bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Azo Schiff Base Ligands and Their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Metal Complexes as Highly‐Active Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Kasare Mangesh S. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Pawar Suresh D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn the present work, a simple synthetic route was reported for the preparation of azo oxime based Schiff base ligands and their Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde oxime (HL1) ligand was synthesized by condensing 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde and hydroxyl amine hydrochloride in the molar ratio 1:1. Nitro and chloro substituted ligands, 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐((4‐nitro‐phenylazo)benzaldehyde oxime (HL2) and 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐chloro‐phenylazo)benzaldehyde oxime (HL3) respectively, were also synthesized by the same method. The synthesized ligands were used to prepare metal complexes of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) which were characterized by various analysis techniques. Ligands and their metal complexes were tested for their in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Ligands shows good antibacterial activity and it increases remarkebly after metal complexetion with MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) ranging from 3.90 μM/mL to 125 μM/mL for Zn(II) metal complexes over standard broad spectrum drug chloramphenicol having MIC 386 μM/mL against gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria. Synthesized ligands showing good antioxidant property which is comparable to that of natural antioxidant Ascorbic acid.
Deconvolution of Transient Species in a Multivalent Fuel‐Driven Multistep Assembly under Dissipative Conditions
Authors: Shandilya Ekta , Maiti Subhabrata 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMultivalent chemical fuel driven transient assembly plays a critical role in biological processes. This inspires chemists to design synthetic systems having transient and dynamic functionalities. However, a detailed understanding about the temporal evolution of each of the intermediate species in a multi‐step assembly under dissipative conditions has not yet been explored. Herein, we have shown under dissipative conditions, how the strength of dissipation can modulate the compositional behavior of each of the intermediate species during their survival period by using kinetic modeling (with Python). We have observed that the appearance and disappearance of intermediates (formed either at the first or penultimate assembly step) are highly non‐linear in nature, and it is possible to trap any of the desired intermediates or a mixture of them of certain compositions at a definite time interval simply by tuning the strength of dissipation.
Preferences and beliefs of Dutch orthopaedic surgeons and patients reduce the implementation of “Choosing Wisely” recommendations in degenerative knee disease
Authors: Rietbergen T. , Diercks R. L. , Anker-van der Wel I. , van den Akker-van Marle M. E. , Lopuhaä N. , Janssen R. P. A. , van der Linden-van der Zwaag H. M. J. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. , Marang-van de Mheen P. J. , van Bodegom-Vos L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess which factors were associated with the implementation of “Choosing Wisely” recommendations to refrain from routine MRI and arthroscopy use in degenerative knee disease.

Methods
Cross-sectional surveys were sent to 123 patients (response rate 95%) and 413 orthopaedic surgeons (response rate 62%) fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with implementation of “Choosing Wisely” recommendations.

Results
Factors reducing implementation of the MRI recommendation among patients included explanation of added value by an orthopaedic surgeon [OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.07–0.47)] and patient preference for MRI [OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08–0.92)]. Factors reducing implementation among orthopaedic surgeons were higher valuation of own MRI experience than existing evidence [OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.19–0.88)] and higher estimated patients’ knowledge to participate in shared decision-making [OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.17–0.88)]. Factors reducing implementation of the arthroscopy recommendation among patients were orthopaedic surgeons’ preferences for an arthroscopy [OR 0.03 (95% CI 0.00–0.22)] and positive experiences with arthroscopy of friends/family [OR 0.03 (95% CI 0.00–0.39)]. Factors reducing implementation among orthopaedic surgeons were higher valuation of own arthroscopy experience than existing evidence [OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.07–0.46)] and belief in the added value [OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.10–0.81)].

Conclusions
Implementation of “Choosing Wisely” recommendations in degenerative knee disease can be improved by strategies to change clinician beliefs about the added value of MRIs and arthroscopies, and by patient-directed strategies addressing patient preferences and underlying beliefs for added value of MRI and arthroscopies resulting from experiences of people in their environment.

Level of evidence
IV.
From plants to feces: pilot applications of FTIR spectroscopy for studies on the foraging ecology of an avian herbivore
Authors: Nopp-Mayr U. , Zohmann-Neuberger M. , Tintner J. , Kriechbaum M. , Rosenberger R. , Nopp H. , Bosa A. , Smidt E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Studies on the foraging ecology of wildlife species are of fundamental importance, as foraging decisions are closely linked to ecological key issues such as resource partitioning or population dynamics. Using Black grouse as a model system, we applied Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) to address some key questions in foraging ecology: (1) does FTIRS allow for determining plant taxa and plant parts? Can FTIRS suggest variation in digestibility of food and physiological mechanisms of consumers? (2) Can FTIRS be used to track changes in diets among populations? (3) Can FTIRS capture plants' phenology and shifts in diet? To answer these questions, we analyzed crop and gizzard contents of Black grouse via FTIRS looking for specific spectra and bands of plant taxa and plant parts. We compared spectral signals of undigested plant material and intestinal droppings, gained from wild-living birds and from aviaries. Our analyses yielded characteristic spectral fingerprints for several food plants and plant parts. Spectral fingerprints could differentiate between needles of J. communis and P. mugo and between fruits of J. communis, Sorbus sp., and Vaccinium sp. Spectral signals differed more between undigested material and crop samples than between crop and gizzard samples. Differences were more pronounced for berries than for needles. Apart from these differences, some fingerprints persisted for certain food items. The diverse foraging regime of wild-living individuals compared to captive Black grouse was reflected by spectral signals. Thus, FTIRS is a promising approach to explore variation in food choice of grouse species by means of non-invasively gained fecal samples.
Structural and chemical comparison between moderately oxygenated and edge oxygenated graphene: mechanical, electrical and thermal performance of the epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Vryonis Orestis , Andritsch Thomas , Vaughan Alun S. , Lewin Paul L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Two different graphitic powders, namely: moderately-oxidized graphene oxide (mGO) synthesized via a chromium-based technique and a commercial edge-oxidized graphene oxide (eGO), were characterized and incorporated into an epoxy resin, suitable for wind turbine blade structural components. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis revealed low oxygen content, but divergent structural characteristics for both powders confirming the increased basal-plane functionality of mGO compared to the peripherally decorated eGO. It is also shown that the eGO, displays carbon-based impurities. The inclusion of mGO, into the epoxy resulted in an initial glass transition temperature (Tg) increase (~ 5 °C at 4.4 vol.% mGO) but thereafter Tg decreased sharply. On the contrary, the inclusion of eGO resulted only in a progressive Tg increase. Introduction of just 1 vol.% of eGO deteriorated the tensile strength (~ 15% reduction) of the epoxy, while the strength of the mGO-filled samples was retained. Inclusion of mGO results in a percolation threshold (increase from 4.6 × 10−16 to 6 × 10−9 S/cm) at 0.53 vol.%; in contrast, at the same filler content, the eGO-filled systems are characterized by drastically lower conductivity values (3.4 × 10−16 S/cm). Nevertheless, further analysis indicates similar intrinsic conductivity (~ 10−6 S/cm) for the two fillers. Finally, the maximum achieved thermal conductivity increase with mGO was 200% (at 9.13 vol.%) compared with the unfilled epoxy, while the respective increase with eGO was 150% (at 18 vol.%).
Sarcopenia and its components in adult renal transplant recipients: prevalence and association with body adiposity
Authors: Menna Barreto Ana Paula Medeiros , Barreto Silva Maria Inês , Pontes Karine Scanci da Silva , Costa Mariana Silva da , Rosina Kelli Trindade de Carvalho , Souza Edison , Bregman Rachel , Klein Márcia Regina Simas Torres 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder associated with adverse outcomes. Ageing causes primary sarcopenia, while secondary causes include chronic kidney disease (CKD), long-term use of glucocorticoids and obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia using guidelines recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP, 2010; EWGSOP2, 2018) and the Foundation of the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and analyse the relationship between sarcopenia and body adiposity in adult renal transplant recipients (RTR). This was a cross-sectional study of adult RTR (BMI ≥ 18·5 kg/m2). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometry. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) by CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The prevalence of sarcopenia in adult RTR (n 185; 57 % men, 50 (se 0·82) years and eGFR 55·80 (se 1·52) ml/min) was 7 % (FNIH), 11 % (EWGSOP2) and 17 % (EWGSOP). Low muscle mass, muscle function and physical performance affected, respectively, up to 28, 46 and 10 % of the participants. According to EWGSOP and EWGSOP2, body adiposity evaluated by anthropometry and DXA (percentage trunk fat) was lower in participants with sarcopenia. Conversely, according to the FNIH criteria, RTR with sarcopenia presented higher waist:height ratio. The present study suggests that adult RTR sarcopenia prevalence varies according to the diagnostic criteria; low muscle mass, low muscle function and low physical performance are common conditions; the association of body adiposity and sarcopenia depends on the criteria used to define this syndrome; and the FNIH criteria detected higher adiposity in individuals with sarcopenia.
The Notion of Nobility and the Impact of Ennoblement on Early Modern Central Europe
Authors: Margreiter Klaus 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis article discusses the problem of why there was a constant demand for ennoblement in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Central Europe, even though those who aspired to it had little or no prospect of integration into the established feudal nobility. Nobility was first and foremost an ideological concept closely connected to power and rule. The Holy Roman emperors ennobled persons who exercised power precisely because, in the premodern social order, the exercise of power was a prerogative of the nobility. However, the newly ennobled had only their title in common with the old aristocratic families and rarely attained the other privileges enjoyed by these families. For this reason, the emperors’ practice of ennoblement gradually reshaped the nobility as a whole and simultaneously the ideological notion of nobility. Certainly, ennoblement still served a strategic purpose in the context of social advancement. Particularly for civil servants and military officers, it was the most effective means of preserving their newly acquired status for their descendants and possibly establishing their families in a new bureaucratic and military hereditary elite, which in some places coexisted with the old aristocracy. The central element of the new ideological concept was the notion of the nobility as a hereditary ruling class, both qualified for and entitled to the exercise of power on account of inherited superiority.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy? Investment Disputes, State Sovereignty, and Change in Treaty Design
Authors: Thompson Alexander , Broude Tomer , Haftel Yoram Z. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMore than 3,000 international investment agreements (IIAs) provide foreign investors with substantive protections in host states and access to binding investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). In recent years, states increasingly have sought to change their treaty commitments through the practices of renegotiation and termination, so far affecting about 300 IIAs. The received wisdom is that this development reflects a “backlash” against the regime and an attempt by governments to reclaim sovereignty, consistent with broader antiglobalization trends. Using new data on the degree to which IIA provisions restrict state regulatory space (SRS), we provide the first systematic investigation into the effect of ISDS experiences on state decisions to adjust their treaties. The empirical analysis indicates that exposure to investment claims leads either to the renegotiation of IIAs in the direction of greater SRS or to their termination. This effect varies, however, with the nature of involvement in ISDS and with respect to different treaty provisions.
A day in the life of mitochondria reveals shifting workloads
Authors: Weinrich Tobias W. , Kam Jaimie Hoh , Ferrara Bill T. , Thompson Elinor P. , Mitrofanis John , Jeffery Glen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMitochondria provide energy for cellular function. We examine daily changing patterns of mitochondrial function and metabolism in Drosophila in vivo in terms of their complex (I-IV) activity, ATP production, glycolysis, and whole fly respiration in the morning, afternoon and night. Complex activity and respiration showed significant and unexpected variation, peaking in the afternoon. However, ATP levels by contrast are >40% greater in the morning and lowest at night when glycolysis peaks. Complex activity modulation was at the protein level with no evidence for differential transcription over the day. Timing differences between increased ATP production and peaks of complex activity may result from more efficient ATP production early in the day leaving complex activity with spare capacity. Optical stimulation of mitochondria is only possible in the mornings when there is such spare capacity. These results provide first evidence of shifts in cellular energy capacity at the organism level. Understanding their translation may be significant to the chosen timing of energy demanding interventions to improve function and health.
Equatorial Pacific seawater pCO2 variability since the last glacial period
Authors: Kubota Kaoru , Yokoyama Yusuke , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Sagawa Takuya , Ikehara Minoru , Yamazaki Toshitsugu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe ocean may have played a central role in the atmospheric pCO2 rise during the last deglaciation. However, evidence on where carbon was exchanged between the ocean and the atmosphere in this period is still lacking, hampering our understanding of global carbon cycle on glacial–interglacial timescales. Here we report a new surface seawater pCO2 reconstruction for the western equatorial Pacific Ocean based on boron isotope analysis—a seawater pCO2 proxy—using two species of near-surface dwelling foraminifera from the same marine sediment core. The results indicate that the region remained a modest CO2 sink throughout the last deglaciation.
A mutation in the methionine aminopeptidase gene provides phage resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Labrie Simon J. , Mosterd Cas , Loignon Stéphanie , Dupuis Marie-Ève , Desjardins Philippe , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Tremblay Denise M. , Romero Dennis A. , Horvath Philippe , Fremaux Christophe , Moineau Sylvain 
Published: September 2019

AbstractStreptococcus thermophilus is a lactic acid bacterium widely used by the dairy industry for the manufacture of yogurt and specialty cheeses. It is also a Gram-positive bacterial model to study phage-host interactions. CRISPR-Cas systems are one of the most prevalent phage resistance mechanisms in S. thermophilus. Little information is available about other host factors involved in phage replication in this food-grade streptococcal species. We used the model strain S. thermophilus SMQ-301 and its virulent phage DT1, harboring the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIA6, to show that a host gene coding for a methionine aminopeptidase (metAP) is necessary for phage DT1 to complete its lytic cycle. A single mutation in metAP provides S. thermophilus SMQ-301 with strong resistance against phage DT1. The mutation impedes a late step of the lytic cycle since phage adsorption, DNA replication, and protein expression were not affected. When the mutated strain was complemented with the wild-type version of the gene, the phage sensitivity phenotype was restored. When this mutation was introduced into other S. thermophilus strains it provided resistance against cos-type (Sfi21dt1virus genus) phages but replication of pac-type (Sfi11virus genus) phages was not affected. The mutation in the gene coding for the MetAP induces amino acid change in a catalytic domain conserved across many bacterial species. Introducing the same mutation in Streptococcus mutans also provided a phage resistance phenotype, suggesting the wide-ranging importance of the host methionine aminopeptidase in phage replication.
Over-expression of miR-34c leads to early-life visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance
Authors: Jones Philip H. , Deng Brian , Winkler Jessica , Zirnheld Arin L. , Ehringer Sarah , Shetty Vikranth , Cox Matthew , Nguyen Huy , Shen Wen-Jun , Huang Ting-Ting , Wang Eugenia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOverweight children and adolescents are at high risk for adult and late life obesity. This report investigates some underlying mechanisms contributing to obesity during early life in an animal model. We generated a strain of transgenic mice, cU2, overexpressing human microRNA 34c, a microRNA functionally implicated in adipogenesis. Male and female cU2 mice exhibit significant weight gain, accompanied by marked increase in abdominal fat mass and metabolic abnormalities, including reduction of both glucose clearance rate and insulin sensitivity, as early as two months of age. Adipogenesis derailment at this early age is suggested by decreased expression of adiponectin, the fat mass and obesity-associated gene, and the adiponectin receptor R1, coupled with a reduction of the brown fat biomarker PAT2 and the adipogenesis inhibitor SIRT1. Notably, adiponectin is an important adipokine and an essential regulator of glucose and fatty acid homeostasis. cU2 mice may provide a crucial animal model for investigating the role of miR-34c in early onset insulin resistance and visceral fat mass increase, contributing to accelerated body weight gain and metabolic disorders. Intervention in this dysregulation may open a new preventive strategy to control early-life weight gain and abnormal insulin resistance, and thus prevalent adult and late life obesity.
Network-based method for drug target discovery at the isoform level
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Jenny , Ghoraie Laleh Soltan , Men Xin , Liu Linna , Dai Penggao 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIdentification of primary targets associated with phenotypes can facilitate exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms of compounds and optimization of the structures of promising drugs. However, the literature reports limited effort to identify the target major isoform of a single known target gene. The majority of genes generate multiple transcripts that are translated into proteins that may carry out distinct and even opposing biological functions through alternative splicing. In addition, isoform expression is dynamic and varies depending on the developmental stage and cell type. To identify target major isoforms, we integrated a breast cancer type-specific isoform coexpression network with gene perturbation signatures in the MCF7 cell line in the Connectivity Map database using the ‘shortest path’ drug target prioritization method. We used a leukemia cancer network and differential expression data for drugs in the HL-60 cell line to test the robustness of the detection algorithm for target major isoforms. We further analyzed the properties of target major isoforms for each multi-isoform gene using pharmacogenomic datasets, proteomic data and the principal isoforms defined by the APPRIS and STRING datasets. Then, we tested our predictions for the most promising target major protein isoforms of DNMT1, MGEA5 and P4HB4 based on expression data and topological features in the coexpression network. Interestingly, these isoforms are not annotated as principal isoforms in APPRIS. Lastly, we tested the affinity of the target major isoform of MGEA5 for streptozocin through in silico docking. Our findings will pave the way for more effective and targeted therapies via studies of drug targets at the isoform level.
Alternating Differentiation and Dedifferentiation between Mature Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
Authors: Sawa Naruhiko , Fujimoto Hiroki , Sawa Yoshihiko , Yamashita Junro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOsteocytes are terminally differentiated osteoblasts embedded in the bone matrix. Evidence indicates that cells in the mesenchymal lineage possess plasticity. However, whether or not osteocytes have the capacity to dedifferentiate back into osteoblasts is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the dedifferentiation potential of osteocytes. Mouse calvarial osteoblasts were isolated and maintained in normal two-dimensional (2D) or collagen gel three-dimensional (3D) cultures. In 2D cultures, osteoblasts exhibited a typical fibroblast-like shape with high Alpl and minimal Sost, Fgf23, and Dmp1 expression and osteoblasts formed mineralised nodules. When these osteoblasts were transferred into 3D cultures, they showed a stellate shape with diminished cytoplasm and numerous long processes and expression of Alpl decreased while Sost, Fgf23, and Dmp1 were significantly increased. These cells were in cell cycle arrest and showed suppressed mineralisation, indicating that they were osteocytes. When these osteocytes were recovered from 3D cultures and cultured two-dimensionally again, they regained adequate cytoplasm and lost the long processes, resulting in a fibroblast-like shape. These cells showed high Alpl and low Sost, Fgf23, and Dmp1 expression with a high mineralisation capability, indicating that they were osteoblasts. This report shows that osteocytes possess the capacity to dedifferentiate back into mature osteoblasts without gene manipulation.