bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct disruptions of resting-state functional brain networks in familial and sporadic schizophrenia
Authors: Zhu Jiajia , Zhuo Chuanjun , Liu Feng , Qin Wen , Xu Lixue , Yu Chunshui 
Published: April 2016

AbstractClinical and brain structural differences have been reported between patients with familial and sporadic schizophrenia; however, little is known about the brain functional differences between the two subtypes of schizophrenia. Twenty-six patients with familial schizophrenia (PFS), 26 patients with sporadic schizophrenia (PSS) and 26 healthy controls (HC) underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The whole-brain functional network was constructed and analyzed using graph theoretical approaches. Topological properties (including global, nodal and edge measures) were compared among the three groups. We found that PFS, PSS and HC exhibited common small-world architecture of the functional brain networks. However, at a global level, only PFS showed significantly lower normalized clustering coefficient, small-worldness and local efficiency, indicating a randomization shift of their brain networks. At a regional level, PFS and PSS disrupted different neural circuits, consisting of abnormal nodes (increased or decreased nodal centrality) and edges (decreased functional connectivity strength), which were widely distributed throughout the entire brain. Furthermore, some of these altered network measures were significantly correlated with severity of psychotic symptoms. These results suggest that familial and sporadic schizophrenia had segregated disruptions in the topological organization of the intrinsic functional brain network, which may be due to different etiological contributions.
Key role of lattice symmetry in the metal-insulator transition of NdNiO3 films
Authors: Zhang Jack Y. , Kim Honggyu , Mikheev Evgeny , Hauser Adam J. , Stemmer Susanne 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBulk NdNiO3 exhibits a metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) as the temperature is lowered that is also seen in tensile strained films. In contrast, films that are under a large compressive strain typically remain metallic at all temperatures. To clarify the microscopic origins of this behavior, we use position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction in scanning transmission electron microscopy to characterize strained NdNiO3 films both above and below the MIT temperature. We show that a symmetry lowering structural change takes place in case of the tensile strained film, which undergoes an MIT, but is absent in the compressively strained film. Using space group symmetry arguments, we show that these results support the bond length disproportionation model of the MIT in the rare-earth nickelates. Furthermore, the results provide insights into the non-Fermi liquid phase that is observed in films for which the MIT is absent.
Controlled rotation mechanism of DNA strand exchange by the Hin serine recombinase
Authors: Xiao Botao , McLean Meghan M. , Lei Xianbin , Marko John F. , Johnson Reid C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDNA strand exchange by serine recombinases has been proposed to occur by a large-scale rotation of halves of the recombinase tetramer. Here we provide the first direct physical evidence for the subunit rotation mechanism for the Hin serine invertase. Single-DNA looping assays using an activated mutant (Hin-H107Y) reveal specific synapses between two hix sites. Two-DNA “braiding” experiments, where separate DNA molecules carrying a single hix are interwound, show that Hin-H107Y cleaves both hix sites and mediates multi-step rotational relaxation of the interwinding. The variable numbers of rotations in the DNA braid experiments are in accord with data from bulk experiments that follow DNA topological changes accompanying recombination by the hyperactive enzyme. The relatively slow Hin rotation rates, combined with pauses, indicate considerable rotary friction between synapsed subunit pairs. A rotational pausing mechanism intrinsic to serine recombinases is likely to be crucial for DNA ligation and for preventing deleterious DNA rearrangements.
Graphitic Carbon-Coated FeSe2 Hollow Nanosphere-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nanofibers as an Efficient Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Cho Jung Sang , Lee Jung-Kul , Kang Yun Chan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA novel one-dimensional nanohybrid comprised of conductive graphitic carbon (GC)-coated hollow FeSe2 nanospheres decorating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofiber (hollow nanosphere FeSe2@GC–rGO) was designed as an efficient anode material for sodium ion batteries and synthesized by introducing the nanoscale Kirkendall effect into the electrospinning method. The electrospun nanofibers transformed into hollow nanosphere FeSe2@GC–rGO hybrid nanofibers through a Fe@GC–rGO intermediate. The discharge capacities of the bare FeSe2 nanofibers, nanorod FeSe2–rGO–amorphous carbon (AC) hybrid nanofibers, and hollow nanosphere FeSe2@GC–rGO hyrbid nanofibers at a current density of 1 A g−1 for the 150th cycle were 63, 302, and 412 mA h g−1, respectively, and their corresponding capacity retentions measured from the 2nd cycle were 11, 73, and 82%, respectively. The hollow nanosphere FeSe2@GC–rGO hybrid nanofibers delivered a high discharge capacity of 352 mA h g−1 even at an extremely high current density of 10 A g−1. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the hollow nanosphere FeSe2@GC–rGO composite nanofibers arose from the synergetic effects of the FeSe2 hollow morphology and highly conductive rGO matrix.
Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes for Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Gao Shugeng , Li Jiagen , Feng Xiaoli , Shi Susheng , He Jie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPrimary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is an extremely rare disease with poor prognosis. We summarized and analyzed the characteristics of 17 PMME patients (with average age of 57.5 ± 10.3 years) who had received surgical resection in our center. The majority (13/17, 76.5%) of the patients were male. The percentage of patients with smoking and alcohol consumption was 41.2% and 23.5%, respectively. The preoperative diagnosis rate was 35.3%. Lymph node metastasis mainly involved the mid-lower mediastinal and upper abdominal area. Primary tumors that invaded beyond the submucosa layer (T2–T4) had much higher tendency of lymph node metastasis than those restricted to the submucosa layer (T1) (6/8, 75.0% vs. 3/9, 33.3%, p = 0.086). The 1-year and 5-year survival rate of the patients was 51% and 10%, respectively, with median survival time being 18.1 months. Survival analysis showed that TNM stage was a predictor for PMME prognosis (median survival time of 47.3 months vs. 8.0 months for stage I/II vs. stage III, respectively, p = 0.018), and multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed the independence of its prognostic value [HR (95% CI): 5.678 (1.125–28.658), p = 0.035].
Coexpression network analysis of the genes regulated by two types of resistance responses to powdery mildew in wheat
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Zheng Hongyuan , Li Yiwen , Li Hongjie , Liu Xin , Qin Huanju , Dong Lingli , Wang Daowen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPowdery mildew disease caused byBlumeria graminisf. sp.tritici(Bgt) inflicts severe economic losses in wheat crops. A systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in wheat resistance toBgtis essential for effectively controlling the disease. Here, using the diploid wheatTriticum urartuas a host, the genes regulated by immune (IM) and hypersensitive reaction (HR) resistance responses toBgtwere investigated through transcriptome sequencing. Four gene coexpression networks (GCNs) were developed using transcriptomic data generated for 20T. urartuaccessions showing IM, HR or susceptible responses. The powdery mildew resistance regulated (PMRR) genes whose expression was significantly correlated withBgtresistance were identified and they tended to be hubs and enriched in six major modules. A wide occurrence of negative regulation of PMRR genes was observed. Three new candidate immune receptor genes (TRIUR3_13045, TRIUR3_01037andTRIUR3_06195) positively associated withBgtresistance were discovered. Finally, the involvement ofTRIUR3_01037inBgtresistance was tentatively verified through cosegregation analysis in a F2population and functional expression assay inBgtsusceptible leaf cells. This research provides insights into the global network properties of PMRR genes. Potential molecular differences between IM and HR resistance responses toBgtare discussed.
Generation of cloned mice and nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines from urine-derived cells
Authors: Mizutani Eiji , Torikai Kohei , Wakayama Sayaka , Nagatomo Hiroaki , Ohinata Yasuhide , Kishigami Satoshi , Wakayama Teruhiko 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCloning animals by nuclear transfer provides the opportunity to preserve endangered mammalian species. However, there are risks associated with the collection of donor cells from the body such as accidental injury to or death of the animal. Here, we report the production of cloned mice from urine-derived cells collected noninvasively. Most of the urine-derived cells survived and were available as donors for nuclear transfer without any pretreatment. After nuclear transfer, 38–77% of the reconstructed embryos developed to the morula/blastocyst, in which the cell numbers in the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were similar to those of controls. Male and female cloned mice were delivered from cloned embryos transferred to recipient females and these cloned animals grew to adulthood and delivered pups naturally when mated with each other. The results suggest that these cloned mice had normal fertility. In additional experiments, 26 nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines were established from 108 cloned blastocysts derived from four mouse strains including inbreds and F1 hybrids with relatively high success rates. Thus, cells derived from urine, which can be collected noninvasively, may be used in the rescue of endangered mammalian species by using nuclear transfer without causing injury to the animal.
Global priorities for national carnivore conservation under land use change
Authors: Di Minin Enrico , Slotow Rob , Hunter Luke T. B. , Montesino Pouzols Federico , Toivonen Tuuli , Verburg Peter H. , Leader-Williams Nigel , Petracca Lisanne , Moilanen Atte 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMammalian carnivores have suffered the biggest range contraction among all biodiversity and are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. Therefore, we identified priority areas for the conservation of mammalian carnivores, while accounting for species-specific requirements for connectivity and expected agricultural and urban expansion. While prioritizing for carnivores only, we were also able to test their effectiveness as surrogates for 23,110 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles and 867 terrestrial ecoregions. We then assessed the risks to carnivore conservation within each country that makes a contribution to global carnivore conservation. We found that land use change will potentially lead to important range losses, particularly amongst already threatened carnivore species. In addition, the 17% of land targeted for protection under the Aichi Target 11 was found to be inadequate to conserve carnivores under expected land use change. Our results also highlight that land use change will decrease the effectiveness of carnivores to protect other threatened species, especially threatened amphibians. In addition, the risk of human-carnivore conflict is potentially high in countries where we identified spatial priorities for their conservation. As meeting the global biodiversity target will be inadequate for carnivore protection, innovative interventions are needed to conserve carnivores outside protected areas to compliment any proposed expansion of the protected area network.
Biodiversity management of organic farming enhances agricultural sustainability
Authors: Liu Haitao , Meng Jie , Bo Wenjing , Cheng Da , Li Yong , Guo Liyue , Li Caihong , Zheng Yanhai , Liu Meizhen , Ning Tangyuan , Wu Guanglei , Yu Xiaofan , Feng Sufei , Wuyun Tana , Li Jing , Li Lijun , Zeng Yan , Liu Shi V. , Jiang Gaoming 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOrganic farming (OF) has been believed to be capable of curtailing some hazardous effects associated with chemical farming (CF). However, debates also exist on whether OF can feed a world with increasing human population. We hypothesized that some improvements on OF may produce adequate crops and reduce environmental pollutions from CF. This paper makes comparative analysis of crop yield, soil organic matter and economic benefits within the practice on Biodiversity Management of Organic Farming (BMOF) at Hongyi Organic Farm (HOF) over eight years and between BMOF and CF. Linking crop production with livestock to maximal uses of by-products from each production and avoid xenobiotic chemicals, we have achieved beneficial improvement in soil properties, effective pest and weed control, and increased crop yields. After eight years experiment, we have obtained a gradual but stable increase in crop yields with a 9.6-fold increase of net income. The net income of HOF was 258,827 dollars and 24,423 dollars in 2014 and 2007 respectively. Thus, BMOF can not only feed more population, but also increase adaptive capacity of agriculture ecosystems and gain much higher economic benefits.
Prognostic value of preoperative inflammatory response biomarkers in patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma and the establishment of a nomogram
Authors: Gu Liangyou , Ma Xin , Li Hongzhao , Chen Luyao , Xie Yongpeng , Zhao Chaofei , Luo Guoxiong , Zhang Xu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTo examine the prognostic role of inflammatory response biomarkers in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC). From January 2004 to May 2015, 103 patients with sRCC were enrolled in this study. Preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were analyzed. Besides well-established clinicopathological prognostic factors, we evaluated the prognostic value of this four markers using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Additionally, a nomogram was established to predict the prognosis of sRCC patients. Elevated NLR, dNLR and PLR were significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS), nevertheless, elevated LMR showed an adverse effect on reduced OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that NLR (HR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.50–11.00, P = 0.006) retained as independent factor. Incorporation of the NLR into a prognostic model including T stage, M stage, tumor necrosis and percentage of sarcomatoid generated a nomogram, which accurately predicted OS for sRCC patients. Preoperative NLR may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with sRCC and may help with clinical decisions about treatment intervention in clinical practice. The proposed nomogram can be used for the prediction of OS in patients with sRCC.
Broadband diffusion metasurface based on a single anisotropic element and optimized by the Simulated Annealing algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yi , Cao Xiangyu , Gao Jun , Sun Yu , Yang Huanhuan , Liu Xiao , Zhou Yulong , Han Tong , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe propose a new strategy to design broadband and wide angle diffusion metasurfaces. An anisotropic structure which has opposite phases under x- and y-polarized incidence is employed as the “0” and “1” elements base on the concept of coding metamaterial. To obtain a uniform backward scattering under normal incidence, Simulated Annealing algorithm is utilized in this paper to calculate the optimal layout. The proposed method provides an efficient way to design diffusion metasurface with a simple structure, which has been proved by both simulations and measurements.
A novel mouse model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma induced by liver-specific Kras activation and Pten deletion
Authors: Ikenoue Tsuneo , Terakado Yumi , Nakagawa Hayato , Hikiba Yohko , Fujii Tomoaki , Matsubara Daisuke , Noguchi Rei , Zhu Chi , Yamamoto Keisuke , Kudo Yotaro , Asaoka Yoshinari , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Ijichi Hideaki , Tateishi Keisuke , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Maeda Shin , Koike Kazuhiko , Furukawa Yoichi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Recently, several types of cells have been considered as the origin of ICC, namely cholangiocytes, liver progenitor cells, and hepatocytes. Here, we have established a novel mouse model of ICC by liver-specific Kras activation and Pten deletion. An activating mutation of Kras in combination with deletion of Pten was introduced in embryonic hepatic bipotential progenitor cells (so-called hepatoblasts) and mature hepatocytes using the Cre-loxP system. As a result, liver-specific Kras activation and homozygous Pten deletion cooperated to induce ICCs exclusively. In contrast, Kras activation in combination with heterozygous Pten deletion induced both ICCs and HCCs, whereas Kras activation alone resulted in HCCs but not ICCs. Furthermore, a cell-lineage visualization system using tamoxifen-inducible Cre-loxP demonstrated that the ICCs did not originate from hepatocytes but from cholangiocytes. Our data suggest that mice carrying liver-specific Kras activation in combination with homozygous Pten deletion should be useful for the investigation of therapeutic strategies for human ICC.
Present state of the Aral Sea: diverging physical and biological characteristics of the residual basins
Authors: Izhitskiy A. S. , Zavialov P. O. , Sapozhnikov P. V. , Kirillin G. B. , Grossart H. P. , Kalinina O. Y. , Zalota A. K. , Goncharenko I. V. , Kurbaniyazov A. K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLatest data on the hydrophysical and biological state of the residual basins of the Aral Sea are presented and compared. Direct, quasi-simultaneous observations were carried out in the central part of the Western Large Aral Sea, the northern extremity of the Large Aral known as Chernyshev Bay, Lake Tshchebas, and the Small Aral Sea in October 2014. The Large Aral Sea and Lake Tshchebas transformed into hyperhaline water bodies with highly special taxocene structure. The Small Aral Sea was a relatively diverse brackish ecosystem, which was rather similar to the pre-desiccation environment. The Small Aral Sea and Lake Tshchebas exhibited a fully-mixed vertical structure, whereas the Western Large Aral Sea was strongly stratified. Our data show that during desiccation, different parts of the Aral Sea experienced different environmental conditions, resulting in qualitative and quantitative differences in the physical and biological regimes among the different residual basins.
Highly efficient organic tandem solar cell with a SubPc interlayer based on TAPC:C70 bulk heterojunction
Authors: Gao Yuan , Jin Fangming , Li Wenlian , Su Zisheng , Chu Bei , Wang Junbo , Zhao Haifeng , Wu Hairuo , Liu Chengyuan , Hou Fuhua , Lin Tong , Song Qiaogang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report a small molecule tandem organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell with a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.27%. This cell contains two subcells with an identical mixed active layer of C70:5 wt%TAPC (1,1-bis-(4-bis(4-methyl-phenyl)-amino-phenyl)-cyclohexane). The performance was dramatically improved by simply inserting a thin boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc) interlayer, which results in an increase of the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage as well as a decrease of the series resistance of the tandem cell. The response of the cell only contributed from the absorption of C70. The high PCE was attributed to the high absorption efficiency of C70 and improved holes extraction efficiency at the anode due to the band bending occurs at both MoO3/SubPc and SubPc/C70:5 wt%TAPC interfaces.
Switching Power Universality in Unipolar Resistive Switching Memories
Authors: Kim Jongmin , Jung Kyooho , Kim Yongmin , Jo Yongcheol , Cho Sangeun , Woo Hyeonseok , Lee Seongwoo , Inamdar A. I. , Hong Jinpyo , Lee Jeon-Kook , Kim Hyungsang , Im Hyunsik 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe investigate the resistive switching power from unipolar resistive switching current-voltage characteristics in various binary metal oxide films sandwiched by different metal electrodes, and find a universal feature (the so-called universality) in the switching power among these devices. To experimentally derive the switching power universality, systematic measurements of the switching voltage and current are performed, and neither of these correlate with one another. As the switching resistance (R) increases, the switching power (P) decreases following a power law P ∝ R−β, regardless of the device configurations. The observed switching power universality is indicative of the existence of a commonly applicable switching mechanism. The origin of the power universality is discussed based on a metallic filament model and thermo-chemical reaction.
On the small angle twist sub-grain boundaries in Ti3AlC2
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Chao , Hu Tao , Zhan Xun , Wang Xiaohui , Zhou Yanchun 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTilt-dominated grain boundaries have been investigated in depth in the deformation of MAX phases. In stark contrast, another important type of grain boundaries, twist grain boundaries, have long been overlooked. Here, we report on the observation of small angle twist sub-grain boundaries in a typical MAX phase Ti3AlC2 compressed at 1200 °C, which comprise hexagonal screw dislocation networks formed by basal dislocation reactions. By first-principles investigations on atomic-scale deformation and general stacking fault energy landscapes, it is unequivocally demonstrated that the twist sub-grain boundaries are most likely located between Al and Ti4f (Ti located at the 4f Wyckoff sites of P63/mmc) layers, with breaking of the weakly bonded Al–Ti4f. The twist angle increases with the increase of deformation and is estimated to be around 0.5° for a deformation of 26%. This work may shed light on sub-grain boundaries of MAX phases and provide fundamental information for future atomic-scale simulations.
Ultrasensitive Visual Detection of HIV DNA Biomarkers via a Multi-amplification Nanoplatform
Authors: Long Yuyin , Zhou Cuisong , Wang Congmin , Cai Honglian , Yin Cuiyun , Yang Qiufang , Xiao Dan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMethodologies to detect disease biomarkers at ultralow concentrations can potentially improve the standard of living. A facile and label-free multi-amplification strategy is proposed for the ultrasensitive visual detection of HIV DNA biomarkers in real physiological media. This multi-amplification strategy not only exhibits a signficantly low detection limit down to 4.8 pM but also provides a label-free, cost-effective and facile technique for visualizing a few molecules of nucleic acid analyte with the naked eye. Importantly, the biosensor is capable of discriminating single-based mismatch lower than 5.0 nM in human serum samples. Moreover, the visual sensing platform exhibits excellent specificity, acceptable reusability and a long-term stability. All these advantages could be attributed to the nanofibrous sensing platform that 1) has a high surface-area-to-volume provided by electrospun nanofibrous membrane and 2) combines glucose oxidase (GOx) biocatalysis, DNAzyme-catalyzed colorimetric reaction and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) recycling amplification together. This multi-amplification nanoplatform promises label-free and visual single-based mismatch DNA monitoring with high sensitivity and specificity, suggesting wide applications that range from virus detection to genetic disease diagnosis.