bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid stochastic model of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism: Effect of the common C677T MTHFR variant on de novo thymidylate biosynthesis
Authors: Misselbeck Karla , Marchetti Luca , Field Martha S. , Scotti Marco , Priami Corrado , Stover Patrick J.
Published: April 2017

Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) is an interconnected network of metabolic pathways, including those required for the de novo synthesis of dTMP and purine nucleotides and for remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Mouse models of folate-responsive neural tube defects (NTDs) indicate that impaired de novo thymidylate (dTMP) synthesis through changes in SHMT expression is causative in folate-responsive NTDs. We have created a hybrid computational model comprised of ordinary differential equations and stochastic simulation. We investigated whether the de novo dTMP synthesis pathway was sensitive to perturbations in FOCM that are known to be associated with human NTDs. This computational model shows that de novo dTMP synthesis is highly sensitive to the common MTHFR C677T polymorphism and that the effect of the polymorphism on FOCM is greater in folate deficiency. Computational simulations indicate that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and folate deficiency interact to increase the stochastic behavior of the FOCM network, with the greatest instability observed for reactions catalyzed by serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). Furthermore, we show that de novo dTMP synthesis does not occur in the cytosol at rates sufficient for DNA replication, supporting empirical data indicating that impaired nuclear de novo dTMP synthesis results in uracil misincorporation into DNA.
An evaluation of the ecological and environmental security on China’s terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Xu Erqi
Published: April 2017

With rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization, various ecological and environmental problems occur, which threaten and undermine the sustainable development and domestic survival of China. On the national scale, our progress remains in a state of qualitative or semi-quantitative evaluation, lacking a quantitative evaluation and a spatial visualization of ecological and environmental security. This study collected 14 indictors of water, land, air, and biodiversity securities to compile a spatial evaluation of ecological and environmental security in terrestrial ecosystems of China. With area-weighted normalization and scaling transformations, the veto aggregation (focusing on the limit indicator) and balanced aggregation (measuring balanced performance among different indicators) methods were used to aggregate security evaluation indicators. Results showed that water, land, air, and biodiversity securities presented different spatial distributions. A relatively serious ecological and environmental security crisis was found in China, but presented an obviously spatial variation of security evaluation scores. Hotspot areas at the danger level, which are scattered throughout the entirety of the country, were identified. The spatial diversities and causes of ecological and environmental problems in different regions were analyzed. Spatial integration of regional development and proposals for improving the ecological and environmental security were put forward.
High Throughput Analysis of Golgi Structure by Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Wortzel Inbal , Koifman Gabriela , Rotter Varda , Seger Rony , Porat Ziv
Published: April 2017

The Golgi apparatus is a dynamic organelle, which regulates the vesicular trafficking. While cellular trafficking requires active changes of the Golgi membranes, these are not accompanied by changes in the general Golgi’s structure. However, cellular processes such as mitosis, apoptosis and migration require fragmentation of the Golgi complex. Currently, these changes are most commonly studied by basic immunofluorescence and quantified by manual and subjective classification of the Golgi structure in 100–500 stained cells. Several other high-throughput methods exist as well, but those are either complicated or do not provide enough morphological information. Therefore, a simple and informative high content methodology should be beneficial for the study of Golgi architecture. Here we describe the use of high-throughput imaging flow cytometry for quantification of Golgi fragmentation, which provides a simple way to analyze the changes in an automated, quantitative and non-biased manner. Furthermore, it provides a rapid and accurate way to analyze more than 50,000 cells per sample. Our results demonstrate that this method is robust and statistically powerful, thus, providing a much-needed analytical tool for future studies on Golgi dynamics, and can be adapted to other experimental systems.
Granulosa cell endothelin-2 expression is fundamental for ovulatory follicle rupture
Authors: Cacioppo Joseph A. , Lin Po-Ching Patrick , Hannon Patrick R. , McDougle Daniel R. , Gal Arnon , Ko CheMyong
Published: April 2017

Ovulation is dependent upon numerous factors mediating follicular growth, vascularization, and ultimately oocyte release via follicle rupture. Endothelin-2 (EDN2) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is transiently produced prior to follicle rupture by granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles and induces ovarian contraction. To determine the role of Edn2 expression, surgical transplant and novel conditional knockout mice were super-ovulated and analyzed. Conditional knockout mice utilized a new iCre driven by the Esr2 promoter to selectively remove Edn2. Follicle rupture and fertility were significantly impaired in the absence of ovarian Edn2 expression. When ovaries of Edn2KO mice were transplanted in wild type recipients, significantly more corpora lutea containing un-ovulated oocytes were present after hormonal stimulation (1.0 vs. 5.4, p = 0.010). Following selective ablation of Edn2 in granulosa cells, Esr2-Edn2KO dams had reduced oocytes ovulated (3.8 vs. 16.4 oocytes/ovary) and smaller litters (4.29 ± l.02 vs. 8.50 pups/dam). However, the number of pregnancies per pairing was not different and the reproductive axis remained intact. Esr2-Edn2KO ovaries had a higher percentage of antral follicles and fewer corpora lutea; follicles progressed to the antral stage but many were unable to rupture. Conditional loss of endothelin receptor A in granulosa cells also decreased ovulation but did not affect fecundity. These data demonstrate that EDN2-induced intraovarian contraction is a critical trigger of normal ovulation and subsequent fecundity.
Serum Metabolomics Analysis Reveals a Distinct Metabolic Profile of Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Hao Juan , Yang Tao , Zhou Yang , Gao Guo-Yuan , Xing Feng , Peng Yuan , Tao Yan-Yan , Liu Cheng-Hai
Published: April 2017

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease associated with profound metabolic changes. The purpose of this study was to identify a distinctive metabolic signature from the training set with 29 PBC patients, 30 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-caused cirrhosis (HBC) and 41 healthy controls, and to validate the applicability and stability of the distinctive model from the validation set with 21 PBC patients, 7 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 9 HBC. The sera were investigated using high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the datasets were analyzed pairwise using pattern recognition methods. 45 distinguishable metabolites were identified and 15 metabolic pathways were reprogrammed. The altered metabolic pathways were associated with glucose, fatty acid and amino acid metabolites. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to establish a diagnostic model with the equated (p) = −12.22–3.46*log(4-hydroxyproline) + 6.62*log(3-hydroxyisovalerate) − 2.44*log(citraconate) − 3.80*log(pyruvate). The area under the curve (AUC) of the optimized model was 0.937 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.868–0.976) in the training set and 0.890 (95% CI: 0.743–0.969) in the validation set. These results not only revealed the potential pathogenesis of PBC, but also provided a feasible diagnostic tool for PBC populations through detection of serum metabolites.
Body Size Predicts Echolocation Call Peak Frequency Better than Gape Height in Vespertilionid Bats
Authors: Thiagavel Jeneni , Santana Sharlene E. , Ratcliffe John M.
Published: April 2017

In most vocalizing vertebrates, lighter animals tend to produce acoustic signals of higher frequency than heavier animals. Two hypotheses propose to explain this negative relationship in vespertilionid bats: (i) mass-signal frequency allometry and (ii) emitter-limited (maximum gape) signal directionality. The first hypothesis, that lighter bats with smaller larynges are constrained to calls with higher frequencies, is supported at the species level. The second hypothesis proposes that in open space, small bats use higher frequencies to achieve narrow sonar beams, as beam directionality increases with both emitter size (maximum gape) and signal frequency. This hypothesis is supported within a comparative context but remains untested beyond a few species. We analyzed gape, body mass, and echolocation data under a phylogenetic comparative framework to test these hypotheses, and considered forearm length as both a proxy for wing design and an alternative measure of bat size. Controlling for mass, we found no support for the directionality hypothesis. Body mass and relative forearm length were negatively related to open space echolocation call peak frequency, reflecting species-specific size differences, but also the influence of wing design and preferred foraging habitat on size-independent species-specific differences in echolocation call design.
Correction: Corrigendum: Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor is subjected to glucose modification and oxidation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kassaar Omar , Pereira Morais Marta , Xu Suying , Adam Emily L. , Chamberlain Rosemary C. , Jenkins Bryony , James Tony D. , Francis Paul T. , Ward Stephen , Williams Robert J. , van den Elsen Jean
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 42874; published online: 23 February 2017; updated: 05 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Tony D. James, which was incorrectly given as Tony James. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles reveal novel candidate genes associated with meat quality at different age stages in hens
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yan Feng-Bin , Li Fang , Jiang Ke-Ren , Li Dong-Hua , Han Rui-Li , Li Zhuan-Jan , Jiang Rui-Rui , Liu Xiao-Jun , Kang Xiang-Tao , Sun Gui-Rong
Published: April 2017

Poultry meat quality is associated with breed, age, tissue and other factors. Many previous studies have focused on distinct breeds; however, little is known regarding the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in different age stages, such as DNA methylation. Here, we compared the global DNA methylation profiles between juvenile (20 weeks old) and later laying-period (55 weeks old) hens and identified candidate genes related to the development and meat quality of breast muscle using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. The results showed that the later laying-period hens, which had a higher intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition capacity and water holding capacity (WHC) and less tenderness, exhibited higher global DNA methylation levels than the juvenile hens. A total of 2,714 differentially methylated regions were identified in the present study, which corresponded to 378 differentially methylated genes, mainly affecting muscle development, lipid metabolism, and the ageing process. Hypermethylation of the promoters of the genesABCA1, COL6A1andGSTT1Land the resulting transcriptional down-regulation in the later laying-period hens may be the reason for the significant difference in the meat quality between the juvenile and later laying-period hens. These findings contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic regulation in the skeletal muscle development and meat quality of chicken.
Antibody-targeted paclitaxel loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of CD20+ B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Nevala Wendy K. , Butterfield John T. , Sutor Shari L. , Knauer Daniel J. , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: April 2017

We developed a nano-antibody targeted chemotherapy (nATC) delivery strategy in which tumor specific and clinically relevant antibodies (rituximab, anti-CD20) are non-covalently bound to the albumin scaffold of nab-paclitaxel (ABX). We define the nanoparticle formed when the 2 drugs are bound (AR160). The newly created nATC retains the cytotoxicity of ABX and CD20 affinity of rituximabin vitro. We describe the binding characteristics of the ABX and rituximab in AR160 using peptide mapping/Biacore approach. Flow-based methods, including ImageStream and nanoparticle tracking, were used to characterize the AR160 particlesin vitro. A mouse model of human B-cell lymphoma was utilized to testin vivoefficacy of AR160 therapy, which suggested improved tumor targeting (biodistribution) as the most likely mechanism of AR160 therapeutic superiority over ABX or rituximab alone. These data suggest a novel platform for nATC delivery using a slight modification of existing cancer drugs with significantly improved treatment efficacy.
Correction: Corrigendum: Electrical cream separator coupled with vacuum filtration for the purification of eimerian oocysts and trichostrongylid eggs
Authors: El-Ashram Saeed , Suo Xun
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43346; published online: 24 February 2017; updated: 05 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained typographical errors, where all instances of ‘trichostrongylid’ were given as ‘trichostronglyid’. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions.
Possible connections of the opposite trends in Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice cover
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Winkler Julie A. , Zhou Mingyu , Lenschow Donald H. , Li Bingrui , Wang Xianqiao , Yang Qinghua
Published: April 2017

Sea ice is an important component of the global climate system and a key indicator of climate change. A decreasing trend in Arctic sea-ice concentration is evident in recent years, whereas Antarctic sea-ice concentration exhibits a generally increasing trend. Various studies have investigated the underlying causes of the observed trends for each region, but possible linkages between the regional trends have not been studied. Here, we hypothesize that the opposite trends in Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice concentration may be linked, at least partially, through interdecadal variability of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). Although evaluation of this hypothesis is constrained by the limitations of the sea-ice cover record, preliminary statistical analyses of one short-term and two long-term time series of observed and reanalysis sea-ice concentrations data suggest the possibility of the hypothesized linkages. For all three data sets, the leading mode of variability of global sea-ice concentration is positively correlated with the AMO and negatively correlated with the PDO. Two wave trains related to the PDO and the AMO appear to produce anomalous surface-air temperature and low-level wind fields in the two polar regions that contribute to the opposite changes in sea-ice concentration.
A novel label-free fluorescence assay for one-step sensitive detection of Hg2+ in environmental drinking water samples
Authors: Li Ya , Liu Nan , Liu Hui , Wang Yu , Hao Yuwei , Ma Xinhua , Li Xiaoli , Huo Yapeng , Lu Jiahai , Tang Shuge , Wang Caiqin , Zhang Yinhong , Gao Zhixian
Published: April 2017

A novel label-free fluorescence assay for detection of Hg2+ was developed based on the Hg2+-binding single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and SYBR Green I (SG I). Differences from other assays, the designed rich-thymine (T) ssDNA probe without fluorescent labelling can be rapidly formed a T-Hg2+-T complex and folded into a stable hairpin structure in the presence of Hg2+ in environmental drinking water samples by facilitating fluorescence increase through intercalating with SG I in one-step. In the assay, the fluorescence signal can be directly obtained without additional incubation within 1 min. The dynamic quantitative working ranges was 5–1000 nM, the determination coefficients were satisfied by optimization of the reaction conditions. The lowest detection limit of Hg2+ was 3 nM which is well below the standard of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This method was highly specific for detecting of Hg2+ without being affected by other possible interfering ions from different background compositions of water samples. The recoveries of Hg2+ spiked in these samples were 95.05–103.51%. The proposed method is more viable, low-costing and simple for operation in field detection than the other methods with great potentials, such as emergency disposal, environmental monitoring, surveillance and supporting of ecological risk assessment and management.
Load- and polysaccharide-dependent activation of the Na+-type MotPS stator in the Bacillus subtilis flagellar motor
Authors: Terahara Naoya , Noguchi Yukina , Nakamura Shuichi , Kami-ike Nobunori , Ito Masahiro , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: April 2017

The flagellar motor of Bacillus subtilis possesses two distinct H+-type MotAB and Na+-type MotPS stators. In contrast to the MotAB motor, the MotPS motor functions efficiently at elevated viscosity in the presence of 200 mM NaCl. Here, we analyzed the torque-speed relationship of the Bacillus MotAB and MotPS motors over a wide range of external loads. The stall torque of the MotAB and MotPS motors at high load was about 2,200 pN nm and 220 pN nm, respectively. The number of active stators in the MotAB and MotPS motors was estimated to be about ten and one, respectively. However, the number of functional stators in the MotPS motor was increased up to ten with an increase in the concentration of a polysaccharide, Ficoll 400, as well as in the load. The maximum speeds of the MotAB and MotPS motors at low load were about 200 Hz and 50 Hz, respectively, indicating that the rate of the torque-generation cycle of the MotPS motor is 4-fold slower than that of the MotAB motor. Domain exchange experiments showed that the C-terminal periplasmic domain of MotS directly controls the assembly and disassembly dynamics of the MotPS stator in a load- and polysaccharide-dependent manner.
Polydatin attenuates potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia and kidney inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Chen Lvyi , Lan Zhou
Published: April 2017

This study was designed to investigate the effects of polydatin (PLD) on potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats.
A magnetocaloric composite based on molecular coolers and carbon nanotubes with enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Roubeau O. , Natividad E. , Evangelisti M. , Lorusso G. , Palacios E.
Published: April 2017

Improved performance of molecular cryogenic coolers is achieved through a hybrid composite material with increased thermal conductivity.
Ionothermal template transformations for preparation of tubular porous nitrogen doped carbons
Authors: Pampel J. , Mehmood A. , Antonietti M. , Fellinger T.-P.
Published: April 2017

In situcrystallization of hard templates composed of salt leads to one dimensional porous nitrogen doped carbons in one step.
Organocatalytic regioselective, diastereoselective, and enantioselective annulation of cyclic 1-azadienes with γ-nitro ketones via 3,4-cyclization
Authors: Yu Lu , Cheng Yuyu , Qi Fei , Li Rou , Li Pengfei
Published: April 2017

A regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective [2 + 4] annulation reaction of cyclic 1-azadienes with γ-nitro ketones is reported.
Polyelectrolyte pKafrom experiment and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Bodnarchuk Michael S. , Doncom Kay E. B. , Wright Daniel B. , Heyes David M. , Dini Daniele , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: April 2017

The pKaof a polyelectrolyte has been determined experimentally by potentiometric titration and computed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) constant pH (CpH) methodology, which allows the pKaof each titratable site along the polymer backbone.
Synthesis of self-healing waterborne polyurethanes containing sulphonate groups
Authors: Xiao Ye , Huang Huihua , Peng Xiaohong
Published: April 2017

An self-healing waterborne polyurethane is synthesized using the aliphatic diamine sulphonate as a hydrophilic chain-extender. The ionic interaction between the sulphonate groups and the micro-phase separation morphology realize self-healing.
Cu-doped P2-Na0.5Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 encapsulated with MgO as a novel high voltage cathode with enhanced Na-storage properties
Authors: Ramasamy Hari Vignesh , Kaliyappan Karthikeyan , Thangavel Ranjith , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Kang Kisuk , Kim Dae Ung , Park Yongll , Sun Xueliang , Lee Yun-Sung
Published: April 2017

We report a novel P2-type Na0.5Ni0.26Cu0.07Mn0.67O2 (NCM) mixed oxide obtained by conventional solid-state method as a prospective cathode for sodium-ion battery (SIB) applications.
2D WS2-edge functionalized multi-channel carbon nanofibers: effect of WS2 edge-abundant structure on room temperature NO2 sensing
Authors: Cha Jun-Hwe , Choi Seon-Jin , Yu Sunmoon , Kim Il-Doo
Published: April 2017

WS2 edge-abundant structure is successfully achieved in multi-channel carbon nanofibers, which allows 2D WS2-edge functionalization on carbon matrix toward NO2 sensing at room temperature with remarkable detection property.
Fabrication of 3D structures from graphene-based biocomposites
Authors: Sayyar Sepidar , Officer David L. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: April 2017

An overview of recent work on the fabrication of graphene-based biocomposite structures useful for a wide variety of biomedical applications.
Development and validation of green chromatography for the determination of anthocyanins in haskap berry, mulberry and blackberry
Authors: Sang Jun , Ma Qun , Li Cui-qin
Published: April 2017

This study was aimed at developing and validating a green HPLC-DAD method to determine anthocyanins using ethanol and an alpha-hydroxy acid aqueous solution as a mobile phase.
Ni/Ln2Zr2O7 (Ln = La, Pr, Sm and Y) catalysts for methane steam reforming: the effects of A site replacement
Authors: Zhang Xianhua , Fang Xiuzhong , Feng Xiaohui , Li Xiao , Liu Wenming , Xu Xianglan , Zhang Ning , Gao Zhixian , Wang Xiang , Zhou Wufeng
Published: April 2017

The Ln2Zr2O7 phase varies from pyrochlore to defective fluorite with decreasing rA/rB, thus resulting in Ni/Ln2Zr2O7 catalysts with improved performance.
High performance manganese-based layered oxide cathodes: overcoming the challenges of sodium ion batteries
Authors: Ortiz-Vitoriano Nagore , Drewett Nicholas E. , Gonzalo Elena , Rojo Teófilo
Published: April 2017

Rapid advances in sodium ion manganese-based cathode technology make a review, of current status and trends, critical to future developments in this area.
Body burdens, sources and interrelations of selected toxic and essential elements among the nine Cree First Nations of Eeyou Istchee, James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Nieboer Evert , Martin Ian D. , Liberda Eric N. , Dewailly Eric , Robinson Elizabeth , Tsuji Leonard J. S.
Published: April 2017

Multi-media biomonitoring study of body burdens and potential sources of 11 elements in 9 Cree communities in northern Quebec (Canada).
The simultaneous purification of PM and NOx in diesel engine exhausts over a single 3DOM Ce0.9−xFe0.1ZrxO2 catalyst
Authors: Cheng Ying , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang , Song Weiyu , Xu Chunming
Published: April 2017

A novel SCRPF combining 3DOM catalyst is an efficient and economical way to purify PM and NOx from diesel engines.
Recyclable 3D printing of vitrimer epoxy
Authors: Shi Qian , Yu Kai , Kuang Xiao , Mu Xiaoming , Dunn Conner K. , Dunn Martin L. , Wang Tiejun , Jerry Qi H.
Published: April 2017

An epoxy ink and its 3D printing method were developed to allow printed parts to be recycled and reprinted.
Highly thermal conductive resins formed from wide-temperature-range eutectic mixtures of liquid crystalline epoxies bearing diglycidyl moieties at the side positions
Authors: Kim Youngsu , Yeo Hyeonuk , You Nam-Ho , Jang Se Gyu , Ahn Seokhoon , Jeong Kwang-Un , Lee Seung Hee , Goh Munju
Published: April 2017

Liquid crystalline epoxy resins with a wide temperature range exhibit a high thermal conductivity of 0.4 W m−1K−1.
Hollow amphiphilic crosslinked nanocapsules from sacrificial silica nanoparticle templates and their application as dispersants for oil spill remediation
Authors: Bentz Kyle C. , Ejaz Muhammad , Arencibia Scarlett , Sultan Naomi , Grayson Scott M. , Savin Daniel A.
Published: April 2017

Hollow nanocapsules were constructed using a sacrificial silica scaffold to produce novel oil remediation agents.
Elastomeric polyethylenes accessible via ethylene homo-polymerization using an unsymmetrical α-diimino-nickel catalyst
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Fan Linlin , Ma Yanping , Guo Cun-Yue , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Yang , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: April 2017

Elastomeric polyethylenes, with good elastic recovery and high elongation at break, have been prepared using a new family of unsymmetrical α-diimino-nickel catalysts that display high activities and high thermal stability.
Synthesis of 1,4-enyne-3-ones via palladium-catalyzed sequential decarboxylation and carbonylation of allyl alkynoates
Authors: Li Zun , Zheng Jia , Hu Weigao , Li Jianxiao , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: April 2017

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed sequential decarboxylation and carbonylation of allyl alkynoates for constructing functionalized 1,4-enyne-3-ones has been demonstrated.
Radical cyclization of benzene-tethered 1,7-enynes with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates: a facile route to benzo[j]phenanthridines
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Zhang Jun , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: April 2017

A radical cyclization of benzene-tethered 1,7-enynes with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates in the presence of copper(ii) acetate and DABCO˙(SO2)2 is developed, leading to diverse benzo[j]phenanthridines.
Small water-soluble pyrimidine hexafluorophosphate derivatives with high two-photon absorption activities in the near-IR region and their biological applications
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Guan Rongting , Tian Xiaohe , Luo Lei , Zhou Hongping , Li Shengli , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: April 2017

Two imidazole–pyrimidine hexafluorophosphate derivatives (6P and 10P) are synthesized. The 2PA cross-section values (σ) were obtained by Z-scan and two-photon excited fluorescence methods. 6P and 10P can be used to quantify and image organelles in living cells and tissues.
Rice flour-based nanostructures via a water-based system: transformation from powder to electrospun nanofibers under hydrogen-bonding induced viscosity, crystallinity and improved mechanical property
Authors: Woranuch Sarekha , Pangon Autchara , Puagsuntia Kantapat , Subjalearndee Nakarin , Intasanta Varol
Published: April 2017

Rice flour is a naturally abundant and renewable biodegradable and biocompatible material.
Preparation of a NbN/graphene nanocomposite by solution impregnation and its application in high-performance Li-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Chen Zhen-Kun , Lang Jun-Wei , Liu Ling-Yang , Kong Ling-Bin
Published: April 2017

Freestanding NbN/graphene papers were used in Li-ion hybrid capacitors and exhibit high energy density and power density.
Direct covalent grafting of an organic radical core on gold and silver
Authors: Ajayakumar M. R. , Alcón I. , Bromley S. T. , Veciana J. , Rovira C. , Mas-Torrent M.
Published: April 2017

A newly designed radical–anchor (R–A) molecule was synthesized and covalently grafted on Ag and Au surface at one atom distance preserving the molecular spin.
Stabilizing silica nanoparticles in hydrogels: impact on storage and polydispersity
Authors: Giovannini Giorgia , Kunc Filip , Piras Carmen C. , Stranik Ondrej , Edwards Alison A. , Hall Andrew J. , Gubala Vladimir
Published: April 2017

For successful nanomedicine, it is important that the unique, size-dependent physico-chemical properties of the nanomaterial remain predictably constant during both the storage and the manipulation of the material.
Nanoscale ion intermixing induced activation of Fe2O3/MnO2 composites for application in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hao Shiji , Zhang Bowei , Feng Jianyong , Liu Yayuan , Ball Sarah , Pan Jisheng , Srinivasan Madhavi , Huang Yizhong
Published: April 2017

Herein, we demonstrate a facile method to prepare hollow-structured oxygen-vacancy-rich Fe2O3/MnO2 nanorods.
Kinetically controlled synthesis of two-dimensional Zr/Hf metal–organic framework nanosheets via a modulated hydrothermal approach
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Mahdi Ezwan Mahmoud , Peng Yongwu , Qian Yuhong , Zhang Bin , Yan Ning , Yuan Daqiang , Tan Jin-Chong , Zhao Dan
Published: April 2017

We describe a surfactant-free bottom-up synthesis of 2D stable MOF nanosheets, NUS-8(Zr or Hf), via the modulated hydrothermal (MHT) approach. These 2D NUS-8 nanosheets demonstrate several prevailing advantages including superior chemical/thermal stabilities and enzyme-specific catalytic activities toward thioether oxidation into sulfones.
Fabrication of high quality perovskite films by modulating the Pb–O bonds in Lewis acid–base adducts
Authors: Cao X. B. , Li C. L. , Zhi L. L. , Li Y. H. , Cui X. , Yao Y. W. , Ci L. J. , Wei J. Q.
Published: April 2017

The performance of perovskite solar cells is enhanced by modulating the Pb–O bond in a Lewis adduct via adding some strong Lewis bases into PbI2/DMF solutions.
Landscape of DNA-like inorganic metal free double helical semiconductors and potential applications in photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Li Xinru , Dai Ying , Ma Yandong , Li Mengmeng , Yu Lin , Huang Baibiao
Published: April 2017

A novel family of DNA-like inorganic metal free structures are systematically investigated by using first principles calculations.
Pseudocapacitance-tuned high-rate and long-term cyclability of NiCo2S4 hexagonal nanosheets prepared by vapor transformation for lithium storage
Authors: Song Yun , Chen Ziliang , Li Yanmei , Wang Qinchao , Fang Fang , Zhou Yong-Ning , Hu Linfeng , Sun Dalin
Published: April 2017

Well-defined NiCo2S4 hexagonal nanosheets with a large aspect ratio of ∼45 show pseudocapacitance-tuned high-rate and long-term cyclability for lithium storage.
Facilitating hole transfer on electrochemically synthesized p-type CuAlO2 films for efficient solar hydrogen production from water
Authors: Choi Seung Yo , Kim Chang-Duk , Han Dong Suk , Park Hyunwoong
Published: April 2017

We have for the first time synthesized a high efficiency CuAlO2 film on transparent conducting substrates via electrochemical deposition.
Understanding the Li-storage in few layers graphene with respect to bulk graphite: experimental, analytical and computational study
Authors: Sonia Farjana J. , Jangid Manoj K. , Ananthoju Balakrishna , Aslam M. , Johari Priya , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: April 2017

Greater Li-capacity of well-ordered fairly pristine few layers graphene is due to combined contributions of ‘classical’ bulk Li-intercalation (up to LiC6) and surface storage, especially near the exposed ‘stepped’ edges of each graphene layer (but not exactly at the edge sites).
Exceptionally stable Bakelite-type polymers for efficient pre-combustion CO2capture and H2purification
Authors: Nandi Shyamapada , Rother Jens , Chakraborty Debanjan , Maity Rahul , Werner-Zwanziger Ulrike , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: April 2017

Pre-combustion CO2capture enables cleaner energy production from fossils. This involves separation of CO2from high pressure CO2/H2mixtures. Here we show high working capacity for such separation from Bakelite-type porous polymers.
Layered double hydroxide bio-composites toward excellent systematic anticancer therapy
Authors: Mei Xuan , Liang Ruizheng , Peng Liuqi , Hu Tongyang , Wei Min
Published: April 2017

A supramolecular bio-composite with an excellent chemotherapy–PDT synergistic anticancer effect is fabricated and shows potential application in the field of cancer therapy.
One-dimensional aluminum nanoparticle chains: the influence of interparticle spacing and chain length on plasmon coupling behavior
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb , Henzie Joel
Published: April 2017

Ordered arrangements of metal nanoparticles have attracted significant interest due to their ability to focus and confine light to deeply subwavelength scales.
Laterally coupled DFB interband cascade laser with tapered ridge
Authors: Becker S. , Scheuermann J. , Weih R. , Nähle L. , König O. , Fischer M. , Koeth J. , Höfling S. , Kamp M.
Published: April 2017

In this work, single‐mode distributed feedback interband cascade lasers with tapered ridges are presented. The lasers consists of a 500 µm long and 5.7 µm wide ridge wave guide section followed by a 1400 µm long tapered section with an output facet width of 35 µm. The device is operational in continuous wave mode and well above room temperature. At 25°C, the threshold current and threshold current density were 81 mA and 324 A/cm2, respectively. The authors demonstrate a tuning range of over 14 nm with side mode suppression ratios >25 dB. The device showed temperature and injection power tuning coefficients of 0.35 nm/K and 4.09 nm/W, respectively. Output powers of 18 mW single mode and 35 mW multimode were achieved.
Subnanosecond high‐voltage breakdown initiated in high‐pressure nitrogen by a runaway electron beam
Authors: Burachenko Alexander G. , Tarasenko Victor F. , Baksht Evgenii Kh.
Published: April 2017

This study reports on subnanosecond breakdowns initiated on high pressure nitrogen by a runaway electron beam in an inhomogeneous electric field. It is shown that a diffuse discharge with a duration of ≥1 ns is formed in the gas diode. Data are reported for the first time on collector measurements of a supershort avalanche electron beam downstream of an anode foil at a nitrogen pressure of 0.5–1.2 MPa. The beam pulsewidth at these pressures is ∼90 ps. At a nitrogen pressure of 1.2 MPa, the number of electrons with an energy >70 keV recorded by the collector is 4 × 106/cm2.
Ptychographic microscopy via wavelength scanning
Authors: Bai Yeran , Vettil Suhas.P. , Pan Xingchen , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: April 2017

A wavelength scanning Ptychographic Iterative Engine (ws-PIE) is proposed to reconstruct high-quality complex images of specimens. Compared with common ptychography, which required the user to transversely scan the sample during data acquisition, the ws-PIE fundamentally reduces the data acquisition time and can avoid the heavy dependence on the accuracy of the scanning mechanism. This method can be easily implemented in the field of material and biological science as the wavelength-swept laser source is currently commercially available. The feasibility of the ws-PIE is demonstrated numerically and experimentally.
SVD-aided pseudo principal-component analysis: A new method to speed up and improve determination of the optimum kinetic model from time-resolved data
Authors: Oang Key Young , Yang Cheolhee , Muniyappan Srinivasan , Kim Jeongho , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: April 2017

Determination of the optimum kinetic model is an essential prerequisite for characterizing dynamics and mechanism of a reaction. Here, we propose a simple method, termed as singular value decomposition-aided pseudo principal-component analysis (SAPPA), to facilitate determination of the optimum kinetic model from time-resolved data by bypassing any need to examine candidate kinetic models. We demonstrate the wide applicability of SAPPA by examining three different sets of experimental time-resolved data and show that SAPPA can efficiently determine the optimum kinetic model. In addition, the results of SAPPA for both time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TRXSS) and transient absorption (TA) data of the same protein reveal that global structural changes of protein, which is probed by TRXSS, may occur more slowly than local structural changes around the chromophore, which is probed by TA spectroscopy.
4-Amino-1,2,4-triazole can be more effective than commercial nitrification inhibitors at high soil temperatures
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Ali Rehmat , Lodhi Asma , Sajid Muhammad
Published: April 2017

Commercial nitrification inhibitors (NIs), namely nitrapyrin, 3,4-dimethylpyrazol phosphate (DMPP) and dicyandiamide (DCD), are ineffective at high temperatures. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new compounds that can be commercialised as effective NIs for warm climatic conditions. The aim of the present study was to compare the potential of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATC) with the two commercial NIs DMPP and DCD to delay nitrification of (NH4)2SO4 in an alkaline calcareous soil incubated under aerobic conditions at warm temperatures (35 and 25°C). Inhibitors were incorporated in (NH4)2SO4 granules and nitrification inhibition was calculated on the basis of net NH4+-N disappearance and net NO3–-N accumulation. At 35°C, the inhibitory effect of DCD and DMPP persisted only for 1 week, whereas ATC was effective up to 4 weeks. At 25°C, the inhibitory effect of ATC, DMPP and DCD was comparable. In another set of experiments, different concentrations of ATC (0.25–6% of N) were tested at three different temperatures (35, 25 and 18°C). At 35°C, ATC applied at 2% of N caused 63% inhibition for 2 weeks, whereas at a rate of 4–6% of N the inhibitory effect of ATC persisted up to 4 weeks (63–84% inhibition). At 25°C, ATC application at a rate of 1% of N caused 64% inhibition for 2 weeks; increasing the application rate to 2–6% of N prolonged the inhibitory effect up to 4 weeks (55–94% inhibition). At 18°C, a much lower concentration of ATC (0.25–0.5% of N) was required to achieve ≥50% inhibition for 2–4 weeks, whereas increasing the application rate to 2% of N caused 93% inhibition for 4 weeks. The results of the present study suggest that although commercially available NIs are ineffective at high summer temperatures, ATC may have the potential to be commercialised as an effective NI for warm as well as moderate climatic conditions.
Unsaturated fatty acyl recognition by Frizzled receptors mediates dimerization upon Wnt ligand binding
Authors: Nile Aaron H. , Mukund Susmith , Stanger Karen , Wang Weiru , Hannoush Rami N.
Published: April 2017

Significance

Wnt proteins signal through frizzled (FZD) receptors to regulate physiological processes; however, the structural basis for recognition of the Wnt unsaturated fatty acyl group by FZDs remains elusive. Here, we report the first structures of the extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of two members of the FZD family in complex with free fatty acids. We show that the fatty acid bridges two CRD molecules and occupies the lipid-binding groove, which adopts a U-shaped geometry and exhibits flexibility. Our findings suggest a common mechanism for fatty acyl recognition by multiple FZD receptors and imply that Wnt binding to FZD mediates its dimerization. Overall, this study provides structural insights into how cell-surface FZD receptors recognize
cis
-unsaturated fatty acyl groups on Wnt ligands.
Explaining Kazakhstani identity: supraethnic identity, ethnicity, language, and citizenship
Authors: Rees Kristoffer Michael , Williams Nora Webb
Published: April 2017

The demographic composition of Kazakhstan after the fall of the Soviet Union presented a dilemma to the new Kazakhstani government: Should it advance a Kazakh identity as paramount, possibly alienating the large non-Kazakh population? Or should it advocate for a non-ethnicized national identity? How would those decisions be made in light of global norms of liberal multiculturalism? And, critically, would citizens respond to new frames of identity? This paper provides an empirical look at supraethnic identity-building in Kazakhstan – that is, at the development of a national identity that individuals place above or alongside their ethnic identification. We closely examine the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to describe how Kazakhstani policies intersect with theories of nationalism and nation-building. We then use ordered probit models to analyze data from a 2014 survey to examine how citizens of Kazakhstan associate with a “Kazakhstani” supraethnic identity. Our findings suggest that despite the Assembly of People's rhetoric, there are still significant barriers to citizen-level adoption of a supraethnic identity in Kazakhstan, particularly regarding language. However, many individuals do claim an association with Kazakhstani identity, especially those individuals who strongly value citizenship in the abstract.
Me, an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurial identity, outgroup social identification, attitudes and intentions towards business creation / ¿Yo, un emprendedor? Identidad emprendedora, identificación social con el exogrupo, actitudes e intenciones respecto a la creación de empresas
Authors: Lheureux Florent , Auzoult Laurent
Published: April 2017

This article aims to further investigate the role of social identity processes in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions (EI). We investigate the general hypothesis that social identification with entrepreneurs is positively associated with EI and its antecedents such as attitude, perceived social norm (subjective norm) and perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy), considered as mediators. In particular, the role of three dimensions of social identification (affects, ties and self-typicality) was empirically studied in a sample of students that answered a questionnaire. Results from regression analyses show that the affects dimension is positively linked to attitude and the perceived social norm, which mediate its association with EI. Likewise, the ties dimension appears to relate positively to EI and attitude, the latter mediating the relationship with the former. Results regarding the self-typicality dimension are mixed (significant association with perceived behavioural control, non-significant association with EI). The discussion addresses the importance of social identity processes in EI formation, study limitations, as well as possible future studies of both theoretical and practical relevance.
Bigger is Better: Optimizing Trout Stocking in Western Washington Lakes
Authors: Losee James P. , Phillips Larry
Published: April 2017

The effect of the length of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss on catch rate, catch size, and cost of stocking was evaluated in two western Washington lakes. Rainbow Trout of two general length-classes (200–300 [“catchables”] and 300–400 mm [“jumbos”]) were differentially marked and stocked 1 d prior to a fishery utilizing typical sportfishing techniques. In both study lakes, larger trout represented a larger proportion of the total catch than would have been expected if proportional to lengths at stocking. Fish in the largest individual length-class (360–380 mm) were, on average, 12.5 times more likely to be caught by sport anglers than those in the smallest individual length-class (200–220 mm). Larger Rainbow Trout are more expensive to produce for stocking agencies. However, fish stocked in the 280–300-mm class were twice as likely to return to the creel as expected and therefore are the best value in terms of number of fish caught per dollar invested. The results of this study suggest that a stocking strategy aimed at stocking fish 280 mm or larger would result in lower cost overall and increased satisfaction from anglers. Additionally, stocking Rainbow Trout less than 280 mm appears to have minimal recreational value in western Washington lakes.

Received July 14, 2016; accepted January 7, 2017 Published online April 4, 2017
Black Bass Dispersal Patterns Following Catch-and-Release Tournaments on Lake Champlain
Authors: Maynard George A. , Mihuc Timothy B. , Sotola V. Alex , Garneau Danielle E. , Malchoff Mark H.
Published: April 2017

Lake Champlain is consistently ranked as one of the top fisheries for black bass Micropterus spp. in the United States. Tournament fishing on the lake has become increasingly popular, with dozens of tournaments held annually since the early 2000s and at least 60 more planned for 2017. The largest of these tournaments launch from Plattsburgh, New York, and their frequency has generated concerns among fishery managers and the public over post-weigh-in mortality and stockpiling. However, relatively little is known about the disposition of tournament-caught black bass in large (>750 km2) lake systems. To address this information gap, we T-bar-tagged 1,141 Largemouth Bass M. salmoides and 1,160 Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu collected from tournament anglers launching from Plattsburgh during 2011 and 2012. Additionally, 38 Largemouth Bass and 53 Smallmouth Bass caught during professional bass tournaments were implanted with radio tags prior to release. Angler-reported T-bar recaptures yielded a 9.8% recovery rate, with over half of the tag recoveries occurring within the first month postrelease, primarily within 5 km of their release. Radio-tagged fish were tracked for up to 383 d following release into Cumberland Bay, 1 km northeast of Plattsburgh. Overall, 43% of radio-tagged Largemouth Bass and 56% of radio-tagged Smallmouth Bass left the bay, although there was variation in dispersal patterns between years. One T-bar-tagged fish and no radio-tagged fish returned to their proximate capture locations. Despite the absence of fish returning to their original capture location, results from both T-bar tagging and radiotelemetry suggest that long-term (>1 month) stockpiling in Cumberland Bay is not an issue. However, short-term (<1 month) stockpiling, coupled with an abundance of publicly accessible fishing areas in Plattsburgh, may warrant concern for increased black bass mortality during the weeks after release.

Received April 24, 2016; accepted February 8, 2017 Published online April 4, 2017
Individual differences in conflict detection during reasoning
Authors: Frey Darren , Johnson Eric D , De Neys Wim
Published: April 2017

Decades of reasoning and decision-making research have established that human judgment is often biased by intuitive heuristics. Recent “error” or bias detection studies have focused on reasoners’ abilities to detect whether their heuristic answer conflicts with logical or probabilistic principles. A key open question is whether there are individual differences in this bias detection efficiency. Here we present three studies in which co-registration of different error detection measures (confidence, response time and confidence response time) allowed us to assess bias detection sensitivity at the individual participant level in a range of reasoning tasks. The results indicate that although most individuals show robust bias detection, as indexed by increased latencies and decreased confidence, there is a subgroup of reasoners who consistently fail to do so. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for the field.