bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Map Drawing, Graphic Literacy, and Pedagogy in the Early Republic
Authors: Schulten Susan
Published: April 2017

Students in the early republic commonly stitched, drew, and painted maps of their states, nation, and world as part of their educations. Map drawing and geography were regarded as particularly appropriate subjects for girls, both as a pathway to literacy and as a means of demonstrating accomplishment. Many young girls exposed to map work in their own educations went on to become teachers themselves and carried these practices with them into an ever-growing national network of female academies and seminaries. These school maps and related penmanship journals also reveal a network and set of teaching practices around graphic literacy that has drawn little attention from historians. By drawing their country, students were making the nation manifest, inscribing its abstract boundaries and administrative units, and visualizing territory that most would never see firsthand. Map drawing was part of an intensely graphic education that significantly influenced reformers such as Emma Willard, though it also drew criticism from subsequent educators.
Lateglacial and early Holocene vegetation development and fluvial system changes in the northern Meuse valley, the Netherlands: a review of palynological data
Authors: Hoek W.Z. , Lammertsma E.I. , Bohncke S.J.P. , Bos J.A.A. , Bunnik F. , Kasse C. , Schokker J. , Westerhoff W.
Published: April 2017

This study provides an overview of existing palynological and chronological data of the northern Meuse valley which have been collected over recent decades. The palynological data were used to make a vegetation reconstruction in time and space for the Lateglacial and early Holocene. The vegetation development is strongly influenced by the rapid climate changes that occurred during this time period. It is shown that the biostratigraphy can be used to provide better age estimates for the abandoned channel fills, which have been dated in most cases using conventional bulk14C dates. Furthermore, the combination with a geomorphological reconstruction based on AHN (actual height model of the Netherlands) lidar data has been used to evaluate the interactions between fluvial terrace formation and vegetation development. It appears that, although the vegetation development is comparable to the general vegetation development in the Netherlands, slight differences occur, in particular of the vegetation composition, presumably linked to the dynamic geomorphological activity in the Meuse valley. Finally, the spatial distribution of sites may give indications for the migration routes of pine (Pinus) and poplar (Populus) during this period of rapid vegetation development over the Last Glacial–Interglacial Transition.
Radiocarbon Age Offset Between Shell and Plant Pairs in the Holocene Sediments Under Hakata Bay, Western Japan
Authors: Nakanishi Toshimichi , Hong Wan , Shimoyama Shoichi , Sato Shin’ichi , Park Gyujun , Lee Jong-Geol
Published: April 2017

To measure chronological changes in the marine reservoir effect in western Japan, 47 marine shells and 35 terrestrial plants from the same horizons in two cores of Holocene sediments were radiocarbon dated by the KIGAM AMS facility. These cores were obtained from the central and northern parts of Hakata Bay using a Geoslicer device. This drilling tool provided us continuous coverage and many samples. In order to determine the species effects on the marine reservoir effect, both filter feeders and a deposit feeder were selected for study. Based on the analysis of lithology, mollusk assemblage, and14C dating, two sedimentary units were determined: the upper bay floor sediment and lower estuarine sediment. Reservoir ages of 280±150 yr (n=17) and 340±140 yr (n=18) were obtained from the central and northern parts of Hakata Bay during 2000 to 10,000 cal BP, respectively. Based on these results, it is clear that a paleoenvironmental change occurred here as a result of sea-level rise during the deglacial period.
Exploring the 14C Bomb Peak with Tree Rings of Tropical Species from the Amazon Forest
Authors: Linares R , Santos H C , Brandes A F N , Barros C F , Lisi C S , Balieiro F C , de Faria S M
Published: April 2017

In this work we explore the radiocarbon (14C) signal as an independent tool to assess the year of formation of individual tree rings of tropical species in northern Brazil. Three different species were analyzed in this work: Dipteryx magnifica, Enterolobium maximum, and Hymenolobium petraeum. The studied samples are from the stem of only one individual of each species, all cut down in 2008 in Porto Trombetas, Pará, Brazil. Individual tree rings were identified based on wood anatomy and they were counted from bark to pith. Several rings were selected for 14C analysis in order to cover the overall shape of the 14C atmospheric bomb peak (after 1955). The 14C content was measured at Laboratory of Radiocarbon, Universidade Federal Fluminense (LAC-UFF). Results are compared with the Southern Hemisphere 14C atmospheric calibration curves. For E. maximum and H. petraeum the 14C signal exhibits an overall good match with the SH zone 3 and suggests annual seasonality in the growth-ring formation. These species offer suitable characteristics for dendrochronology. The D. magnifica shows mismatches in the 14C measurements that are likely a result of difficulties in identifying ring boundaries with certainty. Additional techniques may be helpful to disentangle the origin of this discrepancy.
Ultra-intense laser pulses in near-critical underdense plasmas – radiation reaction and energy partitioning
Authors: Wallin Erik , Gonoskov Arkady , Harvey Christopher , Lundh Olle , Marklund Mattias
Published: April 2017

Although, for current laser pulse energies, the weakly nonlinear regime of laser wakefield acceleration is known to be the optimal for reaching the highest possible electron energies, the capabilities of upcoming large laser systems will provide the possibility of running highly nonlinear regimes of laser pulse propagation in underdense or near-critical plasmas. Using an extended particle-in-cell (PIC) model that takes into account all the relevant physics, we show that such regimes can be implemented with external guiding for a relatively long distance of propagation and allow for the stable transformation of laser energy into other types of energy, including the kinetic energy of a large number of high energy electrons and their incoherent emission of photons. This is despite the fact that the high intensity of the laser pulse triggers a number of new mechanisms of energy depletion, which we investigate systematically.
Does Elevation Reduce Viewers’ Enjoyment of Media	Violence?
Authors: Franklin Waddell T. , Bailey Erica , Davis Stefanie E.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Media violence is often accompanied by moral disengagement cues that allow viewers to minimize the moral concerns that violence in real life typically evokes. What happens, however, when preceding media activate viewers’ moral emotions? Can the affective states associated with elevation decrease subsequent enjoyment of media violence? The current study examined these questions with a one-factor, between-subjects experiment that tested how prior exposure to eudaimonic media affects viewers’ violence enjoyment and prosocial attitudes. Feelings of meaningful affect elicited by eudaimonic media decreased viewers’ enjoyment of violent media and increased prosocial attitudes. Evidence for a boomerang effect through mixed affect and transportation was also found. The implications of these findings for media violence interventions and theory on enjoyment are discussed.
Why User Comments Affect the Perceived Quality of Journalistic	Content
Authors: Weber Patrick , Prochazka Fabian , Schweiger Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

Abstract. User comments on news websites are frequently uncivil and are not supported by reasoned argumentation. These characteristics can have negative effects on the perceived quality of the commented-on journalistic content, yet to date, it remains unclear how such effects occur. We propose three mechanisms that assume that the effect of user comments depends on how deliberately and elaborately the quality of the commented-on news item is judged. We conducted an experiment ( N = 633) in which we varied the level of civility and reasoning in the comments accompanying a news article and the brand of the news website on which it was presented. The results showed that a lack of reasoning in the comments decreased the perceived quality of the news item irrespective of brand awareness, but only with high elaboration during judgment. Incivility in the comments decreased the perceived quality of the journalistic content, but only with low elaboration, and only with an unknown news brand. We discuss different psychological mechanisms that can explain this pattern of effects.
HMGA1 amplifies Wnt signalling and expands the intestinal stem cell compartment and Paneth cell niche
Authors: Xian Lingling , Georgess Dan , Huso Tait , Cope Leslie , Belton Amy , Chang Yu-Ting , Kuang Wenyong , Gu Qihua , Zhang Xiaoyan , Senger Stefania , Fasano Alessio , Huso David L. , Ewald Andrew J. , Resar Linda M. S.
Published: April 2017

High-mobility group A1 (Hmga1) chromatin remodelling proteins are enriched in intestinal stem cells (ISCs), although their function in this setting was unknown. Prior studies showed that Hmga1 drives hyperproliferation, aberrant crypt formation and polyposis in transgenic mice. Here we demonstrate that Hmga1 amplifies Wnt/β-catenin signalling to enhance self-renewal and expand the ISC compartment. Hmga1 upregulates genes encoding both Wnt agonist receptors and downstream Wnt effectors. Hmga1 also helps to ‘build’ an ISC niche by expanding the Paneth cell compartment and directly inducing Sox9, which is required for Paneth cell differentiation. In human intestine, HMGA1 and SOX9 are positively correlated, and both become upregulated in colorectal cancer. Our results define a unique role for Hmga1 in intestinal homeostasis by maintaining the stem cell pool and fostering terminal differentiation to establish an epithelial stem cell niche. This work also suggests that deregulated Hmga1 perturbs this equilibrium during intestinal carcinogenesis.
Mechanism of SOS PR-domain autoinhibition revealed by single-molecule assays on native protein from lysate
Authors: Lee Young Kwang , Low-Nam Shalini T. , Chung Jean K. , Hansen Scott D. , Lam Hiu Yue Monatrice , Alvarez Steven , Groves Jay T.
Published: April 2017

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Son of Sevenless (SOS) plays a critical role in signal transduction by activating Ras. Here we introduce a single-molecule assay in which individual SOS molecules are captured from raw cell lysate using Ras-functionalized supported membrane microarrays. This enables characterization of the full-length SOS protein, which has not previously been studied in reconstitution due to difficulties in purification. Our measurements on the full-length protein reveal a distinct role of the C-terminal proline-rich (PR) domain to obstruct the engagement of allosteric Ras independently of the well-known N-terminal domain autoinhibition. This inhibitory role of the PR domain limits Grb2-independent recruitment of SOS to the membrane through binding of Ras·GTP in the SOS allosteric binding site. More generally, this assay strategy enables characterization of the functional behaviour of GEFs with single-molecule precision but without the need for purification.
Segregation of liquid crystal mixtures in topological defects
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad , Ramezani-Dakhel Hadi , Zhang Rui , Ramirez-Hernandez Abelardo , Abbott Nicholas L. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: April 2017

The structure and physical properties of liquid crystal (LC) mixtures are a function of composition, and small changes can have pronounced effects on observables, such as phase-transition temperatures. Traditionally, LC mixtures have been assumed to be compositionally homogenous. The results of chemically detailed simulations presented here show that this is not the case; pronounced deviations of the local order from that observed in the bulk at defects and interfaces lead to significant compositional segregation effects. More specifically, two disclination lines are stabilized in this work by introducing into a nematic liquid crystal mixture a cylindrical body that exhibits perpendicular anchoring. It is found that the local composition deviates considerably from that of the bulk at the interface with the cylinder and in the defects, thereby suggesting new assembly and synthetic strategies that may capitalize on the unusual molecular environment provided by liquid crystal mixtures.
Wheat Ms2 encodes for an orphan protein that confers male sterility in grass species
Authors: Ni Fei , Qi Juan , Hao Qunqun , Lyu Bo , Luo Ming-Cheng , Wang Yan , Chen Fengjuan , Wang Shuyun , Zhang Chaozhong , Epstein Lynn , Zhao Xiangyu , Wang Honggang , Zhang Xiansheng , Chen Cuixia , Sun Lanzhen , Fu Daolin
Published: April 2017

Male sterility is a valuable trait for plant breeding and hybrid seed production. The dominant male-sterile gene Ms2 in common wheat has facilitated the release of hundreds of breeding lines and cultivars in China. Here, we describe the map-based cloning of the Ms2 gene and show that Ms2 confers male sterility in wheat, barley and Brachypodium. MS2 appears as an orphan gene within the Triticinae and expression of Ms2 in anthers is associated with insertion of a retroelement into the promoter. The cloning of Ms2 has substantial potential to assemble practical pipelines for recurrent selection and hybrid seed production in wheat.
Activin A more prominently regulates muscle mass in primates than does GDF8
Authors: Latres Esther , Mastaitis Jason , Fury Wen , Miloscio Lawrence , Trejos Jesus , Pangilinan Jeffrey , Okamoto Haruka , Cavino Katie , Na Erqian , Papatheodorou Angelos , Willer Tobias , Bai Yu , Hae Kim Jee , Rafique Ashique , Jaspers Stephen , Stitt Trevor , Murphy Andrew J. , Yancopoulos George D. , Gromada Jesper
Published: April 2017

Growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) is a TGF-β superfamily member, and negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. GDF8 inhibition results in prominent muscle growth in mice, but less impressive hypertrophy in primates, including man. Broad TGF-β inhibition suggests another family member negatively regulates muscle mass, and its blockade enhances muscle growth seen with GDF8-specific inhibition. Here we show that activin A is the long-sought second negative muscle regulator. Activin A specific inhibition, on top of GDF8 inhibition, leads to pronounced muscle hypertrophy and force production in mice and monkeys. Inhibition of these two ligands mimics the hypertrophy seen with broad TGF-β blockers, while avoiding the adverse effects due to inhibition of multiple family members. Altogether, we identify activin A as a second negative regulator of muscle mass, and suggest that inhibition of both ligands provides a preferred therapeutic approach, which maximizes the benefit:risk ratio for muscle diseases in man.
Correction: Corrigendum: Mechanistic stratification in electroactive biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens mediated by pilus nanowires
Authors: Steidl Rebecca J. , Lampa-Pastirk Sanela , Reguera Gemma
Published: April 2017

Nature Communications 7: Artilce number: 12217 (2016); Published 2 August 2016; Updated 28 April 2017 Two previous studies (Vargas et al. 2013, Liu et al. 2014) reporting that conductive pili are required for long-range electron transport in Geobacter sulfurreducens were inadvertently omitted from the reference list of this Article, and should have been cited in the Introduction section where the possibility that pili function as biofilm electron carriers is discussed.
A 2-oxa-spiro[5.4]decane scaffold displays neurotrophic, neurogenic and anti-neuroinflammatory activities with high potential for development as a versatile CNS therapeutic
Authors: Joshi Pranav Chintamani , Samineni Ramesh , Bhattacharya Dwaipayan , Reddy Bommana Raghunath , Veeraval Lenin , Das Tapatee , Maitra Swati , Wahul Abhipradnya Bipin , Karri Shailaja , Pabbaraja Srihari , Mehta Goverdhan , Kumar Arvind , Chakravarty Sumana
Published: April 2017

Following our recent discovery of a new scaffold exhibiting significant neurotrophic and neurogenic activities, a structurally tweaked analogue, embodying a 2-oxa-spiro [5.4]decane framework, has been conceptualised and found to be more potent and versatile. It exhibits enhanced neurotrophic and neurogenic action in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models and also shows robust neuroprotection in mouse acute cerebral stroke model. The observed attributes are traceable to the predominant activation of the TrkB-PI3K-AKT-CREB pathway. In addition, it also exhibits remarkable anti-neuroinflammatory activity by concurrently down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-6, thereby providing a unique molecule with a trinity of neuroactivities, i.e. neurotrophic, neurogenic and anti-inflammatory. The new chemical entity disclosed here has the potential to be advanced as a versatile therapeutic molecule to treat stroke, depression, and possibly other neuropsychiatric disorders associated with attenuated neurotrophic/ neurogenic activity, together with heightened neuroinflammation.
Safety and tolerance of propranolol in neonates with severe infantile hemangiomas: a prospective study
Authors: Ji Yi , Chen Siyuan , Xiang Bo , Yang Yang , Qiu Liqing
Published: April 2017

Although the efficacy of propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has been well documented, there is a paucity of clinical data regarding the safety and tolerance of propranolol in neonates. A prospective study of 51 patients less than 30 days of age with severe IH was conducted. All patients were admitted to the hospital for monitoring during initial propranolol treatment at day 0 with dose adjustments at days 7 and 28. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood glucose (BG) levels and potential side effects were evaluated during treatment. There were significant decreases in mean heart rate and SBP after the initiation of propranolol therapy (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences in mean DBP and BG levels were observed after each dose during hospitalization (P > 0.05). Bradycardia and hypotension were noted in at least 1 recorded instance in 11.8% and 5.9% of patients, respectively. These hemodynamic changes were not persistent and were asymptomatic. Two patients who had a history of neonatal pneumonia reported severe bronchial hyperreactivity during treatment. This study demonstrated that propranolol administered to properly selected young infants was safe and well tolerated. However, close monitoring should be considered in high-risk young patients.
Highly sensitive and specific protein detection via combined capillary isoelectric focusing and proximity ligation
Authors: Padhan Narendra , Yan Junhong , Boge Annegret , Scrivener Elaine , Birgisson Helgi , Zieba Agata , Gullberg Mats , Kamali-Moghaddam Masood , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Landegren Ulf
Published: April 2017

Detection and quantification of proteins and their post-translational modifications are crucial to decipher functions of complex protein networks in cell biology and medicine. Capillary isoelectric focusing together with antibody-based detection can resolve and identify proteins and their isoforms with modest sample input. However, insufficient sensitivity prevents detection of proteins present at low concentrations and antibody cross-reactivity results in unspecific detection that cannot be distinguished from bona fide protein isoforms. By using DNA-conjugated antibodies enhanced signals can be obtained via rolling circle amplification (RCA). Both sensitivity and specificity can be greatly improved in assays dependent on target recognition by pairs of antibodies using in situ proximity ligation assays (PLA). Here we applied these DNA-assisted RCA techniques in capillary isoelectric focusing to resolve endogenous signaling transducers and isoforms along vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways at concentrations too low to be detected in standard assays. We also demonstrate background rejection and enhanced specificity when protein detection depended on binding by pairs of antibodies using in situ PLA, compared to assays where each antibody preparation was used on its own.
A New Strategy for Deleting Animal drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicines based on Modified Yimusake Formula
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Li Yan , Yang Yinfeng , Chen Xuetong , Du Jian , Zheng Qiusheng , Liang Zongsuo , Wang Yonghua
Published: April 2017

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as Uyghur Medicine (UM) has been used in clinical treatment for many years. TCM is featured as multiple targets and complex mechanisms of action, which is normally a combination of medicinal herbs and sometimes even contains certain rare animal medicinal ingredients. A question arises as to whether these animal materials can be removed replaced from TCM applications due to their valuable rare resources or animal ethics. Here, we select a classical UM Yimusake formula, which contains 3 animal drugs and other 8 herbs, and has got wealthy experience and remarkable achievements in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in China. The active components, drug targets and therapeutic mechanisms have been comprehensively analyzed by systems-pharmacology methods. Additionally, to validate the inhibitory effects of all candidate compounds on their related targets, in vitro experiments, computational analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The results show that the modified, original and three animal materials display very similar mechanisms for an effective treatment of ED, indicating that it is quite possible to remove these three animal drugs from the original formula while still keep its efficiency. This work provides a new attempt for deleting animal materials from TCM, which should be important for optimization of traditional medicines.
High-Resolution Morphological Approach to Analyse Elastic Laminae Injuries of the Ascending Aorta in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: López-Guimet Júlia , Andilla Jordi , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Egea Gustavo
Published: April 2017

In Marfan syndrome, the tunica media is disrupted, which leads to the formation of ascending aortic aneurysms. Marfan aortic samples are histologically characterized by the fragmentation of elastic laminae. However, conventional histological techniques using transverse sections provide limited information about the precise location, progression and 3D extension of the microstructural changes that occur in each lamina. We implemented a method using multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy and computational image processing, which provides high-resolution en-face images of segmented individual laminae from unstained whole aortic samples. We showed that internal elastic laminae and successive 2nd laminae are injured to a different extent in murine Marfan aortae; in particular, the density and size of fenestrae changed. Moreover, microstructural injuries were concentrated in the aortic proximal and convex anatomical regions. Other parameters such as the waviness and thickness of each lamina remained unaltered. In conclusion, the method reported here is a useful, unique tool for en-face laminae microstructure assessment that can obtain quantitative three-dimensional information about vascular tissue. The application of this method to murine Marfan aortae clearly shows that the microstructural damage in elastic laminae is not equal throughout the thickness of the tunica media and in the different anatomical regions of the ascending aorta.
CancerPDF: A repository of cancer-associated peptidome found in human biofluids
Authors: Bhalla Sherry , Verma Ruchi , Kaur Harpreet , Kumar Rajesh , Usmani Salman Sadullah , Sharma Suresh , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: April 2017

CancerPDF (Cancer Peptidome Database of bioFluids) is a comprehensive database of endogenous peptides detected in the human biofluids. The peptidome patterns reflect the synthesis, processing and degradation of proteins in the tissue environment and therefore can act as a gold mine to probe the peptide-based cancer biomarkers. Although an extensive data on cancer peptidome has been generated in the recent years, lack of a comprehensive resource restrains the facility to query the growing community knowledge. We have developed the cancer peptidome resource named CancerPDF, to collect and compile all the endogenous peptides isolated from human biofluids in various cancer profiling studies. CancerPDF has 14,367 entries with 9,692 unique peptide sequences corresponding to 2,230 unique precursor proteins from 56 high-throughput studies for ~27 cancer conditions. We have provided an interactive interface to query the endogenous peptides along with the primary information such as m/z, precursor protein, the type of cancer and its regulation status in cancer. To add-on, many web-based tools have been incorporated, which comprise of search, browse and similarity identification modules. We consider that the CancerPDF will be an invaluable resource to unwind the potential of peptidome-based cancer biomarkers. The CancerPDF is available at the web addresshttp://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/cancerpdf/.
Engineered HSV vector achieves safe long-term transgene expression in the central nervous system
Authors: Verlengia Gianluca , Miyagawa Yoshitaka , Ingusci Selene , Cohen Justus B. , Simonato Michele , Glorioso Joseph C.
Published: April 2017

Previously we reported a new series of highly defective herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) vectors that were functionally devoid of all viral immediately early (IE) genes, resulting in virtual absence of viral gene expression. Nevertheless, a reporter gene cassette inserted into the vector flanked by boundary elements from the viral latency locus showed high, persistent reporter gene activity in non-neuronal cells while an independent expression cassette inserted into a deleted ICP4 locus remained almost silent. In contrast to non-neuronal cells, we show here that the ICP4 locus cassette permitted robust reporter gene expression in a diversity of neurons following stereotactic injection of different rat brain regions; transgene expression in the hippocampus lasted up to 6 months and was essentially restricted to neurons. No evidence of neuronal cell toxicity or induction of inflammatory cell infiltrates was observed. An independent reporter gene cassette located in an intergenic region remained silent, indicating that the transgene promoter and/or insertion site are critical for sustained expression. These findings suggest the suitability of this vector for therapeutic intervention into diseases of the central nervous system that require the expression of large and/or multiple therapeutic transgenes.
Assessment of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet count as predictors of long-term outcome after R0 resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: Pedrazzani Corrado , Mantovani Guido , Fernandes Eduardo , Bagante Fabio , Luca Salvagno Gian , Surci Niccolò , Campagnaro Tommaso , Ruzzenente Andrea , Danese Elisa , Lippi Giuseppe , Guglielmi Alfredo
Published: April 2017

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet count (PC) were shown to be prognostic in several solid malignancies. We analysed 603 R0 resected patients to assess whether NLR, PLR and PC correlate with other well-known prognostic factors and survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to define cut-off values for high and low ratios of these indices. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the prognostic value of NLR, PLR and PC for overall and cancer-related survival. The distribution of NLR, PLR and PC in CRC patients was compared with 5270 healthy blood donors. The distribution of NLR, PLR and PC was significantly different between CRC patients and controls (all p < 0.05). A significant but heterogeneous association was found between the main CRC prognostic factors and high values of NLR, PLR and PC. Survival appeared to be worse in patients with high NLR with cancers in AJCC/UICC TNM Stages I-IV; nonetheless its prognostic value was not confirmed for cancer-related survival in multivariate analysis. After stratification of patients according to AJCC/UICC TNM stages, high PC value was significantly correlated with overall and cancer-related survival in TNM stage IV patients.
Comparison of the Left Main Coronary Bifurcating Angle among Patients with Normal, Non-significantly and Significantly Stenosed Left Coronary Arteries
Authors: Juan Yu-Hsiang , Tsay Pei-Kwei , Shen Wei-Chih , Yeh Chih-Seng , Wen Ming-Shien , Wan Yung-Liang
Published: April 2017

We evaluated the correlation of the left main coronary bifurcating angle (LCBA) with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the feasibility of measuring the LBCA using the axial plane. Coronary Computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) of 313 patients between Nov. 2006 and Oct. 2013 were reviewed and separated into three groups. Group I (211 patients) had significant stenosis (≥50%) of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and/or left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). Group II (62 subjects) had atherosclerosis without significant stenosis. Group III (40 subjects) had unremarkable coronary CTAs. Both Group I and II patients received conventional catheter angiography to confirm the severities of coronary stenoses. Significant differences were found among the groups with respect to risk factors, such as male gender, hypertension and body mass index. Axial plane measurement was feasible in most patients (82.1%), without significant differences among the groups. The mean LCBA was 84.7° among all patients, and significantly differed among groups I, II and III (87.34°, 81.16° and 75.53°, P < 0.001). The LCBA of group I was significantly higher than group III (P < 0.001) in univariate analysis, but insignificant in multivariate analysis (P = 0.064).
Fully transparent high performance thin film transistors with bilayer ITO/Al-Sn-Zn-O channel structures fabricated on glass substrate
Authors: Cong Yingying , Han Dedong , Dong Junchen , Zhang Shengdong , Zhang Xing , Wang Yi
Published: April 2017

In this work, fully transparent high performance double-channel indium-tin-oxide/Al–Sn–Zn–O thin-film transistors (ITO/ATZO TFTs) are successfully fabricated on glass by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The ITO layer acts as the bottom channel layer to increase the channel carrier concentration. The top ATZO channel layer, which is deposited via high oxygen partial pressure in the sputtering process, is useful to control the minimum off-state current. After annealing, the ITO/ATZO TFT demonstrates outstanding electrical performances, including a high ON/OFF current ratio (Ion/Ioff) of 3.5 × 108, a steep threshold swing (SS) of 142.2 mV/decade, a superior saturation mobility (μsat) of 246.0 cm2/Vs, and a threshold voltage VT of 0.5 V. The operation mechanisms for double-channel structures are also clarified.
A short artificial antimicrobial peptide shows potential to prevent or treat bone infections
Authors: Bormann N. , Koliszak A. , Kasper S. , Schoen L. , Hilpert K. , Volkmer R. , Kikhney J. , Wildemann B.
Published: April 2017

Infection of bone is a severe complication due to the variety of bacteria causing it, their resistance against classical antibiotics, the formation of a biofilm and the difficulty to eradicate it. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring peptides and promising candidates for treatment of joint infections. This study aimed to analyze the effect of short artificial peptides derived from an optimized library regarding (1) antimicrobial effect on different bacterial species, (2) efficacy on biofilms, and (3) effect on osteoblast‑like cells. Culturing the AMP-modifications with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including clinical isolates of MRSA and MSSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis identified one candidate that was most effective against all bacteria. This AMP was also able to reduce biofilm as demonstrated by FISH and microcalorimetry. Osteoblast viability and differentiation were not negatively affected by the AMP. A cation concentration comparable to that physiologically occurring in blood had almost no negative effect on AMP activity and even with 10% serum bacterial growth was inhibited. Bacteria internalized into osteoblasts were reduced by the AMP. Taken together the results demonstrate a high antimicrobial activity of the AMP even against bacteria incorporated in a biofilm or internalized into cells without harming human osteoblasts.
Correction: Corrigendum: Very rapid long-distance sea crossing by a migratory bird
Authors: Alves José A. , Dias Maria P. , Méndez Verónica , Katrínardóttir Borgný , Gunnarsson Tómas G.
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 38154 ; published online: 30 November 2016; updated: 28 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained an error. The authors reported the maximum flight speed of Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) as the fastest recorded for shorebirds flying over the ocean, but this was not the case.
Correction: Corrigendum: Arbuscular mycorrhiza enhance the rate of litter decomposition while inhibiting soil microbial community development
Authors: Gui Heng , Hyde Kevin , Xu Jianchu , Mortimer Peter
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 42184; published online: 08 February 2017; updated: 28 April 2017 This Article contains errors in Reference 7, which was incorrectly given as: ‘Hashe, A., Allah, E. F. A., Alqarawi, A. A., Aldubise, A. & Egamberdieva, D. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhancessalinity tolerance of Panicum turgidum Forssk by altering photosynthetic and antioxidant pathways.
Prognostic significance of huntingtin interacting protein 1 expression on patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Jinghan , Yu Mengxia , Guo Qi , Ma Qiuling , Hu Chao , Ma Zhixin , Yin Xiufeng , Li Xia , Wang Yungui , Pan Hanzhang , Wang Dongmei , Huang Jiansong , Meng Haitao , Tong Hongyan , Qian Wenbin , Jin Jie
Published: April 2017

Huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) is an endocytic protein which is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers and involved in cancer-causing translocation in leukemia. However, the prognostic impact of HIP1 expression on AML remains unclear. In this study, quantification of HIP1 transcript by real-time quantitative PCR in bone marrow blasts was performed in 270 AML patients. As a result, high HIP1 expression was seen more frequently in older patients, M4/M5 morphology and genes of NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations, and underrepresented in favorable karyotype subgroups and CEBPA double allele mutations in our AML patients. We also found high HIP1 expressers showed lower levels of hemoglobin. In addition, overexpression of HIP1 was associated with an inferior overall survival. The prognostic value of HIP1 expression was validated in patients from an independent TCGA cohort. Notably, up-regulation of miR-16, miR-15a, miR-28 and miR-660 were seen in high HIP1 expressers from the two independent cohorts. In vitro, interfereing of HIP1 expression by siRNA suppressed the proliferation of leukemic cells, and downregulation of these miRNAs were seen in THP-1 and Kasumi cell lines after silencing HIP1 expression. In conclusion, the HIP1 gene expression might serve as a reliable predictor for overall survival in AML patients.
Method and Mechanisms of Soil Stabilization Using Electric Arc Furnace Dust
Authors: Al-Amoudi Omar S. Baghabra , Al-Homidy Abdullah A. , Maslehuddin Mohammed , Saleh Tawfik A.
Published: April 2017

This paper reports the method and mechanism for improving the strength of marl and desert sand utilizing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), an industrial by-product, in lieu of cement or lime. EAFD was used in conjunction with a small quantity (2%) of cement. The mechanical properties and durability characteristics of marl and sand mixed with 2% cement plus 5-, 10-, 20- or 30%-EAFD, by weight of the soil, were evaluated. The soil-cement-EAFD mixtures were used to determine their unconfined compressive strength (UCS), soaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and durability. The risk of leaching of toxic heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, from the stabilized soils to the groundwater was also investigated. The mechanisms of stabilization of the selected soils due to the use of EAFD along with a small quantity of cement are also elucidated. The usage of 20 to 30% EAFD with 2% cement was noted to considerably improve the mechanical properties and durability of both marl and sand.
Photophysical properties and excited state dynamics of 4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole
Authors: Iagatti Alessandro , Patrizi Barbara , Basagni Andrea , Marcelli Agnese , Alessi Andrea , Zanardi Stefano , Fusco Roberto , Salvalaggio Mario , Bussotti Laura , Foggi Paolo
Published: April 2017

The relationships between the photophysics and structural properties of 4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole as a function of solvent polarity are investigated both experimentally and by computational methods.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce size-dependent cytotoxicity and genomic DNA hypomethylation in human respiratory cells
Authors: Ma Yue , Guo Yinsheng , Wu Shuang , Lv Ziquan , Zhang Qian , Ke Yuebin
Published: April 2017

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce size-dependent cytotoxicity and genomic DNA hypomethylation in human respiratory cells.
Polyolefin/graphene nanocomposites: a review
Authors: Tripathi Sandeep N. , Rao G. S. Srinivasa , Mathur Ajit B. , Jasra Rakshvir
Published: April 2017

The present article is mainly focused on literature studies centred on polyolefin (especially PE and PP) nanocomposites based on graphene and its derivatives.
Thermal behavior of nitrocellulose-based superthermites: effects of nano-Fe2O3 with three morphologies
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhao Ningning , Li Jiachen , Gong Hujun , An Ting , Zhao Fengqi , Ma Haixia
Published: April 2017

Superthermites with three Fe2O3 morphologies (rod-like, polyhedral, and olivary) were synthesized. The morphological effects of Al/Fe2O3 on the thermal decomposition property of nitrocellulose (NC) were investigated.
The effect that comparing molecular animations of varying accuracy has on students’ submicroscopic explanations
Authors: Kelly Resa M. , Akaygun Sevil , Hansen Sarah J. R. , Villalta-Cerdas Adrian
Published: April 2017

In this qualitative study, we examined how a group of seventeen first semester General Chemistry students responded when they were shown contrasting molecular animations of a reduction–oxidation (redox) reaction between solid copper and aqueous silver nitrate for which they first viewed a video of the actual experiment. The animations contrasted in that they portrayed different reaction mechanisms for the redox reaction. One animation was scientifically accurate and reflected an electron exchange mechanism, while the other was purposefully inaccurate and represented a physical exchange between the ions. Students were instructed to critique each animation for its fit with the experimental evidence and to ultimately choose the animation that they felt best depicted the molecular level of the chemical reaction. Analyses showed that most students identified that the electron exchange animation was the more scientifically accurate animation; however, approximately half of the students revised their drawings to fit with the inaccurate physical exchange animation. In addition, nearly all students thought that both animations were correct and useful for understanding salient information about the redox reaction. The results indicate that when students are shown contrasting animations of varying accuracy they make errors in deciding how the animations are supported and refuted by the evidence, but the treatment is effective. Contrasting animations promote students to think deeply about how animations fit with experimental evidence and is a promising way to engage students to think deeply about animations.
Potentiometric determination of urinary iodide using a nanoparticle modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Fenfen , Liao Yeting , Liu Huanhuan , Li Yijun , He Xiwen
Published: April 2017

A simple and sensitive solid carbon paste electrode (CPE) based on the nanoparticles of silver iodide and silver sulfide was prepared for potentiometric determination of iodide in urine samples.
Restoring the biophysical properties of decellularized patches through recellularization
Authors: Chi Ting Au-Yeung Gigi , Sarig Udi , Sarig Hadar , Bogireddi Hanumakumar , Bronshtein Tomer , Baruch Limor , Spizzichino Avihai , Bortman Jacob , Freddy Boey Yin Chiang , Machluf Marcelle , Venkatraman Subbu S.
Published: April 2017

hMSCs act as ‘biological plasticizers’ that remodel, stabilize and restore decellularized ECM scaffolds towards native-tissue biophysical properties.
A non-interpenetrating lead-organic framework with large channels based on 1D tube-shaped SBUs
Authors: Dai Fangna , Fan Weidong , Yuan Xue , Huang Zhaodi , Wang Yutong , Xin Xuelian , Lin Huan , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Rongming , Sun Daofeng
Published: April 2017

A 3D open MOF based on 1D infinite tube-shaped SBUs shows efficient adsorption of I2 and selective adsorption of some dyes containing the SO3− group.
A melt castable energetic cocrystal
Authors: Bennion Jonathan C. , Siddiqi Zohaib R. , Matzger Adam J.
Published: April 2017

Cocrystallization leads to melt-state stabilization of the thermally unstable energetic 4-amino-3,5-dinitropyrazole, allowing for production of a melt castable cocrystalline explosive.
CO-Induced apoptotic death of colorectal cancer cells by a luminescent photoCORM grafted on biocompatible carboxymethyl chitosan
Authors: Chakraborty Indranil , Jimenez Jorge , Mascharak P. K.
Published: April 2017

A luminescent and Re(i) photoCORM has been grafted on biocompatible carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The composite material ReCMC promotes CO-induced apoptotic death of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells through caspase activation under the control of light.
Green and rapid synthesis of zirconium metal–organic frameworks via mechanochemistry: UiO-66 analog nanocrystals obtained in one hundred seconds
Authors: Huang Yi-Hao , Lo Wei-Shang , Kuo Yun-Wei , Chen Wen-Jin , Lin Chia-Her , Shieh Fa-Kuen
Published: April 2017

A UiO-66 analog was synthesized in 100 s via water-assisted grinding by the evaluation of linker solubility effects.
Synergistic effects of plasma–catalyst interactions for CH4 activation
Authors: Kim Jongsik , Go David B. , Hicks Jason C.
Published: April 2017

Plasma-assisted catalysis populates vibrationally excited CH4 interacting with catalyst, leading to small energy barriers and enhanced rates to activate CH4.
Computational analysis of site differences in selective aliphatic C–H hydroxylation by nonheme iron–oxo complexes
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhao Yuan-yuan , Lee Po-Heng
Published: April 2017

The CH3CN-solvent influences selective C–H hydroxylation by nonheme iron complexes due to interactions in the H-bonding formation in H-abstraction.
Energy flow in peptides after UV photoexcitation of backbone linkages
Authors: Hansen Klavs , Skinnerup Byskov Camilla , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: April 2017

Prompt dissociation competes with statistical dissociation after photoexcitation of the amide chromophore.
Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of IR-driven electron dynamics in a charge transfer model system
Authors: Falge Mirjam , Fröbel Friedrich Georg , Engel Volker , Gräfe Stefanie
Published: April 2017

IR and XUV pulse interaction result in modulated asymmetries of photoelectron spectra.
Enhanced planar perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 16% via reducing the oxygen vacancy defect state in titanium oxide electrode
Authors: Du Yangyang , Cai Hongkun , Wu Yunhao , Xing Zhixue , Li Zhenglong , Xu Jian , Huang Like , Ni Jian , Li Juan , Zhang Jianjun
Published: April 2017

In this work, the influence of oxygen vacancy defect (OVD) in compact titanium oxide (c-TiO2) on the performance of planar perovskite solar cells (p-PSCs) is investigated, and the possible mechanisms are also proposed.
A theoretical study of low-lying singlet and triplet excited states of quinazoline, quinoxaline and phthalazine: insight into triplet formation
Authors: Etinski Mihajlo , Marian Christel M.
Published: April 2017

Coupled-cluster based calculations on the ground and excited states of diazanaphthalenes provide insight into triplet formation.
Enzyme–MOF (metal–organic framework) composites
Authors: Lian Xizhen , Fang Yu , Joseph Elizabeth , Wang Qi , Li Jialuo , Banerjee Sayan , Lollar Christina , Wang Xuan , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: April 2017

This review summarizes the syntheses and applications of metal–organic framework (MOF)–enzyme composites with specific emphasis on the merits MOFs bring to the immobilized enzymes.
Ag@Au nanoprism-metal organic framework-based paper for extending the glucose sensing range in human serum and urine
Authors: Huang Pin-Hsuan , Hong Chia Ping , Zhu Jian Fan , Chen Tzu-Ting , Chan Chu-Ting , Ko Yu-Chien , Lin Tien-Li , Pan Zheng-Bang , Sun Ning-Kuei , Wang Ying-Chu , Luo Jong-Jheng , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Kang Chia-Cheng , Shyue Jing-Jong , Ho Mei-Lin
Published: April 2017

Ag@Au nanoprism-MOFs-based paper for enhancing the glucose sensing range in human serum and in urine.
Theoretical modeling of voltage effects and the chemical mechanism in surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Gieseking Rebecca L. , Ratner Mark A. , Schatz George C.
Published: April 2017

Theoretical approaches can provide insight into the mechanisms and magnitudes of electromagnetic and chemical effects in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), properties that are not readily available experimentally. Here, we model the SERS spectra of two geometries of the prototypical Ag20–pyridine cluster using a semiempirical INDO/SCI approach that allows a straightforward decomposition of the enhancement factors at each wavelength into electromagnetic and chemical terms, with proper treatment of resonant charge-transfer contributions to the enhancement. The method also enables us to determine the dependence of the enhancement on the electrochemical potential. We show that the electromagnetic enhancements for the Ag20 cluster are <10 far from resonance but can increase to 102 to 103 on resonance with plasmon excitation in the cluster. The decomposition also shows that for the systems studied here, the chemical enhancements are primarily due to resonance with excited states with significant charge-transfer character. This term is typically <10 but can be >102 at electrochemical potentials where the charge-transfer excited states are resonant with the incoming light, leading to total enhancements of >104.
In vivo fermentation of a Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharide and its effects on fecal microbiota composition and immune response
Authors: Ma Gaoxing , Kimatu Benard Muinde , Zhao Liyan , Yang Wenjian , Pei Fei , Hu Qiuhui
Published: April 2017

A novel, homogeneous Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharide (PEP) (molecular weight 426 kDa, purity 91.25 ± 3.14%) which mainly consisted of glucose with β-type glycosidic linkages was used to investigate in vivo fermentation behavior and effects on immune response in mice.
Mechanochemical indole synthesis by rhodium-catalysed oxidative coupling of acetanilides and alkynes under solventless conditions in a ball mill
Authors: Hermann Gary N. , Jung Celine L. , Bolm Carsten
Published: April 2017

Indoles are prepared by rhodium(iii)-catalysed C–H bond functionalisation under mechanochemical conditions in a planetary mill.
Natural Fe isotope fractionation in an intestinal Caco-2 cell line model
Authors: Flórez María R. , Anoshkina Yulia , Costas-Rodríguez Marta , Grootaert Charlotte , Van Camp John , Delanghe Joris , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: April 2017

Caco-2 cells were used in anin vitromodel for studying the Fe isotope fractionation accompanying intestinal Fe fluxes.