bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Template Mediated Sustainable Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Zeolite with Significantly Improved Catalytic Activity
Authors: Rani Poonam , Satpati Biswarup , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: March 2017

A novel, natural template mediated, one‐step, direct synthesis route was developed for the preparation of nanocrystalline zeolites. Bio‐template (pollen grains and yeast) was used along with a microporous zeolite structure director to obtain nanocrystalline ZSM‐5. Nanocrystalline ZSM‐5 exhibited large surface area, pore volume and intercrystalline mesopores when compared to the conventional ZSM‐5. Bio‐template (containing different functional groups) cooperatively participated in the zeolite crystallization process with the assistance of microporous zeolite structure director to form nanocrystalline ZSM‐5 framework, while the cell walls of the bio‐templates exerted an influence on restraining the growth of zeolite nanoparticles. Bio‐template mediated synthesis strategy of the present investigation was extended for the preparation of other related materials such as silicalite, zirconosilicate, and titanosilicate. Nanocrystalline ZSM‐5 and metallosilicates exhibited excellent catalytic activities involving large organic molecules, which are important for the synthesis of a wide range of industrially important fine chemicals.
A review of multivariate distributions for count data derived from the Poisson distribution
Authors: Inouye David I. , Yang Eunho , Allen Genevera I. , Ravikumar Pradeep
Published: March 2017

The Poisson distribution has been widely studied and used for modeling univariate count‐valued data. However, multivariate generalizations of the Poisson distribution that permit dependencies have been far less popular. Yet, real‐world, high‐dimensional, count‐valued data found in word counts, genomics, and crime statistics, for example, exhibit rich dependencies and motivate the need for multivariate distributions that can appropriately model this data. We review multivariate distributions derived from the univariate Poisson, categorizing these models into three main classes: (1) where the marginal distributions are Poisson, (2) where the joint distribution is a mixture of independent multivariate Poisson distributions, and (3) where the node‐conditional distributions are derived from the Poisson. We discuss the development of multiple instances of these classes and compare the models in terms of interpretability and theory. Then, we empirically compare multiple models from each class on three real‐world datasets that have varying data characteristics from different domains, namely traffic accident data, biological next generation sequencing data, and text data. These empirical experiments develop intuition about the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each class of multivariate distribution that was derived from the Poisson. Finally, we suggest new research directions as explored in the subsequent Discussion section.WIREs Comput Stat2017, 9:e1398. doi: 10.1002/wics.1398

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Effects of UPR and ERAD pathway on the prolyl endopeptidase production in Pichia pastoris by controlling of nitrogen source
Authors: Wang Xiao-Dong , Jiang Ting , Yu Xiao-Wei , Xu Yan
Published: March 2017

Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) is very useful in various industries, while the high cost of enzyme production remains a major obstacle for its industrial applications. Pichia pastoris has been used for the PEP production; however, the fermentation process has not be investigated and little is known about the impact of excessive PEP production on the host cell physiology. Here, we optimized the nitrogen source to improve the PEP expression level and further evaluated the cellular response including UPR and ERAD. During methanol induction phase the PEP activity (1583 U/L) was increased by 1.48-fold under the optimized nitrogen concentration of NH4+ (300 mmol/L) and casamino acids [1.0% (w/v)] in a 3-L bioreactor. Evaluated by RT-PCR the UPR and ERAD pathways were confirmed to be activated. Furthermore, a strong decrease of ERAD-related gene transcription was observed with the addition of nitrogen source, which contributed to a higher PEP expression level.
A New Strategy for Quantitative Proportions in Complex Systems of Blended Oils by Triacyglycerols and Chemometrics Tools
Authors: Yang Hong , Tong Pei‐Jin , Jiang Yuan‐Rong , Cao Wen‐Ming , Wang Xi‐Chang , Wei Ting‐Ting , Li Tong , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Yi‐Ming , Zhou Chuan , Ding Zhuo‐Ping , Zhang Yu‐Quan
Published: March 2017

Many oils sold in China and India are a blend of various oils to improve performance, stability, and nutritional characteristics, which are required in their respective markets. Quantitative analysis of the proportions of constitutive components is fundamental to the conformity and adulteration checking of edible blended oil products. A multi linear regression model with constrained linear least squares and exhaustion calculation was applied in this study. The source of the varieties in the model is a database (614 pure oils) of triacylglycerols (TAGs) collected by GC–FID and HPLC–RID. There were 20 groups of binary and ternary blended oils consisting of two or three oils out of five kinds, namely soybean, corn, peanut, rapeseed, and sunflower, which were analyzed and processed separately. Results showed that the method was able to predict the proportions of constitutive components in the edible blended oils, given that relative errors required less than 20%, the accuracy was 98.2% for the binary system if the proportion of each oil in blended oils was more than 20%, while the accuracy was 84.7% for the ternary system if the proportion of each oil in blended oils was more than 10%. The quantitative method is based on a simple analysis to determine the TAGs composition and thus it is useful for quick segregation and quality control of blended oils in routine analysis.
3-D axisymmetric subsonic flows with nonzero swirl for the compressible Euler–Poisson system
Authors: Bae Myoungjean , Weng Shangkun
Published: March 2017

We address the structural stability of 3-D axisymmetric subsonic flows with nonzero swirl for the steady compressible Euler–Poisson system in a cylinder supplemented with non-small boundary data. A special Helmholtz decomposition of the velocity field is introduced for 3-D axisymmetric flow with a nonzero swirl (= angular momentum density) component. With the newly introduced decomposition, a quasilinear elliptic system of second order is derived from the elliptic modes in Euler–Poisson system for subsonic flows. Due to the nonzero swirl, the main difficulties lie in the solvability of a singular elliptic equation which concerns the angular component of the vorticity in its cylindrical representation, and in analysis of streamlines near the axis

r = 0

.
Science Writing in Greco-Roman Antiquity
Authors: Taub Liba
Published: March 2017

We access Greek and Roman scientific ideas mainly through those texts which happen to survive. By concentrating only on the ideas conveyed, we may limit our understanding of the meaning of those ideas in their historical context. Through considering the diverse ways in which scientific ideas were communicated, in different types of texts, we can uncover otherwise hidden meanings and more fully comprehend the historical contexts in which those ideas were produced and shared, the aims of the authors and the expectations of ancient readers. Liba Taub explores the rich variety of formats used to discuss scientific, mathematical and technical subjects, from c.700 BCE to the sixth century CE. Each chapter concentrates on a particular genre - poetry, letter, encyclopaedia, commentary and biography - offering an introduction to Greek and Roman scientific ideas, while using a selection of ancient writings to focus on the ways in which we encounter them.
Seneca on Surpassing God
Authors: AIKIN SCOTT
Published: March 2017

Seneca twice argues that the wise person (sapiens) outstrips or surpasses (antecedat) God. On its face, this claim seems both starkly impossible and rankly impious, the kind of thought antithetical to Stoic wisdom. However, a case may be made that the thought is a natural outgrowth of Stoicism's value theory and is part of the broader Stoic aspirational ethical program.
Dynamics of a small gap gas lubricated bearing with Navier slip boundary conditions
Authors: Bailey N. Y. , Hibberd S. , Power H.
Published: March 2017

A gas lubricated bearing model is derived which is appropriate for a very small bearing face separation by including velocity slip boundary conditions and centrifugal inertia effects. The bearing dynamics is examined when an external harmonic force is imposed on the bearing due to the bearing being situated within a larger complex dynamical system. A compressible Reynolds equation is formulated for the gas film which is coupled to the bearing structure through an axial force balance where the rotor and stator correspond to spring–mass–damper systems. Surface slip boundary conditions are derived on the bearing faces, characterised by the slip length parameter. The coupled bearing system is analysed using a stroboscopic map solver with the modified Reynolds equation and structural equations solved simultaneously. For a sufficiently large forcing amplitude a flapping motion of the bearing faces is induced when the rotor and stator are in close proximity. The minimum bearing gap over the time period of the external forcing is examined for a range of bearing parameters.
‘All the corridors are the same’: a qualitative study of the orientation experiences and design preferences of UK older adults living in a communal retirement development
Authors: O'MALLEY MARY , INNES ANTHEA , MUIR SARAH , WIENER JAN M.
Published: March 2017

Environments need to be designed such that they support successful orientation for older adults and those with dementia who often experience marked difficulties in their orientation abilities. To better understand how environments can compensate for decreasing orientation skills, voice should be given directly to those experiencing dementia to describe how they find their way and to understand their design preferences. This study explored the navigational experiences and design preferences of older adults with memory difficulties living in a retirement development. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 older adults experiencing memory difficulties were conducted. All participants were residents of one retirement development in the United Kingdom. Questions began broadly, for example, to describe their experiences of navigating in their living environment, before discussing any specific navigation difficulties in detail. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: highlighting environmental design that causes disorientation, strategies to overcome disorientation, and residents’ suggestions to improve the design. The design suggestions were particularly informative, heavily focusing on the importance of having memorable and meaningful spaces which were favoured more than signage as an orientation aid. The findings demonstrate the need to consider environmental design to support orientation for those with memory difficulties. Of particular importance is the use of meaningful and relevant landmarks as orientation aids which can additionally stimulate conversation and increase wellbeing. Given the range of suggestions in dementia-friendly design guidelines aimed to support orientation, it is crucial to speak directly to those living in different environments to learn how they find their way around and what design works in their environment.
The policies, practices and predicaments of senior employment in Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: HIGGINS PAUL , VYAS LINA
Published: March 2017

The ageing of populations is an unprecedented worldwide phenomenon that has created anxiety about labour and skill shortages in many developed countries. One way to address these concerns is to extend the working lives of seniors through appropriate retirement, retention and recruitment policies. This paper utilises official policy documentation and employment data to compare the policies, practices and predicaments of senior employment in Hong Kong and Singapore, two of developed Asia's most ageing economies. It finds that while labour force participation rates among Hong Kong seniors have declined since the early 1990s, older workers in Singapore remain largely confined to the secondary labour market. This paper examines why these trends are occurring and whether longer working lives will lead to greater opportunities for ‘active ageing’ in employment or, conversely, force older workers into a reserve army of labour to maintain their incomes.
Perceived Family Cohesion Moderates Environmental Influences on Prosocial Behavior in Nigerian Adolescent Twins
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Taylor Jeanette , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Park Min-Seo , Haberstick Brett C.
Published: March 2017

Research shows that perceived family cohesion is positively related to prosocial behavior in adolescents. In this study, we investigated heritability of prosocial behavior (PB) and perceived family cohesion (FC) among Nigerian twins attending public schools in Lagos State, Nigeria (mean age = 14.7 years, SD = 1.7 years), and explored the issue of whether children's perception of cohesive family environment moderated genetic and environmental influences on (PB). The PB scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the FC scale of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III were completed by 2,376 twins (241 monozygotic (MZ) male, 354 MZ female, 440 dizygotic (DZ) male, 553 DZ female, and 788 opposite-sex DZ twins). A general sex-limitation and the bivariate genotype by environment interaction (G×E) models were applied to the data. The general sex-limitation model showed no significant sex differences, indicating that additive genetic and non-shared environmental influences were, 38% (95% CI = 31, 46) and 62% (95% CI = 54, 69) for PB and 33% (95% CI = 24, 40) and 67% (95% CI = 60, 76) for FC in both sexes. These estimates were similar to those found in Western and Asian twin studies to date. The correlation between PB and FC was 0.36. The best-fitting bivariate G×E model indicated that FC significantly moderated non-shared environmental influence unique to PB (E×E interaction). Specifically, non-shared environmental contributions to PB were highest when FC was lowest, and decreased as the levels of FC increased. However, genetic variances in PB were stable across all levels of FC. These findings suggest that FC reduces individual differences in PB by changing non-shared environmental experiences rather than genetic factors in PB.
A redox-mediated Kemp eliminase
Authors: Li Aitao , Wang Binju , Ilie Adriana , Dubey Kshatresh D. , Bange Gert , Korendovych Ivan V. , Shaik Sason , Reetz Manfred T.
Published: March 2017

The acid/base-catalysed Kemp elimination of 5-nitro-benzisoxazole forming 2-cyano-4-nitrophenol has long served as a design platform of enzymes with non-natural reactions, providing new mechanistic insights in protein science. Here we describe an alternative concept based on redox catalysis by P450-BM3, leading to the same Kemp product via a fundamentally different mechanism. QM/MM computations show that it involves coordination of the substrate’s N-atom to haem-Fe(II) with electron transfer and concomitant N–O heterolysis liberating an intermediate having a nitrogen radical moiety Fe(III)–N· and a phenoxyl anion. Product formation occurs by bond rotation and H-transfer. Two rationally chosen point mutations cause a notable increase in activity. The results shed light on the prevailing mechanistic uncertainties in human P450-catalysed metabolism of the immunomodulatory drug leflunomide, which likewise undergoes redox-mediated Kemp elimination by P450-BM3. Other isoxazole-based pharmaceuticals are probably also metabolized by a redox mechanism. Our work provides a basis for designing future artificial enzymes.
Heterogeneity in homogeneous nucleation from billion-atom molecular dynamics simulation of solidification of pure metal
Authors: Shibuta Yasushi , Sakane Shinji , Miyoshi Eisuke , Okita Shin , Takaki Tomohiro , Ohno Munekazu
Published: March 2017

Can completely homogeneous nucleation occur? Large scale molecular dynamics simulations performed on a graphics-processing-unit rich supercomputer can shed light on this long-standing issue. Here, a billion-atom molecular dynamics simulation of homogeneous nucleation from an undercooled iron melt reveals that some satellite-like small grains surrounding previously formed large grains exist in the middle of the nucleation process, which are not distributed uniformly. At the same time, grains with a twin boundary are formed by heterogeneous nucleation from the surface of the previously formed grains. The local heterogeneity in the distribution of grains is caused by the local accumulation of the icosahedral structure in the undercooled melt near the previously formed grains. This insight is mainly attributable to the multi-graphics processing unit parallel computation combined with the rapid progress in high-performance computational environments.
Influence of Nitric Oxide generated through microwave plasma on L6 skeletal muscle cell myogenesis via oxidative signaling pathways
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Shaw Priyanka , Uhm Han Sup , Choi Eun Ha , Attri Pankaj
Published: March 2017

Myogenic precursors are myoblasts that have a potency to differentiate into muscle fibers on injury and maintain the regenerative power of skeletal muscle. However, the roles of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) in muscle development and myoblast differentiation are largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of exogenous NO generated by a microwave plasma torch on rat myoblastic L6 cell proliferation and differentiation. We observed that the differentiation of L6 myogenic precursor cells into myotubes was significantly enhanced after NO treatment. The expression of the myogenesis marker proteins and mRNA level, such as myoD, myogenin, and myosin heavy chain (MHC), as well as the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level, were significantly increased after the NO treatment, without creating toxicity. Moreover, we observed that the oxidative stress signaling [extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (Erks), ﻿and Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)] phosphorylation was higher in NO treated cells than in the control cells [without NO treatment]. Therefore, these results reveal the exogenous NO role in regulating myoblast differentiation through the oxidative stress signaling pathway. Through this work, we can suggest that exogenous NO can help in cell differentiation and tissue regeneration, which provides new possibilities for plasma medicine.
The structures of a naturally empty cowpea mosaic virus particle and its genome-containing counterpart by cryo-electron microscopy
Authors: Hesketh Emma L. , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Thompson Rebecca F. , Lomonossoff George P. , Ranson Neil A.
Published: March 2017

Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) is a picorna-like plant virus. As well as an intrinsic interest in CPMV as a plant pathogen, CPMV is of major interest in biotechnology applications such as nanotechnology. Here, we report high resolution cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps of wild type CPMV containing RNA-2, and of naturally-formed empty CPMV capsids. The resolution of these structures is sufficient to visualise large amino acids. We have refined an atomic model for each map and identified an essential amino acid involved in genome encapsidation. This work has furthered our knowledge of Picornavirales genome encapsidation and will assist further work in the development of CPMV as a biotechnological tool.
Fast preparation of RG-I enriched ultra-low molecular weight pectin by an ultrasound accelerated Fenton process
Authors: Zhi Zijian , Chen Jianle , Li Shan , Wang Wenjun , Huang Rui , Liu Donghong , Ding Tian , Linhardt Robert John , Chen Shiguo , Ye Xingqian
Published: March 2017

Pectin, a natural polysaccharide found in the cell wall of most higher plant such as citrus, has drawn much attention due to its potential beneficial role in facilitating the treatment of many diseases like cancer, hyper cholesterol and diabetes. However, the broad application of pectin faces great limitations as the large molecular size of pectin severely prevents its bioavailability in vivo. In this study, we report an effective and highly convenient approach to degrade natural pectin into lower molecular pectin. By combining ultrasound with Fenton system (US-Fenton), we show that ultrasound synergistically enhances the efficiency of Fenton reaction to degrade pectin into 5.5 kDa within only 35 minutes. Importantly, RG-I domain, the most effective portion of natural pectin, was well preserved and highly enriched. In addition, the antioxidant activities of US-Fenton-treated pectin was significantly elevated. The mechanism of this novel observation was further investigated through the multiple structural analyses including HPLC, IR and NMR. Taken together, we present a novel and convenient approach to generate ultra-low molecular weight pectin with high efficiency and higher bioactivity. We expect our approach will have broader applications in improving the bioavailability and bioactivity of other polysaccharide-based natural compounds.
Fibrosis quantification in Hypertensive Heart Disease with LVH and Non-LVH: Findings from T1 mapping and Contrast-free Cardiac Diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Wu Lian-Ming , Wu Rui , Ou Yang-Rongzheng , Chen Bing-Hua , Yao Qiu-Ying , Lu Qing , Hu Jiani , Jiang Meng , An Dong-Aolei , Xu Jian-Rong
Published: March 2017

This study assessed the extent of fibrosis and the relationship between the ADC value and systolic strain in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN LVH) and hypertensive patients without LVH (HTN non-LVH) using cardiac diffusion-weighted imaging and T1 mapping. T1 mapping was performed in 13 HTN LVH (mean age, 56.23 ± 3.30 years), 17 HTN non-LVH (mean age, 56.41 ± 2.78 years), and 12 normal control subjects (mean age, 55.67 ± 3.08 years) with 3.0 T MRI using cardiac diffusion-weighted imaging and T1 mapping. HTN LVH subjects had higher native T1 (1233.12 ± 79.01) compared with controls (1133.88 ± 27.40) (p < 0.05). HTN LVH subjects had higher ECV (0.28 ± 0.03) compared with HTN non-LVH subjects (0.26 ± 0.02) or controls (0.24 ± 0.03) (p < 0.05). HTN LVH subjects had higher ADC (2.23 ± 0.34) compared with HTN non-LVH subjects (1.88 ± 0.27) or controls (1.61 ± 0.38), (p < 0.05). Positive associations were noted between LVMI and ADC (Spearman = 0.450, p < 0.05) and between LVMI and ECV (Spearman = 0.181, p < 0.05). ADC was also related to an increase in ECV (R2 = 0.210). Increased levels of ADC were associated with reduced peak systolic and early diastolic circumferential strain rates across all subjects. Contrast-free DW-CMR is an alternative sequence to ECV for the evaluation of fibrosis extent in HTN LVH and HTN non-LVH, while native T1 has limited value.
Electron momentum densities near Dirac cones: Anisotropic Umklapp scattering and momentum broadening
Authors: Hiraoka N. , Nomura T.
Published: March 2017

The relationship between electron momentum densities (EMDs) and a band gap is clarified in momentum space. The interference between wavefunctions via reciprocal lattice vectors, making a band gap in momentum space, causes the scattering of electrons from the first Brillouin zone to the other zones, so-called Umklapp scattering. This leads to the broadening of EMDs. A sharp drop of the EMD in the limit of a zero gap becomes broadened as the gap opens. The broadening is given by a simple quantity, E
g
/v
F
, where E
g
is the gap magnitude and v
F
the Fermi velocity. As the ideal case to see such an effect, we investigate the EMDs in graphene and graphite. They are basically semimetals, and their EMDs have a hexagonal shape enclosed in the first Brillouin zone. Since the gap is zero at Dirac points, a sharp drop exists at the corners (K/K’ points) while the broadening becomes significant away from K/K’s, showing the smoothest fall at the centers of the edges (M’s). In fact, this unique topology mimics a general variation of the EMDs across the metal-insulator transition in condensed matters. Such an anisotropic broadening effect is indeed observed by momentum-density-based experiments e.g. x-ray Compton scattering.
TRPV1 temperature activation is specifically sensitive to strong decreases in amino acid hydrophobicity
Authors: Sosa-Pagán Jason O. , Iversen Edwin S. , Grandl Jörg
Published: March 2017

Several transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels can be directly activated by hot or cold temperature with high sensitivity. However, the structures and molecular mechanism giving rise to their high temperature sensitivity are not fully understood. One hypothesized mechanism assumes that temperature activation is driven by the exposure of hydrophobic residues to solvent. This mechanism further predicts that residues are exposed to solvent in a coordinated fashion, but without necessarily being located in close proximity to each other. However, there is little experimental evidence supporting this mechanism in TRP channels. Here, we combined high-throughput mutagenesis, functional screening, and deep sequencing to identify mutations from a total of ~7,300 TRPV1 random mutant clones. We found that strong decreases in hydrophobicity of amino acids are better tolerated for activation by capsaicin than for activation by hot temperature, suggesting that strong hydrophobicity might be specifically required for temperature activation. Altogether, our work provides initial correlative support for a previously hypothesized temperature mechanism in TRP ion channels.
Blocking the Nav1.8 channel in the left stellate ganglion suppresses ventricular arrhythmia induced by acute ischemia in a canine model
Authors: Yu Lilei , Wang Menglong , Hu Dan , Huang Bing , Zhou Liping , Zhou Xiaoya , Wang Zhuo , Wang Songyun , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2017

Left stellate ganglion (LSG) hyperactivity promotes ischemia induced ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Blocking the Nav1.8 channel decreases neuron activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether blocking the Nav1.8 channel with its specific blocker A-803467 in the LSG reduces sympathetic activity and exerts anti-arrhythmic effects. Forty canines were divided into dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group and 10 mM, 15 mM, and 20 mM A-803467 groups. A volume of 0.1 ml of A-803467 or DMSO was injected into the LSG. The ventricular electrophysiological parameters, LSG function were measured before and 30 min after the injection. VA was assessed for 60 min after ischemia and then LSG tissues were collected for molecular biological experiments. Compared with DMSO, concentration-dependent prolonged action potential duration and effective refractory period, decreased LSG function were identified after A-803467 treatment. Moreover, the severity of ischemia induced VA was decreased in A-803467 groups. Furthermore, decreased nerve growth factor, decreased c-fos and increased sympathetic neuron apoptosis were found in the LSG after A-803467 injection. In conclusion, blocking the Nav1.8 channel could significantly attenuate ischemia-induced VA, primarily by suppressing LSG activity.
Noise-processing by signaling networks
Authors: Kontogeorgaki Styliani , Sánchez-García Rubén J. , Ewing Rob M. , Zygalakis Konstantinos C. , MacArthur Ben D.
Published: March 2017

Signaling networks mediate environmental information to the cell nucleus. To perform this task effectively they must be able to integrate multiple stimuli and distinguish persistent signals from transient environmental fluctuations. However, the ways in which signaling networks process environmental noise are not well understood. Here we outline a mathematical framework that relates a network’s structure to its capacity to process noise, and use this framework to dissect the noise-processing ability of signaling networks. We find that complex networks that are dense in directed paths are poor noise processors, while those that are sparse and strongly directional process noise well. These results suggest that while cross-talk between signaling pathways may increase the ability of signaling networks to integrate multiple stimuli, too much cross-talk may compromise the ability of the network to distinguish signal from noise. To illustrate these general results we consider the structure of the signalling network that maintains pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells, and find an incoherent feedforward loop structure involving Stat3, Tfcp2l1, Esrrb, Klf2 and Klf4 is particularly important for noise-processing. Taken together these results suggest that noise-processing is an important function of signaling networks and they may be structured in part to optimize this task.
Delta-radiomics features for the prediction of patient outcomes in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fave Xenia , Zhang Lifei , Yang Jinzhong , Mackin Dennis , Balter Peter , Gomez Daniel , Followill David , Jones Aaron Kyle , Stingo Francesco , Liao Zhongxing , Mohan Radhe , Court Laurence
Published: March 2017

Radiomics is the use of quantitative imaging features extracted from medical images to characterize tumor pathology or heterogeneity. Features measured at pretreatment have successfully predicted patient outcomes in numerous cancer sites. This project was designed to determine whether radiomics features measured from non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) change during therapy and whether those features (delta-radiomics features) can improve prognostic models. Features were calculated from pretreatment and weekly intra-treatment computed tomography images for 107 patients with stage III NSCLC. Pretreatment images were used to determine feature-specific image preprocessing. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify features that changed significantly with dose-fraction. Multivariate models were built for overall survival, distant metastases, and local recurrence using only clinical factors, clinical factors and pretreatment radiomics features, and clinical factors, pretreatment radiomics features, and delta-radiomics features. All of the radiomics features changed significantly during radiation therapy. For overall survival and distant metastases, pretreatment compactness improved the c-index. For local recurrence, pretreatment imaging features were not prognostic, while texture-strength measured at the end of treatment significantly stratified high- and low-risk patients. These results suggest radiomics features change due to radiation therapy and their values at the end of treatment may be indicators of tumor response.
Targeted rescue of cancer-associated IDH1 mutant activity using an engineered synthetic antibody
Authors: Rizk Shahir S. , Mukherjee Somnath , Koide Akiko , Koide Shohei , Kossiakoff Anthony A.
Published: March 2017

We have utilized a high-diversity phage display library to engineer antibody fragments (Fabs) that can modulate the activity of the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). We show that a conformation-specific Fab can reactivate an IDH1 mutant associated with brain tumors. The results show that this strategy is a first step towards developing “activator drugs” for a large number of genetic disorders where mutations have disrupted protein function.
Correction: Corrigendum: Doxorubicin-loaded platelets as a smart drug delivery system: An improved therapy for lymphoma
Authors: Xu Peipei , Zuo Huaqin , Chen Bing , Wang Ruju , Ahmed Arsalan , Hu Yong , Ouyang Jian
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 42632; published online: 15 February 2017; updated: 28 March 2017 This Article contains a typographical error in the Results section, under the subheading “Therapeutic efficacy in vivo”, where: “For the DOX-platelet treated group, a continuous tumor suppression was observed during the whole experiment (Fig.
The VPS4 component of the ESCRT machinery plays an essential role in HPV infectious entry and capsid disassembly
Authors: Broniarczyk Justyna , Pim David , Massimi Paola , Bergant Martina , Goździcka-Józefiak Anna , Crump Colin , Banks Lawrence
Published: March 2017

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection involves multiple steps, from cell attachment, through endocytic trafficking towards the trans-Golgi network, and, ultimately, the entry into the nucleus during mitosis. An essential viral protein in infectious entry is the minor capsid protein L2, which engages different components of the endocytic sorting machinery during this process. The ESCRT machinery is one such component that seems to play an important role in the early stages of infection. Here we have analysed the role of specific ESCRT components in HPV infection, and we find an essential role for VPS4. Loss of VPS4 blocks infection with multiple PV types, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved critical step in infectious entry. Intriguingly, both L1 and L2 can interact with VPS4, and appear to be in complex with VPS4 during the early stages of virus infection. By using cell lines stably expressing a dominant-negative mutant form of VPS4, we also show that loss of VPS4 ATPase activity results in a marked delay in capsid uncoating, resulting in a defect in the endocytic transport of incoming PsVs. These results demonstrate that the ESCRT machinery, and in particular VPS4, plays a critical role in the early stages of PV infection.
Correction: Corrigendum: Two novel mutations in PRPF3 causing autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Zhong Zilin , Yan Ming , Sun Wan , Wu Zehua , Han Liyun , Zhou Zheng , Zheng Fang , Chen Jianjun
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37840; published online: 25 November 2016; updated: 28 March 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Ming Yan, which was incorrectly given as Min Yan. Additionally, in the original version of this Article, Ming Yan was incorrectly affiliated with “Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China”
A platform for high-throughput bioenergy production phenotype characterization in single cells
Authors: Kelbauskas Laimonas , Glenn Honor , Anderson Clifford , Messner Jacob , Lee Kristen B. , Song Ganquan , Houkal Jeff , Su Fengyu , Zhang Liqiang , Tian Yanqing , Wang Hong , Bussey Kimberly , Johnson Roger H. , Meldrum Deirdre R.
Published: March 2017

Driven by an increasing number of studies demonstrating its relevance to a broad variety of disease states, the bioenergy production phenotype has been widely characterized at the bulk sample level. Its cell-to-cell variability, a key player associated with cancer cell survival and recurrence, however, remains poorly understood due to ensemble averaging of the current approaches. We present a technology platform for performing oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification measurements of several hundreds to 1,000 individual cells per assay, while offering simultaneous analysis of cellular communication effects on the energy production phenotype. The platform comprises two major components: a tandem optical sensor for combined oxygen and pH detection, and a microwell device for isolation and analysis of single and few cells in hermetically sealed sub-nanoliter chambers. Our approach revealed subpopulations of cells with aberrant energy production profiles and enables determination of cellular response variability to electron transfer chain inhibitors and ion uncouplers.
Molecular dynamics simulations for mechanical properties of borophene: parameterization of valence force field model and Stillinger-Weber potential
Authors: Zhou Yu-Ping , Jiang Jin-Wu
Published: March 2017

While most existing theoretical studies on the borophene are based on first-principles calculations, the present work presents molecular dynamics simulations for the lattice dynamical and mechanical properties in borophene. The obtained mechanical quantities are in good agreement with previous first-principles calculations. The key ingredients for these molecular dynamics simulations are the two efficient empirical potentials developed in the present work for the interaction of borophene with low-energy triangular structure. The first one is the valence force field model, which is developed with the assistance of the phonon dispersion of borophene. The valence force field model is a linear potential, so it is rather efficient for the calculation of linear quantities in borophene. The second one is the Stillinger-Weber potential, whose parameters are derived based on the valence force field model. The Stillinger-Weber potential is applicable in molecular dynamics simulations of nonlinear physical or mechanical quantities in borophene.
Corrugated Textile based Triboelectric Generator for Wearable Energy Harvesting
Authors: Choi A Young , Lee Chang Jun , Park Jiwon , Kim Dogyun , Kim Youn Tae
Published: March 2017

Triboelectric energy harvesting has been applied to various fields, from large-scale power generation to small electronics. Triboelectric energy is generated when certain materials come into frictional contact, e.g., static electricity from rubbing a shoe on a carpet. In particular, textile-based triboelectric energy-harvesting technologies are one of the most promising approaches because they are not only flexible, light, and comfortable but also wearable. Most previous textile-based triboelectric generators (TEGs) generate energy by vertically pressing and rubbing something. However, we propose a corrugated textile-based triboelectric generator (CT-TEG) that can generate energy by stretching. Moreover, the CT-TEG is sewn into a corrugated structure that contains an effective air gap without additional spacers. The resulting CT-TEG can generate considerable energy from various deformations, not only by pressing and rubbing but also by stretching. The maximum output performances of the CT-TEG can reach up to 28.13 V and 2.71 μA with stretching and releasing motions. Additionally, we demonstrate the generation of sufficient energy from various activities of a human body to power about 54 LEDs. These results demonstrate the potential application of CT-TEGs for self-powered systems.
Efficient catalytic greenhouse gas-free hydrogen and aldehyde formation from aqueous alcohol solutions
Authors: Lohr Tracy L. , Mouat Aidan R. , Schweitzer Neil M. , Stair Peter C. , Delferro Massimiliano , Marks Tobin J.
Published: March 2017

Single-site molybdenum di-oxo catalyst generates hydrogen fuel from aqueous alcohols under mild conditions.
Highly efficient one-pot tandem Friedlander annulation and chemo-selective Csp3–H functionalization under calcium catalysis
Authors: Singh Garima , Yaragorla Srinivasarao
Published: March 2017

Highly efficient and regioselective Friedlander synthesis of 2-methyl-3-acyl quinolines and their chemoselective Csp3–H functionalization is described for the first time using Ca(OTf)2 as the sustainable catalyst under solvent free conditions with atom and step economy.
Organocatalytic synthesis of enantioenriched 1,2,4-triazolines containing a chiral quaternary carbon center
Authors: Zhang Li-Jun , Zhang Si-Xiang , Fu Li-Na , Li Xiao-Yun , Guo Qi-Xiang
Published: March 2017

A tertiary amine catalyzed asymmetric cyclization of isothiocyanates and azodicarboxylates towards the synthesis of chiral 1,2,4-triazolines has been described.
Simultaneous determination of glyoxal, methylglyoxal and diacetyl in beverages using vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with HPLC-DAD
Authors: Feng Ting-Ting , Xu Xian-Bing , Du Ming , Tan Ming-Qian , Qin Lei , Zhu Bei-Wei
Published: March 2017

A rapid and inexpensive clean-up method called vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (VALLME) was successfully applied to purify beverages (tea drinks, soft drinks and carbonated drinks) containing α-dicarbonyl compounds after derivatization with o-phenylenediamine.
Quantification of the amine value in aliphatic amine epoxy hardeners by using a reaction-based headspace gas chromatographic technique
Authors: Xie Wei-Qi , Gong Yi-Xian , Yu Kong-Xian
Published: March 2017

This work investigates a reaction-based and solvent-assisted HS-GC method for the determination of the amine value in aliphatic amine epoxy hardeners.
Oxahelicene NHC ligands in the asymmetric synthesis of nonracemic helicenes
Authors: Sánchez Isabel Gay , Šámal Michal , Nejedlý Jindřich , Karras Manfred , Klívar Jiří , Rybáček Jiří , Buděšínský Miloš , Bednárová Lucie , Seidlerová Beata , Stará Irena G. , Starý Ivo
Published: March 2017

Oxahelicene NHC ligands were used in Ni-catalysed enantioselective cycloisomerisation of alkynes to obtain helicenes in up to 86% ee.
Triplet transport in thin films: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Li Xin , Tang Ming Lee
Published: March 2017

An overview of experimental and theoretical work on triplet energy transfer, with a focus on triplet transport in thin films.
One-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates via a cascade sequence of allylamine isomerization/hydrophosphonylation
Authors: Mao Liu-Liang , Li Chen-Chen , Yang Qiang , Cheng Ming-Xing , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: March 2017

A Rh/Ni-catalyzed cascade sequence of allylamine isomerization and hydrophosphonylation to synthesize α-aminophosphonates has been disclosed.
Supramolecular architectures self-assembled using long chain alkylated spin crossover cobalt(ii) compounds
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryohei , Kuroiwa Keita , Alao Amolegbe Saliu , Nakaya Manabu , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: March 2017

Self-assembled hybrid supramolecular architectures formed between amphiphilic anion and long alkylated cationic cobalt(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized.
Polyamino acid-based gemcitabine nanocarriers for targeted intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Teng Wenzhuo , Jia Fan , Han Haijie , Qin Zhihui , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: March 2017

In the present study, we have successfully fabricated a biocompatible polyamino acid-based nanocarrier with reduction-sensitivity and targeting ability for gemcitabine (GEM) delivery.
High-quality cadmium stannate annealed in N2 atmosphere for low-cost thin film solar cell
Authors: Du Zhongming , Liu Xiangxin , Zhang Yufen , Zhu Ziyao
Published: March 2017

Radio frequency magnetron sputtered cadmium stannate (Cd2SnO4) or cadmium tin oxide (CTO) films were annealed in a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere.
Cationic lipids with a cyclen headgroup: synthesis and structure–activity relationship studies as non-viral gene vectors
Authors: Chang De-Chun , Zhang Yi-Mei , Zhang Ji , Liu Yan-Hong , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: March 2017

The structure–activity relationships of cyclen-based cationic lipids as non-viral gene delivery vectors were studied and clarified.
Response surface methodology as a powerful tool to optimize the synthesis of polymer-based graphene oxide nanocomposites for simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic heavy metal contaminants
Authors: Perez Jem Valerie D. , Nadres Enrico T. , Nguyen Hang Ngoc , Dalida Maria Lourdes P. , Rodrigues Debora F.
Published: March 2017

Nanocomposites containing graphene oxide (GO), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and chitosan (CS) were synthesized for chromium(vi) and copper(ii) removal from water.
Self-assembled nanoporous graphene quantum dot-Mn3O4 nanocomposites for surface-enhanced Raman scattering based identification of cancer cells
Authors: Lan Chuanqing , Zhao Jingjin , Zhang Liangliang , Wen Changchun , Huang Yong , Zhao Shulin
Published: March 2017

A nanoporous graphene quantum dot-Mn3O4 nano-composite was synthesized, and used as a new platform for surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based identification of cancer cells.
Lithium adsorption performance of a three-dimensional porous H2TiO3-type lithium ion-sieve in strong alkaline Bayer liquor
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhou You , Fan Maohong , Lv Zijian , Tang Yang , Sun Yanzhi , Chen Yongmei , Wan Pingyu
Published: March 2017

A three-dimensional porous H2TiO3-type lithium ion-sieve prepared by polystyrene colloidal microspheres template was applied to selectively adsorb Li+ ions from the strong alkaline Bayer liquor.
Ultrasonic-induced disorder engineering on ZnO, ZrO2, Fe2O3 and SnO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Fan Chenyao , Yu Siqi , Qian Guodong , Wang Zhiyu
Published: March 2017

Ultrasonic-induced disorder engineering was employed on ZnO, ZrO2, Fe2O3 and SnO2 nanocrystals to modify their photocatalytic performance.
Size-tunable uniform gold octahedra: fast synthesis, characterization, and plasmonic properties
Authors: Lu Yonggang , Zhang Haibin , Wu Fan , Liu Hong , Fang Jingzhong
Published: March 2017

Well-defined octahedral Au nanocrystals were facilely and precisely prepared in high yield by modified polyol process.
Mesoporous Co3O4 supported Pt catalysts for low-temperature oxidation of acetylene
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Jian , Li Yongheng , Zhao Zhen , Song Weiyu , Wei Yuechang
Published: March 2017

0.6Pt/meso-Co3O4 exhibits the highest catalytic activity of acetylene oxidation at 120 °C and good stability for at least 60 h.
Synthesis of silver-anchored polyaniline–chitosan magnetic nanocomposite: a smart system for catalysis
Authors: Ayad Mohamad M. , Amer Wael A. , Kotp Mohammed G. , Minisy Islam M. , Rehab Ahmed F. , Kopecký Dušan , Fitl Přemysl
Published: March 2017

A novel and smart four component system composed of chitosan, polyaniline, magnetite and silver was exploited for catalysis.
High area-specific capacitance of Co(OH)2/hierarchical nickel/nickel foam supercapacitors and its increase with cycling
Authors: Yu Zheyin , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Xiaolin , Dou Shi Xue , Kong Xiangyang
Published: March 2017

Supercapacitors are important energy storage systems due to their high power densities compared to batteries, giving them unique applications.
Photoswitching storage of guest molecules in metal–organic framework for photoswitchable catalysis: exceptional product, ultrahigh photocontrol, and photomodulated size selectivity
Authors: Gong Le Le , Yao Wan Ting , Liu Zhi Qiang , Zheng An Min , Li Jian Qiang , Feng Xue Feng , Ma Lu Fang , Yan Chang Sheng , Luo Ming Biao , Luo Feng
Published: March 2017

We present a novel MOF catalyst, which shows both ultrahigh photocontrol in catalytic activity and selectivity.
Recent advances and energy-related applications of high quality/chemically doped graphenes obtained by electrochemical exfoliation methods
Authors: Paredes J. I. , Munuera J. M.
Published: March 2017

An overview of recently developed strategies to access high quality and chemically doped graphenes by electrochemical exfoliation methods and their energy applications is provided.
Highly dispersed Co-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts from metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Qiu Bin , Yang Ce , Guo Wenhan , Xu Yao , Liang Zibin , Ma Ding , Zou Ruqiang
Published: March 2017

Ultra-small Co nanoparticles embedded in hierarchically porous carbon were made in situ from metal–organic frameworks and used as catalysts in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Injectable bioactive akermanite/alginate composite hydrogels for in situ skin tissue engineering
Authors: Han Yan , Li Yonghui , Zeng Qiongyu , Li Haiyan , Peng Jinliang , Xu Yuhong , Chang Jiang
Published: March 2017

Injectable bioactive SA/Aker hydrogels formed by crosslinking of bioactive ions, which recruit stem cells and enhance skin regeneration.
Amplification of surface-enhanced Raman scattering due to substrate-mediated localized surface plasmons in gold nanodimers
Authors: Yue Weisheng , Wang Zhihong , Whittaker John , Lopez-royo Francisco , Yang Yang , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: March 2017

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is significantly enhanced by placing plasmonic nanoantennas on a plasmonic substrate.
Luminescence control in hybrid perovskites and their applications
Authors: Albero Josep , García Hermenegildo
Published: March 2017

Hybrid metal halide perovskites have emerged as promising photoluminescence materials in efficient light emitting devices and lasing applications. The review focus on the perovskite composition design as a tool to modulate the luminescence properties.