bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum Mechanics Approach to Hydration Energies and Structures of Alanine and Dialanine
Authors: Lanza Giuseppe , Chiacchio Maria A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA systematic approach to the phenomena related to hydration of biomolecules is reported at the state of the art of electronic‐structure methods. Large‐scale CCSD(T), MP4‐SDQ, MP2, and DFT(M06‐2X) calculations for some hydrated complexes of alanine and dialanine (Ala⋅13 H2O, Ala2H+⋅18 H2O, and Ala2⋅18 H2O) are compared with experimental data and other elaborate modeling to assess the reliability of a simple bottom‐up approach. The inclusion of a minimal number of water molecules for microhydration of the polar groups together with the polarizable continuum model is sufficient to reproduce the relative bulk thermodynamic functions of the considered biomolecules. These quantities depend on the adopted electronic‐structure method, which should be chosen with great care. Nevertheless, the computationally feasible MP2 and M06‐2X functionals with the aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set satisfactorily reproduce values derived by high‐level CCSD(T) and MP4‐SDQ methods, and thus they are suitable for future developments of more elaborate and hence more biochemically significant peptides.
Measurement of Tumor Necrosis Factor and Lymphotoxins
Authors: Hogan M. Michele , Vogel Stefanie N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines plays critical roles in all aspects of the immune response. TNF and the lymphotoxins (LT), LTα and LTβ, are particularly important as major effector cytokines and mediators or lymphoid organ development. One of the classical methods for the measurement of TNF and LTα activity is by demonstrating their ability to lyse certain target cells. A detailed protocol for the measurement of this activity using a highly sensitive indicator cell line is presented. More recently, ELISA assays have been developed to measure the protein concentration of these cytokines in any type of biologic fluid. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of the advantages of cis reporters in optimized FACS‐Gal
Authors: Sánchez‐Luengo Miguel Ángel , Rovira Miguel , Serrano Manuel , Fernandez‐Marcos Pablo Jose , Martinez Lola 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFlow cytometry is a powerful multiparametric technology, widely used for the identification, quantification, and isolation of defined populations of cells based on the expression of target proteins. It also allows for the use of surrogate reporters, either enzymatic or fluorescent, to indirectly monitor the expression of these target proteins. In this work, we optimised the dissociation protocol for the detection of the enzymatic reporter LacZ using the FACS‐Gal detection system with the fluorogenic substrate FDG to compare cis‐ versus trans‐positioned reporters efficiency. Particularly, for the FACS‐Gal optimization, we studied lung and haematopoietic tissues, focusing on cell recovery, viability, FDG loading conditions and distribution of cellular populations. Reporter genes such as LacZ can be placed together with the gene of interest in the same polycistronic mRNA (in cis), or in independent alleles (in trans), which can strongly affect the correlation with the reporter readout. To address this issue, we generated a mouse model containing both types of reporters for the same gene, and compared them. Our results clearly indicate that trans‐positioned reporters can be misleading, and that using a reporter gene in cis rather than trans is a much more specific method to sort for cells undergoing Cre‐mediated recombination. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Recognizing facial expressions of emotion in infancy: A replication and extension
Authors: Safar Kristina , Moulson Margaret C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInfants may recognize facial expressions of emotion more readily when familiar faces express the emotions. Studies 1 and 2 investigated whether familiarity influences two metrics of emotion processing: Categorization and spontaneous preference. In Study 1 (n = 32), we replicated previous findings showing an asymmetrical pattern of categorization of happy and fearful faces in 6.5‐month‐old infants, and extended these findings by demonstrating that infants’ categorization did not differ when emotions were expressed by familiar (i.e., caregiver) faces. In Study 2 (n = 34), we replicated the spontaneous preference for fearful over happy expressions in 6.5‐month‐old infants, and extended these findings by demonstrating that the spontaneous preference for fear was also present for familiar faces. Thus, infants’ performance on two metrics of emotion processing did not differ depending on face familiarity.
Climatically driven changes in population composition and offspring sex‐morph ratio in a polymorphic species
Authors: Tuttle E. M. , Grunst A. S. , Grunst M. L. , Korody M. L. , Betuel A. M. , Barcelo‐Serra M. , Bierly G. , Gonser R. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFemales from polymorphic species could theoretically benefit by adjusting offspring morph composition, since morphs often differ in ecological and behavioral traits, and may be differentially susceptible to environmental conditions. Although offspring sex ratio adjustments have been increasingly supported, whether, and in which contexts, genetically determined morph ratios are adjusted has not been established. We used a long‐term dataset to examine whether broad‐scale climatic patterns characterized by teleconnection indices, population composition, and other environmental factors affect offspring sex‐morph ratios in the white‐throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a species with chromosomal morph determination. We predicted that females might overproduce the underrepresented sex or morph, since pairing is disassortative by morph, and might also produce more white morph male offspring given favorable climatic conditions, because white males (WMs) are large, promiscuous, and expensive to produce. The proportion of WM‐by‐tan female breeding pairs and recruitment of WMs declined following winters with high Pacific North American teleconnection indices, and females of both morphs produced more WM offspring after these relatively cold winters. These winters and the following springs were also associated with low Southern Oscillation indices, indicating El Niño. Females of both morphs also produced fewer males late in asynchronously hatching broods. Adjustment of brood composition in response to climatically mediated changes in population composition could stabilize the white‐throated sparrow's disassortative breeding system and genetic polymorphism.
Broad shifts in the resource use of a commercially harvested fish following the invasion of dreissenid mussels
Authors: Fera Shannon A. , Rennie Michael D. , Dunlop Erin S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDreissenid mussels, including the zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena rostiformus bugensis) mussel, are invasive species known for their capacity to act as ecosystem engineers. They have caused significant changes in the many freshwater systems they have invaded by increasing water clarity, reducing primary productivity, and altering zooplankton and benthic invertebrate assemblages. What is less clear is how their ecosystem engineering effects manifest up the food web to impact higher trophic levels, including fish. Here, we use a biological tracer (stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen) to analyze long‐term and broad‐scale trends in the resource use of benthivorous lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in the Laurentian Great Lakes, where dreissenid mussels have become established in each lake except Lake Superior. We measured stable isotope ratios from archived material (fish scale samples) collected over several decades by multiple agencies and from 14 locations around the Great Lakes. In the majority of locations, the δ13C of lake whitefish increased following the establishment of dreissenid mussels. Trends in δ15N were less clear, but significant breakpoints in the time series occurred within 5 yr of dreissenid establishment in several locations, followed by declines in δ15N. In contrast, isotopic signatures in Lake Superior locations did not show these trends. Our results provide evidence that lake whitefish shifted toward greater reliance on nearshore benthic production, supporting the theory that fundamental energy pathways are changed when dreissenid mussels become established. Importantly, these effects were noted across multiple, large, and complex ecosystems spanning a broad geographic area. Our study underscores the potential for aquatic invasive species to alter key ecosystem services as demonstrated here through their impacts on energy pathways supporting a commercially harvested fish species.
Synthesis and Structural Studies of Three‐Dimensional Supramolecular Motifs Derived from Neutral and Cationic Zinc Alkanesulfonates
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Singh Rohit , Mendiratta Swati , Jassal Amanpreet Kaur , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Molloy Kieran C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Ravi Shankar from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, in collaboration with the group of Kieran C. Molloy from the University of Bath, UK. The cover image shows the potential of zincate anions bearing weakly coordinating alkanesulfonate groups as synthons for three‐dimensional supramolecular assemblies.
Miniaturized Biamperometric Detectors for Electrochemical Detection in Flowing Streams
Authors: Komendová Martina , Metelka Radovan , Urban Jiří 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCapillary electrochemical detectors with various configurations of electrodes were developed by inserting platinum multielectrodes (tetrodes) or platinum and carbon microelectrodes into the ending of capillaries. The biamperometric mode of detection, without the need of classical reference electrode, was employed in flow injection analysis of dopamine and norepinephrine selected as model samples. The influences of geometric shape of tetrodes, arrangement of electrodes and internal diameter of the capillary were studied thoroughly with respect to intensity of recorded currents. A novel pulse biamperometric technique was employed with the aim to enhance further the recorded currents of dopamine oxidation and to minimize the passivation of electrodes in mixed aqueous‐organic carrier solution, which improved considerably the repeatability of measurements. Proposed low‐cost microelectrode devices showed good prospects as detectors in simple and miniaturized flow systems, such as flow injection analysis and capillary high‐performance liquid chromatography with monolithic columns.
A New and Cost Effective Approach for Simultaneous Voltammetric Analysis of two Related Benzimidazole Drugs and their Determination in Biological Fluids
Authors: Khashaba Pakinaz Y. , Ali Hassan Refat H. , El‐Wekil Mohamed M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA polymerized film of eriochrome black T (EBT) was prepared on the surface of pencil graphite electrode in alkaline solution by cyclic voltammetry. The redox response of the poly (EBT) film at the electrode appeared in a couple of redox peak in 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. The poly (EBT) film‐coated electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of rabeprazole sodium (RAB sodium) and domperidone (DOM) in Britton‐Robinson buffer (pH 4.0). The polymer film modified electrode conspicuously enhanced the redox currents of the cited mixture and could sensitively and separately determine them. Both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric (SWAdSV) methods were utilized to determine this mixture. The linearity of CV ranged from 4.1‐120 μM and 5.2‐90 μM for RAB sodium and DOM, respectively while SWAdSV was 7.5‐80×10−7M and 5–70×10−7M for RAB sodium and DOM, respectively. With good selectivity and sensitivity, the present method provides a simple method for selective detection of RAB sodium and DOM binary mixture in synthetic mixtures and biological fluids.
Seismic strengthening of existing RC beam‐column joints by wing walls
Authors: Li Yuebing , Sanada Yasushi 
Published: April 2017

SummaryNumerous non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with little or no shear reinforcement in beam‐column joints can be found in regions of moderate seismicity. To strengthen such substandard beam‐column joints, this study proposes a method in which RC wing walls are installed beside existing columns, which overcomes the lack of realistic strengthening methods for congested connections in RC buildings. The proposed strengthening mechanism improves the joint moment capacity by utilizing tension and compression acting on the beam–wing wall boundaries; thus, brittle joint hinging failure is prevented. Three 3/4‐scale RC exterior beam‐column joint specimens without shear reinforcement, two of which were strengthened by installing wing walls with different strengthening elements, were fabricated and tested. The test results verified the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening method and the applicability of this method to seismically substandard beam‐column joints. © 2017 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Simplified estimation of the expected annual loss of reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Cardone Donatello , Sullivan Timothy , Gesualdi Giuseppe , Perrone Giuseppe 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPerformance‐based earthquake engineering procedures have now developed to the point that it is possible to evaluate a range of possible decision variables, including the expected annual monetary loss (EAL). Quantification of the EAL is considered to be particularly useful because it could assist with the identification of effective design and retrofit measures that consider seismic performance over a range of intensity levels. Recognizing, however, that existing procedures for the evaluation of EAL tends to be quite time consuming, this paper builds on a recent proposal to use simplified limit state loss versus intensity relationships to compute EAL via a closed‐form equation, without the need to compile an inventory of damageable components and with freedom in the choice of structural analysis method. Various developments to the simplified approach are made in this paper to allow consideration of loss thresholds, non‐uniform damage distributions and the impact of differences in seismic performance in orthogonal directions. In addition, means of accounting for uncertainties in the simplified EAL assessment are described. The work has focused on the assessment of EAL for reinforced concrete frame buildings with details representative of construction practice adopted in Italy in the 1950s through to the early 1970s. By comparing loss assessment results obtained using a refined methodology with those obtained using the new guidelines developed here for two case study buildings, it is concluded that the simplified approach works well. Future research should therefore aim to further validate the approach and extend it to other building typologies and construction eras. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidimensional quantification of uncertainty and application to a turbulent mixing model
Authors: Barmparousis Christos , Drikakis Dimitris 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis paper concerns the implementation of the generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) approach for parametric studies, including the quantification of uncertainty (UQ), of turbulence modelling. The method is applied to Richtmyer‐Meshkov turbulent mixing. The K−L turbulence model has been chosen as a prototypical example, and parametric studies have been performed to examine the effects of closure coefficients and initial conditions on the flow results. It is shown that the proposed method can be used to obtain a relation between the uncertain inputs and the monitored flow quantities, thus efficiently performing parametric studies. It allows the simultaneous calibration and quantification of uncertainty in an efficient numerical framework.
Special segments at the cross passages in the Filder Tunnel – Interpretation of the data from monitoring segments
Authors: Atzl Georg , Soranzo Enrico , Mihaylov Vladislav , Hochgatterer Bernhard 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe 9,468 m long twin‐bored Fildertunnel is the longest railway tunnel of the Stuttgart 21 project. The maximum overburden is approximately 220 m, the tunnel tubes lie up to 60 m below the water table and the distance between the cross‐passages is approximately 500 m. The precast concrete segments for the mechanised excavation of the Fildertunnel are equipped with measuring devices in proximity of the cross‐passages to assess the lining strains prior to the construction of the cross‐passages and to serve as a basis for the further design. The lining stresses are derived by applying an appropriate calculation method, which transforms the measured strains into material stresses, hence achieving the active load configuration. The strains measured on the outside and inside of the lining with embedded vibrating wire strain gauges are converted into stresses and internal forces, enabling a direct assessment of the internal forces along the entire circumference of the segmental lining. In this article the measurement results in the area of the cross passages 6a and 7a of the Fildertunnel are described and interpreted. The significant internal forces in the segments after their installation and their time development are described, their dependence on influence factors such as self‐weight, thrust forces, grout pressure, rock mass and water pressure is discussed and the results are compared to the design calculation.
Demyelination induced by oxidative stress is regulated by sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptors
Authors: O'Sullivan Sinead A. , Velasco‐Estevez Maria , Dev Kumlesh K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOxidative stress is a pathological condition defined as an imbalance between production and removal of reactive oxygen species. This process causes structural cell damage, disrupts DNA repair and induces mitochondrial dysfunction. Many in vitro studies have used direct bolus application of H2O2 to investigate the role of oxidative stress in cell culture. In this study, using mouse organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, the effects of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress on myelination state were examined, using bolus concentrations of H2O2 (0.1–1 mM) and low‐continuous H2O2 (∼20 μM) generated from glucose oxidase and catalase (GOX‐CAT). Using these models, the potential therapeutic effects of pFTY720, an oral therapy used in multiple sclerosis, was also examined. We found bolus treatment of H2O2 (0.5 mM) and, for the first time, low‐continuous H2O2 (GOX‐CAT) to induce demyelination in organotypic slices. Both bolus H2O2 and GOX‐CAT treatments significantly decreased vimentin expression in these slice cultures as well as increased cell death in isolated astrocyte cultures. Importantly, pre‐treatment with pFTY720 significantly attenuated both bolus H2O2 and GOX‐CAT‐induced demyelination and the GOX‐CAT‐induced decrease in vimentin in cerebellar slices, without altering levels of the proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6 and CX3CL1. We also observed increased SMI‐32 immunoreactivity in the white matter tract induced by GOX‐CAT indicating axonal damage, which was remarkably attenuated by pFTY720. Taken together, this data establishes a novel GOX‐CAT model of demyelination and demonstrates that pFTY720 can act independently of inflammatory cytokines to attenuate decreases in vimentin, as well as axonal damage and demyelination induced by oxidative stress.
The occurrence and persistence of thoughts of suicide, self‐harm and death in family caregivers of people with dementia: a longitudinal data analysis over 2 years
Authors: Joling Karlijn J. , O'Dwyer Siobhan T. , Hertogh Cees M.P.M. , van Hout Hein P.J. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveFamily caregivers of people with dementia often report high levels of stress and depression, but little is known about those who contemplate suicide or self‐harm. This study explores thoughts of suicide, self‐harm and death in dementia caregivers and investigates the characteristics that distinguish them from those without such thoughts.MethodsData were collected every 3 months, for 24 months, from 192 family caregivers of people with dementia living in the Netherlands. Caregivers did not have a clinical depression or anxiety disorder at baseline. Suicide‐related thoughts were measured with an item from the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a diagnostic instrument for DSM‐IV mental disorders. Fisher exact, analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis tests compared the characteristics of caregivers who had contemplated suicide with two comparison groups.ResultsWithin 24 months, 76 caregivers reported symptoms of a potential depression and were further assessed for suicidal thoughts. Nine carers (11.8%, 4.7% of the total sample) reported suicidal thoughts with three of those at multiple points. Caregivers with suicidal thoughts had more severe depressive and anxious symptoms, had a lower sense of competence and mastery, felt less happy and experienced more health problems, less family support and more feelings of loneliness than caregivers who had not.ConclusionSuicidal thoughts are present in dementia caregivers and can persist across the care trajectory. Various psychological and social characteristics significantly distinguish caregivers with suicidal thoughts from those without. More research is needed to enable the identification of high‐risk caregivers and provide an evidence base for the development of preventive strategies and interventions. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Assessing cerebrovascular reactivity by the pattern of response to progressive hypercapnia
Authors: Fisher Joseph A. , Sobczyk Olivia , Crawley Adrian , Poublanc Julien , Dufort Paul , Venkatraghavan Lashmi , Sam Kevin , Mikulis David , Duffin James 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCerebral blood flow responds to a carbon dioxide challenge, and is often assessed as cerebrovascular reactivity, assuming a linear response over a limited stimulus range or a sigmoidal response over a wider range. However, these assumed response patterns may not necessarily apply to regions with pathophysiology. Deviations from sigmoidal responses are hypothesised to result from upstream flow limitations causing competition for blood flow between downstream regions, particularly with vasodilatory stimulation; flow is preferentially distributed to regions with more reactive vessels. Under these conditions, linear or sigmoidal fitting may not fairly describe the relationship between stimulus and flow. To assess the range of response patterns and their prevalence a survey of healthy control subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disease was conducted. We used a ramp carbon dioxide challenge from hypo‐ to hypercapnia as the stimulus, and magnetic resonance imaging to measure the flow responses. We categorized BOLD response patterns into four types based on the signs of their linear slopes in the hypo‐ and hypercapnic ranges, color coded and mapped them onto their respective anatomical scans. We suggest that these type maps complement maps of linear cerebrovascular reactivity by providing a better indication of the actual response patterns. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3415–3427, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.