bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel method for removing contaminant Hsp70 molecular chaperones from recombinant proteins
Authors: Morales Enrique S. , Parcerisa Ivana L. , Ceccarelli Eduardo A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe production of recombinant proteins in bacteria has increased significantly in recent years, becoming a common tool for both research and the industrial production of proteins. One of the requirements of this methodology is to obtain the desired protein without contaminants. However, this goal cannot always be readily achieved. Multiple strategies have been developed to improve the quality of the desired protein product. Nevertheless, contamination with molecular chaperones is one of the recalcitrant problems that still affects the quality of the obtained proteins. The ability of chaperones to bind to unfolded proteins or to regions where the polypeptide chain is exposed make the removal of the contamination during purification challenging to achieve.This work aimed to develop a strategy to remove contaminating DnaK, one of the homologous Hsp70 molecular chaperones found in Escherichia coli, from purified recombinant proteins. For this purpose, we developed a methodology that captures the DnaK from the contaminating proteins by co‐incubation with a GST‐cleanser protein that has free functional binding sites for the chaperone. The cleanser protein can then be easily removed together with the captured DnaK. Here, we demonstrated the utility of our system by decontaminating a Histidine‐tagged recombinant protein in a batch process. The addition of the GST‐cleanser protein in the presence of ATP‐Mg eliminates the DnaK contamination substantially. Thus, our decontaminant strategy results versatile and straightforward and can be applied to proteins obtained with different expression and purifications systems as well as to small samples or large volume preparations.
Prostate cancer survival among statin users after prostatectomy in a Finnish nationwide cohort
Authors: Joentausta Roni M. , Rannikko Antti , Murtola Teemu J. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundImproved prostate cancer (PCa) survival by statin use has been reported among PCa patients managed with radiation or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), while results are controversial for men managed surgically. We evaluate the association between cholesterol‐lowering medication with initiation of ADT and disease‐specific death among PCa cases who underwent radical prostatectomy in Finland between 1995 and 2013.MethodsThe study cohort included 14 424 men with PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy in Finland between 1995 and 2013. Cases were identified from national hospital discharge registry. Clinical data were amended from patient files of the treating hospitals. Information on co‐morbidities, additional radiation‐ or chemotherapy, and causes of deaths were collected from national registries. Personal‐level data on medication use during 1995‐2014 were gathered from national prescription database. Registry linkages were carried out using personal identification number. Lipid‐lowering drugs were categorized into statins and non‐statin drugs. Risk of PCa death and initiation of ADT was analyzed using Cox‐regression model with adjustment for age, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, co‐morbidities and other drug use. Statin use was analyzed as time‐dependent variable. Delayed risk associations were evaluated in lag‐time analysis.ResultsCompared to non‐users the risk of PCa death was significantly lower among statin users before PCa diagnosis (HR 0.70, 95%CIs 0.52‐0.95). For statin use after PCa diagnosis the risk was lowered in age‐adjusted analysis (HR 0.76 95%CIs 0.62‐0.93) but not after multivariable‐adjustment. Post‐diagnostic statin use was associated with improved PCa‐specific survival in 1, 3 and 5 years lag‐time analyses. The risk reduction was clearest for statin use initiated 5 years earlier (HR 0.71 95%CIs 0.55‐0.92). Use of statins both before and after PCa diagnosis was associated with reduced risk of ADT use (HR 0.72 95%CIs 0.65‐0.80 and HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.67‐0.80, respectively). The risk of ADT decreased by increasing intensity of statin use before diagnosis.ConclusionStatin use among surgically treated PCa patients has significant association with decreased risk of starting ADT and PCa death. The risk is lowered especially among men with statin use before PCa diagnosis and in men who used statins at high‐dose. Our results are hypothesis generating due to retrospective study design.
Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract and resveratrol alleviate bisphenol‐A‐induced metabolic syndrome: Biochemical and molecular evidences
Authors: Rameshrad Maryam , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Imenshahidi Mohsen , Hosseinzadeh Hossein 
Published: January 2019

The mechanisms of bisphenol‐A (BPA)‐induced metabolic syndrome as well as the protective role of grape seed extract (GSE) and resveratrol were investigated. Rats were treated with BPA (0 and 35 mg·kg−1·day−1, gavage) plus resveratrol (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) or GSE (3, 6, 12 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) or vitamin E (200 IU/kg/every other day, i.p.). After 2 months, mean systolic blood pressure, serum lipid profile, glycaemia, and fat index were examined. By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the serum concentrations of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and paraoxonase 1, and by real‐time polymerase chain reaction as well as western blotting, key liver elements in cholesterol hemostasis (LDLR, CYP7A1, ABCG5 and 8) and insulin signaling (p‐Akt/Akt and p‐PI3K/PI3K) were measured. BPA increased mean systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced paraoxonase1 and the hepatic expression of both ABCG5 and ABCG8. It increased the body fat index, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and glycaemia level and decreased the hepatic protein expression of p‐Akt/Akt and p‐PI3K/PI3k. GSE, resveratrol, or vitamin E coadministration along with BPA restored the detrimental effects of BPA in some levels.Herein, the predisposing effects of BPA‐induced metabolic syndrome were restored by GSE and resveratrol, linked to the regulation of insulin signaling, ABCG8 expression, and their antioxidant properties.
Planktonic indicators of water quality: A case study in the Amacuzac River Basin (State of Morelos, Mexico)
Authors: Nandini S. , Ramírez‐García Pedro , Sarma S. S. S. , Gutierrez‐Ochoa Ricardo A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPlanktonic organisms are good indicators of water quality but are rarely used in Mexican riverine studies in spite of the high level of contamination in these lotic waters. In this study, we focused on the plankton of the river Amacuzac in Mexico and a large saline waterbody, Lake Tequisquitengo, which is located in the Amacuzac river basin. We collected samples at three sites in the River Amacuzac and one at Lake Tequisquitengo from May 2015 to March–April of 2016. We analysed the physicochemical variables, coliform bacteria, and biological oxygen demand levels. We also quantified phytoplankton and zooplankton. Our results indicate that the study sites are mesotrophic with high densities of diatoms and cyanobacteria. Among the zooplankton, the dominant organisms were rotifers. The constancy of planktonic taxa was high in the lake but low in the river. The Descy index ranged from 2.9 to 4.5 in the river and from 4.0 to 5.0 in the lake. The saprobic index shows that the system is β‐mesosaprobic. The species diversity was higher in the river than in the lake. Our study shows that plankton can efficiently be used to evaluate the water quality in rivers and lakes.
An efficiency evaluation of radar‐based obstruction lights controlling at a wind turbine test site
Authors: Jørgensen Lasse Due , Tambo Torben , Xydis George 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this study, an obstruction lights controlling (OLC) system based on a Terma SCANTER 5000 radar has been installed at a test centre for large wind turbines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the OLC system and to improve this efficiency by introducing new technological features. Once the first assessment had been carried out, new software with improved tracking functionalities was installed to the radar. With the new software, a second assessment was made to compare the new performance to the old one. To analyse the tracks, geographic information system (GIS) tools have been used. A new MATLAB script was developed to automate the assessment as well as to gather data on the tracks. These data sets were used to improve the system performance by introducing a radar cross section (RCS)/speed filter. The outcome of the study is a filter that can be implemented on the radar system to improve the efficiency of the system and reduce the time that obstruction lights need to be on for by 62.59%, without compromising the integrity of the system.
Higher order solution of Boundary layer formation as a result of impulsive start of motion
Authors: Nagler Jacob 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis essay deals with the expansion of the classical problem, known as the impulsive start of motion over a cylindrical body. It was found that the boundary layer (BL) velocity profiles are similar to the classical results of Goldstein & Rosenhead. Moreover, high order (fourth approximation) of the velocity was developed and no effect on the BL velocity profile solution was found, confirming Watson theory. On the other hand, for the third order approximation, the separation angle was found to be time dependent. Also, the maximum velocity value was found to increase with respect to the time constant increase. An opposite effect of the BL velocity occurs for the maximum shear stress value, such that it decreases over time. The recent findings are supported by Riley and Nam literature results.
Improved invasive weed optimization algorithm (IWO) based on chaos theory for optimal design of PID controller
Authors: Misaghi Mojgan , Yaghoobi Mahdi 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Weed is a phenomenon which is looks for optimality and finds the best environment for life and quickly adapts itself to environmental conditions and resists changes. Considering these features, a powerful optimization algorithm is developed in this study. The invasive weed optimization algorithm (IWO) is a population-based evolutionary optimization method inspired by the behavior of weed colonies. In this paper, the IWO algorithm is based on chaos theory. Among parameters of weed optimization algorithm, standard deviation affects the performance of the algorithm significantly. Therefore, chaotic maps are used in the standard deviation parameter. Performance of the chaotic invasive weed development method is investigated on five benchmark functions, using logistic chaotic mapping. Additionally, the problem of setting the PID controller parameters for a DC motor using the proposed method is discussed. The statistical results on optimization problems show that the improved chaotic weed algorithm has gained fast convergence rate and high accuracy.
Highlights Improved Invasive weed optimization Algorithm (IWO) based on Chaos theory. Improved setting the parameters of PID controller uses Chaotic IWO Algorithm.
How deception can change cyber security defences
Authors: Bushby Andrew 
Published: January 2019

The use of deception technology in modern cyber security as a viable means of active, intelligent post-breach defence is a rapidly emerging phenomenon. But like any disruptive technology it comes with misconceptions. As cyber criminals continue to phish, bait, deceive and lure users, cyber defences need to move beyond being based on primarily detecting bad things within an ocean of good activity. Given how attackers are progressing, there is a clear case for invoking an active defence to lure, detect and defend against malware and intruders moving laterally within the network. The use of deception technology in modern cyber security as a viable means of active, intelligent post-breach defence is a rapidly emerging phenomenon. But like any disruptive technology, it comes with misconceptions. Cyber defences need to move beyond being based on primarily detecting bad things. There is a clear case for invoking an active defence to lure, detect and defend against malware and intruders moving laterally within the network. And cyber deception is just now making its way to the main stage for cyber security as a viable option for an active defence, says Andrew Bushby of Fidelis Cybersecurity.
Is an IOTA of evidence enough?
Authors: Davis Seth Nicholas Phillips , Di Nicola Nina , Gosselin Sophie 
Published: January 2019

AbstractClinical questionDo patients with acute illness admitted to the hospital and treated with liberal oxygen therapy compared with those treated with conservative oxygen therapy have differences in mortality and morbidity?Article chosenChu DK, Kim LH, Young PJ, et al. Mortality and morbidity in acutely ill adults treated with liberal versus conservative oxygen therapy (IOTA): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2018;391(10131):1693–705.ObjectivesTo analyse the existing literature to assess the potential benefits or harms of supplemental oxygen use in acutely ill patients.
Employees’ self-determined motivation, transformational leadership and work engagement
Authors: Chua Jeremy , Ayoko Oluremi B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWhile research on the role of employees’ characteristics as core to transformational leadership theory is burgeoning, limited research has focused on the differing aspects of employees’ self-determined motivation as mediating mechanism through which transformational leadership may impact outcomes. Drawing on the self-determined theory of motivation, we build and test a theoretical model linking employees’ perceptions of transformational leadership with engagement through an intervening variable of differing aspects of employees’ self-determined motivation. Data from a sample of 155 participants revealed that employees’ perceptions of transformational leadership were positively related to employees’ self-determined motivation (intrinsic, autonomous, and controlled) and work engagement. Specifically, self-determined motivation (intrinsic, autonomous) was positively linked with work engagement while intrinsic, autonomous and controlled dimensions of self-determined motivation mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the results.
Complete quenching phenomenon and instantaneous shrinking of support of solutions of degenerate parabolic equations with nonlinear singular absorption
Authors: Dao Nguyen Anh , Díaz Jesus Ildefonso , Kha Huynh Van 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper deals with nonnegative solutions of the one-dimensional degenerate parabolic equations with zero homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. To obtain an existence result, we prove a sharp estimate for |ux|. Besides, we investigate the qualitative behaviours of nonnegative solutions such as the quenching phenomenon, and the finite speed of propagation. Our results of the Dirichlet problem are also extended to the associated Cauchy problem on the whole domain ℝ. In addition, we also consider the instantaneous shrinking of compact support of nonnegative solutions.
On the classification of standing wave solutions to a coupled Schrödinger system
Authors: Chen Zhi-You , Huang Yu-Jen , Tang Yong-Li 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a nonlinear elliptic system which is an extension of the single equation derived by investigating the stationary states of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the Dirichlet problem on the ball and entire space as the parameters within certain regions. In addition, a complete structure of different types of solutions for the radial case is also provided.
Quantifying Reach‐Average Effects of Hyporheic Exchange on Arctic River Temperatures in an Area of Continuous Permafrost
Authors: King Tyler V. , Neilson Bethany T. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHyporheic exchange has the potential to significantly influence river temperatures in regions of continuous permafrost under low‐flow conditions given the strong thermal gradients that exist in river bed sediments. However, there is limited understanding of the impacts of hyporheic exchange on Arctic river temperatures. To address this knowledge gap, heat fluxes associated with hyporheic exchange were estimated in a fourth‐order Arctic river using field observations coupled with a river temperature model that accounts for hyporheic exchange influences. Temperature time series and tracer study solute breakthrough curves were measured in the main channel and river bed at multiple locations and depths to characterize hyporheic exchange and provide parameter bounds for model calibration. Model results for low‐flow periods from 3 years indicated that hyporheic exchange contributed up to 27% of the total river energy balance, reduced the main channel diel temperature range by up to 1.7 °C, and reduced mean daily temperatures by up to 0.21 °C over a 13.1‐km study reach. These influences are due to main channel heat loss during the day and gain at night via hyporheic exchange and heat loss from the hyporheic zone to the ground below via conduction. Main channel temperatures were found to be sensitive to simulated changes in ground temperatures due to changes in hyporheic exchange heat flux and deeper ground conduction. These results suggest that the moderating influence of hyporheic exchange could be reduced if ground temperatures warm in response to projected increases in permafrost thaw below rivers.
Two novel genomic regions associated with fearfulness in dogs overlap human neuropsychiatric loci
Authors: Sarviaho R. , Hakosalo O. , Tiira K. , Sulkama S. , Salmela E. , Hytönen M. K. , Sillanpää M. J. , Lohi H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAnxiety disorders are among the leading health issues in human medicine. The complex phenotypic and allelic nature of these traits as well as the challenge of establishing reliable measures of the heritable component of behaviour from the associated environmental factors hampers progress in their molecular aetiology. Dogs exhibit large natural variation in fearful and anxious behaviour and could facilitate progress in the molecular aetiology due to their unique genetic architecture. We have performed a genome-wide association study with a canine high-density SNP array in a cohort of 330 German Shepherds for two phenotypes, fear of loud noises (noise sensitivity) and fear of strangers or in novel situations. Genome-widely significant loci were discovered for the traits on chromosomes 20 and 7, respectively. The regions overlap human neuropsychiatric loci, including 18p11.2, with physiologically relevant candidate genes that contribute to glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. In addition, the noise-sensitivity locus includes hearing-related candidate genes. These results indicate a genetic contribution for canine fear and suggest a shared molecular aetiology of anxiety across species. Further characterisation of the identified loci will pave the way to molecular understanding of the conditions as a prerequisite for improved therapy.
Obesity Does not Compromise Ovarian Reserve Markers in Infertile Women
Authors: Gorkem Umit , Kucukler Ferit , Togrul Cihan , Gulen Şebnem 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Introduction In the literature, conflicting results from studies examining the relationship between obesity and ovarian reserve have been reported. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether obesity adversely affects serum concentrations of ovarian reserve markers in infertile women with different ovarian reserve status.
Materials and Methods A total of 402 women were assigned to three groups according to body mass index (BMI; < 25 kg/m2: normal, n = 198; 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m2: overweight, n = 126; and ≥ 30 kg/m2: obese, n = 78). The women were also divided into two groups according to waist circumference (WC; < 80 cm: normal, n = 103; and ≥ 80 cm: obese, n = 299). Participants were also categorized into three types of ovarian reserve patterns: normal (n = 146), high (n = 112), and poor ovarian reserve (n = 144). The serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol (E2), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were assayed and compared in all groups.
Results There were no significant differences in BMI and WC in the three ovarian reserve groups. There were significant differences between all ovarian reserve groups for AMH, E2, and FSH (p < 0.001 for all). The comparisons of ovarian reserve parameters (AMH, E2, and FSH) and obesity parameters (BMI and WC) revealed no significant differences in women with all ovarian reserve patterns.
Conclusion The parameters of ovarian reserve do not seem to be affected by increased BMI and WC. Thus, AMH may be considered as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve.
Tako-Tsubo-Kardiomyopathie während einer EKT-Serie: Fallbericht, systematische Literaturrecherche und Diskussion spezifischer Risikofaktoren
Authors: Kudling Ralf , Hartmut Schoels Wolfgang , Kuhn Jens 
Published: January 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Bei der Tako-Tsubo-Kardiomyopathie (TTK) handelt es sich um eine akute reversible Erkrankung des Herzmuskels. Sie wird ursächlich mit einem Überschuss an Adrenalin, Noradrenalin und Dopamin in Zusammenhang gebracht. Als bekannte Risikofaktoren gelten psychischer und physischer Stress. Es existieren Fallberichte über das Auftreten von TTK nach Krampfanfällen sowie EKT-Behandlungen.
Methoden Es wird der Fall eines 63 Jahre alten Patienten vorgestellt, bei dem es im Verlauf einer zweiten EKT-Serie unter Etomidat-Narkose und laufender antidepressiver Medikation mit Tranylcypromin zu einer TTK kam. Mögliche pathophysiologische Zusammenhänge werden anhand der zur Verfügung stehenden Literatur diskutiert. In Anbetracht eines erhöhten Rezidivrisikos wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob die Wiederaufnahme der EKT-Behandlung nach Abklingen der TTK verantwortbar ist.
Ergebnisse Depressive Störungen, EKT-Behandlungen mit konvulsiven Anfällen, der Einsatz von Etomidat als Narkotikum sowie eine Behandlung mit Tranylcypromin könnten eine theoretische Rolle als Risikofaktoren für die TTK spielen. Die durch Etomidat vermittelten Effekte könnten auf die substanzbedingte Störung der Kortisolsynthese und einer daraus resultierenden sympathomimetischen und pro-inflammatorischen Wirkung zurückgeführt werden. Es konnten 19 publizierte TTK-Fälle im Zusammenhang mit EKT gefunden werden. Einschließlich des hier vorgestellten Patienten wurde in 8 Fällen von einer erfolgreichen und komplikationslosen Wiederaufnahme der EKT-Behandlung berichtet.
Diskussion Das Auftreten der TTK scheint letztlich multifaktoriell begründet zu sein. Die Konstellation unseres Falles sowie die analysierte medizinische Literatur erlauben keinen Rückschluss, dass einer der
genannten Faktoren alleine für die Entstehung der TTK verantwortlich gemacht werden kann. Angesichts der theoretischen Überlegungen und Teilbefunde über die mögliche Rolle eines relativen Kortisol-Defizits für die TTK wären gezielte Untersuchungen wünschenswert. Die Wiederaufnahme der EKT-Behandlung nach einem TTK-Fall ist, unter Risikoabwägung und Berücksichtigung besonderer Vorsichtsmaßnahmen, nicht ausgeschlossen.