bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can proline‐rich polypeptide complex mimic the effect of nerve growth factor?
Authors: Zabłocka Agnieszka , Urbaniak Anna , Kuropatwa Marianna , Zyzak Joanna , Rossowska Joanna , Janusz Maria 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNaturally occurring compounds that can act as prosurvival factors and neurite formation stimulants in the conditions of reduced neurotrophins production are important both in neuronal protection and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the role of proline‐rich polypeptide complex (PRP) and its nonapeptide fragment (NP) in the promotion of pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) survival and neurite outgrowth pathway is presented. It was shown that PRP/NP did not affect the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) at the transcriptional and protein level. However, the activity of nNOS and intracellular nitric oxide (NO) concentration was markedly increased after treatment of PC12 cells with peptides. This reaction was inhibited byl‐NAME—nNOS inhibitor. It was shown that PRP and NP induce the soluble guanylyl cyclase to release higher amount of cyclic GMP (cGMP), and subsequently, the increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) is observed. This effect was abolished by both U0126 (inhibitor of ERK1/2) and also byl‐NAME. Reduction of ERK1/2 activity observed in the presence of nNOS inhibitor suggests that its activation is NO‐dependent. The presented results shed some light on the mechanism of action of PRP complex. PRP and NP can activate NO/cGMP/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, similarly to nerve growth factor (NGF). The prosurvival action and short fibers formation suggest the role of PRP and NP in neuroprotection and the initiation of neuritogenesis. They can also participate in the amplification of signals controlling the survival and differentiation of neurons effect when the deficit of NGF takes place. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(5):501–512, 2014
Resolution and isolation of enantiomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine using thin silica gel layers impregnated with l‐glutamic acid, comparison of separation of its diastereomers prepared with chiral derivatizing reagents having l‐amino acids as chiral auxiliaries
Authors: Bhushan Ravi , Nagar Hariom 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThin silica gel layers impregnated with optically pure l‐glutamic acid were used for direct resolution of enantiomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine in their native form. Three chiral derivatizing reagents, based on DFDNB moiety, were synthesized having l‐alanine, l‐valine and S‐benzyl‐l‐cysteine as chiral auxiliaries. These were used to prepare diastereomers under microwave irradiation and conventional heating. The diastereomers were separated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography on a C18 column with detection at 340 nm using gradient elution with mobile phase containing aqueous trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile in different compositions and by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) on reversed phase (RP) C18 plates. Diastereomers prepared with enantiomerically pure (+)‐isoxsuprine were used as standards for the determination of the elution order of diastereomers of (±)‐isoxsuprine. The elution order in the experimental study of RP‐TLC and RP‐HPLC supported the developed optimized structures of diastereomers based on density functional theory. The limit of detection was 0.1–0.09 µg/mL in TLC while it was in the range of 22–23 pg/mL in HPLC and 11–13 ng/mL in RP‐TLC for each enantiomer. The conditions of derivatization and chromatographic separation were optimized. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A degradation study of cefepime hydrochloride in solutions under various stress conditions by TLC–densitometry
Authors: Dąbrowska Monika , Starek Małgorzata , Krzek Jan , Papp Elżbieta , Król Piotr 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA rapid, accurate and sensitive thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) method with densitometric detection has been developed and validated for the determination of cefepime in pharmaceuticals. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a silica gel TLC F254 plates with a mobile phase consisting of ethanol–2‐propanol–glacial acetic acid 99.5%–water (4:4:1:3, v/v). Densitometric detection was carried out at wavelength of 266 nm in reflectance/absorbance mode. The validation of the method was found to be satisfactory with high accuracy (from 99.24 to 101.37%) and precision (RSD from 0.06 to 0.36%). Additionally, the stability of cefepime in solution was investigated, including the effect of pH, temperature and incubation time. Favorable retention parameters (Rf, Rs, α) were obtained under the developed conditions, which guaranteed good separation of the studied components. The degradation process of cefepime hydrochloride was described by kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (k, t0.1, t0.5 and Ea). Moreover, the chemical properties of degradation products were characterized by the Rf values, absorption spectra, HPLC‐MS/MS and TLC‐densitometry analysis. As the method could effectively separate the active substance from its main degradation product (1‐methylpyrrolidine), it can be employed as a method to indicate the stability of this drug. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical evaluation of fatigue in Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tanaka Kenichiro , Wada‐Isoe Kenji , Yamamoto Mikie , Tagashira Shugo , Tajiri Yuki , Nakashita Satoko , Nakashima Kenji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundFatigue is a common nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the causes of fatigue were estimated in the previous reports, fatigue is not fully understood. To determine the frequency of and factors related to fatigue in patients with PD, we carried out clinical assessments in our university hospital.MethodsWe used the Japanese version of the Parkinson Fatigue Scale (J‐PFS). The J‐PFS was administered to 110 patients with PD, and a cutoff point of 3.3 was used for the diagnosis of fatigue. Subsequently, demographic characteristics, clinical features, and medications utilized were evaluated to elucidate the factors related to fatigue. In particular, we focused on the relationship between fatigue and gait disorder assessed via the portable gait rhythmogram.ResultsThe frequency of fatigue in patients with PD was 52.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with fatigue were many motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that gait disorder and constipation were independent factors related to fatigue. Furthermore, short‐step walking and bradykinesia in gait disorder had especially a relationship with fatigue.ConclusionsMore than half of our patients were judged having fatigue. Several factors, including motor and nonmotor symptoms, might be related to fatigue in patients with PD.
Mother's choice: An exploration of extended self in infant clothing consumption
Authors: McNeill Lisa , Graham Trelise 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTConsumption behaviour has long been linked to identity and notions of the self, where materialistic behaviours and attitudes are seen as determinants of self‐image. Previous literature has focused on mothers' consumption in general, but not specifically in regard to identity construction through purchasing for an infant. There is a dearth of academic research understanding mothers' consumption behaviour that links identity construction with infant clothing, where the child is part of the mothers' extended self and display of self‐identity. This qualitative, exploratory study provides insight into how mothers construct and express their identity through the extended self, contributing to consumer culture theory. The study examines the purchasing motivations of 14 mothers, utilizing depth interviews and projective association techniques. The findings indicate three predominant drivers underlying mothers' consumption, namely prioritizing the child, self‐representation and conspicuous branding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RETRACTED: Potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in management of Alzheimer's disease in female rats
Authors: Salem Ahmed M. , Ahmed Hanaa H. , Atta Hazem M. , Ghazy Mohamed A. , Aglan Hadeer A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) has been called the disease of the century with significant clinical and socioeconomic impacts. Pharmacological treatment has limited efficacy and only provides symptomatic relief without long‐term cure. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop novel and effective medications for AD. Stem cell‐based therapy is a promising approach to handling neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the possible therapeutic role of single intravenous injection of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) after 4 months in management of AD in the experimental model. The work also extended to compare the therapeutic potential of BM‐MSCs with 2 conventional therapies of AD; rivastigmine and cerebrolysin administered daily. BM‐MSCs were able to home at the injured brains and produced significant increases in the number of positive cells for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and survivin expression, as well as selective AD indicator‐1 (seladin‐1) and nestin gene expression. Histopathological examination indicated that BM‐MSCs could remove beta‐amyloid plaques from hippocampus. Significant improvement in these biomarkers was similar to or better sometimes than the reference drugs, clearly showing the potential therapeutic role of BM‐MSCs against AD through their anti‐apoptotic, neurogenic and immunomodulatory properties.
Gene expression profile analysis of SUDHL6 cells with siRNA‐mediated BCL11A downregulation
Authors: Wu Hong , Gao Yangjun , Ding Li , He Dongmei , Li Yangqiu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOur previous study has shown that downregulation of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/lymphoma11A (BCL11A) gene by small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in the growth inhibition and apoptosis of B cell lymphoma cell line SUDHL6. To gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of this process and identify the differentially expressed genes in SUDHL6 cells after BCL11A downregulation, the global gene expression profile was identified and analyzed using the Affymetrix HG‐U133 Plus 2.0 array. Twenty‐one differentially expressed genes were validated and analyzed from the BCL11A siRNA‐treated SUDHL6 cells. There was a significant dysregulation in the global gene expression of the BCL11A‐suppressed SUDHL6 cells. There were 1903 genes differentially expressed with >2‐fold changes between the BCL11A siRNA‐ and negative control‐transfected cells. Of these, there were 916 upregulated genes and 987 downregulated genes. The differential genes are involved in various molecular functions and signaling pathways. QRT‐PCR validation of the selected differentially expressed genes demonstrated there was a good correlation with the microarray analysis. There was a significant deregulation of expression in the apoptosis‐related genes such as BCL‐2, BCL2L11 and involved in TGFβ, MAPK, WNT signaling pathways after BCL11A was downregulated in SUDHL6 cells. Our results show that the suppression of BCL11A by RNA interference altered gene expression profile of SUDHL6 cells. The apoptosis‐related genes BCL‐2, BCL2L11 and the gene alterations in TGFβ, MAPK, WNT signaling pathways might be important in BCL11A siRNA‐induced apoptosis of SUDHL6 cells, suggesting BCL11A is involved in gene networks associated with apoptosis.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroformylation of Alkenes by using Carbon Dioxide as the Carbon Monoxide Source in the Presence of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ali Meher , Gual Aitor , Ebeling Günter , Dupont Jairton 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe reaction of [BMI⋅Cl] (BMI=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) or [BMMI⋅Cl] (BMMI=3‐butyl‐1,2‐dimethylimidazolium) with Ru3(CO)12 generates Ru–hydride–carbonyl–carbene species in situ that are efficient catalysts for a reverse water gas shift/hydroformylation/hydrogenation cascade reaction. The addition of H3PO4 increased the catalytic activity of the first step (i.e., the hydrogenation of CO2 to CO). Under the optimized reaction conditions [120 °C and 6.0 MPa CO2/H2 (1:1) for 17 h], cyclohexene and 2,2‐disubstituted alkenes were easily functionalized to alcohols through sequential hydroformylation/carbonyl reduction.
Combined EXAFS and DFT Structure Calculations Provide Structural Insights into the 1:1 Multi‐Histidine Complexes of CuII, CuI, and ZnII with the Tandem Octarepeats of the Mammalian Prion Protein
Authors: Pushie M. Jake , Nienaber Kurt H. , McDonald Alex , Millhauser Glenn L. , George Graham N. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe metal‐coordinating properties of the prion protein (PrP) have been the subject of intense focus and debate since the first reports of its interaction with copper just before the turn of the century. The picture of metal coordination to PrP has been improved and refined over the past decade, but structural details of the various metal coordination modes have not been fully elucidated in some cases. In the present study, we have employed X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy as well as extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to structurally characterize the dominant 1:1 coordination modes for CuII, CuI, and ZnII with an N‐terminal fragment of PrP. The PrP fragment corresponds to four tandem repeats representative of the mammalian octarepeat domain, designated as OR4, which is also the most studied PrP fragment for metal interactions, making our findings applicable to a large body of previous work. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have provided additional structural and thermodynamic data, and candidate structures have been used to inform EXAFS data analysis. The optimized geometries from DFT calculations have been used to identify potential coordination complexes for multi‐histidine coordination of CuII, CuI, and ZnII in an aqueous medium, modelled using 4‐methylimidazole to represent the histidine side chain. Through a combination of in silico coordination chemistry as well as rigorous EXAFS curve‐fitting, using full multiple scattering on candidate structures derived from DFT calculations, we have characterized the predominant coordination modes for the 1:1 complexes of CuII, CuI, and ZnII with the OR4 peptide at pH 7.4 at atomic resolution, which are best represented as square‐planar [CuII(His)4]2+, digonal [CuI(His)2]+, and tetrahedral [ZnII(His)3(OH2)]2+, respectively.
Ultra‐Small Plutonium Oxide Nanocrystals: An Innovative Material in Plutonium Science
Authors: Hudry Damien , Apostolidis Christos , Walter Olaf , Janßen Arne , Manara Dario , Griveau Jean‐Christophe , Colineau Eric , Vitova Tonya , Prüßmann Tim , Wang Di , Kübel Christian , Meyer Daniel 
Published: July 2014

AbstractApart from its technological importance, plutonium (Pu) is also one of the most intriguing elements because of its non‐conventional physical properties and fascinating chemistry. Those fundamental aspects are particularly interesting when dealing with the challenging study of plutonium‐based nanomaterials. Here we show that ultra‐small (3.2±0.9 nm) and highly crystalline plutonium oxide (PuO2) nanocrystals (NCs) can be synthesized by the thermal decomposition of plutonyl nitrate ([PuO2(NO3)2]⋅3 H2O) in a highly coordinating organic medium. This is the first example reporting on the preparation of significant quantities (several tens of milligrams) of PuO2 NCs, in a controllable and reproducible manner. The structure and magnetic properties of PuO2 NCs have been characterized by a wide variety of techniques (powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), TEM, IR, Raman, UV/Vis spectroscopies, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry). The current PuO2 NCs constitute an innovative material for the study of challenging problems as diverse as the transport behavior of plutonium in the environment or size and shape effects on the physics of transuranium elements.
Germanium Quantum Dots Embedded in N‐Doping Graphene Matrix with Sponge‐Like Architecture for Enhanced Performance in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qin Jinwen , Wang Xia , Cao Minhua , Hu Changwen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGermanium quantum dots embedded in a nitrogen‐doped graphene matrix with a sponge‐like architecture (Ge/GN sponge) are prepared through a simple and scalable synthetic method, involving freeze drying to obtain the Ge(OH)4/graphene oxide (GO) precursor and subsequent heat reduction treatment. Upon application as an anode for the lithium‐ion battery (LIB), the Ge/GN sponge exhibits a high discharge capacity compared with previously reported N‐doped graphene. The electrode with the as‐synthesized Ge/GN sponge can deliver a capacity of 1258 mAh g−1 even after 50 charge/discharge cycles. This improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the pore memory effect and highly conductive N‐doping GN matrix from the unique sponge‐like structure.
Beyond PEG2000: Synthesis and Functionalisation of Monodisperse PEGylated Homostars and Clickable Bivalent Polyethyleneglycols
Authors: Székely György , Schaepertoens Marc , Gaffney Piers R. J. , Livingston Andrew G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA new strategy to access highly monodisperse, heterobifunctional linear polyethylenglycols (PEGs) has been designed. This was built around unidirectional, iterative chain extension of a 3‐arm PEG homostar. A mono‐(4,4′‐dimethoxytriphenylmethyl) octagol building block, DmtrO‐EG8‐OH, was constructed from tetragol. After six rounds of chain extension, the monodisperse homostar reached the unprecedented length of 56 monomers per arm (PEG2500). The unique architecture of the synthetic platform greatly assisted in facilitating and monitoring reaction completion, overcoming kinetic limitations, chromatographic purification of intermediates, and analytical assays. After chain terminal derivatisation, mild hydrogenolytic cleavage of the homostar hub provided heterobifunctional linear EG56 chains with a hydroxyl at one end, and either a toluene sulfonate, or a tert‐butyl carboxylate ester at the other. A range of heterobifunctional, monodisperse PEGs was then prepared having useful cross‐linking functionalities (‐OH, ‐COOH, ‐NH2, ‐N3) at both ends. A rapid preparation of polydisperse PEG homostars, free of multiply cross‐linked chains, is also described. The above approach should be extendable to other high value oligomers and polymers.
A New Class of Homogeneous Visible‐Light Photocatalysts: Molecular Cerium Vanadium Oxide Clusters
Authors: Seliverstov Andrey , Streb Carsten 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe first systematic access to molecular cerium vanadium oxides is presented. A family of structurally related, di‐cerium‐functionalized vanadium oxide clusters and their use as visible‐light‐driven photooxidation catalysts is reported. Comparative analyses show that photocatalytic activity is controlled by the cluster architecture. Increased photoreactivity of the cerium vanadium oxides in the visible range compared with nonfunctionalized vanadates is observed. Based on the recent discovery of the first molecular cerium vanadate cluster, (nBu4N)2[(Ce(dmso)3)2V12O33Cl]⋅2 DMSO (1), two new di‐cerium‐containing vanadium oxide clusters [(Ce(dmso)4)2V11O30Cl]⋅DMSO (2) and [(Ce(nmp)4)2V12O32Cl]⋅NMP⋅Me2CO (3; NMP=N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) were obtained by using a novel fragmentation and reassembly route. Pentagonal building units {(V)M5} (M=V, Ce) reminiscent of “Müller‐type” pentagons are observed in 2 and 3. Compounds 1–3 feature high visible‐light photooxidative activity, and quantum efficiencies >10 % for indigo photooxidation are observed. Photocatalytic performance increases in the order 1<3<2. Mechanistic studies show that the irradiation wavelength and the presence of oxygen strongly affect photoreactivity. Initial findings suggest that the photooxidation mechanism proceeds by intermediate formation of hydroxyl radicals. The findings open new avenues for the bottom‐up design of sunlight‐driven photocatalysts.
Impact of Ground‐ and Excited‐State Aromaticity on Cyclopentadiene and Silole Excitation Energies and Excited‐State Polarities
Authors: Jorner Kjell , Emanuelsson Rikard , Dahlstrand Christian , Tong Hui , Denisova Aleksandra V. , Ottosson Henrik 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA new qualitative model for estimating the properties of substituted cyclopentadienes and siloles in their lowest ππ* excited states is introduced and confirmed through quantum chemical calculations, and then applied to explain earlier reported experimental excitation energies. According to our model, which is based on excited‐state aromaticity and antiaromaticity, siloles and cyclopentadienes are cross‐hyperconjugated “aromatic chameleons” that adapt their electronic structures to conform to the various aromaticity rules in different electronic states (Hückel’s rule in the π2 electronic ground state (S0) and Baird’s rule in the lowest ππ* excited singlet and triplet states (S1 and T1)). By using pen‐and‐paper arguments, one can explain polarity changes upon excitation of substituted cyclopentadienes and siloles, and one can tune their lowest excitation energies by combined considerations of ground‐ and excited‐state aromaticity/antiaromaticity effects. Finally, the “aromatic chameleon” model can be extended to other monocyclic compound classes of potential use in organic electronics, thereby providing a unified view of the S0, T1, and S1 states of a range of different cyclic cross‐π‐conjugated and cross‐hyperconjugated compound classes.
Molecular Parameters and Transmembrane Transport Mechanism of Imidazolium‐Functionalized Binols
Authors: Vidal Marc , Schmitzer Andreea 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe describe the molecular parameters governing the transmembrane activity of imidazolium‐functionalized anion transporters and present a detailed mechanistic study. These ionophores adopt a mobile‐carrier mechanism for short methyl and butyl chains, a combined mobile‐carrier/transmembrane‐pore mechanism for octyl and dodecyl chains, and form transmembrane aggregates for hexadecyl chains.
Vicinal Solvent Effect on Supramolecular Gelation: Alcohol Controlled Topochemical Reaction and the Toruloid Nanostructure
Authors: Wang Xiufeng , Liu Minghua 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough solvent is the major component of the gel, it still remains unclear how the solvent molecules take part in the formation of the gel nanostructures in many gels. In this study it was observed that the vicinal effect on gel formation as well as their nanostructures, that is, the vicinal solvent molecules to the gelator, determine the molecular packing and their subsequent structures and properties. A naphthylacryl‐conjugated L‐glutamide gelator was found to form organogels in various solvents and nanofiber structures. While the nanofibers from other solvents could not show any further reaction, the gel from the alcohol could undergo topochemical [2+2] cycloaddition under photoirradiation and resulted in toruloid nanostructures. Various pure alcohol solvents from methanol to pentanol were found to show a similar property. Interestingly, switching from a single alcohol solvent to mixed solvents of alcohol with miscible or immiscible non‐alcohol solvents could still cause the same change, showing the vicinal effect of alcohol on controlling the molecular packing as well as the structural transformation. More interestingly, when nanofiber xerogel, obtained from non‐alcohol solvents, was exposed to alcohol vapor, the nanofiber was transferred into nanotoruloid. These results provide a new insight into the gelator–solvent interaction in soft gels.