bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The persistence of pesticides in atmospheric particulate phase: An emerging air quality issue
Authors: Socorro Joanna , Durand Amandine , Temime-Roussel Brice , Gligorovski Sasho , Wortham Henri , Quivet Etienne 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their physicochemical properties can be widely spread all over the globe; as such they represent a serious threat to both humans and wildlife. According to Stockholm convention out of 24 officially recognized POPs, 16 are pesticides. The atmospheric life times of pesticides, up to now were estimated based on their gas-phase reactivity. It has been only speculated that sorption to aerosol particles may increase significantly the half‐lives of pesticides in the atmosphere. The results presented here challenge the current view of the half-lives of pesticides in the lower boundary layer of the atmosphere and their impact on air quality and human health. We demonstrate that semivolatile pesticides which are mostly adsorbed on atmospheric aerosol particles are very persistent with respect to the highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH) that is the self-cleaning agent of the atmosphere. The half-lives in particulate phase of difenoconazole, tetraconazole, fipronil, oxadiazon, deltamethrin, cyprodinil, permethrin, and pendimethalin are in order of several days and even higher than one month, implying that these pesticides can be transported over long distances, reaching the remote regions all over the world; hence these pesticides shall be further evaluated prior to be confirmed as POPs.
Methane storage in nanoporous material at supercritical temperature over a wide range of pressures
Authors: Wu Keliu , Chen Zhangxin , Li Xiangfang , Dong Xiaohu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe methane storage behavior in nanoporous material is significantly different from that of a bulk phase, and has a fundamental role in methane extraction from shale and its storage for vehicular applications. Here we show that the behavior and mechanisms of the methane storage are mainly dominated by the ratio of the interaction between methane molecules and nanopores walls to the methane intermolecular interaction, and a geometric constraint. By linking the macroscopic properties of the methane storage to the microscopic properties of a system of methane molecules-nanopores walls, we develop an equation of state for methane at supercritical temperature over a wide range of pressures. Molecular dynamic simulation data demonstrates that this equation is able to relate very well the methane storage behavior with each of the key physical parameters, including a pore size and shape and wall chemistry and roughness. Moreover, this equation only requires one fitted parameter, and is simple, reliable and powerful in application.
Atomic and electronic structure of trilayer graphene/SiC(0001): Evidence of Strong Dependence on Stacking Sequence and charge transfer
Authors: Pierucci Debora , Brumme Thomas , Girard Jean-Christophe , Calandra Matteo , Silly Mathieu G. , Sirotti Fausto , Barbier Antoine , Mauri Francesco , Ouerghi Abdelkarim 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe transport properties of few-layer graphene are the directly result of a peculiar band structure near the Dirac point. Here, for epitaxial graphene grown on SiC, we determine the effect of charge transfer from the SiC substrate on the local density of states (LDOS) of trilayer graphene using scaning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Different spectra are observed and are attributed to the existence of two stable polytypes of trilayer: Bernal (ABA) and rhomboedreal (ABC) staking. Their electronic properties strongly depend on the charge transfer from the substrate. We show that the LDOS of ABC stacking shows an additional peak located above the Dirac point in comparison with the LDOS of ABA stacking. The observed LDOS features, reflecting the underlying symmetry of the two polytypes, were reproduced by explicit calculations within density functional theory (DFT) including the charge transfer from the substrate. These findings demonstrate the pronounced effect of stacking order and charge transfer on the electronic structure of trilayer or few layer graphene. Our approach represents a significant step toward understand the electronic properties of graphene layer under electrical field.
Tlr4-mutant mice are resistant to acute alcohol-induced sterol-regulatory element binding protein activation and hepatic lipid accumulation
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hui , Liu Xiao-Qian , Zhang Cheng , He Wei , Wang Hua , Chen Yuan-Hua , Liu Xiao-Jing , Chen Xi , Xu De-Xiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPrevious studies demonstrated that acute alcohol intoxication caused hepatic lipid accumulation. The present study showed that acute alcohol intoxication caused hepatic lipid accumulation in Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Hepatic sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1, a transcription factor regulating fatty acid and triglyceride (TG) synthesis, was activated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Hepatic Fas, Acc, Scd-1 and Dgat-2, the key genes for fatty acid and TG synthesis, were up-regulated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Additional experiment showed that hepatic MyD88 was elevated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Hepatic NF-κB was activated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Moreover, hepatic GSH content was reduced and hepatic MDA level was elevated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Hepatic CYP2E1 was elevated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Hepatic p67phox and gp91phox, two NADPH oxidase subunits, were up-regulated in alcohol-treated Tlr4-wild-type mice but not in Tlr4-mutant mice. Alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN), a free radical spin-trapping agent, protected against alcohol-induced hepatic SREBP-1 activation and hepatic lipid accumulation. In conclusion, Tlr4-mutant mice are resistant to acute alcohol-induced hepatic SREBP-1 activation and hepatic lipid accumulation.
Effects of Propofol General Anesthesia on Olfactory Relearning
Authors: Jia Li-Jie , Tang Pei , Brandon Nicole R. , Luo Yan , Yu Buwei , Xu Yan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHow general anesthesia interferes with sensory processing to cause amnesia remains unclear. Here, we show that activation of a learning-associated immediate early gene in rat olfactory cortices is uninterrupted by propofol, an intravenous general anesthetic with putative actions on the inhibitory GABAA receptors. Once learned under anesthesia, a novel odor can no longer re-activate the same high-level transcription programming during subsequent conscious relearning. Behavioral tests indicate that the animals’ ability to consciously relearn a pure odorant, first experienced under general anesthesia, is indeed compromised. In contrast, when a mixture of two novel odorants is first experienced under anesthesia and then relearned consciously in pairs with one of the components, the animals show a deficit in relearning only the component but not the mixture. Our results reveal a previously unknown mechanism of unconscious memory due to irreplaceable neuronal commitment under general anesthesia and support the notion that general anesthesia acts at stages beyond cellular coding to disrupt sensory integration for higher-order association.
Distinct Roles for the N- and C-terminal Regions of M-Sec in Plasma Membrane Deformation during Tunneling Nanotube Formation
Authors: Kimura Shunsuke , Yamashita Masami , Yamakami-Kimura Megumi , Sato Yusuke , Yamagata Atsushi , Kobashigawa Yoshihiro , Inagaki Fuyuhiko , Amada Takako , Hase Koji , Iwanaga Toshihiko , Ohno Hiroshi , Fukai Shuya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe tunneling nanotube (TNT) is a structure used for intercellular communication, and is a thin membrane protrusion mediating transport of various signaling molecules and cellular components. M-Sec has potent membrane deformation ability and induces TNT formation in cooperation with the Ral/exocyst complex. Here, we show that the N-terminal polybasic region of M-Sec directly binds phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate for its localization to the plasma membrane during the initial stage of TNT formation. We further report a crystal structure of M-Sec, which consists of helix bundles arranged in a straight rod-like shape, similar to the membrane tethering complex subunits. A positively charged surface in the C-terminal domains is required for M-Sec interaction with active RalA to extend the plasma membrane protrusions. Our results suggest that the membrane-associated M-Sec recruits active RalA, which directs the exocyst complex to form TNTs.
Telocytes in gastric lamina propria of the Chinese giant salamander, Andrias davidianus
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhong Shengwei , Yu Pengcheng , Ge Tingting , Peng Shasha , Guo Xiaoquan , Zhou Zuohong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this study, we attempt to identify gastric telocytes (TCs) of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus, by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. Toluidine blue staining showed TCs with one to two very thin and long telopodes (Tps) that were located in gastric lamina propria. Tps had characteristic structures, including podoms, podomers and dichotomous branching. Immunohistochemistry showed the existence of CD34+/PDGFRα+ TCs with moniliform Tps in stroma and were close to gastric glands and blood vessels. TEM micrographs also demonstrated the presence of TCs in interstitium between gastric glands. TCs/Tps were located in close proximity to gastric glands, blood vessels, endocrine cells and stem cells. In particular, Tps frequently surrounded stem cells. TCs and Tps, Tps and stem cells established close contacts. Moreover, the exosomes were also found near TCs/Tps. Our data confirmed the presence of TCs in gastric lamina propria of the amphibian, and suggested that TCs cooperate with resident stem cells to regulate endocrine cells and gastric glands regeneration and homeostasis.
Complex inheritance in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension patients with several mutations
Authors: Pousada Guillermo , Baloira Adolfo , Valverde Diana 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disease with low incidence and prevalence, and elevated mortality. PAH is characterized by increased mean pulmonary artery pressure. The aim of this study was to analyse patients with combined mutations in BMPR2, ACVRL1, ENG and KCNA5 genes and to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation. Major genes were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Genotype-phenotype correlation was performed. Fifty-seven (28 idiopathic PAH, 29 associated PAH group I) were included. Several mutations in different genes, classified as pathogenic by in silico analysis, were present in 26% of PAH patients. The most commonly involved gene was BMPR2 (12 patients) followed by ENG gene (9 patients). ACVRL1 and KCNA5 genes showed very low incidence of mutations (5 and 1 patients, respectively). Genotype-phenotype correlation showed statistically significant differences for gender (p = 0.045), age at diagnosis (p = 0.035), pulmonary vascular resistance (p = 0.030), cardiac index (p = 0.035) and absence of response to treatment (p = 0.011). PAH is consequence of a heterogeneous constellation of genetic arrangements. Patients with several pathogenic mutations seem to display a more severe phenotype.
Postsynaptic SDC2 induces transsynaptic signaling via FGF22 for bidirectional synaptic formation
Authors: Hu Hsiao-Tang , Umemori Hisashi , Hsueh Yi-Ping 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFunctional synapse formation requires tight coordination between pre- and post-synaptic termini. Previous studies have shown that postsynaptic expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-2 (SDC2) induces dendritic spinogenesis. Those SDC2-induced dendritic spines are frequently associated with presynaptic termini. However, how postsynaptic SDC2 accelerates maturation of corresponding presynaptic termini is unknown. Because fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22), a heparan sulfate binding growth factor, has been shown to act as a presynaptic organizer released from the postsynaptic site, it seems possible that postsynaptic SDC2 presents FGF22 to the presynaptic FGF receptor to promote presynaptic differentiation. Here, we show that postsynaptic SDC2 uses its ectodomain to interact with and facilitate dendritic filopodial targeting of FGF22, triggering presynaptic maturation. Since SDC2 also enhances filopodial targeting of NMDAR via interaction with the CASK-mLIN7-MINT1 adaptor complex, presynaptic maturation promoted by FGF22 further feeds back to activate NMDAR at corresponding postsynaptic sites through increased neurotransmitter release and, consequently, promotes the dendritic filopodia-spines (F-S) transition. Meanwhile, via regulation of the KIF17 motor, CaMKII (activated by the NMDAR pathway) may further facilitate FGF22 targeting to dendritic filopodia that receive presynaptic stimulation. Our study suggests a positive feedback that promotes the coordination of postsynaptic and presynaptic differentiation.
Alterations in flowering strategies and sexual allocation of Caragana stenophylla along a climatic aridity gradient
Authors: Xie Lina , Guo Hongyu , Ma Chengcang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPlant can alter reproductive strategies for adaptation to different environments. However, alterations in flowering strategies and sexual allocation for the same species growing in different environments still remain unclear. We examined the sexual reproduction parameters ofCaragana stenophyllaacross four climatic zones from semi-arid, arid, very arid, to intensively arid zones in the Inner Mongolia Steppe, China. Under the relatively favorable climatic conditions of semi-arid zone,C. stenophyllatook aK-strategy for flowering (fewer but bigger flowers and higher seed set). In contrast, under the harsher climatic conditions of intensively arid zone,C. stenophyllatook anr-strategy for flowering (more but smaller flowers and lower seed set). In arid and very arid zones,C. stenophyllaexhibited intermediate flowering strategies betweenK-andr-strategies. In semi-arid, arid and very arid zones, sexual allocation and sexual allocation efficiency (SAE) ofC. stenophyllawere high and the population recruitment might be mainly through sexual reproduction; in intensively arid zone, however, sexual allocation and SAE were very low, seed production was very limited and clonal reproduction might compensate for the decrease in sexual reproduction. Our results suggested thatC. stenophyllaadapted to the climatic aridity gradient by alterations in flowering strategies and reproductive allocation.
Apple peel polyphenols: a key player in the prevention and treatment of experimental inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Denis Marie-Claude , Roy Denis , Yeganeh Pantea Rahmani , Desjardins Yves , Varin Thibault , Haddad Nour , Amre Devendra , Sané Alain Théophile , Garofalo Carole , Furtos Alexandra , Patey Natalie , Delvin Edgard , Tremblay Eric , Marette André , Beaulieu Jean-François , Levy Emile 
Published: September 2016

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation via several mechanisms. These beneficial effects may be due to their high polyphenol content. The aims of the present study are to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic aspects of polyphenols in dried apple peel powder (DAPP) on intestinal inflammation while elucidating the underlying mechanisms and clinical benefits. Induction of intestinal inflammation in mice was performed by oral administration of the inflammatory agent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) at 2.5% for 10 days. Physiological and supraphysiological doses of DAPP (200 and 400 mg/kg/day respectively) were administered by gavage for 10 days pre- and post-DSS treatment. DSS-mediated inflammation caused weight loss, shortening of the colon, dystrophic detachment of the epithelium, and infiltration of mono- and poly-morphonuclear cells in the colon. DSS induced an increase in lipid peroxidation, a down-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, an augmented expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an elevated production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and a shift in mucosa-associated microbial composition. However, DAPP normalized most of these abnormalities in preventive or therapeutic situations in addition to lowering inflammatory cytokines while stimulating antioxidant transcription factors and modulating other potential healing pathways. The supraphysiological dose of DAPP in therapeutic situations also improved mitochondrial dysfunction. Relative abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria was slightly decreased in DAPP-treated mice. In conclusion, DAPP exhibits powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in the intestine and is associated with the regulation of cellular signalling pathways and changes in microbiota composition. Evaluation of preventive and therapeutic effects of DAPP may be clinically feasible in individuals with intestinal inflammatory bowel diseases.
1–2 GHz 2 mW injection‐locked ring oscillator based phase shifter in 0.18 µm CMOS technology
Authors: Jin Cai Long , Yu Xiao Peng , Sui Wen‐Quan 
Published: September 2016

A new phase shifter based on injection‐locked ring oscillator is proposed. By using a multi‐stage phase generator with voltage‐controlled injection locking technique, the proposed phase shifter is able to generate a flexible combination of coarse and fine‐tuned phase delays over a wide range of operating frequencies while a small silicon area is maintained. Fabricated in a 0.18 µm RF CMOS process which only occupies 50 × 40 µm, a proposed three‐stage phase shifter achieves flexible phase delays and a measured operating frequency up to 2 GHz with a maximum power consumption of 2 mW from a 1.8 V supply.
Wideband RCS reduction of patch antenna using PRRS
Authors: Zou Shixi , Wei Jiaolong , Man Xin 
Published: September 2016

A polarisation rotation reflective surface (PRRS) is proposed to achieve radar cross‐section (RCS) reduction of a patch antenna at a broadband. The PRRS consists of two pairs of L‐shaped patches, which are printed on a substrate backed by a metallic ground. By arranging the PRRS around the patch antenna in four orthogonal directions, a wideband RCS reduction can be obtained in the frequency band of 10–18 GHz. The proposed low‐RCS patch antenna is fabricated and measured in an anechoic chamber. The experimental results show that the designed PRRS makes the antenna RCS dramatically reduced. What is more, the introduction of PRRS has little influence on the antenna performance.
Study on the hybrid ion‐flow field of HVDC and HVAC transmission lines by the nodal discontinuous Galerkin time‐domain method
Authors: Tian Yi , Huang Xinbo , Tian Wenchao , Zhu Yongcan , Zhao Long , Zhang Ye 
Published: September 2016

The high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) and HV alternating current (HVAC) hybrid transmission lines in the same corridor is an effective way to enhance the power transmission capacity of the corridor and save land resource. The transmission lines parameters such as the corridor width, the height of transmission lines, and electromagnetic environment can be analysed and optimised by the calculation of the hybrid ion‐flow field. In this study, nodal discontinuous Galerkin time‐domain method is for the first time applied to the calculation of the hybrid ion‐flow field. Furthermore, corona interactions between the HVDC and HVAC lines are considered in the process of numerical solution. Compared with measured results and previous methods, the proposed approach is verified to be able to obtain wiggle‐free numerical solution with significantly reducing the computational burden, and meanwhile, the calculation precision is increased greatly. The ground‐level electric field and ion current density of the hybrid lines in time domain are analysed, and then the time‐domain characteristic is explored. Finally, the ion‐flow fields of the hybrid ±800 kV DC/500 kV AC transmission lines in parallel and on the same tower have been made a comparative analysis and optimisation, which provide theoretical basis for real hybrid towers design.
Field trial of a photonics‐based dual‐band fully coherent radar system in a maritime scenario
Authors: Scotti Filippo , Laghezza Francesco , Onori Daniel , Bogoni Antonella 
Published: September 2016

This study reports the experimental validation of the first photonics‐based dual‐band radar system in a real maritime scenario, detailing the operation principles as well as the implementation of the demonstrator. The prototype, exploiting photonics for both the generation and the detection of the radar signals, is able to simultaneously handle two radar waveforms in the S‐band and the X‐band, ensuring also their reciprocal phase coherence. The proposed system implementation is fully detailed and its characterisation is reported, demonstrating a minimum detectable signal of −124 dBm. Finally, the system is tested in a real scenario, nearby the port of Livorno (Italy), where it successfully detects multiple naval targets, and tracks a cooperative vessel for 8 NM. The obtained results are compared with reference data from automatic identification system and global positioning system recorders, showing a perfect match in terms of range and velocity, both in the S‐ and X‐band. Moreover a theoretical analysis of the power budget, considering also the radar cross section in the different frequency bands, is carried out and supported by the experimental observations. Beyond the actual implementation of the proposed system, the outcomes of these tests confirm that the photonics‐based approach can lead new advances in radar architecture, through the development of frequency‐agile photonic transceivers.
Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 (SSTR2) Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking in Pituitary GH-Secreting Adenomas: Role of Scaffold Proteins and Implications for Pharmacological Resistance
Authors: Treppiedi D. , Peverelli E. , Giardino E. , Ferrante E. , Calebiro D. , Spada A. , Mantovani G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSomatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), together with SSTR5, represents the main target of medical treatment for growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors, since it is expressed in most of these tumors and exerts both antiproliferative and cytostatic effects, and reduces hormone secretion, as well. However, clinical practice indicates a great variability in the frequency and entity of favorable responses of acromegalic patients to long-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs), but the molecular mechanisms regulating this pharmacological resistance are not completely understood. So far, several potentially implied mechanisms have been suggested, including impaired expression of SSTRs, or post-receptor signal transduction alterations. More recently, new studies exploited the molecular factors involved in SSTRs intracellular trafficking regulation, this being a critical point for the modulation of the available active G-coupled receptors (GPCRs) amount at the cell surface. In this respect, the role of the scaffold proteins such as β-arrestins, and the cytoskeleton protein Filamin A (FLNA), have become of relevant importance for GH-secreting pituitary tumors. In fact, β-arrestins are linked to SSTR2 desensitization and internalization, and FLNA is able to regulate SSTR2 trafficking and stability at the plasma membrane. Therefore, the present review will summarize emerging evidence highlighting the role of β-arrestins and FLNA, as possible novel players in the modulation of agonist activated-SSTR2 receptor trafficking and response in GH-secreting pituitary tumors.