bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonogashira, CuAAC, and Oxime Ligations for the Synthesis of MnI Tricarbonyl PhotoCORM Peptide Conjugates
Authors: Pai Sandesh , Radacki Krzysztof , Schatzschneider Ulrich 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this work, facial tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes [Mn(bpeaCH2C6H4R)(CO)3]PF6 incorporating a functionalized 2,2‐bis(pyrazolyl)ethylamine (bpea) ligand with R = I, C≡CH, and CHO have been explored for their utility in bioorthogonal coupling to carrier peptides bearing N‐terminal alkyne, azide, and aminoxy residues. As a model system, the transforming growth factor β‐recognizing (TGF‐β) peptide sequence R′‐Leu‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Asn‐Ser‐His‐OH was used in which R′ is the reactive group complementary to the metal complex functionality. The use of catalyst‐free oxime ligation gave the most stable conjugate with no degradation observed by HPLC over 96 h even after repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Both the parent complex as well as the functionalized peptide were investigated for photoactivated CO delivery to heme proteins by using the myoglobin assay and found to have essentially identical release properties. This work has established a new strategy for the conjugation of photoactivatable CO‐releasing molecules (PhotoCORMs) to biological carrier systems.
Exploring the influence of biofilm on short‐term expansion and contraction of supratidal rock: an example from the Mediterranean
Authors: Mayaud Jerome R. , Viles Heather A. , Coombes Martin A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPrevious geomorphological investigations using the traversing micro‐erosion meter (TMEM) have identified daily and hourly contractions and expansions of littoral rock on a range of lithologies. While organic influences on these patterns have been inferred, this has rarely been tested in a controlled way. Here, a TMEM was used to measure micro‐scale (<mm) topographic changes on supratidal limestone of the Massif des Calanques, southern France. Four TMEM monitoring sites (each 64 cm2) were set up in total, two in the Calanque de Morgiou and two in the Presqu'ile de Cassis. On both shores one TMEM bolt site was positioned on bare rock and the other on colonized rock. TMEM data were collected and the surface micro‐topography mapped for each site at two‐hourly intervals from early morning to late evening across one day in mid‐summer.Significant relative expansion and contraction was observed between measurement periods at all four sites, regardless of biofilm colonization (P < 0.001 in all instances), and sometimes between adjacent zones on the rock surface (at a scale of centimetres). Rock with and without biofilm behaved broadly similarly, but the magnitude of topographic change varied: average movement from one interval to the next was 0.03 mm on bare sites and 0.06 mm on biofilm‐colonized sites. As expected, patterns of surface change related largely to insolation, with greatest movement occurring in the morning and evening when thermal gradients were steepest. Interestingly, the presence of a biofilm intensified rock expansion, but delayed surface response to microclimatic variability. We largely attribute this effect to biofilm influences on surface albedo, and hypothesize that episodes of contraction and expansion are superimposed onto longer (annual to decadal) episodes of surface movement and downwearing. Short‐term TMEM studies therefore need to be coupled with longer‐term seasonal and annual measurements to improve understanding of rock surface dynamics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inventorying slope movements in an Alpine environment using DInSAR
Authors: Barboux Chloé , Delaloye Reynald , Lambiel Christophe 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTDifferential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR) is a technique that can be used to detect and characterize slope movements. It is investigated here as a tool for establishing a detailed overview of complex slope movements at a regional scale in an Alpine context. This paper gives specific recommendations to use and to understand DInSAR signals in mountainous areas located above the tree line, excluding glaciated areas. It proposes a systematic procedure based on accurate interpretations of interferometric signals from a large DInSAR dataset to locate and estimate the displacement rate of moving zones. The methodology was successfully applied in the Western Swiss Alps, where about 1500 moving objects were detected above the tree line using a large dataset of ERS and JERS interferograms dating from the 1990s. The DInSAR‐detected movements had a displacement rate ranging from a few centimeters to several meters per year and were attributed to various types of mass wasting phenomena (rock glaciers, landslides, etc.). This kind of inventory derived from DInSAR can be used as a preliminary tool for natural hazard management and process understanding in mountain areas. As automatic data archiving and systematic acquisition of SAR data are ensured worldwide for most SAR sensors, a similar methodology can basically be applied in many other parts of the globe – also by using data from current SAR sensors – as long as a high resolution DEM is available. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated assessment of runoff from livestock farming operations: Analytical chemistry, in vitro bioassays, and in vivo fish exposures
Authors: Cavallin Jenna E. , Durhan Elizabeth J. , Evans Nicola , Jensen Kathleen M. , Kahl Michael D. , Kolpin Dana W. , Kolodziej Edward P. , Foreman William T. , LaLone Carlie A. , Makynen Elizabeth A. , Seidl Sara M. , Thomas Linnea M. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Weberg Matthew A. , Wilson Vickie S. , Ankley Gerald T. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Animal waste from livestock farming operations can contain varying levels of natural and synthetic androgens and/or estrogens, which can contaminate surrounding waterways. In the present study, surface stream water was collected from 6 basins containing livestock farming operations. Aqueous concentrations of 12 hormones were determined via chemical analyses. Relative androgenic and estrogenic activity was measured using in vitro cell assays (MDA-kb2 and T47D-Kbluc assays, respectively). In parallel, 48-h static-renewal in vivo exposures were conducted to examine potential endocrine-disrupting effects in fathead minnows. Mature fish were exposed to surface water dilutions (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and 10-ng/L of 17α-ethynylestradiol or 50-ng/L of 17β-trenbolone as positive controls. Hepatic expression of vitellogenin and estrogen receptor α mRNA, gonadal ex vivo testosterone and 17β-estradiol production, and plasma vitellogenin concentrations were examined. Potentially estrogenic and androgenic steroids were detected at low nanogram per liter concentrations. In vitro estrogenic activity was detected in all samples, whereas androgenic activity was detected in only 1 sample. In vivo exposures to the surface water had no significant dose-dependent effect on any of the biological endpoints, with the exception of increased male testosterone production in 1 exposure. The present study, which combines analytical chemistry measurements, in vitro bioassays, and in vivo fish exposures, highlights the integrated value and future use of a combination of techniques to obtain a comprehensive characterization of an environmental chemical mixture. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1849–1857. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Time‐frequency MSE analysis of linear channel estimation methods for the LTE downlink
Authors: Argenti Fabrizio , Biagini Massimiliano , Del Re Enrico , Morosi Simone 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOrthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) is widely used in modern communication systems thanks to the ease of its implementation as well as to a simple design of channel estimation methods. Pilot‐based schemes are commonly employed to recover channel information and implement efficient channel equalisation. From the symbols transmitted over the pilot carriers, the channel coefficients for a whole OFDM are estimated. In this paper, we propose a method to compute in a closed form the mean square estimation error of different linear approximation and interpolation algorithms in the time‐frequency domain. Specifically, by exploiting the linear relationship between the estimated channel coefficients for the whole frame and those relative to the pilots, the proposed approach permits to obtain the mean square error relative to all OFDM symbols in a frame. The method can be used for any linear frequency/time interpolation/approximation method and for any choice of pilot positions and channel statistics. Thanks to our derivations, several pilot‐aided channel estimation and interpolation algorithms can be compared without resorting to burdensome computer simulations. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, the downlink of the long term evolution system is taken as a case study: some popular channel estimators have been selected and the best strategy in a realistic wireless scenario is investigated. The performance of the method is also verified by computing, by means of simulations, bit error rate (BER) curves for the long term evolution (LTE) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) downlink, using 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 Alamouti space‐frequency coding configurations, in both uncoded and coded communications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold enriched with polycaprolactone nanofibers, thrombocyte‐rich solution and mesenchymal stem cells promotes regeneration in large bone defect in vivo
Authors: Prosecká E. , Rampichová M. , Litvinec A. , Tonar Z. , Králíčková M. , Vojtová L. , Kochová P. , Plencner M. , Buzgo M. , Míčková A. , Jančář J. , Amler E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA three‐dimensional scaffold of type I collagen and hydroxyapatite enriched with polycaprolactone nanofibers (Coll/HA/PCL), autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in osteogenic media, and thrombocyte‐rich solution (TRS) was an optimal implant for bone regeneration in vivo in white rabbits. Nanofibers optimized the viscoelastic properties of the Coll/HA scaffold for bone regeneration. MSCs and TRS in the composite scaffold improved bone regeneration. Three types of Coll/HA/PCL scaffold were prepared: an MSC‐enriched scaffold, a TRS‐enriched scaffold, and a scaffold enriched with both MSCs and TRS. These scaffolds were implanted into femoral condyle defects 6 mm in diameter and 10‐mm deep. Untreated defects were used as a control. Macroscopic and histological analyses of the regenerated tissue from all groups were performed 12 weeks after implantation. The highest volume and most uniform distribution of newly formed bone occurred in defects treated with scaffolds enriched with both MSCs and TRS compared with that in defects treated with scaffolds enriched by either component alone. The modulus of elasticity in compressive testing was significantly higher in the Coll/HA/PCL scaffold than those without nanofibers. The composite Coll scaffold functionalized with PCL nanofibers and enriched with MSCs and TRS appears to be a novel treatment for bone defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 671–682, 2015.
FTIR-I Compositional Mapping of the Cartilage-to-Bone Interface as a Function of Tissue Region and Age
Authors: Khanarian Nora T , Boushell Margaret K , Spalazzi Jeffrey P , Pleshko Nancy , Boskey Adele L , Lu Helen H 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Soft tissue-to-bone transitions, such as the osteochondral interface, are complex junctions that connect multiple tissue types and are critical for musculoskeletal function. The osteochondral interface enables pressurization of articular cartilage, facilitates load transfer between cartilage and bone, and serves as a barrier between these two distinct tissues. Presently, there is a lack of quantitative understanding of the matrix and mineral distribution across this multitissue transition. Moreover, age-related changes at the interface with the onset of skeletal maturity are also not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize the cartilage-to-bone transition as a function of age, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging (FTIR-I) analysis to map region-dependent changes in collagen, proteoglycan, and mineral distribution, as well as collagen organization. Both tissue-dependent and age-related changes were observed, underscoring the role of postnatal physiological loading in matrix remodeling. It was observed that the relative collagen content increased continuously from cartilage to bone, whereas proteoglycan peaked within the deep zone of cartilage. With age, collagen content across the interface increased, accompanied by a higher degree of collagen alignment in both the surface and deep zone cartilage. Interestingly, regardless of age, mineral content increased exponentially across the calcified cartilage interface. These observations reveal new insights into both region- and age-dependent changes across the cartilage-to-bone junction and will serve as critical benchmark parameters for current efforts in integrative cartilage repair. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Financial Crisis of Banks (Before, During and After): An Intellectual Capital Perspective
Authors: Curado Carla , Guedes Maria João , Bontis Nick 
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the link between intellectual capital components and financial performance across three temporal periods on either side of a financial crisis.The study offers a longitudinal approach, combining two data collecting methods. A survey on intellectual capital components was administered during the initial period followed by objective performance ratios in subsequent time periods (covering pre, during and post‐financial crisis analysis). Regarding the three periods in the study, evidence seems to support the argument that intellectual capital scores are good predictors of future banking performance. One bank in particular that was ranked very low in 2005 intellectual capital scores eventually failed to survive autonomously. By 2012, it was forced to be rescued by governmental aid using public funds. Generally speaking, we can argue that intellectual capital average scores are good predictors of future banking performance.The study's generalizability is limited to the Portuguese banking industry. This is the first academic research study to evaluate the link between intellectual capital and the financial performance of banks across three temporal periods: 2005–2006 (pre‐crisis), 2007–2008 (during crisis), and 2009–10 (post‐crisis). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mussel‐Inspired Cell‐Adhesion Peptide Modification for Enhanced Endothelialization of Decellularized Blood Vessels
Authors: Lee Jung Seung , Lee Kihong , Moon Sung‐Hwan , Chung Hyung‐Min , Lee Jun Hyup , Um Soong Ho , Kim Dong‐Ik , Cho Seung‐Woo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEnhanced endothelialization of tissue‐engineered blood vessels is essential for vascular regeneration and function of engineered vessels. In this study, mussel‐inspired surface chemistry of polydopamine (pDA) coatings are applied to functionalize decellularized vein matrix (DVM) with extracellular matrix‐derived cell adhesion peptides (RGD and YIGSR). DVMs engineered with pDA‐peptides enhance focal adhesion, metabolic activity, and endothelial differentiation of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from cord blood and embryonic stem cells compared with EPCs on non‐coated or pDA‐coated DVMs. These results indicate that pDA‐peptide functionalization may contribute to enhanced, rapid endothelialization of DVM surfaces by promoting adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of circulating EPCs. Ultimately, this approach may be useful for improving in vivo patency and function of decellularized matrix‐based blood vessels.
Fingerprint Multiplicity in MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry of Copolymers
Authors: Horský Jiří , Walterová Zuzana 
Published: May 2014

SummaryDue to the limited resolution of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, the assignment of binary‐copolymer composition to the peak molecular weight observed in the spectrum is not unique. Consequently, several clusters, called fingerprints, appear on calculated 2‐D distribution, but usually only one of them corresponds to the sample composition. The ambiguity in the assignment of the composition to peaks in mass spectra of binary copolymers was explained in the framework of number theory and several criteria for identification of the correct fingerprint were proposed. The results were applied in analysis of poly(propylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(propylene glycol) triblock copolymer Reverse Pluronic 17R4.
NMR Methods to Study Effects of Additives on Phase Separation of Thermoresponsive Polymer
Authors: Chen Jianqiang , Spěváček Jiří , Hanyková Lenka 
Published: May 2014

SummaryNMR methods including 1H NMR spectroscopy, 2D NOESY spectroscopy, pulsed‐field gradient (PFG) NMR as well as spin‐spin relaxation times T2 measurement were employed to study the effects of one surfactant (sodium n‐dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and three inorganic salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, Na3PO4) on the phase transition of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in aqueous solution. The molecular interactions between SDS and PNIPAM during the coil‐to‐globule transition of PNIPAM have been accurately observed through 2D NOESY spectra and PFG NMR. Through the combination of 1H NMR spectra and T2 measurements, the salts effects have been found not only shift the phase transition of PNIPAM but also lead to difference in the final conformational state of PNIPAM in aqueous solution after phase transition. Diffusion coefficients of Na+ cations support the idea that the major effect of salts on phase transition of PNIPAM in aqueous solution is produced by anions.
Spectroscopic Study of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) ZnO Nanocomposites Exposed to Proton Irradiation
Authors: Bistričić Lahorija , Borjanović Vesna , Zamboni Ivana , Jakšić Milko , McGuire Gary E. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this study poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) nanocomposites with 1wt % of zinc oxide (ZnO) and 1wt % of silanized ZnO nanoparticles were prepared through cross‐linking reaction. The prepared samples were irradiated under vacuum at room temperature with a 2 MeV proton beam with fluences in the 1013–1015 cm−2 range. The influence of nanoparticles on the cross‐linking processes and structural degradation of irradiated PDMS nanocomposites was investigated using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR). The analysis of vibrational spectra has shown that prepared PDMS nanocomposites have higher resistance to proton irradiation in comparison to pristine PDMS. Under the highest proton irradiation fluence (1015 cm−2) PDMS with 1 % ZnO provided the best radiation protection.
Series of Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) Containing Quaternary Alkyl bromides: Synthesis and Determination Percentage of Quaternization
Authors: Medjahed Kouider , Tennouga Lahcene , Mansri Ali 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this study, we focus on the synthesis series of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) containing quaternary alkyl bromides. The poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) was synthesized by conventional radical copolymerization and then the P4VP was quaternized by alkyl bromides containing chains consisting of 5 and 10 carbon atoms. Two copolymers series with three degrees of polymerization have been synthesized, the first poly[N‐isopentyl(4‐vinylpyridinium)] bromide P4VPIPBr (I); (II); (III) and the second poly[N‐decyl(4‐vinylpyridinium)] bromide P4VPBrD (I); (II); (III). The following techniques have been used to characterize the structure and composition of the cationic copolymers (P4VPIPBr) and (P4VPBrD), HNMR, conductimetry and viscometry.
Characteristic “Forcible” Geste Antagoniste in Oromandibular Dystonia Resulting From Pantothenate Kinase‐Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Petrović Igor N. , Kresojević Nikola , Ganos Christos , Svetel Marina , Dragašević Nataša , Bhatia Kailash P. , Kostić Vladimir S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGeste antagonistes are usually considered typical of primary dystonia, although rarely they have been described in secondary/heredodegenerative dystonias. We have recently come across a particular geste antagoniste in 5 of 10 patients with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) who had prominent oromandibular involvement with severe jaw‐opening dystonia. It consists of touching the chin with both hands characteristically clenched into a fist with flexion at the elbows. Because of the resemblance of this geste antagoniste with the praying‐like posture of Mantis religiosa, we coined the term “mantis sign.” Reviewing videos of PKAN cases in literature, including what is considered the first cinematic depiction of a case of this disorder, 3 additional cases with akin maneuvers were identified. In contrast, examining 205 videos of non‐PKAN dystonic patients from our database for the presence of a similar maneuver was unrevealing. Thus, we consider the mantis sign to be quite typical of PKAN and propose it to be added as a clinical hint toward diagnosis.
Reduced dopamine transporter binding predates impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vriend Chris , Nordbeck Anna H. , Booij Jan , van der Werf Ysbrand D. , Pattij Tommy , Voorn Pieter , Raijmakers Pieter , Foncke Elisabeth M.J. , van de Giessen Elsmarieke , Berendse Henk W. , van den Heuvel Odile A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTImpulse control disorders (ICD) are relatively common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and generally are regarded as adverse effects of dopamine replacement therapy, although certain demographic and clinical risk factors are also involved. Previous single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies showed reduced ventral striatal dopamine transporter binding in Parkinson patients with ICD compared with patients without. Nevertheless, these studies were performed in patients with preexisting impulse control impairments, which impedes clear‐cut interpretation of these findings. We retrospectively procured follow‐up data from 31 medication‐naïve PD patients who underwent dopamine transporter SPECT imaging at baseline and were subsequently treated with dopamine replacement therapy. We used questionnaires and a telephone interview to assess medication status and ICD symptom development during the follow‐up period (31.5 ± 12.0 months). Eleven patients developed ICD symptoms during the follow‐up period, eight of which were taking dopamine agonists. The PD patients with ICD symptoms at follow‐up had higher baseline depressive scores and lower baseline dopamine transporter availability in the right ventral striatum, anterior‐dorsal striatum, and posterior putamen compared with PD patients without ICD symptoms. No baseline between‐group differences in age and disease stage or duration were found. The ICD symptom severity correlated negatively with baseline dopamine transporter availability in the right ventral and anterior‐dorsal striatum. The results of this preliminary study show that reduced striatal dopamine transporter availability predates the development of ICD symptoms after dopamine replacement therapy and may constitute a neurobiological risk factor related to a lower premorbid dopamine transporter availability or a more pronounced dopamine denervation in PD patients susceptible to ICD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society