bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium Signals and Their Regulation
Authors: Pei Zhen‐Ming , Gilroy Simon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCalcium is recognized as a ubiquitous cellular regulator and changes in cytosolic Ca2+levels are known to be involved in plant processes as diverse as response to cold shock, hormone action, and touch signaling. The specificity of subsequent cellular response appears to be encoded, at least in part, in the temporal and spatial dynamics of the Ca2+change and the spectrum of Ca2+‐responsive proteins expressed in the cell. In this chapter we review the evidence for the informational content of the Ca2+signal in plant cells and discuss our current knowledge of the channel and pump systems that shape these Ca2+changes. We will also use the Ca2+‐dependent Nod‐factor signaling system that underlies rhizobium:plant interactions to highlight our current understanding of how the Ca2+change may be transduced to the appropriate cellular response. In addition we use the example of Ca2+uptake from soil and its subsequent translocation through the plant to show how, in addition to its role in cell signaling, this ion can act as a long‐range messenger, integrating the cellular activity of the stomatal guard cell with water and nutrient uptake activities in the root. The theme that emerges from these examples is that although Ca2+is involved in regulating a remarkably diverse array of plant processes, the more we understand about the systems that generate and respond to these Ca2+changes, the more we realize just how sophisticated the molecular networks that encode and decode them turn out to be.
Fungal and Oomycete Biotrophy
Authors: de Jong Mark , van den Ackerveken Guido 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Biotrophic fungal and oomycete pathogens have strikingly similar mechanisms to invade plants and retrieve nutrients. In particular, the obligate biotrophs form specialised feeding structures such as haustoria and intracellular hyphae that play an important role in host–pathogen signalling and nutrient retrieval. To establish a successful infection, pathogens need to overcome host defences, and suppression of plant defence responses is now a well‐known phenomenon in disease. The molecular mechanisms of defence suppression by fungal and oomycete pathogens likely occurs via secreted or translocated effector proteins whose primary function is to establish compatibility. Many fungal and oomycete effector proteins are transported inside the host cell. In interactions with an obligate biotroph, the host provides the necessary nutrients for pathogen growth and reproduction. Specific transporters and metabolic enzymes in both host and pathogen contribute to nutrient exchange between the two organisms and hijacking of the host source–sink balance seems to be important for infection. Studies of plant–biotrophic fungal and plant–oomycete pathogen interactions, now exploiting a wealth of pathogen genome information, are providing unique insights into molecular mechanisms determining disease susceptibility and resistance.
Asymmetric Vinylogous Mannich‐Type Addition of α,α‐Dicyanoalkenes to α‐Fluoroalkyl Sulfinyl Imines
Authors: Sanz‐Vidal Álvaro , Torres Javier , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Zhu Yi , Han Jianlin , Fustero Santos , del Pozo Carlos 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction (AVMR) of α,α‐dicyanoalkenes with α‐fluoroalkyl sulfinyl imines has been successfully accomplished. This transformation is unprecedented with fluorinated imines and, at the same time, the use of dicyanoalkenes in AVMR has been scarcely reported. Several fluorinated sulfinyl imines are compatible with the process, which gives access to a family of chiral fluorinated amines with an excellent level of stereocontrol. Interestingly, the selectivity found in our protocol is the opposite of that encountered in analogous, previously reported AVMRs. Additionally, the synthetic applicability of the addition products has been exemplified with several transformations showing the particular reactivity of the dicyanoalkene moiety of these α‐fluorinated amines.magnified image
Self‐assembled micelles prepared from poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone/glycolide)–poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers for sustained drug delivery
Authors: Sun Xiangke , Liu Xue , Li Chenglong , Wang Yuandou , Liu Li , Su Feng , Li Suming 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA series of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL‐PEG) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone/glycolide)–poly(ethylene glycol) [P(CL/GA)‐PEG] diblock copolymers were prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of ɛ‐caprolactone or a mixture of ɛ‐caprolactone and glycolide using monomethoxy PEG (mPEG) as macroinitiator and Sn(Oct)2 as catalyst. The resulting copolymers were characterized using 1H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Copolymer micelles were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method. The morphology of the micelles was spherical or worm‐like as revealed by transmission electron microscopy, depending on the copolymer composition and the length of the hydrophobic block. Introduction of the glycolide component, even in small amounts (CL/GA = 10), disrupted the chain structure and led to the formation of spherical micelles. Interestingly, the micelle size decreased with the encapsulation of paclitaxel. Micelles prepared from mPEG5000‐derived copolymers exhibited better drug loading properties and slower drug release than those from mPEG2000‐derived copolymers. Drug release was faster for copolymers with shorter PCL blocks than for those with longer PCL chains. The introduction of glycolide moieties enhanced drug release, but the overall release rate did not exceed 10% in 30 days. In contrast, drug release was enhanced in acidic media. Therefore, these bioresorbable micelles and especially P(CL/GA)‐PEG micelles with excellent stability, high drug loading content, and prolonged drug release could be promising for applications as drug carriers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45732.
A comprehensive investigation of dye–chitosan blended films for green chemistry applications
Authors: Rizzi Vito , Longo Alessandra , Placido Tiziana , Fini Paola , Gubitosa Jennifer , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Semeraro Paola , Franco Esther , Ferrandiz Marcela , Cosma Pinalysa 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the ability of chitosan film to remove dyestuff from wastewater was evaluated for environmental applications, using three commercial direct azo dyes. Two chitosan films were adopted: the standard one prepared following a well‐known procedure to form it, and a novel one, with a weakly acidic character. Moreover, to improve the adsorption process, the hydrophobic character of the films was investigated. The pH of the dye solutions was also changed, showing an excellent ability in dye removal at pH 12. The films were characterized by means of spectroscopic and morphologic methods to better understand the nature of interactions between dyes and chitosan chains. Swelling ratio measurements were also performed. All analyses suggest that all dyes showed a strong affinity to chitosan polymer chains, with the presence of extended hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces perturbing the chitosan network. Interestingly, very good results were obtained in recycling experiments related to the dyeing capacities of chitosan blended films in the presence of textiles. An ecofriendly application is thus presented in this paper. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45945.
Addition flame‐retardant effect of nonreactive phosphonate and expandable graphite in rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Li Linjie , Chen Yajun , Qian Lijun , Xu Bo , Xi Wang 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA series of flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) containing nonreactive phosphonate (5‐ethyl‐2‐methyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphorinan‐5‐yl) methyl dimethyl phosphonate P‐oxide (EMD) and expandable graphite (EG) were prepared by water blown. The flame‐retardant properties and mechanism of EMD/EG on RPUFs were systematically investigated. The EMD/EG system effectively increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value and decreased the values of total heat release (THR), av‐effective heat of combustion (EHC), pk‐heat release rate (HRR), total smoke release (TSR) of RPUFs. The impact values of LOI, THR, and av‐EHC resulted by EMD/EG system are nearly equal to the sum of the impact values by EMD and EG individually in RPUFs, which implies the addition flame‐retardant effect from EMD and EG. EMD alone exerted excellent gas‐phase flame‐retardant effect by releasing PO fragments with quenching effect. The firm residue produced by EMD combined well with the loose and worm‐like expanded graphite from EG further to form compact and expanded char layer, which brought excellent barrier effect and filtration effect to matrix. That's why pk‐HRR and TSR values of RPUF reduced. Depending on the simultaneous actions of EMD/EG system in gas phase and condensed phase during combustion, the flame‐retardant effects from nonreactive phosphonate and EG on RPUFs were added together. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45960.
Melt compounded nanocomposites with semi‐interpenetrated network structure based on natural rubber, polyethylene, and carrot nanofibers
Authors: Haque Md. Minhaz‐Ul , Herrera Natalia , Geng Shiyu , Oksman Kristiina 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with the processing and characterization of cellulose nanocomposites natural rubber (NR), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with carrot nanofibers (CNF) with the semi‐interpenetrated network (S‐IPN) structure. The nanocomposites were compounded using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder where a master‐batch of NR and CNF was fed to the LDPE melt, and the NR phase was crosslinked with dicumyl peroxide. The prepared S‐IPN nanocomposites exhibited a significant improvement in tensile modulus and yield strength with 5 wt % CNF content. These improvements are due to a better phase dispersion in the S‐IPN nanocomposites compared with the normal blend materials, as demonstrated by optical microscopy, electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The S‐IPN nanocomposite also displayed an improved crystallinity and higher thermal resistance compared with NR, CNF, and the normal blend materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45961.
Reduction of dielectric constant by nanovoids formed through chemical treatment on silica crosslinked polyimide and its effect on properties
Authors: Yoo Taewon , Ghorpade Ravindra V. , Kim Kwangin , Lee Juheon , Lee Sangyoup , Baek Seungsu , Song Jungkun , Han Haksoo 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, 2,7‐diamino‐9‐fluorenol (DAF) has been introduced to bond silica to the main chain of the polyimide (PI) copolymer. DAF contains a hydroxyl group that could covalently bond with silica particles. 4,4′‐(Hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline (4,4′‐ODA) have been used as monomers to form a copolymer with DAF. The variation of silica content was controlled as 5%, 7.5, 10, 12.5 wt %. Variation in silica content contributes to the formation of various size (100–410 nm) of macroporous voids after hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment. HF etching process was introduced to dissolve the silica and form voids in the structure of PI copolymer films. Compared with conventional PI films, air voids that were formed in the PI copolymer film reduced the dielectric from 4.40 to 1.86. The reduction in the dielectric constants can be explained in terms of creating silica particles that increase the presence of air voids after HF treatment. The thermal stability was stable up to 500 °C and the modulus change was confirmed with a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to evaluate the effect of silica on thermal and mechanical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45982.
Preparation and characterizations of RTV epoxy blends using amide maleic anhydride‐g‐liquid polybutadience as both reactive toughening and curing components
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Jinwei 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTAmide maleic anhydride‐g‐liquid polybutadience (AMALPB) was synthesized using maleic anhydride‐g‐liquid polybutadience (MALPB) with ethylenediamine (EDA), and its structure was confirmed by FTIR and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, respectively. It was then used as a reactive toughening agent to make blends with diglycidyl end‐capped poly(bisphenol‐A‐co‐epichlorohydrin epoxy cured at room temperature. Their thermal decomposing behaviors did not show much difference because both EDA and AMALPB possessed similar aliphatic groups. All their glass transition temperatures (Tg) increased more than 10 °C than that of the neat epoxy, and with the addition of AMALPB, the blends were greatly strengthened upon heating as show from their storage moduli. When AMALPB was added at 10 wt %, its elongation at break increases to a maximum of 8.8% which was about two times higher than that of the neat epoxy, and its tensile strength also increased. However, the excessive addition of AMALPB resulted in an apparent decline in their tensile strength at content above 20%. The simultaneous improvements in both tensile strength and strain were attributed to the existence of well‐dispersed rubber particles in the continuous matrices performing plastic deformation that resulted from the chemical bonds of interfaces among the rubber particles and matrix, and meanwhile, inducing the deflection of the cracks. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45985.
Hydrolytic stability of polylactide and poly(methyl methacrylate) blends
Authors: Rodriguez Edwin , Shahbikian Shant , Marcos Bernard , Huneault Michel A. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe hydrolytic stability of polylactide/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PLA/PMMA) blends prepared using a twin‐screw extrusion process was investigated. The effects of hydrolysis were monitored in neutral and alkaline media at 80 °C by tracking the changes in molecular weight distribution, weight loss, water uptake, and crystallization behavior. The crystallinity of PLA in blends prior to hydrolysis was shown to be largely hindered by the presence of PMMA. However, PLA recrystallized rapidly during hydrolysis. The PMMA in the blends was shown to provide increased hydrolytic and structural stability to the blends. In the neutral medium, the presence of PMMA delayed and reduced the weight loss but did not significantly affect PLA degradation kinetics. On the other hand, in the alkaline medium, the weight loss rate was strongly decreased in presence of PMMA and the kinetics of degradation was shown to be depend on PMMA content. The microstructure of these blends throughout the hydrolysis process was also examined by scanning electron microscopy. A porous structure, with interconnected pores in the 20–50 nm range, was developed due to the selective removal of PLA. Based on these morphological observations, erosion mechanism of PLA/PMMA blends was discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45991.
Gene isolation using degenerate primers targeting protein motif: A laboratory exercise
Authors: Yeo Brandon Pei Hui , Foong Lian Chee , Tam Sheh May , Lee Vivian , Hwang Siaw San 
Published: November 2017

AbstractStructures and functions of protein motifs are widely included in many biology‐based course syllabi. However, little emphasis is placed to link this knowledge to applications in biotechnology to enhance the learning experience. Here, the conserved motifs of nucleotide binding site‐leucine rich repeats (NBS–LRR) proteins, successfully used for the isolation and characterization of many plant resistance gene analogues (RGAs), is featured in the development of a series of laboratory experiments using important molecular biology techniques. A set of previously isolated RGA sequences is used as the model for performing sequence alignment and visualising 3D protein structure using current bioinformatics programs (Clustal Omega and Argusdock software). A pair of established degenerate primer sequences is provided for the prediction of targeted amino acids sequences in the RGAs. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is used to amplify RGAs from total RNA samples extracted from the tropical wild relative of black pepper, Piper colubrinum (Piperaceae). This laboratory exercise enables students to correlate specific DNA sequences with respective amino acid codes and the interaction between conserved motifs of resistance genes with putatively targeted proteins. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(1):47–53, 2018.
Contributions of infant vagal regulation at 1 month to subsequent joint attention abilities
Authors: Mateus Vera , Cruz Sara , Ferreira‐Santos Fernando , Osório Ana , Sampaio Adriana , Martins Carla 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSince birth, humans develop an ability to regulate their inner states and behaviors, when facing demanding situations, in order to restore calmness and engage with other persons and the surrounding environment. The present study analyzed whether 1‐month infant vagal regulation to auditory stimuli was associated with later joint attention abilities—responding to and initiating joint attention—in interaction with their mothers. Twenty‐three infants were assessed and measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia—RSA (baseline and vagal tone change during auditory stimulation) were used as index of vagal regulation. At 12‐months, joint attention behaviors were assessed in a 10‐min toy‐play mother‐infant interaction. Correlational analyses showed that lower baseline RSA and larger increases in vagal tone during auditory stimulation were related to more instances of joint attention behaviors at 12 months, especially responding to joint attention. Results suggest that distinct profiles of autonomic functioning may contribute to joint attention skills.
Short‐term physiological plasticity: Trade‐off between drought and recovery responses in three Mediterranean Cistus species
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Catoni Rosangela , Spoletini Alessandra , Varone Laura , Gratani Loretta 
Published: November 2017

AbstractShort‐term physiological plasticity allows plants to thrive in highly variable environments such as the Mediterranean ecosystems. In such context, plants that maximize physiological performance under favorable conditions, such as Cistus spp., are generally reported to have a great cost in terms of plasticity (i.e., a high short‐term physiological plasticity) due to the severe reduction of physiological performance when stress factors occur. However, Cistus spp. also show a noticeable resilience ability in response to stress factors. We hypothesized that in Cistus species the short‐term physiological response to stress and that to subsequent recovery can show a positive trade‐off to offset the costs of the photosynthetic decline under drought. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and water relations were measured in C. salvifolius, C. monspeliensis, and C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus during an imposed experimental drought and subsequent recovery. Plants were grown outdoor in common garden conditions from seeds of different provenances. The short‐term physiological response to stress and that to recovery were quantified via phenotypic plasticity index (PIstress and PIrecovery, respectively). A linear regression analysis was used to identify the hypothesized trade‐off PIstress–PIrecovery. Accordingly, we found a positive trade‐off between PIstress and PIrecovery, which was consistent across species and provenances. This result contributes in explaining the profit, more than the cost, of a higher physiological plasticity in response to short‐term stress imposition for Cistus spp because the costs of a higher PIstress are payed back by an as much higher PIrecovery. The absence of leaf shedding during short‐term drought supports this view. The trade‐off well described the relative variations of gas exchange and water relation parameters. Moreover, the results were in accordance with the ecology of this species and provide the first evidence of a consistent trade‐off between the short‐term physiological responses to drought and recovery phases in Mediterranean species.
Parasite‐associated mortality in a long‐lived mammal: Variation with host age, sex, and reproduction
Authors: Lynsdale Carly L. , Mumby Hannah S. , Hayward Adam D. , Mar Khyne U. , Lummaa Virpi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractParasites can cause severe host morbidity and threaten survival. As parasites are generally aggregated within certain host demographics, they are likely to affect a small proportion of the entire population, with specific hosts being at particular risk. However, little is known as to whether increased host mortality from parasitic causes is experienced by specific host demographics. Outside of theoretical studies, there is a paucity of literature concerning dynamics of parasite‐associated host mortality. Empirical evidence mainly focuses on short‐lived hosts or model systems, with data lacking from long‐lived wild or semi‐wild vertebrate populations. We investigated parasite‐associated mortality utilizing a multigenerational database of mortality, health, and reproductive data for over 4,000 semi‐captive timber elephants (Elephas maximus), with known causes of death for mortality events. We determined variation in mortality according to a number of host traits that are commonly associated with variation in parasitism within mammals: age, sex, and reproductive investment in females. We found that potentially parasite‐associated mortality varied significantly across elephant ages, with individuals at extremes of lifespan (young and old) at highest risk. Mortality probability was significantly higher for males across all ages. Female reproducers experienced a lower probability of potentially parasite‐associated mortality than females who did not reproduce at any investigated time frame. Our results demonstrate increased potentially parasite‐associated mortality within particular demographic groups. These groups (males, juveniles, elderly adults) have been identified in other studies as susceptible to parasitism, stressing the need for further work investigating links between infection and mortality. Furthermore, we show variation between reproductive and non‐reproductive females, with mothers being less at risk of potentially parasite mortality than nonreproducers.