bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pharmacological Profile of a Novel Highly Potent Bisphosphonate, OX14 (1-Fluoro-2-(Imidazo-[1,2-α]Pyridin-3-yl)-Ethyl-Bisphosphonate)
Authors: Lawson Michelle A , Ebetino Frank H , Mazur Adam , Chantry Andrew D , Paton-Hough Julia , Evans Holly R , Lath Darren , Tsoumpra Maria K , Lundy Mark W , Dobson Roy LM , Quijano Michael , Kwaasi Aaron A , Dunford James E , Duan Xuchen , Triffitt James T , Jeans Gwyn , Russell R Graham G 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of clinical disorders characterized by increased bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and the skeletal complications of malignancy. The antiresorptive potency of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates on bone in vivo is now recognized to depend upon two key properties, namely mineral binding affinity and inhibitory activity on farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), and these properties vary independently of each other in individual bisphosphonates. The better understanding of structure activity relationships among the bisphosphonates has enabled us to design a series of novel bisphosphonates with a range of mineral binding properties and antiresorptive potencies. Among these is a highly potent bisphosphonate, 1-fluoro-2-(imidazo-[1,2 alpha]pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl-bisphosphonate, also known as OX14, which is a strong inhibitor of FPPS, but has lower binding affinity for bone mineral than most of the commonly studied bisphosphonates. The aim of this work was to characterize OX14 pharmacologically in relation to several of the bisphosphonates currently used clinically. When OX14 was compared to zoledronate (ZOL), risedronate (RIS), and minodronate (MIN), it was as potent at inhibiting FPPS in vitro but had significantly lower binding affinity to hydroxyapatite (HAP) columns than ALN, ZOL, RIS, and MIN. When injected i.v. into growing Sprague Dawley rats, OX14 was excreted into the urine to a greater extent than the other bisphosphonates, indicating reduced short-term skeletal uptake and retention. In studies in both Sprague Dawley rats and C57BL/6J mice, OX14 inhibited bone resorption, with an antiresorptive potency equivalent to or greater than the comparator bisphosphonates. In the JJN3-NSG murine model of myeloma-induced bone disease, OX14 significantly prevented the formation of osteolytic lesions (p &lt; 0.05). In summary, OX14 is a new, highly potent bisphosphonate with lower bone binding affinity than other clinically relevant bisphosphonates. This renders OX14 an interesting potential candidate for further development for its potential skeletal and nonskeletal benefits. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
An investigation into bimetallic catalysts for base free oxidation of cellobiose and glucose
Authors: Cao Yueling , Iqbal Sarwat , Miedziak Peter J , Jones Daniel R , Morgan David J , Liu Xi , Wang Junwei , Hutchings Graham J 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe selective conversion of cellulose to gluconic acid under mild conditions is challenging as it has abundant intra‐and inter‐molecular hydrogen bonds that protect the β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds and make it intrinsically recalcitrant to depolymerize.RESULTSAu‐Pd/TiO2 and Au‐Pt/TiO2 catalysts prepared by sol immobilization method without pre‐treatment are active and selective for the oxidation of glucose and cellobiose to gluconic acid under base‐free conditions. Important preparation parameters are the pre‐treatment of the catalyst and the metal ratio.CONCLUSIONThe optimized catalyst provided a good yield of gluconic acid from cellobiose and has opened up a new catalyst system for cellobiose conversion in terms of a heterogeneous catalyst. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Arboreal Locomotion in Eurasian Harvest Mice Micromys Minutus (Rodentia: Muridae): The Gaits of Small Mammals
Authors: Karantanis Nikolaos‐Evangelos , Rychlik Leszek , Herrel Anthony , Youlatos Dionisios 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBody size imposes significant constraints on arboreal locomotion. Despite the wealth of research in larger arboreal mammals, there is a lack of data on arboreal gaits of small mammals. In this context, the present study explores arboreal locomotion in one of the smallest rodents, the Eurasian harvest mice Micromys minutus (∼10 g). We examined gait metrics (i.e., diagonality, duty factor [DF], DF index, velocity, stride length, and stride frequency) of six adult male mice on simulated arboreal substrates of different sizes (2, 5, 10, and 25 mm) and inclinations (00 and 450). Micromys minutus employed slow, lateral sequence symmetrical gaits on the smaller substrates, which shifted to progressively faster symmetrical gaits of higher diagonality on larger substrates. Both ascents and descents were associated with a higher diagonality, and ascents with a higher DF index compared to horizontal locomotion, underscoring the role of the grasping hind feet. Velocity increase was brought about primarily by an increase in stride frequency, a pattern often encountered in other small mammals, with a secondary and significant contribution of stride length. These findings indicate that, except for velocity and the way it is regulated, there are no significant differences in gait metrics between larger and smaller arboreal mammals. Moreover, the locomotor adaptations of Eurasian harvest mice represent behavioral mechanisms that promote stable, safe, and continuous navigation along slender substrates and ultimately contribute to the successful exploitation of the arboreal milieu.
The Mediating Role of Creative Process Engagement in the Relationship between Shyness and Self‐Rated Creativity
Authors: Tan Chee‐Seng , Lau Xiao‐Shan , Lee Ling‐Khai 
Published: March 2017

AbstractShyness has been found to have a negative impact on creativity. However, little attention has been given to the underlying process of the relationship between shyness and creativity. On the basis of literature, we hypothesize that shyness has an indirect impact on creativity through creative process engagement. Two studies were conducted on undergraduate students (Study 1) and working adults (Study 2) to test the hypothetical relationship. Analysis on participants self‐report showed that shyness was negatively associated with self‐reported creativity as well as creative process engagement. There was a positive relationship between creative process engagement and creativity. More importantly, mediation analysis supported that shyness was indirectly linked to creativity via creative process engagement. Specifically, shy people are found to be less involved in creativity‐relevant processes such as information searching and idea generation. The low level of creative process engagement, in turn, hinders their creativity. The findings not only lend support to the detrimental effect of shyness on creativity but also shed light on the underlying mechanism of the relationship.
Evaluation of HMW‐GS 20 and 2.2 from near isogenic lines of wheat variety HD2329 for bread quality improvement
Authors: Goel Sonia , Grewal Sapna , Singh Nagendra Kumar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDHexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) dominates the list of the most important human food sources ever. Its complex genetic background is the reason behind the wide diversity that exists in nutritional as well as food end‐product quality. High‐molecular‐weight glutenin sub‐units (HMW‐GS) are the main grain storage proteins in the endosperm of wheat and related species. It is well established that the composition and quantity of allelic variation in HMW‐GS genes substantially affect the taste and appearance of dough products and therefore work in this area is highly desired.RESULTSA significant positive effect on wheat dough quality traits was observed among near isogenic lines of HMW‐GS sub‐units 20 and 2.2 in wheat variety HD2329 during quality evaluation of data generated over 2 years. A remarkably significant (P < 0.01) effect was observed on dough quality parameters like ratio of wet gluten/dry gluten, SDS sedimentation, farinogram parameters, and bread/chapatti traits whereas flour protein and dry gluten content showed an insignificant effect.CONCLUSIONHMW‐GS 20 was found to be superior to HMW‐GS 2.2 in terms of dough quality and both the near isogenic lines developed by us were found to be highly superior to the recurrent parent HD2329. As we know that the improvement of flour quality based on superior HMW‐GS alleles is necessary to meet changing consumer demand, the study can be of immense use to future researchers who can target these HMW sub‐units 20 and 2.2 in breeding programmes for the improvement of wheat end‐product quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
From polar night to midnight sun: Diel vertical migration, metabolism and biogeochemical role of zooplankton in a high Arctic fjord (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard)
Authors: Darnis G. , Hobbs L. , Geoffroy M. , Grenvald J. C. , Renaud P. E. , Berge J. , Cottier F. , Kristiansen S. , Daase M. , E. Søreide J. , Wold A. , Morata N. , Gabrielsen T. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractZooplankton vertical migration enhances the efficiency of the ocean biological pump by translocating carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) below the mixed layer through respiration and excretion at depth. We measured C and N active transport due to diel vertical migration (DVM) in a Svalbard fjord at 79°N. Multifrequency analysis of backscatter data from an Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler moored from January to September 2014, combined with plankton net data, showed that Thysanoessa spp. euphausiids made up > 90% of the diel migrant biomass. Classical synchronous DVM occurred before and after the phytoplankton bloom, leading to a mismatch with intensive primary production during the midnight sun. Zooplankton DVM resulted in C respiration of 0.9 g m−2 and ammonium excretion of 0.18 g N m−2 below 82 m depth between February and April, and 0.2 g C m−2 and 0.04 g N m−2 from 11 August to 9 September, representing > 25% and > 33% of sinking flux of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, respectively. Such contribution of DVM active transport to the biological pump in this high‐Arctic location is consistent with previous measurements in several equatorial to subarctic oceanic systems of the World Ocean. Climate warming is expected to result in tighter coupling between DVM and bloom periods, stronger stratification of the Barents Sea, and northward advection of boreal euphausiids. This may increase the role of DVM in the functioning of the biological pump on the Atlantic side of the Arctic Ocean, particularly where euphausiids are or will be prevalent in the zooplankton community.
Effects of mountaintop removal coal mining on the diversity and secondary productivity of Appalachian rivers
Authors: Voss Kristofor A. , Bernhardt Emily S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLand cover change often alters the chemical regime and reduces the diversity of sensitive taxa in downstream aquatic ecosystems. The consistently elevated ionic strength associated with surface coal mines has been implicated in extirpating sensitive taxa throughout many Appalachian streams. We quantified secondary production at three sites spanning a gradient of mining impacts in the Mud River (West Virginia, U.S.A.) by sampling macroinvertebrates monthly from 2012 to 2013. Not only do we observe significant changes in aquatic insect community structure driven by the loss of sensitive taxa in mined watersheds, but we show that these losses translate directly to depressed biomass throughout the year becoming most apparent when pollutant concentrations rise during summer baseflow. These distinct seasonal patterns result in threefold decreases in total insect production and EPT production ∼1‐km downstream of an unmined reach. Farther downstream, where pollutant concentrations are much higher, total annual productivity is similar to the unmined reach, but suffers from a 31% loss of taxa comprising production and altered timing of that production. Mayflies were the insects most notably affected by the chemical alteration. Whereas mayflies accounted for ∼14% of total production in our upstream, unmined site, they only accounted for 0.2% of production at the most impacted site. We conclude that elevated ionic strength depresses insect production by preventing sensitive taxa from completing their life cycles in mining‐impacted streams. Because surface coal mining dominates the Central Appalachian landscape, such altered production patterns are likely a common landscape feature impacting regional food webs.
Climatic conditions and nursery habitat quality provide indicators of reef fish recruitment strength
Authors: Wilson Shaun K. , Depczynski Martial , Holmes Thomas H. , Noble Mae M. , Radford Ben T. , Tinkler Paul , Fulton Christopher J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIdentifying and protecting nursery habitats for species is a key conservation strategy for the long‐term sustainability of populations. In tropical ecosystems, macroalgal habitats have recently been identified as nurseries for fish of commercial and conservation significance. Here, we explore how local‐scale variations in seaweed habitat quality interact with large‐scale climatic conditions (Southern Oscillation Index, SOI) to influence the recruitment of three tropical fish species (Lethrinus spp.), often targeted by fishers. New fish recruits and juveniles of all species were almost exclusively found in macroalgal nursery habitats, while adults of two of these species were predominantly found on adjacent coral reefs. Annual supply rates of new recruits were found to be strongly correlated to variations in the SOI, with La Nina conditions associated with higher recruitment. However, local rates of recruitment were generally poor predictors of older juvenile abundance. Instead, local juvenile abundance was more closely related to structural characteristics of macroalgae nursery habitat quality (density, canopy height, canopy cover) and/or predator biomass, at the time of survey, with species‐specific habitat associations apparent. Given the dynamic nature of fish recruitment supply to the SOI, coupled with the effects of climatic and oceanic processes on the structure of macroalgal patches, these results suggest protection of macroalgal nursery habitats that maintain high canopy density, height and cover is critical to supporting the conservation of fish populations.
In vivo multiphoton‐microscopy of picosecond‐laser‐induced optical breakdown in human skin
Authors: Balu Mihaela , Lentsch Griffin , Korta Dorota Z. , König Karsten , Kelly Kristen M. , Tromberg Bruce J. , Zachary Christopher B. 
Published: March 2017

ImportanceImprovements in skin appearance resulting from treatment with fractionated picosecond‐lasers have been noted, but optimizing the treatment efficacy depends on a thorough understanding of the specific skin response. The development of non‐invasive laser imaging techniques in conjunction with laser therapy can potentially provide feedback for guidance and optimizing clinical outcome.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate the capability of multiphoton microscopy (MPM), a high‐resolution, label‐free imaging technique, to characterize in vivo the skin response to a fractionated non‐ablative picosecond‐laser treatment.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsTwo areas on the arm of a volunteer were treated with a fractionated picosecond laser at the Dermatology Clinic, UC Irvine. The skin response to treatment was imaged in vivo with a clinical MPM‐based tomograph at 3 hours and 24 hours after treatment and seven additional time points over a 4‐week period.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMPM revealed micro‐injuries present in the epidermis. Pigmented cells were particularly damaged in the process, suggesting that melanin is likely the main absorber for laser induced optical breakdown.ResultsDamaged individual cells were distinguished as early as 3 hours post pico‐laser treatment with the 532 nm wavelength, and 24 hours post‐treatment with both 532 and 1064 nm wavelengths. At later time points, clusters of cellular necrotic debris were imaged across the treated epidermis. After 24 hours of treatment, inflammatory cells were imaged in the proximity of epidermal micro‐injuries. The epidermal injuries were exfoliated over a 4‐week period.Conclusions and RelevanceThis observational and descriptive pilot study demonstrates that in vivo MPM imaging can be used non‐invasively to provide label‐free contrast for describing changes in human skin following a fractionated non‐ablative laser treatment. The results presented in this study represent the groundwork for future longitudinal investigations on an expanded number of subjects to understand the response to treatment in different skin types with different laser parameters, critical factors in optimizing treatment outcome. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:555–562, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a Set of Acids and Polymerization Conditions on the Architecture of Polycarbonates Obtained via Ring Opening Polymerization
Authors: Jiménez‐Pardo I. , van der Ven L. G. J. , van Benthem R. A. T. M. , Esteves A. C. C. , de With G. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTPolycarbonate‐based polymers with a well‐defined architecture have become interesting materials due to their large range of applications. Ring opening polymerization (ROP) has been largely applied to make branched polycarbonates. The polymer architectures obtained via this method are strictly related with the polymerization mechanisms involved which depend on the polymerization conditions chosen. Hereby, we evaluate the catalytic activity of three acids, fumaric, trifluoroacetic, and methanesulfonic on the Cationic ROP of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) over a trifunctional initiator, trimethylol propane (TMP), under different reaction conditions. In‐detail characterization of the polymers showed the co‐existence of two polymerization mechanisms: the activated monomer (AM), which produces a tri‐armed branched polycarbonate with inclusion of the TMP initiator (TMP‐PTMC), and a combined AM/Activated Chain End (ACE) mechanism, which produces a linear polycarbonate (L‐PTMC). Such mixtures were identified for nearly all the reaction variables investigated, together with other side reactions. Upon optimization of the synthesis, the polymerizations in toluene with TFA at 35 °C and equimolar acid/initiator ratio were optimal, avoiding side reactions, but still resulting in a polymer mixture composed of ∼69% TMP‐PTMC and 31% of a polycarbonate linear polymer. The occurrence of such mixed polymer architectures is commonly overlooked in literature regarding CROP of branched polycarbonates. We demonstrate the importance of performing a full characterization for a successful detection of polymer mixtures having different (number of) end‐functionalities, which are critical for further use in advanced applications, such as in the biomedical or pharmaceutical filed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1502–1511
Facile synthesis of self‐healing gel via magnetocaloric bottom‐ignited frontal polymerization
Authors: Du Xiang‐Yun , Liu Si‐Si , Wang Cai‐Feng , Wu Guan , Chen Su 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTA series of the self‐healing gels facilely fabricated by VI (N‐vinyl imidazole) and MAH‐β‐CD (β‐cyclodextrin grafted vinyl carboxylic acid groups) via bottom‐ignited frontal polymerization (BIFP) initiated by magnetocaloric effect. Once ignited the bottom phase, the heat upward propagates to generate the “front” in the upper phase. Then, no further energy is added to maintain the reaction and the whole polymerization process experiences within minutes. In this system, the dependence of frontal velocity and temperature, along with morphology, swelling capacity, mechanical property, and self‐healing efficiency, on the preparation parameters is investigated. Interestingly, the gels show good swelling capacity in the organic solvent, comparatively almost no absorption in water. Moreover, the as‐prepared gels exhibit excellent auto‐healing properties without any external stimuli at ambient temperature. The healed sample possesses 97% recovery of its tensile strength after 8 h healing time, which relies largely on the host–guest interaction between VI and MAH‐β‐CD. The results demonstrate that FP can be utilized as an efficient and energy‐saving method to synthesize self‐healing supramolecular gels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2585–2593
Polybenzimidazole‐based block copolymers: From monomers to membrane electrode assemblies for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Schönberger Frank , Qian Guoqing , Benicewicz Brian C. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, PBI‐based block copolymers were developed and their performance as membranes in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells was evaluated. This type of block copolymer consists of “phosphophilic” PBI and “phosphophobic” non‐PBI segments. The final properties of such block copolymers strongly depended on the length of the individual blocks and their chemical structures. In a systematic approach, a series of various block copolymers was synthesized and characterized both in terms of ex situ properties (e.g., proton conductivity, phosphoric acid uptake, swelling behavior) and in situ fuel cell tests. A very poor membrane‐electrode interface limited the performance of the membrane electrode assemblies, but was remarkably improved in power output, stability, and long‐term durability by treating the electrode interface with a fluorinated PBI derivative. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1831–1843
Chemical warfare simulant‐responsive polymer nanocomposites: Synthesis and evaluation
Authors: Sha Sheng‐Chun , Zhu Rong , Herbert Myles B. , Kalow Julia A. , Swager Timothy M. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTNanomaterials that undergo a physical change upon chemical warfare agent (CWA) exposure can potentially be used in detectors to warn soldiers of their presence or in fabrics to provide on‐demand protection. In this study, hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by grafting a CWA‐responsive polymer from a silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface using ring opening metathesis polymerization; the covalent functionalization of the polymers on the NP surface was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The polymer‐grafted SiO2 NPs were found to undergo a pronounced decrease (approximately 200 nm) in their hydrodynamic radius upon exposure to CWA simulants trifluoroacetic acid and diethyl chlorophosphate in toluene. This decrease in hydrodynamic radius is attributed to the electrophile‐mediated ionization of the triarylmethanol responsive unit and represents a rare example of polycation formation leading to polymer chain collapse. We have ascribed this ionization‐induced collapse to the formation of a favorable stacking interaction between the planar triarylcations. These studies have important implications for the development of breathable fabrics that can provide on‐demand protection for soldiers in combat situations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3034–3040