bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Peptidomimetics to Synthesize Compounds That Activate Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channels
Authors: Robinson Ken , Easton Christopher J. , Dulhunty Angela F. , Casarotto Marco G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRyanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+‐release channels are essential for contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle and are prime targets for modification of contraction in disorders that affect either the skeletal or heart musculature. We designed and synthesized a number of compounds with structures based on a naturally occurring peptide (A peptides) that modifies the activity of RyRs. In total, 34 compounds belonging to eight different classes were prepared. The compounds were screened for their ability to enhance Ca2+ release from isolated cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles, with 25 displaying enhanced Ca2+ release. Competition studies with the parent peptides indicated that the synthetic compounds act at a competing site. The activity of the most effective of the compounds, BIT 180, was further explored using Ca2+ release from skeletal SR vesicles and contraction in intact skeletal muscle fibers. The compounds did not alter tension in intact fibers, indicating that (as expected) they are not membrane permeable, but importantly, that they are not toxic to the intact cells. Proof in principal that the compounds would be effective in intact muscle fibers if rendered membrane permeable was obtained with a structurally related membrane‐permeable scorpion toxin (imperatoxin A), which was found to enhance contraction.
Direct Comparison of SIRT2 Inhibitors: Potency, Specificity, Activity‐Dependent Inhibition, and On‐Target Anticancer Activities
Authors: Spiegelman Nicole A. , Price Ian R. , Jing Hui , Wang Miao , Yang Min , Cao Ji , Hong Jun Young , Zhang Xiaoyu , Aramsangtienchai Pornpun , Sadhukhan Sushabhan , Lin Hening 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSirtuin inhibitors have attracted much interest due to the involvement of sirtuins in various biological processes. Several SIRT2‐selective inhibitors have been developed, and some exhibit anticancer activities. To facilitate the choice of inhibitors in future studies and the development of better inhibitors, we directly compared several reported SIRT2‐selective inhibitors: AGK2, SirReal2, Tenovin‐6, and TM. In vitro, TM is the most potent and selective inhibitor, and only TM could inhibit the demyristoylation activity of SIRT2. SirReal2, Tenovin‐6, and TM all showed cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines, with Tenovin‐6 being the most potent, but only TM showed cancer‐cell‐specific toxicity. All four compounds inhibited the anchorage‐independent growth of HCT116 cells, but the effect of TM was most significantly affected by SIRT2 overexpression, suggesting that the anticancer effect of TM depends more on SIRT2 inhibition. These results not only provide useful guidance about choosing the right SIRT2 inhibitor in future studies, but also suggest general practices that should be followed for small‐molecule inhibitor development activities.
Color stability of bulk‐fill composites immersed in different drinks
Authors: Erdemir Ugur , Kaner Alev Ozsoy , Eren Meltem Mert , Ozan Gunce , Yıldız Esra 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBulk‐fill composites show structural differences compared to those of conventional resin composites. Their more reactive photoinitiators, monomer compositions, and increased filler content may result in higher color stability than for conventional ones. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the color stability of three different bulk‐fill composites and one conventional resin composite with a higher filler load after 1 week and 1 month of immersion in different drinks. The resin composite materials that were tested demonstrated significantly different color changes after immersion in the four solutions during both evaluation periods. Immersion in coffee and red wine showed noticeable staining of all the materials. The discoloration effect of staining solutions on the resin composites depends both on the material composition and on the pigment types found in the solutions.
Isomers of Dinitropyrazoles: Synthesis, Comparison and Tuning of their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Bölter Marc F. , Harter Alexander , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThree isomeric dinitropyrazoles (DNPs) were synthesized starting from readily available 1H‐pyrazole by slightly improved methods than described in the literature. 3,4‐Dinitropyrazole (3), 1,3‐dinitropyrazole (4), and 3,5‐dinitropyrazole (5) were obtained and compared to each other with respect to thermal stability, crystallography, sensitivity and energetic performance. Two isomers (3 and 4) show high densities (1.79 and 1.76 g cm–3) and interesting thermal behavior as melt‐castable materials (3: Tmelt.=71 °C, Tdec.=285 °C; 5: Tmelt. = 68 °C, Tdec.=171 °C). Furthermore, eight salts (sodium, potassium, ammonium, hydrazinium, hydroxylammonium, guanidinium, aminoguanidinium and 3,6,7‐triamino‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐b][1,2,4]triazole (TATOT) of 3 and 5 were synthesized in order to tune performance and sensitivity values. These compounds were characterized using 1H, 13C, 14N, 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and thermal analysis through differential scanning calorimetry. Crystal structures of 14 compounds were obtained (3–7, 10–12 and 15–20) by low‐temperature single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Impact, friction and electrostatic discharge (ESD) values were also determined by standard methods. The sensitivity values range between 8.5 and 40 J for impact and 240 N and 360 N for friction and show mainly insensitive character. The energetic performances were determined using recalculated X‐ray densities, heats of formation and the EXPLO5 code and support the energetic character of the title compounds. The calculated energetic performances (VD: 6245–8610 m s−1; pCJ: 14.1–30.8 GPa) were compared to RDX ((O2NNCH2)3).
Synthesis and Mechanism of BaTiO3 Plate‐Like and Nanoparticle Films on Ti Substrate
Authors: Jiao Hua , Zhao Kang , Shi Rui , Ma Lining , Tang Yufei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPlate‐like and nanoparticle barium titanate (BaTiO3 [BT]) films are synthesized on Ti substrate by low temperature reaction using Ti, Ba(AC)2, and NaOH as raw materials. The films are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) to obtain sizes, crystal structure, and emission peaks. The results show that BaTiO3 plate‐like films can be obtained at 140 °C for 4 h have a stronger (110) diffraction peak than other conditions. The diameter is 2.08.0 µm. BaTiO3 nanoparticle films are obtained via changing the reaction order and the average diameter is 30 nm. The adhesion strength of BaTiO3 plate‐like film is 16.9 MPa and that of the nanoparticle film is 13.6 MPa. It is shown in PL results that the emission peaks of plate‐like films are from 663 to 691 nm. Finally, a solubility–crystallization mechanism and an in situ crystallization mechanism are proposed to explain the formation process of BaTiO3 plate‐like films and nanoparticle films, respectively.
Increase in CO2 concentration could alter the response of Hedera helix to climate change
Authors: Manzanedo Rubén D. , Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan , Schenk Floris , Stoffel Markus , Fischer Markus , Allan Eric 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIncreasing CO2 concentration ([CO2]) is likely to affect future species distributions, in interaction with other climate change drivers. However, current modeling approaches still seldom consider interactions between climatic factors and the importance of these interactions therefore remains mostly unexplored. Here, we combined dendrochronological and modeling approaches to study the interactive effects of increasing [CO2] and temperature on the distribution of one of the main European liana species, Hedera helix. We combined a classical continent‐wide species distribution modeling approach with a case study using H. helix and Quercus cerris tree rings, where we explored the long‐term influence of a variety of climate drivers, including increasing [CO2], and their interactions, on secondary growth. Finally, we explored how our findings could influence the model predictions. Climate‐only model predictions showed a small decrease in habitat suitability for H. helix in Europe; however, this was accompanied by a strong shift in the distribution toward the north and east. Our growth ring data suggested that H. helix can benefit from high [CO2] under warm conditions, more than its tree hosts, which showed a weaker response to [CO2] coupled with higher cavitation risk under high temperature. Increasing [CO2] might therefore offset the negative effects of high temperatures on H. helix, and we illustrate how this might translate into maintenance of H. helix in warmer areas. Our results highlight the need to consider carbon fertilization and interactions between climate variables in ecological modeling. Combining dendrochronological analyses with spatial distribution modeling may provide opportunities to refine predictions of how climate change will affect species distributions.
Floral traits of mammal‐pollinated Mucuna macrocarpa (Fabaceae): Implications for generalist‐like pollination systems
Authors: Kobayashi Shun , Denda Tetsuo , Liao Chi‐Cheng , Lin Yu‐Hsiu , Wu Shu‐Hui , Izawa Masako 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFloral traits are adapted by plants to attract pollinators. Some of those plants that have different pollinators in different regions adapt to each pollinator in each region to maximize their pollination success. Mucuna macrocarpa (Fabaceae) limits the pollinators using its floral structure and is pollinated by different mammals in different regions. Here, we examine the relationships between floral traits of M. macrocarpa and the external morphology of mammalian pollinators in different regions of its distribution. Field surveys were conducted on Kyushu and Okinawajima Island in Japan, and in Taiwan, where the main pollinators are the Japanese macaque Macaca fuscata, Ryukyu flying fox Pteropus dasymallus, and red‐bellied squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus, respectively. We measured the floral shapes, nectar secretion patterns, sugar components, and external morphology of the pollinators. Results showed that floral shape was slightly different among regions and that flower sizes were not correlated with the external morphology of the pollinators. Volume and sugar rate of nectar were not significantly different among the three regions and did not change throughout the day in any of the regions. However, nectar concentration was higher in Kyushu than in the other two regions. These results suggest that the floral traits of M. macrocarpa are not adapted to each pollinator in each region. Although this plant limits the number of pollinators using its flower structure, it has not adapted to specific mammals and may attract several species of mammals. Such generalist‐like pollination system might have evolved in the Old World.
A multistate open robust design: population dynamics, reproductive effort, and phenology of sea turtles from tagging data
Authors: Kendall William L. , Stapleton Seth , White Gary C. , Richardson James I. , Pearson Kristen N. , Mason Peri 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUnderstanding population dynamics, and how it is influenced by exogenous and endogenous factors, is important to the study and conservation of species. Moreover, for migratory species, the phenology and duration of use of a given location can also influence population structure and dynamics. For many species, breeding abundance, survival, and reproductive performance, as well as phenology of nesting, are often the most accessible, and therefore, practical elements of their life history to study. For a population of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), we modeled population change for nesters and total adult females, survival, and breeding probability, from 25 yr of intensive tagging data. We modeled breeding probability as a function of the number of years since last breeding and tested for differences between neophyte and experienced nesters. For each year, we also estimated the number of clutches deposited per female, and phenology of use, for neophytes and experienced nesters. To implement the analysis, we developed a novel generalized multistate open robust design mark–recapture modeling framework, with parameters for survival and transition probabilities, and for each primary period, state structure and arrival, persistence, and detection probabilities. Derived parameters included abundance of observable and unobservable components of the population, residence time, expected arrival and departure periods, and per‐period intensity of study area use. Abundance of nesters increased over most of the time series. Survival probability was 0.935 ± 0.01 (estimate ± SE). Virtually all hawksbills skipped at least one year of nesting. Breeding probability increased by skipping a second year, but then decreased thereafter. Subsequent breeding probability was lower for neophyte nesters than for experienced nesters, but the effect was weaker than the effect of years since breeding. Clutch frequency varied by year, with no discernable pattern of differences between neophytes and experienced nesters. Mean arrival and departure dates also varied, with a slight shift of nesting activity to earlier in the season. The multistate open robust design model developed here provides a flexible framework for modeling the dynamics of structured migratory populations and the phenology and duration of their seasonal use of study areas.
Human MAIT cells are rapidly activated by Aspergillus spp. in an APC‐dependent manner
Authors: Jahreis Susanne , Böttcher Sarah , Hartung Susann , Rachow Tobias , Rummler Silke , Dietl Anna‐Maria , Haas Hubertus , Walther Grit , Hochhaus Andreas , von Lilienfeld‐Toal Marie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are innate‐like T cells (TC) which are known to be activated by several bacteria and viruses. However, activation of MAIT cells by moulds, such as the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus, is not well described. Stimulation of human PBMC with A. fumigatus, A. flavus, or A. terreus conidia revealed that in contrast to conventional CD4+ and CD8+ TC, MAIT cells responded already after 4 h of coincubation with upregulation of CD69. Furthermore, concurrent increase of CD107a expression and reduced intracellular expression of cytolytic proteins like perforin and granzyme indicated degranulation of intracellular vesicles. MAIT cell activation only occurred in the presence of APC and was dependent on cell–cell contact as separation of TC and APC abrogated MAIT cell activation. Furthermore, we observed that MAIT cell activation by moulds requires presentation of riboflavin metabolites and depends on TCR engagement as antibody blocking of MR1, the antigen presenting molecule for MAIT cells, prevented upregulation of CD69 and CD107a. In summary, we could demonstrate that MAIT cells are activated by Aspergillus conidia in a TCR‐dependent manner by APC. These findings reveal MAIT cells as an interesting new target in antifungal defense.
Flexible Binder‐Free CuS/Polydopamine‐Coated Carbon Cloth for High Voltage Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang MinHo , Choi Jaewon , Kim Sung‐Kon , Braun Paul V. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInterfacial engineering is important to achieve high electrochemical performance in energy storage devices. It becomes particularly important for flexible devices, where stresses at the interface between the active material and current collector can be significant upon flexing. Here, we describe simple yet powerful method to tune surface properties, such as wettability and adhesion of carbon cloth (CC) as current collectors to active materials via using dopamine chemistry. We show how a polydopamine‐coated CC (p‐CC) exhibits strong adhesion with CuS nanosheets, enabling negligible capacitance fading after over 100 folding cycles. The CuS/p‐CC system exhibits attractive electrochemical properties, including a high specific capacitance (337 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), good rate capability (81.9 % capacitance retention at a rate of 10 A g−1), and excellent capacitance retention (about 96.1 % after 1000 cycles). An asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated by assembly of RGO/p‐CC and CuS/p‐CC provides a stable cell voltage up to 1.5 V and energy and power densities of up to 48.3 Wh kg−1 and 6919 W kg−1 on a full electrode basis.
Disordered eating behaviours and autistic traits—Are there any associations in nonclinical populations? A systematic review
Authors: Christensen Stephanie Stensbjerg , Bentz Mette , Clemmensen Lars , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Olsen Else Marie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to critically review existing literature concerning the possible association between autistic‐like behaviours and problematic eating behaviours in nonclinical populations.MethodWe performed a systematic literature search in three large databases. Studies were included if they assessed any association between a broad range of autistic‐like behaviours and problematic eating behaviours in nonclinical samples.ResultsSixteen eligible studies were found covering 3,595 participants in total, including five studies on children/adolescents (n = 685). All studies were cross‐sectional, and thus, only concurrent associations could be evaluated. Several autistic‐like behaviours were found to be associated with problematic eating behaviours, with the overall “autism spectrum quotient,” deficiencies in set‐shifting, and theory of mind showing the strongest associations.ConclusionsThe existing literature indicates concurrent associations between specific autistic‐like behaviours and problematic eating behaviours in nonclinical samples across ages. Large prospective longitudinal studies are needed for insight into the temporal order of these associations.
Altered thyroid hormone levels affect body condition at metamorphosis in larvae of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Ruthsatz Katharina , Dausmann Kathrin H. , Drees Claudia , Becker Laura I. , Hartmann Lisa , Reese Janica , Sabatino Nikita M. , Peck Myron A. , Glos Julian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractChemical, physical and biological environmental stressors may affect the endocrine system, such as the thyroid hormone (TH) axis in larval amphibians with consequences for energy partitioning among development, growth and metabolism. We studied the effects of two TH level affecting compounds, exogenous l‐thyroxine (T4) and sodium perchlorate (SP), on various measures of development and body condition in larvae of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). We calculated the scaled mass index, hepatosomatic index and relative tail muscle mass as body condition indices to estimate fitness. Altered TH levels significantly altered the growth, development, survival and body condition in metamorphic larvae in different directions. While exogeno us T4 reduced growth and accelerated development, SP treatment increased growth but slowed down development. Altered TH levels improved body conditions in both treatments and particularly in larvae of the SP treatment but to the detriment of lower survival rates in both TH level altering treatments. The hepatosomatic index was negatively affected by exogenous T4, but not by SP treatment indicating a lower lipid reserve in the liver in larvae of T4 treatment. These altered TH levels as caused by several environmental stressors may have an influence on individual fitness across life, as body condition at the onset of metamorphosis determines metamorphic and juvenile survival. Further research is needed to determine synergetic effects of environmental stressors on TH levels and its effects on physiological traits such as metabolic rate.
Dose‐response effects of light at night on the reproductive physiology of great tits (Parus major): Integrating morphological analyses with candidate gene expression
Authors: Dominoni Davide M. , de Jong Maaike , Bellingham Michelle , O'Shaughnessy Peter , van Oers Kees , Robinson Jane , Smith Bethany , Visser Marcel E. , Helm Barbara 
Published: July 2018

AbstractArtificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a potential threat to wildlife and ecosystem health. Among the ecological effects of ALAN, changes in reproductive timing are frequently reported, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are still poorly understood. Here, we experimentally investigated these mechanisms by assessing dose‐dependent photoperiodic responses to ALAN in the great tit (Parus major). We individually exposed photosensitive male birds to one of three nocturnal light levels (0.5, 1.5, and 5 lux), or to a dark control. Subsequent histological and molecular analyses on their testes indicated a dose‐dependent reproductive response to ALAN. Specifically, different stages of gonadal growth were activated after exposure to different levels of light at night. mRNA transcript levels of genes linked to the development of germ cells (stra8 and spo11) were increased under 0.5 lux compared to the dark control. The 0.5 and 1.5 lux groups showed slight increases in testis size and transcript levels associated with steroid synthesis (lhr and hsd3b1) and spermatogenesis (fshr, wt1, sox9, and cldn11), although spermatogenesis was not detected in histological analysis. In contrast, all birds under 5 lux had 10 to 30 times larger testes than birds in all other groups, with a parallel strong increase in mRNA transcript levels and clear signs of spermatogenesis. Across treatments, the volume of the testes was generally a good predictor of testicular transcript levels. Overall, our findings indicate that even small changes in nocturnal light intensity can increase, or decrease, effects on the reproductive physiology of wild organisms.
Massive parallel expansions of Methuselah/Methuselah‐like receptors in schizophoran Diptera
Authors: Friedrich Markus , Chahine Hanady , Al‐Jageta Cristina , Badreddine Hamzah 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Methuselah/Methuselah‐like (Mth/Mthl) family of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is represented by 16 homologs in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Three of them have thus far been functionally characterized and found to play critical roles in cell adhesion, immunity, lifespan, and oxidative stress regulation. Evolutionary studies have shown that the large number of D. melanogaster Mth/Mthl GPCRs arose by at least two rounds of gene duplications. The first produced the “mth superclade” subfamily and was followed by the expansion of the “melanogaster subgroup” cluster within the “mth superclade” of Mth/Mthl GPCRs. The adaptive significance of the Mth/Mthl receptor repertoire expansion in Drosophila remains elusive. Studying the Mth/Mthl gene family content in newly available dipteran genomes, we find that the first expansion of the mthl superclade predates the diversification of schizophoran Diptera approximately 65 million years ago. Unexpectedly, we further find that the subsequent expansion of the melanogaster subgroup cluster was paralleled by independent mth superclade Mth/Mthl GPCR expansions in other schizophoran clades (Muscidae and Tephritidae). Our study thus reveals an even more dynamic diversification of mth superclade GPCRs than previously appreciated and linked to the emergence of schizophoran flies, the most dramatic radiation in the dipteran tree of life.