bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fracto‐mechanoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of UV and γ‐irradiated Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphor
Authors: Tiwari Geetanjali , Brahme Nameeta , Sharma R. , Bisen D. P. , Sao Sanjay Kumar , Singh Manisha 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCe3+‐doped calcium aluminosilicate phosphor was prepared by a combustion‐assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600°C. Structural characterization was carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectra of Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ showed an absorption edge at 230 nm. The optical characterization of Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphor was investigated in a fracto‐mechanoluminescence (FML) and thermoluminescence (TL) study. The peak of ML intensity increased as the height of impact of the moving piston increased. The TL intensity of Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ was recorded for different exposure times of UV and γ‐irradiation and it was observed that TL intensity was maximum for a UV irradiation time of 30 min and for a γ‐dose of 1180 Gy. The TL intensity had three peaks for UV irradiation at temperatures 82°C, 125°C and 203°C. Also the TL intensity had a single peak at 152°C for γ‐irradiation. The TL and ML emission spectra of Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphor showed maximum emission at 400 nm. The possible mechanisms involved in the TL and ML processes of the Ca2Al2SiO7:Ce3+ phosphor are also explained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of an amyloid fibril forming segment of human Pmel17 repeat domain (RPT domain)
Authors: Louros Nikolaos N. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTPmel17 is the major component of functional amyloid fibrils that have an important role during pigment deposition. Pmel17 polymerization is promoted within the mildly acidic conditions of melanosomes, organelles located in pigment‐specific cells. A repeat domain (RPT domain) of Pmel17, rich in glutamic acid residues has been extensively associated with the formation of the fibrous matrix. Here, we examine the RPT domain of human Pmel17 in order to provide information on this mechanism. Specifically, we have identified an aggregation‐prone peptide segment (405VSIVVLSGT413), close to the C‐terminal part of the RPT domain. Experimental results utilizing electron microscopy, X‐ray fiber diffraction, Congo red staining and ATR FT‐IR spectroscopy indicate that this peptide segment self‐assembles forming fibrils with evident amyloidogenic properties. Conclusively, our results demonstrate that the 405VSIVVLSGT413 peptide segment possibly has an essential role in RPT domain fibrillogenesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 133–139, 2016.
Low‐Temperature Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide on Pt3Ni Alloy Nanoparticle Catalyst with Engineered Surface
Authors: Hwang Sang Youp , Yurchekfrodl Eric , Zhang Changlin , Peng Zhenmeng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOctahedral Pt3Ni alloy nanoparticles on carbon and alumina supports are prepared using a simple solid‐state chemistry method and tested for CO preferential oxidation (PROX) in H2. Both catalysts exhibit much superior PROX property comparing to spherical Pt3Ni alloy and pure Pt, with high activity and 100 % selectivity between around RT and 100 °C. The improved activity of the octahedral Pt3Ni has been attributed to bifunctional sites mechanism. The excellent selectivity is correlated with the unique surface geometry and electronic structure of the octahedral Pt3Ni.
In Situ Characterization of Bipolar Electrodes by using Vibrational Stark Spectroscopy and Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Sanghapi Axline , Ramakrishan Sridevi , Fan Sanjun , Shannon Curtis 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe report on the use of Raman spectroscopy to interrogate the electrical double layer near Au bipolar electrodes. Well‐characterized adsorbed molecules are used as local spectroscopic probes that report on the state of the electrode–electrolyte interface. We discuss two applications of in situ Raman scattering to characterize the electrode–electrolyte interface in bipolar electrochemical systems: vibrational Stark spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman (SER) spectroelectrochemistry. From Stark spectroscopy on CN−/Au, we estimate an upper limit of about 7 MV cm−1 for the electric field at the cathodic pole of an Au bipolar electrode (BPE), consistent with measurements on unipolar electrodes. Through the SER spectroelectrochemistry of an adsorbed redox‐active molecule [2‐(ethylthio)‐9,10‐dihydroxyanthracene], we were able to directly measure the linear variation of the interfacial potential along the principle axis of an Au BPE near the cathodic pole.
Conformational Flexibility in the Transmembrane Protein TSPO
Authors: Jaremko Łukasz , Jaremko Mariusz , Giller Karin , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe translocator protein (TSPO) is an integral membrane protein that interacts with a wide variety of endogenous ligands, such as cholesterol and porphyrins, and is also the target for several small molecules with substantial in vivo efficacy. When complexed with the TSPO‐specific radioligand (R)‐PK11195, TSPO folds into a rigid five‐helix bundle. However, little is known about the structure and dynamics of TSPO in the absence of high‐affinity ligands. By means of NMR spectroscopy, we show that TSPO exchanges between multiple conformations in the absence of (R)‐PK11195. Extensive motions on time scales from pico‐ to microseconds occur all along the primary sequence of the protein, leading to a loss of stable tertiary interactions and local unfolding of the helical structure in the vicinity of the ligand‐binding site. The flexible nature of TSPO highlights the importance of conformational plasticity in integral membrane proteins.
The Safety and Efficacy of Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Chang , Filion Kristian B. , Eisenberg Mark J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTBioresorbable stents are novel devices designed to overcome the long‐term limitations of permanent stent implantation. The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) was the first bioresorbable stent with Conformité Européenne mark approval in coronary vessels and has been the subject of multiple clinical studies. Despite its potential advantages, the safety and efficacy of BVS remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a systematic review to examine the safety and efficacy of BVS. The MEDLINE, Embase, Current Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, and Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) databases were searched for studies examining BVS safety and efficacy. Our search was restricted to studies published in English or French. Outcomes of interest include cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target‐lesion revascularization, restenosis, and composite endpoints. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria (n = 2990), which included 1 randomized controlled trial and 10 cohort studies (2 controlled). These studies varied in size (11–1189) and follow‐up duration (1–60 months). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events ranged from 2.6% to 15.5%, with no statistically significant difference between BVS and control in studies that included a comparison group. Although available data are limited, current evidence is promising and suggests that the use of BVS is not associated with a significant increase in major cardiac events in the short term. Numerous randomized controlled trials are currently in progress that will further improve our understanding of the safety and efficacy of this device.
Identity‐based storage management and integrity verify protocol for secure outsourcing in multi‐cloud
Authors: Song Lingwei , Wei Jinxia , Wang Licheng , Cao Chenlei , Niu Xinxin 
Published: September 2015

SummaryVerifying the integrity of outsourced data is an important issue in cloud storage. Recently, many integrity verify protocols have been proposed that can support the public verifiability, data dynamics, and privacy against verifiers but involve a third‐party auditor's participation. In this work, we propose a novel identity‐based storage management and integrity verify protocol for secure outsourcing in multi‐cloud. From theoretical analysis and a lot of simulation experiments, we show our proposed protocol is secure and efficient, without using any trusted organizer. Furthermore, the protocol enjoys many important security attributes including prevention of various attacks, user anonymity, local password verification, and so on. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early stress evokes dysregulation of histone modifiers in the medial prefrontal cortex across the life span
Authors: Pusalkar Madhavi , Suri Deepika , Kelkar Ashwin , Bhattacharya Amrita , Galande Sanjeev , Vaidya Vidita A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTEarly stress has been hypothesized to recruit epigenetic mechanisms to mediate persistent molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes. Here, we have examined the consequence of the early life stress of maternal separation (ES) on the gene expression of several histone modifiers that regulate histone acetylation and methylation within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a key limbic brain region that regulates stress responses and mood‐related behavior. ES animals exhibit gene regulation of both writer (histone acetyltransferases and histone methyltransferases) and eraser (histone deacetylases and histone lysine demethylases) classes of histone modifiers. While specific histone modifiers (Kat2a, Smyd3, and Suv420h1) and the sirtuin, Sirt4 were downregulated across life within the mPFC of ES animals, namely at postnatal Day 21, 2 months, and 15 months of age, we also observed gene regulation restricted to these specific time points. Despite the decline noted in expression of several histone modifiers within the mPFC following ES, this was not accompanied by any change in global or residue‐specific H3 acetylation and methylation. Our findings indicate that ES results in the regulation of several histone modifiers within the mPFC across life, and suggest that such perturbations may contribute to the altered prefrontal structural and functional plasticity observed following early adversity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 198–210, 2016.
Testing projected wild bee distributions in agricultural habitats: predictive power depends on species traits and habitat type
Authors: Marshall Leon , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Bos Merijn , de Groot G. Arjen , Kleijn David , Potts Simon G. , Reemer Menno , Roberts Stuart , Scheper Jeroen , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSpecies distribution models (SDM) are increasingly used to understand the factors that regulate variation in biodiversity patterns and to help plan conservation strategies. However, these models are rarely validated with independently collected data and it is unclear whether SDM performance is maintained across distinct habitats and for species with different functional traits. Highly mobile species, such as bees, can be particularly challenging to model. Here, we use independent sets of occurrence data collected systematically in several agricultural habitats to test how the predictive performance of SDMs for wild bee species depends on species traits, habitat type, and sampling technique. We used a species distribution modeling approach parametrized for the Netherlands, with presence records from 1990 to 2010 for 193 Dutch wild bees. For each species, we built a Maxent model based on 13 climate and landscape variables. We tested the predictive performance of the SDMs with independent datasets collected from orchards and arable fields across the Netherlands from 2010 to 2013, using transect surveys or pan traps. Model predictive performance depended on species traits and habitat type. Occurrence of bee species specialized in habitat and diet was better predicted than generalist bees. Predictions of habitat suitability were also more precise for habitats that are temporally more stable (orchards) than for habitats that suffer regular alterations (arable), particularly for small, solitary bees. As a conservation tool, SDMs are best suited to modeling rarer, specialist species than more generalist and will work best in long‐term stable habitats. The variability of complex, short‐term habitats is difficult to capture in such models and historical land use generally has low thematic resolution. To improve SDMs’ usefulness, models require explanatory variables and collection data that include detailed landscape characteristics, for example, variability of crops and flower availability. Additionally, testing SDMs with field surveys should involve multiple collection techniques.
Expression of TLR2/4 in the sperm‐storing oviduct of the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis during hibernation season
Authors: Li Quanfu , Hu Lisi , Yang Ping , Zhang Qian , Waqas Yasir , Liu Tengfei , Zhang Linli , Wang Shuai , Chen Wei , Le Yuan , Ullah Shakeeb , Chen Qiusheng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe initiation of innate immunology system could play an important role in the aspect of protection for sperms long‐term storage when the sperms got into oviduct of turtles and come into contact with epithelium. The exploration of TLR2/4 distribution and expression in oviduct during hibernation could help make the storage mechanism understandable. The objective of this study was to examine the gene and protein expression profiles in Chinese soft‐shelled turtle during hibernation from November to April in the next year. The protein distribution of TLR2/4 was investigated in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina of the turtle oviduct using immunohistochemistry, and the gene expression of TLR2/4 was analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed positive TLR2 protein expression primarily in the epithelium of the oviduct. TLR4 immunoreactivity was widely observed in almost every part of the oviduct, particularly in the epithelium and secretory gland membrane. Analysis of protein, mRNA expression revealed the decreased expression of TLR2/4 in the magnum compared with the isthmus, uterus, and vagina during hibernation. The protein and mRNA expression of TLR2 in the magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina was decreased in April compared with that in November. TLR4 protein and mRNA expression in the magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina was decreased in November compared with that in April. These results indicated that TLR2/4 expression might protect the sperm from microbial infections. In contrast to the function of TLR2, which protects sperm during the early stages of hibernation, TLR4 might play a role in later stages of storage. The present study is the first to report the functions of TLR2/4 in reptiles.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Carbon Nanofibers/Co(OH)2 Nanocomposites: Application for Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Wang Qian , Ma Yao , Jiang Xin , Yang Nianjun , Coffinier Yannick , Belkhalfa Hakim , Dokhane Nahed , Li Musen , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe synthesis of carbon nanofibers (CNFS)/Co(OH)2 nanocomposites for non‐enzymatic electrochemical sensing of glucose is presented. The sensing matrix was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition of a mixture of Co(NO3)2 and CNFS in ethanol at 50 V for 2 min onto gold electrodes. The formed CNFS/Co(OH)2 matrix was characterised by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Its electrocatalytic properties towards the oxidation of glucose in 0.1 M NaOH were tested. A detection limit of 5 µM with linearity of 10 µM to 0.12 mM was obtained. The current response was selective towards glucose and stable over time. The good analytical performance of the nanocomposite allowed for sensing glucose in real human serum samples.
Ecological impacts of fluridone and copper sulphate in catfish aquaculture ponds
Authors: Jacob Annie P. , Culver David A. , Lanno Roman P. , Voigt Astrid 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Fluridone and copper sulphate are often used for controlling macrophytes and algae in aquaculture ponds. The present study examined the ecological effects of these chemicals on macrophyte, phytoplankton, and zooplankton biomass; plankton community structure; water quality parameters; and fish survival and yield in catfish culture ponds using a randomized complete block design. The estimated half-life of fluridone in the individual ponds ranged from 1.6 d to 10.8 d. Free copper ion activity in ponds treated with copper sulphate was dynamic, ranging from pCu of 7.7 to 8.9 after each application and decreasing to approximately 12 (1 × 10−12 M) within 1 wk after each application, approaching observed values in control ponds (pCu = 12.3–13.4). No difference in macrophyte biomass was observed among treatments. Fluridone and copper treatments elicited different responses within the phytoplankton community. Copper treatments reduced Cyanophyta biomass but increased biomass of more tolerant taxa among the Chlorophyta and Chrysophyta. Fluridone treatments reduced total phytoplankton biomass including Cyanophyta and increased the sensitivity of Chlorophyta and Chrysophyta to copper. Copper also affected zooplankton community composition as a result of direct toxic effects on sensitive zooplankton taxa (e.g., Cladocera), whereas Copepoda biomass in copper-treated ponds exceeded that in controls. Catfish survival and yield were not significantly different among treatments. The results of the present study suggest that fluridone and copper interact at realistic application rates, increasing the ability to control algae compared with treatments where they are applied alone. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1183–1194. © 2015 SETAC
Prediction of meat spectral patterns based on optical properties and concentrations of the major constituents
Authors: ElMasry Gamal , Nakauchi Shigeki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA simulation method for approximating spectral signatures of minced meat samples was developed depending on concentrations and optical properties of the major chemical constituents. Minced beef samples of different compositions scanned on a near‐infrared spectroscopy and on a hyperspectral imaging system were examined. Chemical composition determined heuristically and optical properties collected from authenticated references were simulated to approximate samples' spectral signatures. In short‐wave infrared range, the resulting spectrum equals the sum of the absorption of three individual absorbers, that is, water, protein, and fat. By assuming homogeneous distributions of the main chromophores in the mince samples, the obtained absorption spectra are found to be a linear combination of the absorption spectra of the major chromophores present in the sample. Results revealed that developed models were good enough to derive spectral signatures of minced meat samples with a reasonable level of robustness of a high agreement index value more than 0.90 and ratio of performance to deviation more than 1.4.
Polarimetric assessment of healthy and radiofrequency ablated porcine myocardial tissue
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Gribble Adam , Ikram Masroor , Pop Mihaela , Vitkin Alex 
Published: September 2015

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation offers a potential treatment for cardiac arrhythmia, where properly titrated energy delivered at critical sites can destroy arrhythmogenic foci. The resulting ablation lesion typically consists of a core (coagulative necrosis) surrounded by a rim of mixed viable and non‐viable cells. The extent of the RF lesion is difficult to delineate with current imaging techniques. Here, we explore polarization signatures of ten ex‐vivo samples from untreated (n = 5) and RF ablated porcine hearts (n = 5), in backscattered geometry through Mueller matrix polarimetry. Significant differences (p < 0.01) in depolarization, ΔT, were observed between the healthy, RF ablated and rim regions. Linear retardance, δ, was significantly lower in the core and rim regions compared to healthy regions (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate a novel application of polarimetry, namely the characterization of RF ablation extent in myocardium, including the visualization of the important lesion rim region.
White light photo (top) of porcine myocardium tissue with radiofrequency ablation lesion and corresponding depolarization map (bottom). Depolarization is useful for visualizing the lesion core and rim.magnified imageWhite light photo (top) of porcine myocardium tissue with radiofrequency ablation lesion and corresponding depolarization map (bottom). Depolarization is useful for visualizing the lesion core and rim.
Comparative Analysis of Acyclovir Esters Stability in Solutions: The Influence of the Substituent Structure, Kinetics, and Steric Effects
Authors: Lesniewska Monika A. , Gola Michał , Dutkiewicz Zbigniew , Muszalska Izabela 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTReversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography has been applied to the determination of acyclovir (ACV) esters such as acetate, isobutyrate, pivalate, ethoxycarbonate, and nicotinate. All analyses were carried out at laboratory temperature using a column LiChrospher RP‐18 (250 × 4 mm, 5 µm) and a proper mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 6 or 6.7) or acetonitrile and potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and acetic acid. The methods were validated by the determination of the following parameters: selectivity, precision, accuracy, and linearity. Kinetic studies on the hydrolysis were investigated in solutions at 310 K over the pH range 0.42–1.38. The pH‐profiles indicated specific acid‐catalyzed and spontaneous water‐catalyzed degradation. The stability of the studied ACV esters were determined not only by steric factors. In the case of ethoxycarbonyl ester of ACV, the hydrolysis was a two‐step reaction.
Direct Activation of Bax Protein for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Ding Ye , Ye Na , Wild Christopher , Chen Haiying , Zhou Jia 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBax, a central cell death regulator, is an indispensable gateway to mitochondrial dysfunction and a major proapoptotic member of the B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) family proteins that control apoptosis in normal and cancer cells. Dysfunction of apoptosis renders the cancer cell resistant to treatment as well as promotes tumorigenesis. Bax activation induces mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, thereby leading to the release of apoptotic factor cytochrome c and consequently cancer cell death. A number of drugs in clinical use are known to indirectly activate Bax. Intriguingly, recent efforts demonstrate that Bax can serve as a promising direct target for small‐molecule drug discovery. Several direct Bax activators have been identified to hold promise for cancer therapy with the advantages of specificity and the potential of overcoming chemo‐ and radioresistance. Further investigation of this new class of drug candidates will be needed to advance them into the clinic as a novel means to treat cancer.