bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast genome editing in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Wu Guo , Drufva Erin , Wu Kang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBacillus subtilis is a model organism for Gram‐positive bacteria and widely used in the study of cellular functions and processes including protein secretion, sporulation, and signal transduction. It is also an important industrial host for the production of proteins and chemicals. Generally, genome editing of B. subtilis often needs the construction of integration vectors in Escherichia coli, linearizing the constructed plasmids, and subsequent transformation of the linear deoxyribonucleic acid via natural competence or electroporation. In this work, we examined the feasibility to directly transform and integrate B. subtilis using linear deoxyribonucleic acid from Gibson assembly without the need for cloning in E. coli. Linear deoxyribonucleic acid of 8–10 kb showed the highest transformation efficiency which was similar to that of using linearized plasmids constructed in E. coli. This method shortens the overall process from 1 week to 1 day and allows the integration of multiple genes in one step, providing a simple and fast method for genome editing in B. subtilis.
The effect of amplitude scaling limits on conditional spectrum‐based ground motion selection
Authors: Du Wenqi , Ning Chao‐Lie , Wang Gang 
Published: April 2019

SummaryAmplitude scaling is commonly used to select ground motions matching a target response spectrum. In this paper, the effect of scaling limits on ground motion selection, based on the conditional spectrum framework, is investigated. Target spectra are computed for four probabilistic seismic hazard cases in Western United States, and 16 ground motion suites are selected using different scaling limits (ie, 2, 5, 10, and 15). Comparison of spectral acceleration distributions of the selected ground motion suites demonstrates that the use of a scaling limit of 2 yields a relatively poor representation of the target spectra, because of the small limit leading to an insufficient number of available ground motions. It is also shown that increasing scaling limit results in selected ground motions with generally increased distributions of Arias intensity and significant duration Ds5‐75, implying that scaling limit consideration can significantly influence the cumulative and duration characteristics of selected ground motions. The ground motion suites selected are then used as input for slope displacement and structural dynamic analyses. Comparative results demonstrate that the consideration of scaling limits in ground motion selection has a notable influence on the distribution of the engineering demand parameters calculated (ie, slope displacement and interstory drift ratio). Finally, based on extensive analyses, a scaling limit range of 3 to 5 is recommended for general use when selecting ground motion records from the NGA‐West2 database.
Exploring the nanofiltration mass transfer characteristic and concentrate process of procyanidins from grape juice
Authors: Li Cunyu , Ma Yun , Li Hongyang , Peng Guoping 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn order to separate procyanidins from grape juice at room temperature, a separation prediction model was established based on nanofiltration. The mass transfer coefficient was positively correlated with the initial concentration. Nanofiltration performance of procyanidins was affected by filtration conditions, membrane properties, and molecular states. The correlation between mass transfer coefficient and initial concentration was established based on the linear equations of the rejection and mass transfer coefficient. The rejection of procyanidins predicted with the mass transfer model was in accordance with the experimental value, and the antioxidant activity was preserved effectively. The mathematical model could predict the rejection of procyanidins. The nanofiltration technology for procyanidin separation from grape juice was characterized by fast separation, low energy consumption, and zero oxidization loss. The nanofiltration technology could greatly improve the utilization efficiency of food products and decrease the energy consumption.
The genesis of gold deposits in the Hetai goldfield, South China: New constraints from geochronology, fluid inclusion, and multiple isotopic studies
Authors: Wang Lixing , Zhao Zhaoxia , Huang Qinyi , Xu Deru , Jiao Qianqian , Chen Genwen , Cai Jianxin , Zou Shaohao , Deng Teng , Shan Qiang 
Published: April 2019

The Hetai goldfield is one of the largest gold mining districts in the South China Block. A complex paragenesis consists of three mineralization stages: syntectonic metamorphic stage, hydrothermal stage, and supergene stage. The syntectonic metamorphic stage is characterized by banded quartz (Q1) and invisible Au in mylonites. The hydrothermal stage, which is the main gold mineralization stage, can be divided into three substages: an early substage characterized by coarse‐grained quartz (Q2) + pyrite + arsenopyrite + pyrrhotite, an intermediate substage characterized by gray fine‐grained quartz (Q3) + electrum + poly‐sulphides + sericite + chlorite and a late substage with predominate white quartz (Q4) + calcite as well as lesser sulphides. During the supergene stage, malachite, covellite, and limonite were formed. Four types of fluid inclusions (FIs) in these types of quartz were identified: aqueous FIs (type 1), CO2‐bearing aqueous FIs (type 2), CO2‐rich FIs (type 3), and solid‐bearing FIs (type 4). Q1 only contains type 1 FIs; Q2 contains types 2 and 4 FIs; Q3 contains types 2 and 3 FIs; and Q4 only contains type 1 FIs. Microthermometric results show that the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions range from 350°C to 400°C for Q1, 250°C to 320°C for Q2, 138°C to 245°C for Q3, and 110°C to 207°C for Q4. Salinities of fluid inclusions range from 3.4 to 5.7 wt.%, 2.6 to 12.9 wt.%, 0.5 to 11.5 wt.%, and 0.2 to 7.3 wt.% for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Alteration minerals (sericite and chlorite) from the main mineralization stage have δDH2O‐VSMOW values of −62‰ to −98‰ and calculated δ18OH2O‐VSMOW values of 6.3‰ to 4.4‰. The in situ sulphur isotope analysis of pyrite yields a narrow δ34SCDTrange of −1.5‰ to −5.2‰ (average −3.4‰), combined with the Pb isotopic compositions of the sulphides, wall rocks, and Wucun pluton, revealing that the ore‐forming material was mainly derived from magmatic source. The mineralization age (sericite40Ar/39Ar: 159.3 ± 0.8 Ma) is close to the emplacement age of Wucun biotite monzonitic granite pluton (LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb age: 158.1 ± 1.9 Ma). These geochemical and geochronological data suggest that the main phase of gold mineralization in the Hetai goldfield is genetically related to the granitic activities in the Late Jurassic rather than the mylonitization event in the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic.
Hodgkin lymphoma transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia—A real life data from the Polish Lymphoma Research Group
Authors: Drozd‐Sokołowska Joanna , Zaucha Jan Maciej , Żółtak Tomasz , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Grzybowska‐Izydorczyk Olga , Witkowska Magdalena , Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Szczepaniak Andrzej , Subocz Edyta , Knopińska‐Posłuszny Wanda , Hołojda Jadwiga , Kopińska Anna , Hus Iwona , Rybka Justyna , Wołowiec Dariusz , Kwiatkowski Jacek , Hałaburda Kazimierz , Smolewski Piotr , Giebel Sebastian , Wiktor‐Jędrzejczak Wiesław 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRichter transformation (RT) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) to Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare and unexpected event in the course of the disease and data on this phenomenon is still limited. To better understand the clinical and histological characteristics and the outcomes of HL variant of RT (HvRS) the Polish Lymphoma Research Group performed a nationwide survey which identified 22 patients with histologically proven HvRS diagnosed between 2002 and 2016. There were 16 (73%) males. The median age at CLL/SLL and HvRS diagnosis was 59 (39‐77) and 64 (40‐77) years, respectively. The median interval between CLL/SLL and HvRS diagnosis was 38 months (range: 0‐187). All patients had an advanced stage HL, and majority, 17 (77%), presented with B symptoms. The predominant subtypes of HL were nodular sclerosis (12; 55%) and mixed cellularity (9; 41%). Eighteen patients received non‐palliative treatment, including 13 who received driamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) regimen first line. Objective response was: 50%, with 33% complete remissions (61% and 46% for ABVD, respectively). Median overall survival reached 13.3 months (95% CI, 3.7‐NA). The only adverse prognostic factor for survival was a higher number (≤1 versus ≥2) of prior lines of treatment given for CLL/SLL with HR 3.57 (95% CI, 1.16‐10.92). We conclude, HvRS harbors a poor prognosis, especially in patients heavily pretreated for CLL/SLL. Response to standard first‐line anti‐HL chemotherapy is unsatisfactory, and new agents should be tested to improve the outcome.
Understanding the limitations of “quasi‐mandatory” approaches to enrolment in community‐based health insurance: Empirical evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Ajuaye Adeline , Verbrugge Boris , Van Ongevalle Jan , Develtere Patrick 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn recent decades, a growing number of low‐income countries (LICs) have experimented with voluntary community‐based health insurance (CBHI), as an instrument to extend social health protection to the rural poor and the informal sector. While modest successes have been achieved, important challenges remain with regard to the recruitment and retention of members, and the regular collection of membership fees. In this context, there is a growing consensus among policymakers that there is a need to experiment with mandatory approaches towards CBHI. In some localities in Tanzania, local actors in charge of community health funds (CHFs) are now relying on what is best described as quasi‐mandatory enrolment strategies, such as increasing user fees for non‐members, automatically enrolling beneficiaries of cash transfer programmes and enrolling the exempted groups (people who are entitled to free healthcare). We find that, while these quasi‐mandatory enrolment strategies may temporarily increase enrolment rates, dropout and the non‐payment of contributions remain important problems. These problems are at least partly related to supply side issues, notably to inadequate benefit packages. Overall, these findings indicate the limitations of any strategy to increase enrolment into CBHI, which is not coupled to clear improvements in the supply and quality of healthcare.
α‐Mangostin promotes apoptosis of human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by reactive oxygen species‐dependent activation of ERK1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Sheng Xiaoyun , Li Jun , Zhang Chao , Zhao Lianggong , Guo Laiwei , Xu Tianen , Jin Jiaxin , Wu Meng , Xia Yayi 
Published: April 2019

Abstractα‐Mangostin (α‐M) is a commonly used traditional medicine with various biological and pharmacological activities. Our study aimed to explore the effects and mechanism of α‐M in regulating apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS). α‐M of 10 to 100 μM was used to treat RA‐FLS for 24 hours, followed by measuring cell viability and apoptosis. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases was detected. Treatment of α‐M promoted apoptosis and reduced viability of RA‐FLS in a dose‐dependent manner. The mitochondrial membrane potential in RA‐FLS was remarkably reduced by α‐M treatment, accompanied by the cytochrome c accumulation in the cytosol and increased activities of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9. Moreover, we found that α‐M treatment promoted ROS production and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. The proapoptotic activity of α‐M in RA‐FLS was markedly reversed by the co‐induction with the ERK1/2 inhibitor LY3214996 or ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine. In conclusion, our studies found that α‐M had remarkable proapoptotic activities in RA‐FLS, which is regulated by the induction of ROS accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. α‐M may thus have potential therapeutic effects for rheumatoid arthritis.
Microarray analyses of lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiling associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats
Authors: Guo Guojun , Ren Sen , Kang Yu , Liu Yutian , Duscher Dominik , Machens Hans‐Günther , Chen Zhenbing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is considered to be the most frequent neuropathic complication of diabetes, and severely affects the quality of life of patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in various pathophysiological processes and associate with many diseases. However, the exact impact of lncRNAs on DPN remains obscure. To discover a potential connection, a microarray study was conducted to analyze the expression profiling of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats with DPN. As a result, 983 lncRNAs and 1357 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed compared with control samples. Using bioinformatics analyses, we identified 558 Gene Ontology terms and 94 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways to be significantly enriched. Additionally, the signal‐net analysis indicated that integrin receptors, including Itgb3, Itgb1, Itgb8, and Itga6, might be important players in network regulation. Furthermore, the lncRNA‐mRNA network analysis showed dynamic interactions between the dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs. This is the first study to present an overview of lncRNA and mRNA expressions in DRG tissues from DPN rats. Our results indicate that these differentially expressed lncRNAs may have crucial roles in pathological processes of DPN by regulating their coexpressed mRNAs. The data may provide novel targets for future studies, which should focus on validating their roles in the progression of DPN.
Human vascular cell responses to the circulating bone hormone osteocalcin
Authors: Millar Sophie A. , Anderson Susan I. , O'sullivan Saoirse E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to characterize the direct effects of uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) on vascular cell biology in vitro, to assess its potential function in pathophysiological conditions such as atherosclerosis. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were treated with ucOCN (0.1–50 ng/ml) and changes in phosphorylation of intracellular signaling proteins, angiogenesis, proliferation, migration, monolayer permeability, and protein secretion were measured. In HAECs, phosphorylated JNK and CREB were decreased with ucOCN (p < 0.05). In HASMCs, phosphorylated p70S6K and NF‐ΚB were increased by ucOCN (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation increased in both cell types dose dependently which was blocked by AKT and ERK pathway inhibitors. ucOCN did not affect cell permeability, angiogenesis, or migration. The direct activity of ucOCN on vascular cells is recognized, particularly its proliferative effects. However, at least in physiological settings, it does not appear that osteocalcin may directly promote atherogenesis based on the outcomes measured.
Toll‐like receptors in the functional orientation of cardiac progenitor cells
Authors: Yousefi Mohammadreza , Mamipour Mina , Sokullu Sadiye E. , Ghaderi Shahrooz , Amini Hassan , Rahbarghazi Reza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) have the potential to differentiate into several cell lineages with the ability to restore in cardiac tissue. Multipotency and self‐renewal activity are the crucial characteristics of CPCs. Also, CPCs have promising therapeutic roles in cardiac diseases such as valvular disease, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and cardiac remodeling. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), as the main part of the innate immunity, have a key role in the development and differentiation of immune cells. Some reports are found regarding the effect of TLRs in the maturation of stem cells. This article tried to find the potential role of TLRs in the dynamics of CPCs. By showing possible crosstalk between the TLR signaling pathways and CPCs dynamics, we could achieve a better conception related to TLRs in the regeneration of cardiac tissue.
Clinical practice guidelines for safe performance of endoscopic ultrasound/ultrasonography‐guided biliary drainage: 2018
Authors: Isayama Hiroyuki , Nakai Yousuke , Itoi Takao , Yasuda Ichiro , Kawakami Hiroshi , Ryozawa Shomei , Kitano Masayuki , Irisawa Atsushi , Katanuma Akio , Hara Kazuo , Iwashita Takuji , Fujita Naotaka , Yamao Kenji , Yoshida Masahiro , Inui Kazuo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEndoscopic ultrasound/ultrasonography‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) is a relatively new modality for biliary drainage after failed or difficult transpapillary biliary cannulation. Despite its clinical utility, EUS‐BD can be complicated by severe adverse events such as bleeding, perforation, and peritonitis. The aim of this paper is to provide practice guidelines for safe performance of EUS‐BD as well as safe introduction of the procedure to non‐expert centers. The guidelines comprised patient–intervention–comparison–outcome‐formatted clinical questions (CQs) and questions (Qs), which are background statements to facilitate understanding of the CQs. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Statement, evidence level, and strength of recommendation were created according to the GRADE system. Four committees were organized: guideline creation, expert panelist, evaluation, and external evaluation committees. We developed 13 CQs (methods, device selection, supportive treatment, management of adverse events, education and ethics) and six Qs (definition, indication, outcomes and adverse events) with statements, evidence levels, and strengths of recommendation. The guidelines explain the technical aspects, management of adverse events, and ethics of EUS‐BD and its introduction to non‐expert institutions.
Computational Investigation of the Effect of Network Architecture on Mechanical Properties of Dynamically Cross‐Linked Polymer Materials
Authors: Zanjani Mehdi B. , Zhang Borui , Ahammed Ballal , Chamberlin Joseph P. , Chakma Progyateg , Konkolewicz Dominik , Ye Zhijiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDynamically cross‐linked polymer networks have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their unique and improved properties including increased toughness, malleability, shape memory, and self‐healing. Here, a computational study on the mechanical behavior of dynamically cross‐linked polymer networks is presented. Coarse grained models for different polymer network configurations are established and their mechanical properties using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are predicted. Consistent with the experimental measurements, the simulation results show that interpenetrating networks (IPN) withstand considerably higher stress compared to the single networks (SN). Additionally, the MD results demonstrate that the origin of this variation in mechanical behavior of IPN and SN configurations goes back to the difference in spatial degrees of freedom of the noncovalent cross‐linkers, represented by nonbonded interactions within the two system types. The results of this work provide new insight for future studies on the design of systems with dual dynamic cross‐linkers where one linkage exchanges rapidly and provides autonomic dynamic character, while the other is a stimulus responsive dynamic covalent linkage that provides stability with dynamic exchange on‐demand.
Temperature changes in the Heihe River Basin based on high accuracy surface modelling
Authors: Liu Yu , Yue Tianxiang , Jiao Yimeng , Zhao Na , Zhao Miaomiao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the context of global warming, significant differences in temperature changes occur in different regions. Obtaining a more accurate temperature distribution is important for studying regional climate change. A high accuracy surface modeling (HASM) was introduced using the air temperature output from the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model as the driving field, and observation data from meteorological stations as the accuracy control conditions to obtain 30 years of high accuracy temperature fields in the Heihe River Basin. Verified by ground‐based observations, the WRF model has a limited ability to simulate temperature conditions and performs worse in low altitude areas and in winter. The fusion results of the HASM decrease the mean absolute error from 2.21 to 0.9°C and decrease the root mean square error from 2.58 to 1.16°C, thus significantly increasing the accuracy compared with the original simulation from the WRF model and resulting in a more reasonable temperature analysis. The Mann–Kendall test shows clear warming in the Heihe River Basin, but there is a mutation year of 1998 in winter and annual average. The space–time distributions of and variations in the temperature from the HASM results are also analysed by dividing the study period into three subperiods. The analysis shows consistent warming except for the winter 2001–2010 period compared with the winter 1991–2000 period, in which the northeast area of the lower reaches of the Heihe River Basin was cool. Temperature changes in the Heihe River Basin also show that the sparsely populated Gobi Desert in the north and the southern high mountains show extreme sensitivity to climate change.
Analysis of growth functions that can increase irrigated wheat yield under climate change
Authors: Eyni‐Nargeseh Hamed , Deihimfard Reza , Rahimi‐Moghaddam Sajjad , Mokhtassi‐Bidgoli Ali 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study assessed the growth of wheat under climate change conditions (increases in CO2 and temperature) in southwestern Iran. Future climate data were projected using long‐term climate data for radiation and minimum and maximum temperatures for the baseline period 1980–2010. The future climate scenarios made use of delta changes from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) in the R package of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project for 2040–2070. After generating the weather data, the Agricultural Production System Simulator wheat model was applied to assess the potential impact of climate change on wheat yield and the relative growth rate, crop growth rate, total dry weight and leaf area index. Averaged across all locations, an increase of 1.6 and 2.3°C in annual temperature was projected under representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and RCP8.5, respectively. The decrease in the average length of the growing season was 7.5 and 9.3% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, in the mid‐21st century with respect to baseline. The mean cumulative radiation will decrease by 11.6 and 14.3% averaged across all sites for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. Grain yield will decrease at all sites for both RCPs. The greatest decrease in wheat yield was projected for Izeh under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (7.9 and 9.3%, respectively) for 2040–2070 relative to baseline. A greater grain yield at baseline than for the RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 scenarios was closely related to higher leaf area index, relative growth rate and crop growth rate values during the reproductive phase. Thus, these parameters can be defined as indicators of crop yield.