bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage roles in the clearance of apoptotic cells and control of inflammation in the prostate gland after castration
Authors: Silva Juliete A.F. , Bruni‐Cardoso Alexandre , Augusto Taize M. , Damas‐Souza Danilo M. , Barbosa Guilherme O. , Felisbino Sérgio L. , Stach‐Machado Dagmar R. , Carvalho Hernandes F. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation results in massive apoptosis in the prostate gland. Macrophages are actively engaged in phagocytosing epithelial cell corpses. However, it is unknown whether microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (LC3)‐associated phagocytosis (LAP) is involved and contribute to prevent inflammation.MethodsFlow cytometry, RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize the macrophage subpopulation residing in the epithelial layer of the rat ventral prostate (VP) after castration. Stereology was employed to determine variations in the number of ED1 and ED2. Mice were treated with either chloroquine or L‐asparagine to block autophagy.ResultsM1 (iNOS‐positive) and M2 macrophages (MRC1+ and ARG1+) were not found in the epithelium at day 5 after castration. The percentage of CD68+ (ED1) and CD163+(ED2) phenotypes increased after castration but only CD68+ cells were present in the epithelium. RT‐PCR showed increased content of the autophagy markers Bcl1 and LC3 after castration. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed the presence of LC3+ and ATG5+ cells in the epithelium. Double immunohistochemistry showed these cells to be CD68+/LC3+, compatible with the LAP phenotype. LC3+ cells accumulate significantly after castration. Chloroquine and L‐asparagine administration caused inflammation of the glands at day 5 after castration.ConclusionsCD68+ macrophages phagocytose apoptotic cell corpses and activate the LAP pathway, thereby contributing to the preservation of a non‐inflammed microenvironment. Marked inflammation was detected when autophagy blockers were administered to castrated animals.
Prediction of protein structure with the coarse‐grained UNRES force field assisted by small X‐ray scattering data and knowledge‐based information
Authors: Karczyńska Agnieszka S. , Mozolewska Magdalena A. , Krupa Paweł , Giełdoń Artur , Liwo Adam , Czaplewski Cezary 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA new approach to assisted protein–structure prediction has been proposed, which is based on running multiplexed replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations with the coarse‐grained UNRES force field with restraints derived from knowledge‐based models and distance distribution from small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. The latter restraints are incorporated into the target function as a maximum‐likelihood term that guides the shape of the simulated structures towards that defined by SAXS. The approach was first verified with the 1KOY protein, for which the distance distribution was calculated from the experimental structure, and subsequently used to predict the structures of 11 data‐assisted targets in the CASP12 experiment. Major improvement of the GDT_TS was obtained for 2 targets, minor improvement for other 2 while, for 6 target GDT_TS deteriorated compared with that calculated for predictions without the SAXS data, partly because of assuming a wrong multimeric state (for Ts866) or because the crystal conformation was more compact than the solution conformation (for Ts942). Particularly good results were obtained for Ts909, in which use of SAXS data resulted in the selection of a correctly packed trimer and, subsequently, increased the GDT_TS of monomer prediction. It was found that running simulations with correct oligomeric state is essential for the success in SAXS‐data‐assisted prediction.
Sulfur‐Immobilized Nitrogen and Oxygen Co–Doped Hierarchically Porous Biomass Carbon for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries: Influence of Sulfur Content and Distribution on Its Performance
Authors: Chulliyote Reshma , Hareendrakrishnakumar Haritha , Raja Murugan , Gladis Joseph Mary , Stephan Arul Manuel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHierarchically porous carbon with inherently doped heteroatoms and the quantity of active material (sulfur) confined within this carbon matrix play a major role for the high performance of Li−S batteries. Herein, we discuss the influence of sulfur content and distribution onto the N and O co‐doped hierarchically porous biomass carbon matrix (PC) to achieve high specific capacitance and cycling stability. Sulfur encapsulated PC was prepared from an eco‐friendly source with a high surface area of 2065 m2 g−1 and a pore volume of 1.5 cm3 g−1. PC with 54, 68 & 73% of sulfur content (PCSCs) have been investigated as cathode materials for Li−S battery. PC with 54% sulfur displayed better performance with an initial discharge capacity of 1606 mA h g−1 and a cycling stability of 1269 mA h g−1 at 0.1C rate after 100 cycles due to better dispersion of sulfur in the porous architecture. The higher cycling stability of PCSC (54%) is due to the N and O co‐doped hierarchical porous carbon layers, enhancing the sulfur utilization ratio and mitigating the polysulfide shuttle during the cycling process.
Generation of New 1,3‐Dipolar Azomethine Ylide via Reaction of Ethyl Glycinate with Dialkyl But‐2‐ynedioate and Tandem 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Huang Ying , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe triethylamine promoted reaction of ethyl glycinate hydrochloride with but‐2‐ynedioate in ethanol at room temperature afforded a new kind of 1,3‐dipolar azomethine ylide. The sequential [3+2] cycloaddition of the new azomethine ylide with 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indanediones or 2‐arylideneoxindoline‐2‐ones successfully resulted in functionalized spiro[indene‐2, 3′‐pyrrolidines] or spiro[indoline‐3, 3′‐pyrrolidine] derivatives in moderate to good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The relative configuration of the spiro compounds were clearly elucidated by analysis of NMR spectra and determination of single crystal structures.
Cyclodextrin‐Based Polymer‐Assisted Ru Nanoparticles for the Aqueous Hydrogenation of Biomass‐Derived Platform Molecules
Authors: Chen Manyu , Dong Qifeng , Ni Wenxiu , Zhao Xiuge , Gu Qingwen , Tang Guoping , Li Difan , Ma Wenbao , Hou Zhenshan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA green water‐soluble cyclodextrin polymer has been prepared through cross‐linking of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). The as‐synthesized co‐polymer (PEG‐CD) showed an excellent ability to stabilize and constrain the size of Ru‐Nanoparticles in aqueous phase, as compared with other polymer stabilizer used in this work such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP−K30) and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). The co‐ploymer PEG‐CD‐stabilizied Ru NPs have been found to be a highly efficient catalyst in the aqueous hydrogenation of levulinic acid into γ‐valerolactone under mild reaction condition. This catalyst system can be easily extended to the selective hydrogenation of other lignocellulose‐derived platform molecule including 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, phenol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐methyl phenol and 2‐methoxy‐4‐ethyl phenol, etc. The further characterization analysis indicated that the small‐sized and highly dispersed Ru NPs (1.2‐2.0 nm) embedded in co‐ploymer PEG‐CD matrix were highly stable for the consecutive catalytic recycles. Additionally, the inclusion interaction of substrate molecules and β‐CD units within polymer matrix played a crucial role in the enhancement of catalytic performance.
PTSA.H2O‐Catalyzed Reaction of 3‐Aminocoumarins and Phenylacetaldehydes: A Route to Access Various Pyrido(2,3‐c)coumarin Derivatives
Authors: Belal Md. , Khan Abu T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA number of pyrido(2, 3‐c)coumarin derivatives were accomplished from various 3‐aminocoumarins and phenylacetaldehydes in acetonitrile using 10 mol% p‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA.H2O) as a catalyst. The protocol is an easy approach to synthesize a number of biologically important coumarin fused pyridine derivatives.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of a BODIPY Derivative with Extended Conjugation
Authors: Ishimatsu Ryoichi , Shintaku Hirosato , Adachi Chihaya , Nakano Koji , Imato Toshihiko 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe electrochemical properties and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of a borondipyrromethane (BODIPY) derivative, 2,8‐bis(4‐isopropylphenyl)‐difuro[2, 3‐b][3, 2‐g]‐5,5‐difluoro‐5‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (Derivative 1, Figure 1) are described. Derivative 1 emitted ECL in the range of 650∼800 nm by using tripropylamine (TPA) as a coreactant. In the cyclic voltammogram, Derivative 1 showed a reversible oxidation wave, whereas the reduction wave was irreversible. Energetically, it is likely that triplet‐triplet annihilation is the main pathway to emit ECL through the ion annihilation of the radical anions and cations of Derivative 1 whereas the lowest excited singlet state of Derivative 1 is directly produced with TPA. The maximum ECL wavelengths (670 nm at 0.01 mM) were red‐shifted with increasing the concentration of Derivative 1 because of the self‐absorption resulted from a small Stokes shift (∼10 nm). Relative ECL efficiency of Derivative 1 was 0.13 compared to that of a Ru(bpy)2+/TPA system.
Red Blood Cells for Drug Delivery
Authors: Yan Junjie , Yu Jicheng , Wang Chao , Gu Zhen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRed blood cells (RBCs), or erythrocytes, have been promising endogenous candidates for drug delivery for more than four decades. Armed with a better understanding of the diverse mechanisms and paths for drug delivery, researchers have achieved great progress in manufacturing RBC‐based carriers, from both the scientific and clinical viewpoints. Here, the loading methods and loading therapeutics by RBC carriers are surveyed, and recent advances in the design of stimuli‐triggered RBC carriers highlighted. Key developing trends and challenges, are also discussed, and an outlook is presented.
The role of Ca2+‐dependent K+‐ channels at the rat corticostriatal synapses revealed by paired pulse stimulation
Authors: Robles Gómez Angel A. , Vega Ana V. , Gónzalez‐Sandoval Carolina , Barral Jaime 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPotassium channels play an important role in modulating synaptic activity both at presynaptic and postsynaptic levels. We have shown before that presynaptically located KV and KIR channels modulate the strength of corticostriatal synapses in rat brain, but the role of other types of potassium channels at these synapses remains largely unknown. Here, we show that calcium‐dependent potassium channels BK‐type but not SK‐type channels are located presynaptically in corticostriatal synapses. We stimulated cortical neurons in rat brain slices and recorded postsynaptic excitatory potentials (EPSP) in medium spiny neurons (MSN) in dorsal neostriatum. By using a paired pulse protocol, we induced synaptic facilitation before applying either BK‐ or SK‐specific toxins. Thus, we found that blockage of BKCa with iberiotoxin (10 nM) reduces synaptic facilitation and increases the amplitude of the EPSP, while exposure to SK‐blocker apamin (100 nM) has no effect. Additionally, we induced train action potentials on striatal MSN by current injection before and after the exposure to KCa toxins. We found that the action potential becomes broader when the MSN is exposed to iberiotoxin, although it has no impact on frequency. In contrast, exposure to apamin results in loss of afterhyperpolarization phase and an increase of spike frequency. Therefore, we concluded that postsynaptic SK channels are involved in afterhyperpolarization and modulation of spike frequency while the BK channels are involved on the late repolarization phase of the action potential. Altogether, our results show that calcium‐dependent potassium channels modulate both input towards and output from the striatum.
Study of the Air‐Tolerant 1,3‐Diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl through the Direct Arylation
Authors: Ito Shigekazu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInstalling π‐functional substituents on the skeletal phosphorus atoms of the air‐tolerant 1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl unit are promising for tuning the open‐shell singlet P‐heterocyclic chromophore. The sterically encumbered 1,3‐diphosphaCycloButen‐4‐yl Anion (CBA), generated from the phosphorus‐carbon triple bond, was available for the regioselective arylation via nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction, addition to arynes, and single‐electron transfer (SET) process affording the corresponding P‐arylated 1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyls. The photo‐absorption and redox properties correlated with the effects of the aryl substituents on the 1,3‐diphosphacyclobutane‐2,4‐diyl unit. The X‐ray analyses enabled not only to discuss the metric parameters but also to visualize the radicalic electrons via the electron‐density distribution analysis. The electron‐donating character of the P‐heterocyclic chromophores induced the p‐type semiconductor behavior. Detection of hydrogen fluoride via formation of the 1λ5,3λ5‐diphosphete derivative was also developed.
The Compositional Dependence of the Microstructure and Properties of CMSX-4 Superalloys
Authors: Yu Hao , Xu Wei , Van Der Zwaag Sybrand 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The degradation of creep resistance in Ni-based single-crystal superalloys is essentially ascribed to their microstructural evolution. Yet there is a lack of work that manages to predict (even qualitatively) the effect of alloying element concentrations on the rate of microstructural degradation. In this research, a computational model is presented to connect the rafting kinetics of Ni superalloys to their chemical composition by combining thermodynamics calculation and a modified microstructural model. To simulate the evolution of key microstructural parameters during creep, the isotropic coarsening rate and γ/γ′ misfit stress are defined as composition-related parameters, and the effect of service temperature, time, and applied stress are taken into consideration. Two commercial superalloys, for which the kinetics of the rafting process are selected as the reference alloys, and the corresponding microstructural parameters are simulated and compared with experimental observations reported in the literature. The results confirm that our physical model not requiring any fitting parameters manages to predict (semiquantitatively) the microstructural parameters for different service conditions, as well as the effects of alloying element concentrations. The model can contribute to the computational design of new Ni-based superalloys.
Who crosses the norms? Predictors of the readiness for non‐normative political participation among adolescents
Authors: Šerek Jan , Machackova Hana , Macek Petr 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThis study investigated whether adolescents' readiness for non‐normative political participation (i.e., readiness to confront social rules for political reasons) was predicted by their interpersonal problems (with parents, teachers, and classmates), low optimism, and political beliefs (political self‐efficacy and distrust in public institutions). A structural equation model using two‐wave longitudinal data from Czech high school students (N = 768; 54% females; age range at T1 = 14–17, M = 15.97; T2 data collected 1.5 years later) showed that the changes in adolescents' readiness for non‐normative participation were predicted by their lower institutional trust. Interpersonal relationships or optimism had no cross‐sectional or longitudinal effect on the readiness for non‐normative participation. These results suggest that the main source of adolescents' readiness for non‐normative political actions lies in their political beliefs, while the effect of adolescents' interpersonal problems is less clear.
New science of climate change impacts on agriculture implies higher social cost of carbon
Authors: Moore Frances C. , Baldos Uris , Hertel Thomas , Diaz Delavane 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDespite substantial advances in climate change impact research in recent years, the scientific basis for damage functions in economic models used to calculate the social cost of carbon (SCC) is either undocumented, difficult to trace, or based on a small number of dated studies. Here we present new damage functions based on the current scientific literature and introduce these into an integrated assessment model (IAM) in order to estimate a new SCC. We focus on the agricultural sector, use two methods for determining the yield impacts of warming, and the GTAP CGE model to calculate the economic consequences of yield shocks. These new damage functions reveal far more adverse agricultural impacts than currently represented in IAMs. Impacts in the agriculture increase from net benefits of $2.7 ton−1CO2to net costs of $8.5 ton−1, leading the total SCC to more than double.
Prostate shapes on pre-treatment MRI between prostate cancer patients who do and do not undergo biochemical recurrence are different: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Ghose Soumya , Shiradkar Rakesh , Rusu Mirabela , Mitra Jhimli , Thawani Rajat , Feldman Michael , Gupta Amar C. , Purysko Andrei S. , Ponsky Lee , Madabhushi Anant 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEarly identification of PCa patients at risk for biochemical recurrence (BCR) post-therapy will potentially complement definitive therapy with either neo- or adjuvant therapy to improve prognosis. BCR post definitive therapy is often associated with disease progression that might cause a bulge in the prostate gland. In this work we explored if an atlas-based comparison approach reveals shape differences in the prostate capsule as observed on pre-treatment T2-weighted MRI between prostate cancer patients who do (BCR+) and do not (BCR−) have BCR following definitive therapy. A single center IRB approved study included 874 patients. Complete image datasets, clinically localized PCa, availability of Gleason score, data available for post-treatment PSA and follow-up for at least 3 years in patients without BCR were the inclusion criteria to select 77 patients out of the 874 patients. Further controlling for Gleason score, stage, age and to maintain equal number of cases for the BCR+ and BCR− categories, the total number of cases was reduced to 50. Manually segmented prostate capsules were aligned to a BCR− template for statistical comparison between the BCR+ and BCR− groups. Statistically significant shape difference between the two groups was observed towards the lateral and the posterior sides of prostate.
Genetic variants associated with physical performance and anthropometry in old age: a genome-wide association study in the ilSIRENTE cohort
Authors: Heckerman David , Traynor Bryan J. , Picca Anna , Calvani Riccardo , Marzetti Emanuele , Hernandez Dena , Nalls Michael , Arepali Sampath , Ferrucci Luigi , Landi Francesco 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnraveling the complexity of aging is crucial for understanding its mechanisms and its role as a risk factor for most chronic conditions. Advancements marked by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have sparked interest in gene cataloguing in the context of aging and age-related conditions. Here, we used GWAS to explore whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with functional and anthropometric parameters in a cohort of old community-dwellers enrolled in the ilSIRENTE study. Analyses were carried out in men and women aged 80+ years enrolled in the ilSIRENTE study (n = 286) and replicated in the inCHIANTI study (n = 1055). Genotyping was accomplished on Infinium Human610-QUAD version 1. In the ilSIRENTE population, genetic variants in ZNF295 and C2CD2 (rs928874 and rs1788355) on chromosome 21q22.3, were significantly associated with the 4-meter gait speed (rs928874, p = 5.61 × 10−8; rs1788355, p = 5.73 × 10−8). This association was not replicated in the inCHIANTI population. Our findings suggest that specific SNPs may be associated with a key measure of physical performance in older adults. GWASs using larger samples are needed to confirm these preliminary results to enhance our comprehension of complex age-associated phenomena.
Sirolimus induces depletion of intracellular calcium stores and mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Lombardi Angela , Gambardella Jessica , Du Xue-Liang , Sorriento Daniela , Mauro Maurizio , Iaccarino Guido , Trimarco Bruno , Santulli Gaetano 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSirolimus (rapamycin) is an immunosuppressive drug used in transplantation. One of its major side effects is the increased risk of diabetes mellitus; however, the exact mechanisms underlying such association have not been elucidated. Here we show that sirolimus impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion both in human and murine pancreatic islets and in clonal β cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, we demonstrate that sirolimus markedly depletes calcium (Ca2+) content in the endoplasmic reticulum and significantly decreases glucose-stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Crucially, the reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is mirrored by a significant impairment in mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, our findings indicate that sirolimus causes depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores and alters mitochondrial fitness, eventually leading to decreased insulin release. Our results provide a novel molecular mechanism underlying the increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in patients treated with this drug.
Medicinal Plant Leaf Extract and Pure Flavonoid Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Enhanced Antibacterial Property
Authors: Jain Siddhant , Mehata Mohan Singh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe rewards of using plants and plant metabolites over other biological methods for nanoparticle synthesis have fascinated researchers to investigate mechanisms of metal ions uptake and bio-reduction by plants. Here, green chemistry were employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extracts of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) and its derivative quercetin (flavonoid present in Tulsi) separately as precursors to investigate the role of biomolecules present in Tulsi in the formation of AgNPs from cationic silver under different physicochemical conditions such as pH, temperature, reaction time and reactants concentration. The size, shape, morphology, and stability of resultant AgNPs were investigated by optical spectroscopy (absorption, photoluminescence (PL), PL-lifetime and Fourier transform infrared), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The enhanced antibacterial activity of AgNPs against E-Coli gram-negative bacterial strains was analyzed based on the zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) indices. The results of different characterization techniques showed that AgNPs synthesized using both leaf extract and neat quercetin separately followed the same optical, morphological, and antibacterial characteristics, demonstrating that biomolecules (quercetin) present in Tulsi are mainly responsible for the reduction of metal ions to metal nanoparticles.