bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleiotropic Role of Recombinant Silaffin‐Like Cationic Polypeptide P5S3: Peptide‐Induced Silicic Acid Stabilization, Silica Formation and Inhibition of Silica Dissolution
Authors: Spinthaki Argyro , Zerfaß Christian , Paulsen Harald , Hobe Stephan , Demadis Konstantinos D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSilica‐mineralizing organisms such as diatoms manage several aspects of silica chemistry when polymerizing monomeric silicic acid into amorphous silica. Silicic acid is undersaturated in the diatoms’ habitats and mechanisms of enrichment and prevention of uncontrolled mineralization are not well understood. Diatom‐biosilica is associated with organic compounds, including polycationic, post‐translationally modified peptides termed silaffins, which induce the condensation of silicic acid under supersaturated conditions. Here, we report the pleiotropic action of the designed silaffin‐like peptide P5S3, which (i) stabilizes 4–8x silicic acid (in supersaturated conditions of 8.3 mm), (ii) decelerates silica hydrolysis in non‐saturated conditions (1 mm) and (iii) enhances silica precipitation at 15–30x supersaturation (30 mm), forming a composite precipitate. Abundant cationic amino acids in P5S3 can interact with silica, though blocking experiments with selected anions also indicate a role of non‐electrostatic (e. g. amide‐silica) interactions. This shows how silaffin‐like peptides could potentially contribute to both keeping silica soluble, and forming peptide‐silica precipitates.
Syntheses and Structural Analyses of New 3D Isostructural Zn(II) and Cd(II) Luminescent MOFs and their Application Towards Detection of Nitroaromatics in Aqueous Media
Authors: Parmar Bhavesh , Rachuri Yadagiri , Bisht Kamal Kumar , Suresh Eringathodi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTwo new isostructural luminescent metal‐organic frameworks (LMOFs); {[M(BDC)(L)].xG}n, comprising Zn2+ (1) or Cd2+ (2) nodes, 4‐pyridyl carboxaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone (L), Benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) and lattice guests (G) have been synthesized by diffusion, conventional and mechanochemical routes and thoroughly characterized. Single crystal structural analysis revealed doubly interpenetrating double pillared primitive cubic unit (pcu) structures with significant stability at ambient conditions and in water for 1 and 2. Moreover, both structures showed good luminescent properties which are exploited for detection of nitro analytes. Fluorescence quenching experiments performed for a large pool of aromatic and aliphatic nitroanalytes showed that 1 and 2 selectively detect Trinitrophenol (TNP) in aqueous phase. The linear fitting of the SV plots for TNP offered quenching constants of 1.16 × 104 M−1 and 1.35 × 104 M−1 for 1 and 2 respectively indicating the high sensitivity of the sensing process. Remarkable sensitivity of synthesized materials towards aqueous phase TNP detection were further endorsed by the detection limits of 82 ppb (0.36 μM) and 33 ppb (0.15 μM) in case of 1 and 2 respectively. Thus, these new LMOFs owing to their high water stability and remarkable functional features are potential candidates which can be developed into selective and sensitive TNP detection devices.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Morphological Evaluation and Their Catalytic Applications for Degradation of Dyes and C–N Bond Formation Reaction
Authors: Bhosale Manohar A. , Karekar Supriya C. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSynthesis of copper oxide (Cu2O and CuO) nanoparticles in different morphologies by a facile and cost effective method has been developed at room temperature. The effect of various copper precursors on the morphology of Cu2O nanoparticles has been addressed and achieved the 100 % uniform cubic morphology of Cu2O nanoparticles. The effect of different capping agents and bases also examined and selectively achieved rod, wire, belt like morphologies of CuO nanoparticles. The each capping agent plays the important role and responsible in building the morphology of copper oxide nanoparticles. Notably the synthesis procedure is simple, faster, economical and energy efficient as compared to the other existing methods with selectivity in morphology of copper oxide nanoparticles. In addition, we have shown the catalytic applications of synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles for the degradation of various dyes like methylene blue, methyl red and crystal violet and also as an efficient catalyst for C–N bond formation coupling reaction.
Socio‐hydrology and hydrosocial analysis: toward dialogues across disciplines
Authors: Wesselink Anna , Kooy Michelle , Warner Jeroen 
Published: November 2016

In this study, we review the ways in which water has recently been conceptualized by both natural and social scientists as either hydro‐social or socio‐hydrological. We do this in order to discuss whether and how they can be compatible, in order to enable dialogue across disciplines that seek to address the ecological and social challenges related to the complex human/water interactions. Through our review, we document the emergence of these specific terminologies, identify how these terms—and the conceptualizations they represent—relate to each other, and suggest what opportunities there are for building further interdisciplinary approaches to understanding water and society. Specifically, we review the recent rise in socio‐hydrology amongst natural scientists/hydrologists to put this in discussion with a much longer tradition in social sciences of seeing water as both natural and social. We identify what the paradigms are in both conceptualizations in order to assess what their respective focus is, and what they omit. Our purpose is not to judge competing claims. Rather we want to assess the knowledge claims made in both paradigms: what can we learn when we employ these different approaches, what different rationales for action do they suggest, and what scope exists for collaboration. We conclude that there is scope in combining both approaches without a need to antagonistically question their respective fundamental assumptions, and playing to the strengths of each: the rich case study narratives produced by hydrosocial research can be the basis for the conceptual and quantitative modeling of socio‐hydrology.WIREs Water2017, 4:e1196. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1196This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Planning WaterScience of Water > Hydrological ProcessesHuman Water > Water Governance
Are China's climate commitments in a post‐Paris agreement sufficiently ambitious?
Authors: Zhang ZhongXiang 
Published: December 2016

In international climate change negotiations, China's role is an issue of perennial concern. In particular, the lack of quantitative, absolute emissions commitments from China has often been the focus of this concern. In line with changing domestic and international contexts, China is recalibrating its stance and strategy. Its participation in international climate change negotiations has evolved from playing a peripheral role to gradually moving to the center. This article examines China's stance and role in international climate change negotiations from a historical perspective. In so doing, the article discusses the evolution of international climate negotiations and China's stance in the lead‐up to and at the Paris conference. With Paris behind us, the focus is now turning to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The article discusses post‐Paris focuses, generally in the international context and in particular in China's context. They both affect the outcomes of post Paris subsequent negotiations and hold the key to actually achieving desired outcomes. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e443. doi: 10.1002/wcc.443This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework
Recent advances in aliphatic polyesters for drug delivery applications
Authors: Washington Katherine E. , Kularatne Ruvanthi N. , Karmegam Vasanthy , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C. 
Published: December 2016

The use of aliphatic polyesters in drug delivery applications has been a field of significant interest spanning decades. Drug delivery strategies have made abundant use of polyesters in their structures owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The properties afforded from these materials provide many avenues for the tunability of drug delivery systems to suit individual needs of diverse applications. Polyesters can be formed in several different ways, but the most prevalent is the ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters. When used to form amphiphilic block copolymers, these materials can be utilized to form various drug carriers such as nanoparticles, micelles, and polymersomes. These drug delivery systems can be tailored through the addition of targeting moieties and the addition of stimuli‐responsive groups into the polymer chains. There are also different types of polyesters that can be used to modify the degradation rates or mechanical properties. Here, we discuss the reasons that polyesters have become so popular, the current research focuses, and what the future holds for these materials in drug delivery applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1446. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1446This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Phase II trial of S-1 plus leucovorin in patients with advanced gastric cancer and clinical prediction by S-1 pharmacogenetic pathway
Authors: He Ming-ming , Zhang Dong-sheng , Wang Feng , Wang Zi-xian , Yuan Shu-qiang , Wang Zhi-qiang , Luo Hui-yan , Ren Chao , Qiu Miao-zhen , Jin Ying , Wang De-shen , Chen Dong-liang , Zeng Zhao-lei , Li Yu-hong , He Yang-yang , Hao Yuan-tao , Guo Pi , Wang Feng-hua , Zeng Yi-xin , Xu Rui-hua 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background
The first one-arm phase II trial aimed to evaluate and predict efficacy and safety of S-1 plus oral leucovorin (S-1/LV) as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), using S-1 pharmacogenetic pathway approach.

Patients and methods
A total of 39 patients orally took S-1 at conventional dose and LV simultaneously at a dose of 25 mg twice daily for a week, within a 2-week cycle. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), while the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), time to failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs). Peripheral blood was sampled prospectively for baseline expression of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and thymidylate synthase (TS), CYP2A6 gene polymorphisms, and 5-FU pharmacokinetics.

Results
The ORR and DCR were 41.0 and 76.9%. The median PFS, TTF, and OS were 4.13, 3.70, and 11.40 months. Grade 3–4 AEs occurred in only 13 patients, and grade 4 AEs occurred in only 1 of them. High OPRT/TS and peritoneal metastasis (vs. liver metastasis) independently predicted responding. High OPRT/DPD independently predicted grade 3–4 AEs. High AUC0–24h of 5-FU and metastatic/recurrent sites ≤2 (vs. >3) independently predicted prolonged PFS. Low baseline plasmic DPD independently predicted prolonged OS.

Conclusions
Two-week, oral S-1/LV regimen demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as first-line chemotherapy for AGC.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
NCT02090153
Semi-industrial scale (30 m3) fed-batch fermentation for the production of d-lactate by Escherichia coli strain HBUT-D15
Authors: Fu Xiangmin , Wang Yongze , Wang Jinhua , Garza Erin , Manow Ryan , Zhou Shengde 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
d(−)-lactic acid is needed for manufacturing of stereo-complex poly-lactic acid polymer. Large scale d-lactic acid fermentation, however, has yet to be demonstrated. A genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain, HBUT-D, was adaptively evolved in a 15% calcium lactate medium for improved lactate tolerance. The resulting strain, HBUT-D15, was tested at a lab scale (7 L) by fed-batch fermentation with up to 200 g L−1 of glucose, producing 184–191 g L−1 of d-lactic acid, with a volumetric productivity of 4.38 g L−1 h−1, a yield of 92%, and an optical purity of 99.9%. The HBUT-D15 was then evaluated at a semi-industrial scale (30 m3) via fed-batch fermentation with up to 160 g L−1 of glucose, producing 146–150 g L−1 of d-lactic acid, with a volumetric productivity of 3.95–4.29 g L−1 h−1, a yield of 91–94%, and an optical purity of 99.8%. These results are comparable to that of current industrial scale l(+)-lactic acid fermentation.
l‐Carnitine/Simvastatin Reduces Lipoprotein (a) Levels Compared with Simvastatin Monotherapy: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Florentin M. , Elisaf M. S. , Rizos C. V. , Nikolaou V. , Bilianou E. , Pitsavos C. , Liberopoulos E. N. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There are currently limited therapeutic options to lower Lp(a) levels. l‐Carnitine has been reported to reduce Lp(a) levels. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of l‐carnitine/simvastatin co‐administration with that of simvastatin monotherapy on Lp(a) levels in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated Lp(a) concentration. Subjects with levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) >160 mg/dL, triacylglycerol (TAG) >150 mg/dL and Lp(a) >20 mg/dL were included in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive l‐carnitine 2 g/day plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) or placebo plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) for a total of 12 weeks. Lp(a) was significantly reduced in the l‐carnitine/simvastatin group [−19.4%, from 52 (20–171) to 42 (15–102) mg/dL; p = 0.01], but not in the placebo/simvastatin group [−6.7%, from 56 (26–108) to 52 (27–93) mg/dL, p = NS versus baseline and p = 0.016 for the comparison between groups]. Similar significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL‐C, apolipoprotein (apo) B and TAG were observed in both groups. Co‐administration of l‐carnitine with simvastatin was associated with a significant, albeit modest, reduction in Lp(a) compared with simvastatin monotherapy in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated baseline Lp(a) levels.
The impact of identity breadth on consumer preference for advanced products
Authors: Ding Ying , Wan Echo Wen , Xu Jing 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPrior research documents that individuals may categorize themselves along a hierarchy of social identities and that their subsequent behavior is guided by whichever identity is salient at the moment. The current research investigates how activating one's social identity at different breadth levels influences consumers' subjective knowledge and the consequences for product choice. We propose and document that consumers will perceive that they have greater knowledge and thus prefer more advanced product options when their broad identity rather than narrow identity is salient (experiment 1). We also rule out simple categorization mindset and construal level as the alternative explanations of the identity breadth effect (experiments 2A and 2B). Moreover, our findings suggest that the effect of identity breadth on subjective knowledge will lessen for consumers with high self‐esteem (experiment 3) and will reverse when the product domain is highly relevant to the narrow identity (experiment 4). Both theoretical contributions and marketing implications are discussed.
Ion stopping in dense plasmas: A basic physics approach
Authors: Deutsch Claude , Maynard Gilles 
Published: December 2016

We survey quite extensively the present research status of ion-stopping in dense plasmas of potential importance for initial confinement fusion (ICF) driven by intense and heavy ion beams, and also for warm dense matter (WDM). First, we put emphasis on every possible mechanism involved in the shaping of the ion projectile effective charge, while losing energy in a target plasma with classical ions and partially degenerate electrons.
Then, we switch to ion stopping by target bound electrons, taking detailed account of mean excitation energies. Free electron stopping has already been given a lot of attention in former works [C. Deutsch et al., Recent Res. Devel. Plasma 1 (2000) 1–23; Open Plasma Phys. J. 3 (2010) 88–115]. Then, we extend the usual standard stopping model (SSM) framework to nonlinear stopping including a treatment of the Z3 Barkas effect and a confronting comparison of Bloch and Bohr Coulomb logarithms.
Finally, we document low velocity ion slowing down (LVISD) in single ion plasmas as well as in binary ionic mixtures (BIM), in connection with specific ICF fuels.
A key site for inferring the timing of dispersal of giant deer in Sardinia, the Su Fossu de Cannas cave, Sadali, Italy
Authors: Melis Rita Teresa , Palombo Maria Rita , Ghaleb Bassam , Meloni Serafino 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSu Fossu de Cannas (SFC) cave is one of several known cavities in the Sadali plateau in Sardinia, Italy. The evolution of the cave is the result of complex erosional and deposital processes that occurred during the Neogene and Quaternary. A fossiliferous cemented conglomerate, containing various deer remains, now forms the ceiling of a cavity (tunnel). The faunal remains belong to a large cervid, which show some morphological affinity with large deer that have an endemic Sardinian lineage (Praemegaceros sardous — Praemegaceros cazioti). Palaeoecological data based on some peculiar features and the large size of the SFC deer suggest that it is the most primitive Megacerine found in Sardinia to date, and the first representative of the endemic lineage. The 450 ka U—Th age for the flowstone capping the fossiliferous layer defines: the end of sedimentation in which Sadali deer remains are preserved; and the dispersal from the mainland of the ancestor of the endemic Sardinian Megacerini. Stratigraphic and micromorphological analyses of the cave deposits allow the reconstruction of the timing of the cave’s development throughout the Pliocene to the Holocene.
The relationship of endotoxaemia to peripheral and central nervous system inflammatory responses in Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: MACLEAN LORNA , ABOUBAKER ELTAYB A. , KENNEDY PETER G. E. , STERNBERG JEREMY M. 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYEndotoxaemia has been described in cases of Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), but it is unclear if this phenomenon influences inflammatory pathology either in the periphery or central nervous system (CNS). We studied endotoxin concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense patients using the chromogenic Limulus Amoebocyte lysate assay. The relationship of endotoxin concentration to the presentation of gross signs of inflammation and the inflammatory/counter-inflammatory cytokine profile of the relevant compartments were analysed. We demonstrate that HAT patients exhibit parasitaemia-independent plasma endotoxaemia, and that this is associated with splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Endotoxin concentrations normalize rapidly after treatment. There was no evidence of endotoxin release in the CNS. A rapid normalization of endotoxin levels after treatment and lack of association with parasitaemia suggest that gut leakage is the main source of endotoxin in the circulation. Low CSF endotoxin concentrations and a lack of any association with neuroinflammatory markers or neurological sequelae suggest that endotoxin does not play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease in the CNS.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Insights on Cases of Greek Cultural Property: The J.P. Getty Case, the Leon Levy and Shelby White Case, and the Parthenon Marbles Case
Authors: Stamatoudi Irini 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:This article examines the pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It also examines two cases in which Greek cultural treasures were returned to their country of origin by a US museum and a US collector on the basis of negotiations: the J.P. Getty Museum and the Leon Levy and Shelby White cases respectively. The Parthenon Marbles case is also examined, especially in light of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s recent (2013) invitation to the United Kingdom (UK) to accept mediation on the matter and the UK’s even more recent (2015) rejection of the invitation. In all three cases, the facts are set out and the author attempts an assessment of the ADR means used. Conclusions are drawn as to whether ADR is a feasible and beneficial option for the parties and whether, nowadays, it constitutes the norm in cases when cultural treasures are returned to their countries of origin.
The role of the proteasome in AML
Authors: Csizmar C M , Kim D-H , Sachs Z 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is deadly hematologic malignancy. Despite a well-characterized genetic and molecular landscape, targeted therapies for AML have failed to significantly improve clinical outcomes. Over the past decade, proteasome inhibition has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic strategy in several hematologic malignancies. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, have become mainstays of treatment for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. In light of this success, there has been a surge of literature exploring both the role of the proteasome and the effects of proteasome inhibition in AML. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition disrupts proliferative cell signaling pathways, exhibits cytotoxic synergism with other chemotherapeutics and induces autophagy of cancer-related proteins. Meanwhile, clinical trials incorporating bortezomib into combination chemotherapy regimens have reported a range of responses in AML patients, with complete remission rates >80% in some cases. Taken together, this preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that inhibition of the proteasome may be efficacious in this disease. In an effort to focus further investigation into this area, these recent studies and their findings are reviewed here.
C-terminal-truncated HBV X promotes hepato-oncogenesis through inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling
Authors: Lee Seok , Lee Mi-Jin , Zhang Jun , Yu Goung-Ran , Kim Dae-Ghon 
Published: December 2016

AbstractC-terminal-truncated hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) (ctHBX) is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through HBV integration into the host genome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ctHBx-associated oncogenic signaling have not yet been clarified. To elucidate the biological role of ctHBx in hepato-oncogenesis, we functionally analyzed ctHBx-mediated regulation of the activin membrane-bound inhibitor bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) through transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) or β-catenin (CTNNB1) in HCC cells and in an animal model, and we compared its role to that of the full-length HBx protein. Ectopic ctHBx expression generated more colonies in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays than did HBx expression alone. ctHBx downregulated BAMBI to a greater degree than did HBx in HCC cells. HBx activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which positively regulated the BAMBI expression through T-cell factor 1 signaling, whereas ctHBx negatively regulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. BAMBI downregulated the β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling pathways. TGF-β1 positively regulated BAMBI expression thorough Smad3 signaling. Furthermore, knockdown of BAMBI was more tumorigenic in HCC cells. Therefore, downregulation of both β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling by BAMBI might contribute to tumor suppression in mice xenotransplanted with HepG2 or SH-J1 cells. Taken together, ctHBx may have a more oncogenic role than HBx through its inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling.