bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid BisQACs: Potent Biscationic Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Merging the Structures of Two Commercial Antiseptics
Authors: Schallenhammer Stephanie A. , Duggan Stephanie M. , Morrison Kelly R. , Bentley Brian S. , Wuest William M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: October 2017

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) are two of the most common household antiseptics, but show weaker efficacy against Gram‐negative bacteria as well as against methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains, relative to otherS. aureusstrains. We prepared 28 novel quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) that represent a hybrid of these two structures, using 1‐ to 2‐step synthetic sequences. The biscationic (bisQAC) species prepared show uniformly potent activity against six bacterial strains tested, with nine novel antiseptics displaying single‐digit micromolar activity across the board. Effects of unequal chain lengths of two installed side chains had less impact than the overall number of side chain carbon atoms present, which was optimal at 22–25 carbons. This is further indication that simple refinements to multiQAC architectures can show improvement over current household antiseptics.
Strongly coupled fine particle clouds in fine particle (dusty) plasmas
Authors: Totsuji Hiroo
Published: October 2017

Based on drift‐diffusion equations, we show a large enhancement of the charge neutrality in fine particle clouds analytically and confirm it by numerical solutions, in both cases of microgravity and gravity. This observation enables us to construct simple models of fine particle clouds in both cases. Combined with the analysis of the Helmholtz free energy of inhomogeneous systems, our results give a formulation to obtain microscopic structures of fine particles in fine particle clouds.
Packet splitting and adaptive modulation based on CSI of time domain for decode‐and‐forward cooperative OFDM systems in different channel model
Authors: Ida Yuta , Matsumoto Takahiro , Matsufuji Shinya
Published: October 2017

Cooperative communications obtain the transmission and channel diversity gains by using the relay node. However, since cooperative communications transmit the redundancy signal to obtain the transmission diversity gain, the transmission rate is degraded. Moreover, since cooperative communications add the interference in the relay node, the diversity gain is also degraded. The packet splitting has been proposed based on the channel state information of the time domain to obtain the good system performance without the redundancy signal. Moreover, the adaptive modulation has been proposed to improve the transmission rate. In this paper, we propose the combination method with the packet splitting and the adaptive modulation based on the channel state information of the time domain to improve the bit error rate and throughput performances for decode‐and‐forward cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems in the different channel model. From the computer simulation results, we determine the optimum weight and threshold for the proposed method. Moreover, the proposed method shows the good bit error rate and throughput performances.
Review and experimental evaluation of the embryonic development and evolutionary history of flipper development and hyperphalangy in dolphins (Cetacea: Mammalia)
Authors: Cooper Lisa Noelle , Sears Karen E. , Armfield Brooke A. , Kala Bhavneet , Hubler Merla , Thewissen J. G. M.
Published: October 2017

Cetaceans are the only mammals to have evolved hyperphalangy, an increase in the number of phalanges beyond the mammalian plesiomorphic condition of three phalanges per digit. In this study, cetaceans were used as a novel model to review previous studies of mammalian hyperphalangy and contribute new experimental evidence as to the molecular origins of this phenotype in embryos of the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata). Results show embryos of dolphins, mice, and pigs share similar spatiotemporal patterns of signaling proteins known to shape limbs of mammals (e.g., FGF8, BMP2/4, WNT, GREM). However, fetal dolphins differ in that their interdigital tissues are retained, instead of undergoing apoptosis, and that multiple waves of interdigital signals likely contribute to the patterning of supernumerary joints and phalanges in adjacent digits. Integration of fossil and experimental evidence suggests that the presence of interdigital webbing within the fossils of semi‐aquatic cetaceans, recovered from the Eocene Epoch (49Ma), was probably the result of BMP‐antagonists counteracting interdigital apoptosis during embryonic limb development. Modifications to signals originating in these interdigital tissues likely contributed to the origin of an incipient form of hyperphalangy in obligatorily aquatic cetaceans about 35Ma. Finally, an extreme form of hyperphalangy, with six or more phalanges per digit, evolved independently in rorqual whales (Balaenopteridae) and delphinids, and was probably associated with a wave of signaling within the interdigital tissues.
Complexes of Uranyl Ions with Aromatic Di‐ and Tetracarboxylates Involving [Ni(bipy)n]2+ (n = 2, 3) Counterions
Authors: Thuéry Pierre , Harrowfield Jack
Published: October 2017

Four di‐ and tetracarboxylate ligands based on aromatic platforms have been used to synthesize four uranyl ion complexes under solvo‐hydrothermal conditions and in the presence of nickel(II) cations and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy). The four complexes [Ni(bipy)3][(UO2)2(bdc)3]·4H2O (1, bdc2– = 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylate), [Ni(bipy)3][(UO2)2(ndc)3]·DMF·5H2O (2, ndc2– = 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate), [UO2(ntcma)(H2O)2]·2H2O (3, ntcma2– = 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylate‐1,8‐monoanhydride), and [UO2Ni(hfdp)(bipy)2(H2O)]·H2O (4, hfdp4– = 4,4′‐(1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalate) crystallize as two‐dimensional assemblies. While separated [Ni(bipy)3]2+ counterions are present in 1 and 2, the Ni(bipy)22+ groups in 4 are bound to carboxylate donors and are decorating species on the polymeric network, while nickel(II) is absent in the neutral complex 3. The networks in 1–3 have the {63} hcb topology and that in 4 the {4.82} fes one. Apart from Coulombic interactions in 1 and 2, OH···O and CH···O hydrogen bonds are prominent interactions in the lattices, as shown by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Uranyl emission spectra in 1 and 4, in spite of almost complete quenching in the former, are in agreement with those measured in other polycarboxylate complexes with six and five equatorial donors, respectively.
Synthesis of Difluoromethyl Ketones from Weinreb Amides, and Tandem Addition/Cyclization of o‐Alkynylaryl Weinreb Amides
Authors: Phetcharawetch Jongkonporn , Betterley Nolan M. , Soorukram Darunee , Pohmakotr Manat , Reutrakul Vichai , Kuhakarn Chutima
Published: October 2017

[Difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]trimethylsilane (PhSCF2SiMe3) underwent a fluoride‐induced nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group of Weinreb amides to provide the corresponding difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methyl ketones. These were converted into difluoromethyl ketones through selective reductive cleavage of the phenylsulfanyl group. The reaction of o‐alkynyl Weinreb amides derived from benzoic acid derivatives resulted in the formation of cyclized products through a 5‐exo‐dig cyclization.
Gleichstellung – ganz eigensinnig gedacht
Authors: Fischer Roland A.
Published: October 2017

Die Gleichstellung von Frauen und Männern in der deutschen Wissenschaft bleibt weiter hinter den Möglichkeiten zurück. Die DFG will deshalb nicht nur ihre bisherigen Impulse fortführen, sondern auch neue Akzente setzen – in qualitativer Hinsicht und im eigenen Förderhandeln. Dies zu tun, ist im ureigensten Interesse der Wissenschaft und ihrer Zukunftsfähigkeit.
Recellularization of well‐preserved decellularized kidney scaffold using adipose tissue‐derived stem cells
Authors: Xue Aibing , Niu Guangzhu , Chen Yuan , Li Kailin , Xiao Zhiying , Luan Yun , Sun Chao , Xie Xiaoshuai , Zhang Denglu , Du Xiaohang , Kong Feng , Guo Yanxia , Zhang Haiyang , Cheng Guanghui , Xin Qian , Guan Yong , Zhao Shengtian
Published: October 2017

To establish a recellularization kidney model by using adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) as seeding cells and to investigate the growth and differentiation of ADSCs in decellularized kidney scaffolds. ADSCs were isolated using a modified method and then identified using flow cytometry analysis. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation were performed. Rat kidneys were decellularized using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscope were conducted to examine the scaffold microstructure. The decellularized kidney scaffold was seeded with ADSCs antegrade through the artery or retrograde through the ureter and cultured for 5–10 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were applied to assess growth and differentiation of seeding cells within the scaffold. ADSCs populated within the glomerular, vascular, and tubular area of kidney scaffolds. Cells differentiated toward endothelial or tubular cells. Stromal cell‐derived factor 1 promoted cell attachment in the scaffold. These findings suggest that ADSCs can be used as an additional new source of seeding cells within decellularized kidney scaffold. This combination may offer an alternative to donor kidney transplant. In this way, autologous ADSCs can be utilized as seeding cells in cell‐scaffold kidney regeneration for further clinical transplantation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 805–814, 2018.
Effectiveness of Oral Bisphosphonates in Reducing Fracture Risk Among Oral Glucocorticoid Users: Three Matched Cohort Analyses
Authors: Amiche M Amine , Lévesque Linda E , Gomes Tara , Adachi Jonathan D , Cadarette Suzanne M
Published: October 2017

The benefit of oral bisphosphonates in reducing fracture risk in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is controversial. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of oral bisphosphonates in reducing fracture risk in a cohort of new chronic oral glucocorticoid users. We created three matched cohorts using health care administrative data from Ontario, Canada. We included residents aged 66 years and older initiating chronic oral glucocorticoids (≥450 mg prednisone equivalent and ≥2 glucocorticoid prescriptions within a 6-month window) between January 1998 and September 2014. Exposed patients were those who initiated an oral bisphosphonate (alendronate, etidronate, or risedronate) within the first 6 months of starting chronic oral glucocorticoid therapy. Exposed cohorts (3945 alendronate, 5825 risedronate, and 8464 etidronate) were each matched 1:1 to unexposed patients on glucocorticoid exposure, fracture risk factors, and propensity score. We examined incident hip (primary outcome), vertebral, forearm, and humerus fractures using Cox proportional hazard models. Alendronate (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.80) and risedronate (HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) were associated with reduced hip fracture risk. Alendronate (HR =  0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.68), etidronate (HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.48–0.73) and risedronate (HR = 0.47 95% CI 0.36–0.60) were associated with reduced vertebral fracture risk. No risk reduction in forearm or humerus fractures was apparent for any bisphosphonate. Among older chronic glucocorticoid initiators, all oral bisphosphonates reduced vertebral fracture risk, yet only alendronate and risedronate reduced hip fracture risk. Results were similar between men and women. We provided compelling evidence that early initiation of oral bisphosphonates during chronic oral glucocorticoid therapy is beneficial to prevent osteoporotic fractures. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Retracted: Suppression of long non‐coding RNA LET potentiates bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation by up‐regulating TGF‐β1
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhang Zhiliang , Lu Yi , Fan Zhihong
Published: October 2017

Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) show an encouraging trend in regulating the proliferation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). The present study investigated the role of lncRNA low expression in tumor (LET) in BMSCs proliferation. Our result showed that LET was down‐regulated in rapidly proliferated BMSCs (P < 0.05). Suppression of LET promoted BMSCs proliferation and over‐expression of LET inhibited BMSCs proliferation (P < 0.05). LET negatively regulated the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) in BMSCs (P < 0.05). Knockdown of TGF‐β1 reversed the LET suppression‐induced BMSCs proliferation (P < 0.05). Moreover, knockdown of TGF‐β1 alleviated the LET suppression‐induced activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in BMSCs. Therefore, we drew the conclusion that LET suppression promoted BMSCs proliferation by up‐regulating the expression of TGF‐β1 and activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Development of a Flexible‐Monomer Two‐Body Carbon Dioxide Potential and Its Application to Clusters up to (CO2)13
Authors: Sode Olaseni , Cherry Jasmine N.
Published: October 2017

A flexible‐monomer two‐body potential energy function was developed that approaches the high level CCSD(T)/CBS potential energy surface (PES) of carbon dioxide (CO2) systems. This function was generated by fitting the electronic energies of unique CO2 monomers and dimers to permutationally invariant polynomials. More than 200,000 CO2 configurations were used to train the potential function. Comparisons of the PESs of six orientations of flexible CO2 dimers were evaluated to demonstrate the accuracy of the potential. Furthermore, the potential function was used to determine the minimum energy structures of CO2 clusters containing as many as 13 molecules. For isomers of (CO2)3, the potential demonstrated energetic agreement with the M06‐2X functional and structural agreement of the B2PLYP‐D functional at substantially reduced computational costs. A separate function, fit to MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ reference energies, was developed to directly compare the two‐body potential to the ab initio MP2 level of theory. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indecomposable 1‐factorizations of the complete multigraph for every
Authors: Bonvicini S. , Rinaldi G.
Published: October 2017

A 1‐factorization of the complete multigraph is said to be indecomposable if it cannot be represented as the union of 1‐factorizations of and , where . It is said to be simple if no 1‐factor is repeated. For every and for every , we construct an indecomposable 1‐factorization of , which is not simple. These 1‐factorizations provide simple and indecomposable 1‐factorizations of for every and . We also give a generalization of a result by Colbourn et al., which provides a simple and indecomposable 1‐factorization of , where , , p prime.
Sustainable approach to biotransform industrial sludge into organic fertilizer via vermicomposting: a mini‐review
Authors: Lee Leong Hwee , Wu Ta Yeong , Shak Katrina Pui Yee , Lim Su Lin , Ng Kok Yew , Nguyen Minh N , Teoh Wen Hui
Published: October 2017

Currently, industrial sludge is generated in large amounts. Industrial sludge is a solid or semi‐solid material consisting of all compounds removed from wastewater, as well as any substances added to the biological and chemical operation units during the treatment process. The composition of sludge may vary considerably. Furthermore, distinctive treatment and disposal methods are necessary as sludge produced from different industries has different characteristics. Therefore, processing and disposing of industrial sludge is a challenging and complex environmental problem. Landfilling, incineration and agricultural land application are the three most commonly employed methods for the disposal of industrial sludge. Among the three methods, the agricultural land application is a convenient and economical disposal alternative for industrial sludge. However, industrial sludge could have high putrescible content and pathogenic hazards. One possible way to ensure that the industrial sludge could be reused on agricultural land is by conditioning and stabilizing the sludge using a pretreatment process. One of the pretreatment processes which could be employed in this context is vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is an alternative for biological stabilization of organic wastes, with the addition of earthworms. Through vermicomposting, industrial sludge could be transformed into matured organic fertilizer or vermicompost in a shorter period. Thus, this work reviewed the recent literature on utilizing the vermicomposting process to manage industrial sludge in order to assess the feasibility of this technology. The present review also provides a brief overview of the production and treatment methods of industrial sludge. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Intrinsically Disordered Proteome of Human Membrane‐Less Organelles
Authors: Darling April L. , Liu Yun , Oldfield Christopher J. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: October 2017

It is recognized now that various proteinaceous membrane‐less organelles (PMLOs) are commonly found in cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria of various eukaryotic cells (as well as in the chloroplasts of plant cells). Being different from the “traditional” membrane‐encapsulated organelles, such as chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, nucleus, and vacuoles, PMLOs solve the cellular need to facilitate and regulate molecular interactions via reversible and controllable isolation of target molecules in specialized compartments. PMLOs possess liquid‐like behavior and are believed to be formed as a result of biological liquid‐liquid phase transitions (LLPTs, also known as liquid‐liquid phase separation), where an intricate interplay between RNA and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or hybrid proteins containing ordered domains and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) may play an important role. This review analyzes the prevalence of intrinsic disorder in proteins associated with various PMLOs found in human cells and considers some of the functional roles of IDPs/IDPRs in biogenesis of these organelles.
Does gold cluster promote or scavenge radicals? A controversy at DFT
Authors: Ahmadi Aliakbar , Kassaee Mohammad Zaman , Fattahi Alireza
Published: October 2017

Anticancer character of gold cluster has been indicated through its free radical scavenging properties. This is in contrast to its free radical promoting ability suggested by other workers. Here, we address this controversy by probing the stabilizing effects of Au3 cluster on RO• vs its impacts on RO–H bond dissociation enthalpy, at B3LYP/ LACVP+* level (R═H, methyl, ethyl, n‐propyl, i‐propyl, n‐butyl, t‐butyl, and phenyl). In the presence of Au3 cluster, bond dissociation enthalpy of O–H bond and the spin density at the RO• oxygen are reduced dramatically. These are clear evidences for both the Au3 facilitation of the RO–H bond breakage and its scavenging of RO• radical. Since O–Au anchoring bond is responsible for the interaction of Au3 cluster and ROH (or RO•), its nature was interpreted by means of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the natural bond orbital. The results indicate that O–Au bond is stronger and has more covalent character in RO•–Au3 than in ROH–Au3. The interaction of Au3 cluster with RO• is 1.5 to 3 times more than that with ROH. As a result, gold cluster scavenging property appears more prominent than its free radical initiation activity.
RCSB Protein Data Bank: Sustaining a living digital data resource that enables breakthroughs in scientific research and biomedical education
Authors: Burley Stephen K. , Berman Helen M. , Christie Cole , Duarte Jose M. , Feng Zukang , Westbrook John , Young Jasmine , Zardecki Christine
Published: October 2017

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is one of two archival resources for experimental data central to biomedical research and education worldwide (the other key Primary Data Archive in biology being the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration). The PDB currently houses >134,000 atomic level biomolecular structures determined by crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and 3D electron microscopy. It was established in 1971 as the first open‐access, digital‐data resource in biology, and is managed by the Worldwide Protein Data Bank partnership (wwPDB; wwpdb.org). US PDB operations are conducted by the RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB; RCSB.org; Rutgers University and UC San Diego) and funded by NSF, NIH, and DoE. The RCSB PDB serves as the global Archive Keeper for the wwPDB. During calendar 2016, >591 million structure data files were downloaded from the PDB by Data Consumers working in every sovereign nation recognized by the United Nations. During this same period, the RCSB PDB processed >5300 new atomic level biomolecular structures plus experimental data and metadata coming into the archive from Data Depositors working in the Americas and Oceania. In addition, RCSB PDB served >1 million RCSB.org users worldwide with PDB data integrated with ∼40 external data resources providing rich structural views of fundamental biology, biomedicine, and energy sciences, and >600,000 PDB101.rcsb.org educational website users around the globe. RCSB PDB resources are described in detail together with metrics documenting the impact of access to PDB data on basic and applied research, clinical medicine, education, and the economy.
On the interaction of observation and prior error correlations in data assimilation
Authors: Fowler A. M. , Dance S. L. , Waller J. A.
Published: October 2017

The importance of prior error correlations in data assimilation has long been known; however, observation‐error correlations have typically been neglected. Recent progress has been made in estimating and accounting for observation‐error correlations, allowing for the optimal use of denser observations. Given this progress, it is now timely to ask how prior and observation‐error correlations interact and how this affects the value of the observations in the analysis. Addressing this question is essential to understanding the optimal design of future observation networks for high‐resolution numerical weather prediction. This article presents new results, which unify and advance upon previous studies on this topic.

The interaction of the prior and observation‐error correlations is illustrated with a series of two‐variable experiments in which the mapping between the state and observed variables (the observation operator) is allowed to vary. In an optimal system, the reduction in the analysis‐error variance and spread of information is shown to be greatest when the observation and prior errors have complementary statistics: for example, in the case of direct observations, when the correlations between the observation and prior errors have opposite signs. This can be explained in terms of the relative uncertainty of the observations and prior on different spatial scales. The results from these simple two‐variable experiments are used to inform the optimal observation density for observations of a circular domain (with 32 grid points). It is found that dense observations are most beneficial when they provide a more accurate estimate of the state at smaller scales than the prior estimate. In the case of second‐order auto‐regressive correlation functions, this is achieved when the length‐scales of the observation‐error correlations are greater than those of the prior estimate and the observations are direct measurements of the state variables.
Theoretical study on inverse sandwiches [M(AIP)]2(C4H4) (M = V, Cr): High spin multiplicity of septet and nonet
Authors: Liu Nannan , Wang Jian
Published: October 2017

The experimental synthesis of quintet [V(AIP)]2(μ‐C6H6) and septet [Cr(AIP)]2(μ‐C6H6) analogues provide a new strategy to produce high spin multiplicity by utilizing inverse sandwiches. Aiming to design higher spin multiplicity, [M(AIP)]2(μ‐C4H4) (M = Cr, V) using C4H4 as central ligand are theoretically proposed. For [V(AIP)]2(μ‐C4H4), the most stable isomer group contains the septet and the open‐shell singlet isomers, which have three unpaired electrons on each V atoms. For [Cr(AIP)]2(μ‐C4H4), the most stable isomer group contains the septet and the nonet isomers, which have three and four unpaired electrons on each Cr atoms, respectively. The dissociation energies indicate that the above [M(AIP)]2(μ‐C4H4) are as stable as the available [M(AIP)]2(μ‐C6H6). It would be a reasonable strategy using C4H4 as central ligand to induce the higher spin multiplicity of inverse sandwiches.
A random‐censoring Poisson model for underreported data
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme Lopes , Loschi Rosangela Helena , Assunção Renato Martins
Published: October 2017

A major challenge when monitoring risks in socially deprived areas of under developed countries is that economic, epidemiological, and social data are typically underreported. Thus, statistical models that do not take the data quality into account will produce biased estimates. To deal with this problem, counts in suspected regions are usually approached as censored information. The censored Poisson model can be considered, but all censored regions must be precisely known a priori, which is not a reasonable assumption in most practical situations. We introduce the random‐censoring Poisson model (RCPM) which accounts for the uncertainty about both the count and the data reporting processes. Consequently, for each region, we will be able to estimate the relative risk for the event of interest as well as the censoring probability. To facilitate the posterior sampling process, we propose a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme based on the data augmentation technique. We run a simulation study comparing the proposed RCPM with 2 competitive models. Different scenarios are considered. RCPM and censored Poisson model are applied to account for potential underreporting of early neonatal mortality counts in regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, where data quality is known to be poor.
Impact of Carbon Nanostructures as Additives with Spinel Li4Ti5O12/LiMn2O4 Electrodes for Lithium Ion Battery Technology
Authors: Gangaja Binitha , Reddy Kasireddy Siva , Nair Shantikumar , Santhanagopalan Dhamodaran
Published: October 2017

Spinel structured nanomaterials have shown good stability for lithium ion storage applications. Among all, Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode and LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode is a potential combination for high energy and high power applications. In the present work, we utilize this specific combination to fabricate full‐cells in combination with carbon nanostructures as additives. Typically, 20–25 nm sized LTO and 200–500 nm sized LMO nanoparticle electrodes are composited with carbon nanostructures including, carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon black (CB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). High rate performance of respective half‐cells (lithium metal as counter electrode) of LTO and LMO are tested up to 50C. It was found that half‐cells with CNT additive retained almost 80% of its 1C rate capacity at 50C rate. Also both the electrodes exhibited 1000 cycles stability with retention of about 80% at 10C rate cycling. Using these CNT additive based electrodes, a full‐cell fabricated and tested exhibited high capacity and stable cycling over 500 cycles at 1000 mA/g specific current. The full‐cell delivered power density of about 2310 W/kg and energy density of about 140 Wh/kg that can be further improved for high power Li‐ion battery technology.
A Novel Construction of Lentiviral Vectors for Eliminating Tumorigenic Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ide Kanako , Mitsui Kaoru , Irie Rie , Matsushita Yohei , Ijichi Nobuhiro , Toyodome Soichiro , Kosai Ken-ichiro
Published: October 2017

The risk of tumor formation poses a challenge for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based transplantation therapy. Specific and total elimination of tumorigenic hPSCs by suicide genes (SGs) has not been achieved because no methodology currently exists for testing multiple candidate transgene constructs. Here, we present a novel method for efficient generation of tumorigenic cell-targeting lentiviral vectors (TC-LVs) with diverse promoters upstream of a fluorescent protein and SGs. Our two-plasmid system achieved rapid and simultaneous construction of different TC-LVs with different promoters. Ganciclovir (GCV) exerted remarkable cytotoxicity in herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase-transduced hPSCs, and high specificity for undifferentiated cells was achieved using the survivin promoter (TC-LV.Surv). Moreover, GCV treatment completely abolished teratoma formation by TC-LV.Surv-infected hPSCs transplanted into mice, without harmful effects. Thus, TC-LV can efficiently identify the best promoter and SG for specific and complete elimination of tumorigenic hPSCs, facilitating the development of safe regenerative medicine.
Reliability‐based evaluation of bond strength for tensed lapped joints and anchorages in new and existing reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Mancini Giuseppe , Carbone Vincenzo I. , Bertagnoli Gabriele , Gino Diego
Published: October 2017

The definition of design equations from semi‐empirical or empirical models is a matter of fundamental importance in structural engineering. The direct application of partial safety factors for materials strength in such models is not appropriate in order to obtain design formulations coherent with some level of reliability, as empirical or semi‐empirical formulations are calibrated adjusting empirical coefficients to fit a set of experimental data. Therefore, applying partial safety factors on material properties alone does not allow a correct estimation of structural reliability. In this paper, a reliability‐based design bond strength relationship for tensed lapped joints and anchorages in reinforced concrete structures is derived applying a consistent reliability format. The semi‐empirical model for mean laps and anchorages strength calculation proposed in fib Bulletin No 72 is studied. The probabilistic calibration of this model is performed defining the related model uncertainties, grounding on an extensive experimental database and distinguishing between new and existing structures. As a conclusion, the design expression for bond strength proposed by the authors is compared to current standards and its implications in laps and anchorage design in reinforced concrete structures are analyzed.
Using the QSPR Approach for Estimating the Density of Azole‐based Energetic Compounds
Authors: Zohari Narges , Abrishami Fatemeh , Zeynali Vida
Published: October 2017

The relationship between density of energetic azole‐based compounds and their molecular structure is investigated through quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) approach. The methodology of this work introduces a new model, which related density of azole‐based energetic compounds to the optimum elemental composition, the degree of unsaturation (DoU) of the compounds, presence of nitroimino group in the structural formula, as well as several non‐additive structural parameters. The presence of nitroimino functional group and also increasing the value of nO/nN in the formula of these compounds can enhance their density. The correlation is derived on the basis of experimental density values of 100 azole‐based energetic compounds with different molecular structure as training set. The determination coefficient of the new correlation is 0.923. Also, it has the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and the average absolute deviation (AAD) of 0.038 and 0.030 g·cm–3, respectively. In addition, the correlation gives good predictions for further 25 azole‐based energetic compounds as test set (Q2EXT = 0.901). The predictive ability of the correlation is checked using a cross validation method (Q2LMO = 0.918). The proposed method can also apply for designing novel azole‐based energetic compounds.
The minimal flavour violating axion
Authors: Arias-Aragón F. , Merlo L.
Published: October 2017

Abstract

The solution to the Strong CP problem is analysed within the Minimal Flavour Violation (MFV) context. An Abelian factor of the complete flavour symmetry of the fermionic kinetic terms may play the role of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry in traditional axion models. Its spontaneous breaking, due to the addition of a complex scalar field to the Standard Model scalar spectrum, generates the MFV axion, which may redefine away the QCD theta parameter. It differs from the traditional QCD axion for its couplings that are governed by the fermion charges under the axial Abelian symmetry. It is also distinct from the so-called Axiflavon, as the MFV axion does not describe flavour violation, while it does induce flavour non-universality effects. The MFV axion phenomenology is discussed considering astrophysical, collider and flavour data.
Alterations in inter‐alpha inhibitor protein expression after hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Disdier Clémence , Zhang Jiyong , Fukunaga Yuki , Lim Yow‐Pin , Qiu Joseph , Santoso Andre , Stonestreet Barbara S.
Published: October 2017

Hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury is frequently associated with premature and/or full‐term birth‐related complications that reflect widespread damage to cerebral cortical structures. Inflammation has been implicated in the long‐term evolution and severity of HI brain injury. Inter‐Alpha Inhibitor Proteins (IAIPs) are immune modulator proteins that are reduced in systemic neonatal inflammatory states. We have shown that endogenous IAIPs are present in neurons, astrocytes and microglia and that exogenous treatment with human plasma purified IAIPs decreases neuronal injury and improves behavioral outcomes in neonatal rats with HI brain injury. In addition, we have shown that endogenous IAIPs are reduced in the brain of the ovine fetus shortly after ischemic injury. However, the effect of HI on changes in circulating and endogenous brain IAIPs has not been examined in neonatal rats. In the current study, we examined changes in endogenous IAIPs in the systemic circulation and brain of neonatal rats after exposure to HI brain injury. Postnatal day 7 rats were exposed to right carotid artery ligation and 8% oxygen for 2 h. Sera were obtained immediately, 3, 12, 24, and 48 h and brains 3 and 24 h after HI. IAIPs levels were determined by a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sera and by Western immunoblots in cerebral cortices. Serum IAIPs were decreased 3 h after HI and remained lower than in non‐ischemic rats up to 7 days after HI. IAIP expression increased in the ipsilateral cerebral cortices 24 h after HI brain injury and in the hypoxic contralateral cortices. However, 3 h after hypoxia alone the 250 kDa IAIP moiety was reduced in the contralateral cortices. We speculate that changes in endogenous IAIPs levels in blood and brain represent constituents of endogenous anti‐inflammatory neuroprotective mechanism(s) after HI in neonatal rats.
Radiocarbon Suggests the Hemiparasitic Annual Melampyrum Lineare Desr. May Acquire Carbon from Stressed Hosts
Authors: Nave Lucas E , Heckman Katherine A , Muñoz Alexandra B , Swanston Christopher W
Published: October 2017

Hemiparasitic plants obtain water and solutes from their hosts, but much remains to be learned about these transfers. We used a forest girdling experiment to investigate how leaf gas exchange, carbon and nitrogen cycling in the root hemiparasite Melampyrum lineare Desr. responded to disturbance and changes in physiology of potential host trees. By preventing belowground C allocation by 35% of the canopy, girdling decreased the starch and soluble sugar contents of bulk forest floor fine roots. Photosynthetic rates of M. lineare were statistically significantly lower in the girdled plot, but their hypothesized drivers (foliar N, stomatal conductance and transpiration) had no statistically significant differences between girdled and non-girdled plots. However, M. lineare in the girdled plot had higher foliar C concentrations and Δ14C than in the control plot, suggesting possible photosynthetic down-regulation in the girdled plot due to influx of older (e.g., host-derived) C into the leaves of M. lineare. Within the girdled plot (but not the control plot), M. lineare foliar C concentrations were positively correlated with foliar Δ14C and δ15N, suggesting that M. lineare may respond to changes in both C and N biogeochemistry during the decline of dominant canopy species.
In vitro anthelmintic and cytotoxic activities of extracts of Persea willdenovii Kosterm (Lauraceae)
Authors: Rosa S.S. Santa , Santos F.O. , Lima H.G. , Reis I.M.A. , Cassiano D.S.A. , Vieira I.J.C. , Braz-Filho R. , Uzeda R.S. , Botura M.B. , Branco A. , Batatinha M.J.M.
Published: October 2017

This study describes the effects of extracts and fractions of Persea willdenovii leaves against goat gastrointestinal nematodes and their cytotoxicity on Vero cells. The in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal activities of the crude ethanolic, hexane, ethyl acetate (EAE), butanolic and residual hydroethanolic extracts were assessed through the inhibition of egg hatching and larval motility assays. The most active extract (EAE) was then fractionated by chromatography in an open column containing silica gel, to furnish six fractions (Fr1–Fr6), which were also tested. The cytotoxicity of active extracts and fractions was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and trypan blue exclusion assay. The EAE and two fractions (Fr1 and Fr2) showed inhibitory activity in the egg hatching of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats in a concentration-dependent manner. The effective concentrations for 50% inhibition (EC50) of egg hatching were 2.3, 0.12 and 2.94 mg/ml for EAE, Fr1 and Fr2, respectively. All extracts and fractions were not effective in inhibiting 50% of motility of infective larvae. EAE and Fr2 had IC50 values (50% inhibitory concentration) of 4.95 and 2.66 mg/ml, respectively. Fr1 showed a slight cytotoxic effect (cellular inviability <30%) only after 48 h of treatment (MTT test). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed the presence of six fatty acid ethyl esters, a fatty acid methyl ester and a long-chain ketone in the most active fraction. These constituents identified in P. willdenovii can be related to the high ovicidal activity and relatively non-toxic effect of the extracts.
Multiculturalism, Legal Pluralism and Local Government in Colombia: Indigenous Autonomy and Institutional Embeddedness in Karmata Rúa, Antioquia
Authors: VELASCO MARCELA
Published: October 2017

In the 1990s, Colombia decentralised politics and passed multicultural reforms as part of wider strategies to strengthen the state. Multiculturalism produced a complex institutional environment marked by jurisdictional overlap and legal plurality. The literature on Colombia's multiculturalism confirms that violence, indigenous rights abuses and the lack of enabling legislation on indigenous territorial entities limited ethno-political autonomy and instead enhanced the capacity of the state to transform indigenous identity and bureaucratise local decision-making practices. However, some indigenous authorities used the new institutions to take control of communal matters, changing local governments along the way. The better-known case of indigenous self-government is that of the Nasa people in Cauca, characterised by the capture of local institutions to advance ethnic rights. In my study of the Embera Chamí of Karmata Rúa (Antioquia) I argue that they represent an alternative approach centred on institutional embeddedness, or the repetition of ethnic autonomy rules by multiple layers of government.
Circadian rhythms, nutrition and implications for longevity in urban environments
Authors: Froy O.
Published: October 2017

Presently, about 12% of the population is 65 years or older and by the year 2030 that figure is expected to reach 21%. In order to promote the well-being of the elderly and to reduce the costs associated with health care demands, increased longevity should be accompanied by ageing attenuation. Energy restriction, which limits the amount of energy consumed to 60–70% of the daily intake, and intermittent fasting, which allows the food to be availablead libitumevery other day, extend the life span of mammals and prevent or delay the onset of major age-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cataracts. Recently, we have shown that well-being can be achieved by resetting of the circadian clock and induction of robust catabolic circadian rhythmsviatimed feeding. In addition, the clock mechanism regulates metabolism and major metabolic proteins are key factors in the core clock mechanism. Therefore, it is necessary to increase our understanding of circadian regulation over metabolism and longevity and to design new therapies based on this regulation. This review will explore the present data in the field of circadian rhythms, ageing and metabolism.
TAKING PATIENT HETEROGENEITY AND PREFERENCES INTO ACCOUNT IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Kievit Wietske , Tummers Marcia , van Hoorn Ralph , Booth Andrew , Mozygemba Kati , Refolo Pietro , Sacchini Dario , Pfadenhauer Lisa , Gerhardus Ansgar , Van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: October 2017

Objectives: The INTEGRATE-HTA project provided methodology to evaluate complex technologies. This study provides guidance on how to retrieve and critically appraise available evidence on moderators and predictors of treatment effects and on patient preferences for treatment outcomes as a source of complexity.

Methods: Search filters for PubMed were developed by hand-searching a large volume of articles reporting on relevant aspects. Search terms were retrieved from selected papers and algorithmically combined to find the optimal combination of search terms. For the development of the appraisal checklists literature was searched in PubMed and Google Scholar together with citation chasing. For the CHecklist for the Appraisal of Moderators and Predictors (CHAMP) a Delphi procedure was used to value a set of eligible appraisal criteria retrieved from the literature.

Results: Search filters were developed optimized for different accuracy measures. The final version of CHAMP consists of a seventeen questions covering the design, analysis, results and transferability of results of moderator and predictor analysis. The final checklist for appraisal of literature on patient preferences for treatment outcomes consist of six questions meant to help the user to identify relevant quality issues together with a guidance toward existing tools concerning the appraisal of specific preference elicitation methods.

Conclusions: Incorporating knowledge on subgroups for whom a specific treatment will produce more benefit holds the promise of better targeting and, ultimately, enhancing overall effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare technology. Finally, incorporating information on preferences for treatment outcomes will foster health technology assessment that addresses outcomes that are important to patients.
The blinkered discipline?: Martti Koskenniemi and interdisciplinary approaches to international law
Authors: Roth-Isigkeit David
Published: October 2017

This article is concerned with the debate about interdisciplinary methods in international law, in particular the turn to International Relations. It finds the historical critique of Martti Koskenniemi grounded in a more methodological issue: the turn toward a redefinition of norm properties impedes on the critical discursive quality of law. Shaping this historical critique into a research question that allows for meaningful engagement, the article discusses Koskenniemi’s charges drawing on recent constructivist scholarship. Giving an account of what it means to be ‘obliged’ to obey the law, this article defends the coherence of Koskenniemi’s position and suggests that we should take the critique of the interdisciplinary project between law and International Relations seriously. While it agrees that a significant part of the discourse fails to appreciate the particularities of the law, it suggests that understanding legal obligations requires taking the institutional autonomy of the law into account. Respecting this autonomy, in turn, points to a multi- instead of an interdisciplinary project. The reflexive formalist conception of the law that this article advocates captures the obligating nature of the law, independent of the normative content of particular rules.
Temporal profiles of avalanches on networks
Authors: Gleeson James P. , Durrett Rick
Published: October 2017

An avalanche or cascade occurs when one event causes one or more subsequent events, which in turn may cause further events in a chain reaction. Avalanching dynamics are studied in many disciplines, with a recent focus on average avalanche shapes, i.e., the temporal profiles of avalanches of fixed duration. At the critical point of the dynamics, the rescaled average avalanche shapes for different durations collapse onto a single universal curve. We apply Markov branching process theory to derive an equation governing the average avalanche shape for cascade dynamics on networks. Analysis of the equation at criticality demonstrates that nonsymmetric average avalanche shapes (as observed in some experiments) occur for certain combinations of dynamics and network topology. We give examples using numerical simulations of models for information spreading, neural dynamics, and behavior adoption and we propose simple experimental tests to quantify whether cascading systems are in the critical state.
Quantifying the benefit of a proteome reserve in fluctuating environments
Authors: Mori Matteo , Schink Severin , Erickson David W. , Gerland Ulrich , Hwa Terence
Published: October 2017

The overexpression of proteins is a major burden for fast-growing bacteria. Paradoxically, recent characterization of the proteome ofEscherichia colifound many proteins expressed in excess of what appears to be optimal for exponential growth. Here, we quantitatively investigate the possibility that this overexpression constitutes a strategic reserve kept by starving cells to quickly meet demand upon sudden improvement in growth conditions. For cells exposed to repeated famine-and-feast cycles, we derive a simple relation between the duration of feast and the allocation of the ribosomal protein reserve to maximize the overall gain in biomass during the feast.
Optimal coding and neuronal adaptation in economic decisions
Authors: Rustichini Aldo , Conen Katherine E. , Cai Xinying , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: October 2017

During economic decisions, offer value cells in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) encode the values of offered goods. Furthermore, their tuning functions adapt to the range of values available in any given context. A fundamental and open question is whether range adaptation is behaviorally advantageous. Here we present a theory of optimal coding for economic decisions. We propose that the representation of offer values is optimal if it ensures maximal expected payoff. In this framework, we examine offer value cells in non-human primates. We show that their responses are quasi-linear even when optimal tuning functions are highly non-linear. Most importantly, we demonstrate that for linear tuning functions range adaptation maximizes the expected payoff. Thus value coding in OFC is functionally rigid (linear tuning) but parametrically plastic (range adaptation with optimal gain). Importantly, the benefit of range adaptation outweighs the cost of functional rigidity. While generally suboptimal, linear tuning may facilitate transitive choices.