bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and In Vitro Evaluation of a Cytotoxic Conjugate Based on the Anti-HER2 Affibody Fused to the Fc Fragment of IgG1
Authors: Sochaj-Gregorczyk Alicja , Ludzia Patryk , Kozdrowska Emilia , Jakimowicz Piotr , Sokolowska-Wedzina Aleksandra , Otlewski Jacek
Published: August 2017

In our previous work we demonstrated that a small protein called affibody can be used for a cytotoxic conjugate development. The anti-HER2 affibody was armed with one moiety of a highly potent auristatin E and specifically killed HER2-positive cancer cells with a nanomolar IC50. The aim of this study was to improve the anti-HER2 affibody conjugate by increasing its size and the number of conjugated auristatin molecules. The affibody was fused to the Fc fragment of IgG1 resulting in a dimeric construct with the molecular weight of 68 kDa, referred to as ZHER2:2891-Fc, ensuring its prolonged half-life in the blood. Due to the presence of four interchain cysteines, the fusion protein could carry four drug molecules. Notably, the in vitro tests of the improved anti-HER2 conjugate revealed that it exhibits the IC50 of 130 pM for the HER2-positive SK-BR-3 cells and 98 nM for the HER2-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. High efficacy and specificity of the auristatin conjugate based on ZHER2:2891-Fc indicate that this construct is suitable for further in vivo evaluation.
New Targets for Schizophrenia Treatment beyond the Dopamine Hypothesis
Authors: Yang Albert , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: August 2017

Schizophrenia has been primarily associated with dopamine dysfunction, and treatments have been developed that target the dopamine pathway in the central nervous system. However, accumulating evidence has shown that the core pathophysiology of schizophrenia might involve dysfunction in dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling, which may lead to aberrant functioning of interneurons that manifest as cognitive, behavioral, and social dysfunction through altered functioning of a broad range of macro- and microcircuits. The interactions between neurotransmitters can be modeled as nodes and edges by using graph theory, and oxidative balance, immune, and glutamatergic systems may represent multiple nodes interlocking at a central hub; imbalance within any of these nodes might affect the entire system. Therefore, this review attempts to address novel treatment targets beyond the dopamine hypothesis, including glutamate, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we outline that these treatment targets can be possibly integrated with novel treatment strategies aimed at different symptoms or phases of the illness. We anticipate that reversing anomalous activity in these novel treatment targets or combinations between these strategies might be beneficial in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Leptin Receptor Gene Variant rs11804091 Is Associated with BMI and Insulin Resistance in Spanish Female Obese Children: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Olza Josune , Rupérez Azahara , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Leis Rosaura , Cañete Ramón , Tojo Rafael , Gil Ángel , Aguilera Concepción
Published: August 2017

Leptin is an endocrine hormone that has a critical role in body weight homoeostasis and mediates its effects via the leptin receptor (LEPR). Common polymorphisms in the genes coding leptin receptors have been associated with metabolic abnormalities. We assessed the association of 28 LEPR polymorphisms with body mass index (BMI) and their relationship with obesity-related phenotypes, inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers. A multicentre case-control study was conducted in 522 children (286 with obesity and 236 with normal-BMI). All anthropometric, metabolic factors and biomarkers were higher in children with obesity except apolipoprotein (Apo)-AI, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and adiponectin, which were lower in the obesity group; and glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 that did not differ between groups. We identified the associations between rs11208659, rs11804091, rs10157275, rs9436303 and rs1627238, and BMI in the whole population, as well as the association of rs11804091, rs10157275, and rs1327118 with BMI in the female group, although only the rs11804091 remained associated after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.038). This single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) was also associated with insulin (p = 0.004), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.006), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (p = 0.005) and adiponectin (p = 0.046) after adjusting for age, Tanner stage and BMI. Our results show a sex-specific association between the rs11804091 and obesity suggesting an influence of this SNP on insulin resistance.
Ghrelin Therapy Decreases Incidents of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Mice after Whole-Body Ionizing Irradiation Combined with Burn Trauma
Authors: Gorbunov Nikolai , Kiang Juliann
Published: August 2017

Nuclear industrial accidents and the detonation of nuclear devices cause a variety of damaging factors which, when their impacts are combined, produce complicated injuries challenging for medical treatment. Thus, trauma following acute ionizing irradiation (IR) can deteriorate the IR-induced secondary reactive metabolic and inflammatory impacts to dose-limiting tissues, such as bone marrow/lymphatic, gastrointestinal tissues, and vascular endothelial tissues, exacerbating the severity of the primary injury and decreasing survival from the exposure. Previously we first reported that ghrelin therapy effectively improved survival by mitigating leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and bone-marrow injury resulting from radiation combined with burn trauma. This study was aimed at investigating whether radiation combined with burn trauma induced the cerebro-vascular impairment and intracranial hemorrhage that could be reversed by ghrelin therapy. When B6D2F1 female mice were exposed to 9.5 Gy Cobalt-60 γ-radiation followed by 15% total skin surface burn, cerebro-vascular impairment and intracranial hemorrhage as well as platelet depletion were observed. Ghrelin treatment after irradiation combined with burn trauma significantly decreased platelet depletion and brain hemorrhage. The results suggest that ghrelin treatment is an effective therapy for ionizing radiation combined with burn trauma.
Newborn Screening for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: The Past, the Present and the Future
Authors: King Jovanka , Ludvigsson Jonas , Hammarström Lennart
Published: August 2017

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by inborn errors of immunity, with affected children presenting with severe, recurrent or unusual infections. Over 300 distinct genetic molecular abnormalities resulting in PID have been identified, and this number continues to rise. Newborn screening for PID has been established in many countries, with the majority of centers using a PCR-based T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay to screen for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and other forms of T cell lymphopenia. Multiplexed screening including quantitation of kappa-recombining exclusion circles (KREC) has also been described, offering advantages over TREC screening alone. Screening technologies are also expanding to include protein-based assays to identify complement deficiencies and granulocyte disorders. Given the rapid advances in genomic medicine, a potential future direction is the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to screen infants for a panel of genetic mutations, which would enable identification of a wide range of diseases. However, several ethical and economic issues must be considered before moving towards this screening strategy.
Decentralized State-Observer-Based Traffic Density Estimation of Large-Scale Urban Freeway Network by Dynamic Model
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Chen Yangzhou , Zhang Chiyuan
Published: August 2017

In order to estimate traffic densities in a large-scale urban freeway network in an accurate and timely fashion when traffic sensors do not cover the freeway network completely and thus only local measurement data can be utilized, this paper proposes a decentralized state observer approach based on a macroscopic traffic flow model. Firstly, by using the well-known cell transmission model (CTM), the urban freeway network is modeled in the way of distributed systems. Secondly, based on the model, a decentralized observer is designed. With the help of the Lyapunov function and S-procedure theory, the observer gains are computed by using linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique. So, the traffic densities of the whole road network can be estimated by the designed observer. Finally, this method is applied to the outer ring of the Beijing’s second ring road and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.
2-[(2,6-Dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)methyl]-4-[(E)-2-{3-[(E)-2-{3-[(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)methyl]-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl}ethenyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-yl}ethenyl]-6-methoxyphenol
Authors: Untung Joko , Iskandarsyah Iskandarsyah , Hayun Hayun
Published: August 2017

A novel di-Mannich derivative of curcumin pyrazole, 2-[(2,6-dimethyl morpholin-4-yl)methyl]-4-[(E)-2-{3-[(E)-2-{3-[(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)methyl]-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl}ethenyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-yl}ethenyl]-6-methoxyphenol (2), has been synthesized through a Mannich reaction of curcumin pyrazole (1), formaldehyde, and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine. The structure of the synthesized compound was confirmed on the basis of FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Correlation (HSQC) and 2D Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC), and mass spectral data. The water solubility was evaluated and the result showed that compound 2 was three times more soluble than that of curcumin pyrazole (1) and curcumin.
(OC-6-35-A)-Aquadicarbonylchlorido[2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-κ;2N1,N2]ruthenium(II) hexafluoridophosphate 2,2′-Bipyridine
Authors: Takase Tsugiko , Abe Ryosuke , Oyama Dai
Published: August 2017

A dicarbonylruthenium(II) complex containing bidentate 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine, as well as monodentate aqua and chlorido ligands, were isolated and characterized using spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction. These data indicate that geometrical isomerization occurs during the substitution reaction involving a superacid. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the plausible geometrical isomers. The DFT-optimized structures and calculated infrared spectra suggest that the experimentally obtained structure is stable.
Luminescent Properties of Zn and Mg Complexes on N-(2-Carboxyphenyl)salicylidenimine Basis
Authors: Gusev Alexey , Braga Elena , Shul’gin Victor , Lyssenko Konstantin , Eremenko Igor , Samsonova Lybov , Degtyarenko Konstantin , Kopylova Tatiana , Linert Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

New zinc and magnesium complexes of N-(2-carboxyphenyl)salicylidenimine) were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, and X-ray single-crystal analysis. These complexes exhibit tuneable luminescence in the solid state from blue to green by varying by metal ion and composition. Moreover, the quantum yields range from 0.11 to 0.41, while lifetimes were determined to be in the nanosecond timescale. Thermal analysis shows that these complexes exhibit good thermal stability and can therefore well be used as electroluminescent materials.
Effect of Calcium Carbonate Fineness on Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Belite Cement
Authors: Jeong Yeonung , Hargis Craig , Chun Sungchul , Moon Juhyuk
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the hydration characteristics and strength development of calcium sulfoaluminate-belite (CSAB) cements incorporating calcium carbonate (CC) powders with various particle size distributions and different gypsum amounts. In general, the CSAB hydration was accelerated by the CC powder, but the acceleration and resulting strength improvement were more effective with finer CC powder. Regardless of the fineness of the CC powder, it took part in the hydration of CSAB cement, forming hemicarboaluminate and monocarboaluminate phases. These hydration and nucleation effects compensated for the strength reduction from decreased cementing components (i.e., dilution effect) when finer CC powders were used, while they did not overcome the strength reduction when coarser CC powder was used. On the other hand, increasing the amount of gypsum for a given CC content improved the strength. The strength of CSAB cement had a clear inverse relationship with its total pore volume measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Thermodynamic modeling for CSAB cement hydration showed that the use of CC powder increased total volume of solid phases up to 6 wt % at a given amount of gypsum.
Integral Representations of the Catalan Numbers and Their Applications
Authors: Qi Feng , Guo Bai-Ni
Published: August 2017

In the paper, the authors survey integral representations of the Catalan numbers and the Catalan–Qi function, discuss equivalent relations between these integral representations, supply alternative and new proofs of several integral representations, collect applications of some integral representations, and present sums of several power series whose coefficients involve the Catalan numbers.
Development of Piezo-Driven Compliant Bridge Mechanisms: General Analytical Equations and Optimization of Displacement Amplification
Authors: Wei Huaxian , Shirinzadeh Bijan , Li Wei , Clark Leon , Pinskier Joshua , Wang Yuqiao
Published: August 2017

Compliant bridge mechanisms are frequently utilized to scale micrometer order motions of piezoelectric actuators to levels suitable for desired applications. Analytical equations have previously been specifically developed for two configurations of bridge mechanisms: parallel and rhombic type. Based on elastic beam theory, a kinematic analysis of compliant bridge mechanisms in general configurations is presented. General equations of input displacement, output displacement, displacement amplification, input stiffness, output stiffness and stress are presented. Using the established equations, a piezo-driven compliant bridge mechanism has been optimized to maximize displacement amplification. The presented equations were verified using both computational finite element analysis and through experimentation. Finally, comparison with previous studies further validates the versatility and accuracy of the proposed models. The formulations of the new analytical method are simplified and efficient, which help to achieve sufficient estimation and optimization of compliant bridge mechanisms for nano-positioning systems.
Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Nanoflower-like ZnO Photoelectrode
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Tang Yu , Liu Weiwei
Published: August 2017

A photoanode material ZnO nanoflower (ZNFs) for efficient dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was prepared. This unique structure can significantly increase the specific surface area and amount of light absorption, leading to a higher short-circuit current density. Furthermore, ZNFs resulted in closer spacing between the nanorods and more direct conduction paths for electrons, leading to higher open-circuit voltage. The overall promising power conversion efficiency of 5.96% was obtained with photoanodes of 8.5 μm thickness. This work shows that ZNFs is an attractive material and has good potential for application in high efficiency ZnO-based DSSCs.
Evaluation of Blood Biomarkers Associated with Risk of Malnutrition in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhiying , Pereira Suzette , Luo Menghua , Matheson Eric
Published: August 2017

Malnutrition is a common yet under-recognized problem in hospitalized patients. The aim of this paper was to systematically review and evaluate malnutrition biomarkers among order adults. Eligible studies were identified through Cochrane, PubMed and the ProQuest Dialog. A meta-regression was performed on concentrations of biomarkers according to malnutrition risks classified by validated nutrition assessment tools. A total of 111 studies were included, representing 52,911 participants (55% female, 72 ± 17 years old) from various clinical settings (hospital, community, care homes). The estimated BMI (p < 0.001) and concentrations of albumin (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), prealbumin (p < 0.001) and total protein (p < 0.05) among subjects at high malnutrition risk by MNA were significantly lower than those without a risk. Similar results were observed for malnutrition identified by SGA and NRS-2002. A sensitivity analysis by including patients with acute illness showed that albumin and prealbumin concentrations were dramatically reduced, indicating that they must be carefully interpreted in acute care settings. This review showed that BMI, hemoglobin, and total cholesterol are useful biomarkers of malnutrition in older adults. The reference ranges and cut-offs may need to be updated to avoid underdiagnosis of malnutrition.
Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study
Authors: Pearson John , Pullar Juliet , Wilson Renee , Spittlehouse Janet , Vissers Margreet , Skidmore Paula , Willis Jinny , Cameron Vicky , Carr Anitra
Published: August 2017

A cohort of 50-year-olds from Canterbury, New Zealand (N = 404), representative of midlife adults, undertook comprehensive health and dietary assessments. Fasting plasma vitamin C concentrations (N = 369) and dietary vitamin C intake (N = 250) were determined. The mean plasma vitamin C concentration was 44.2 µmol/L (95% CI 42.4, 46.0); 62% of the cohort had inadequate plasma vitamin C concentrations (i.e., <50 µmol/L), 13% of the cohort had hypovitaminosis C (i.e., <23 µmol/L), and 2.4% had plasma vitamin C concentrations indicating deficiency (i.e., <11 µmol/L). Men had a lower mean plasma vitamin C concentration than women, and a higher percentage of vitamin C inadequacy and deficiency. A higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency was observed in those of lower socio-economic status and in current smokers. Adults with higher vitamin C levels exhibited lower weight, BMI and waist circumference, and better measures of metabolic health, including HbA1c, insulin and triglycerides, all risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lower levels of mild cognitive impairment were observed in those with the highest plasma vitamin C concentrations. Plasma vitamin C showed a stronger correlation with markers of metabolic health and cognitive impairment than dietary vitamin C.
Membranes Based on Cellulose Nanofibers and Activated Carbon for Removal of Escherichia coli Bacteria from Water
Authors: Hassan Mohammad , Abou-Zeid Ragab , Hassan Enas , Berglund Linn , Aitomäki Yvonne , Oksman Kristiina
Published: August 2017

Cellulosic nanomaterials are potential candidates in different areas, especially in water treatment. In the current work, palm fruit stalks cellulose nanofibers (CNF), TEMPO-oxidized CNF (OCNF), and activated carbon (AC) were used to make thin film membranes for removal of E. coli bacteria from water. Two types of layered membranes were produced: a single layer setup of crosslinked CNF and a two-layer setup of AC/OCNF (bottom) and crosslinked CNF (up) on hardened filter paper. The prepared membranes were evaluated regarding their microstructure and layers thickness using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water flux and rejection of E. coli bacteria was tested using dead end stirred cells at 1 MPa pressure. Thickness of the cosslinked CNF layer in both types of membranes was about 0.75 micron. The results showed that exchanging water by isopropyl alcohol before drying increased porosity of membranes, and thus resulted in increasing pure water flux and flux of bacteria suspension. The two-layer AC/OCNF/CNF membrane had much higher water flux than the single layer CNF due to higher porosity seen on the surface of the former. Both types of membranes showed high capability of removing E. coli bacteria (rejection ~96–99%) with slightly higher efficiency for the AC/OCNF/CNF membrane than CNF membrane. AC/OCNF/CNF membrane also showed resistance against growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria on the upper CNF surface while the single layer CNF membrane did not show resistance against growth of the aforementioned bacteria.
A Review of Hologram Storage and Self-Written Waveguides Formation in Photopolymer Media
Authors: Malallah Ra’ed , Li Haoyu , Kelly Damien , Healy John , Sheridan John
Published: August 2017

Photopolymer materials have received a great deal of attention because they are inexpensive, self-processing materials that are extremely versatile, offering many advantages over more traditional materials. To achieve their full potential, there is significant value in understanding the photophysical and photochemical processes taking place within such materials. This paper includes a brief review of recent attempts to more fully understand what is needed to optimize the performance of photopolymer materials for Holographic Data Storage (HDS) and Self-Written Waveguides (SWWs) applications. Specifically, we aim to discuss the evolution of our understanding of what takes place inside these materials and what happens during photopolymerization process, with the objective of further improving the performance of such materials. Starting with a review of the photosensitizer absorptivity, a dye model combining the associated electromagnetics and photochemical kinetics is presented. Thereafter, the optimization of photopolymer materials for HDS and SWWs applications is reviewed. It is clear that many promising materials are being developed for the next generation optical applications media.
How Do Aerosol Properties Affect the Temporal Variation of MODIS AOD Bias in Eastern China?
Authors: Tao Minghui , Wang Zifeng , Tao Jinhua , Chen Liangfu , Wang Jun , Hou Can , Wang Lunche , Xu Xiaoguang , Zhu Hao
Published: August 2017

The rapid changes of aerosol sources in eastern China during recent decades could bring considerable uncertainties for satellite retrieval algorithms that assume little spatiotemporal variation in aerosol single scattering properties (such as single scattering albedo (SSA) and the size distribution for fine-mode and coarse mode aerosols) in East Asia. Here, using ground-based observations in six AERONET sites, we characterize typical aerosol optical properties (including their spatiotemporal variation) in eastern China, and evaluate their impacts on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6 aerosol retrieval bias. Both the SSA and fine-mode particle sizes increase from northern to southern China in winter, reflecting the effect of relative humidity on particle size. The SSA is ~0.95 in summer regardless of the AEROENT stations in eastern China, but decreases to 0.85 in polluted winter in northern China. The dominance of larger and highly scattering fine-mode particles in summer also leads to the weakest phase function in the backscattering direction. By focusing on the analysis of high aerosol optical depth (AOD) (>0.4) conditions, we find that the overestimation of the AOD in Dark Target (DT) retrieval is prevalent throughout the whole year, with the bias decreasing from northern China, characterized by a mixture of fine and coarse (dust) particles, to southern China, which is dominated by fine particles. In contrast, Deep Blue (DB) retrieval tends to overestimate the AOD only in fall and winter, and underestimates it in spring and summer. While the retrievals from both the DT and DB algorithms show a reasonable estimation of the fine-mode fraction of AOD, the retrieval bias cannot be attributed to the bias in the prescribed SSA alone, and is more due to the bias in the prescribed scattering phase function (or aerosol size distribution) in both algorithms. In addition, a large yearly change in aerosol single scattering properties leads to correspondingly obvious variations in the time series of MODIS AOD bias. Our results reveal that the aerosol single scattering properties in the MODIS algorithm are insufficient to describe a large variation of aerosol properties in eastern China (especially change of particle size), and can be further improved by using newer AERONET data.
Curve Set Feature-Based Robust and Fast Pose Estimation Algorithm
Authors: Li Mingyu , Hashimoto Koichi
Published: August 2017

Bin picking refers to picking the randomly-piled objects from a bin for industrial production purposes, and robotic bin picking is always used in automated assembly lines. In order to achieve a higher productivity, a fast and robust pose estimation algorithm is necessary to recognize and localize the randomly-piled parts. This paper proposes a pose estimation algorithm for bin picking tasks using point cloud data. A novel descriptor Curve Set Feature (CSF) is proposed to describe a point by the surface fluctuation around this point and is also capable of evaluating poses. The Rotation Match Feature (RMF) is proposed to match CSF efficiently. The matching process combines the idea of the matching in 2D space of origin Point Pair Feature (PPF) algorithm with nearest neighbor search. A voxel-based pose verification method is introduced to evaluate the poses and proved to be more than 30-times faster than the kd-tree-based verification method. Our algorithm is evaluated against a large number of synthetic and real scenes and proven to be robust to noise, able to detect metal parts, more accurately and more than 10-times faster than PPF and Oriented, Unique and Repeatable (OUR)-Clustered Viewpoint Feature Histogram (CVFH).
A Practical Model of Quartz Crystal Microbalance in Actual Applications
Authors: Huang Xianhe , Bai Qingsong , Hu Jianguo , Hou Dong
Published: August 2017

A practical model of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is presented, which considers both the Gaussian distribution characteristic of mass sensitivity and the influence of electrodes on the mass sensitivity. The equivalent mass sensitivity of 5 MHz and 10 MHz AT-cut QCMs with different sized electrodes were calculated according to this practical model. The equivalent mass sensitivity of this practical model is different from the Sauerbrey’s mass sensitivity, and the error between them increases sharply as the electrode radius decreases. A series of experiments which plate rigid gold film onto QCMs were carried out and the experimental results proved this practical model is more valid and correct rather than the classical Sauerbrey equation. The practical model based on the equivalent mass sensitivity is convenient and accurate in actual measurements.
Green, Green, It’s Green: A Triad Model of Technology, Culture, and Innovation for Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Yang Zhaojun , Sun Jun , Zhang Yali , Wang Ying
Published: August 2017

In the global trend of sustainable development and tightening legal environment, enterprises need to integrate their various resources to promote green innovation and organizational performances. This study conceptualizes green information system (IS) infrastructure as the hardware resource and green culture as the software resource. Based on the resource-alignment perspective, it examines their direct effects on green innovation effectiveness as well as indirect effects through the mediation of IS-culture fit, innovation-IS fit and innovation-culture fit. Survey observations were collected from over 300 organizations in China, the largest emerging economy under tremendous ecological and developmental pressures. The results suggest that green IS infrastructure and green culture has positive direct impacts on green innovation effectiveness. Meanwhile, innovation-IS fit, innovation-culture fit and IS-culture fit serve as positive, negative and non-significant mediators, respectively. In addition, a multi-group analysis reveals that organization size moderates the mediating rather than direct relationships, and small/medium and large enterprises face their own pros and cons in green innovation. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
A Novel Neutrosophic Weighted Extreme Learning Machine for Imbalanced Data Set
Authors: Akbulut Yaman , Şengür Abdulkadir , Guo Yanhui , Smarandache Florentin
Published: August 2017

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is known as a kind of single-hidden layer feedforward network (SLFN), and has obtained considerable attention within the machine learning community and achieved various real-world applications. It has advantages such as good generalization performance, fast learning speed, and low computational cost. However, the ELM might have problems in the classification of imbalanced data sets. In this paper, we present a novel weighted ELM scheme based on neutrosophic set theory, denoted as neutrosophic weighted extreme learning machine (NWELM), in which neutrosophic c-means (NCM) clustering algorithm is used for the approximation of the output weights of the ELM. We also investigate and compare NWELM with several weighted algorithms. The proposed method demonstrates advantages to compare with the previous studies on benchmarks.
Somatic Host Cell Alterations in HPV Carcinogenesis
Authors: Litwin Tamara , Clarke Megan , Dean Michael , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: August 2017

High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infections cause cancers in different organ sites, most commonly cervical and head and neck cancers. While carcinogenesis is initiated by two viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, increasing evidence shows the importance of specific somatic events in host cells for malignant transformation. HPV-driven cancers share characteristic somatic changes, including apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC)-driven mutations and genomic instability leading to copy number variations and large chromosomal rearrangements. HPV-associated cancers have recurrent somatic mutations in phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), human leukocyte antigen A and B (HLA-A and HLA-B)-A/B, and the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway, and rarely have mutations in the tumor protein p53 (TP53) and RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) tumor suppressor genes. There are some variations by tumor site, such as NOTCH1 mutations which are primarily found in head and neck cancers. Understanding the somatic events following HPV infection and persistence can aid the development of early detection biomarkers, particularly when mutations in precancers are characterized. Somatic mutations may also influence prognosis and treatment decisions.
The Susceptibilities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus to Nucleolin Receptor Blocking and Antibody Neutralization are Dependent upon the Method of Virus Purification
Authors: Bilawchuk Leanne , Griffiths Cameron , Jensen Lionel , Elawar Farah , Marchant David
Published: August 2017

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) that is propagated in cell culture is purified from cellular contaminants that can confound experimental results. A number of different purification methods have been described, including methods that utilize fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and gradient ultracentrifugation. Thus, the constituents and experimental responses of RSV stocks purified by ultracentrifugation in sucrose and by FPLC were analyzed and compared by infectivity assay, Coomassie stain, Western blot, mass spectrometry, immuno-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ImageStream flow cytometry. The FPLC-purified RSV had more albumin contamination, but there was less evidence of host-derived exosomes when compared to ultracentrifugation-purified RSV as detected by Western blot and mass spectrometry for the exosome markers superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SOD1) and the tetraspanin CD63. Although the purified virus stocks were equally susceptible to nucleolin-receptor blocking by the DNA aptamer AS1411, the FPLC-purified RSV was significantly less susceptible to anti-RSV polyclonal antibody neutralization; there was 69% inhibition (p = 0.02) of the sucrose ultracentrifugation-purified RSV, 38% inhibition (p = 0.03) of the unpurified RSV, but statistically ineffective neutralization in the FPLC-purified RSV (22% inhibition; p = 0.30). The amount of RSV neutralization of the purified RSV stocks was correlated with anti-RSV antibody occupancy on RSV particles observed by immuno-TEM. RSV purified by different methods alters the stock composition and morphological characteristics of virions that can lead to different experimental responses.
Integration of Human Papillomavirus Genomes in Head and Neck Cancer: Is It Time to Consider a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Morgan Iain , DiNardo Laurence , Windle Brad
Published: August 2017

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are detected in 70–80% of oropharyngeal cancers in the developed world, the incidence of which has reached epidemic proportions. The current paradigm regarding the status of the viral genome in these cancers is that there are three situations: one where the viral genome remains episomal, one where the viral genome integrates into the host genome and a third where there is a mixture of both integrated and episomal HPV genomes. Our recent work suggests that this third category has been mischaracterized as having integrated HPV genomes; evidence indicates that this category consists of virus–human hybrid episomes. Most of these hybrid episomes are consistent with being maintained by replication from HPV origin. We discuss our evidence to support this new paradigm, how such genomes can arise, and more importantly the implications for the clinical management of HPV positive head and neck cancers following accurate determination of the viral genome status.
Design, Construction, and Application of an Inexpensive, High-Resolution Water Sampler
Authors: Sattley W. , Burchell Brad , Conrad Stephen , Madigan Michael
Published: August 2017

The cost of high-resolution water sampling devices for ecological studies and water quality analyses can be prohibitive. Moreover, the potential for operator error in the use of complicated sampling equipment can lead to inaccuracies. Here we describe the construction and operation of an inexpensive and easy-to-use water sampler that achieves a water column sampling resolution of approximately 1 cm. The device is driven by a peristaltic pump and is constructed entirely of non-corrosive and non-reactive materials. The sampler has no moving parts and was completely reliable in fieldwork on temperate and Antarctic lakes. The device is especially suited for the collection of water samples from calm or stagnant surface waters, such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and deep swamps or other wetlands. In addition, because its components are unaffected by corrosive salts and sulfides, the device is suitable for sampling calm inlet waters, including shallow bays and estuaries. Because of its low cost, simple construction, compact design, and precision performance, this water sampler is an excellent option for studying and monitoring shallow to moderately deep (<50 m) natural waters.
Impact of Powdered Activated Carbon Structural Properties on Removal of Organic Foulants in Combined Adsorption-Ultrafiltration
Authors: Schulz Martin , Bünting Sönke , Ernst Mathias
Published: August 2017

The impact of structural properties of three commercial PACs as well as two mechanically ground PACs on their efficiency in NOM removal and fouling reduction in combined adsorption-ultrafiltration (PAC-UF) of northern German groundwater was investigated. All PACs showed highest adsorption affinity for medium molecular weight NOM fractions. The meso-pore surface area rather than the total surface area (B.E.T.) mainly governed the extent of NOM removal. However, adsorption of macromolecular NOM fractions, which were found to be the main contributor to total and irreversible fouling, was limited by tested commercial carbons, and no significant mitigation of fouling was achieved by any tested PAC concentration. Lowering the particle size by grinding of the PAC, however, enhanced removal of macromolecular NOM fractions considerably, and fouling mitigation occurred at substantially lower PAC concentrations compared to raw carbons. A larger external surface area probably let to more shell adsorption, a more homogeneous particle distribution on the membrane surface and a better mass transport. In addition, comparison of the adsorption isotherms of raw and milled PACs showed that, due to the grinding of PAC particles, additional inner pores structures became available for NOM adsorption. Results of this study point out that structural properties of PAC dramatically influence the efficiency of combined PAC-UF, which needs to be considered during PAC selection and process design.
Two-dimensional carbon-based nanocomposites for photocatalytic energy generation and environmental remediation applications
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Kumar Ashish , Bahuguna Ashish , Sharma Vipul , Krishnan Venkata
Published: August 2017

In the pursuit towards the use of sunlight as a sustainable source for energy generation and environmental remediation, photocatalytic water splitting and photocatalytic pollutant degradation have recently gained significant importance. Research in this field is aimed at solving the global energy crisis and environmental issues in an ecologically-friendly way by using two of the most abundant natural resources, namely sunlight and water. Over the past few years, carbon-based nanocomposites, particularly graphene and graphitic carbon nitride, have attracted much attention as interesting materials in this field. Due to their unique chemical and physical properties, carbon-based nanocomposites have made a substantial contribution towards the generation of clean, renewable and viable forms of energy from light-based water splitting and pollutant removal. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress in the field of energy generation and environmental remediation using two-dimensional carbon-based nanocomposites. It begins with a brief introduction to the field, basic principles of photocatalytic water splitting for energy generation and environmental remediation, followed by the properties of carbon-based nanocomposites. Then, the development of various graphene-based nanocomposites for the above-mentioned applications is presented, wherein graphene plays different roles, including electron acceptor/transporter, cocatalyst, photocatalyst and photosensitizer. Subsequently, the development of different graphitic carbon nitride-based nanocomposites as photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications is discussed in detail. This review concludes by highlighting the advantages and challenges involved in the use of two-dimensional carbon-based nanocomposites for photocatalysis. Finally, the future perspectives of research in this field are also briefly mentioned.
Direct catalytic arylation of heteroarenes with meso-bromophenyl-substituted porphyrins
Authors: Kiselev Alexei Nikolaevich , Grigorova Olga Konstantinovna , Averin Alexei Dmitrievich , Syrbu Sergei Aleksandrovich , Koifman Oskar Iosifovich , Beletskaya Irina Petrovna
Published: August 2017

The arylation of mono-, di- and tetra-meso-bromophenyl-substituted porphyrins with the heteroarenes containing “acidic” C–H bonds, such as benzoxazole, benzothiazole and N-methylimidazole was studied in the presence of three alternative catalytic systems: Pd(dba)2/DavePhos/Cs2CO3, Pd(PPh3)4/PivOH/K2CO3 and Pd(OAc)2/Cu(OAc)2/PPh3/K2CO3. The first catalytic system was found to be successful in the reaction with benzoxazole, the second one was less efficient for our purpose, while the third system proved to be most versatile and afforded corresponding mono-, di-, tri- and even tetraarylated derivatives of porphyrins.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping of Correlated Traits in Cassava: Dry Matter and Total Carotenoid Content
Authors: Rabbi Ismail Y. , Udoh Lovina I. , Wolfe Marnin , Parkes Elizabeth Y. , Gedil Melaku A. , Dixon Alfred , Ramu Punna , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Kulakow Peter
Published: August 2017

Cassava is a starchy root crop cultivated in the tropics for fresh consumption and commercial processing. Primary selection objectives in cassava breeding include dry matter content and micronutrient density, particularly provitamin A carotenoids. These traits are negatively correlated in the African germplasm. This study aimed at identifying genetic markers associated with these traits and uncovering whether linkage and/or pleiotropy were responsible for observed negative correlation. A genome‐wide association mapping using 672 clones genotyped at 72,279 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci was performed. Root yellowness was used indirectly to assess variation in carotenoid content. Two major loci for root yellowness were identified on chromosome 1 at positions 24.1 and 30.5 Mbp. A single locus for dry matter content that colocated with the 24.1 Mbp peak for carotenoids was identified. Haplotypes at these loci explained 70 and 37% of the phenotypic variability for root yellowness and dry matter content, respectively. Evidence of megabase‐scale linkage disequilibrium (LD) around the major loci of the two traits and detection of the major dry matter locus in independent analysis for the white‐ and yellow‐root subpopulations suggests that physical linkage rather that pleiotropy is more likely to be the cause of the negative correlation between the target traits. Moreover, candidate genes for carotenoid (phytoene synthase) and starch biosynthesis (UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase and sucrose synthase) occurred in the vicinity of the identified locus at 24.1 Mbp. These findings elucidate the genetic architecture of carotenoids and dry matter in cassava and provide an opportunity to accelerate breeding of these traits.
Plastome Sequencing of Ten Nonmodel Crop Species Uncovers a Large Insertion of Mitochondrial DNA in Cashew
Authors: Rabah Samar O. , Lee Chaehee , Hajrah Nahid H. , Makki Rania M. , Alharby Hesham F. , Alhebshi Alawiah M. , Sabir Jamal S.M. , Jansen Robert K. , Ruhlman Tracey A.
Published: August 2017

In plant evolution, intracellular gene transfer (IGT) is a prevalent, ongoing process. While nuclear and mitochondrial genomes are known to integrate foreign DNA via IGT and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), plastid genomes (plastomes) have resisted foreign DNA incorporation and only recently has IGT been uncovered in the plastomes of a few land plants. In this study, we completed plastome sequences for l0 crop species and describe a number of structural features including variation in gene and intron content, inversions, and expansion and contraction of the inverted repeat (IR). We identified a putativerpl22in cinnamon (Cinnamomum verumJ. Presl) and other sequenced Lauraceae and an apparent functional transfer ofrpl23to the nucleus of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.). In the orchard tree cashew (Anacardium occidentaleL.), we report the insertion of an ∼6.7‐kb fragment of mitochondrial DNA into the plastome IR. BLASTn analyses returned high identity hits to mitogenome sequences including an intactccmBopen reading frame. Using three plastome markers for five species ofAnacardium, we generated a phylogeny to investigate the distribution and timing of the insertion. Four species share the insertion, suggesting that this event occurred <20 million yr ago in a single clade in the genus. Our study extends the observation of mitochondrial to plastome IGT to include long‐lived tree species. While previous studies have suggested possible mechanisms facilitating IGT to the plastome, more examples of this phenomenon, along with more complete mitogenome sequences, will be required before a common, or variable, mechanism can be elucidated.
Magnetized Reverse Shock: Density-fluctuation-induced Field Distortion, Polarization Degree Reduction, and Application to GRBs
Authors: Deng 邓 Wei 巍 , Zhang 张 Bing 冰 , Li 李 Hui 晖 , Stone James M.
Published: August 2017

The early optical afterglow emission of several gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) shows a high linear polarization degree (PD) of tens of percent, suggesting an ordered magnetic field in the emission region. The light curves are consistent with being of a reverse shock (RS) origin. However, the magnetization parameter, σ, of the outflow is unknown. If σ is too small, an ordered field in the RS may be quickly randomized due to turbulence driven by various perturbations so that the PD may not be as high as observed. Here we use the “Athena++” relativistic MHD code to simulate a relativistic jet with an ordered magnetic field propagating into a clumpy ambient medium, with a focus on how density fluctuations may distort the ordered magnetic field and reduce PD in the RS emission for different σ values. For a given density fluctuation, we discover a clear power-law relationship between the relative PD reduction and the σ value of the outflow. Such a relation may be applied to estimate σ of the GRB outflows using the polarization data of early afterglows.
Direct Observation of Two-step Magnetic Reconnection in a Solar Flare
Authors: Gou Tingyu , Veronig Astrid M. , Dickson Ewan C. , Hernandez-Perez Aaron , Liu Rui
Published: August 2017

We report observations of an eruptive X2.8 flare on 2013 May 13, which shows two distinct episodes of energy release in the impulsive phase. The first episode is characterized by the eruption of a magnetic flux rope, similar to the energy-release process in most standard eruptive flares. The second episode, which is stronger than the first normal one and shows enhanced high-energy X-ray and even γ-ray emissions, is closely associated with magnetic reconnection of a large-scale loop in the aftermath of the eruption. The reconnection inflow of the loop leg is observed in the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) 304 Å passband and accelerates toward the reconnection region to speeds as high as ∼130 km s−1. Simultaneously, the corresponding outflow jets are observed in the AIA hot passbands with speeds of ∼740 km s−1 and a mean temperature of ∼14 MK. RHESSI observations show a strong burst of hard X-ray (HXR) and γ-ray emissions with hard electron spectra of

, exhibiting a soft–hard–harder behavior. A distinct altitude decrease of the HXR loop-top source coincides with the inward swing of the loop leg observed in the AIA 304 Å passband, which is suggested to be related to the coronal implosion. This fast inflow of magnetic flux contained in the loop leg greatly enhances the reconnection rate and results in very efficient particle acceleration in the second-step reconnection, which also helps to achieve a second higher temperature peak up to T ≈ 30 MK.
« On ne fait pas de politique ! » Les pratiques de dépolitisation au PNUD et au PNUE
Authors: Maertens Lucile , Parizet Raphaëlle
Published: August 2017

« On ne fait pas de politique ! » Cette revendication commune aux organisations internationales (OI) est au cœur du questionnement développé ici. L’analyse comparée entre le Programme des Nations unies pour le développement (PNUD) et le Programme des Nations unies pour l’environnement (PNUE) permet, dans un premier temps, de s’interroger sur la dépolitisation, entendue ici comme une entreprise politique de technicisation produite par les OI, qui s’incarne dans des assemblages de pratiques volontairement présentées comme hors du politique : interprétation et problématisation techniques ; diffusion d’une vision apolitique du travail des OI ; intervention et assistance techniques qui positionnent les OI en experts « neutres » de leur champ. Elle conduit, dans un second temps, à mettre au jour les effets parfois inattendus de ces assemblages de pratiques hétérogènes : contournement des débats bureaucratiques et politiques ; neutralisation au profit du maintien d’un statu quo  ; monopolisation d’un champ d’action, avec le soutien, au moins tacite, des États membres. Ce faisant, elle contribue à une meilleure compréhension de la perpétuelle tractation entre le politique et le technique au sein des OI.