bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional consequences of plant‐animal interactions along the mutualism‐antagonism gradient
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez María C. , Jordano Pedro , Valido Alfredo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlant‐animal interactions are pivotal for ecosystem functioning, and usually form complex networks involving multiple species of mutualists as well as antagonists. The costs and benefits of these interactions show a strong context‐dependency directly related to individual variation in partner identity and differential strength. Yet understanding the context‐dependency and functional consequences of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions on individuals remains a lasting challenge. We use a network approach to characterize the individual, plant‐based pollination interaction networks of the Canarian Isoplexis canariensis (Plantaginaceae) with a mixed assemblage of vertebrate mutualists (birds and lizards) and invertebrate antagonists (florivores, nectar larcenists, and predispersal seed predators). We identify and quantify interaction typologies based on the sign (mutualistic vs. antagonistic) and strength (weak vs. strong) of animal‐mediated pollination and test the relationship with individual female reproductive success (FRS). In addition, we document pollinator movement patterns among individual plants to infer events of pollen transfer/receipt that define the plant mating networks and test the relationship with FRS. We identify six interaction typologies along a mutualism‐antagonism gradient, with two typologies being over‐represented involving both mutualists and antagonists and influencing FRS. Plants showing strong mutualistic interactions, but also (weak or strong) interactions with antagonists are relatively better connected in the mating network (i.e., with higher potential to transfer or receive pollen). Thus, mixed flower visitor assemblages with mutualists and antagonists give plants increased their importance in the mating networks, promote outcrossing and increasing both female and male fitness. Our approach helps characterize plant‐animal interaction typologies, the context‐specificity of diversified mutualisms, and a better forecasting of their functional consequences.
Shared biomarkers between female diastolic heart failure and pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alma Lisa J. , Bokslag Anouk , Maas Angela H.E.M. , Franx Arie , Paulus Walter J. , de Groot Christianne J.M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEvidence accumulates for associations between hypertensive pregnancy disorders and increased cardiovascular risk later. The main goal of this study was to explore shared biomarkers representing common pathogenic pathways between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and pre‐eclampsia where these biomarkers might be potentially eligible for cardiovascular risk stratification in women after hypertensive pregnancy disorders. We sought for blood markers in women with diastolic dysfunction in a first literature search, and through a second search, we investigated whether these same biochemical markers were present in pre‐eclampsia.This systematic review and meta‐analysis presents two subsequent systematic searches in PubMed and EMBASE. Search I yielded 3014 studies on biomarkers discriminating women with HFpEF from female controls, of which 13 studies on 11 biochemical markers were included. Cases had HFpEF, and controls had no heart failure. The second search was for studies discriminating women with pre‐eclampsia from women with non‐hypertensive pregnancies with at least one of the biomarkers found in Search I. Search II yielded 1869 studies, of which 51 studies on seven biomarkers were included in meta‐analyses and 79 studies on 12 biomarkers in systematic review.Eleven biological markers differentiated women with diastolic dysfunction from controls, of which the following 10 markers differentiated women with pre‐eclampsia from controls as well: C‐reactive protein, HDL, insulin, fatty acid‐binding protein 4, brain natriuretic peptide, N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, adrenomedullin, mid‐region pro adrenomedullin, cardiac troponin I, and cancer antigen 125.Our study supports the hypothesis that HFpEF in women shares a common pathogenic background with pre‐eclampsia. The biomarkers representing inflammatory state, disturbances in myocardial function/structure, and unfavourable lipid metabolism may possibly be eligible for future prognostic tools.
A multimarker multi‐time point‐based risk stratification strategy in acute heart failure: results from the RELAX‐AHF trial
Authors: Demissei Biniyam G. , Cotter Gad , Prescott Margaret F. , Felker G. Michael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Greenberg Barry H. , Pang Peter S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Severin Thomas M. , Wang Yi , Qian Min , Teerlink John R. , Metra Marco , Davison Beth A. , Voors Adriaan A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimsWe evaluated the added prognostic value of a multi‐time point‐based multimarker panel of biomarkers in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).Methods and resultsSeven circulating biomarkers [NT‐proBNP, high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT), soluble ST2 (sST2), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15), cystatin‐C, galectin‐3, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP)] were measured at baseline and on days 2, 5, 14, and 60 in 1161 patients enrolled in the RELAX‐AHF trial. Patients with BNP ≥350 ng/L or NT‐proBNP ≥1400 ng/L, mild to moderate renal impairment, and systolic blood pressure >125 mmHg were included in the trial. Time‐dependent Cox regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the incremental value of serial measurement of biomarkers. Added value of individual biomarkers and their combination, on top of a pre‐specified baseline model, was quantified with the gain in the C‐index. Serial biomarker evaluation showed incremental predictive value over baseline measurements alone for the prediction of 180‐day cardiovascular mortality except for galectin‐3. While a repeat measurement as early as day 2 was adequate for NT‐proBNP and cystatin‐C in terms of maximizing discriminatory accuracy, further measurements on days 14 and 60 provided added value for hs‐cTnT, GDF‐15, sST2, and hs‐CRP. Individual biomarker additions on top of the baseline model showed additional prognostic value. The greatest prognostic gain was, however, attained with the combination of NT‐proBNP, hs‐cTnT, GDF‐15, and sST2, which yielded 0.08 unit absolute increment in the C‐index to 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.91].ConclusionIn patients with AHF and mild to moderate renal impairment, a multimarker approach based on a panel of serially evaluated biomarkers provides the greatest prognostic improvement unmatched by a single time point‐based single marker strategy.
A comparative study of ex vivo skin optical clearing using two‐photon microscopy
Authors: Sdobnov Anton , Darvin Maxim E. , Lademann Juergen , Tuchin Valery 
Published: January 2017

Multiphoton tomography (MPT) is a prospective tool for imaging the skin structure. Aiming to increase the probing depth, a comparative ex vivo study of optical clearing of porcine ear skin was performed by using two optical clearing agents (OCAs), i.e., glycerol and iohexol (OmnipaqueTM) at different concentrations, which exhibit different osmotic properties. The results show that a topical application of glycerol or OmnipaqueTM solutions onto the skin for 60 min significantly improved the depth and contrast of the MPT signals. By utilizing 40%, 60% and 100% glycerol, and 60% and 100% OmnipaqueTM it was demonstrated that both agents improve autofluorescence and SHG (second harmonic generation) signals from the skin. At the applied concentrations and agent time exposure, glycerol is more effective than OmnipaqueTM. However, tissue shrinkage and cell morphology changes were found for highly concentrated glycerol solutions. OmnipaqueTM, on the contrary, increases the safety and has no or minimal tissue shrinkage during the optical clearing process. Moreover OmnipaqueTM allows for robust multimodal optical/X‐ray imaging with automatically matched optically cleared and X‐ray contrasted tissue volumes. These findings make OmnipaqueTM more prospective than glycerol for some particular application.
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Effect of chloride and nitrate salts on Hg(II) sorption by raw and pyrolyzed malt spent rootlets
Authors: Boutsika Lamprini G , Karapanagioti Hrissi K , Manariotis Ioannis D 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMercury is considered to be one of the most harmful metals for human health and the environment. Biomass based materials and the corresponding biochars show promising potential as Hg(II) sorbents. Sorption is an effective process to remove Hg(II) from polluted waters, and is mainly affected by water chemistry. The sorption efficiency of malt spent rootlets and their biochar was evaluated at various ionic strength levels with two different salts, NaCl and NaNO3.RESULTSFor both materials, the salts were added at concentrations of 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mol L−1. At pH 5, Hg(II) removal was not significantly affected by the presence of NaNO3. High Hg(II) removal was obtained even at high NaNO3 concentrations; 53% at 1 mol L−1 NaNO3. A significant decrease of Hg(II) sorption was observed with the increase of NaCl concentration. Hg(II) removal was 55% and 20% at 1 mmol L−1 and 1 mol L−1 NaCl, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe differences observed in salinity effect can be related to the different counter ions present in the salts. Low Cl− or NO3− concentrations did not interfere strongly with mercury sorption, but excess Cl− formed mercury species with negative charge, which demonstrated lower sorption. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dendrimers for fluorescence‐based bioimaging
Authors: Trzepiński Przemysław , Klajnert‐Maculewicz Barbara 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDendrimer science is a relatively new branch of nanotechnology focused on non‐linear macromolecules called dendrimers. These hyperbranched polymers are characterized by monodispersity, highly defined structure and – depending on specific type of dendrimer – good biocompatibility. Due to the possibility of encapsulation or surface conjugation of guest molecules on a dendrimer it can serve as delivery agent in life sciences. For bioimaging based on fluorescence dendritic polymers were extensively studied as conventional fluorophore carriers. Complexing of organic dyes with these macromolecules improves their solubility and enhances cellular uptake. Moreover, it helps overcome other limitations in using them for photobleaching, and their lack of specificity or cytotoxicity. Protective properties of dendrimers are especially valuable for use with quantum dots, which have great optical potential but contain heavy metals that can adversely affect biological objects. Dendrimer based fluorescent probes have been widely applied in vitro and in vivo bioimaging. An interesting phenomenon is non‐traditional intrinsic fluorescence (NTIF) of dendrimers. Some of them show pH‐ and oxygen‐dependent fluorescence without conjugation with other particles. NTIF is not fully understood, but attempts to take advantage of it for bioimaging have been made. This phenomenon has great potential since it enables dendrimers to serve simultaneously as delivery and diagnostic tool. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Distal pancreatectomy for benign and low grade malignant tumors: Short‐term postoperative outcomes of spleen preservation—A systematic review and update meta‐analysis
Authors: Pendola Fiorella , Gadde Rahul , Ripat Caroline , Sharma Rishika , Picado Omar , Lobo Laila , Sleeman Danny , Livingstone Alan S. , Merchant Nipun , Yakoub Danny 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundThe value of spleen preservation with distal pancreatectomy (DP) for benign and low grade malignant tumors remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing DP with splenectomy (DPS) or spleen preservation (SPDP).MethodsOnline database search was performed (2000 to present); key bibliographies were reviewed. Studies comparing patients undergoing DP with either DPS or SPDP, and assessing postoperative complications were included.ResultsMeta‐analysis of included data showed SPDP patients had significantly less operative blood loss, shorter duration of hospitalization, lower incidence of fluid collection and abscess, lower incidence of postoperative splenic and portal vein thrombosis, and lower incidence of new onset postoperative diabetes. For the whole group, there was no difference in incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (RR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.65–1.40, P = 0.80), however, subgroup analysis of studies using ISGPF criteria showed that DPS patients had increased rates of Grade B/C POPF (RR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.08–1.70, P = 0.01).ConclusionsSPDP for benign and low grade malignant tumors is associated with shorter hospital stay and decreased morbidity compared to DPS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:137–143. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triphenylamine Based Random Copolymers: The Effect of Molecular Weight on Performance of Solar Cell and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Goker Seza , Hacioglu Serife O. , Hizalan Gonul , Aktas Ece , Cirpan Ali , Toppare Levent 
Published: January 2017

Two low band gap triphenylamine based random copolymers are synthesized via Pd‐catalyzed Stille polycondensation reaction to investigate the role of molecular weight on device performance and optoelectronic properties. 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV−vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are used for characterization of polymers. The polymerization conditions are optimized to achieve high molecular weight polymers with enhanced optoelectronic properties. PBTP1 reveals broad absorption in the wavelength range of 300–670 nm whereas PBTP2 has absorption in the wavelength range of 300–660 nm. Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels are calculated as −5.43 and −3.20 eV for PBTP1 and −5.33 and −3.02 eV for PBTP2. The photovoltaic device containing donor PBTP1 and acceptor PCBM[70] in 1:3 weight ratio reveals the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.27%, with Voc of 0.63 V, Jsc of 8.19 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 44% under illumination of AM 1.5 G, 100 mW cm−2. Organic photovoltaics (OPV) cells fabricated with PBTP2 demonstrate improved photovoltaic results due to higher molecular weight and enhanced optoelectronic properties. Photon‐to‐current efficiency of 3.65% with a current density of 14.73 mA cm−2, Voc of 0.69 V, and fill factor of 36% are obtained.
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Fabrication of Super Extensible and Highly Tough Graphene Composite Hydrogels by Thermal Treatment Strategy for the Mixture of Tannin and Graphene Oxide
Authors: Guo Qihua , Shi Zixing , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Tian Ming 
Published: January 2017

Inspired by using the condensed tannins as coinitiator and crosslinker to prepare stretchable hydrogel (TIC‐gel) and by tannins' ability to prepare tannins‐reduced graphene oxide (TGO) at 80 °C, this paper designs a simple and effective method with a thermal treatment process for the mixture of tannin and graphene oxide (GO) to prepare super extensible TGO composite TIC‐gel (TGO‐gel). After the thermal treatment process, graphene oxide is reduced by tannin and its surface becomes orderly which leads to strong π–π stacking interaction between tannins and graphene sheets. By this way, the interaction between graphene sheets and polymer chains is improved. As a result, these composite hydrogels have high tensile strength (0.5–1.2 MPa) and extremely high elongations (3100–4800%) which are much higher than those of GO composites TIC‐gel (TA/GO‐gel) without thermal‐treated process and those of normal graphene composite hydrogel.
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Tensile Behavior of a Substituted Poly(m‐,p‐phenylene) versus Its Parent Counterpart and Synthesis of Related Polyarylenes
Authors: Deffner Bernd , Jimaja Sètuhn , Kroeger Anja , Schlüter A. Dieter 
Published: January 2017

In a recent report, a poly(m,p‐phenylene) with acid‐cleavable trialkylsilyl side chains is synthesized by Suzuki polycondensation in a molecular weight of Mw = 300 kDa determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Such a high value suggests this polymer as a potentially attractive material for strong films and fibers both in the presence and absence of the side chains. After confirming these molecular weights by static light scattering, the polymer is processed into thin films for tensile stress measurements. Above the glass transition, thus >180 °C, the material shows an extended plasticity, which is used to obtain elongated samples of draw ratios ranging from 1.5 to 6. The elongated samples show a Young's modulus of up to 5 GPa and a yield strength of 140 MPa. Upon removal of the solubilizing side chains, these values further increase to a Young's modulus of 7.5 GPa in the direction of drawing and a maximum strength of 300 MPa. Motivated by these findings, the scope of this polymer class is broadened by synthesizing two new high molecular weight poly(m,p‐phenylene)s. The structural variation allows to tune the glass transition temperatures between 125 and 240 °C depending on the amount of the meta connected phenylene units.
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Synthesis and Application of Magnetic Graphene Oxide Modified with 8‐Hydroxyquinoline for Extraction and Preconcentration of Trace Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Dahaghin Zohreh , Mousavi Hassan Zavvar , Sajjadi S. Maryam 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the present paper for the first time, magnetic graphene oxide (GO‐Fe3O4) was modified with well‐known ligand 8‐hydroxyquinoline, as a new functional group, for simultaneous separation/pre‐concentration of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions. The experiments and the optimization of variables affecting separation/preconcentration were designed, using the response surface methodology (BBD). In the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.09 ng mL–1 and 0.27 ng mL−1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively; furthermore, the pre‐concentration factor was obtained 130.43. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.6 % and 3.9 % for Cd(II) and Pb(II) in the selected conditions, respectively. The procedure recommended was applied in order to determine Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions at trace levels in tomato, mushroom, lettuce, lipstick, and fish samples with satisfactory results.
Superiority of Activated Carbon versus MCM‐41 for the Immobilization of Molybdenum Dithiocarbamate Complex as Heterogeneous Epoxidation Catalyst
Authors: Masteri‐Farahani Majid , Modarres Maryam 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTwo heterogeneous catalysts were developed by covalent anchoring of molybdenum‐dithiocarbamate complex onto the mesoporous silica (MCM‐41) and activated carbon (AC). Characterization of the functionalized materials by various physicochemical techniques indicated that the molybdenum complex is grafted successfully on the surface of supports. Textural properties of the prepared catalysts proved that the surface properties of supports have been changed after grafting of molybdenum‐dithiocarbamate complex. These heterogeneous catalysts were utilized for the epoxidation of olefins with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant, presenting high efficiency and facile recovery. These catalysts can be reused five times without apparent loss of their catalytic performance. Also, the effect of the nature of MCM‐41 and AC supports on the catalytic activity has been discussed based on their hydrophobic and hydrophilic character.
Synthesis, Structure and Catalytic Properties of Two Complexes: ((Butylthio)8porphyrazinato)cobalt(II), Co(PzS8) and ((Butyloxyl) (Butylthio)7porphyrazinato)cobalt(II), Co(PzOS7)
Authors: Zhou Peng , Ren Xiaomei , Liu Yang , Liu Yi , Zhang Bingguang , Yang Changjun , Deng Kejian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA novel porphyrazine, [2H] 2‐butyloxy‐3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐heptakis(butylthio) porphyrazine (H2PzOS7), was obtained with a yield 13 % when preparing [2H] 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octakis‐ (butylthio) porphyrazine (H2PzS8). The crystal structures of cobalt(II) complexes, CoPzOS7 and CoPzS8, were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. And the structural characterizations by 1H‐NMR, 1H‐1HCOSY, 13C‐NMR, UV‐Vis and MALDI‐TOF MS were combined for confirmation. Moreover, the cobalt complexes were employed as catalysts in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with various oxidants including O2, H2O2 and t‐BuOOH. Superior conversion rate was obtained with H2O2 and t‐BuOOH at ambient condition. For assessing the capacity of O2 activation, the reaction was conducted under pressurized condition. Since the β‐pyrrole position was asymmetrically replaced by a butyloxy group, the reaction rate catalyzed by CoPzOS7 was over twice than by CoPzS8. The conversion rate of benzyl alcohol reached over 80 % within 6 h. Moreover, the aldehyde yield for oxidation of extended substituent benzyl alcohols catalyzed by CoPzOS7 was also 1–2 times higher than by CoPzS8 in same reaction time. Especially their oxidative selectivities were all 100 %! The cyclic voltammograms indicate that the potentials of CoIII/CoII are closely related to the activity of the catalyst.
A Green pH‐switchable Amino Acid Based Smart Wormlike Micellar System for Efficient and Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Lone Mohd Sajid , Bhat Parvaiz Ahmad , Shah Rais Ahmad , Chat Oyais Ahmad , Dar Aijaz Ahmad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA biocompatible and biodegradable amino‐acid based anionic surfactant system has been formulated which self assembles into wormlike micelles in presence of NaCl and displays excellent sol‐gel transition under pH stimulus. The surfactant synthesized was Sodiumtetradecanoyl Phenyl Alanine (STDPA). The micellar solution behaves as sol at /below pH 8.25 and transforms into gel at /above pH 8.65, exhibiting sol‐gel transition in a very narrow pH range. This pH triggered sol‐gel transition shows excellent reversibility upon recurrent changes in pH. Steady and dynamic rheological experiments reveal that the solution at/above pH 8.65 is viscoelastic due to the formation of wormlike micelles (WLMs) and was Newtonian at/below 8.25 due to the presence of spherical micelles. The microstructural evolution was further validated by Dynamic Light Scattering and Cryo TEM imaging. Further, the formulation was used to study the release of drug Ibuprofen (IBU) at these two pHs. IBU release from the material depends on pH of the release medium and occurs without any burst release at pH 8.65.
Silver‐Mediated C−S Cross‐Coupling of Di(pyrimidin‐2‐yl) Disulfides with Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Wang Wen‐Juan , Liu Xiao‐Jun , Wang Xi–Cun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA silver‐mediated decarboxylative cross‐coupling of aliphatic carboxylic acids to deliver C−S couplings products is reported. This reaction occurs smoothly under mild conditions and tolerates a various 1,2‐di(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)disulfides and aliphatic carboxylic acids bearing both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups. It provides an alternative approach for the synthesis of alkyl pyrimidinyl sulfides, which may be applied as the key intermediates in the synthesis of drug candidates.
A Green and Recyclable Copper and Ionic Liquid Catalytic System for the Construction of Poly‐heterocyclic Compounds via One‐pot Tandem Coupling Reaction
Authors: Naidu Shivaji , Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this contribution, we report the environmentally benign synthesis of various N‐containing heterocyclic compounds from two simple starting materials, 2‐aminobenzoic acid and/ or 2‐aminobenzamide and 4‐pentynoic acid using copper as a catalyst in ionic liquid media. This synthetic methodology affords products with good to excellent yield with several advantages such as less toxicity of catalyst, green solvent media and easy isolation of products. Both the catalyst and ionic liquid were successfully reused and recycled up to five times without any significant loss of activity.