bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibrational circular dichroism of a 2,5‐diketopiperazine (DKP) peptide: Evidence for dimer formation in cyclo LL or LD diphenylalanine in the solid state
Authors: Pérez‐Mellor Ariel , Zehnacker Anne 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe diastereomer diketopiperazine (DKP) peptides built on phenylalanine, namely, cyclo diphenylalanine LPhe‐LPhe and LPhe‐DPhe, were studied in the solid phase by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) coupled to quantum chemical calculations. The unit structure of cyclo LPhe‐LPhe in KBr pellets is a dimer bridged by two strong NH…O hydrogen bonds. The intense bisignate signature in the CO stretch region is interpreted in terms of two contributions arising from the free COs of the dimer and the antisymmetrical combination of the bound COs. In contrast, cyclo LPhe‐DPhe shows no VCD signal in relation to its symmetric nature.
V1 connections reveal a series of elongated higher visual areas in the California ground squirrel, Otospermophilus beecheyi
Authors: Negwer Moritz , Liu Yong‐Jun , Schubert Dirk , Lyon David C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFor studies of visual cortex organization, mouse is becoming an increasingly more often used model. In addition to its genetic tractability, the relatively small area of cortical surface devoted to visual processing simplifies efforts in relating the structure of visual cortex to visual function. However, the nature of this compact organization can make some comparisons to the much larger non‐human primate visual cortex difficult. The squirrel, as a highly visual rodent offers a useful means for better understanding how mouse and monkey cortical organization compares. More in line with primates than their nocturnal rodent cousin, squirrels rely much more on sight and have evolved a larger expanse of cortex devoted to visual processing. To reveal the detailed organization of visual cortex in squirrels, we injected a highly sensitive monosynaptic retrograde tracer (glycoprotein deleted rabies virus) into several locations of primary visual cortex (V1) in California ground squirrels. The resulting pattern of connectivity revealed an organizational scheme in the squirrel that retains some of the basic features of the mouse visual cortex along the medial and posterior borders of V1, but unlike mouse has an elaborate and extensive pattern laterally that is more similar to the early visual cortex organization found in monkeys. In this way, we show that the squirrel can serve as a useful model for comparison to both mouse and primate visual systems, and may help facilitate comparisons between these two very different yet widely used animal models of visual processing.
Estimates of evapotranspiration from contrasting Wisconsin peatlands based on diel water table oscillations
Authors: Watras C.J. , Morrison K.A. , Rubsam J.L. , Buffam I. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEvapotranspiration rates (ET) from contrasting Wisconsin bogs (one forested bog, one open bog) were compared over 4 years by analyzing diel oscillations of their water tables. Daily rates of ET from peatlands were also compared to rates of evaporation (E) from encircled bog ponds. We hypothesized that ET would be higher in the forested bog due to the greater leaf area index of forest canopy relative to moss and ericaceous shrubs. We also hypothesized that ET in peatlands would exceed the physical process of E from encircled ponds. Field data supported the first hypothesis, but the second only proved true for the forested peatland. Daily estimates of peatland ET varied widely, ranging from ~1 to >10 mm/d; but average ET was higher in the forested peatland (4.04 vs. 3.09 mm/d; p < .01). Average ET in the forested peatland was also higher than E during summer (4.04 vs. 3.31 mm/d; p < .05); whereas in the open peatland, average ET was slightly lower than E for all measured seasons (p < .01). Methodologically, the performance of three equations used to estimate ET from daily water table fluctuations was similar. The specific yield of peat (S*y), which is a critical variable in all three equations, was found to be an exponential function of water table depth; and absent an empirically derived S*y, errors in estimates of peatland ET can be large. Given landscape composition across this northern temperate region (13% lakes, 20% peatland, and 54% upland forest) and estimates of forest ET gleaned from the literature, our findings suggest that the regional feedback of water to the atmosphere increases from open waters to peatlands to upland forest, consistent with prior observations that the biological process of transpiration dominates continental ET.
Rumination in Patients with Binge‐Eating Disorder and Obesity: Associations with Eating‐Disorder Psychopathology and Weight‐bias Internalization
Authors: Wang Shirley B. , Lydecker Janet A. , Grilo Carlos M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOvervaluation of shape and weight in binge‐eating disorder (BED) is associated with greater eating‐disorder psychopathology and greater weight‐bias internalization, which are—in turn—associated with poorer mental and physical health. Little is known, however, about the significance of other cognitive processes, such as rumination, in BED. This study examined rumination and overvaluation of shape/weight with eating‐disorder psychopathology and weight‐bias internalization among 237 treatment‐seeking patients with BED and comorbid obesity. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that rumination was associated with eating‐disorder psychopathology and weight‐bias internalization above and beyond the influence of overvaluation of shape/weight. Findings suggest that, among patients with BED/obesity, rumination is an important cognitive process associated with severity of eating‐disorder psychopathology even after accounting for overvaluation of shape/weight. Patients with greater rumination might be more likely to dwell on weight‐based discrimination experiences and internalize these negative attitudes. Additional controlled examination could determine whether rumination represents another potential target for BED/obesity treatment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Why do they care? Narratives of physician volunteers on motivations for participation in short‐term medical missions abroad
Authors: Caldron Paul H. , Impens Ann , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundShort‐term medical missions (STMMs) refer to the provision of direct pro bono medical services in lower and middle income countries for periods ranging from days to a few weeks by physicians from rich countries. Survey data have provided limited information on demographic and professional profiles of physicians as well as monetary and manpower inputs. Understanding why physicians participate, however, remains incomplete. The study's objective was to elicit physicians' motivations directly.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews of physicians identified through snowball recruiting were conducted to explore motivational themes and then analyzed using narrative software employing directed content analysis methodology.ResultsTwenty physicians from varying backgrounds and specialties were interviewed. Responses identified aspects of the decision to participate and the relative influence of economic, diplomatic, value‐related, and emotive constructs.ConclusionPersonality traits may be more influential to participation than demographic, professional, or socioeconomic determinants. Word‐of‐mouth recruitment appears to underlie the increase in STMM activity, facilitated by information technology. Reported key motivators for physician participation in STMMs tend to parallel schools of thought regarding philanthropy and volunteering and include satisfaction from helping in challenging conditions of limited resources, learning experiences, appreciation from patients, sense of renewal, and the legacy effect of teaching.
Comparison of three surgical approaches for staging lymphadenectomy in high‐risk endometrial cancer
Authors: Pulman Katherine J. , Dason Ebernella S. , Philp Lauren , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Ferguson Sarah E. , Laframboise Stéphane , Atenafu Eshetu G. , May Taymaa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgical approaches to lymphadenectomy for high‐risk endometrial cancer staging.MethodsA retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent surgery for pathologic high‐risk endometrial carcinoma at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013. The primary outcome, the median number of nodes retrieved, was compared based on surgical technique. The secondary outcome was the detection of metastatic nodes.ResultsA total of 176 patients who underwent surgery for high‐risk endometrial cancer were included, of whom 147 (83.5%) had pelvic and 78 (44.3%) had para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. Laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic approaches were applied for 69 (39.2%), 44 (25.0%), and 63 (35.8%) patients, respectively. Minimally‐invasive staging was associated with an increased proportion of patients undergoing pelvic lymphadenectomy compared with laparotomy (P=0.005). The median number of nodes removed in the pelvis and para‐aortic regions did not differ between surgical approaches. The detection of metastatic nodes was also similar between the groups. Increased blood loss (P<0.001) and longer hospital admission (P<0.001) were observed with laparotomy procedures.ConclusionAll three techniques demonstrated adequate staging of high‐risk endometrial carcinoma. Based on improved peri‐operative outcomes, the use of minimally‐invasive techniques is advocated where appropriate.
Evaluation of PVA biodegradable electric conductive membranes for nerve regeneration in axonotmesis injuries: the rat sciatic nerve animal model
Authors: Ribeiro Jorge , Caseiro Ana Rita , Pereira Tiago , Armada‐da‐Silva Paulo Alexandre , Pires Isabel , Prada Justina , Amorim Irina , Leal Reis Inês , Amado Sandra , Santos José Domingos , Bompasso Simone , Raimondo Stefania , Varejão Artur Severo Proença , Geuna Stefano , Luís Ana Lúcia , Maurício Ana Colette 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe therapeutic effect of three polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes loaded with electrically conductive materials ‐ carbon nanotubes (PVA‐CNTs) and polypyrrole (PVA‐PPy) ‐ were tested in vivo for neuro‐muscular regeneration after an axonotmesis injury in the rat sciatic nerve. The membranes electrical conductivity measured was 1.5 ± 0.5 × 10−6 S/m, 579 ± 0.6 × 10−6 S/m, and 1837.5 ± 0.7 × 10−6 S/m, respectively. At week‐12, a residual motor and nociceptive deficit were present in all treated groups, but at week‐12, a better recovery to normal gait pattern of the PVA‐CNTs and PVA‐PPy treated groups was observed. Morphometrical analysis demonstrated that PVA‐CNTs group presented higher myelin thickness and lower g‐ratio. The tibialis anterior muscle, in the PVA‐PPy and PVA‐CNTs groups showed a 9% and 19% increase of average fiber size area and a 5% and 10% increase of the “minimal Feret's diameter,” respectively. No inflammation, degeneration, fibrosis or necrosis were detected in lung, liver, kidneys, spleen, and regional lymph nodes and absence of carbon deposits was confirmed with Von Kossa and Masson‐Fontana stains. In conclusion, the membranes of PVA‐CNTs and PVA‐PPy are biocompatible and have electrical conductivity. The higher electrical conductivity measured in PVA‐CNTs membrane might be responsible for the positive results on maturation of myelinated fibers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1267–1280, 2017.
ADAMTS‐4 in central nervous system pathologies
Authors: Lemarchant Sighild , Wojciechowski Sara , Vivien Denis , Koistinaho Jari 
Published: January 2017

AbstractADAMTS‐4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs type 4) is a metalloproteinase specialized in the degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, contributing to cartilage breakdown during arthritis. In this review, we first focus on the modifications of ADAMTS‐4 expression during CNS physiological and pathological conditions, including chronic diseases and injuries. Then, we discuss the contributions of ADAMTS‐4 to mechanisms mediating neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during spinal cord injury, ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we provide an overview of ADAMTS‐4 functions and effects in the CNS, and we discuss directions for future studies and treatments. Overall, this review highlights that ADAMTS‐4 is a unique multifaceted metalloproteinase which influences various CNS disease pathophysiologies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of protease and effects of temperature and salinity on the biochemical changes during fermentation of Antarctic krill
Authors: Fan Yan , Tian Lili , Xue Yong , Li Zhaojie , Hou Hu , Xue Changhu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDDespite their abundance, Antarctic krill are underutilized because of numerous difficulties in their commercial processing. Ideally, fermentation technology can be applied to transform them into a popular condiment. In addition to the exploration of protease properties, the present study aimed to evaluate proteinase activity, pH, amino nitrogen, and histamine formation during fermentation at different temperatures and salt treatments.RESULTSEven though the activity of Antarctic krill protease reached a maximum at 40 °C and pH 7, it was stable at 30 °C and pH 7–9. Among the metal ions tested, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ increased protease activity, in contrast to Zn2+ and Cu2+. Within each treatment, the highest protease activity and amino nitrogen content, as well as the lowest histamine level, were observed on day 12 of fermentation. Treatment at 35 °C with 180 g kg–1 salt led to the production of maximum amino nitrogen (0.0352 g kg–1) and low histamine (≤0.0497 g kg–1).CONCLUSIONKrill paste fermented for 12 days at 35 °C with 180 g kg–1 salt exhibited the optimal quality and properties, suggesting an efficient method for fermentation of Antarctic krill and other aquatic resources. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
New propolis type from north‐east Brazil: chemical composition, antioxidant activity and botanical origin
Authors: Ferreira Joselena M , Fernandes‐Silva Caroline C , Salatino Antonio , Negri Giuseppina , Message Dejair 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPropolis is a bee product with wide diversity of biological activity. It has a complex composition, which is dependent on its botanical source. The present study aimed to determine the chemical profile, antioxidant activity and botanical origin of two samples of a propolis type from two locations of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN, north‐east Brazil).RESULTSThe standard chemical characteristics of the RN propolis are similar or superior to the internationally marketed Brazilian green propolis. RN propolis from two locations have high antioxidant activity, corresponding to 10% (municipality of Afonso Bezerra) and 13% (municipality of Alto do Rodrigues) of quercetin activity by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl method and to 15% (both locations) by the β‐carotene discoloration method. High‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD)‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry analyses revealed that most constituents of the RN propolis are flavonoids, mainly flavonols and chalcones. HPLC‐DAD analysis of ethanol extracts revealed a great similarity between the chemical profile of RN propolis and shoot apices of ‘jurema‐preta’ (Mimosa tenuiflora, Leguminosae, Mimosoideae).CONCLUSION‘Jurema‐preta’ shoot apices are likely resin sources of RN propolis. The chemical characteristics and antioxidant property of RN propolis provide promising prospects for the introduction of this type of propolis into the apicultural market. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of Salmonella typhi OmpC and OmpF porins engineered with HIV‐gp41 epitope on the surface loops
Authors: Thulasingam Madhuranayaki , Damodharan Subha , Madhana Vigneshwari Gopal , P. J. Pandaranayaka Eswari , Elizabeth Hanna Luke , Usha Ramakrishnan , Krishnaswamy Sankaran 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTPorins form trimers in the outer membrane and help transport nutrients and waste products across the bacterial cell membrane. Porin loops are suitable candidates as display systems due to their high immunogenicity and presentation at the bacterial cell surface. In this study, Salmonella typhi porins (OmpC and OmpF) engineered with the Kennedy peptide from gp41 of HIV were characterised. The chimeric OmpC carrying the Kennedy peptide in loop7 did not trimerise, whereas the chimeric OmpF with the epitope in loop5 formed trimers and also was recognised by the antibodies in the HIV patient serum. The results suggest that chimeric S. typhi OmpF may be taken further as a potential candidate to develop as an epitope display system. Proteins 2017; 85:657–664. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corrosion behavior of tantalum alloying on γ‐TiAl by double‐glow plasma surface metallurgy technique
Authors: Liu Y. C. , Zhang P. Z. , Wei D. B. , Wei X. F. , Chen X. H. , Ding F. 
Published: January 2017

The Ta coating with corrosion resistance is grown on the γ‐TiAl substrate by double‐glow plasma surface metallurgy technique, followed by the electrochemical test in 10 wt%, 20 wt% HCl and 10 wt%, 40 wt% H2SO4 solution. The data of nanohardness and elastic modulus are collected by the nanoindention test. The adhesion strength of Ta coating is investigated by means of the scratch test. The study of corrosion resistance is performed using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and measured by SEM and X‐ray diffraction. Results highlight that the Ta coating is tightly bonded to the γ‐TiAl substrate, consisting of the deposition layer and diffusion layer. Experimental data indicate that the Ta coating presents excellent corrosion resistance, which is confirmed by the high values of polarization resistance (Rp) and the low values of corrosion current density (icorr). The surface nanohardness of the Ta coating is improved from 3.41 to 7.29 GPa, nearly twice of that of the substrate. The Ta2O5 formed on the coating is able to hold back the penetration of adverse ions inwardly, owing to its dense structure and adhesion effect. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma treatment of carbon fiber on the tribological property of polyimide composite
Authors: Wenxia Wang 
Published: January 2017

The effect of different ratios of carbon fiber (CF) reinforcing polyimide (PI) and surface treatment of CF on the microstructure and wear resistance of surface layers was studied. The increase of CF content led to a gradual increase in the Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) values, and the maximum ILSS value arises when the CF content is 15 vol%, with an improvement of 13.45% compared to virgin CF composites. The increased interfacial adhesion could be contributed mainly to the presence of branched PI at the interface region. SEM of the worn surface confirms that the plasma treatment efficiently improves the interfacial adhesion of CF/PI composite. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methanol Oxidation on Platinum Catalyst: Why does the Negatively Charged Surface Perform Better Than the Neutral One?
Authors: Wang Qing‐Yun , Ding Yi‐Hong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlatinum (Pt) is a star catalyst that is now widely used in electrode reactions. Very recently, growing experimental evidences have shown that injection of electrons to the Pt catalyst could improve the surface catalytic reactivity to reactant (e. g. the CH3OH). However, the underneath molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this work, by performing density functional theory calculations, we for the first time studied the methanol dehydrogenation on the single layer of the Pt lattice (Pt13) under the conditions of electronic neutrality and injection of one electron. On neutral Pt13, the O‐site is the more preferred adsorption than the methyl‐site, though the latter can kinetically induce more facile bond cleavage. By sharp contrast, on anionic Pt13‐, the methyl‐site is both the more preferred adsorption and can induce the more facile bond cleavage. Thus, the cooperation of the adsorption and bond cleavage caused by the electron injection is responsible for the enhanced catalytic ability of the negatively charged Pt catalyst.
I2‐Catalyzed Total Synthesis of Collective 7‐Oxygenated Carbazole Alkaloids: Clauszoline‐K, ‐L, Clausine‐M, ‐N and Formal Synthesis of Siamenol
Authors: Naykode Mahavir S. , Tambe Shrikant D. , Lokhande Pradeep D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA series of 7‐oxygenated carbazole alkaloids has been synthesized via Fischer‐Borsche ring and metal free condition. The key step encompasses the aromatization and one‐pot iodination process of Fischer‐Borsche ring using molecular iodine. The appropriately oxygenated functionality has been introduced to Fischer‐Borsche ring by our present method to synthesized Clauszoline‐K, ‐L, Clausine‐M, ‐N, Siamenol, Glycozolicine, and Clauraila.
Cardiac remodeling in normotensive pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by hypertension: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: De Haas S. , Ghossein‐Doha C. , Geerts L. , van Kuijk S. M. J. , van Drongelen J. , Spaanderman M. E. A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to describe comprehensively the pattern of cardiac remodeling during normotensive human singleton pregnancy and to compare it with that of pregnancy complicated by hypertension.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis of the current literature on cardiac remodeling during normotensive and complicated pregnancies. Literature was retrieved from PubMed (NCBI) and EMBASE (Ovid) databases. Included studies needed to report a reference measurement (matched non‐pregnant control group, prepregnancy or postpartum) and measurements made during predetermined gestational‐age intervals. Mean differences between reference and pregnancy data were calculated using the random‐effects model described by DerSimonian and Laird.ResultsForty‐eight studies were included in the meta‐analysis, with publication dates ranging from 1977 to 2016. During normotensive pregnancy, most geometric indices started to increase in the second trimester. Left ventricular mass (LVM) increased by 28.36 (95% CI, 19.73–37.00) g (24%), and relative wall thickness (RWT) increased by 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02–0.05) (10%) compared with those in the reference group. During hypertensive pregnancy, LVM and RWT increased more than during normotensive pregnancy (92 (95% CI, 75.46–108.54) g (95%) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09–0.19) (56%), respectively).ConclusionsDuring normotensive pregnancy, most cardiac geometric indices change from the second trimester onwards. Both LVM and RWT increase, by 20% and 10%, respectively, consistent with concentric rather than eccentric remodeling. Cardiac adaptation in hypertensive pregnancy deviates from that in healthy pregnancy by a greater change in LVM (95% increase from reference) and RWT (56% increase from reference). Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.