bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular distribution of antitumor Ru (II) compounds: The lysosome and the lysosomal enzymes as targets for anticancer metal-based drugs
Authors: Marques F. , Corte-Real L. , Alves de Matos A.P. , Alho I. , Morais T.S. , Tomaz A.I. , Garcia M.H. , Bicho M.P. 
Published: August 2013

The therapeutic usefulness of anticancer agents relies on their ability to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells and tissues. Ruthenium complexes hold great potential as suitable alternative drugs to the current cisplatin in the treatment of cancer. Our approach in this field has been the study of organoruthenium complexes, [RuII(η5-Cp)] family, namely [RuII(η5-Cp)(bipy)(PPh3)]+ (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; bipy = 2,2’-bipyridine), TM34. This compound was tested for antitumor activity against tumor cells representative of human cancer diseases. A large spectrum of activity was found, largely surpassing cisplatin in efficacy (Fig 1).How a drug distributes and localizes within cells is of fundamental importance as the drug must concentrate in the compartment that houses its target(s). The importance of cellular enzymes on the effects of anticancer drugs for which multiple biological pathways have been proposed led us to address the involvement of the lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes (AcPases) in the mechanism of cell death.The cytotoxicity of TM34 was tested using the MTT assay. TM34 cellular distribution was measured by ICP-MS. The effect of TM34 on the activity of acid phosphatase (AcPase) was evaluated by the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate to p-nitrophenol. AcPase localization was investigated by TEM using the Record and Griffing (1988) cerium-based method.Results showed that the sensitivity of AcPase assay is higher in comparison to cell proliferation assays based on the reduction of tetrazolium salts (MTT) (Fig 2). From TEM images AcPase reaction product appears as dark electron dense deposits in the lysosomes and dictiosomes. After 3h treatment TM34 provokes disruption and vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus, although some reaction product is present in the lysosomes (Fig 2).The lysosome could be considered a possible target for TM34. Morphological evidence was observed for the participation of the Golgi apparatus in the vesiculation induced by the compound.Supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT): PTDC/QUI-QUI/101187/2008.
Ion Beam Microscopy: a Tool for Materials
Authors: Alves L.C. , Corregidor V. , Pinheiro T. , Ferreira L. 
Published: August 2013

Ion Beam Analytical techniques (IBA) using MeV charged particles are powerful techniques for the study of different type of samples in several science fields such as Material Science, microelectronics or biology/biomedicine due to its fine sensitivity, versatility and “non-destructive” characteristics. The possibility of beam focusing and beam scanning adds spatial resolution down to the dm level and imaging capabilities then allowing the IBA techniques to become microscopy techniques.In the Nuclear Microprobe installed at IST/ITN several IBA techniques can be routinely used for materials characterization, the most common ones being PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission), RBS (Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry) and STIM (Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy). Whether through their independent or combined use the most important thing of these techniques is the complementary information that they can grant. As any other X-ray spectroscopic technique pPIXE can also provide elemental identification (for Z>12) but further present their spatial distribution in the sample as well as, for thin biological samples (<20 <m), calculate their areal mass density. RBS on the other hand is able to probe sample in depth then allowing obtaining, for instance, elemental depth profile and at the same time sample matrix areal mass density. The combined use of PIXE and RBS then allows determining elemental concentration for thin biological samples. For the mentioned thin biological samples the ion beam energy loss when crossing them (base of the STIM technique), contains information on their density or thickness allowing unique information on its structure and morphology.Advantages and draw backs can always be taken into account when comparing with similar or competitive techniques. This is the case of PIXE and SEM-EDS which is quite unfavorable for PIXE in the case of image spatial resolution, but quite favorable if elemental sensitivity is considered. Due to the much lower X-ray spectrum background, detection limits for PIXE reach the tg/g level.As an example of application, some of the results obtained for PE-g-HEMA films are here shown. To allow their utilization as biomaterials for biomedical applications (e.g. drug delivery) apart from the needed mechanical properties and surface characteristics, biocompatibility of these materials is of fundamental importance. Regarding biocompatibility one important parameter to be assessed is its cytotoxicity that strongly depends on the contamination level at the surface. As shown in Fig. 1, MeV ion beam microscopy not only can provide major and trace element spatial distribution (combining PIXE and RBS data) but also valuable information on its near-surface structure (STIM). Furthermore, quantitative elemental analysis can be performed through the analysis of the PIXE spectra with sensitivity down to the rg/g level as also revealed in Figure 1.V. Corregidor acknowledges the funding support from the FCT-Ciência program.
Nanodiamond dispersions in metallic matrices with different carbon affinity
Authors: Nunes D. , Correia J.B. , Carvalho P.A. 
Published: August 2013

Dispersing nanodiamond (nD) particles in metallic matrices can be achieved by ball milling resulting in metal-diamond composite powders. The matrices have been selected considering the whole range of carbon affinity: copper that shows extremely reduced affinity towards carbon phases, potentially compromising the composite interfaces, and nickel and tungsten that are mild and strong carbide formers, respectively, displaying thus intermediate and strong carbon affinities. For the latter matrices, dispersing carbon phases represent a challenge due to carbide conversion.The materials produced are designated as Cu-10nD, Ni-10nD and W-20nD (where 10 and 20 indicate the atomic fraction of nD). Close monitoring of the milling conditions enabled to homogeneously disperse the carbon phases and obtain nanostructured matrices (Figures 1 (a-c)), as well as to minimize milling media contamination and carbide formation, especially in the case of the W-based composite. Apparent interfacial bonding could be inferred the from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images.The metallic matrices have been subsequently dissolved to allow for a detailed analysis of nanodiamond. Electron diffraction demonstrated that its crystalline structure was preserved during milling (Figure 2). Microhardness measurements revealed remarkable strength enhancements of the nanostructured composites over that of pure metals of comparable grain sizes (Table 1). The strengthening mechanisms that justify the hardness increments in Cu-10nD and Ni-10nD include second-phase reinforcement (due to the potential load bearing ability of diamond), as well as Orowan and solid solution strengthening. The hardening effect observed in the W-20nD composite over that of pure milled tungsten is probably related to the nanodiamond reinforcement, nevertheless the influence of a fine dispersion of carbides cannot be ruled out.This work has been performed under the Contract of Association between EURATOM and Instituto Superior Tecnico. Financial support was also received from the Fundação para a Ciência Tecnologia (FCT) grants with references PTDC/CTM/100163/2008, Pest-OE/SADG/LA0010/2011 and PEST-OE/CTM-UI0084/2011.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization of Thermomechanically Treated Al3Ti–(8, 10, 15)% Cr Intermetallics
Authors: Jang Ok Jun , Yang Cheol-Woong , Lee Dong Bok 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe ordered L12-type Al3Ti–(8, 10, 15)% Cr intermetallic compounds, namely, Al67Ti25Cr8, Al66Ti24Cr10, and Al59Ti26Cr15, were prepared by induction melting followed by thermomechanical treatment. Their microstructure, compositional variation, and crystal structure were characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The Al67Ti25Cr8 alloy consisted of the L12-Al3Ti matrix and precipitates of α2-Ti3Al, D022-Al3Ti, and γ-TiAl. The Al66Ti24Cr10 and Al59Ti26Cr15 alloys consisted of the L12-Al3Ti matrix and grains of α-TiAl and β-Cr.
-ALGEBRAS ASSOCIATED WITH LAMBDA-SYNCHRONIZING SUBSHIFTS AND FLOW EQUIVALENCE
Authors: MATSUMOTO KENGO 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe class of$\lambda $-synchronizing subshifts generalizes the class of irreducible sofic shifts. A$\lambda $-synchronizing subshift can be presented by a certain$\lambda $-graph system, called the$\lambda $-synchronizing$\lambda $-graph system. The$\lambda $-synchronizing$\lambda $-graph system of a$\lambda $-synchronizing subshift can be regarded as an analogue of the Fischer cover of an irreducible sofic shift. We will study algebraic structure of the${C}^{\ast } $-algebra associated with a$\lambda $-synchronizing$\lambda $-graph system and prove that the stable isomorphism class of the${C}^{\ast } $-algebra with its Cartan subalgebra is invariant under flow equivalence of$\lambda $-synchronizing subshifts.
MC4R rs489693: a clinical risk factor for second generation antipsychotic-related weight gain?
Authors: Czerwensky Fabian , Leucht Stefan , Steimer Werner 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWeight gain is a therapy limiting and very frequent adverse effect of many second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drugs. The human melanocortin four receptor (MC4R) is a very promising candidate gene possibly influencing SGA-related weight gain. The rs489693 polymorphism near the MC4R gene was associated with SGA-related weight gain in a genome-wide association study. We tried to replicate these results in our independent naturalistic study population. From 341 Caucasian inpatients receiving at least one SGA drug (olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, paliperidone, quetiapine or amisulpride), carriers homozygous for the rs489693 A-allele (n = 35) showed a 2.2 times higher weight increase (+2.2 kg) than carriers of the CC-genotype (+1 kg) after 4 wk of treatment (analysis of covariance, p = 0.039). We revealed an even stronger effect in a subpopulation without weight gain inducing co-medication (factor 3.1, +2.8 kg, p = 0.044, (n = 16 of 169)) and in first episode patients (factor 2.7, +2.7 kg, p = 0.017, (n = 13 of 86)). Our results confirm the rs489693 A-allele as a possible risk factor for SGA-related weight gain.
Preliminary study of themes of meaning and psychosocial service use among informal cancer caregivers
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Farran Carol J. , Marziliano Allison M. , Pasternak Anna R. , Breitbart William 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjective:The burden experienced by informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with advanced cancer is well documented. ICs are at risk for anxiety and depression, as well as existential concerns that arise when a loved one is facing a terminal illness. Few psychosocial interventions focus on existential concerns of ICs. However, a growing body of literature indicates that finding meaning in the experience of being an IC for a person with cancer has the potential to buffer against burden. The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary descriptive data regarding caregiver burden, meaning, and psychosocial service use to inform the adaptation of a meaning-centered intervention for ICs.Method:Twenty-five caregivers and 32 patients completed brief, anonymous questionnaires that asked about their role as a caregiver or their perception of their loved one as a caregiver, caregiver burden, and psychosocial service use.Results:Caregivers and patients identified anxiety and depression as top correlates of burden experienced by caregivers, whereas guilt, issues with role/sense of identity, and self-care were additional areas of concern. The majority of caregivers were not receiving psychosocial services, although they almost unanimously reported desiring services. A greater proportion of patients than caregivers believed that an intervention designed to enhance meaning would ameliorate burden, but, nevertheless, close to three quarters of caregivers reported interest in participating in such an intervention.Significance of results:These study findings provide further support for, at a minimum, engaging ICs of persons with advanced cancer in interventions that address existential issues, mental health, self-care, and service use. Such interventions are likely to improve the quality of life of both patients with cancer and their ICs.
A novel fluorescence assay and catalytic properties of Crh1 and Crh2 yeast cell wall transglycosylases
Authors: Mazáň Marian , Blanco Noelia , Kováčová Kristína , Firáková Zuzana , Řehulka Pavel , Farkaš Vladimír , Arroyo Javier 
Published: August 2013

The mechanical properties of fungal cell walls are largely determined by composition and mutual cross-linking of their macromolecular components. Previous work showed that the Crh proteins are required for the formation of cross-links between chitin and glucan at the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall. In the present study, the proteins encoded by CRH1 and CRH2 were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and a sensitive fluorescence in vitro soluble assay was devised for determination of their transglycosylating activities. Both proteins act as chitin transglycosylases; they use soluble chitin derivatives, such as carboxymethyl chitin, glycol-chitin and/or N-acetyl chito-oligosaccharides of DP (degree of polymerization)≥5 as the oligoglycosyl donors, and oligosaccharides derived from chitin, β-(1,3)-glucan (laminarin) and β-(1,6)-glucan (pustulan), fluorescently labelled with sulforhodamine or FITC as acceptors. The minimal number of intact hexopyranose units required by Crh1 and/or Crh2 in the molecule of the acceptor oligosaccharide was two and the effectivity of the acceptor increased with the increasing length of its oligosaccharide chain. Products of the transglycosylation reactions were hybrid molecules composed of the acceptor and portions of carboxymethyl chitin attached to its non-reducing end. Both proteins exhibited a weak chitinolytic activity in different assays whereby the ratio of endo- compared with exo-chitinase activity was approximately 4-fold higher in Crh1 than in Crh2. The pH optimum of both enzymes was 3.5 and the optimum temperature was 37°C. The results obtained in vitro with different fluorescently labelled oligosaccharides as artificial chitin acceptors corroborated well with those observed in vivo.
Effects of Social Networks on Finding an Apprenticeship in the German Vocational Training System
Authors: Roth Tobias 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Previous research indicates that social relationships can influence the probability of successfully finding a first job. This paper contributes to this field of research by empirically analysing the rarely studied question, if social networks can help adolescents find an apprenticeship in the strongly company-based vocational training system of Germany. In contrast to most previous studies, not only the youth's networks, but also their mothers' networks are taken into account. In addition to the social, the ethnic composition of the networks is also considered. Event data analyses of German panel data on natives and migrants from the project ‘Young Immigrants in the German and Israeli Educational System’ show that adolescents' networks have no effect on the success of an apprenticeship search. In contrast, the mothers' networks play a crucial role.
Labour Market Prospects of Swiss Career Entrants after Completion of Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Salvisberg Alexander , Sacchi Stefan 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
This study seeks to find the reasons for the rising risk of unemployment for people who have completed basic vocational education and training (VET) in Switzerland. We focus on the long-term structural shift on the demand side of the labour market and its consequences for new entrants' chances of employment in the labour force. A detailed analysis of the development of vacancies for such ‘career entrants' in the time period 2001 to 2011 suggests that neither a growing occupational mismatch nor a general shift in the level of education to the disadvantage of workers with vocational education can be made responsible for the rising unemployment of labour market entrants. Instead, the available evidence indicates that a diminishing part of the vacancies suited for VET graduates remains open to entrants because of the increasing job requirements with regard to work experience and further education. Basic vocational education and training alone is increasingly less a guarantee for a smooth entry into the working world.
Tactical proficiency among table tennis players with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Van Biesen Debbie , Mactavish Jennifer , Vanlandewijck Yves 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe effect of intellectual impairment on sports performance has received limited attention by researchers. As a contribution to closing this gap, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the differences in tactical proficiency between table tennis players with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). These groups were matched for training‐volume and experience and consisted of 41 male (age = 27±8) and 30 female (age= 28±8) elite players with ID and a reference group of 12 male (age= 24±12) and 5 female (age= 20±9) players without ID. In two different test settings – one a World Championship and the other a training camp – the players in each group performed 60 semi‐standardised rallies against the same opponent. Players were told that 12 sets of five identical services would be delivered, and their goal was to return the service with the intention of ‘winning the point’. The test results were validated for this study, to compute tactical proficiency scores (maximal score of eight points) for each player. A two‐way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significantly lower proficiency scores for players with ID than for those without ID. Repeated‐measures ANOVA revealed that within each series of five rallies, starting with identical services, all participants were able to significantly improve their tactical proficiency gradually, but players without ID scored 4.3±0.5 from the first ball on, and while athletes with ID only 3.3±0.7 after five balls. The results of this study indicate that ID is associated with decreased tactical proficiency in table tennis.
Comparison of daily- and annual- increment counts in otoliths of bigeye (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin (T. albacares), southern bluefin (T. maccoyii) and albacore (T. alalunga) tuna
Authors: Williams Ashley J. , Leroy Bruno M. , Nicol Simon J. , Farley Jessica H. , Clear Naomi P. , Krusic-Golub Kyne , Davies Campbell R. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Williams, A. J., Leroy, B. M., Nicol, S. J., Farley, J. H., Clear, N. P., Krusic-Golub, K., and Davies, C. R. Comparison of daily- and annual-increment counts in otoliths of bigeye (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin (T. albacares), southern bluefin (T. maccoyii) and albacore (T. alalunga) tuna. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: . Information on the age of individuals is often required for models assessing the status of stocks. Techniques used to estimate age of tuna have varied across species and agencies, precluding meta-analyses of age and growth. We compared age estimates obtained from commonly used ageing techniques for four important tuna species: bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, southern bluefin tuna, and albacore tuna. Estimates of age from counts of annual increments in transverse-sectioned otoliths were generally higher than those from counts of daily increments in transverse and longitudinal sections for all species, particularly for fish older than two years. However, annual counts produced younger estimates, on average, relative to daily counts for bigeye and yellowfin tuna younger than one year. Estimates derived from daily increments in longitudinal and transverse sections were generally similar, although longitudinal sections produced relatively older age estimates for individuals older than two years. A linear or non-linear increase in the magnitude of differences between ageing methods was the best-approximating model in all cases except when comparing daily-increment counts between transverse and longitudinal otolith sections for southern bluefin tuna. These observations are consistent with a narrowing of daily increments with increasing age, resulting in underestimates of age relative to those derived from annual increments. We conclude that (i) daily increments are unsuitable for ageing individuals over two years, especially for southern bluefin and albacore, (ii) longitudinal sections are more precise and produce older age estimates than transverse sections for daily-age estimates, (iii) there are considerable differences in these trends between species, likely dependent on longevity, and (iv) parameter estimates and/or conclusions based on meta-analyses using age data derived from different ageing methods are likely confounded with methodological biases. This result demonstrates that greater effort is required to provide consistent, validated methods for routine age determination to support the assessment and management of these valuable populations.
Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase CPK6 Positively Functions in Induction by Yeast Elicitor of Stomatal Closure and Inhibition by Yeast Elicitor of Light-Induced Stomatal Opening in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ye Wenxiu , Muroyama Daichi , Munemasa Shintaro , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Mori Izumi C. , Murata Yoshiyuki 
Published: August 2013

AbstractYeast elicitor (YEL) induces stomatal closure that is mediated by a Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway. A Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, CPK6, positively regulates activation of ion channels in abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate signaling, leading to stomatal closure in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). YEL also inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. However, it remains unknown whether CPK6 is involved in induction by YEL of stomatal closure or in inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. In this study, we investigated the roles of CPK6 in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis. Disruption of CPK6 gene impaired induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening. Activation by YEL of nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channels was impaired in cpk6-2 guard cells, and transient elevations elicited by YEL in cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration were suppressed in cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 guard cells. YEL activated slow anion channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1 and inhibited inward-rectifying K+ channels in wild-type guard cells but not in cpk6-2 or cpk6-1. The cpk6-2 and cpk6-1 mutations inhibited YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in guard cells and apoplast of rosette leaves but did not affect YEL-induced hydrogen peroxide production in the apoplast of rosette leaves. These results suggest that CPK6 positively functions in induction by YEL of stomatal closure and inhibition by YEL of light-induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis and is a convergent point of signaling pathways for stomatal closure in response to abiotic and biotic stress.