bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scarce evidence of the causal role of germline mutations in UNC5C in hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis
Authors: Mur Pilar , Sánchez-Cuartielles Elena , Aussó Susanna , Aiza Gemma , Valdés-Mas Rafael , Pineda Marta , Navarro Matilde , Brunet Joan , Urioste Miguel , Lázaro Conxi , Moreno Victor , Capellá Gabriel , Puente Xose S. , Valle Laura 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGermline mutations in UNC5C have been suggested to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, thus causing hereditary CRC. However, the evidence gathered thus far is insufficient to include the study of the UNC5C gene in the routine genetic testing of familial CRC. Here we aim at providing a more conclusive answer about the contribution of germline UNC5C mutations to genetically unexplained hereditary CRC and/or polyposis cases. To achieve this goal we sequenced the coding region and exon-intron boundaries of UNC5C in 544 familial CRC or polyposis patients (529 families), using a technique that combines pooled DNA amplification and massively parallel sequencing. A total of eight novel or rare variants, all missense, were identified in eight families. Co-segregation data in the families and association results in case-control series are not consistent with a causal effect for 7 of the 8 identified variants, including c.1882_1883delinsAA (p.A628K), previously described as a disease-causing mutation. One variant, c.2210G > A (p.S737N), remained unclassified. In conclusion, our results suggest that the contribution of germline mutations in UNC5C to hereditary colorectal cancer and to polyposis cases is negligible.
Enhancing capacitance behaviour of CoOOH nanostructures using transition metal dopants by ambient oxidation
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Zhou Junfeng , Maguire Pierce , O’Connell Robert , Schmitt Wolfgang , Li Yonghe , Yan Zhengguang , Zhang Yuefei , Zhang Hongzhou 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCobalt hydrate and doped binary Co0.9M0.1OOH (M = Ni, Mn, Fe) nanorings of 100–300 nm were fabricated in solution through a facile ambient oxidation method. A transformation from Co0.9Ni0.1(OH)2 nanodiscs to hollow Co0.9Ni0.1OOH nanorings was observed with prolonged reaction time. Core-shell nanodiscs have elemental segregation with a Co(OH)2 core and Ni(OH)2 shell. Co0.9Ni0.1OOH nanorings displayed a higher electrochemical capacitance than Mn and Fe doped nanorings materials or materials with disc-like geometries.
A Simple low-cost device enables four epi-illumination techniques on standard light microscopes
Authors: Ishmukhametov Robert R. , Russell Aidan N. , Wheeler Richard J. , Nord Ashley L. , Berry Richard M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBack-scattering darkfield (BSDF), epi-fluorescence (EF), interference reflection contrast (IRC) and darkfield surface reflection (DFSR) are advanced but expensive light microscopy techniques with limited availability. Here we show a simple optical design that combines these four techniques in a simple low-cost miniature epi-illuminator, which inserts into the differential interference-contrast (DIC) slider bay of a commercial microscope, without further additions required. We demonstrate with this device: 1) BSDF-based detection of Malarial parasites inside unstained human erythrocytes; 2) EF imaging with and without dichroic components, including detection of DAPI-stained Leishmania parasite without using excitation or emission filters; 3) RIC of black lipid membranes and other thin films and 4) DFSR of patterned opaque and transparent surfaces. We believe that our design can expand the functionality of commercial bright field microscopes, provide easy field detection of parasites and be of interest to many users of light microscopy.
Tracking ink composition on Herculaneum papyrus scrolls: quantification and speciation of lead by X-ray based techniques and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Tack Pieter , Cotte Marine , Bauters Stephen , Brun Emmanuel , Banerjee Dipanjan , Bras Wim , Ferrero Claudio , Delattre Daniel , Mocella Vito , Vincze Laszlo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe writing in carbonized Herculaneum scrolls, covered and preserved by the pyroclastic events of the Vesuvius in 79 AD, was recently revealed using X-ray phase-contrast tomography, without the need of unrolling the sensitive scrolls. Unfortunately, some of the text is difficult to read due to the interference of the papyrus fibers crossing the written text vertically and horizontally. Recently, lead was found as an elemental constituent in the writing, rendering the text more clearly readable when monitoring the lead X-ray fluorescence signal. Here, several hypotheses are postulated for the origin and state of lead in the papyrus writing. Multi-scale X-ray fluorescence micro-imaging, Monte Carlo quantification and X-ray absorption microspectroscopy experiments are used to provide additional information on the ink composition, in an attempt to determine the origin of the lead in the Herculaneum scrolls and validate the postulated hypotheses.
Unravelling the spatial variation of nitrous oxide emissions from a step-feed plug-flow full scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Pan Yuting , van den Akker Ben , Ye Liu , Ni Bing-Jie , Watts Shane , Reid Katherine , Yuan Zhiguo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPlug-flow activated sludge reactors (ASR) that are step-feed with wastewater are widely adopted in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) due to their ability to maximise the use of the organic carbon in wastewater for denitrification. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are expected to vary along these reactors due to pronounced spatial variations in both biomass and substrate concentrations. However, to date, no detailed studies have characterised the impact of the step-feed configuration on emission variability. Here we report on the results from a comprehensive online N2O monitoring campaign, which used multiple gas collection hoods to simultaneously measure emission along the length of a full-scale, step-fed, plug-flow ASR in Australia. The measured N2O fluxes exhibited strong spatial-temporal variation along the reactor path. The step-feed configuration had a substantial influence on the N2O emissions, where the N2O emission factors in sections following the first and second step feed were 0.68% ± 0.09% and 3.5% ± 0.49% of the nitrogen load applied to each section. The relatively high biomass-specific nitrogen loading rate in the second section of the reactor was most likely cause of the high emissions from this section.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activates NDRG1 Transcription under Hypoxia in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li En-Yu , Huang Wei-Yung , Chang Ya-Chu , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Chuang Eric Y. , Kuok Qian-Yu , Bai Shih-Ting , Chao Lo-Yun , Sher Yuh-Pyng , Lai Liang-Chuan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHypoxia has been intensively investigated over the past several decades based on the observations that hypoxic tumors are more resistant to therapy and have a worse prognosis. Previously, we reported that N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is strongly up-regulated under hypoxia and may play an important role in tumor adaptation to fluctuating oxygen concentrations. However, the regulatory mechanism ofNDRG1under hypoxia remains elusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the transcription factors that regulateNDRG1and to investigate the functional roles ofNDRG1in hypoxia. We showed that binding sites of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) were predicted in theNDRG1promoter. Nuclear AHR was up-regulated in the presence of cobalt and hypoxia. AHR translocated to nuclei and bound between base pairs −412 and −388 of theNDRG1promoter in hypoxia. Moreover, hypoxia-mimetic induction ofNDRG1was attenuated by knockdown of AHR expression. Also, overexpression of AHR facilitated cell proliferation and migration via up-regulation ofNDRG1. These results showed for the first time that AHR positively regulatesNDRG1transcription through an AHR binding site by way of hypoxia-mimetic signaling, which may lead to development of a specific therapeutic regimen to prevent tumor malignancy under hypoxia.
Robust superhydrophobic surface on Al substrate with durability, corrosion resistance and ice-phobicity
Authors: Wang Guoyong , Liu Shuai , Wei Sufeng , Liu Yan , Lian Jianshe , Jiang Qing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPractical application of superhydrophobic surfaces is limited by the fragility of nanoscale asperities. Combining chemical etching and anodization, microscale pits and nanoscale pores, instead of the micro and nano protrusions on traditional superhydrophobic surfaces mimicking Lutos leaves, were fabricated on commercially pure aluminum surfaces. After modified by FDTS, the surfaces were superhydrophobic and self-cleaning. The ultrahigh hardness and electrochemical stability of Al2O3 coating endowed the surface excellent mechanical durability and good corrosion resistance. Because the method is scalable, it may find practical application on body panels of automobiles and aircrafts and so on.
Artificial Life in Quantum Technologies
Authors: Alvarez-Rodriguez Unai , Sanz Mikel , Lamata Lucas , Solano Enrique 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe develop a quantum information protocol that models the biological behaviours of individuals living in a natural selection scenario. The artificially engineered evolution of the quantum living units shows the fundamental features of life in a common environment, such as self-replication, mutation, interaction of individuals and death. We propose how to mimic these bio-inspired features in a quantum-mechanical formalism, which allows for an experimental implementation achievable with current quantum platforms. This study paves the way for the realization of artificial life and embodied evolution with quantum technologies.
Termites utilise clay to build structural supports and so increase foraging resources
Authors: Oberst Sebastian , Lai Joseph C. S. , Evans Theodore A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMany termite species use clay to build foraging galleries and mound-nests. In some cases clay is placed within excavations of their wooden food, such as living trees or timber in buildings; however the purpose for this clay is unclear. We tested the hypotheses that termites can identify load bearing wood and that they use clay to provide mechanical support of the load and thus allow them to eat the wood. In field and laboratory experiments, we show that the lower termiteCoptotermes acinaciformis, the most basal species to build a mound-nest, can distinguish unloaded from loaded wood and use clay differently when eating each type. The termites target unloaded wood preferentially and use thin clay sheeting to camouflage themselves while eating the unloaded wood. The termites attack loaded wood secondarily and build thick, load-bearing clay walls when they do. The termites add clay and build thicker walls as the load-bearing wood is consumed. The use of clay to support wood under load unlocks otherwise unavailable food resources. This behaviour may represent an evolutionary step from foraging behaviour to nest building in lower termites.
Microfluidic high-throughput selection of microalgal strains with superior photosynthetic productivity using competitive phototaxis
Authors: Kim Jaoon Young Hwan , Kwak Ho Seok , Sung Young Joon , Choi Hong Il , Hong Min Eui , Lim Hyun Seok , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Lee Sang Yup , Sim Sang Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMicroalgae possess great potential as a source of sustainable energy, but the intrinsic inefficiency of photosynthesis is a major challenge to realize this potential. Photosynthetic organisms evolved phototaxis to find optimal light condition for photosynthesis. Here we report a microfluidic screening using competitive phototaxis of the model alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, for rapid isolation of strains with improved photosynthetic efficiencies. We demonstrated strong relationship between phototaxis and photosynthetic efficiency by quantitative analysis of phototactic response at the single-cell level using a microfluidic system. Based on this positive relationship, we enriched the strains with improved photosynthetic efficiency by isolating cells showing fast phototactic responses from a mixture of 10,000 mutants, thereby greatly improving selection efficiency over 8 fold. Among 147 strains isolated after screening, 94.6% showed improved photoautotrophic growth over the parental strain. Two mutants showed much improved performances with up to 1.9- and 8.1-fold increases in photoautotrophic cell growth and lipid production, respectively, a substantial improvement over previous approaches. We identified candidate genes that might be responsible for fast phototactic response and improved photosynthesis, which can be useful target for further strain engineering. Our approach provides a powerful screening tool for rapid improvement of microalgal strains to enhance photosynthetic productivity.
UWB balun with complete ground based on vertically mounted planar structure
Authors: Wu Yongle , Yao Lidan , Jiao Lingxiao , Wang Weimin , Liu Yuanan 
Published: February 2016

A novel UWB balun with complete ground based on vertically mounted planar structure is presented. Two mutually perpendicular planes comprise the proposed balun. The vertical configuration of double‐sided parallel‐strip line ensures complete ground in the horizontal plane and the cascading of seven‐section quarter‐wavelength transformers facilitates UWB functionality. For verification, a prototype balun is designed, fabricated and measured. The simulation and measurement agree well, exhibiting a bandwidth from 0 up to 8 GHz with good return loss, flat insertion losses and high stability of 180° phase difference.
Correlação das dosagens de frutosamina e de hemoglobina glicosilada com o perfil glicêmico em gestantes com diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fujimoto Carolina Yumi , Costa Rafaela Alkmin da , Zaccara Tatiana de Assunção , Paganotti Cristiane de Freitas , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira 
Published: February 2016

ResumoObjetivo Avaliar se há correlação das dosagens de frutosamina e de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) com as frequências de desvios de glicemia capilar em gestantes com diabetes mellitus. Métodos: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, incluindo todas as gestantes com diabetes que iniciaram o pré-natal em hospital terciário de ensino durante o ano de 2014 e que apresentavam pelo menos 20 dias de auto monitoramento glicêmico previamente às dosagens séricas de frutosamina e de HbA1c. Os desvios de glicemia capilar foram considerados “hipoglicemias” quando menores que 70mg/dL ou “hiperglicemias” quando acima do alvo glicêmico terapêutico para o horário. Foram testadas as correlações lineares par a par das dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c com as frequências de hipoglicemias e de hiperglicemias capilares pelo teste Tau-b de Kendall. Na sequência, foi avaliada a regressão linear entre as dosagens de HbA1c e de frutosamina e as frequências de hipoglicemias e de hiperglicemias.Resultados Foram incluídas 158 gestantes que contribuíram com 266 amostras para dosagem sérica de frutosamina e HbA1c. As dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentaram, respectivamente, coeficientes τ de Kendall de 0,29 (p < 0,001) e 0,5 (p < 0,001) com a frequência de hiperglicemias, e de 0,09 (p = 0,04) e 0,25 (p < 0,001) com a frequência de hipoglicemias capilares. No modelo de regressão linear, as dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentaram, respectivamente, coeficientes de determinação R2 = 0,26 (p < 0,001) e R2 = 0,51 (p < 0,001) para a predição de hiperglicemias, e R2 = 0,03 (p = 0,003) e R2 = 0,059 (p < 0,001) para a predição de hipoglicemias.Conclusão As dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentam correlação fraca a moderada com as frequências de hiperglicemias e hipoglicemias capilares no auto monitoramento glicêmico e não são capazes de traduzir com precisão os desvios da meta glicêmica no tratamento de gestantes com diabetes.
Variabilidade da contagem automática tridimensional de folículos ovarianos durante o ciclo menstrual
Authors: Castro Eduardo Camelo de , Monteiro Filho Gercino , Amaral Waldemar Naves do 
Published: February 2016

Resumo
Objetivos Avaliar a variabilidade da contagem automática tridimensional dos folículos ovarianos que mediram 2 a 6 mm e 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo menstrual. Verificar se este exame pode ser aplicado fora da fase folicular precoce do ciclo.
Método Prospectivo observacional. Foram incluídas todas as pacientes inférteis submetidas à monitorização da ovulação de 20 de abril de 2013 a 30 de outubro de 2014, com 18 a 35 anos; IMC de 18 a 25 kg/m2, eumenorréicas; sem história de cirurgia ovariana e sem alterações nas dosagens do TSH, prolactina, insulina e glicemia. Foram excluídas aquelas que apresentaram cistos ovarianos e as que faltaram algum dia da monitorização. A contagem ultrassonográfica dos folículos foi feita pelo modo 3D com SonoAVC na fase folicular precoce, folicular media, periovulatória e lútea do ciclo.
Resultados Quarenta e cinco mulheres foram incluídas. Houve diferença entre as médias das contagens dos folículos com 2 a 6 mm (p = 0,001) e 2 a 10 mm (p = 0,003) pelo teste de Friedman que avaliou conjuntamente as quatro fases do ciclo. Quando se aplicou o teste t-Student pareado, houve aumento significativo na contagem dos folículos de 2 a 6 mm quando se comparou a contagem desses folículos na fase folicular média e periovulatória com a contagem da fase lútea. Não houve diferença significante entre a contagem destes folículos pequenos nas fases folicular precoce, média e periovulatória.
Conclusões A variação da contagem automática tridimensional dos folículos de 2 a 6 mm, nas fases folicular precoce, folicular média e periovulatória, não mostrou significância estatística. Houve uma variação significativa da contagem automática 3D dos folículos ovarianos de 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo. A variabilidade significativa da contagem dos folículos de 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo não permite que este exame seja realizado fora da fase folicular precoce.
Effect of miR-143-3p on C2C12 myoblast differentiation
Authors: Du Jingjing , Zhang Yi , Shen Linyuan , Luo Jia , Lei Huaigang , Zhang Peiwen , Pu Qiang , Liu Yihui , Shuai Surong , Li Qiang , Li Xuewi , Zhang Shunhua , Zhu Li 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs are a class of 18–22 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression by associating with the 3′ untranslated regions of mRNAs. A large number of microRNAs are involved in the regulation of myoblast differentiation, many of which remain undiscovered. In this study, we found that miR-143-3p was upregulated during C2C12 myoblast differentiation and over-expression of miR-143-3p significantly inhibited the relative expression levels of MyoD, MyoG, myf5, and MyHC genes, especially in the later stages of differentiation. In addition, miR-143-3p inhibited expression of genes involved in the endogenous Wnt signaling pathway during C2C12 myoblast differentiation, including Wnt5a, LRP5, Axin2, and β-catenin. These results indicate that miR-143-3p represents a new myogenic differentiation-associated microRNA that can inhibit C2C12 myoblast differentiation, especially in the later stages of differentiation.
Public and private financial assistance in Europe
Authors: Emery Thomas 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
This analysis uses the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions data for 2006–2011 to examine whether there is an identifiable relationship between public and private provision of financial assistance and whether increased public support is associated with receiving more or less private support. In line with previous research, the findings suggest that households in receipt of certain public financial assistance are more likely to receive financial assistance from their friends and family. Yet the paper goes further and argues that the effect is dependent on the nature of the policy. Specifically, active policies not related to previous labour market participation appear to be associated with greater financial assistance from friends and family compared to traditional, passive forms of welfare assistance which themselves show no effect. The paper therefore concludes that the association between private and public financial assistance is dependent upon the type of public assistance that is being considered.
Multiplying probe for accurate power measurements on an RF driven atmospheric pressure plasma jet applied to the COST reference microplasma jet
Authors: Beijer P A C , Sobota A , van Veldhuizen E M , Kroesen G M W 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
In this paper a new multiplying probe for measuring the power dissipated in a miniature capacitively coupled, RF driven, atmospheric pressure plasma jet (μAPPJ—COST Reference Microplasma Jet—COST RMJ) is presented. The approach aims for substantially higher accuracy than provided by traditionally applied methods using bi-directional power meters or commercially available voltage and current probes in conjunction with digitizing oscilloscopes. The probe is placed on a miniature PCB and designed to minimize losses, influence of unknown elements, crosstalk and variations in temperature. The probe is designed to measure powers of the order of magnitude of 0.1–10 W. It is estimated that it measures power with less than 2% deviation from the real value in the tested power range. The design was applied to measure power dissipated in COST-RMJ running in helium with a small addition of oxygen.
Elastically driven metamagnetic-like phase transformations of shape memory alloys
Authors: Danilevich A G , L’vov V A 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A theoretical model of metamagnetic-like (ferromagnetic–paramagnetic and ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic) phase transitions is developed for the interpretation of experimental results obtained recently for the Ni–Mn–Co–X (X  =  In, Sn, Ga) shape memory alloys. The conditions of elastically driven (caused by the martensitic transformation of alloy) metamagnetic-like phase transitions are determined. These conditions are: high magnetic susceptibility of paramagnetic/antiferromagnetic phase; large (but real for some alloys) volume change during the martensitic transformation; and large value of volume magnetostriction caused by the metamagnetic-like phase transition. The magnetoelastic mechanism is proposed for the explanation of magnetic field influence on the martensitic transformation. The elastically driven ferromagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition is considered in more detail and the results of corresponding magnetic measurements are described.