bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐color confocal Förster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer microscopy: Quantitative analysis of protein interactions in the nucleation of actin filaments in live cells
Authors: Wallrabe Horst , Sun Yuansheng , Fang Xiaolan , Periasamy Ammasi , Bloom George S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractExperiments using live cell 3‐color Förster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy and corresponding in vitro biochemical reconstitution of the same proteins were conducted to evaluate actin filament nucleation. A novel application of 3‐color FRET data is demonstrated, extending the analysis beyond the customary energy‐transfer efficiency (E%) calculations. MDCK cells were transfected for coexpression of Teal‐N‐WASP/Venus‐IQGAP1/mRFP1‐Rac1, Teal‐N‐WASP/Venus‐IQGAP1/mRFP1‐Cdc42, CFP‐Rac1/Venus‐IQGAP1/mCherry‐actin, or CFP‐Cdc42/Venus‐IQGAP1/mCherry‐actin, and with single‐label equivalents for spectral bleedthrough correction. Using confirmed E% as an entry point, fluorescence levels and related ratios were correlated at discrete accumulating levels at cell peripheries. Rising ratios of CFP‐Rac1:Venus‐IQGAP1 were correlated with lower overall actin fluorescence, whereas the CFP‐Cdc42:Venus‐IQGAP1 ratio correlated with increased actin fluorescence at low ratios, but was neutral at higher ratios. The new FRET analyses also indicated that rising levels of mRFP1‐Cdc42 or mRFP1‐Rac1, respectively, promoted or suppressed the association of Teal‐N‐WASP with Venus‐IQGAP1. These 3‐color FRET assays further support our in vitro results about the role of IQGAP1, Rac1, and Cdc42 in actin nucleation, and the differential impact of Rac1 and Cdc42 on the association of N‐WASP with IQGAP1. In addition, this study emphasizes the power of 3‐color FRET as a systems biology strategy for simultaneous evaluation of multiple interacting proteins in individual live cells. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Facilitated gate setting by sequential dot plot scanning
Authors: Günther Susanne , Müller Susann 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMicrobial communities comprising thousands of unknown organisms can be studied flow cytometrically by applying just one fluorescent parameter and using scatter characteristics of cells. Resulting 2D‐plots need to represent high numbers of cells to detect the many subcommunities, even rare ones that might be present in the sample. Evaluation of such data can be faulty and subjective due to the low number of parameters available for data discrimination and the high numbers of overlaying events. Here, we describe a procedure that helps to evaluate such data using facilitated gate setting by sequential dot‐plot scanning. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis, Structure, and Optical Properties of SiO2:Eu3+ Nanowires
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sheng Ye , Zhou Xiuqing , Chen Jie , Shi Zhan , Xu Xuechun , Zou Haifeng 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSiO2:Eu3+ nanowires were prepared by a solvothermal method followed by subsequent calcination and acid washing processes. The structure, morphology, and properties of the products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the obtained SiO2:Eu3+ nanowires exhibited red emission under ultraviolet light excitation and may have potential applications in optical and biological areas. In addition, a possible formation process for the SiO2:Eu3+ nanowires is proposed in detail.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Stereoselective Oxidations of the Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex Derived from a Chiral Diamino‐m‐xylenetetra(benzimidazole) Ligand
Authors: Perrone Maria Lucia , Lo Presti Eliana , Dell'Acqua Simone , Monzani Enrico , Santagostini Laura , Casella Luigi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent advances in dinuclear copper complexes as mimics of the catalytic centers of tyrosinase and catechol oxidase allowed the reproduction of the structural and mechanistic aspects of the enzymes. However, a challenging objective is the development of chiral complexes for bioinspired enantioselective oxidation reactions. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a dinuclear copper(II) complex with a new chiral diamino‐m‐xylenetetra(benzimidazole) ligand (L55Bu4), which has chiral centers at the four 2‐methylbutyl substituents of the benzimidazole rings. The spectral characteristics, ligand binding properties, and reactivity of [CuII2L55Bu4]4+ in the catalytic oxidations of several biogenic catechols (L‐/D‐dopa, L‐/D‐DopaOMe, and L‐/D‐norepinephrine) and thioanisole are reported. The best discriminating properties are displayed towards the DopaOMe derivatives, for which the oxidation rate of the L enantiomer is approximately one order of magnitude larger than that of the opposite D isomer.
Studies towards the Leucetta‐Derived Alkaloids Spirocalcaridine A and B – Possible Biosynthetic Implications
Authors: Koswatta Panduka B. , Das Jayanta , Yousufuddin Muhammed , Lovely Carl J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn exploration of an abiotic approach to spirocalcaridines A and B is described centered on electrophile‐induced dearomatizing spirocyclization of aryl enyne derivatives. Elaboration of the α‐iodoenone through an Ullmann‐like, copper‐catalyzed amidation provided a formamide, which upon treatment with methylamine undergoes a dienol‐arene rearrangement to provide the corresponding kealiinine‐like framework. This observation suggests a possible biosynthetic links between the spirocalcaridine and naphthimidazole group of Leucetta alkaloids.
Synthesis of Functionalized MWCNTs Decorated with Copper Nanoparticles and Its Application as a Sensitive Sensor for Amperometric Detection of H2O2
Authors: Rezaei B. , Askarpour N. , Ghiaci M. , Niyazian F. , Ensafi A. A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFunctionalized‐multiwall carbon nanotubes decorated with redox active copper nanoparticles have been fabricated for sensitive enzyme‐less H2O2 detection. The new nanocomposite was characterized by Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and cyclic voltammetry. The response of the modified electrode to H2O2 was examined using amperometry at −0.45 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a buffer solution at pH 10.0. The developed sensor displayed linear concentration ranges of 0.5–10.0 and 10.0–10000.0 µmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.3 µmol L−1. The proposed sensor displayed good selectivity for H2O2 detection in the presence of common interferences such as ascorbic acid.
Galactose Oxidase/Prussian Blue Based Biosensors
Authors: Charmantray Franck , Touisni Nadia , Hecquet Laurence , Noguer Thierry , Mousty Christine 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper describes the development of an amperometric biosensor based on galactose oxidase (GAOx) immobilization within a laponite clay film deposited on Carbon Screen‐Printed Electrodes modified by electrodeposited Prussian Blue and coated with poly‐(O‐phenylenediamine) (PPD/PB/CSPEs). Amperometric performances of GAOx@laponite/PPD/PB/CSPEs bioelectrodes were determined using several GAOx substrates. Using these modified electrodes the reduction of enzymatically generated hydrogen peroxide was performed at −0.2 V vs. Ag‐AgCl. In an initial attempt, E.Coli transketolase activity on its immobilized form was followed using a bienzymatic GAOx‐TK biosensor.
The Sensitivity of Interest Rate Options to Monetary Policy Decisions: A Regime‐Shift Pricing Approach
Authors: Ferland René , Gauthier Geneviève , Lalancette Simon 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe look at whether monetary decisions constitute a significant macro‐finance risk for interest rate options and related implied volatilities. We devise an option‐pricing model based on the dynamics of the Federal Reserve's target rate via a regime‐shift approach modeled as discrete Markov chain capturing the timing of Federal Open Market Committee meetings. We find that the regime‐shift risk is significantly priced and that the downward and stable regimes of the target rate, associated with a decline in real activity, display higher probabilities of occurrence under the risk‐neutral measure. We also observe that implied volatilities display a counter‐cyclical behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:66–87, 2016
Analyzing Oil Futures with a Dynamic Nelson‐Siegel Model
Authors: GrØnborg Niels S. , Lunde Asger 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe dynamic Nelson–Siegel model is used to model the term structure of futures contracts on oil and obtain forecasts of prices of these contracts. Three factors are extracted and modelled in a very flexible framework. The outcome of this exercise is a class of models which describes the observed prices of futures contracts well and performs better than conventional benchmarks in realistic real‐time out‐of‐sample exercises. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:153–173, 2016
Reconciling Estimates of the Value to Firms of Reduced Regulatory Delay in the Marketing of Their New Drugs
Authors: Wilmoth Daniel R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe prescription drug user fee program provides additional resources to the US Food and Drug Administration at the expense of regulated firms. Those resources accelerate the review of new drugs. Faster approvals allow firms to realize profits sooner, and the program is supported politically by industry. However, published estimates of the value to firms of reduced regulatory delay vary dramatically. It is shown here that this variation is driven largely by differences in methods that correspond to differences in implicit assumptions about the effects of reduced delay. Theoretical modeling is used to derive an equation describing the relationship between estimates generated using different methods. The method likely to yield the most accurate results is identified. A reconciliation of published estimates yields a value to a firm for a one‐year reduction in regulatory delay at the time of approval of about $60 million for a typical drug. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Micro‐Dynamics of Intraorganizational and Individual Behavior and Their Role in Organizational Ambidexterity Boundaries
Authors: Stokes Peter , Moore Neil , Moss Danny , Mathews Martin , Smith Simon M. , Liu Yipeng 
Published: March 2015

Organizational ambidexterity has emerged as a valuable contemporary lens on organizational design and action, examining the dynamic relationships between exploitative (extant) and explorative (evolving) resources within organizational contexts and environments. This article analyzes the literature pertaining to ambidexterity and underlines a number of recurrent preoccupations includingdefinitionof the nature, characteristics, and normative boundaries of organizational ambidexterity; a predilection toward consideringinterfirm/unitcomparisons oflarge‐scale corporate organizations;and a concentration on the significance of the managerialistic role of thesenior management team'sdisposition and action‐orientations. While a few calls have been made for a focus on the micro‐aspects, predominant attention has remained on the macro‐aspects of organizational ambidexterity.The aim of the article, therefore, is to conduct a complementary study that considers the boundaries and transitions between exploitative and explorative modes at the intraorganizational, individual micro‐behavioral level. To facilitate this, the article surfaces and underscores the paradigmatic modernistic characterization of large areas of the current organizational ambidexterity literature and the implications of this. Moreover, it explores alternative potentially useful critical paradigms that assist in providing tools with which to examine the “micro.” The research conducts an ethnographic‐style study of a quasi‐public training and development organization to illustrate the above background contexts and the micro‐interface and boundary of explorative and exploitative modes of organizational ambidexterity in the intraorganizational situation. Within this, the study points up the significance of the role of sense‐making inoperational micro‐moment individual and small‐group situations, and their vital influence in ultimately underpinning, and contributing to, macro‐organizational ambidextrous contexts. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors affecting the spatial pattern of bedrock groundwater recharge at the hillslope scale
Authors: Appels Willemijn M. , Graham Chris B. , Freer Jim E. , McDonnell Jeffrey J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe spatial patterns of groundwater recharge on hillslopes with a thin soil mantle overlying bedrock are poorly known. Complex interactions between vertical percolation of water through the soil, permeability contrasts between soil and bedrock and lateral redistribution of water result in large spatial variability of water moving into the bedrock. Here, we combine new measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil mantle and bedrock of the well‐studied Panola Mountain experimental hillslope with previously collected (sub)surface topography and soil depth data to quantify the factors affecting the spatial pattern of bedrock groundwater recharge.We use geostatistical characteristics of the measured permeability to generate spatial fields of saturated hydraulic conductivity for the entire hillslope. We perform simulations with a new conceptual model with these random fields and evaluate the resulting spatial distribution of groundwater recharge during individual rainstorms and series of rainfall events. Our simulations show that unsaturated drainage from soil into bedrock is the prevailing recharge mechanism and accounts for 60% of annual groundwater recharge. Therefore, soil depth is a major control on the groundwater recharge pattern through available storage capacity and controlling the size of vertical flux. The other 40% of recharge occurs during storms that feature transient saturation at the soil‐bedrock interface. Under these conditions, locations that can sustain increased subsurface saturation because of their topographical characteristics or those with high bedrock permeability will act as hotspots of groundwater recharge when they receive lateral flow. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reveromycin A‐Induced Apoptosis in Osteoclasts Is Not Accompanied by Necrosis
Authors: Mead Brittany , Morgan Heather , Mann‐Knowlton Alyssa , Tedeschi Laura , Sloan Chris , Lang Spenser , Hines Cory , Gragg Megan , Stofer Jonathan , Riemann Kaitlin , Derr Tyler , Heller Emily , Collins David , Landis Paul , Linna Nathan , Jones Daniel 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTReveromycin A (RM‐A), a small natural product isolated from Streptomyces bacteria, is a potential osteoporosis therapeutic in that it specifically induces apoptosis in osteoclasts but not osteoblasts. The purpose of the study presented here was to further elucidate the intracellular mechanisms of RM‐A death effects in mature osteoclasts. A specific clone of RAW264.7 murine macrophages that was previously characterized for its ability to acquire an osteoclast nature on differentiation was differentiated in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL). Subsequent staining was performed for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase to confirm their osteoclast character. These osteoclasts were treated with ten micromolar RM‐A for 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h at a pH of 5.5. Peak apoptosis induction occurred at 4–6 h as measured by caspase 3 activity. Lactate dehydrogenase release assay revealed no significant RM‐A‐induced necrosis. Western blot analysis of cytoplasmic extracts demonstrated activation of caspase 9 (2.3‐fold at 2 h and 2.6‐fold at 4 h, each P < 0.05) and no significant changes in Bcl‐XL. In nuclear extracts, NFκB levels significantly increased on differentiation with RANKL but then remained constant through RM‐A treatment. Over the extended time course studied, RM‐A‐induced apoptosis in osteoclasts was not accompanied by necrosis, suggesting that RM‐A would likely have limited effects on immediate, neighboring bone cell types. This specific cell death profile is promising for potential clinical investigations of RM‐A as a bone antiresorptive. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1646–1657, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Portal vein reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplantation for patients with portal vein thrombosis in single center experience
Authors: Mori Akira , Iida Taku , Iwasaki Junji , Ogawa Kohei , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Uemura Tadahiro , Hatano Etsuro , Okajima Hideaki , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) used to be contraindicated in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In comparison to deceased donor LT, living donor LT (LDLT) still presents additional difficulties in determining appropriate vein grafts and overcoming small‐for‐size syndrome. Here, we introduce our LDLT strategies and assess their outcomes in adult patients with pre‐existing PVT.MethodsWe performed 282 consecutive adult LDLTs between April 2006 and December 2011. Forty‐eight patients (17%) had pre‐existing PVT (grade I; 15, II; 20, III; 12, IV; 1).ResultsOur preferred treatments for PVT were thrombectomies/thromboendovenectomies in 30 patients, replaced grafts in seven, jump grafts in seven, renoportal anastomosis in one and no surgical intervention owing to minimal thrombosis in three. Post‐transplant portal vein complications occurred in eight of 48 (17%) cases, which were treated by surgery, anticoagulation therapy, and/or interventional radiology. Post‐transplant survival rates of patients with preexisting PVT at 1 year and 5 years were comparable to a PVT‐free cohort (1 year; 81% vs. 77%, 5 years; 81% vs. 73%).ConclusionsThe excellent survival rates in patients with PVT who underwent LDLT could be attributed to our strategies, which included surgical techniques and timely treatment of postoperative complications.
The antifungal plant defensin AhPDF1.1b is a beneficial factor involved in adaptive response to zinc overload when it is expressed in yeast cells
Authors: Mith Oriane , Benhamdi Asma , Castillo Teddy , Bergé Muriel , MacDiarmid Colin W. , Steffen Janet , Eide David J. , Perrier Véronique , Subileau Maeva , Gosti Françoise , Berthomieu Pierre , Marquès Laurence 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides represent an expanding family of peptides involved in innate immunity of many living organisms. They show an amazing diversity in their sequence, structure, and mechanism of action. Among them, plant defensins are renowned for their antifungal activity but various side activities have also been described. Usually, a new biological role is reported along with the discovery of a new defensin and it is thus not clear if this multifunctionality exists at the family level or at the peptide level. We previously showed that the plant defensin AhPDF1.1b exhibits an unexpected role by conferring zinc tolerance to yeast and plant cells. In this paper, we further explored this activity using different yeast genetic backgrounds: especially the zrc1 mutant and an UPRE‐GFP reporter yeast strain. We showed that AhPDF1.1b interferes with adaptive cell response in the endoplasmic reticulum to confer cellular zinc tolerance. We thus highlighted that, depending on its cellular localization, AhPDF1.1b exerts quite separate activities: when it is applied exogenously, it is a toxin against fungal and also root cells, but when it is expressed in yeast cells, it is a peptide that modulates the cellular adaptive response to zinc overload.
Thermal stresses in borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Erol Selçuk , François Bertrand 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe backfilling materials of borehole heat exchangers (BHE), particularly the grout material, must provide a suitable thermal contact and ensure durability to the induced thermal stresses because of the heat loading. In this paper, the thermal stresses that occurred in BHEs because of heat injection or extraction is investigated with an analytical solution of a hollow cylinder model that is adapted for time‐dependent heat loading, the geometry of a BHE, and the thermo‐mechanical properties of surrounding ground conditions. Firstly, the hollow cylinder model is solved with the considered boundary conditions in 2D plane stress. Secondly, the temperature differences at the inner and outer circles of the cylinder are evaluated with the heat line source models for continuous and discontinuous loading to observe the impact of the heat loading schedule. The developed analytical solution for thermal stress investigation is validated with numerical models. It is demonstrated that the analytical solutions agree well with numerical results for two types of BHE configurations (co‐axial and single U‐shaped pipes). Furthermore, the calculated maximum stresses are compared with the tensile strength of grout materials obtained from Brazilian tests. It is predicted that the thermal contraction of the grout, partially constrained by the surrounding rock, generates tensile stresses that may lead to cracking in the BHE. According to the results, the stiffness of rock has a primary role on the developed tensile stresses, and the relationship between the thermal conductivity of the ground and of the grout induces a proportional impact on the magnitude of thermal stresses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkalinized lidocaine versus lidocaine gel as local anesthesia prior to intra‐vesical botulinum toxin (BoNTA) injections: A prospective, single center, randomized, double‐blind, parallel group trial of efficacy and morbidity
Authors: Nambiar Arjun K. , Younis Ayman , Khan Zainab A. , Hildrup Iona , Emery Simon J. , Lucas Malcolm G. 
Published: March 2015

AimsTo assess the efficacy and morbidity of alkalinized lidocaine solution compared to lidocaine gel for intra‐vesical anesthesia during botulinum toxin (BoNTA) injections in a statistically powered, prospective, parallel group, double‐blind randomized controlled trial.MethodsFifty‐four patients of either sex were randomized to receive either alkalinized lidocaine (AL) solution (10 ml 8.4% sodium bicarbonate + 20 ml 2% lidocaine solution + 22 ml sterile Aquagel®) or lidocaine gel (LG) (22 ml standard 2% lidocaine gel Instillagel® + 30 ml 0.9% normal saline solution). Primary outcome was average pain (assessed by 100 mm visual analog score) felt during intra‐vesical BoNTA injections performed at least 20 min after instillation. Secondary outcome was the rate of adverse events.ResultsOf 60 randomized patients 54 received the allocated intervention and were analyzed. Mean pain score in the AL group was 17.11 mm (95%CI 8.65–25.57 mm) and in the LG group was 19.53 mm (95%CI 13.03–26.03mm) with no significant difference between the groups. Cost of interventional medication in the AL group was almost double that of the LG group. No adverse events were attributable to local anesthetic instillation in either group.ConclusionsAlkalinized lidocaine solution is not superior to lidocaine gel for anesthesia during intra‐vesical BoNTA injections, and the higher cost precludes its use over lidocaine gel at our centre. We have used the results of this study to adapt our local protocol for BoNTA injections and continue to use lidocaine gel as the local anesthetic of choice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:522–527, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.