bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The PAS domains of the major sporulation kinase in Bacillus subtilis play a role in tetramer formation that is essential for the autokinase activity
Authors: Kiehler Brittany , Haggett Lindsey , Fujita Masaya 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSporulation in Bacillus subtilis is induced upon starvation. In a widely accepted model, an N‐terminal “sensor” domain of the major sporulation kinase KinA recognizes a hypothetical starvation signal(s) and autophosphorylates a histidine residue to activate the master regulator Spo0A via a multicomponent phosphorelay. However, to date no confirmed signal has been found. Here, we demonstrated that PAS‐A, the most N‐terminal of the three PAS domains (PAS‐ABC), is dispensable for the activity, contrary to a previous report. Our data indicated that the autokinase activity is dependent on the formation of a functional tetramer, which is mediated by, at least, PAS‐B and PAS‐C. Additionally, we ruled out the previously proposed notion that NAD+/NADH ratio controls KinA activity through the PAS‐A domain by demonstrating that the cofactors show no effects on the kinase activity in vitro. In support of these data, we found that the cofactors exist in approximately 1000‐fold excess of KinA in the cell and the cofactors’ ratio does not change significantly during growth and sporulation, suggesting that changes in the cofactor ratio might not play a role in controlling KinA activity. These data may refute the widely‐held belief that the activity of KinA is regulated in response to an unknown starvation signal(s).
Stability and bifurcation in epidemic models describing the transmission of toxoplasmosis in human and cat populations
Authors: Ferreira Jocirei D. , Echeverry Luz Myriam , Rincon Carlos A. Peña 
Published: April 2017

A five‐dimensional ordinary differential equation model describing the transmission of Toxoplamosis gondii disease between human and cat populations is studied in this paper. Self‐diffusion modeling the spatial dynamics of the T. gondii disease is incorporated in the ordinary differential equation model. The normalized version of both models where the unknown functions are the proportions of the susceptible, infected, and controlled individuals in the total population are analyzed. The main results presented herein are that the ODE model undergoes a trans‐critical bifurcation, the system has no periodic orbits inside the positive octant, and the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when we restrict the model to inside of the first octant. Furthermore, a local linear stability analysis for the spatially homogeneous equilibrium points of the reaction diffusion model is carried out, and the global stability of both the disease‐free and endemic equilibria are established for the reaction–diffusion system when restricted to inside of the first octant. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to support our theoretical results and to predict some scenarios about the spread of the disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase 1 study of the c‐Met inhibitor, tivantinib (ARQ197) in children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors: A Children's Oncology Group study phase 1 and pilot consortium trial (ADVL1111)
Authors: Geller James I. , Perentesis John P. , Liu Xiaowei , Minard Charles G. , Kudgus Rachel A. , Reid Joel M. , Fox Elizabeth , Blaney Susan M. , Weigel Brenda J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe c‐Met receptor tyrosine kinase is dysregulated in many pediatric cancers. Tivantinib is an oral small molecule that inhibits the c‐Met receptor tyrosine kinase. A phase 1 and pharmacokinetic (PK) trial evaluating tivantinib was conducted in children with relapsed/refractory solid tumors.MethodsOral tivantinib capsules were administered twice daily with food, continuously in 28‐day cycles. Dose levels 170, 200, and 240 mg/m2/dose were evaluated using a rolling‐six design (Part A). In Part B, subjects received tivantinib powder sprinkled on food at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) from Part A. PK, CYP2C19 genotyping, and baseline tumor tissue c‐Met expression were analyzed.ResultsThirty‐six patients were enrolled: 20 in Part A, 6 in a PK expansion cohort, and 10 in Part B. Fifteen patients had primary central nervous system tumors and 21 had solid tumors. In Part A, there were no dose‐limiting toxicities. One grade 4 intracranial hemorrhage occurred in a patient with a progressive brain tumor in the expanded PK cohort (240 mg/m2). PK analysis showed marked interpatient variability (20‐fold) in the Cmax and AUC0‐8h across all dose levels. Sprinkling tivantinib powder over food did not alter exposure. Membranous and total c‐Met expression was moderate (2), low (4), or not detected (26). Two patients had stable disease as the best response.ConclusionsThe RP2D of tivantinib given with food in children with refractory solid tumors is 240 mg/m2/dose. PK of tivantinib in children demonstrated high variability. Objective responses were not observed in this phase 1 trial.
Physico‐mechanical properties of nano‐polystyrene‐decorated graphene oxide–epoxy composites
Authors: Khobragade Prashant S , Hansora Dharmesh P , Naik Jitendra B , Njuguna James , Mishra Satyendra 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNano‐polystyrene (nPS)‐decorated graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanostructures were successfully synthesized using stepwise microemulsion polymerization, and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.XRDandFTIRspectra revealed the existence of a strong interaction betweennPSandGO, which implied that the polymer chains were successfully grafted onto the surface of theGO. ThenPS‐decoratedGOhybrid nanostructures were compounded with epoxy using a hand lay‐up technique, and the effect of thenPS‐decoratedGOon the mechanical, thermal and surface morphological properties of the epoxy matrix was investigated using a universal tensile machine, Izod impact tester, thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements with a goniometer. It was observed that in the epoxy matrix,GOimproved the compatibility. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Output‐feedback adaptive consensus tracking control for a class of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Wang Chenliang , Wen Changyun , Wang Wei , Hu Qinglei 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIn this paper, an output‐feedback adaptive consensus tracking control scheme is proposed for a class of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems. The agents are allowed to have unknown parameters, unknown nonlinearities, and input quantization simultaneously. The desired trajectory to be tracked is available for only a subset of agents, and only the relative outputs and the quantized inputs need to be measured or transmitted as signal exchange among neighbors regardless of the system order. By introducing a kind of high‐gain K‐filters and a smooth function, the effect among agents caused by the unknown nonlinearities is successfully counteracted, and all closed‐loop signals are proved to be globally uniformly bounded. Moreover, it is shown that the tracking errors converge to a residual set that can be made arbitrarily small. Simulation results on robot manipulators are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating MODIS vegetation products using digital images for quantifying local peatland CO2 gas fluxes
Authors: Gatis Naomi , Anderson Karen , Grand‐Clement Emilie , Luscombe David J. , Hartley Iain P. , Smith David , Brazier Richard E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn peatlands plant growth and senescence affect annual ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange, and CO2 fluxes show considerable inter‐annual variability. Phenology is a fundamental indicator of ecosystem carbon dynamics and can be measured from remote sensing systems, but the extent to which satellite products provide useful proxies of peatland vegetation phenology is not well known. Using MODIS vegetation products coupled with field observations of phenology from a basic camera system and measurements of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) measured using a closed chamber method, we sought to establish the extent to which satellite observations capture phenological processes at a UK peatland site. Daily, true‐colour digital images were captured with a time‐lapse camera (Brinno TLC100) between 23‐Apr‐2013 and 29‐Oct‐2013 and converted into a Green‐Red Vegetation Index (GRVI). These were compared with a range of MODIS vegetation products at various spatial resolutions. We found that vegetation products with finer spatial resolution (<500 m) more accurately captured spring green‐up (e.g. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index 16‐day product), whereas those with 8‐day temporal resolution better captured whole‐season dynamics. The 8‐day Gross Primary Productivity (GPP8) and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fPAR8) products had the strongest daily Pearson's correlations with camera‐derived GRVI (r > 0.90). The camera‐GRVI (P = 0.005, r = 0.98) and MODIS‐GRVI (P = 0.041, r = 0.89) products showed the strongest significant correlations with gross primary productivity measured using static chambers in the field. This work demonstrates that freely available MODIS data captured up to 92% of the daily variation in phenology over an upland peatland. This approach shows great potential for capturing ecosystem carbon dynamics which underpin carbon trading schemes, a budding funding source for peatland restoration projects.
Comparative Study with a Unique Arrangement to Tap Piezoelectric Output to Realize a Self Poled PVDF Based Nanocomposite for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Pusty Manojit , Sharma Alfa , Sinha Lichchhavi , Chaudhary Anjali , Shirage Parasharam 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this research paper we present a comparative study on the enhanced piezoelectric performance between Carbon Nanotubes (CNT)/PVDF nanocomposite as well as Iron‐Reduced Graphene Oxide (Fe‐RGO)/PVDF nanocomposite. The enhanced performance is realized by a unique device structure, in which the bottom electrode is physically not in contact with the piezoelectric film until external excitation is applied. FTIR characterization shows the enhancement of polar crystallization phases due to electrostatic interactions in PVDF by the addition of CNT and Fe‐RGO. Raman Spectroscopy indicates the formation of good quality Fe‐RGO nanosheets and also shows high crystalline quality of CNTs. Raman Spectroscopy identifies the interaction between CNTs and Fe‐RGO nanosheets with the polymer that supports the piezoelectric current generation mechanism. Conductivity measurements show that addition of CNT and Fe‐RGO in PVDF increases the conductivity of the nanocomposite films. The CNT/PVDF and Fe‐RGO/PVDF piezoelectric energy harvesting device produced an open circuit output voltage of 2.5 V and 1.2 V respectively. A short circuit rectified current of nearly 700 nA and 300 nA was detected by the CNT/PVDF and Fe‐RGO/PVDF based piezoelectric energy harvesting device.
Effect of Donors on Photophysical, Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Properties of Benzimidazole‐Branched Dyes
Authors: Bodedla Govardhana Babu , Thomas K. R. Justin , Fan Miao‐Syuan , Ho Kuo‐Chuan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA series of benzimidazole‐branched organic dyes containing different donors such as carbazole or phenothiazine at C4 and C7 positions of benzimidazole, bithiophene linker and cyanoacrylic acid acceptor are reported. Incorporation of donors increased the molar extinction coefficient of the intramolecular charge transfer absorption peak and contributed to the enhanced photocurrent generation than the control dye without donors. The favourable properties of the new dyes are attributed to the suitable HOMO and LUMO energy levels which facilitated dye regeneration and electron injection from the excited state of the dyes into the conduction band of TiO2. The dye‐sensitized solar cells fabricated using the dyes possessing phenothiazine‐based donor yielded better efficiency than the dyes containing carbazole donor. It is attributed to the effective retardation of electron recombination resulting from the non‐planar molecular geometry of the former. These results suggest that opportunities exist for the improvement of benzimidazole‐based organic dyes.
Understanding ZIF‐8 Performance upon Gas Adsorption by Means of Inelastic Neutron Scattering
Authors: Casco Mirian E. , Fernández‐Catalá Javier , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke , Ramirez‐Cuesta Anibal J. , Cuadrado‐Collados Carlos , Silvestre‐Albero Joaquin , Ramos‐Fernandez Enrique V. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDespite the vast number of publication dealing with ZIF‐8, the performance of this zeolitic MOF upon adsorption is still a matter of debate. The understanding of its adsorption properties its of great importance to define its potential in aplications such as gas separation, sensing and catalytic processes. Using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) upon exposure to different probe molecules we get further insight about the adsortion performance at cryogenic temperatures, including the possible swinging of the imidazolate linkers.
On being an honorary member of Arny’s army: some musings about fungal fermentations, secondary metabolism, and scientific communities
Authors: Bennett Joan Wennstrom 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis essay is an unabashed celebration of applied microbiology and secondary metabolism, and how one scientist—Arnold Demain—has been a spokesman for industrial microbiology and biotechnology. There are many reasons for Arny’s professional success. During his long and distinguished career, Arnold Demain has expanded and enriched our understanding of the importance secondary metabolism. He has studied topics that ranged from pickles, to pectinolytic enzymes, to penicillin. His experimental versatility was conducted under the unifying theme of fermentation microbiology. In addition, one of his most positive achievements was his ability to bring scientists from different disciplines and national backgrounds together and thereby nucleate new collaborations. I am one of many people who has benefited from Arny’s generous mentoring and speak from the heart when I say that industrial microbiology could not have a better representative. Arny has been the catalyst for much of that has gone right in my professional life and the lives of the many other applied microbiologists who have had the good fortune to know him.
High-level productivity of α,ω-dodecanedioic acid with a newly isolated Candida viswanathii strain
Authors: Cao Weifeng , Li Hongbao , Luo Jianquan , Yin Junxiang , Wan Yinhua 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
α,ω-Dicarboxylic acids (DC) are versatile chemical intermediates with different chain lengths, which are well-known as polymer building block. In this work, a new strain with high productivity of DC was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. Based on the morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer sequences, it was characterized as Candida viswanathii. It was found that the contribution of carbon flux to the cell growth and DC production from n-dodecane could be regulated by the sucrose and yeast extract concentrations in the medium, and besides the broth pH, a suitable proportioning of sucrose and yeast extract was the key to achieve the optimal transition from cell growth phase to DC production phase. By optimizing culture conditions in a 7.5-L bioreactor, a higher DC productivity of 1.59 g·L−1 h−1 with a corresponding concentration of 181.6 g/L was obtained. After the purification of DC from the culture, the results from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and 1H-NMR showed that α,ω-dodecanedioic acid (DC12) was the major product of C. viswanathii ipe-1 using pure n-dodecane as substrate. For the first time, we reported that a high productivity of DC12 could be produced by C. viswanathii.
Hacettepe cartilage slicer: a novel cartilage slicer and its performance test results
Authors: Ergun O , Bajin M D , Sargon M F , Sennaroglu L 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjective:This study investigated the performance of a cartilage slicer device referred to as the ‘Hacettepe cartilage slicer’.Methods:Forty-one cartilage pieces were harvested from eight fresh frozen human ears and measured in thickness with a digital micrometer. These pieces were randomly sliced using four different thickness settings and two different types of blades. The thicknesses of the slices and remaining pieces were measured also. Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to determine the surface smoothness of the slices.Results:Thickness results showed a proportional increase with the increasing thickness setting, with a ±0.1 mm margin of error. The measurements showed that over 95 per cent of the slices’ structural integrity was preserved. Although both blades provided satisfactory results, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the slices cut with a single bevel blade had superior surface smoothness.Conclusion:To our knowledge, the current study is the first to evaluate the performance of a cartilage slicer device. Based on the thickness results, the Hacettepe cartilage slicer fulfilled its design goals: to consistently produce slices at the intended thickness with a ±0.1 mm tolerance, and to preserve over 95.3 per cent of cartilage thickness thereby ensuring undamaged, strong cartilage slices.
Finding common ground: architects, end-users, and decision-makers in the renovation of the Arts Tower, Sheffield
Authors: Chiles Prue , Petrelli Daniela , Spedale Simona 
Published: April 2017

The Arts Tower at the University of Sheffield was completed in 1961 to designs by Gollins Melvin and Ward and it has been dubbed by English Heritage ‘the most elegant University tower block of its period’. Its renovation, finished in 2012, can be understood as representative of wider debates about the attitudes and values attached to the future use of notable twentieth century modernist architecture. This paper explores the dilemmas and decision-making that characterised the complex negotiation processes involved in deciding how best to renovate this icon of modernity. It highlights the different perspectives and multiple voices within the University and explores the role of architectural values that privilege design in decision-making processes. It may be a familiar tale to anyone who has built or renovated a building involving a complex client and a diverse set of building users.Through the analysis of four alternative narratives of participants, the complexity of a multi-voiced organisational process is exposed. These four narratives belong to four different players in the process, representing four different cultures. The first accounts for university management (the client); the second the School of Architecture and Department of Landscape (‘end-user’ clients); the third the estates department (the client's representative); and the fourth the expert architectural historian (an academic and end-user). This complexity was represented in the composition of the organisational body in charge of the project and the decision making process.The images accompanying this paper also provide a short illustrated account of key aspects of the renovation from the perspective of the authors.
APPLICATIONS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL BOX MODELING TO PALEONTOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Rahman Imran A. , Lautenschlager Stephan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFunctional analysis through computer modeling can inform on how extinct organisms moved and fed, allowing us to test long-standing paleobiological hypotheses. Many such studies are based on digital models derived from computed tomography or surface scanning, but these methods are not appropriate for all fossils. Here, we show that box modeling—3-D modeling of complex shapes based on simple objects—can be used to reconstruct the morphology of various fossil specimens. Moreover, the results of computational functional analyses utilizing such models are very similar to those for models derived from tomographic or surface-based techniques. Box modeling is more broadly applicable than alternative methods for digitizing specimens; hence, there is great potential for this approach in paleontological functional analysis. Possible applications include large-scale comparative studies, analyses of hypothetical morphologies, and virtually restoring incomplete/distorted specimens.
Laser and Structured Light Scanning to Acquire 3-D Morphology
Authors: Pruitt Jesse B. , Clement Nicholas G. , Tapanila Leif 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLaser and structured light scanners are primary tools for acquiring surface details of body and trace fossils and have been widely used to study vertebrate specimens. Comparison of different scanner types shows their relative advantages and limitations. Regardless of scanning device, the workflow from initial scan to final product involves registration and some editing for archival or research-grade products. Additional steps, including further object editing and optimization, are required to prepare a scan file for web viewing, animation, and three-dimensional (3-D) printing.
Creation of energetic biothermite inks using ferritin liquid protein
Authors: Slocik Joseph M. , McKenzie Ruel , Dennis Patrick B. , Naik Rajesh R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEnergetic liquids function mainly as fuels due to low energy densities and slow combustion kinetics. Consequently, these properties can be significantly increased through the addition of metal nanomaterials such as aluminium. Unfortunately, nanoparticle additives are restricted to low mass fractions in liquids because of increased viscosities and severe particle agglomeration. Nanoscale protein ionic liquids represent multifunctional solvent systems that are well suited to overcoming low mass fractions of nanoparticles, producing stable nanoparticle dispersions and simultaneously offering a source of oxidizing agents for combustion of reactive nanomaterials. Here, we use iron oxide-loaded ferritin proteins to create a stable and highly energetic liquid composed of aluminium nanoparticles and ferritin proteins for printing and forming 3D shapes and structures. In total, this bioenergetic liquid exhibits increased energy output and performance, enhanced dispersion and oxidation stability, lower activation temperatures, and greater processability and functionality.
Low-basicity 5-HT7 Receptor Agonists Synthesized Using the van Leusen Multicomponent Protocol
Authors: Hogendorf Adam S. , Hogendorf Agata , Kurczab Rafał , Satała Grzegorz , Lenda Tomasz , Walczak Maria , Latacz Gniewomir , Handzlik Jadwiga , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Wierońska Joanna M. , Woźniak Monika , Cieślik Paulina , Bugno Ryszard , Staroń Jakub , Bojarski Andrzej J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA series of 5-aryl-1-alkylimidazole derivatives was synthesized using the van Leusen multicomponent reaction. The chemotype is the first example of low-basicity scaffolds exhibiting high affinity for 5-HT7 receptor together with agonist function. The chosen lead compounds 3-(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-5-iodo-1H-indole (AGH-107, 1o, Ki 5-HT7 = 6 nM, EC50 = 19 nM, 176-fold selectivity over 5-HT1AR) and 1e (5-methoxy analogue, Ki 5-HT7 = 30 nM, EC50 = 60 nM) exhibited high selectivity over related CNS targets, high metabolic stability and low toxicity in HEK-293 and HepG2 cell cultures. A rapid absorption to the blood, high blood-brain barrier permeation and a very high peak concentration in the brain (Cmax = 2723 ng/g) were found for 1o after i.p. (5 mg/kg) administration in mice. The compound was found active in novel object recognition test in mice, at 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg. Docking to 5-HT7R homology models indicated a plausible binding mode which explain the unusually high selectivity over the related CNS targets. Halogen bond formation between the most potent derivatives and the receptor is consistent with both the docking results and SAR. 5-Chlorine, bromine and iodine substitution resulted in a 13, 27 and 89-fold increase in binding affinities, respectively, and in enhanced 5-HT1AR selectivity.