bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and functional characterization of a novel metallothionein gene in Antarctic sea‐ice yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa)
Authors: Kan Guangfeng , Ju Yun , Zhou Ying , Shi Cuijuan , Qiao Yongping , Yang Yu , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Xiaofei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMetallothionein (MT) is a low‐molecular‐weight protein with a high metal binding capacity and plays a key role in organism adaptation to heavy metals. In this study, a metallothionein gene was successfully cloned and sequenced from Antarctic sea‐ice yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AN5. Nucleotide sequencing and analysis revealed that the gene had four exons interrupted by three introns. MTs complementary DNA (named as RmMT) had an open reading frame of 321 bp encoding a 106 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 10.3 kDa and pI of 8.49. The number of amino acids and distribution of cysteine residues indicated that RmMT was a novel family of fungal MTs. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that RmMT expression was elevated under copper‐induced stress. The RmMT gene was transferred into E. coli and the RmMT expressing bacteria showed improved tolerance to copper ion and increased accumulation of heavy metals, such as Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Ag+. Moreover, in vitro studies, purified recombinant RmMT demonstrated that it could be used as a good scavenger of superoxide anion, hydroxyl, and 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In summary, these results demonstrate that RmMT plays a key role in the tolerance and bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
Low and high body mass index values are associated with female nocturia
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Aoki Yoshitaka , Oe Hideki , Taga Minekatsu , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsWe evaluated the relationship between body mass index (BMI), including low BMI, and nocturia in Japanese women.MethodsWe collected data on 18 952 women who participated in a multiphasic health screening in Fukui, Japan, in 2006. The participants were asked to report any current or previous disease. Self‐reported current body weight and height were used to calculate the BMI. We analyzed the relationship between nocturia, as assessed by a questionnaire, and other variables including age, BMI, and comorbidities.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 60.6 years. Overall, the prevalence of nocturia (two or more voids/night) was 4.3% and increased in an age‐dependent manner. BMI did not affect nocturia in the young participants. The prevalence of nocturia was higher in the high‐BMI women (>25.0 kg/m
2) in their fifth and sixth decades, but the prevalence was higher in the low‐BMI (<18.5 kg/m
2) in the women more than 80‐years old. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between nocturia and the following: age, BMI, sleep disturbance, arteriosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Not only high BMI (which is already reported as a risk of nocturia) but also low BMI was a factor related to nocturia.ConclusionOur findings indicate that in addition to obesity, low BMI is a factor of nocturia in women.
Optimal reduced‐order LQG synthesis: Nonseparable control and estimation design
Authors: Leiter Noam , Geller David K. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe optimal linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian synthesis design approach and the associated separation principle are investigated for the case where the observer design model is a reduced model of the underlying system model. Performance of the resulting reduced‐order controller in the full‐state system environment is formulated in terms of an augmented state vector consisting of the system state vector and the reduced model state vector. Considering explicitly separated linear control and estimation laws, a calculus of variations/Hamiltonian approach is used to determine the necessary conditions for the optimal controller and observer gains for the simplified algorithms. Results show that the optimal gains are not separable, ie, the optimal controller and observer gains are coupled and cannot be computed independently. Numerical examples of an infinite‐horizon and finite‐horizon control and estimation large‐scale multiagent system problem clearly show the advantages of using the nonseparable coupled solutions.
One‐Step Synthesis of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheet Array/N‐Doped Graphite Foam Electrodes for Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Li Rui , Xu Jingsong , Pan Qifa , Ba Jingwen , Tang Tao , Luo Wenhua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDeveloping cost‐effective and highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is vital for the production of clean hydrogen by electrocatalytic water splitting. Here, three dimensional nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) nanosheet arrays are in‐situ fabricated on self‐supporting nitrogen doped graphited foam (NGF) via a one‐step hydrothermal process under an optimized amount of urea. The as prepared NiFe LDH/NGF electrode exhibits a remarkable activity toward OER with a low onset overpotential of 233 mV and a Tafel slope of 59.4 mV dec−1 as well as a long‐term durability. Such good performance is attributed to the synergy among the doping effect, the binder‐free characteristic, and the architecture of the nanosheet array.
Structural basis of generic versus specific E2–RING E3 interactions in protein ubiquitination
Authors: Gundogdu Mehmet , Walden Helen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProtein ubiquitination is a fundamental regulatory component in eukaryotic cell biology, where a cascade of ubiquitin activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes assemble distinct ubiquitin signals on target proteins. E2s specify the type of ubiquitin signal generated, while E3s associate with the E2~Ub conjugate and select the substrate for ubiquitination. Thus, producing the right ubiquitin signal on the right target requires the right E2–E3 pair. The question of how over 600 E3s evolved to discriminate between 38 structurally related E2s has therefore been an area of intensive research, and with over 50 E2–E3 complex structures generated to date, the answer is beginning to emerge. The following review discusses the structural basis of generic E2–RING E3 interactions, contrasted with emerging themes that reveal how specificity can be achieved.
Gentamicin Loaded PLGA based Biodegradable Material for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Vijayakrishna Kari , Patil Shrikant , Shaji Leyana K , Panicker Rakesh R 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn wound care there is room for delivering antibiotic drug at wound site to avoid or control the infections. This current work is about preparation and evaluation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) based, gentamicin (GE) loaded biodegradable material to get optimum drug at site for antibacterial action. Drug release, degradation behaviour and tensile properties of prepared bio‐material are studied up to 42 days. Drug release in in‐vitro release testing (IVRT) was studied by UV absorbance of receptor solution. Physical characteristics such as molecular weight, tensile strength and morphology of bio‐material are carried out as a function of time during IVRT studies. The employed bio‐material releases 3.4 μg/g/h drug with a steady decrease in tensile strength and PLGA molecular weight. In this manuscript it is demonstrate that PLGA and PCL based bio‐material will release the loaded drug in controlled manner with simultaneous degradation.
Acid‐treated Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets as Fluorescence Probe for Detection of Hemin
Authors: Guo Zhaoliang , Li Bingdong , Zhang Yuqian , Zhao Qiannan , Zhao Jian , Li Lijuan , Feng Liwei , Wang Manman , Meng Xianguang , Zuo Guifu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAn acid‐treated, oxidized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g‐C3N4 NSs) was successfully synthesized and applied as a fluorescence probe for the detection of hemin based on the inner filter effect (IFE). The results indicated that the fluorescence quenching of g‐C3N4 NSs caused by hemin was attributed to the overlap between absorption spectrum of hemin and emission spectrum of g‐C3N4 NSs. It is confirmed that the g‐C3N4 NSs exhibited a highly sensitive and selective for detection of hemin. Under the optical condition, the fluorescence changing of g‐C3N4 NSs is related to the concentration of hemin ranging from 0.5 – 25 μM with a detection limit of 0.15 μM. Moreover, the fluorescence probe has been successfully applied to detect hemin in human blood. Overall, a novel and efficient fluorescence‐based method was developed supported by g‐C3N4 NSs, which is a promising material for application in sensing and cell imaging.
Reversible Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation Between Two Copper(II)‐Based Two‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers for Detection of Fe3+ and 3‐Iodobromobenzene
Authors: Zhu Yu , Durini Sara , Lönnecke Peter , Cong Minghui , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA new two‐dimensional copper(II)‐based coordination polymer {[Cu(IBA)2]⋅2DMF}n (Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF) was successfully obtained through solvothermal reaction with 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzoic acid (HIBA) as linker. On exposure to air, Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF is slowly converted to a new two‐dimensional coordination polymer, namely {[Cu(IBA)2⋅H2O]⋅2H2O}n (Cu–IBA‐2⋅2H2O), through a single‐crystal to single‐crystal (SC‐SC) transformation. When suspended in DMF, Cu–IBA‐2⋅2H2O regains the initial structure Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF, indicating the reversibility of this transformation. Fluorescence spectra measurements show that Cu–IBA‐1⋅2DMF can selectively and sensitively detect Fe3+ and 3‐iodobromobenzene.
Optically Governed Dynamic Surface Charge Redistribution of Hybrid Plasmo‐Pyroelectric Nanosystems
Authors: Liow Chi Hao , Lu Xin , Zeng Kaiyang , Li Shuzhou , Ho Ghim Wei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThough plasmonic effect is making some headway in the energy harvesting realm, its fundamental charge transfer mechanism to a large extent is attributed to the hot‐carrier generation at the contact interface. Herein this work attempts to elucidate the physical origin of light induced plasmo‐pyroelectric enhancement based on charge density manipulation on surface state in the vicinity of the metal–ferroelectric contact interface. More importantly, by tuning the band bending, it is shown that the charge density on the surface state of a hybrid plasmo‐pyroelectric (BaTiO3‐Ag) nanosystem can be manipulated and largely increased under the resonant blue light illumination (363 nm). It is also demonstrated that owing to this effect, the spatial pyroelectric activity of a hybrid plasmo‐pyroelectric nanosystem governs 46% enhancement in pyroelectric coefficient. This research highlights the optically regulated charge density in plasmo‐pyroelectric nanosystems, which could pave a new avenue for energy harvesting/conversion devices with distinguished advantages in wireless, photonic‐controlled, localized, and dynamic stimulation.
Epigenetic Regulation of Transition Among Different Pluripotent States: Concise Review
Authors: Geng Ting , Zhang Donghui , Jiang Wei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe extraordinary progress of pluripotent stem cell research provides a revolutionary avenue to understand mammalian early embryonic development. Besides well-established conventional mouse and human embryonic stem cells, the discoveries of naive state human stem cell, two-cell-like cell, and the newly defined “extended pluripotent” stem cell and “expanded potential” stem cell with bidirectional chimeric ability have greatly broadened the horizons of more pluripotent states recaptured and maintained in dish, infinitely approaching the totipotent blastomere state. Although all these pluripotent cell types can self-renew and have the ability to differentiate into all the three germ layers, accumulating evidence suggests that these pluripotent states display distinct epigenetic characters. More strikingly, epigenetic reprogramming, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, is required to reset the cell fate commitment, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may play an active and important role in the maintenance and transition among these pluripotent states. Here, we have reviewed studies on various pluripotent states, with a highlight on the epigenetic regulation during the interconversion. Stem Cells 2019;37:1372–1380
Theoretical X‐ray spectroscopy of transition metal compounds
Authors: Bokarev Sergey I. , Kühn Oliver 
Published: July 2019

AbstractX‐ray spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools to access structure and properties of matter in different states of aggregation as it allows to trace atomic and molecular energy levels in course of various physical and chemical processes. X‐ray spectroscopic techniques probe the local electronic structure of a particular atom in its environment, in contrast to ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, where transitions generally occur between delocalized molecular orbitals. Complementary information is provided by using a combination of different absorption, emission, scattering as well as photo‐ and autoionization X‐ray methods. However, interpretation of the complex experimental spectra and verification of experimental hypotheses is a nontrivial task and powerful first principles theoretical approaches that allow for a systematic investigation of a broad class of systems are needed. Focusing on transition metal compounds, L‐edge spectra are of particular relevance as they probe the frontier d‐orbitals involved in metal–ligand bonding. Here, near‐degeneracy effects in combination with spin‐orbit coupling lead to a complicated multiplet energy level structure, which poses a serious challenge to quantum chemical methods. Multiconfigurational self‐consistent field (MCSCF) theory has been shown to be capable of providing a rather detailed understanding of experimental X‐ray spectroscopy. However, it cannot be considered as a “blackbox” tool and its application requires not only a command of formal theoretical aspects, but also a broad knowledge of already existing applications. Both aspects are covered in this overview.This article is categorized under:

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Non-specific colitis among patients with colitis: frequency and relation to inflammatory bowel disease, a prospective study
Authors: Emara Mohamed H. , Salama Rasha I. , Hamed Emad F. , Shoriet Hebatalla Nabil , Abdel-Aziz Hesham R. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background and study aim The term non-specific colitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the colon that microscopically lacks the characteristic features of any specific form of colitis and is commonly seen in pathology reports of colonoscopy biopsies. In fact, it has been questioned whether it is a separate pathological entity or it is merely an intermediate stage in the course of inflammatory bowel disease. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of non-specific colitis among patients with colitis and characterize its natural history over a 6 months year period.
Patients and methods Eighty adult patients presented for colonoscopy were enrolled. In the final analysis they were divided into Group A; the non-specific colitis Group and Group B; the inflammatory bowel disease Group. All patients were subjected to: full history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations: which included stool analysis, CRP, ESR, complete colonoscopy and entire random colon biopsies for histopathological examination.
Results Group A included 67 patients (83.75%) while Group B included 13 (16.25%) patients. Patients with IBD had clinical and laboratory features of inflammation significantly higher than patients with non-specific colitis. Six patients (8.95%) of non-specific colitis group developed histologic features of florid inflammatory bowel disease after 6 months. There were no independent predictors of this conversion.
Conclusion Among our 80 patients with colonoscopy and biopsy 67 (83.75%) were diagnosed as non-specific colitis and out of them 6 patients (8.95%) were reexamined after 6 months and proved to have inflammtory bowel disese this change was not linked to predictive factors.
Varieties of Populist Parties and Party Systems in Europe: From State-of-the-Art to the Application of a Novel Classification Scheme to 66 Parties in 33 Countries
Authors: Zulianello Mattia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDespite the explosion of populism research, there is a shortage of comprehensive analyses of the ideational varieties of populist parties and of the different roles they play in contemporary party systems. In order to overcome such limitations, I provide a state-of-the-art review of the literature on the classification of populist parties and make three innovative contributions to populism research. First, by adopting a truly pan-European perspective to cover, in addition to EU member countries, contexts that are generally overlooked, including but not limited to Liechtenstein, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine, this review article provides an empirical application of the ideational approach to populism to 66 contemporary parties. Second, it highlights the major shortcomings of common approaches to the study of populist parties in contemporary party systems, which almost invariably treat them as ‘challengers’ or ‘outsiders’. Finally, it pushes the agenda further by providing a classification and empirical overview of the three interactive patterns characterizing the 66 populist parties under analysis: non-integration, negative integration and positive integration.
Impact of multiple concurrent central lines on central-line–associated bloodstream infection rates
Authors: Couk Jesse , Chernetsky Tejedor Sheri , Steinberg James P. , Robichaux Chad , Jacob Jesse T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground:The current methodology for calculating central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates, used for pay-for-performance measures, does not account for multiple concurrent central lines.Objective:To compare CLABSI rates using standard National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) denominators to rates accounting for multiple concurrent central lines.Design:Descriptive analysis and retrospective cohort analysis.Methods:We identified all adult patients with central lines at 2 academic medical centers over an 18-month period. CLABSI rates were calculated for intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs using the standard NHSN methodology and denominator (a patient could only have 1 central-line day for a given patient day) and a modified denominator (number of central lines in 1 patient in 1 day count as number of line days). We also compared characteristics of patients with and without multiple concurrent central lines.Results:Among 18,521 hospital admissions, there were 156,574 central-line days and 239 CLABSIs (ICU, 105; non-ICU, 134). Our modified denominator reduced CLABSI rates by 25% in ICUs (1.95 vs 1.47 per 1,000 line days) and 6% (1.30 vs 1.22 per 1,000 line days) in non-ICUs. Patients with multiple concurrent central lines were more likely to be in an ICU, to have a longer admission, to have a dialysis catheter, and to have a CLABSI.Conclusions:Using the number of central lines as the denominator decreased CLABSI rates in ICUs by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may be a marker of severity of illness. The risk of CLABSI per lumen of a central line is similar in ICUs compared to wards.
GENERALISATION OF A RESULT ON DISTINCT PARTITIONS WITH BOUNDED PART DIFFERENCES
Authors: LI RUNQIAO , LIN BERNARD L. S. , WANG ANDREW Y. Z. 
Published: July 2019

We generalise a result of Chern [‘A curious identity and its applications to partitions with bounded part differences’, New Zealand J. Math. 47 (2017), 23–26] on distinct partitions with bounded difference between largest and smallest parts. The generalisation is proved both analytically and bijectively.
Use of an image-guided navigation system for routine endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Reichel O , Taxeidis M 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the results of routine endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy combined with computed tomography guided navigation in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.MethodThis was a retrospective study of all patients with lacrimal drainage obstruction undergoing stereotactic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy between 1st January 2016 and 1st April 2018. Computed tomography dacryocystography was used for intra-operative navigation. Patients with a presaccal obstruction site location were excluded from the study.ResultsEndoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with computed tomography guided navigation was successfully performed in all 17 cases without complications. Early post-operative dislocation of the inserted bicanalicular silicone stent occurred in two patients. Two other patients developed post-operative bacterial infection within the lacrimal sac. Otherwise, the silicone tube was removed three months after surgery, and after further follow up of 8 weeks, 94 per cent of the study population reported complete remission of epiphora.ConclusionThe use of computed tomography guidance in routine endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy enhanced safety for the patient and avoided unnecessary damage of bone and mucosa surrounding the lacrimal drainage system. Therefore, routine endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with additional stereotactic guidance by computed tomography navigation can contribute to high success rates with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.
Goal dreams: conflicting development imaginaries in Ghanaian football academies
Authors: Dubinsky Itamar , Schler Lynn 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFocusing on three Ghanaian football academies, this article examines the role that dreams and aspirations play in shaping development schemes and in determining their impact. Football ignites the hopes and imaginations of entrepreneurs, aspiring players, their parents and supporters, and these aspirations serve as a blueprint for action both among founders and participants of academies. Imagined futures give birth to development initiatives, attracting participants, and providing them with opportunities to articulate their own aspirations. The following examination argues that it is vital for researchers and practitioners to understand how a variety of imagined futures comes into play in development schemes, as the conflicts and negotiations between divergent imaginaries can explain why individuals engage with development, how schemes evolve and how they leave their mark upon communities.
Traditional authority and bargaining for legitimacy in dual legitimacy systems
Authors: Mershon Carol , Shvetsova Olga 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the quest for legitimacy conducted by hereditary, traditional leaders in dual legitimacy systems. We theorise that traditional leaders engage in meta-constitutional bargaining, i.e. bargaining among constitutionally and traditionally defined actors within the meta-constitutional space. This process resembles constitutional bargaining in federations over the institutional balance between the members and centre, and among members. We thus propose a parallel between the theory of federal bargaining, on the one hand, and, on the other, the process of institutional balancing between agents in constitutional and traditional authority structures in dual legitimacy systems. Evidence from narratives of institutional balancing between constitutional and traditional authorities in Southern Africa suggests that actors’ strategies in dual legitimacy systems accord with the framework here. The narratives also disclose that both constitutional and traditional authorities rely on the state's courts for adjudication. The paper enriches social science scholarship on traditional authority, political economy and federalism.