bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal outcomes of different asthma phenotypes in primary care, an observational study
Authors: Khusial Rishi J. , Sont Jacob K. , Loijmans Rik J. B. , Snoeck-Stroband Jiska B. , Assendelft Pim J. J. , Schermer Tjard R. J. , Honkoop Persijn J. ,   for the ACCURATE Study Group
Published: September 2017

While asthma presentation is heterogeneous, current asthma management guidelines in primary care are quite homogeneous. In this study we aim to cluster patients together into different phenotypes, that may aid the general practitioner in individualised asthma management. We analysed data from the ACCURATE trial, containing 611 adult asthmatics, 18–50 year-old, treated in primary care, with one year follow-up. Variables obtained at baseline (n = 14), were assessed by cluster analysis. Subsequently, established phenotypes were assessed separately on important asthma outcomes after one year follow-up: asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)), quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)), exacerbation-rate and medication-usage. Five distinct phenotypes were identified. The first phenotype was predominantly defined by their early onset atopic form of asthma. The second phenotype mainly consisted of female patients with a late onset asthma. The third phenotype were patients with high reversibility rates after bronchodilator usage. The fourth phenotype were smokers and the final phenotype were frequent exacerbators. The exacerbators phenotype had the worst outcomes for asthma control and quality of life and experienced the highest exacerbation-rate, despite using the most medication. The early onset phenotype patients were relatively well controlled and their medication dosage was low.
Cognitive control during audiovisual working memory engages frontotemporal theta-band interactions
Authors: Daume Jonathan , Graetz Sebastian , Gruber Thomas , Engel Andreas K. , Friese Uwe
Published: September 2017

Working memory (WM) maintenance of sensory information has been associated with enhanced cross-frequency coupling between the phase of low frequencies and the amplitude of high frequencies, particularly in medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions. It has been suggested that these WM maintenance processes are controlled by areas of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via frontotemporal phase synchronisation in low frequency bands. Here, we investigated whether enhanced cognitive control during audiovisual WM as compared to visual WM alone is associated with increased low-frequency phase synchronisation between sensory areas maintaining WM content and areas from PFC. Using magnetoencephalography, we recorded neural oscillatory activity from healthy human participants engaged in an audiovisual delayed-match-to-sample task. We observed that regions from MTL, which showed enhanced theta-beta phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) during the WM delay window, exhibited stronger phase synchronisation within the theta-band (4–7 Hz) to areas from lateral PFC during audiovisual WM as compared to visual WM alone. Moreover, MTL areas also showed enhanced phase synchronisation to temporooccipital areas in the beta-band (20–32 Hz). Our results provide further evidence that a combination of long-range phase synchronisation and local PAC might constitute a mechanism for neuronal communication between distant brain regions and across frequencies during WM maintenance.
Isotope-coded protein label based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals significant up-regulation of apolipoprotein A1 and ovotransferrin in the myopic chick vitreous
Authors: Yu Feng-juan , Lam Thomas chuen , Liu Long-qian , Chun Rachel Ka-man , Cheung Jimmy Ka-wai , Li King-kit , To Chi-ho
Published: September 2017

This study used isotope-coded protein label (ICPL) quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis to examine changes in vitreous protein content and associated pathways during lens-induced eye growth. First, the vitreous protein profile of normal 7-day old chicks was characterized by nano-liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 341 unique proteins were identified. Next, myopia and hyperopia were induced in the same chick by attaching −10D lenses to the right eye and +10D lenses to the left eye, for 3 and 7 days. Protein expression in lens-induced ametropic eyes was analyzed using the ICPL approach coupled to LCMS. Four proteins (cystatin, apolipoprotein A1, ovotransferrin, and purpurin) were significantly up-regulated in the vitreous after 3 days of wearing −10D lenses relative to +10D lens contralateral eyes. The differences in protein expression were less pronounced after 7 days when the eyes approached full compensation. In a different group of chicks, western blot confirmed the up-regulation of apolipoprotein A1 and ovotransferrin in the myopic vitreous relative to both contralateral lens-free eyes and hyperopic eyes in separate animals wearing +10D lenses. Bioinformatics analysis suggested oxidative stress and lipid metabolism as pathways involved in compensated ocular elongation.
Discrete Modeling of Amoeboid Locomotion and Chemotaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum by Tracking Pseudopodium Growth Direction
Authors: Eidi Zahra
Published: September 2017

Dictyostelium discoideum amoeba is a well-established model organism for studying the crawling locomotion of eukaryotic cells. These amoebae extend pseudopodium - a temporary actin-based protrusion of their body membrane to probe the medium and crawl through it. Experiments show highly-ordered patterns in the growth direction of these pseudopodia, which results in persistence cell motility. Here, we propose a discrete model for studying and investigating the cell locomotion based on the experimental evidences. According to our model, Dictyostelium selects its pseudopodium growth direction based on a second-order Markov chain process, in the absence of external cues. Consequently, compared to a random walk process, our model indicates stronger growth in the mean-square displacement of cells, which is consistent with empirical findings. In the presence of external chemical stimulants, cells tend to align with the gradient of chemoattractant molecules. To quantify this tendency, we define a coupling coefficient between the pseudopodium extension direction and the gradient of an external stimulant, which depends on the local stimulant concentration and its gradient. Additionally, we generalize the model to weak-coupling regime by utilizing perturbation methods.
The free-energy cost of interaction between DNA loops
Authors: Huang Lifang , Liu Peijiang , Yuan Zhanjiang , Zhou Tianshou , Yu Jianshe
Published: September 2017

From the viewpoint of thermodynamics, the formation of DNA loops and the interaction between them, which are all non-equilibrium processes, result in the change of free energy, affecting gene expression and further cell-to-cell variability as observed experimentally. However, how these processes dissipate free energy remains largely unclear. Here, by analyzing a mechanic model that maps three fundamental topologies of two interacting DNA loops into a 4-state model of gene transcription, we first show that a longer DNA loop needs more mean free energy consumption. Then, independent of the type of interacting two DNA loops (nested, side-by-side or alternating), the promotion between them always consumes less mean free energy whereas the suppression dissipates more mean free energy. More interestingly, we find that in contrast to the mechanism of direct looping between promoter and enhancer, the facilitated-tracking mechanism dissipates less mean free energy but enhances the mean mRNA expression, justifying the facilitated-tracking hypothesis, a long-standing debate in biology. Based on minimal energy principle, we thus speculate that organisms would utilize the mechanisms of loop-loop promotion and facilitated tracking to survive in complex environments. Our studies provide insights into the understanding of gene expression regulation mechanism from the view of energy consumption.
Variations of parathyroid hormone and bone biomarkers are concordant only after a long term follow-up in hemodialyzed patients
Authors: Delanaye Pierre , Warling Xavier , Moonen Martial , Smelten Nicole , Jouret François , Krzesinski Jean-Marie , Maillard Nicolas , Pottel Hans , Cavalier Etienne
Published: September 2017

End-stage renal disease is associated with mineral and bone disorders. Guidelines recommending therapies should be based on serial assessments of biomarkers, and thus on variations (Δ), rather than scattered values. We analyzed the correlations between ΔPTH and Δbone biomarkers such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), Beta-CrossLaps (CTX), osteocalcin, intact serum procollagen type-1 N-propeptide (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5B (TRAP-5B) at different time-points. In this prospective observational analysis, variations of biomarkers were followed after 6-week (n = 129), 6-month (n = 108) and one-year (n = 93) period. Associations between variations were studied by univariate linear regression. Patients followed for one-year period were classified (increaser or decliner) according to variations reaching the critical difference. Over the 6-week period, only ΔCTX was correlated with ΔPTH (r = 0.38, p < 0.0001). Over the one-year period, correlations between ΔPTH and Δbone biomarkers became significant (r from 0.23 to 0.47, p < 0.01), except with ΔTRAP-5b. Correlations between Δbone biomarkers were all significant after one-year period (r from 0.31 to 0.68, p < 0.01), except between Δb-ALP and ΔTRAP-5b. In the head-to-head classifications (decliners/increasers), the percentage of concordant patients was significantly higher over the one-year than the 6-week period. A concordance between ΔPTH and Δbone biomarkers is observed in dialysis patients, but only after a long follow-up.
Neural activity in macaque medial frontal cortex represents others’ choices
Authors: Falcone Rossella , Cirillo Rossella , Ferraina Stefano , Genovesio Aldo
Published: September 2017

Predicting the behavior of others is a fundamental skill in primate social life. We tested the role of medial frontal cortex in the prediction of other agents’ behavior in two male macaques, using a monkey-human interactive task in which their actor-observer roles were intermixed. In every trial, the observer monitored the actor’s choice to reject it for a different one when he became the actor on the subsequent trial. In the delay period preceding the action, we identified neurons modulated by the agent’s identity, as well as a group of neurons encoding the agent’s future choice, some of which were neurons that showed differential patterns of activity between agents. The ability of these neurons to flexibly move from ‘self-oriented’ to ‘other-oriented’ representations could correspond to the “other side of the coin” of the simulative mirroring activity. Neurons that changed coding scheme, together with neurons exclusively involved in the prediction of the other agent’s choice, show a neural substrate for predicting or anticipating others’ choices beyond simulation.
Optical Control of Young’s Type Double-slit Interferometer for Laser-induced Electron Emission from a Nano-tip
Authors: Yanagisawa Hirofumi , Ciappina Marcelo , Hafner Christian , Schötz Johannes , Osterwalder Jürg , Kling Matthias F.
Published: September 2017

Interference experiments with electrons in a vacuum can illuminate both the quantum and the nanoscale nature of the underlying physics. An interference experiment requires two coherent waves, which can be generated by splitting a single coherent wave using a double slit. If the slit-edge separation is larger than the coherence width at the slit, no interference appears. Here we employed variations in surface barrier at the apex of a tungsten nano-tip as slits and achieved an optically controlled double slit, where the separation and opening-and-closing of the two slits can be controlled by respectively adjusting the intensity and polarization of ultrashort laser pulses. Using this technique, we have demonstrated interference between two electron waves emitted from the tip apex, where interference has never been observed prior to this technique because of the large slit-edge separation. Our findings pave the way towards simple time-resolved electron holography on e.g. molecular adsorbates employing just a nano-tip and a screen.
Immunological tumor status may predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and outcome after radical cystectomy in bladder cancer
Authors: Tervahartiala Minna , Taimen Pekka , Mirtti Tuomas , Koskinen Ilmari , Ecke Thorsten , Jalkanen Sirpa , Boström Peter J.
Published: September 2017

Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide. Radical cystectomy (RC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is recommended for muscle-invasive BC. The challenge of the neoadjuvant approach relates to challenges in selection of patients to chemotherapy that are likely to respond to the treatment. To date, there are no validated molecular markers or baseline clinical characteristics to identify these patients. Different inflammatory markers, including tumor associated macrophages with their plastic pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, have extensively been under interests as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancer types. In this immunohistochemical study we evaluated the predictive roles of three immunological markers, CD68, MAC387, and CLEVER-1, in response to NAC and outcome of BC. 41% of the patients had a complete response (pT0N0) to NAC. Basic clinicopathological variables did not predict response to NAC. In contrast, MAC387+ cells and CLEVER-1+ macrophages associated with poor NAC response, while CLEVER-1+ vessels associated with more favourable response to NAC. Higher counts of CLEVER-1+ macrophages associated with poorer overall survival and CD68+ macrophages seem to have an independent prognostic value in BC patients treated with NAC. Our findings point out that CD68, MAC387, and CLEVER-1 may be useful prognostic and predictive markers in BC.
Revisiting the impact of age and molecular subtype on overall survival after radiotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Mao Jian-Hua , Diest Paul J. van , Perez-Losada Jesus , Snijders Antoine M.
Published: September 2017

Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer (BC) is often used to eradicate remaining tumor cells following surgery with the goal of maximizing local control and increasing overall survival. The current study investigated the impact of age and BC molecular subtype on overall survival after RT using a meta-analysis of the METABRIC and TCGA BC patient cohorts. We found that RT significantly prolonged survival across the whole BC patient population. The survival benefit of RT was predominantly observed in stage II BC patients treated with breast conserving surgery. Patients were then stratified by age and molecular subtype to investigate survival rate associated with RT. An increase in survival for the luminal-A and basal BC molecular subtypes was observed after RT. Stratifying patients based on age revealed that increased survival was restricted to younger patients (≤60 years of age at diagnosis). There was a significant survival benefit of radiotherapy for younger patients with tumors of the luminal A and basal molecular subtypes. Patients with other breast tumor subtypes or older breast cancer patients did not seem to benefit effects of RT. Therefore, alternate local treatment strategies should be considered for older, luminal B, and HER2 driven BC patients.
Machine Learning Improves Risk Stratification After Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Myers Paul D. , Scirica Benjamin M. , Stultz Collin M.
Published: September 2017

The accurate assessment of a patient’s risk of adverse events remains a mainstay of clinical care. Commonly used risk metrics have been based on logistic regression models that incorporate aspects of the medical history, presenting signs and symptoms, and lab values. More sophisticated methods, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), form an attractive platform to build risk metrics because they can easily incorporate disparate pieces of data, yielding classifiers with improved performance. Using two cohorts consisting of patients admitted with a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, we constructed an ANN that identifies patients at high risk of cardiovascular death (CVD). The ANN was trained and tested using patient subsets derived from a cohort containing 4395 patients (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.743) and validated on an independent holdout set containing 861 patients (AUC 0.767). The ANN 1-year Hazard Ratio for CVD was 3.72 (95% confidence interval 1.04–14.3) after adjusting for the TIMI Risk Score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and B-type natriuretic peptide. A unique feature of our approach is that it captures small changes in the ST segment over time that cannot be detected by visual inspection. These findings highlight the important role that ANNs can play in risk stratification.
The effect of feature image on sensitivity of the statistical analysis in the pipeline of a tractography atlas-based analysis
Authors: Mu Junya , Xu Qing , Tian Jie , Liu Jixin
Published: September 2017

Tractography atlas-based analysis (TABS) is a new diffusion tensor image (DTI) statistical analysis method for detecting and understanding voxel-wise white matter properties along a fiber tract. An important requisite for accurate and sensitive TABS is the availability of a deformation field that is able to register DTI in native space to standard space. Here, three different feature images including the fractional anisotropy (FA) image, T1 weighted image, and the maximum eigenvalue of the Hessian of the FA (hFA) image were used to calculate the deformation fields between individual space and population space. Our results showed that when the FA image was a feature image, the tensor template had the highest consistency with each subject for scalar and vector information. Additionally, to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the TABS method with different feature images, we detected a gender difference along the corpus callosum. A significant difference between the male and female group in diffusion measurement appeared predominantly in the right corpus callosum only when FA was the feature image. Our results demonstrated that the FA image as a feature image was more accurate with respect to the underlying tensor information and had more accurate analysis results with the TABS method.
Comparative effectiveness of telemedicine strategies on type 2 diabetes management: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Chan Carina Ka Yee , Chua Siew Siang , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: September 2017

The effects of telemedicine strategies on the management of diabetes is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different telemedicine strategies on glycaemic control management of type 2 diabetes patients. A search was performed in 6 databases from inception until September 2016 for randomized controlled studies that examined the use of telemedicine in adults with type 2 diabetes. Studies were independently extracted and classified according to the following telemedicine strategies: teleeducation, telemonitoring, telecase-management, telementoring and teleconsultation. Traditional and network meta-analysis were performed to estimate the relative treatment effects. A total of 107 studies involving 20,501 participants were included. Over a median of 6 months follow-up, telemedicine reduced haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by a mean of 0.43% (95% CI: −0.64% to −0.21%). Network meta-analysis showed that all telemedicine strategies were effective in reducing HbA1c significantly compared to usual care except for telecase-management and telementoring, with mean difference ranging from 0.37% and 0.71%. Ranking indicated that teleconsultation was the most effective telemedicine strategy, followed by telecase-management plus telemonitoring, and finally teleeducation plus telecase-management. The review indicates that most telemedicine strategies can be useful, either as an adjunct or to replace usual care, leading to clinically meaningful reduction in HbA1c.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts support vascular growth through mechanical force
Authors: Sewell-Loftin Mary Kathryn , Bayer Samantha Van Hove , Crist Elizabeth , Hughes Taylor , Joison Sofia M. , Longmore Gregory D. , George Steven C.
Published: September 2017

The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as regulators of tumor progression, specifically vascular growth, has only recently been described. CAFs are thought to be more mechanically active but how this trait may alter the tumor microenvironment is poorly understood. We hypothesized that enhanced mechanical activity of CAFs, as regulated by the Rho/ROCK pathway, contributes to increased blood vessel growth. Using a 3D in vitro tissue model of vasculogenesis, we observed increased vascularization in the presence of breast cancer CAFs compared to normal breast fibroblasts. Further studies indicated this phenomenon was not simply a result of enhanced soluble signaling factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and that CAFs generated significantly larger deformations in 3D gels compared to normal fibroblasts. Inhibition of the mechanotransductive pathways abrogated the ability of CAFs to deform the matrix and suppressed vascularization. Finally, utilizing magnetic microbeads to mechanically stimulate mechanically-inhibited CAFs showed partial rescue of vascularization. Our studies demonstrate enhanced mechanical activity of CAFs may play a crucial and previously unappreciated role in the formation of tumor-associated vasculature which could possibly offer potential novel targets in future anti-cancer therapies.
Dark current reduction in microjunction-based double electron barrier type-II InAs/InAsSb superlattice long-wavelength infrared photodetectors
Authors: Chevallier Romain , Haddadi Abbas , Razeghi Manijeh
Published: September 2017

Microjunction InAs/InAs1−xSbx type-II superlattice-based long-wavelength infrared photodetectors with reduced dark current density were demonstrated. A double electron barrier design was employed to reduce both bulk and surface dark currents. The photodetectors exhibited low surface leakage after passivation with SiO2, allowing the use of very small size features without degradation of the dark current. Fabricating microjunction photodetectors (25 × 25 µm2 diodes with 10 × 10 µm2 microjunctions) in combination with the double electron barrier design results in a dark current density of 6.3 × 10−6 A/cm2 at 77 K. The device has an 8 µm cut-off wavelength at 77 K and exhibits a quantum efficiency of 31% for a 2 µm-thick absorption region, which results in a specific detectivity value of 1.2 × 1012 cm·Hz1/2/W.
The High Temperature Tensile and Creep Behaviors of High Entropy Superalloy
Authors: Tsao Te-Kang , Yeh An-Chou , Kuo Chen-Ming , Kakehi Koji , Murakami Hideyuki , Yeh Jien-Wei , Jian Sheng-Rui
Published: September 2017

This article presents the high temperature tensile and creep behaviors of a novel high entropy alloy (HEA). The microstructure of this HEA resembles that of advanced superalloys with a high entropy FCC matrix and L12 ordered precipitates, so it is also named as “high entropy superalloy (HESA)”. The tensile yield strengths of HESA surpass those of the reported HEAs from room temperature to elevated temperatures; furthermore, its creep resistance at 982 °C can be compared to those of some Ni-based superalloys. Analysis on experimental results indicate that HESA could be strengthened by the low stacking-fault energy of the matrix, high anti-phase boundary energy of the strengthening precipitate, and thermally stable microstructure. Positive misfit between FCC matrix and precipitate has yielded parallel raft microstructure during creep at 982 °C, and the creep curves of HESA were dominated by tertiary creep behavior. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this article is the first to present the elevated temperature tensile creep study on full scale specimens of a high entropy alloy, and the potential of HESA for high temperature structural application is discussed.
Association of residual feed intake with growth and slaughtering performance, blood metabolism, and body composition in growing lambs
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxue , Wang Weimin , Mo Futao , La Yongfu , Li Chong , Li Fadi
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the association of residual feed intake (RFI) with growth performance, blood metabolic parameters, and body composition factors in growing lambs. Individual body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI) were determined in 137 male Hu lambs that were given a pellet feed four times a day for 50 d. RFI did not show a correlation with metabolic BW (MBW) or average daily gain (ADG), but it showed a positive correlation with DMI and feed conversation ratio (FCR). Organ weight and intestine length had a large influence on RFI in lambs. The low-RFI lambs have smaller rumen and longer duodenum indicating the less feed intake and more sufficient absorption rate of low-RFI lambs. The smaller organs like liver, lung and kidney in low-RFI lambs may be related to lower energy consumption and slower metabolic rate. The observed bigger testis was in low-RFI lambs was another cause of the improved feed efficiency. Finally, the plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were lower in the ELow-RFI group than in the EHigh-RFI group. This study provides new insight into the biological processes underlying variations in feed efficiency in growing lambs.
Meta-analysis of the efficacies of amiodarone and nifekalant in shock-resistant ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Sato Shiho , Zamami Yoshito , Imai Toru , Tanaka Satoshi , Koyama Toshihiro , Niimura Takahiro , Chuma Masayuki , Koga Tadashi , Takechi Kenshi , Kurata Yasuko , Kondo Yutaka , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Sendo Toshiaki , Nakura Hironori , Ishizawa Keisuke
Published: September 2017

Amiodarone (AMD) and nifekalant (NIF) are used in the treatment of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia; however, only few studies have been conducted on their efficacies. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted. Relevant sources were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi. The outcomes were short-term and long-term survival in patients with shock-resistant ventricular fibrillation /pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Thirty-three studies were analysed. The results showed that, compared to the control treatment, AMD did not improve short-term survival (odds ratio (OR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–1.71) or long-term survival (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.63–1.57). However, compared to the control treatment, NIF significantly improved short-term survival (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.21–4.72) and long-term survival (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.36–2.59). No significant difference was observed in short-term survival (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.63–1.15) or long-term survival (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.67–2.31) between AMD- and NIF-treated patients. The results suggest that NIF is beneficial for short-term and long-term survival in shock-resistant ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia; however, the efficacy of AMD in either outcome is not clear.
Microbial functional genes elucidate environmental drivers of biofilm metabolism in glacier-fed streams
Authors: Ren Ze , Gao Hongkai , Elser James J. , Zhao Qiudong
Published: September 2017

Benthic biofilms in glacier-fed streams harbor diverse microorganisms driving biogeochemical cycles and, consequently, influencing ecosystem-level processes. Benthic biofilms are vulnerable to glacial retreat induced by climate change. To investigate microbial functions of benthic biofilms in glacier-fed streams, we predicted metagenomes from 16s rRNA gene sequence data using PICRUSt and identified functional genes associated with nitrogen and sulfur metabolisms based on KEGG database and explored the relationships between metabolic pathways and abiotic factors in glacier-fed streams in the Tianshan Mountains in Central Asia. Results showed that the distribution of functional genes was mainly associated with glacier area proportion, glacier source proportion, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, and pH. For nitrogen metabolism, the relative abundance of functional genes associated with dissimilatory pathways was higher than those for assimilatory pathways. The relative abundance of functional genes associated with assimilatory sulfate reduction was higher than those involved with the sulfur oxidation system and dissimilatory sulfate reduction. Hydrological factors had more significant correlations with nitrogen metabolism than physicochemical factors and anammox was the most sensitive nitrogen cycling pathway responding to variation of the abiotic environment in these glacial-fed streams. In contrast, sulfur metabolism pathways were not sensitive to variations of abiotic factors in these systems.
Increased expression of Fibrinogen-Like Protein 2 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tang Ming , Cao Xu , Li Peng , Zhang Kun , Li You , Zheng Quan-you , Li Gui-qing , Chen Jian , Xu Gui-lian , Zhang Ke-qin
Published: September 2017

Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is highly expressed in various tumour tissues and plays a vital role in tumour initiation and progression. This study evaluated the clinical significance of FGL2 in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). FGL2 expression in fresh and 170 archived paraffin-embedded ccRCC tissues was measured by quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemitry. FGL2 expression was significantly upregulated in ccRCC. Statistical analyses by using Kaplan–Meier method showed that high FGL2 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with ccRCC. Multivariate analyses indicated that FGL2 was as an independent prognostic factor of survivaland that tumoural FGL2 levels could significantly predict the prognosis of patients with early-stage ccRCC. Nomogram systems, which integrated FGL2 expression and other clinical parameters, were established and were found to be better than TNM staging in predicting the OS and RFS of patients with ccRCC. FGL2 silencing led to a significant reduction in cells viability and increase in cells apoptosis, accompanied with a reduced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation, in ccRCC cells. Thus, our results suggest that high FGL2 expression is a novel, independent, and an adverse prognostic factor of clinical outcomes in patients with ccRCC.
Correction: Corrigendum: PTEN ameliorates autoimmune arthritis through down-regulating STAT3 activation with reciprocal balance of Th17 and Tregs
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Park Jin-Sil , Byun Jae-Kyung , Jhun JooYeon , Jung KyungAh , Seo Hyeon-Beom , Moon Young-Mee , Kim Ho-Youn , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: September 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34617; published online: 06 October 2016; updated: 27 September 2017. This Article contains incorrect versions of Figure 3 and Figure 6. The correct Figures appear below as Figure 1 and 2 respectively. In addition, there are typographical errors in the Methods section under the subheading ‘Staining for confocal microscopy analysis’,
A SPR aptamer sensor for mercury based on AuNPs@NaYF4:Yb,Tm,Gd upconversion luminescent nanoparticles
Authors: Ling Bo , Ma Yuanhui , Chen Hongqi , Wang Lun
Published: September 2017

A new aptamer-based surface plasmon resonance system has been designed to detect Hg2+ that utilizes gold nanoparticle coated NaYF4:Yb,Tm,Gd near-infrared upconversion nanoparticles as probes.
A bowl-shaped sumanene derivative with dense convex–concave columnar packing for high-performance organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Fu Beibei , Hou Xueqing , Wang Cong , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiaotao , Li Rongjin , Shao Xiangfeng , Hu Wenping
Published: September 2017

The charge carrier mobility of a sumanene derivative was probed using single-crystal field-effect transistors for the first time.
Ionically dispersed Fe(ii)–N and Zn(ii)–N in porous carbon for acidic oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Liang Sihui , Chen Renjie , Yu Peiwen , Ni Mei , Zhang Qiao , Zhang Xiaoling , Yang Wen
Published: September 2017

A bimetallic Fe, Zn/N/C catalyst with high metal loading, demonstrating high activity for ORR processes in acidic electrolytes.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4+2] annulation of β-methyl enals and cyclic trifluoromethyl ketimines for the asymmetric synthesis of dihydroquinazolinone derivatives
Authors: Liu Qiang , Chen Xiang-Yu , Li Sun , Jafari Ehsan , Raabe Gerhard , Enders Dieter
Published: September 2017

The enantioselective oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4+2] annulation reaction of β-methyl enals and cyclic trifluoromethyl ketimines has been developed.
Effect of lithium-trapping on nitrogen-doped graphene as an anchoring material for lithium–sulfur batteries: a density functional theory study
Authors: Yi Gyu Seong , Sim Eun Seob , Chung Yong-Chae
Published: September 2017

Li-trapping induces a change in active site and endows N-doped graphene with advanced anchoring properties.
B(OH)4− hydration and association in sodium metaborate solutions by X-ray diffraction and empirical potential structure refinement
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Higa Souta , Fang Chunhui , Fang Yan , Zhang Wenqian , Yamaguchi Toshio
Published: September 2017

The structures of ion hydration and association in aqueous NaB(OH)4 solutions are elucidated with X-ray scattering and EPSR.
The first successful observation of in-cell NMR signals of DNA and RNA in living human cells
Authors: Yamaoki Yudai , Kiyoishi Ayaka , Miyake Masayuki , Kano Fumi , Murata Masayuki , Nagata Takashi , Katahira Masato
Published: September 2017

The first observation of NMR signals of DNA/RNA introduced into living human cells by means of pore formation by SLO and resealing.
Long-lived luminescence of silicon nanocrystals: from principles to applications
Authors: Mazzaro Raffaello , Romano Francesco , Ceroni Paola
Published: September 2017

Understanding parameters affecting the luminescence of silicon nanocrystals will guide the design of improved systems for a plethora of applications.
Impact of oxygen chemistry on model interstellar grain surfaces
Authors: Rosu-Finsen A. , McCoustra M. R. S.
Published: September 2017

Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) are used to probe the effect of atomic and molecular oxygen (O and O2) beams on amorphous silica (aSiO2) and water (H2O) surfaces (porous-amorphous solid water; p-ASW, compact amorphous solid water; c-ASW, and crystalline solid water; CSW).
{[Cu3Lu2(ODA)6(H2O)6]·10H2O}n: the first heterometallic framework based on copper(ii)/lutetium(iii) for the catalytic oxidation of olefins and aromatic benzylic substrates
Authors: Cancino P. , Paredes-García V. , Torres J. , Martínez S. , Kremer C. , Spodine E.
Published: September 2017

The catalytic performance of the novel framework {[Cu3Lu2(ODA)6(H2O)6]·10H2O}n was tested in the oxidation of alkenes and benzylic hydrocarbons, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and molecular oxygen (O2) as oxidants.
Blueberry supplementation attenuates oxidative stress within monocytes and modulates immune cell levels in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Nair Anand R. , Mariappan Nithya , Stull April J. , Francis Joseph
Published: September 2017

Blueberry supplementation for six weeks significantly attenuated oxidative stress in the monocytes in patients with MetS.
The effect of dietary magnesium and caseinphosphopeptides on bone metabolism in rats
Authors: Liu Guo , Miao Jianyin , Sun Shengwei , Luo Zhen , Xia Zumeng , Guo Baoyan , Liu Fei , Chen Yunjiao , Ying Danyang , Miao Benchun , Cao Yong
Published: September 2017

The effect of magnesium supplementation with caseinphosphopeptides on bone metabolism in rats was investigated.
Cross dehydrogenative coupling of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines (sp3 C–H) with indoles (sp2 C–H) using a heterogeneous mesoporous manganese oxide catalyst
Authors: Dutta B. , Sharma V. , Sassu N. , Dang Y. , Weerakkody C. , Macharia J. , Miao R. , Howell A. R. , Suib S. L.
Published: September 2017

We disclose a novel, heterogeneous catalytic approach for selective coupling of C1 of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines with C3 of indoles in the presence of mesoporous manganese oxides.
H-Bonding-promoted radical addition of simple alcohols to unactivated alkenes
Authors: Tian Yunfei , Liu Zhong-Quan
Published: September 2017

H-Bonding-induced radical addition of simple alcohols to unactivated olefins was achieved.
Spiral microchannel with ordered micro-obstacles for continuous and highly-efficient particle separation
Authors: Shen Shaofei , Tian Chang , Li Tianbao , Xu Juan , Chen Shu-Wei , Tu Qin , Yuan Mao-Sen , Liu Wenming , Wang Jinyi
Published: September 2017

We present a microfluidic system containing a spiral channel interspersed with micro-obstacles, which allows secondary flow acceleration for enhancing particle separation.
Photosensitizer–AgNP composite with an ability to selectively recognize pathogen and enhanced photodynamic efficiency
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Lu Zhentan , Yu Zhenguo , Zhong Weibing , Jiang Haiqing , Zhao Qinghua , Li Fei , Zhang Xinge , Wang Dong
Published: September 2017

A photosensitizer–AgNP composite could recognise bacteria smartly and showed greater photodynamic efficiency than did the free photosensitizer.
Development of hydrogelator-based gel-entrapped base catalysts (GEBCs) as heterogeneous basic catalysts for the synthesis of 3-acetylcoumarins
Authors: Korgavkar Nilesh N. , Samant Shriniwas D.
Published: September 2017

New gel entrapped base catalysts (GEBCs) have been prepared by entrapping some organic and inorganic bases into a solid aqueous gel matrix.
11B-NMR shielding effects in theclosoborane series: sensitivity of shifts and their additivity
Authors: Štíbr B.
Published: September 2017

NMR shielding effects for [Xm-closo-BnHn−m]2−anions exhibit a simple linear behaviour in all positions of the borane cluster.
Nanosized manganese oxide/holmium oxide: a new composite for water oxidation
Authors: Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Salimi Saeideh , Zand Zahra , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Tomo Tatsuya , Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I.
Published: September 2017

Ho2O3as a support for nanosized Mn oxide was used for the synthesis of a new water-oxidizing catalyst.
Preparation of hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres: controllable template synthesis and their application in drug delivery
Authors: Rahman Zia Ur , Wei Ning , Li Zhaoxia , Sun Weixiang , Wang Daoai
Published: September 2017

Hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres were prepared using iron oxide nanoparticle and polymer nanosphere templates and then applied for drug delivery.
A graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite as a novel agricultural antibacterial agent against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae for crop disease management
Authors: Liang You , Yang Desong , Cui Jianghu
Published: September 2017

A graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite has great potential as a novel agricultural bactericide.
A facile and green synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) with high-yield and its catalytic performance
Authors: Han Le , Qi Hui , Zhang Dan , Ye Gan , Zhou Wei , Hou Changmin , Xu Wei , Sun Yinyong
Published: September 2017

MIL-100(Fe) with a high yield of 93% has been successfully synthesized using a facile and green method.
MicroRNA detection at femtomolar concentrations with isothermal amplification and a biological nanopore
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Hiratani Moe , Nagaoka Kentaro , Kawano Ryuji
Published: September 2017

This paper describes a method to detect ultra-low concentrations of nucleotides using isothermal amplification and a biological nanopore.
One-step synthesis of SnCo nanoconfined in hierarchical carbon nanostructures for lithium ion battery anode
Authors: Qin Jian , Liu Dongye , Zhang Xiang , Zhao Naiqin , Shi Chunsheng , Liu En-Zuo , He Fang , Ma Liying , Li Qunying , Li Jiajun , He Chunnian
Published: September 2017

A novel 0D-1D-3D hierarchical architecture is synthesized by one-step CVD with the assistance of water-soluble salt.
Synergistic effect of polymer encapsulated silver nanoparticle doped WS2 sheets for plasmon enhanced 2D/3D heterojunction photodetectors
Authors: Chowdhury R. K. , Sinha T. K. , Katiyar A. K. , Ray S. K.
Published: September 2017

Intercalant impurity-free, self-assembled PVP coated Ag-nanoparticle embedded few-layer WS2 exhibits a dual role by inducing chemical doping and size tunable plasmon enhanced absorption. The reversal of conductivity leads to the realization of an n-WS2/p-Si heterojunction for the first time.
Atomically dispersed Au catalysts supported on CeO2 foam: controllable synthesis and CO oxidation reaction mechanism
Authors: Wang Hao , Shen Jianhua , Huang Jianfei , Xu Tengjing , Zhu Jingrun , Zhu Yihua , Li Chunzhong
Published: September 2017

The Au atoms on CeO2 foam are a more stable site for CO adsorption on the catalysts.
Tuning the tautomeric behavior of tris(salicylaldimines)
Authors: Mehr S. Hessam M. , Oshima Hiroya , Carta Veronica , Patrick Brian O. , White Nicholas G. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: September 2017

The tautomeric state of the versatile tris(salicylaldimine) (TSAN) motif is shown to be tunable through the electron delocalization properties of its peripheral groups.
Highly selective recognition of Al3+ and I− ions using a bi-functional fluorescent probe
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhao Jiang-Lin , Wu Yu-Tian , Mu Lan , Zeng Xi , Jin Zongwen , Wei Gang , Xie Ning , Redshaw Carl
Published: September 2017

A bi-functional probe L1 can high selectively and sensitively recognize Al3+ and I− in a practical sample even in living cells.
A 3D pore-nest structured silicon–carbon composite as an anode material for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yankai , Long Zhi , Xu Pengyuan , Sun Yang , Song Kai , Zhang Xiaokang , Ma Shuhua
Published: September 2017

A novel silicon–carbon composite with a 3D pore-nest structure denoted as Si@SiOx/CNTs@C was prepared and studied, and the capacity of a Si@SiOx/CNTs@C composite anode can be maintained at above 1740 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.42 A g−1 after 700 cycles.
Ir-Catalyzed reactions in natural product synthesis
Authors: Chen Pengquan , Wu Yuecheng , Zhu Shifa , Jiang Huanfeng , Ma Zhiqiang
Published: September 2017

This review highlights the recent applications of Ir-catalyzed reactions in the total synthesis of natural products.
Calcium-mediated one-pot preparation of isoxazoles with deuterium incorporation
Authors: Ledovskaya Maria S. , Rodygin Konstantin S. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: September 2017

In this work, a novel synthetic methodology for the one-pot preparation of isoxazoles directly from the reaction of calcium carbide with aldoximes is reported.
Gold(i) catalyzed cascade cyclization: intramolecular two-fold nucleophilic addition to vinylidenecyclopropanes (VDCPs)
Authors: Zang Wenqing , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: September 2017

A gold catalyzed cascade cyclization of vinylidenecyclopropanes to give spiro[cyclopenta[a]naphthalene-1,1′-cyclopropanes] in moderate to good yields upon gold catalysis through a two-fold intramolecular nucleophilic addition.
Tunable Cu(i)-catalyzed site-selective dehydrogenative amination of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones for divergent synthesis of pyrazol-4-ones and 1,6-dihydropyradazines
Authors: Jiang Dong-Fang , Hu Jie-Yu , Hao Wen-Juan , Wang Shu-Liang , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: September 2017

A new tunable Cu(i)-catalyzed site-selective dehydrogenative amination of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones has been established using readily accessible dioxygen as a green oxidant.
Phosphine catalyzed δ-carbon addition and isomerization of alkynones to ketimines: the preparation of 1,3-diene substituted dihydroquinazolinones and 3-aminooxindoles
Authors: Sun Yao-Liang , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: September 2017

A novel strategy of the phosphine catalyzed addition of alkynones to ketimines for the synthesis of α-amino diene derivatives has been developed for the first time, thus providing diene incorporating α-amino products in moderate to excellent yields.
Photothermal catalytic activity of combustion synthesized LaCoxFe1−xO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite for CO2 reduction with H2O to CH4 and CH3OH
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Ha Minh Ngoc , Guo Qiangsheng , Wang Lichao , Ren Yanan , Sha Na , Zhao Zhe
Published: September 2017

A range of LaCoxFe1−xO3 perovskites with different Co-doping at the B-site were successfully synthesized via a sol–gel combustion route.
Preparation and characterization of an ultrafine HMX/NQ co-crystal by vacuum freeze drying method
Authors: Gao Han , Wang Qinghua , Ke Xiang , Liu Jie , Hao Gazi , Xiao Lei , Chen Teng , Jiang Wei , Liu Qiao'e
Published: September 2017

In this paper a new energetic co-crystal consisting of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) and nitroguanidine (NQ) was prepared using a vacuum freeze drying method.
Chloroquine exacerbates serum withdrawal-induced G1 phase arrest via an autophagy-independent mechanism
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhu Hongming , Fan Huimin , Liu Zhongmin
Published: September 2017

Chloroquine exacerbates serum withdrawal-induced G1 phase arrest via an autophagy-independent, but an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism in endothelial cells.
A study on the mechanical, thermal properties and crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic poly(propylene carbonate) polyurethane blends
Authors: Yang Jia , Pan Hongwei , Li Xin , Sun Shulin , Zhang Huiliang , Dong Lisong
Published: September 2017

PPCU was prepared by using PPC and polyols as the raw materials and diphenyl-methane-diisocyanate (MDI) as the extender chain. The impact strength and elongation at break of PLA were remarkably enhanced by blending with PPCU.
Mn3O4nanoparticles cause endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yi Xiao , Zhao Weili , Li Jianrong , Zhang Bing , Yu Qilin , Li Mingchun
Published: September 2017

Model figure illustrating the toxicity mechanism of Mn3O4NPs to yeast cells.
Cellulose-derived carbon nanofibers/graphene composite electrodes for powerful compact supercapacitors
Authors: Kuzmenko Volodymyr , Wang Nan , Haque Mazharul , Naboka Olga , Flygare Mattias , Svensson Krister , Gatenholm Paul , Liu Johan , Enoksson Peter
Published: September 2017

Presented freestanding carbon nanofibers/graphene composite electrodes for supercapacitors have two essential advantages: sustainable nature and high volumetric electrochemical efficiency.
Controllable synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 for hydroconversion of vegetable oil to aviation fuel-like hydrocarbons
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhang Xiangwen , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Qingfa
Published: September 2017

Microspherical hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite showed high selective cracking of vegetable oil to a renewable aviation fuel.
Elastomers built up through the π–π stacking association of polycyclic planar aromatic diimides
Authors: Higaki Yuji , Kiyoshima Yudai , Suzuki Ken , Kabayama Hirofumi , Ohta Noboru , Seo Yongsok , Takahara Atsushi
Published: September 2017

Polymers composed of polycyclic aromatic planar diimide (PCAD) units and flexible rubbery poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) chains were synthesized, and the morphology and viscoelasticity were investigated.
Electromagnetic and wave absorbing properties of Fe-doped polymer-derived SiCN ceramics
Authors: Wang Youzhi , Feng Yurun , Guo Xue , Liu Yu , Gong Hongyu
Published: September 2017

Fe-doped polymer-derived SiCN ceramics were synthesized by a precursor conversion method with different contents of nano-Fe2O3.
Simple synthesis of a double-shell hollow structured MnO2@TiO2 composite as an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Su Yibo , Zhang Jian , Liu Kai , Huang Zeya , Ren Xiancang , Wang Chang-An
Published: September 2017

A double-shell hollow structured MnO2@TiO2 anode material was fabricated through a simple two-step template method.