bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of six glycosyltransferase genes in Nicotiana benthamiana for the production of recombinant proteins lacking β‐1,2‐xylose and core α‐1,3‐fucose
Authors: Jansing Julia , Sack Markus , Augustine Sruthy Maria , Fischer Rainer , Bortesi Luisa 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPlants offer fast, flexible and easily scalable alternative platforms for the production of pharmaceutical proteins, but differences between plant and mammalian N‐linked glycans, including the presence of β‐1,2‐xylose and core α‐1,3‐fucose residues in plants, can affect the activity, potency and immunogenicity of plant‐derived proteins. Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used for the transient expression of recombinant proteins so it is desirable to modify the endogenous N‐glycosylation machinery to allow the synthesis of complex N‐glycans lacking β‐1,2‐xylose and core α‐1,3‐fucose. Here, we used multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate N. benthamiana production lines deficient in plant‐specific α‐1,3‐fucosyltransferase and β‐1,2‐xylosyltransferase activity, reflecting the mutation of six different genes. We confirmed the functional gene knockouts by Sanger sequencing and mass spectrometry‐based N‐glycan analysis of endogenous proteins and the recombinant monoclonal antibody 2G12. Furthermore, we compared the CD64‐binding affinity of 2G12 glycovariants produced in wild‐type N. benthamiana, the newly generated FX‐KO line, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, confirming that the glyco‐engineered antibody performed as well as its CHO‐produced counterpart.
Uric Acid: A Less‐than‐Perfect Probe for Singlet Oxygen
Authors: Bregnhøj Mikkel , Dichmann Lea , McLoughlin Ciaran K. , Westberg Michael , Ogilby Peter R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUric acid and/or its monoanion has long been used as chemical‐trapping agents to demonstrate the presence of singlet oxygen, O2(a1Δg), in aqueous systems. “Oxidative bleaching” of uric acid, generally monitored through changes in the uric acid absorption spectrum, is often used in support of claims for the intermediacy of O2(a1Δg). The bleaching of uric acid has also been used to quantify photosensitized O2(a1Δg) yields in selected systems. Unfortunately, experiments performed to these ends often neglect processes and phenomena that can influence the results obtained. For the present study, we experimentally examined the behavior of uric acid under a variety of conditions relevant to the photoinitiated creation and subsequent removal of O2(a1Δg). Although the oxidative destruction of uric acid can indeed be a useful tool in some cases, we conclude that caution must be exercised such as not to incorrectly interpret the data obtained.
RT‐PCR tests for sensitive detection of the major Ranunculus‐infecting viruses: field and in vitro applications
Authors: Sacco E. , Borghi C. , Rabaglio M. , Lenzi R. , Ciuffo M. , Ruffoni B. , Vaira A. M. 
Published: July 2018

Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus, family Ranunculaceae) hybrids are considered a popular and valuable ornamental crop in Europe and are cultivated both for cut flowers and for pot or border plants. In the Liguria region of northern Italy, Ranunculus hybrid cultivation has dramatically increased over recent years and the related sanitary issues regarding virus infection need to be carefully monitored in order to maintain commercial competitiveness. Presently, ELISA is the most used diagnostic tool for virus diagnosis, but if ‘mother plants’ with high economic value are to be tested, more sensitive molecular diagnostic tools are needed, together with efficient protocols for in vitro culture to eradicate viruses. In this study, new RT‐PCR protocols were tested on virus‐infected Ranunculus hybrid plants, indexed for the 13 most important Ranunculus‐infecting viruses. Rapid, uniform and effective procedures for molecular diagnosis were devised in order to promote an easy technology transfer from scientific institutions to laboratories of small and medium private enterprises. Moreover, an in vitro culture procedure was established for this species, which proved to be extremely effective in virus eradication. Advanced technology and sustainable quality production of high economic value plants are keys for future competitiveness in floriculture.
Contributions from carbon and nitrogen in roots to closing the yield gap between conventional and organic cropping systems
Authors: Córdoba E. M. , Chirinda N. , Li F. , Olesen J. E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of different crop rotation systems on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in root biomass as well as on soil organic carbon (SOC). Soils under spring barley and spring barley/pea mixture were sampled both in organic and conventional crop rotations. The amounts of root biomass and SOC in fine (250–253 μm), medium (425–250 μm) and coarse (>425 μm) soil particulate organic matter (POM) were determined. Grain dry matter (DM) and the amount of N in harvested grain were also quantified. Organic systems with varying use of manure and catch crops had lower spring barley grain DM yield compared to those in conventional systems, whereas barley/pea showed no differences. The largest benefits were observed for grain N yields and grain DM yields for spring barley, where grain N yield was positively correlated with root N. The inclusion of catch crops in organic rotations resulted in higher root N and SOC (g C/m2) in fine POM in soils under barley/pea. Our results suggest that manure application and inclusion of catch crops improve crop N supply and reduce the yield gap between conventional and organic rotations. The observed positive correlation between root N and grain N imply that management practices aimed at increasing grain N could also increase root N and thus enhance N supply for subsequent crops.
Design and Modeling of Nano-Robots Control in Medicine
Authors: Soltani Reza 
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to present a new model to develop and expand nanotechnology in particular in the field of medicine. The subject under study focus on the control design of nano-robots for bio-molecular assembly manipulation, and use of evolutionary factors as a suitable method to gain the adaptive properties for proposed model is needed. Moreover, the study use of neural networks as the most practical method for the optimization problem of robot motion using a sensor based system. Thus, the study proposes a useful method within advanced graphics simulation for nano-assembly automation with its focus on an applied model for nano-medicine. Therefore, the study results should provide a great impact for effective design of control instrumentation, helping in the development of nanotechnology. The presented nano-robot model is required to survive and interact with a complex environment. Furthermore the nano-robot has to consider a pre-defined set of tasks both in a competitive scenario and in a collective environment. Nano-robot in a three-dimensional environment monitors organ inlets’ nutritional levels, and assembling new biomolecules into that have to be delivered to the organ inlets with higher priority during each moment of our dynamic simulation. The nano-robot must avoid fuzzy obstacles, and must with proper time and manner react in real time for an environment requiring continuous control. In order to achieve the most pre-programmed set of behaviors the nano-robot uses a local perception through simulated sensors to effectively interact with the surrounding environment. The development of new concepts on nano-mechatronics and automation theory is focused on the problem of molecular machine systems. Finally a novel adaptive optimal method is described and the model validation through the application of nano-robot control design for nano-medicine confirmed.
Cadherins: cellular adhesive molecules serving as signalling mediators
Authors: Yulis Mark , Kusters Dennis H. M. , Nusrat Asma 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe single pass, transmembrane proteins of the cadherin family have been appreciated as important proteins that regulate intercellular adhesion. In addition to this critical function, cadherins contribute to important signalling events that control cellular homeostasis. Many examples exist of classical, desmosomal and atypical cadherins participating in the regulation of signalling events that control homeostatic functions in cells. Much of the work on cadherin mediated signalling focuses on classical cadherins or on specific disease states such as pemphigus vulgaris. Cadherin mediated signalling has been shown to play critical roles during development, in proliferation, apoptosis, disease pathobiology and beyond. It is becoming increasingly clear that cadherins operate through a range of molecular mechanisms. The diversity of pathways and cellular functions regulated by cadherins suggests that we have only scratched the surface in terms of the roles that these versatile proteins play in signalling and cellular function.
image
Complete Genome Sequence of an Atypical Porcine Pestivirus Isolated from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Wu SongSong , Wang Zhe , Zhang WenBo , Deng ShunZhou 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome sequence of an atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV). The virus strain JX-JM01-2018A01 was isolated from the Jiangxi Province, China, from a sucking piglet. This genome sequence will contribute to the understanding of APPV genetic divergence and promote future disease control and vaccine research and development in China.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Strains of Brochothrix thermosphacta, Carnobacterium divergens, Lactobacillus algidus, Lactobacillus fuchuensis, Lactococcus piscium, Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum, Pseudomonas lundensis, and Weissella viridescens, a Collection of Psychrotrophic Species Involved in Meat and Seafood Spoilage
Authors: Poirier Simon , Coeuret Gwendoline , Champomier-Vergès Marie-Christine , Chaillou Stéphane 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
In this study, we present the draft genome sequences of nine strains from various psychrotrophic species identified in meat products and being recognized as important emerging food spoilers. Many of these species have only one or few strains being sequenced, and this work will contribute to the improvement of the overall genomic knowledge about them.
Medical needs of adolescent refugees resettling in Western Australia
Authors: Hirani Kajal , Payne Donald N , Mutch Raewyn , Cherian Sarah 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the medical needs and socioeconomic determinants of health among adolescent refugees resettling in Western Australia.DesignComprehensive medical and socioeconomic health data of resettling adolescent refugees aged 12 years and above attending a Refugee Health Service over a 1-year period were analysed.ResultsMedical records of 122 adolescents, median (range) age of 14 (12–17) years, were reviewed. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities included dependence on government financial support (50%), housing issues (27%) and child protection service involvement (11%). Medical concerns included non-communicable disorders (85%), infectious diseases (81%), nutrition/growth (71%) and physical symptoms of non-organic origin (43%). One quarter (27%) of female adolescents had sexual/reproductive health issues. A median (range) of 5 (2–12) health concerns were identified for each adolescent with 49% requiring referral to subspecialty services.ConclusionResettling adolescent refugees are socioeconomically vulnerable with a range of medical issues that frequently require additional subspecialty health referrals.
Randomised, prospective clinical trial of platelet-rich plasma injection in the management of severe dry eye
Authors: Avila Marcel Y , Igua Angela M , Mora Amparo M 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundTo evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of severe dry eye.MethodsThis prospective, intervention study included patients with severe dry eye who had been diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome. Patients were divided into two groups. The intervention group received PRP (n=15) injections on days 0, 30, 60 and 90, as well as hyaluronic acid five times per day. The comparison group received hyaluronic acid (n=15) five times per day. Subjects were measured at baseline and at 30, 60 and 90 days. The primary outcome measures were changes in corneal staining according to the Oxford classification, results of the Schirmer test and tear break-up time (TBUT). The secondary outcome measures were changes in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and treatment compliance.ResultsAll subjects completed the study. The intervention group showed improvements in all primary outcome measures when compared with the control group, including a reduction in corneal staining (p<0.001), increase in the mean Schirmer value from 5.6±0.7 to 9.0±1.1 mm, and an increase in TBUT from 4.0±0.4 to 6.4±0.4 s at day 90. An improvement in subjective OSDI values was also found.ConclusionPRP injection is safe and effective in improving tear parameters as well as subjective parameters, and was found to be superior to hyaluronic acid alone in the management of patients with severe dry eye. This represent a novel alternative treatment for severe dry eye.Trial registration numberNCT02257957.
Effects of social network diversity on mortality, cognition and physical function in the elderly: a longitudinal analysis of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP)
Authors: Ali Talha , Nilsson Charlotte Juul , Weuve Jennifer , Rajan Kumar B , Mendes de Leon Carlos F 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundHaving a larger social network has been shown to have beneficial effects on health and survival in adults, but few studies have evaluated the role of network diversity, in addition to network size. We explore whether social network diversity is associated with mortality, cognition and physical function among older black and white adults.MethodsData are obtained from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a longitudinal, population-based study of adults aged 65 years and older at baseline. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we estimate the hazard of mortality by network diversity (n=6497). The association between network diversity and cognition (n=6560) and physical function (n=6561) is determined using generalised estimating equations. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, marital status and health-related variables.ResultsIn fully adjusted models, elderly with more diverse social networks had a lower risk of mortality (HR=0.93, p<0.01) compared with elderly with less diverse networks. Increased diversity in social networks was also associated with higher global cognitive function (coefficient=0.11, p<0.001) and higher physical function (coefficient=0.53, p<0.001).ConclusionsSocial networks are particularly important for older adults as they face the greatest threats to health and depend on network relationships, more than younger individuals, to meet their needs. Increasing diversity, and not just increasing size, of social networks may be essential for improving health and survival among older adults.
Diabetes, plasma glucose and incidence of colorectal cancer in Chinese adults: a prospective study of 0.5 million people
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Kartsonaki Christiana , Guo Yu , Chen Yiping , Yang Ling , Bian Zheng , Bragg Fiona , Millwood Iona Y , Shen Leijia , Zhou Songgen , Liu Jiben , Chen Junshi , Li Liming , Holmes Michael V , Chen Zhengming 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundDiabetes is associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Uncertainty remains about the relevance of duration of diabetes and about the association of blood glucose with CRC risk among individuals without diabetes.MethodsThe prospective China Kadoorie Biobank recruited 512 713 participants in 2004–2008 from 10 diverse areas in China. After 10 years of follow-up, 3024 incident cases of CRC (1745 colon, 1716 rectal) were recorded among 510 136 participants without prior cancer at baseline. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted HRs for CRC associated with diabetes (previously diagnosed or screen-detected) and, among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, with levels of random plasma glucose (RPG).ResultsOverall 5.8% of participants had diabetes at baseline. Individuals with diabetes had an adjusted HR of 1.18 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.33) for CRC, with similar risk for colon and rectal cancer (1.19 [1.01 to 1.39] vs 1.14 [0.96 to 1.35]). The HRs decreased with longer duration of diabetes (pfor trend 0.03). Among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, RPG was positively associated with CRC, with adjusted HRs per 1 mmol/L higher baseline RPG of 1.04 (1.02 to 1.05) for CRC, again similar for colon and rectal cancer (1.03 [1.01to 1.05] and 1.04 [1.02 to 1.06], respectively). The associations of diabetes and RPG appeared stronger in men than in women, but the differences were non-significant (pfor heterogeneity 0.3 and 0.2).DiscussionAmong Chinese adults, diabetes and higher blood glucose levels among those without known diabetes are associated with higher risk of CRC.
Abortion induces reactivation of inflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Landi Doriana , Ragonese Paolo , Prosperini Luca , Nociti Viviana , Haggiag Shalom , Cortese Antonio , Fantozzi Roberta , Pontecorvo Simona , Ferraro Elisabetta , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Mataluni Giorgia , Monteleone Fabrizia , Salvetti Marco , Di Battista Giancarlo , Francia Ada , Millefiorini Enrico , Gasperini Claudio , Mirabella Massimiliano , Salemi Giuseppe , Boffa Laura , Pozzilli Carlo , Centonze Diego , Marfia Girolama Alessandra 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) undergoing abortion.MethodsAn independent, multicentre retrospective study was conducted collecting data from eight Italian MS centres. We compared the preconception and postabortion annualised relapse rate (ARR) and number of Gadolinium enhancing (Gd+) lesions, by analyses of covariance. Variables associated with postabortion clinical and MRI activity were investigated using Poisson regression models; each abortion was considered as a statistical unit.ResultsFrom 1995 to 2017, we observed 188 abortions (17 elective) in 153 women with RRMS. Abortions occurred after a mean time of 9.5 (4.4) weeks from estimated conception date. In 86 events out of 188, conception happened during treatment with disease modifying drugs. The mean postabortion ARR (0.63±0.74) was significantly increased (p=0.037) compared with the preconception year (0.50±0.71) as well as the postabortion mean number of new Gd+ lesions (0.77±1.40 vs 0.39±1.04; p=0.004). Higher likelihood of relapses was predicted by higher preconception ARR, discontinuation of preconception treatment and elective abortion; the occurrence of new Gd+ lesions was associated with higher preconception number of active lesions, discontinuation of preconception treatment, shorter length of pregnancy maintenance and elective abortion.ConclusionsAbortion was associated with clinical and radiological inflammatory rebound remarkably in the first 12 months postevent. Deregulated proinflammatory processes arising at the early stages of pregnancy might play a role both in MS reactivation and abortion. Women with MS should be counselled about these risks of abortion and followed up accordingly.
A study on finite element analysis for simplification of curvature extrusion method
Authors: Yu J. O. , Kim Y. H. , Takuo Nagamachi 
Published: July 2018

To eliminate the complexity of curvature extrusion process, a new extrusion method was proposed. In this study, a finite element analysis for curvature extrusion was studied to commercialize this extrusion method that creates curvature in a tilting method. When simulating an extrusion process, it is important to fix the appropriate friction coefficient and fillet value to avoid peel-out problems such that the finite element disappears. Therefore, the actual extrusion results and the simulated results were compared to find conditions that the element would not disappear. There was a good agreement between the simulation and experimental results when the coefficient friction was 0.4 and the fillet was 0.4 mm.
Bilayered ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode for dye sensitized solar cell
Authors: Beedri Niyamat I. , Baviskar Prashant K. , Supekar Abhijit T. , Inamuddin  , Jadkar Sandesh R. , Pathan Habib M. 
Published: July 2018

Nb2O5 layer were deposited on ZnO by using doctor blade method. The preparation of a bilayered ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode was introduce for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. Deposition of Nb2O5 layer on ZnO film improves power conversion efficiency of DSSCs. The ZnO/Nb2O5photoanode-based DSSCs show increase in photocurrent, open circuit voltage and conversion efficiency. The ZnO/Nb2O5 solar cell provides 50 mV increase of open circuit voltage, [Formula: see text] increment in current density and [Formula: see text] increment in efficiency as compare to ZnO-based DSSCs. We further analyzed the electron recombination properties of ZnO and ZnO/Nb2O5 by utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS analysis (Bode Plot) for ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode show shifting of the peak related to electron recombination towards low frequency as compared to ZnO photoanode. Thus, there is an increase in lifetime of electrons in the ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode, confirming that the recombination reactions are reduced in ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode as compared to the ZnO.
Easy cellulose nanofiber extraction from residue of agricultural crops
Authors: Nakagaito Antonio Norio , Takagi Hitoshi 
Published: July 2018

Cellulose is found in the cell wall of plant fibers in the form of nanofibers. The Young’s modulus of the crystalline portion is close to 140 GPa whereas the tensile strength of nanofibers is estimated to be above 2 GPa. Cellulose nanofiber has the potential to become an environmentally benign substitute for conventional reinforcements, but the overall cost of production is prohibitive due to the high energy demand and low yields of the mainstream processes, along with the need for expensive devices for proper extraction. This study proposes the use of an affordable kitchen blender adapted to extract cellulose nanofiber from agricultural crop byproducts to reduce production cost. Preliminary results showed that blending of pulp fibers from grass straw produces nanofibers similar to commercially available morphologies. So far, the raw material for nanofiber extraction has been mainly pulp fibers from wood, but the availability of cellulose in plant cells other than fibers would make nanofibers accessible to a wider research community and accelerate the development of cellulose-based nanocomposites.
Structural, optical and physical properties of Dy3+ ions in barium sulphate borophosphate glasses for generation of white light
Authors: Yamusa Y. A. , Hussin Rosli , Wan Shamsuri W. N. , Dalhatu S. A. , Aliyu Aliyu M. , Bulus Ibrahim 
Published: July 2018

Glasses in the 25BaSO[Formula: see text]30B2O[Formula: see text](45 −x)P2O[Formula: see text]xDy2O3 system with x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mol% have been prepared by the melt quenching approach with the aim of using it for optical and white light application. The structural properties are examined by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The amorphous state of the glasses matrices is determined by X-ray diffraction. Direct and indirect energy bandgap have been evaluated via the data found from UV–visible–near IR spectroscopy. The spectral absorption, emission and excitation are measured, and it is found that the glass doped Dy2O3 ions display good UV-excited luminescence of 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] and 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] transition around 480–500 and 570–600 nm corresponding to blue and yellow regions respectively. The physical parameters of the glasses have also been calculated. Infrared and Raman of the borosulfophosphate glasses revealed intense spectrum which is characterized by distinct bands.