bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal patterns in Saturnidae (silk moth) and Sphingidae (hawk moth) assemblages in protected forests of central Uganda
Authors: Akite Perpetra , Telford Richard J. , Waring Paul , Akol Anne M. , Vandvik Vigdis 
Published: March 2015

AbstractForest‐dependent biodiversity is threatened throughout the tropics by habitat loss and land‐use intensification of the matrix habitats. We resampled historic data on two moth families, known to play central roles in many ecosystem processes, to evaluate temporal changes in species richness and community structure in three protected forests in central Uganda in a rapidly changing matrix. Our results show some significant declines in the moth species richness and the relative abundance and richness of forest‐dependent species over the last 20–40 years. The observed changes in species richness and composition among different forests, ecological types, and moth groups highlight the need to repeatedly monitor biodiversity even within protected and relatively intact forests.
Effects of natural and artificial selection on survival of columnar cacti seedlings: the role of adaptation to xeric and mesic environments
Authors: Guillén Susana , Terrazas Teresa , Casas Alejandro 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEscontria chiotilla, Polaskia chichipe, and Stenocereus pruinosus are species of Mexican columnar cacti that are economically important because of their edible fruits. These species are managed by gathering fruits from the wild, silvicultural management in agroforestry systems, and cultivation in home gardens. Previous studies reported that artificial selection favored individuals that produced larger fruits, which indirectly led to the production of larger seeds and seedlings, with possible effects on survival. We hypothesized that seedlings from managed populations would be larger but more susceptible to xeric conditions than those from wild populations. We evaluated the effects of artificial and natural selection on seedling survival of the three species in wild and managed populations, which were managed with low and high intensity, respectively. We tested seedling performance in gradients of shade (0, 40, and 80%) and humidity (low and high). A GLM of seedling survival showed significant differences among species, shade, and humidity treatments, with each species having environmental requirements associated with their particular adaptations. High humidity decreased seedling survival of all species, and high solar radiation decreased survival of S. pruinosus and P. chichipe. The effect of management type was significant only in S. pruinosus. Significant differences in the initial growth of seedlings among species were detected with ANOVA. In optimal conditions, the hypocotyl and the cotyledons decreased in size and the epicotyl grew, whereas under stress, these structures remained unchanged. The optimum conditions of shade and humidity varied among species and management types. The seedlings of S. pruinosus were the largest and the most susceptible, but in all species, seedlings from managed populations were more susceptible to environmental conditions. Thus, artificial selection influenced the susceptibility of these cacti to xeric environments.
Hypercapnia in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Konishi Masaaki , Akiyama Eiichi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Iwahashi Noriaki , Maejima Nobuhiko , Tsukahara Kengo , Hibi Kiyoshi , Kosuge Masami , Ebina Toshiaki , Sakamaki Kentaro , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Endo Mitsuaki , Umemura Satoshi , Kimura Kazuo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimsNon‐invasive positive pressure ventilation rapidly improves the symptoms of acute heart failure (AHF). A portion of patients, however, are forced to be intubated even though intubation is associated with serious complications, and hypercapnia is often observed in AHF requiring intubation. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical profile and management of hypercapnia in AHF patients.Methods and resultsWe examined the arterial blood gas analysis in 193 consecutive AHF patients (73 ± 12 years, 61% men) at admission. Many patients (n = 129, 66.8%) had already been treated with oxygen by the ambulance staff. Hypercapnia (PaCO2 at admission >45 mmHg) and hypocapnia (PaCO2 < 35 mmHg) were observed in 33.7% and 32.6%, respectively. Whereas 16 (24.6%) hypercapnic patients were intubated, there were only one (1.5%) normocapnic and no hypocapnic patients intubated. Patients with hypercapnia are more likely to be in the New York Heart Association Class IV (96.9% vs. 78.9%, P < 0.001), to have acute onset within 6 h (50.8% vs. 25.0%, P < 0.001), and to have radiographic pulmonary oedema (84.6% vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001) than those with hypo‐normocapnia. Hypercapnia was more frequent in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema than in those with acute decompensated heart failure (51.9% vs. 23.6%, P < 0.001). At discharge, hypercapnia was observed in 17.8% of patients who were hypercapnic at admission.ConclusionHypercapnia emerged in AHF acutely and transiently, was associated with immediate airway intervention, and was possibly involved in the pathophysiology of acute pulmonary oedema. Patients with acute onset dyspnoea should have their respiratory status carefully managed. These pathophysiological findings are expected to be utilized in treating or preventing AHF.
Potent Reactivity in Solubilised Oxo‐Titanium Polymers
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Waters Joyce M. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract[TiO(salen)]n polymers are solubilised in aldehyde solution giving highly reactive entities. Unprecedented carbon‐based chemistry is demonstrated by the formation of new ligands about the titanium centre. Identified by X‐ray crystallography are a polymer deconstructed [Ti(salen)] oxo dimer, a [Ti(salen)] catecholato complex and an unusual [Ti(salen)] diolato complex. Formation of the new ligands appears to be related to the salicylidene ligand aromatic ring ortho substituent and the aldehyde used.
Lipase‐catalyzed regioselective synthesis of flavone C‐glucosides esters and high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (eAOB‐o)
Authors: Liu Lingyi , Pang Meirong , Zhang Ying 
Published: March 2015

AOB‐w is a water‐soluble antioxidant extracted from bamboo leaves, containing four flavone C‐glucosides (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin) as functional components. Flavone C‐glucoside esters were firstly synthesized by three lipases (CALB, RM IM, and TL IM) in organic solvent system or solvent‐free system. Results indicated that C12 fatty acid ester exhibited the optimal antioxidant capacity, CALB was the most efficient lipase in both systems, and higher conversion yields were achieved in solvent‐free system. Highest conversion was obtained with 1% water content for CALB and 2% water content for RM IM and TL IM. All lipases displayed absolute 6″‐regioselectivities with monoester. It is required to consider both of hydrophobicity and antioxidant capacity to prepare high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant. Regression equations were built up to illuminate the relationship between conversion yield of flavone C‐glucoside and antioxidant capacity of its corresponding ester. Highest antioxidant capacity could be achieved when conversion yield was nearly 60% for flavone C‐glucosides. Based on reaction parameters of flavone C‐glucosides, high‐efficiency eAOB‐o was prepared, which could be expected as an excellent oil‐soluble antioxidant in lipids.Practical applications: Water‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB‐w) is a natural food antioxidant extracted from bamboo leaves, with four flavone C‐glucosides (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin) as functional components. This study aimed to provide a practical procedure to prepare high‐efficiency lipid antioxidant by enzymatic acylation. Based on the optimal parameters from the synthesis of flavone C‐glucoside esters, high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (eAOB‐o) was prepared. eAOB‐o exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than cAOB‐o, which has been approved as food antioxidants in China.High‐efficiency acylation products were obtained by consideration both of lipid solubility and antioxidant capacity. Based on the rule, flavone C‐glucoside ester and eAOB‐o were prepared.
DNA Electrochemical Aptasensor for Detecting Fumonisins B1 Based on Graphene and Thionine Nanocomposite
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Yu , Zheng Ya‐Ting , Zhang Hao‐Bo , He Cheng‐Hua , Wu Wen‐Da , Zhang Hai‐Bin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this paper, a novel aptasensor was designed by with the dual amplification of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene/thionine nanocomposites (GS‐TH) for sensitive determination of fumonisins B1 (FB1). AuNPs is modified at the electrode surface to increase the electrical conductivity and fabricate specific recognition interface for FB1 through the hybridization of capture DNA and its aptamer. Large number of TH molecules were loaded at the surface of graphene sheet to served as electrochemical probe and increase its electrochemical signal due to the excellent conductivity and large surface area of graphene sheet. This type of nanocomposites is then assembled to the single strand section of FB1 aptamer at electrode surface by π–π stacking interactions between them, leading to an enhanced electrochemical signal. After the specific combination between FB1 aptamer and its target (FB1) in solution, GS–TH was released from electrode surface, resulting in a decreased electrochemical signal. The result demonstrated that the decreased currents were proportional to the FB1 concentration in the range of 1–106 pg/mL with a detection limit of 1 pg/mL. Besides, the developed aptasensor was also applied successfully for the determination of FB1 in feed samples. The result shows this aptasensor has a higher sensitivity and selectivity.
One Step Fabrication of Au Nanoparticles‐Ni‐Al Layered Double Hydroxide Composite Film for the Determination of L‐Cysteine
Authors: Wu Liping , Li Jing , Zhang Hui‐Min 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper reports the fabrication of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs)‐Ni‐Al layerd double hydroxide (LDH) composite film by one step electrochemical deposition on the surface of a glass carbon electrode from the mixture solution containing HAuCl4 and nitrate salts of Ni2+ and Al3+. Improved conductivity was obtained by Au NPs codeposited on LDH film. The synergic effect of LDHs and Au NPs dramatically improves the performance of L‐cysteine electro‐oxidation, displaying low oxidation peak potential (0.16 V) and high current response. Thus the electrode was used to sense L‐cysteine, showing good sensitivity and selectivity.
An Electrochemical Assay for Monitoring Differentiation of the Osteoblastic Cell Line (MBA‐15) on the Sensor Chip
Authors: Yildirim‐Semerci Cigdem , Benayahu Dafna , Adamovski Miriam , Wollenberger Ulla 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn electrochemical assay for the indication of the activity of the cell bound differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is proposed using voltammetry on an in‐vitro cell culture. The basis of the assay is cultivation of cells on gold microelectrodes in wells of a microplate, catalytic hydrolysis of p‐aminophenyl phosphate by ALP and indication of p‐aminophenol oxidation by square wave voltammetry (SWV) with the sensors onto which the cells attached. The morphology of the bone marrow stromal cell line (MBA‐15) on the electrode surface was investigated and it exhibited in vitro osteogenic characteristics. Since ALP is expressed on the cell surface in early differentiation stage of osteoblastic cells, its activity was followed after different culture times over a period of 144 h by recording repetitive voltammograms at different time points upon addition of the substrate p‐aminophenyl phosphate. The ALP activity was estimated from the signal increase related to formation rate of p‐aminophenol and the number of cells. The highest value was measured at 120 h, when the cells reached confluence. The results of the electrochemical activity assay are consistent with the colorimetric acquired value from p‐nitrophenol formation rate.
Comparison of Single Layer and Bilayer Biosensors Based on Crosslinking of Penicillinase for Potentiometric Detection of Penicillin in Milk and Antibiotics
Authors: Ismail Fatima , Adeloju Samuel B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe use of bilayers for fabrication of biosensors is advantageous for increasing enzyme loading. Substantial improvement in sensitivity is often achieved through immobilisation of the enzyme in both layers. In particular, the use of cross linking agents such as glutaraldehyde (GLA), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are beneficial for enhancing enzyme stability and, hence, for fabricating stable biosensors. The successful fabrication of a single layer BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor for potentiometric detection of penicillin is described. Subsequently, the three crosslinking agents were employed with two polymers, polypyrrole (PPy) and polytyramine (PTy), together with penicillinase (P’nase) for fabrication of PPy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐PVA‐P’nase and PTy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐GLA‐P’nase bilayer biosensors. The analytical performances of the bilayer biosensors were then compared with the single layer BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor for the determination of penicillin in milk and amoxycillin tablets. While the determination of penicillin in milk was somewhat problematic, its determination in amoxicillin tablets proved to be successful, with recoveries of 102±15 % obtained with the PPy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐PVA‐P’nase biosensor, 100±19 % with PTy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor and 103±5 % with BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor. Notably, the results of the latter agreed favourably with those obtained through a reference titrimetric method.
In‐line coupled single drop liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction with capillary electrophoresis for determining fluoroquinolones in water samples
Authors: Springer Valeria H. , Lista Adriana G. 
Published: March 2015

A simple in‐line single drop liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction (SD‐LLLME) coupled with CE for the determination of two fluoroquinolones was developed. The method is capable to quantify trace amount of analytes in water samples and to improve the sensitivity of CE detection. For the SD‐LLLME, a thin layer of organic phase was used to separate a drop of 0.1 M NaOH hanging at the inlet of the capillary from the aqueous donor phase. By this way, the analytes were extracted to the acceptor phase through the organic layer based on their acidic/basic dissociation equilibrium. The drop was immersed into the organic phase during 10 min for extraction and then it is directly injected into the capillary for the analysis. Parameters such as type and volume of organic solvent phase, aqueous donor, and acceptor phases and extraction time and temperature were optimized. The enrichment factor was calculated, resulting 40‐fold for enrofloxacin (ENR) and sixfold for ciprofloxacin (CIP). The linear range were 20–400 μg/L for ENR and 60–400 μg/L for CIP. The detection limits were 10.1 μg/L and 55.3 μg/L for ENR and CIP, respectively, and a good reproducibility was obtained (4.4% for ENR and 5.6% for CIP). Two real water samples were analysed applying the new method and the obtained results presented satisfactory recovery percentages (90–100.3%).
Interaction between runoff – bedrock groundwater in a steep headwater catchment underlain by sedimentary bedrock fractured by gravitational deformation
Authors: Padilla Cristobal , Onda Yuichi , Iida Tomoyuki 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent studies have suggested the importance of the bedrock groundwater (BG) contribution in storm runoff in headwater catchments. However, few such studies have been conducted, and the study of different types of bedrock conditions is still ongoing. The role of BG in storm runoff is still poorly understood, particularly in headwater catchments underlain by relatively deep fractured bedrock. This study aims to clarify this role using hydrometric and hydrochemical observations of BG via boreholes and catchment discharge. The responses of the BG to rainfall are demonstrated to be fast and independent of the sediment cover. The BG exhibits different responses and flow paths that are largely controlled by the bedrock fracture system. The storm runoff in the studied catchment is characterized by rapid discharge response generally followed by a delayed discharge response. The peak of the delayed discharge is much faster than that observed in previous studies, and it is well correlated with the BG levels. A hydrograph separation was performed for two storm events using three end members: rainfall, shallow BG and deep BG. The results demonstrate that the delayed discharge is primarily composed of deep BG. Moreover, a significant contribution of shallow BG is observed during large precipitation events. Although we observed no physical evidence of direct contributions of BG in the catchment, the calculations presented in this study demonstrate that the BG controls the hydrological and hydrogeological response of the catchment to rainfall events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Highly Hydrophobic Tetra‐ and Pentaphenylalanine Peptides
Authors: Arnon Zohar , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Levin Aviad , Gazit Ehud 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDiphenylalanine peptide (FF) self‐assembles into ordered structures of notable physical properties. Moreover, the ability of the phenylalanine amino acid or triphenylalanine to assemble into ordered nanostructures had been demonstrated. Herein, we explored the association potential of larger phenylalanine peptides, tetraphenylalanine, and pentaphenylalanine. A major challenge in studying the assembly of these peptides is their lack of solubility in different solvents. Yet, the remarkable capacity of acetic acid to solubilize FF was recently shown. Inspired by this, we examined whether this solvent could also be employed to dissolve these insoluble peptides. By utilizing the solvent‐switch methodology, we revealed the self‐assembly of tetraphenylalanine and pentaphenylalanine. The peptides were assembled into ordered autofluorescent elongated structures, which were further characterized by electron microscopy and spectroscopy analysis and could be utilized in future technological applications.
Particle uptake efficiency is significantly affected by type of capping agent and cell line
Authors: Zhang Fan , Durham Phillip , Sayes Christie M. , Lau Boris L. T. , Bruce Erica D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSurface‐functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most deployed engineered nanomaterials in consumer products because of their optical, antibacterial and electrical properties. Almost all engineered nanoparticles are coated with application‐specific capping agents (i.e. organic/inorganic ligands on particle surface) to enhance their stability in suspension or increase their biocompatibility for biomedicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the selected capping agents to their observed health impacts using realistic dose ranges. AgNPs capped with citrate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and tannic acid were studied with human bronchoalveolar carcinoma (A549) and human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cell lines and compared against exposures to Ag ions. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated up to 24 h. Tannic acid capped AgNPs induced higher cellular uptake and rate in both cell lines. Citrate‐capped and PVP‐capped AgNPs behaved similarly over 24 h. All three of the capped AgNPs penetrated more into the A549 cells than Caco‐2 cells. In contrast, the uptake rate of Ag ions in Caco‐2 cells (0.11 ± 0.0001 µg h–1) was higher than A549 cells (0.025 ± 0.00004 µg h–1). The exposure concentration of 3 mg l–1 is below the EC50 value for all of the AgNPs; therefore, little cytotoxicity was observed in any experiment conducted herein. Exposure of Ag ions, however, interrupted cell membrane integrity and cell proliferation (up to 70% lysed after 24 h). These findings indicate cellular uptake is dependent on capping agent, and when controlled to realistic exposure concentrations, cellular function is not significantly affected by AgNP exposure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐544 Regulates Dairy Goat Male Germline Stem Cell Self‐Renewal via Targeting PLZF
Authors: Song Wencong , Mu Hailong , Wu Jiang , Liao Mingzhi , Zhu Haijing , Zheng Liming , He Xin , Niu Bowen , Zhai Yuanxin , Bai Chunling , Lei Anmin , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe balance between the self‐renewal and differentiation of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) is critical for the initiation and maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis. The promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), a zinc finger protein, is a critical factor for maintaining the self‐renewal of mGSCs, so, evaluation of the PLZF pathway in mGSCs may provide a deeper insight into mammalian spermatogenesis. miRNA was also an important regulating factor for the self‐renewal and differentiation of mGSCs; however, there is currently no data indicating that which miRNA regulate the self‐renewal and differentiation of mGSCs via PLZF. Here, we predicted the prospective miRNA targeting to PLZF using the online Bioinformatics database‐Targetscan, and performed an analysis of the dual‐luciferase recombinant vector, psiCHCEKTM‐2‐PLZF‐3′UTR. miR‐544 mimics (miR‐544m), miR‐544 inhibitors (miR‐544i), Control (NC, scrambled oligonucleotides transfection), pPLZF‐IRES2‐EGFP or PLZF siRNA were transfected into mGSCs; the cells proliferation was evaluated by BRDU incorporation assay and flow cytometry, and the mGSC marker, GFRa1, PLZF, KIT, DAZL, and VASA expression were analyzed by RT‐qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. The results showed that miR‐544 regulates dairy goat male germline stem cell self‐renewal via targeting PLZF. Our study identifies a new regulatory pathway for PLZF and expands upon the PLZF regulatory network in mGSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2155–2165, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.