bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Stimuli‐Responsive Membranes Prepared from a Blend of Polysulfone and a Graft Copolymer Bearing Binary Side Chains with Thermo‐ and pH‐Responsive Switching Behavior
Authors: Miao Lei , Tu Yuanyuan , Yang Yang , Lin Shudong , Hu Jiwen , Zhang Min , Li Yue , Li Fei , Mo Yangmiao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA stimuli‐responsive membrane exhibiting independent pH‐ and temperature‐responsive behavior was fabricated from a blend of commercial polysulfone with a functional amphiphilic binary graft copolymer, namely, polysulfone‐graft‐(poly(isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)‐random‐poly(methyl acrylate)), denoted PSf‐g‐(P(NIPAAm‐co‐AA)‐r‐PMMA). Two graft copolymers with different lengths of P(NIPAAm‐co‐AA) side chains were designed and enriched on the membrane surface to serve as thermo‐ and pH‐responsive on/off switches. The differences between the dual‐responsive behaviors of the two kinds of polymer‐blend membranes were studied by water‐flux and contact‐angle measurements. The PMMA side chains served to securely anchor the graft copolymers to the membrane substrate, and the blended membrane prepared from binary graft copolymer was more stable and exhibited more robust stimuli‐responsive behavior than that prepared from mono‐graft copolymer PSf‐g‐P(NIPAAm‐co‐AA).
Flexibility and Stability of Metal Coordination Macromolecules
Authors: Jiang Heyan , Geng Diya , Liu Dapeng , Lanigan Nicholas , Wang Xiaosong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe effect of chain structure on flexibility and stability of macromolecules containing weak P−Fe metal coordination bonds is studied. Migration insertion polymerization (MIP) of FpCXFp (1) and PR2CYPR2 (2) (Fp: CpFe(CO)2; CX and CY: alkyl spacers; P: phosphine; R: phenyl or isopropyl) generates P(1/2), in which the P−Fe and Fe−P bonds with opposite bonding direction are alternatively arranged in the backbone. On the other hand, P(FpCXP) synthesized from AB‐type monomers (FpCXP) has P−Fe bonds arranged in the same direction. P(1/2) is more rigid and stable than P(FpCXP), which is attributed to the chain conformation resulting from the P−Fe bonding direction. In addition, the longer spacers render P(1/2) relatively flexible; the phenyl substituents, as compared with the isopropyl groups, improves the rigidity, thermal, and solution stability of P(1/2). It is therefore possible to incorporate weak metal coordination bonds into macromolecules with improved stability and adjustable flexibility for material processing.
Defining the Anti‐Cancer Activity of Tricarbonyl Rhenium Complexes: Induction of G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Blockade of Aurora‐A Kinase Phosphorylation
Authors: Simpson Peter V. , Casari Ilaria , Paternoster Silvano , Skelton Brian W. , Falasca Marco , Massi Massimiliano 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRhenium and ruthenium complexes containing N‐heterocylic carbene (NHC) ligands and conjugated to indomethacin were prepared. The anticancer properties were probed against pancreatic cell lines, revealing a remarkable activity of the rhenium fragment as anticancer agent. The ruthenium complexes were found to be inactive against the same pancreatic cancer cell lines, either alone or in conjugation with indomethacin. An in‐depth biological study revealed the origin of the anticancer properties of the rhenium tricarbonyl fragment, of which a complete elucidation had yet to be achieved. It was found that the rhenium complexes induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Aurora‐A kinase. A preliminary study on the structure–activity relationship on a large family of these complexes revealed that the anticancer properties are mainly associated with the lability of the ancillary ligand, with inert complexes showing limited to no anticancer properties.
Pd(0)‐Catalyzed Tandem One‐Pot Reaction of Biphenyl Ketones/Aldehydes to the Corresponding Di‐substituted Aryl Olefins
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Ping , Liu Yan , Wei Yu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSynthesis of di‐substituted aryl olefins via a Pd(0)‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of biphenyl ketones/aldehydes, tosylhydrazide, and aryl bromides (or benzyl halides) was developed. This methodology was achieved by one‐pot two‐step reactions involving the preparation of N‐tosylhydrazones by reacting tosylhydrazide with biphenyl ketones/aldehydes, followed by coupling with aryl bromides (or benzyl halides) in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and lithium t‐butoxide to produce various di‐substituted aryl olefins in moderate to good yields.
Variability of stencil computations for porous media
Authors: Grebhahn Alexander , Engwer Christian , Bolten Matthias , Apel Sven 
Published: March 2017

SummaryMany problems formulated in partial differential equations lead to stencil‐type structures after applying an appropriate structured discretization. On one hand, exploiting these stencil structures in simulations can lead to massive performance improvements, compared to forming a sparse matrix. On the other hand, the generality of the simulation is restricted, depending on the exact definition of the stencils. In this article, we discuss the variability of stencils in the domain of porous‐media applications and present a family of models that grows in complexity. To demonstrate the relation between equation and discretization on the resulting stencil used to simulate the equation, we consider 4 models from the porous media domain. This way, we describe the influence of design decisions made during the discretization on the shape of stencils, to give application engineers' information on the variability they have to consider. This leads us to 2 variability models that shall help application engineers to understand the complexity and choices of stencil computations in the porous media domain.
Design of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz ultra‐wideband flat gain LNA
Authors: Amiri Nematollah Soltani , Gholami Mohammad 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn this paper, a new ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) is proposed. The proposed LNA has flat gain and low noise figure (NF) in the frequency range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. To obtain higher gain, cascode architecture is used. In this design, to have a lower NF, the noise cancellation technique applies to the cascode architecture. In addition, to have better matching at the input and output, active feedback and matching transistors are used, which also leads to better NF. To have flat gain, RLC load is used. In the proposed LNA, only one inductor is used, which leads to the smaller chip area. The proposed circuit is designed in 90 nm CMOS technology. The simulation shows NF of between 1.62 and 2.1 dB, flat gain between 11.9 and 12 dB and power consumption of 11.72 mW in the frequency range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. The simulation results support the theoretical predictions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are body size and volatile blends honest signals in orchid bees?
Authors: Arriaga‐Osnaya Brenda Jessica , Contreras‐Garduño Jorge , Espinosa‐García Francisco Javier , García‐Rodríguez Yolanda Magdalena , Moreno‐García Miguel , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto , Godínez‐Álvarez Héctor , Cueva del Castillo Raúl 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSecondary sexual traits may convey reliable information about males’ ability to resist pathogens and that females may prefer those traits because their genes for resistance would be passed on to their offspring. In many insect species, large males have high mating success and can canalize more resources to the immune function than smaller males. In other species, males use pheromones to identify and attract conspecific mates, and thus, they might function as an honest indicator of a male's condition. The males of orchid bees do not produce pheromones. They collect and store flower volatiles, which are mixed with the volatile blends from other sources, like fungi, sap and resins. These blends are displayed as perfumes during the courtship. In this study, we explored the relationship between inter‐individual variation in body size and blend composition with the males’ phenoloxidase (PO) content in Euglossa imperialis. PO content is a common measure of insect immune response because melanine, its derived molecule, encapsulates parasites and pathogens. Body size and blend composition were related to bees’ phenolic PO content. The inter‐individual variation in body size and tibial contents could indicate differences among males in their skills to gain access to some compounds. The females may evaluate their potential mates through these compounds because some of them are reliable indicators of the males’ capacity to resist infections and parasites.
Bridging the gaps in animal movement: hidden behaviors and ecological relationships revealed by integrated data streams
Authors: McClintock Brett T. , London Joshua M. , Cameron Michael F. , Boveng Peter L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInferences about animal behavior from movement models typically rely solely on location data, but auxiliary biotelemetry and environmental data are powerful and readily available resources for incorporating much more behavioral realism. Integrating multiple data streams can not only reveal hidden behaviors and ecological relationships that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to infer from location data alone, but also facilitate more realistic path reconstruction that respects important ecological features while bridging the information gaps that commonly arise due to measurement error or missing data. Using the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus), a benthic predator associated with Arctic sea ice, we demonstrate how integrating location, dive activity, land cover, bathymetry, and sea ice data in a unified modeling framework allowed us to identify novel behavior states, such as hauling out on seasonal sea ice and those associated with competing foraging strategies (i.e., benthic vs. mid‐water prey). By utilizing multiple data streams, ecologists can move beyond conventional two‐state models (“foraging” and “transit”) and address more interesting hypotheses about activity budgets, resource selection, and many other areas of movement and behavioral ecology. The generality of our approach provides broad applicability to marine and terrestrial species, as well as many types of biotelemetry and environmental data.
Aftershock collapse fragility curves for non‐ductile RC buildings: a scenario‐based assessment
Authors: Gaetani d'Aragona Marco , Polese Maria , Elwood Kenneth J. , Baradaran Shoraka Majid , Prota Andrea 
Published: March 2017

SummaryRecent studies have addressed the computation of fragility curves for mainshock (MS)‐damaged buildings. However, aftershock (AS) fragilities are generally conditioned on a range of potential post‐MS damage states that are simulated via static or dynamic analyses performed on an intact building. Moreover, there are very few cases where the behavior of non‐ductile reinforced concrete buildings is analyzed.This paper presents an evaluation of AS collapse fragility conditioned on various return periods of MSs, allowing for the rapid assessment of post‐earthquake safety variations based solely on the intensity of the damaging earthquake event. A refined multi‐degree‐of‐freedom model of a seven‐storey non‐ductile building, which includes brittle failure simulations and the evaluation of a system level collapse, is adopted. Aftershock fragilities are obtained by performing an incremental dynamic analysis for a number of MS–AS ground motion sequences and a variety of MS intensities.The AS fragilities show that the probability of collapse significantly increases for higher return periods for the MS. However, this result is mainly ascribable to collapses occurred during MSs. When collapse cases that occur during a MS are not considered in the assessment of AS collapse probability, a smaller shift in the fragility curves is observed as the MS intensity increases. This result is justified considering the type of model and collapse modes introduced, which strongly depend on the brittle behavior of columns failing in shear or due to axial loads. The analysis of damage that is due to MSs when varying the return period confirms this observation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical alterations in duckweed and algae induced by carrier solvents: Selection of an appropriate solvent in toxicity testing
Authors: Hu Li-Xin , Tian Fei , Martin Francis L. , Ying Guang-Guo 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Carrier solvents are often used in aquatic toxicity testing for test chemicals with hydrophobic properties. However, the knowledge of solvent effects on test organisms remains limited. The present study aimed to determine the biochemical effects of the 4 common solvents methanol, ethanol, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on 2 test species, Lemna minor and Raphidocelis subcapitata, by applying Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) coupled with multivariate analysis to select appropriate solvents for toxicity testing. The results showed biochemical variations associated with solvent treatments at different doses on test species. From the infrared spectra obtained, the structures of lipid membrane and protein phosphorylation in the test species were found to be sensitive to the solvents. Methanol and ethanol mainly affected the protein secondary structure, whereas acetone and DMSO primarily induced alterations in carbohydrates and proteins in the test species. The FTIR results demonstrated that methanol and ethanol showed higher biochemical alterations in the test species than acetone and DMSO, especially at the high doses (0.1 and 1% v/v). Based on the growth inhibition displayed and FTIR spectroscopy, acetone, and DMSO can be used as carrier solvents in toxicity testing when their doses are lower than 0.1% v/v. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2631–2639. © 2017 SETAC
Dementia‐related restlessness: relationship to characteristics of persons with dementia and family caregivers
Authors: Regier Natalie G. , Gitlin Laura N. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveDementia‐related restlessness is commonly endorsed by caregivers but not well understood. This study examines differences in characteristics (demographics, cognitive status, physical function, pain, and mood) of persons with dementia whose caregivers endorse restlessness versus those who do not. We also examine the relationship of restlessness to caregiver well‐being including burden, upset with behaviors, mastery, and depressive symptomatology.MethodsWe combined baseline data from three caregiver intervention studies of community‐dwelling persons with dementia who exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms (n = 569) as measured by the Agitated Behaviors in Dementia Scale. We conducted bivariate correlations and independent t‐tests by using the Agitated Behaviors in Dementia Scale restlessness item.ResultsNearly 65% (n = 367) of dementia caregivers reported restlessness. There were no significant differences between those with and without (n = 202) reported restlessness concerning functional status (physical or cognitive). However, persons with restlessness had significantly higher pain scores (p < 0.01), were more likely to be on behavioral medications (p < 0.001), and had more neuropsychiatric symptoms as compared with persons without restlessness (M = 11.11, nonrestless; M = 6.61, restless) (p < 0.001). Caregivers of persons with dementia‐related restlessness reported greater burden (p < 0.001), behavioral upset (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and lower mastery providing care (p < 0.01) compared with caregivers of persons without dementia‐related restlessness.ConclusionsRestlessness is a common neuropsychiatric symptom that appears to be associated with poorer functioning in persons with dementia and greater distress in their caregivers. Further research is needed to understand the unique contributions of restlessness to care burden and quality of life of persons with dementia, as well as ways to address this distressing symptom. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast aquaporin regulation by 4‐hydroxynonenal is implicated in oxidative stress response
Authors: Rodrigues Claudia , Tartaro Bujak Ivana , Mihaljević Branka , Soveral Graça , Cipak Gasparovic Ana 
Published: March 2017

SummaryReactive oxygen species, especially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), contribute to functional molecular impairment and cellular damage, but also are necessary in normal cellular metabolism, and in low doses play stimulatory role in cell proliferation and stress resistance. In parallel, reactive aldehydes such as 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE), are lipid peroxidation breakdown products which also contribute to regulation of numerous cellular processes. Recently, channeling of H2O2 by some mammalian aquaporin isoforms has been reported and suggested to contribute to aquaporin involvement in cancer malignancies, although the mechanism by which these membrane water channels are implicated in oxidative stress is not clear. In this study, two yeast models with increased levels of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and aquaporin AQY1 overexpression, respectively, were used to evaluate their interplay in cell's oxidative status. In particular, the aim of the study was to investigate if HNE accumulation could affect aquaporin function with an outcome in oxidative stress response. The data showed that induction of aquaporin expression by PUFAs results in increased water permeability in yeast membranes and that AQY1 activity is impaired by HNE. Moreover, AQY1 expression increases cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress by facilitating H2O2 influx. On the other hand, AQY1 expression has no influence on the cellular antioxidant GSH levels and catalase activity. These results strongly suggest that aquaporins are important players in oxidative stress response and could contribute to regulation of cellular processes by regulation of H2O2 influx. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(5):355–362, 2017
MiR‐223/PAX6 Axis Regulates Glioblastoma Stem Cell Proliferation and the Chemo Resistance to TMZ via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Huang Bai‐Sheng , Luo Qi‐zhi , Han Yang , Huang Dong , Tang Qing‐Ping , Wu Li‐Xiang 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTChemotherapy is a standard strategy for glioma, while chemoresistance remains a major therapeutic challenge in current clinical practice. Our present study was aimed to determine whether inhibition of the miR‐223/paired box 6 (PAX6) pathway could increase the sensitivity of glioma to Temozolomide. An elevated level of miR‐223 was observed in glioma tissues. Exogenous miR‐223 promoted cell survival when exposed to Temozolomide (TMZ), while miR‐223 inhibition could reverse this process. The RNA and protein levels of PAX6 were significantly decreased by exogenous miR‐223, and the 3′‐untranslated region of PAX6 was shown to be a target of miR‐223. Besides, it has also been reported that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is pivotal to regulate glioma growth and proliferation. In the present study, we revealed that miR‐223/PAX6 axis regulated the growth, invasion, and chemo resistance of glioblastoma stem cells to TMZ via regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which present a novel potential therapy for intervention of glioblastoma. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the miR‐223/PAX6 pathway in glioma and this pathway might modulate the sensitivity of glioma to TMZ via regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3452–3461, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological specializations of the yolk sac for yolk processing in embryonic corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus: Colubridae)
Authors: Powers Kathryn G. , Blackburn Daniel G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNon‐avian reptiles commonly are assumed to be like birds in their overall patterns of development. However, colubrid corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) have mechanisms of yolk cellularization and processing that are entirely different from the avian pattern. In birds, a vascular “yolk sac” surrounds and digests the liquid yolk. In contrast, in corn snakes, the yolk material is converted into vascularized cords of yolk‐filled cells. In this study, we used stereomicroscopy, histology, and scanning electron microscopy to analyze this unusual developmental pattern in corn snakes. Our observations reveal that the yolk sac cavity is invaded by endodermal cells that proliferate, absorb yolk spheres, and form aggregates of interconnected cells within the liquid yolk mass. As development proceeds, small blood vessels arise from the yolk sac omphalopleure, penetrate into the yolk mass, and become tightly encased in the endodermal cells. The entire vitellus ultimately becomes converted into a mass of vascularized, “spaghetti‐like” strands of yolk‐laden cells. The resulting arrangement allows yolk to be digested intracellularly and yolk products to be transported to the developing embryo. Indirect evidence for this pattern in other species raises the possibility that it is ancestral for squamates and quite possibly Reptilia in general.
MR cholangiography in potential liver donors: quantitative and qualitative improvement with administration of an oral effervescent agent
Authors: Kwon Heon‐Ju , Kim Kyoung Won , Choi Sang Hyun , Jung Jin‐Hee , Kim So Yeon , Kim Se‐Young , Lee Jeongjin , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Lee Sung‐Gyu 
Published: March 2017

PurposeTo determine whether an oral effervescent agent improves magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) images, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in potential live liver donors.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was waived. Seventy potential liver donors underwent 2D MRC before and after administration of an oral effervescent agent. One radiologist measured relative contrast ratio (rC) and relative signal intensity (rS) for right and left intrahepatic ducts (RHD and LHD), and common hepatic duct (CHD). After assessment of overall image quality, two other radiologists independently scored visualization of five ductal segments (RHD, LHD, CHD, cystic, and common bile duct) and assessed the preferred image set. In consensus, they assessed the biliary anatomy. The data were analyzed using a paired t‐test, Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test, and chi‐square test.ResultsBoth rC and rS of RHD and CHD were significantly higher on MRC images after administration of an oral effervescent agent than before (P < 0.03). The overall image quality grades and biliary visualization scores for all five duct segments were significantly higher on MRC images after administration of an oral effervescent agent than before (P < 0.0001). Between these images, both readers more often preferred MRC images with an effervescent agent rather than those without this agent (reader 1: 56/70, 80.0%; reader 2: 55/70, 78.6%; P = 0.0003). The readers correctly assessed second‐order biliary tract anatomy in two more subjects on MRC after administration of an effervescent agent than before.ConclusionOral administration of an effervescent agent improves MRC images, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in live liver donors.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1656–1663.