatial resolution for the entire planet. AH-DMSP was validated for both provincial and city scales, and results indicate that our dataset performs well at both scales. Compared with other global anthropogenic heat datasets, the AH-DMSP has a higher precision and finer spatial distribution. Although there are some limitations, the AH-DMSP could provide reliable, multi-scale anthropogenic heat information, which could be used for further research on regional or global climate change and urban ecosystems.
Coupling topology of substrate integrated waveguide filter using unequal length slots with non‐resonating nodes
Authors: Zhang Daxu , Zhou Jianyi , Yu Zhiqiang 
Published: August 2017

A novel coupling topology of substrate integrated waveguide filter with unequal‐length slots is proposed. This filter consists of two resonators and a pair of unequal‐length slots, which can be considered as two‐stage bypass coupling resonators. There exist two resonant modes (TE101 and TE102) in each resonator. TE101 mode is coupled by the long slot, and TE102 mode is coupled by the short slot, which can achieve two resonant modes couplings between adjacent cavities. This structure uses TE102 mode to design the centre frequency of the passband and regards TE101 mode as spurious response. As a result, this filter leads to three transmission zeros (TZs), two TZs locate above the passband and one TZ is below the passband. The filter is fabricated and measured, the measured results agree well with simulated ones.
Near‐band digital predistortion for wideband power amplifiers with mmWave non‐contiguous carrier aggregation
Authors: Yu Chao , Yang Na , Sun Honglei , Wu Xing‐Wang , Zhai Jianfeng , Zhu Xiao‐Wei 
Published: August 2017

A near‐band digital predistortion technique is proposed to linearise a wideband power amplifier (PA) with millimetre wave (mmWave) non‐contiguous carrier aggregation (CA). The proposed method employs low‐bandwidth linearisation architecture to only focus on the in‐band compensation and part of the out‐of‐band (OOB) distortion suppression, which largely alleviate the bandwidth limitation for baseband operation. Experiments have been carried out on an mmWave PA with the centre frequency of 41 GHz. Good measurement results can be achieved when the PA is excited by a very wideband modulated signal with 1001 CA configuration and the total bandwidth of 640 MHz.
TCAD simulation of a proposed 3D CdZnTe detector
Authors: Ellakany Abdelhady A. , Abouelatta Mohamed , Shaker Ahmed , Sayah Gihan T. , El‐Banna Mohammed 
Published: August 2017

Cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detectors are potential replacements for traditional room temperature detectors, such as silicon (Si), in many applications. CdZnTe has been considered as a promising semiconductor material for hard X‐ray and ‐ray detection because the stopping power of CdZnTe is better than traditional materials. To exploit them for practical applications, their behaviour under harsh conditions must be fully characterised and understood. In this study, the electrical characteristics of the CdZnTe three‐dimensional (3D) detector are comprehensively studied through TCAD simulations. The very low leakage current, which is about 5.5 pA at 200 V, allows applying higher bias voltages than possible with traditional two‐dimensional (2D) detectors. Moreover, the effect of the temperature on the leakage current is studied. Additionally, the collection time is found to be about 2 ns and the amplitude of the current is 0.8 nA at 200 V. The obtained results prove the applicability of the CdZnTe 3D detector under various operating conditions.
Principios Biomecánicos en Inestabilidad Crónica Posterolateral de Rodilla
Authors: Díaz Allende Pedro 
Published: August 2017

ResumenLa inestabilidad crónica posterolateral de rodilla continúa siendo un tema desafiante desde la evaluación clínica hasta la resolución definitiva. La comprensión de la anatomía, biomecánica articular y las adaptaciones evolutivas de la rodilla para su complejo funcionamiento, son esenciales para el razonamiento diagnóstico y terapéutico de esas lesiones.
Técnica de reconstrucción en roturas recidivantes del tendón patelar
Authors: Díaz Allende Pedro , Cárdenas López Andrés , Pérez Acevedo Alexander , Hernández De León Joel , Hernández Echazabal Julio 
Published: August 2017

ResumenLa rotura recidivante del tendón patelar es infrecuente y generalmente asociada a comorbilidad sistémica que altera la interfaz tendón-hueso o a consecuencia de un retorno inadecuado a actividades, previo a completar el proceso de rehabilitación. La reconstrucción quirúrgica se basa en el aumento tendíneo con autoinjertos o aloinjertos. El uso de autoinjertos evita el riesgo de transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas y costos en relación a los aloinjertos y no requiere un segundo tiempo quirúrgico para remover material utilizado en la protección del tendón reconstruido, en el caso de utilizar refuerzos con alambres de cerclaje o cables de acero. Se presenta la reconstrucción del tendón patelar con autoinjerto semitendinoso-gracilis, por ser una técnica validada en la literatura, que restablece la fuerza y la estabilidad del mecanismo extensor de forma costo-efectiva y permite el retorno adecuado a las actividades de la vida diaria.
Hip Flexion Weakness following Transpsoas Interbody Fusion
Authors: Nogueira-Neto Joes , Marchi Luis , Aquaroli Rafael , Camacho Elder , Amaral Rodrigo , Oliveira Leonardo , Coutinho Etevaldo , Pimenta Luiz 
Published: August 2017

Objective The present work evaluated the motor deficit resulting from the psoas muscle access through the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) approach.
Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized, controlled, single-center study with 60 patients, with a mean age of 61.8 years old. All of the subjects underwent a lateral transpsoas retroperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion with electroneuromyographic guidance and accessing 1 to 3 lumbar levels (mean level, 1.4; 63% cases in only 1 level; 68% cases included L4-L5). The isometric hip flexion strength in the sitting position was determined bilaterally with a handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument, Lafayette, IN, USA). The mean value of three peak force measurements (N) was calculated. Standardized isometric strength tests were performed before the procedure and at 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postsurgery.
Results Ipsilateral hip flexion was diminished (p < 0.001) at the early postoperative period, but reached preoperative values at 6 weeks (p > 0.12). The mean hip flexion measures before the procedure and at 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery were the following, respectively: 13 N; 9.7 N; 13.7 N; 14.4 N; and 16 N (ipsilateral); 13.3 N; 13.4 N; 15.3 N; 15.9 N; and 16.1 N (contralateral). Neither the level nor the number of treated levels had a clear association with thigh symptoms, but hip flexion weakness was the most common symptom.
Conclusions Patients in the early postoperative period of transpsoas access presented hip flexion weakness. However, this weakness was transient, and electroneuromyography use is still imperative in transpsoas access. In addition, patients must be thoroughly educated about hip flexion weakness to prevent falls in the immediate postoperative period.