bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of EGCG On Fe(III)‐induced conformational transition of silk fibroin, a model of protein related to neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Xu Lihui , Tu Sidong , Chen Congheng , Zhao Juan , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Ping 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe abnormal aggregation of amyloid proteins is reported to play a critical role in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have shown that excessive ferric irons are associated with the misfolding of amyloid proteins, and that (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a good metallic ion chelator with inhibitory effect on the aggregation of amyloid proteins. EGCG has been thus considered as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism of action for EGCG in inhibition of aggregation of amyloid proteins is still remaining unclear. Silk fibroin (SF) shares similarities with amyloid proteins in some amino acid sequences and fibrillation kinetics. In this work, therefore, we used SF as a model of protein to investigate the effects of Fe(III) and EGCG on conformational transition by using turbidity assay, thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope (AFM). We demonstrated that low concentration of Fe(III) ions promoted the formation of β‐sheet conformers, while high concentration of Fe(III) ions inhibited further aggregation of SF. EGCG could significantly inhibit the conformational transition of SF when induced by Fe(III), and decrease the amount of β‐sheet conformers dose‐dependently. The findings provide important information regarding to EGCG as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Fe(III) can accelerate the conformation transition of silk fibrion (SF) from random coil into β‐sheet, while (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits Fe(III)‐induced β‐sheet aggregation of SF., 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 100–107, 2016
Self‐assembly of a peptide with a tandem repeat of the Aβ16‐22 sequence linked by a β turn‐promoting dipeptide sequence
Authors: Sivakama Sundari Chandrasekaran , Bikshapathy Erugurala , Nagaraj Ramakrishnan 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAmyloid deposits have been found to be abundant in patients with Alzheimer's disease due to fibril formation by the Aβ peptides. Peptide Aβ16‐22, comprising of the seven‐residue segment KLVFFAE, spanning residues 16–22 of the full length Aβ42 peptide, aggregates to form fibrils or other nanostructures in isolation, depending on the conditions of dissolution and incubation. In this study, we have examined the self‐assembly of PAβ, a tandem repeat peptide of the Aβ16‐22 sequence, joined by a β‐turn‐inducing sequence Asn‐Gly. To study the effect of various solvents on the self‐association, hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), trifluoroethanol (TFE) and methanol were used. The peptide was also incubated in fibril‐promoting conditions of 20% fluorinated alcohol–water mixtures which form dynamical solvent clusters, as well as in 20% MeOH–water mixture which does not form solvent clusters. Secondary structural studies suggest the presence of β‐structures. Electron microscopic images indicate that fibril formation occurs in a time‐dependent manner, under different conditions of solvent composition. Thioflavin‐T fluorescence studies confirm the presence of amyloid fibrils in the aggregates. Although the insertion of the Asn‐Gly sequence has not facilitated the formation of an ideal Type I’ rigid turn, the intramolecular interactions aid the formation of a flexible β‐turn conformation, with twisted β‐sheets. Interactions between the intermolecular β‐sheets result in the formation of amyloid fibrils. Organic solvents appear to play an important role in modulating self‐assembly of peptide PAβ during fibril formation. Studies on β‐hairpin engineered amyloidogenic peptides could lead to knowledge about suitable conditions for generating a diverse range of polymorphic structures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 790–803, 2015.
National treatment patterns in patients presenting with Stage IVC head and neck cancer: analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Schwam Zachary G. , Burtness Barbara , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Mehra Saral , Husain Zain , Judson Benjamin L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHead and neck cancer patients presenting with distant metastases are generally considered incurable. Treatment patterns and survival by primary disease site and therapy have not been described. Retrospective cohort analysis of 2525 patients in the National Cancer Database (2003–2006). Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Combined locoregional and systemic therapy was the most common treatment regimen (39.2%), followed by no treatment (23.9%), locoregional (19.0%), and systemic treatment (17.8%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated decreased survival was associated with age 65–79 years hazard ratio [HR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.80), Medicaid/uninsured status (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13–1.42), Medicare/other government insurance (HR 1.21, 95% 1.07–1.38), treatment at a nonacademic/research program (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.27), and Charlson comorbidity score of 1 (HR 1.33, 95% 1.19–1.48). Compared to systemic therapy alone, receiving locoregional and systemic therapy was associated with decreased risk of death (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.65–0.83). Only 14.6% and 0.6% of patients were recorded as receiving palliative therapy or being enrolled in a clinical trial, respectively. Significant treatment diversity exists in distantly metastatic head and neck cancer. Those who received combination locoregional and systemic therapy were more likely to have improved overall survival, but important factors in treatment selection are unknown. A small proportion of patients was found to receive either palliative therapy or was enrolled in a clinical trial, although these data likely underestimate the true proportions.
Increased risk for colorectal cancer under age 50 in racial and ethnic minorities living in the United States
Authors: Rahman Rubayat , Schmaltz Chester , Jackson Christian S. , Simoes Eduardo J. , Jackson‐Thompson Jeannette , Ibdah Jamal A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in USA. We analyzed CRC disparities in African Americans, Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. Current guidelines recommend screening for CRC beginning at age 50. Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database 1973–2009 and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) 1995–2009 dataset, we performed frequency and rate analysis on colorectal cancer demographics and incidence based on race/ethnicity. We also used the SEER database to analyze stage, grade, and survival based on race/ethnicity. Utilizing SEER database, the median age of CRC diagnosis is significantly less in Hispanics (66 years), Asians/Pacific Islanders (68 years), American Indians/Alaska Natives (64 years), and African Americans (64 years) compared to non‐Hispanic whites (72 years). Twelve percent of Asians/Pacific Islanders, 15.4% Hispanics, 16.5% American Indians/Alaska Natives, and 11.9% African Americans with CRC are diagnosed at age <50 years compared to only 6.7% in non‐Hispanic Whites (P < 0.0001). Minority groups have more advanced stages at diagnosis compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. Trend analysis showed age‐adjusted incidence rates of CRC diagnosed under the age of 50 years have significantly increased in all racial and ethnic groups but are stable in African Americans. These results were confirmed through analysis of NAACCR 1995–2009 dataset covering nearly the entire USA. A significantly higher proportion of minority groups in USA with CRC are diagnosed before age 50 compared to non‐Hispanic Whites, documenting that these minority groups are at higher risk for early CRC. Further studies are needed to identify the causes and risk factors responsible for young onset CRC among minority groups and to develop intervention strategies including earlier CRC screening, among others.
Facets of country image and brand equity: Revisiting the role of product categories in country‐of‐origin effect research
Authors: Andéhn Mikael , Nordin Fredrik , Nilsson Mats E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe country‐of‐origin effect is a topic central to the field of international marketing. Country of origin has been found to exert a particularly potent effect on consumer evaluation in situations where there is a strong link between a country and a particular product category. The present study provides further insight into how this particular effect can be understood. Drawing on a novel conceptualization of how country image and product categories interact, this study tested the relative evaluative relevance of product category with respect to estimates of brand equity across a variety of product categories. The findings suggest that facets of a country's image that are more closely related to the evaluation situation exert a greater influence on the evaluation of brands. This result encourages scholars as well as practitioners to re‐evaluate which situations might cause the country of origin effect to hold managerial relevance and paves the way for new paths toward a more comprehensive understanding of the effect. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Insight into Long‐Wavelength Fluorogenic Dye Design: Hydrogen Bond Induces Activation of a Dormant Acceptor
Authors: Kisin‐Finfer Einat , Redy‐Keisar Orit , Roth Michal , Ben‐Eliyahu Ronen , Shabat Doron 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe detection of chemical or biological analytes in response to molecular changes relies increasingly on fluorescence methods. Therefore, there is a substantial need for the development of improved fluorogenic dyes. In this study, we demonstrated how an intramolecular hydrogen bond activates a dormant acceptor through a charge induction between phenolic hydrogen and a heteroaryl nitrogen moiety. As a result, a new fluorochrome is produced, and the molecule exhibits a strong fluorescent emission. When the strength of the hydrogen bonding was increased by conformational locking, the obtained dye emitted at longer wavelengths and fluoresced under physiological conditions. The dye was implemented in a turn‐ON system responsive to hydrogen peroxide. The molecular insight provided by this study should assist in the design of fluorescent dyes that are suitable for in vitro and in vivo applications.
High‐Performance Platinum‐Free Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Molybdenum Disulfide Films as Counter Electrodes
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Mane Rajaram S. , Joo Oh‐Shim , Naushad Mu , Jung Jongwan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBy using a radio‐frequency sputtering method, we synthesized large‐area, uniform, and transparent molybdenum disulfide film electrodes (1, 3, 5, and 7 min) on transparent and conducting fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO), as ecofriendly, cost‐effective counter electrodes (CE) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These CEs were used in place of the routinely used expensive platinum CEs for the catalytic reduction of a triiodide electrolyte. The structure and morphology of the MoS2 was analyzed by using Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements and the DSSC characteristics were investigated. An unbroken film of MoS2 was identified on the FTO crystallites from field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel curve measurements reveal the promise of MoS2 as a CE with a low charge‐transfer resistance, high electrocatalytic activity, and fast reaction kinetics for the reduction of triiodide to iodide. Finally, an optimized transparent MoS2 CE, obtained after 5 min synthesis time, showed a high power‐conversion efficiency of 6.0 %, which comparable to the performance obtained with a Pt CE (6.6 %) when used in TiO2‐based DSCCs, thus signifying the importance of sputtering time on DSSC performance.
The Experience of Caring For or Living with an Individual with an Eating Disorder: A Meta‐Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Fox John RE , Dean Madeleine , Whittlesea Anna 
Published: October 2015

Eating disorders (ED) has the highest mortality rate of psychiatric disorders and a high incidence of comorbidity. Because of the average age of onset, care typically befalls family members. However, despite the severity of the disorder and the burden placed on the family, research into the caregiving experience is still developing. Studies have shown caregivers of individuals with ED to experience high levels of distress, burden and expressed emotion. Recent theoretical models have underscored the importance of caregivers' responses as a maintenance factor for the ED, and family therapy has proved efficacious. However, the literature pertaining to the experience of family members living with or caring for an individual with an ED has not been systematically reviewed. This review aimed to synthesize qualitative studies relating to the caring experience and its impact, thereby gaining an understanding from the perspective of the individuals themselves. Relevant search terms were utilized to systematically search key databases. Twenty studies, with a total sample of 239 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Nine core themes emerged from the synthesis, forming the basis of an explanatory theory. The ED was found to have a pervasive impact upon family members, mediated by a number of factors. Cognitive appraisals affected the caregiving experience and responses to the individual. The experience of caregiving was continually reappraised leading to a process of adaptation. The majority of studies identified unmet carer needs. The implications of the findings are discussed with reference to existing theoretical models and in terms of clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Messages

Carers experience a significant amount of guilt and distress once they have found out about their loved one's eating disorder.
Across the studies, there were many themes of unmet need for carers.
Siblings have often been overlooked by both clinicians and researchers.
Interventions for people with eating disorders should also acknowledge carers and close family members.
Effectiveness of plasters and textile reinforced mortars for strengthening clay masonry infill walls subjected to combined in‐plane/out‐of‐plane actions / Wirksamkeit von Putz und textilbewehrtem Mörtel bei der Verstärkung von Ausfachungswänden aus Ziegelmauerwerk, die kombinierter Scheiben‐ und Plattenbeanspruchung ausgesetzt sind
Authors: da Porto Francesca , Guidi Giovanni , Verlato Nicolò , Modena Claudio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis work presents the results of experimental tests on full‐scale one‐bay, one‐storey reinforced concrete (RC) frames, filled with non‐load‐bearing clay masonry walls. The infill walls were made with clay masonry units characterized by a high percentage of voids and low strength. Such ‘light’ infill walls have shown fragile behaviour during recent earthquakes, due to the combined effects of damage produced by out‐of‐plane seismic action, together with in‐plane deformation of the RC frame.In this context, various solutions to the problems involved in external reinforcement of ‘light’ infill walls, typically found in existing RC buildings but still used in common construction practice, have recently been developed. These solutions are: i) special lime‐based plaster with geo‐polymer binder; ii) bidirectional composite meshes applied with inorganic matrices, i.e., Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM); iii) TRM improved by anchorage of the mesh to the RC frame.For these construction elements, a special set‐up for combined in‐plane/out‐of‐plane cyclic testing, already used for other infill wall types at the University of Padova, was used. In particular, this work describes: a) materials and systems for strengthening infill walls; b) experimental results of infill walls under in‐plane loads; c) effects of out‐of‐plane loads on previously in‐plane damaged infill walls. The final aim was to achieve complete mechanical characterization of infill walls in both original and strengthened conditions, and to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening systems.
Environmental footprint study of mortar, render and plaster formulation / Studie über die Umweltauswirkungen von Mörtel
Authors: Schlegel Thomas , Shtiza Aurela 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA comparative environmental assessment study focusing on the stages of mortar production and carbonation through hardening has been conducted by the European Lime Association in collaboration with mortar producers from various EU countries on 17 formulations of mortars, renders and plasters. The results of the “cradle‐to‐gate” for mortar and renders indicated that: There are no significant differences between products with low and high lime contents and depending on the lime content in the products, the contribution of the hydrated lime to the different environmental indicators can range between 0 % and about 20 %. However, there are clear differences in the environmental footprints of gypsum or lime based plasters. Based on the plaster composition investigated in this study, it appears that lime based plasters have the lowest environmental footprint for some of the impacts (primary energy consumption, abiotic depletion and water eutrophication), whereas for the remaining indicators the gypsum based plasters have the lowest environmental footprint. Depending on the lime content in the plasters, the contribution of the hydrated lime to the different environmental indicators can vary in a wide range, i. e. between 0 and 40 %.The differences in the environmental impacts of mortars, renders and plasters produced in integrated or non‐integrated mortar plants are generally rather small The lime carbonation process lowers the overall carbon footprint during the first period of the use phase of the mortars in buildings. This impact shall be taken into account in holistic LCA studies. If not, this leads to a wrong interpretation of the environmental impact of the mortars.
Preliminary Study on Low‐Level Turbulence Advisory System with Ku‐Band Broadband Radar at Shonai Airport, Yamagata Prefecture
Authors: SHIMAMURA SHIGEHARU , YOSHIKAWA EIICHI , YOSHIDA SATORU , USHIO TOMOO , MATAYOSHI NAOKI 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYDuring winter, at Shonai Airport located at the northern part of Japan, some low‐level turbulence caused by tornadoes and downbursts often interrupts takeoffs and landings. This is a primary source of economic loss. It is well‐known that a weather radar system is one of the most useful devices for observing various weather phenomena. However, it is difficult for conventional radar systems with a range resolution of several hundred meters and a temporal resolution of about 5 min to detect small‐scale phenomena with a horizontal scale of several hundred meters and duration of several minutes. We have been developing a meteorological Ku‐band broadband radar (BBR) that can detect small‐scale phenomena with high resolution (a range resolution of several meters and a temporal resolution of about 1 min). We constructed an advisory system with the BBR in order to support aircraft operation at this airport, and performed a comparison between BBR data and flight data recorder (FDR) data.
A Precise Frequency Comparison System Using an Optical Carrier
Authors: WADA MASATO , WATABE KEN‐ICHI , OKUBO SHO , SUZUYAMA TOMONARI , HONG FENG‐LEI , AMEMIYA MASAKI 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYWe have investigated the performance of an optical carrier transfer system for remote comparison of optical clocks. In the frequency transfer system, technical problems and fundamental principles limit coherent transfer on a long‐haul optical fiber. They contribute to noise processes that come from the propagation delay in the fiber, the design of the interferometer, burst length fluctuations of the fiber, asymmetrical propagation characteristics, and so on. The feasibility of a full optical link with high stability is discussed. Phase detection with a high degree of precision and cancelation of the fiber‐induced noise on the round‐trip light are achieved with a well‐known standard technique using an all‐fiber‐based interferometer. We report the characteristics of these noise processes with results on a spooled fiber. The Allan deviation of the compensated link which is extended to 90 km reaches 5 × 10−18, close to the theoretical limit imposed by the delay‐unsuppressed fiber noise at an averaging time of 103 s.
Evaluation of Fluorinated Self‐Assembled Monolayer by Photoelectron and Near Edge X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: HARUYAMA YUICHI , OKADA MAKOTO , NAKAI YASUKI , ISHIDA TAKAO , MATSUI SHINJI 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYThe electronic structure of fluorinated self‐assembled monolayers (F‐SAMs) with different chain lengths was investigated by photoelectron and near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. From the measurements of the photoelectron spectra in the wide region and in the C 1s core‐level region, the chemical compositions and components of the F‐SAMs with different chain length were clarified. In the C K‐edge NEXAFS spectra of the F‐SAMs, the several spectral features were observed and the intensity of the features at 292 eV and 299 eV decreased with increasing incidence angle of the excitation photons. Based on the results of the photoelectron and NEXAFS spectral measurements, the electronic structure of four F‐SAMs with different chain length is discussed.
Humidity‐Sensing Properties of Ag0 Nanoparticles Supported on WO3‐SiO2 with Super Rapid Response and Excellent Stability
Authors: Tomer Vijay K. , Duhan Surender , Sharma Ashok K. , Malik Ritu , Jangra Suman , Nehra S. P. , Devi Sunita 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAg0 nanoparticles supported on WO3/SiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized in two steps by using a sequential combination of in situ and wet impregnation loading processes. Initially, WO3 (5 wt.‐%) was loaded onto SiO2 by using an in situ process, followed by impregnation of the WO3/SiO2 nanocomposite with AgNO3 (1, 3 and 5 wt.‐%). After calcination, the Ag0 nanoparticles were located inside the pore channels of the Ag‐WO3/SiO2 complex nanohybrid. The humidity‐sensing results show that the material exhibits excellent sensitivity, rapid response/recovery, stability, durability, and a relatively low hysteresis towards relative humidity (RH) at room temperature. In particular, the material shows a 3‐fold higher sensitivity compared with that of WO3/SiO2 along with very rapid response times. The huge improvement in sensitivity may be credited to the chemical and electronic refinement actuated by the Ag nanoparticles inside the pore channels of the WO3/SiO2. The findings reported in this study will be helpful for the development of complex mesoporous hybrid nanocomposites with improved RH‐sensing performance.
Cu3(SeO4)2(SeO3OH)2(H2O)16 – The First Example of a Linear Octahedral–Tetrahedral Heptamer in Inorganic Compounds
Authors: Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Al‐Shuray Alexander , Britvin Sergey N. , Krivovichev Sergey V. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCu3(SeO4)2(SeO3OH)2(H2O)16 (1) is a novel copper selenate hydrate and the first inorganic compound to contain linear octahedral–tetrahedral heptamers. The heptamers are formed by successive polymerization of two SeO3OH tetrahedra, two SeO4 tetrahedra, and three Cu(H2O)4O2 octahedra. The linkages between the octahedra and tetrahedra are in the trans‐configuration, which is in agreement with the Jahn–Teller distortion of the octahedral coordination geometry of Cu2+.