bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between DNA hypomethylation at IL13 gene and allergic rhinitis in house dust mite‐sensitized subjects
Authors: Li J.Y. , Zhang Y. , Lin X.P. , Ruan Y. , Wang Y. , Wang C.S. , Zhang L. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a complex disease, in which gene–environment interactions contribute to its pathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play an important role in the regulation of gene function. As IL13, a pleiotropic cytokine, may be important in conferring susceptibility to AR, the aim of the present work was to assess the relationship between a CpG island methylation status at the upstream of IL13 gene and house dust mite (HDM)‐sensitized AR in Han Chinese subjects.MethodsA total of 60 patients with HDM‐sensitized AR and 65 control subjects were enrolled as two independent cohorts from Beijing and Liaoning. MassARRAY EpiTYPER and pyrosequencing was used to systematically screen the status of DNA methylation in peripheral blood leucocytes. IL13 mRNA expression was measured by real‐time quantitative PCR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to assess the function of methylation site.ResultsThe mean level of methylation was decreased in the AR patient group compared with the control group (P = 0.01). Two of a total of 33 IL13CpG units analysed (CpG units 24 : 25 : 26 and 38 : 39) showed significant differences in methylation status between the AR patient group and the control group, with DNA hypomethylation at CpG38 significantly associated with higher risk of HDM‐sensitized AR in both independent cohorts and a combined cohort (Beijing: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.01–1.52, P = 0.036; Liaoning: OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.11–2.38, P = 0.013; Combined: OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.10–1.56, P = 0.002). Methylation level of CpG38 correlated negatively with both IL13 mRNA expression and serum total IgE level and affected the binding affinity of SP1.ConclusionsDNA hypomethylation of IL13 gene may be associated with increased risk of AR from HDM sensitization.
Paradigms for parasite conservation
Authors: Dougherty Eric R. , Carlson Colin J. , Bueno Veronica M. , Burgio Kevin R. , Cizauskas Carrie A. , Clements Christopher F. , Seidel Dana P. , Harris Nyeema C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractParasitic species, which depend directly on host species for their survival, represent a major regulatory force in ecosystems and a significant component of Earth's biodiversity. Yet the negative impacts of parasites observed at the host level have motivated a conservation paradigm of eradication, moving us farther from attainment of taxonomically unbiased conservation goals. Despite a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of parasite‐inclusive conservation, most parasite species remain understudied, underfunded, and underappreciated. We argue the protection of parasitic biodiversity requires a paradigm shift in the perception and valuation of their role as consumer species, similar to that of apex predators in the mid‐20th century. Beyond recognizing parasites as vital trophic regulators, existing tools available to conservation practitioners should explicitly account for the unique threats facing dependent species. We built upon concepts from epidemiology and economics (e.g., host‐density threshold and cost‐benefit analysis) to devise novel metrics of margin of error and minimum investment for parasite conservation. We define margin of error as the risk of accidental host extinction from misestimating equilibrium population sizes and predicted oscillations, while minimum investment represents the cost associated with conserving the additional hosts required to maintain viable parasite populations. This framework will aid in the identification of readily conserved parasites that present minimal health risks. To establish parasite conservation, we propose an extension of population viability analysis for host–parasite assemblages to assess extinction risk. In the direst cases, ex situ breeding programs for parasites should be evaluated to maximize success without undermining host protection. Though parasitic species pose a considerable conservation challenge, adaptations to conservation tools will help protect parasite biodiversity in the face of an uncertain environmental future.
Faster Teaching via POMDP Planning
Authors: Rafferty Anna N. , Brunskill Emma , Griffiths Thomas L. , Shafto Patrick 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHuman and automated tutors attempt to choose pedagogical activities that will maximize student learning, informed by their estimates of the student's current knowledge. There has been substantial research on tracking and modeling student learning, but significantly less attention on how to plan teaching actions and how the assumed student model impacts the resulting plans. We frame the problem of optimally selecting teaching actions using a decision‐theoretic approach and show how to formulate teaching as a partially observable Markov decision process planning problem. This framework makes it possible to explore how different assumptions about student learning and behavior should affect the selection of teaching actions. We consider how to apply this framework to concept learning problems, and we present approximate methods for finding optimal teaching actions, given the large state and action spaces that arise in teaching. Through simulations and behavioral experiments, we explore the consequences of choosing teacher actions under different assumed student models. In two concept‐learning tasks, we show that this technique can accelerate learning relative to baseline performance.
Is supplementary feeding in gardens a driver of evolutionary change in a migratory bird species?
Authors: Plummer Kate E. , Siriwardena Gavin M. , Conway Greg J. , Risely Kate , Toms Mike P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHuman activities are causing rapid environmental change at a global scale. Urbanization is responsible for some of the most extreme human‐altered habitats and is a known driver of evolutionary change, but evidence and understanding of these processes is limited. Here, we investigate the potential underlying mechanisms contributing to the contemporary evolution of migration behaviour in the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). Blackcaps from central Europe have been wintering in urban areas of Britain with increasing frequency over the past 60 years, rather than migrating south to the Mediterranean. It has been hypothesized that the popularization of providing supplementary foods for wild birds within Britain may have influenced this marked migratory change, but quantifying the selective forces shaping evolutionary changes remains challenging. Using a long‐term national scale data set, we examine both the spatial distribution and interannual variation in blackcap wintering behaviour in Britain in relation to supplementary food availability and local climate. Over a 12‐year period, we show that blackcaps are becoming increasingly associated with the provision of supplementary foods in British gardens, and that the reliability of bird food supplies is influencing their winter distribution at a national scale. In addition, local climatic temperatures and broader scale weather variation are also important determinants of blackcap wintering patterns once they arrive in Britain. Based on our findings, we conclude that a synergistic effect of increased availability of feeding resources, in the form of garden bird food, coupled with climatic amelioration, has enabled a successful new wintering population to become established in Britain. As global biodiversity is threatened by human‐induced environmental change, this study presents new and timely evidence of the role human activities can play in shaping evolutionary trajectories.
The Causal Impact of Media in Financial Markets
Authors: ENGELBERG JOSEPH E. , PARSONS CHRISTOPHER A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTDisentangling the causal impact of media reporting from the impact of the events being reported is challenging. We solve this problem by comparing the behaviors of investors with access to different media coverage of the same information event. We use zip codes to identify 19 mutually exclusive trading regions corresponding with large U.S. cities. For all earnings announcements of S&P 500 Index firms, we find that local media coverage strongly predicts local trading, after controlling for earnings, investor, and newspaper characteristics. Moreover, local trading is strongly related to the timing of local reporting, a particular challenge to nonmedia explanations.
Leverage, Moral Hazard, and Liquidity
Authors: ACHARYA VIRAL V. , VISWANATHAN S. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTFinancial firms raise short‐term debt to finance asset purchases; this induces risk shifting when economic conditions worsen and limits their ability to roll over debt. Constrained firms de‐lever by selling assets to lower‐leverage firms. In turn, asset–market liquidity depends on the system‐wide distribution of leverage, which is itself endogenous to future economic prospects. Good economic prospects yield cheaper short‐term debt, inducing entry of higher‐leverage firms. Consequently, adverse asset shocks in good times lead to greater de‐leveraging and sudden drying up of market and funding liquidity.
Grain Boundary Curvatures Measurements in Annealed Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia (3Y‐TZP) and Their Relation to Mean Grain Size
Authors: Wang Jun , Conrad Hans 
Published: September 2015

It was determined that the mean grain boundary radius of curvature in 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia isothermally annealed without and with a DC electric field = 18 V/cm was uniquely proportional to the mean linear intercept grain size , the proportionality constant α = 3/2 being in accord with the Rios‐Fonseca stereological model.
High Bipolar Fatigue Resistance of BCTZ Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Glaum Julia , Ehmke Matthias C. , Blendell John E. , Bowman Keith J. , Hoffman Mark J. 
Published: September 2015

(Ba, Ca)(Ti, Zr)O3 ceramics have been considered as a potential lead‐free alternative to commonly used lead‐based piezoelectric ceramics due to their high piezoelectric performance at room temperature. In this study, the bipolar fatigue behavior of this material is investigated at room temperature. Two compositions were cycled with a bipolar electric field signal at 10 Hz with a maximum of three times the coercive field for up to approximately 107 cycles. Both investigated compositions exhibited high bipolar fatigue resistance compared to other ceramics reported in the literatures. The high fatigue resistance originates from the lack of mechanical damage and a weak domain wall pinning effect due to their location in the phase transition region. It was also found that pore morphology affected bipolar fatigue behavior.
Investigation of Raman Modes and Born‐Effective Charges in AgNb1/2Ta1/2O3: A Density‐Functional and Raman Scattering Study
Authors: Ganga Prasad Kotagiri , Niranjan Manish K. , Asthana Saket , Karthikeyan R. 
Published: September 2015

Using ab initio density‐functional theory, the Born‐effective charge tensors and zone‐center phonon mode frequencies are computed for AgNb1/2Ta1/2O3 in monoclinic P2/m and orthorombic Pbcm symmetries. The experimental mode frequencies are obtained from deconvolution of Raman spectrum of prepared AgNb1/2Ta1/2O3 samples and are compared with computed mode frequencies. The Raman modes with high (>350 cm−1) and low frequencies (<90 cm−1) correspond to Ag and O vibrations, respectively. The modes in intermediate frequency band (120–350 cm−1) are dominated by Nb(Ta)–O vibrations. The computed effective charge tensors of cations at A (Ag) and B (Nb, Ta) sites are found to be diagonal. The off‐diagonal components of charge tensor are found sizeable only for O ions in orthorhombic AgNb1/2Ta1/2O3 with Pbcm symmetry. Further, charge tensor structure of O ions is found to depend on site symmetry in the unit cell. Charge tensor components for Nb, Ta, and O ions differ significantly from their nominal ionic values suggesting (1) large local dipole moments induced by off‐centering of Nb(Ta) ions and tilting(rotations) of Nb(Ta)O6 octahedra, (2) hybridization between d‐orbitals of Nb(Ta) and p‐orbitals of O atoms. Furthermore, the electronic structure, directional dependence of effective charges and performance of LDA (GGA) exchange‐correlation functionals with regard to computed values are also discussed.
Effect of Internal Current Flow During the Sintering of Zirconium Diboride by Field Assisted Sintering Technology
Authors: Gonzalez–Julian Jesus , Jähnert Kevin , Speer Kerstin , Liu Limeng , Räthel Jan , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Bram Martin , Guillon Olivier 
Published: September 2015

Effect of electric current on sintering behavior and microstructure evolution of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) was investigated using three different configurations of Field Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering. The current flow through the ZrB2 compact was controlled by modifying the interface between the graphite punches and the electrical conductive powder. Boron nitride discs, graphite foils or direct contact with the graphite punches were the three different interfaces used in order to deflect, conduct or promote, respectively, the current during the sintering process of the electrically conductive ZrB2 ceramics. The current flow during the sintering process triggered the elimination/reduction in B2O3, leading to faster diffusion rates at high temperatures and limiting the formation of B4C secondary phase. This allows to control the final density, grain size (from 19.6 to 43.2 μm) and secondary phase formation (from 5.95 to 11.61 vol%) as well as the electrical resistivity (from 7.7 to 9.4 μΩ·cm) of the specimens.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Luminescence Properties of Y4Si2O7N2: Eu2+ Oxynitride Phosphors
Authors: Chen Guozhang , Yin Liang‐Jun , Dong Jun‐Tao , Feng Yan‐Yu , Gao Yang , He Weidong , Jia Yu , Xu Xin , Hintzen Hubertus T. (Bert) 
Published: September 2015

Y4Si2O7N2: Eu2+ phosphor has been prepared by a pretreatment method. Reduction in Eu3+ ions into Eu2+ by the use of hydrogen iodide (HI) is verified by X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and electrode potential analysis. Y4Si2O7N2: Eu2+ phosphor has a broad emission band in the range of 400–500 nm. Furthermore, the effect of Zr doping on the structure and luminescence properties of Y4Si2O7N2: Eu2+ phosphor is researched. It found that the Zr doping leads to an emission blueshift, and improves the luminescence intensity and thermal quenching behavior of Y4Si2O7N2: Eu2+ phosphors. Prospectively, the pretreatment approach could be extended to develop other Eu2+‐doped compounds.
Large and Stable Shape Memory Effect Realized by Defect Dipoles in Acceptor‐Doped Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Yan Yangxi , Feng Yujun 
Published: September 2015

A large and stable shape memory effect has been observed in 0.6 wt% Mn‐doped (Pb0.99Nb0.02)[(Zr0.70Sn0.30)0.52Ti0.48]0.98O3 (Mn:PNZST) ceramics after being poled at high temperature. A maximum shape memory of 0.41% was achieved. This effect is related to the preferentially oriented defect dipoles along the poling direction after poling at high temperature and electric field. Furthermore, the shape memory effect is stable after 104 electric cycles at 30 kV/cm. The shape memory piezoelectric actuator may be fabricated using this kind of material.
Fire history and moisture influences on historical forest age structure in the sky islands of southern Arizona,USA
Authors: Iniguez Jose M. , Swetnam Thomas W. , Baisan Christopher H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of moisture and fire on historical ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosaDougl. ex Laws.) age structure patterns.LocationWe used a natural experiment created over time by the unique desert island geography of southern Arizona.MethodsWe sampled tree establishment dates in two sites on Rincon Peak and another site in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The influence of regional moisture patterns was investigated by examining synchrony among tree age peaks and periods of favourable moisture. The influence of fire was investigated by examining the relationship between local fire histories and age peaks.ResultsTree age peaks (recruitment events) were synchronized with periods of reduced fire frequencies, suggesting that periods of reduced fire activity allowed time for young trees to develop fire‐resistant characteristics. For example, two age peaks (1670s–1680s and 1770s–1780s) in the Rincon Peak‐north site coincided with a period of reduced fire frequency. These age peaks were absent in the Rincon Peak‐south site where fires were more frequent during that time. All three sites had age peaks in the early 19th century, coinciding with regional climate variability (i.e. El Niño Southern Oscillation patterns) that reduced fire activity.Main conclusionsHistorically prior to fire suppression, the survivorship, and thus cohort establishment, of ponderosa pine was ultimately determined by local fire history patterns. The importance of fire as a tree establishment regulator highlights the need to use fire at appropriate intervals not just to restore but to maintain healthy forests.
Ameliorating effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture on impaired gastric accommodation induced by cold meal in healthy subjects
Authors: Huang Zhihui , Zhang Nina , Xu Feng , Yin Jieyun , Dai Ning , Chen Jiande DZ 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundImpaired gastric accommodation is recognized as one of major pathophysiologies in functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve gastric accommodation in laboratory settings. It is, however, unknown whether it exerts similar ameliorating effect in humans and whether needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) is also effective in improving gastric accommodation.AimThe aim was to investigate the effects of TEA on gastric accommodation, gastric slow waves, and dyspeptic related symptoms.MethodsThirteen healthy volunteers were studied in four randomized sessions: control, cold nutrient liquid, cold nutrient liquid + sham‐TEA, and cold nutrient liquid + TEA. The subjects were requested to drink Ensure until reaching maximum satiety. The electrogastrogram (EGG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded to assess the gastric and autonomic functions respectively.Results1) Gastric accommodation was reduced with the cold drink in comparison with the warm drink (P = 0.023). TEA improved the impaired gastric accommodation from 539.2 ± 133.8 ml to 731.0 ± 185.7 ml (P = 0.005). 2) The percentage of normal gastric slow waves in six subjects was significantly decreased in the cold session (P = 0.002) and improved in the TEA session (P = 0.009vssham;P < 0.001vscold). 3) TEA showed significant improvement in the bloating (80.8 ± 5.7vs61.2 ± 26.2,P = 0.011), postprandial fullness (48.1 ± 12.0vs34.2 ± 21.2,P = 0.042), and nausea (29.6 ± 10.9vs19.2 ± 11.2,P = 0.026) in comparison with sham‐TEA session. 4) Neither cold drink nor TEA altered vagal activities (P > 0.05).ConclusionsTEA improves impaired gastric accommodation and slow waves induced by cold drink and the effect does not seem to be mediated via the vagal mechanisms.
Genome‐scale analysis of the cotton KCS gene family revealed a binary mode of action for gibberellin A regulated fiber growth
Authors: Xiao Guang‐Hui , Wang Kun , Huang Gai , Zhu Yu‐Xian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractProduction of β‐ketoacyl‐CoA, which is catalyzed by 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthase (KCS), is the first step in very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis. Here we identified 58 KCS genes from Gossypium hirsutum, 31 from G. arboreum and 33 from G. raimondii by searching the assembled cotton genomes. The gene family was divided into the plant‐specific FAE1‐type and the more general ELO‐type. KCS transcripts were widely expressed and 32 of them showed distinct subgenome‐specific expressions in one or more cotton tissues/organs studied. Six GhKCS genes rescued the lethality of elo2Δelo3Δ yeast double mutant, indicating that this gene family possesses diversified functions. Most KCS genes with GA‐responsive elements (GAREs) in the promoters were significantly upregulated by gibberellin A3 (GA). Exogenous GA3 not only promoted fiber length, but also increased the thickness of cell walls significantly. GAREs present also in the promoters of several cellulose synthase (CesA) genes required for cell wall biosynthesis and they were all induced significantly by GA3. Because GA treatment resulted in longer cotton fibers with thicker cell walls and higher dry weight per unit cell length, we suggest that it may regulate fiber elongation upstream of the VLCFA‐ethylene pathway and also in the downstream steps towards cell wall synthesis.
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus attack affects a group of compounds rather than rearranging Phoenix canariensis metabolic pathways
Authors: Giovino Antonio , Martinelli Federico , Saia Sergio 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe red palm weevil (RPW; Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is spreading worldwide and severely harming many palm species. However, most studies on RPW focused on insect biology, and little information is available about the plant response to the attack. In the present experiment, we used metabolomics to study the alteration of the leaf metabolome of Phoenix canariensis at initial (1st stage) or advanced (2nd stage) attack by RPW compared with healthy (unattacked) plants. The leaf metabolome significantly varied among treatments. At the 1st stage of attack, plants showed a reprogramming of carbohydrate and organic acid metabolism; in contrast, peptides and lipid metabolic pathways underwent more changes during the 2nd than 1st stage of attack. Enrichment metabolomics analysis indicated that RPW attack mostly affected a particular group of compounds rather than rearranging plant metabolic pathways. Some compounds selectively affected during the 1st rather than 2nd stage (e.g. phenylalanine; tryptophan; cellobiose; xylose; quinate; xylonite; idonate; and iso‐threonate; cellobiotol and arbutine) are upstream events in the phenylpropanoid, terpenoid and alkaloid biosynthesis. These compounds could be designated as potential markers of initial RPW attack. However, further investigation is needed to determine efficient early screening methods of RPW attack based on the concentrations of these molecules.
A Spatial‐Context‐Based Approach for Automated Spatial Change Analysis of Piece‐Wise Linear Building Elements
Authors: Tang Pingbo , Chen Gaoyun , Shen Zhenglai , Ganapathy Ram 
Published: September 2015

AbstractChanges of designs and construction plans often cause propagative design modifications, tedious construction coordination, cascading effects of errors, reworks, and delays in project management. Among various building elements, those having piece‐wise linear geometries (i.e., connected straight line segments), such as connected straight sections of ducts in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, frequently undergo spatial changes in response to the changes of their surroundings. On the other hand, the piece‐wise linear geometries pose challenges to analyzing and controlling changes in construction and facility management. State‐of‐the‐art 3D change detection algorithms often face ambiguities about which points belong to which objects when piece‐wise linear object are spacked in small spaces. This article examines a spatial‐context‐based framework that uses spatial relationships between piece‐wise linear building elements (ducts in this article) to enable fast and reliable association of 3D data with ducts in as‐designed models for supporting reliable change analysis. Three case studies showed that this framework outperformed a conventional change detection method, and could handle large dislocations of piece‐wise linear elements and occlusions.