bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Highly K+‐Selective Fluorescent Probe – Tuning the K+‐Complex Stability and the K+/Na+ Selectivity by Varying the Lariat‐Alkoxy Unit of a Phenylaza[18]crown‐6 Ionophore
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Schneider Radu , Riemer Janine , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA desirable goal is to synthesize easily accessible and highly K+/Na+‐selective fluoroionophores to monitor physiological K+ levels in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, highly K+/Na+‐selective ionophores have to be developed. Herein, we obtained in a sequence of only four synthetic steps a set of K+‐responsive fluorescent probes 4, 5 and 6. In a systematic study, we investigated the influence of the alkoxy substitution in ortho position of the aniline moiety in π‐conjugated aniline‐1,2,3‐triazole‐coumarin‐fluoroionophores 4, 5 and 6 [R=MeO (4), EtO (5) and iPrO (6)] towards the K+‐complex stability and K+/Na+ selectivity. The highest K+‐complex stability showed fluoroionophore 4 with a dissociation constant Kd of 19 mm, but the Kd value increases to 31 mm in combined K+/Na+ solutions, indicating a poor K+/Na+ selectivity. By contrast, 6 showed even in the presence of competitive Na+ ions equal Kd values (KdK+=45 mm and KdK+/Na+=45 mm) and equal K+‐induced fluorescence enhancement factors (FEFs=2.3). Thus, the fluorescent probe 6 showed an outstanding K+/Na+ selectivity and is a suitable fluorescent tool to measure physiological K+ levels in the range of 10–80 mm in vitro. Further, the isopropoxy‐substituted N‐phenylaza[18]crown‐6 ionophore in 6 is a highly K+‐selective building block with a feasible synthetic route.
Cytoplasmic injection of murine zygotes with Sleeping Beauty transposon plasmids and minicircles results in the efficient generation of germline transgenic mice
Authors: Garrels Wiebke , Talluri Thirumala R. , Ziegler Maren , Most Ilka , Forcato Diego O. , Schmeer Marco , Schleef Martin , Ivics Zoltán , Kues Wilfried A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTransgenesis in the mouse is an essential tool for the understanding of gene function and genome organization. Here, we describe a simplified microinjection protocol for efficient germline transgenesis and sustained transgene expression in the mouse model employing binary Sleeping Beauty transposon constructs of different topology. The protocol is based on co‐injection of supercoiled plasmids or minicircles, encoding the Sleeping Beauty transposase and a transposon construct, into the cytoplasm of murine zygotes. Importantly, this simplified injection avoids the mechanical penetration of the vulnerable pronuclear membrane, resulting in higher survival rates of treated embryos and a more rapid pace of injections. Upon translation of the transposase, transposase‐catalyzed transposition into the genome results in stable transgenic animals carrying monomeric transgenes. In summary, cytoplasmic injection of binary transposon constructs is a feasible, plasmid‐based, and simplified microinjection method to generate genetically modified mice. The modular design of the components allows the multiplexing of different transposons, and the generation of multi‐transposon transgenic mice in a single step.
Genetic fusion of single‐chain variable fragments to partial spider silk improves target detection in micro‐ and nanoarrays
Authors: Thatikonda Naresh , Delfani Payam , Jansson Ronnie , Petersson Linn , Lindberg Diana , Wingren Christer , Hedhammar My 
Published: October 2015

AbstractImmobilizing biomolecules with retained functionality and stability on solid supports is crucial for generation of sensitive immunoassays. However, upon use of conventional immobilization strategies, a major portion of the biomolecules (e.g. antibodies) frequently tends to lose their bioactivity. In this study, we describe a procedure to immobilize human single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) via genetic fusion to partial spider silk, which have a high tendency to adhere to solid supports. Two scFvs, directed towards serum proteins, were genetically fused to partial spider silk proteins and expressed as silk fusion proteins in E. coli. Antigen binding ability of scFvs attached to a partial silk protein denoted RC was investigated using microarray analysis, whereas scFvs fused to the NC silk variant were examined using nanoarrays. Results from micro‐ and nanoarrays confirmed the functionality of scFvs attached to both RC and NC silk, and also for binding of targets in crude serum. Furthermore, the same amount of added scFv gives higher signal intensity when immobilized via partial spider silk compared to when immobilized alone. Together, the results suggest that usage of scFv‐silk fusion proteins in immunoassays could improve target detection, in the long run enabling novel biomarkers to be detected in crude serum proteomes.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of cancer: an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Schwingshackl Lukas , Hoffmann Georg 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies was to gain further insight into the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) on overall cancer mortality, incidence of different types of cancer, and cancer mortality risk in cancer survivors. Literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, and EMBASE until 2 July 2015. We included either cohort (for specific tumors only incidence cases were used) or case–control studies. Study specific risk ratios, hazard ratios, and odds ratios (RR/HR/OR) were pooled using a random effect model. The updated review process showed 23 observational studies that were not included in the previous meta‐analysis (total number of studies evaluated: 56 observational studies). An overall population of 1,784,404 subjects was included in the present update. The highest adherence score to an MD was significantly associated with a lower risk of all‐cause cancer mortality (RR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.93, I2 = 84%), colorectal cancer (RR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.89, I2 = 56%), breast cancer (RR: 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99, I2=15%), gastric cancer (RR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97, I2 = 66%), prostate cancer (RR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00, I2 = 0%), liver cancer (RR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.46–0.73, I2 = 0%), head and neck cancer (RR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.24–0.66, I2 = 90%), pancreatic cancer (RR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.35–0.66), and respiratory cancer (RR: 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.70). No significant association could be observed for esophageal/ovarian/endometrial/and bladder cancer, respectively. Among cancer survivors, the association between the adherence to the highest MD category and risk of cancer mortality, and cancer recurrence was not statistically significant. The updated meta‐analyses confirm a prominent and consistent inverse association provided by adherence to an MD in relation to cancer mortality and risk of several cancer types.
Sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastasis: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Nakano Masahito , Tanaka Masatoshi , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Nagamatsu Hiroaki , Tajiri Nobuyoshi , Satani Manabu , Niizeki Takashi , Aino Hajime , Okamura Shusuke , Iwamoto Hideki , Shimose Shigeo , Shirono Tomotake , Koga Hironori , Torimura Takuji ,   the Kurume Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: October 2015

AbstractSorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, is approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. However, its therapeutic effect in advanced HCC patients with extrahepatic metastasis remains uncertain. This study aimed to prospectively assess the efficacy, safety, and survival risk factors and evaluate the prognostic impact of sorafenib treatment in advanced HCC patients with or without extrahepatic metastasis. Between May 2009 and March 2014, 312 consecutive advanced HCC patients who received sorafenib were enrolled in this study. We evaluated their characteristics and compared the clinical outcomes of those with and without extrahepatic metastasis. Of the enrolled patients, 245 (81%) received sorafenib treatment for more than 1 month, with a median duration of 3.6 months. Eighteen patients demonstrated partial response to sorafenib therapy, 127 had stable disease, and 134 had progressive disease at the first radiologic assessment. The median survival time (MST) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 10.3 and 3.6 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified gender, Child‐Pugh class, baseline serum des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin level, and treatment duration as independent risk factors for survival. Extrahepatic metastasis was detected in 178 patients. However, the MST, PFS, and therapeutic effect were comparable between patients with and without extrahepatic metastasis. The independent risk factors for decreased overall survival in patients with extrahepatic metastasis were similar to those affecting all patients. Our results indicated that sorafenib could be administered for hepatic reserve and as long‐term treatment for advanced HCC patients regardless of their extrahepatic metastasis status.
Pretreatment biopsy analysis of DAB2IP identifies subpopulation of high‐risk prostate cancer patients with worse survival following radiation therapy
Authors: Jacobs Corbin , Tumati Vasu , Kapur Payal , Yan Jingsheng , Xie Xian‐Jin , Hannan Raquibul , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Kim Dong Wook Nathan , Saha Debabrata 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDecreased expression of tumor suppressor DAB2IP is linked to aggressive cancer and radiation resistance in several malignancies, but clinical survival data is largely unknown. We hypothesized that pretreatment DAB2IP reduction would predict worse prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS). Immunohistochemistry of pretreatment biopsies was scored by an expert genitourinary pathologist. Other endpoints analyzed include freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), castration resistance‐free survival (CRFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS). Seventy‐nine patients with NCCN‐defined high‐risk prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy from 2005 to 2012 at our institution were evaluated. Twenty‐eight percent (22/79) of pretreatment biopsies revealed DAB2IP‐reduction. The median follow up times were 4.8 years and 5.3 years for patients in the DAB2IP‐reduced group and DAB2IP‐retained group, respectively. Patients with reduced DAB2IP demonstrated worse outcome compared to patients retaining DAB2IP, including FFBF (4‐year: 34 vs. 92%; P < 0.0001), CRFS (4‐year: 58 vs. 96%; P = 0.0039), DMFS (4‐year: 58 vs. 100%; P = 0.0006), and PCSS (5‐year: 83 vs. 100%; P = 0.0102). Univariate analysis showed T stage, N stage, and Gleason score were statistically significant variables. Pretreatment tumor DAB2IP status remained significant in multivariable analyses. This study suggests that about one‐fourth of men with high‐risk prostate cancer have decreased tumor expression of DAB2IP. This subpopulation with reduced DAB2IP has a suboptimal response and worse malignancy‐specific survival following radiation therapy and androgen deprivation. DAB2IP loss may be a genetic explanation for the observed differences in aggressive tumor characteristics and radiation resistance. Further study into improving treatment response and survival in this subpopulation is warranted.
A Tough Nanocomposite Aerogel of Manganese Oxide and Polyaniline as an Electrode for a Supercapacitor
Authors: Liang Meiying , Liu Xinhua , Li Wenjun , Wang Qigang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA tough aerogel electrode of manganese oxide and polyaniline was prepared by in situ gelation, freeze‐drying, and heat treatment on carbon cloth. The porous structure endows the final aerogel electrode with high electrochemical performance even at high current density and excellent cycling stability.
Pull‐out strength of anchor pins for brickwork masonry and earth block masonry / Auszugsfestigkeit von Verpressankern für Ziegel‐ und Lehmsteinmauerwerk
Authors: Miccoli Lorenzo , Fontana Patrick , Paganoni Sara , D’Ayala Dina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper results of the experimental testing performed on brick masonry and earth block masonry are presented. The paper outlines the development of the testing procedures for two different types of anchors. For this purpose, two experimental campaigns of pull‐out tests on masonry corner connections strengthened by metallic rod grouted were carried out. Experimental results proved that the implemented testing procedures are suitable to determine the most recurring failure modes of the anchor pins. Moreover, a procedure is proposed to estimate the capacity of grouted anchor pins based on experimental studies.
Flexural tensile tests with vertically perforated clay unit masonry with thin layer mortar / Biegezugversuche an Planziegelmauerwerk
Authors: Fehling Ekkehard , Ismail Mohammed , Samaan Samer , Meyer Udo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAs part of the EU project, INSYSME – INnovative SYStems for earthquake resistant Masonry Enclosures in reinforced concrete buildings – to optimise infill masonry the German project partners carried out an initial part of the project on flexural strength testing of high‐tech clay block masonry in accordance with DIN EN 1052‐2. In this a wide range of modern products was considered which at present is regulated in Germany by means of general building authority approvals. The test results show that the specifications for flexural tensile strength of high‐tech clay block masonry in DIN EN 1996 are very conservative in most cases.
Winners always win: growth of a wide range of plant species from low to future high CO2
Authors: Temme Andries A. , Liu Jin Chun , Cornwell William K. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Aerts Rien 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEvolutionary adaptation to variation in resource supply has resulted in plant strategies that are based on trade‐offs in functional traits. Here, we investigate, for the first time across multiple species, whether such trade‐offs are also apparent in growth and morphology responses to past low, current ambient, and future high CO2 concentrations. We grew freshly germinated seedlings of up to 28 C3 species (16 forbs, 6 woody, and 6 grasses) in climate chambers at 160 ppm, 450 ppm, and 750 ppm CO2. We determined biomass, allocation, SLA (specific leaf area), LAR (leaf area ratio), and RGR (relative growth rate), thereby doubling the available data on these plant responses to low CO2. High CO2 increased RGR by 8%; low CO2 decreased RGR by 23%. Fast growers at ambient CO2 had the greatest reduction in RGR at low CO2 as they lost the benefits of a fast‐growth morphology (decoupling of RGR and LAR [leaf area ratio]). Despite these shifts species ranking on biomass and RGR was unaffected by CO2, winners continued to win, regardless of CO2. Unlike for other plant resources we found no trade‐offs in morphological and growth responses to CO2 variation, changes in morphological traits were unrelated to changes in growth at low or high CO2. Thus, changes in physiology may be more important than morphological changes in response to CO2 variation.
Macroscale intraspecific variation and environmental heterogeneity: analysis of cold and warm zone abundance, mortality, and regeneration distributions of four eastern US tree species
Authors: Prasad Anantha M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractI test for macroscale intraspecific variation of abundance, mortality, and regeneration of four eastern US tree species (Tsuga canadensis, Betula lenta, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Quercus prinus) by splitting them into three climatic zones based on plant hardiness zones (PHZs). The primary goals of the analysis are to assess the differences in environmental heterogeneity and demographic responses among climatic zones, map regional species groups based on decision tree rules, and evaluate univariate and multivariate patterns of species demography with respect to environmental variables. I use the Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) data to derive abundance, mortality, and regeneration indices and split the range into three climatic zones based on USDA PHZs: (1) cold adapted, leading region; (2) middle, well‐adapted region; and (3) warm adapted, trailing region. I employ decision tree ensemble methods to assess the importance of environmental predictors on the abundance of the species between the cold and warm zones and map zonal variations in species groups. Multivariate regression trees are used to simultaneously explore abundance, mortality, and regeneration in tandem to assess species vulnerability. Analyses point to the relative importance of climate in the warm adapted, trailing zone (especially moisture) compared to the cold adapted, leading zone. Higher mortality and lower regeneration patterns in the warm trailing zone point to its vulnerability to growing season temperature and precipitation changes that could figure more prominently in the future. This study highlights the need to account for intraspecific variation of demography in order to understand environmental heterogeneity and differential adaptation. It provides a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of tree species by delineating climatic zones based on easily available PHZ data, and FIA derived abundance, mortality, and regeneration indices as a proxy for overall growth and fitness. Based on decision tree rules, ecologically meaningful variations in species abundance among the climatic zones can be related to environmental variability and mapped.
Predator‐driven elemental cycling: the impact of predation and risk effects on ecosystem stoichiometry
Authors: Leroux Shawn J. , Schmitz Oswald J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEmpirical evidence is beginning to show that predators can be important drivers of elemental cycling within ecosystems by propagating indirect effects that determine the distribution of elements among trophic levels as well as determine the chemical content of organic matter that becomes decomposed by microbes. These indirect effects can be propagated by predator consumptive effects on prey, nonconsumptive (risk) effects, or a combination of both. Currently, there is insufficient theory to predict how such predator effects should propagate throughout ecosystems. We present here a theoretical framework for exploring predator effects on ecosystem elemental cycling to encourage further empirical quantification. We use a classic ecosystem trophic compartment model as a basis for our analyses but infuse principles from ecological stoichiometry into the analyses of elemental cycling. Using a combined analytical‐numerical approach, we compare how predators affect cycling through consumptive effects in which they control the flux of nutrients up trophic chains; through risk effects in which they change the homeostatic elemental balance of herbivore prey which accordingly changes the element ratio herbivores select from plants; and through a combination of both effects. Our analysis reveals that predators can have quantitatively important effects on elemental cycling, relative to a model formalism that excludes predator effects. Furthermore, the feedbacks due to predator nonconsumptive effects often have the quantitatively strongest impact on whole ecosystem elemental stocks, production and efficiency rates, and recycling fluxes by changing the stoichiometric balance of all trophic levels. Our modeling framework predictably shows how bottom‐up control by microbes and top‐down control by predators on ecosystems become interdependent when top predator effects permeate ecosystems.
Conducting Wave Investigation by Multichannel Surface EMG
Authors: KOSUGE TOMOHIRO , ITAKURA NAOAKI , MITO KAZUYUKI 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYMuscular activity is investigated by analyzing the action potential generated by motor units. The multichannel surface electromyogram (EMG) is used to analyze the conduction of muscle potential, which is recorded as the interference electric potential generated by motor units. The multichannel surface EMG includes waveforms that conduct in several channels (conducting waves). We believe that it may be possible to analyze the changes in surface muscle potential caused by muscular activity so as to examine the composition of conducting waves in the multichannel surface EMG. Thus, in this paper, we propose a new method of analyzing the multichannel surface EMG. The proposed method involves quantitatively searching for all conducting waves that appear in the multichannel surface EMG in order to calculate the similarity of the waveforms. Using this method, which is referred to as the multichannel method for conducting waves (m‐ch method), various types of data for each wave, including the conduction velocity and amplitude, across channels can be examined. Using the m‐ch method, we analyzed the multichannel surface EMG in subjects holding a load. We also examined the changes in the composition of the conducting waves. We believe that muscular activity can be analyzed based on conducting waves from a surface EMG.
A Fundamental Study of Polarimetric GB‐SAR for Nondestructive Inspection of Internal Damage in Concrete Walls
Authors: TAKAHASHI KAZUNORI , OKAMURA SAIKA , SATO MOTOYUKI 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYDamages on the surfaces of concrete buildings can easily be detected by visual inspection and can be repaired. However, damages inside walls need nondestructive inspection techniques to be detected, located, and identified. There has been a great demand for such techniques particularly after the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake. Ground‐based synthetic aperture radar (GB‐SAR) is a technique that can be potentially used for inspection of concrete walls in a nondestructive and noncontacting manner. The paper reports a fundamental experiment with a polarimetric GB‐SAR system to detect internal damage in a concrete specimen caused by horizontal loading simulating earthquakes. The results show that the system does not have enough resolution to visualize individual defects, and that the effect of steel rebars installed inside the concrete is so strong that it masks weak responses. However, polarimetric analysis demonstrated the capability to minimize the effect of rebars by rearranging polarization basis and to extract weak responses. In particular, internal damages could be detected by observing the volume scattering component in this experiment.
Facile One‐Pot Route toward Water‐Soluble Lanthanide–Copper–Glycinehydrox­imate 15‐Metallacrown‐5 Complexes
Authors: Katkova Marina A. , Zabrodina Galina S. , Muravyeva Maria S. , Shavyrin Andrey S. , Baranov Evgeny V. , Khrapichev Alexandr A. , Ketkov Sergey Yu. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAmong the Ln[15MCCuRha‐5] metallacrowns (MC; Rha = R‐substituted hydroximate ligands), the simple glycinehydroximate (Glyha) complex is presented as the primary model for studying various aspects of the guest interaction with the LnIII ion. We report a one‐pot synthesis of several glycinehydroximate LnL[15MCCuGlyha‐5] derivatives in the presence of calcium compounds. The complexes with bidentate nitrate ion Nd(NO3)[15MCCuIIGlyha‐5](NO3)2 (1), bidentate acetate Y(CH3COO)[15MCCuIIGlyha‐5](NO3)2 (2), bridging nitrate La(NO3)[15MCCuIIGlyha‐5](NO3)2 (3), and bidentate lactate Gd(CH3CHOCOO)[15MCCuIIGlyha‐5]Cl2 [4(Gd)] have been prepared and characterized by X‐ray analysis. The lactate was chosen as an example of the essential oxy‐anions that exist as metabolites in all living organisms. We examined the lanthanide‐induced NMR spectroscopy shifting ability of a series of lactate 4(Ln) metallacrown complexes (Ln = La, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, or Dy). The corresponding GdIII complex was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy relaxometric techniques in aqueous media.