bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast flow rate processes for purification of alkaline xylanase isoforms from Bacillus pumilus AJK and their biochemical characterization for industrial application purposes
Authors: Singh Avtar , Sharma Divya , Varghese Libin M. , Mahajan Ritu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study shows the presence of five isozymic forms of alkaline xylanase from Bacillus pumilus using fast flow rate microfiltration, ultrafiltration, Q‐sepharose, and phenyl sepharose chromatographic techniques. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and zymographic studies also revealed the purity of five isoforms of alkaline xylanases. Isoforms—X‐I, X‐III, and X‐V exhibited optimum activity at pH 8.5, whereas X‐II, X‐IV showed maximum activity at pH 9. All isoforms were optimally active at temperature 55°C. Isoforms were found to be stable at pH 7–11, showed 92–100% residual activity after 3 hr, treatment time for most industrial applications. The isoforms retained nearly 80–86% residual activity after incubating at 45°C for 3 hr. Molecular weights of xylanase I–V, were 13.1, 15.3, 18.4, 20.1, and 21.0 kDa, respectively. Mg2+ ions were found to be potent activator for all isozymic forms. The Km and Vmax values of X‐I, X‐II, X‐III, X‐IV, and X‐V were 6.71, 6.66, 7.14, 5.88, 6.25 mg/ml and 2,000, 1,695, 1,666.66, 1,428.57, and 1,408.45 IU/mg protein, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed the monomeric nature of all isoforms. The low‐molecular masses, significantly enhanced activity in the presence of industrially suitable—low cost activator, better stability of all isoforms at pH 7–11 and at higher temperature, also presence of multiple forms of alkaline xylanase, makes this enzyme suitable for textile–paper industries. This is also the first report mentioning the purification of five isozymic forms of alkaline xylanase using fast flow rate techniques.
Risk of cancer in patients with fecal incontinence
Authors: Adelborg Kasper , Veres Katalin , Sundbøll Jens , Gregersen Hans , Sørensen Henrik Toft 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundFecal incontinence may be an early symptom of cancer, but its association with cancer remains unclear. We examined the risk of selected cancers, including colorectal cancer, other gastrointestinal cancers, hormone‐related cancers, and lymphoma, in patients with fecal incontinence.MethodsUsing Danish population‐based registries, all patients with hospital‐based diagnoses of fecal incontinence during 1995‐2013 were identified. We calculated cumulative incidences of cancers. As a measure of relative risks, we computed standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), that is, the observed number of cancers relative to the expected number based on national incidence rates by sex, age, and calendar year.ResultsAmong 16 556 patients with fecal incontinence, the cumulative incidence of colorectal cancers, other gastrointestinal cancers, hormone‐related cancers, and lymphoma each was less than 0.4% after 1 year. It increased to under 3% after 10 years. The SIR for any cancer during 19 years of follow‐up was 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06‐1.19]. The SIRs during the first year were 2.31 (95% CI, 1.65‐3.13) for colorectal cancer, 1.56 (95% CI, 0.89‐2.54) for other gastrointestinal cancers, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.72‐1.35) for hormone‐related cancers, and 2.02 (95% CI, 1.01‐3.61) for lymphoma. Beyond 1 year, the SIR reached unity for other gastrointestinal cancers, hormone‐related cancers, and lymphoma, while a reduced risk was observed for colorectal cancer (SIR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.59‐0.98).ConclusionsFecal incontinence was a marker of cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancers and lymphoma within 1 year, which presumably is driven partly by reverse causation. However, the absolute risks were low. Heightened diagnostic efforts may explain in part the increased short‐term risk of colorectal cancers.
Dyspnea—Think outside of the box, a case of subglottic stenosis
Authors: Jia Wei , Porteus Jack , Malik Tass 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDyspnea is a common presentation in upper and lower airway obstructive causes. However, biphasic stridor and hoarseness should prompt evaluation of the upper airway. Nasendoscopy carried out by the otolaryngology team is a quick and an effective way of evaluating the upper airway.
Hierarchical Rambutan‐Like CNTs‐Assembled N−Co−C@rGO Composite as Sulfur Immobilizer for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Junfan , Wang Wenjuan , Zhang Yongguang , Bakenov Zhumabay , Zhao Yan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe design of efficient sulfur‐host materials is of great significance to enhance the conductivity of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries and inhibit the shuttle effect of polysulfides. Hence, a nitrogen and cobalt co‐doped graphitized carbon (N−Co−C)‐coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with plenty of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was rationally designed. The composite had abundant multiple adsorptive and electrocatalytic sites to provide strong chemical trapping for polysulfides and simultaneously propel their electrochemical kinetics. The densely grafted small‐diameter CNTs could shorten the ion‐diffusion pathways and maintain the structural stability of the electrode materials. Meanwhile, abundant pore structures could provide enough volume for sulfur impregnation and physical adsorption of polysulfides. Owing to these favorable features, the as‐prepared rambutan‐like S/N−Co−C@rGO‐CNTs (S/NCoC@G‐CNTs) composite demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance with a high initial specific capacity of 1225.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and high rate performance of 632.5 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C and possessed decent areal capacity under high raised sulfur loading of up to 5 mg cm−2.
Construction of Ag/WS2 Zero/Two‐Dimensional Hybrid Architectures by Self‐Assembly for High‐Rate Lithium Storage
Authors: Mao Ya‐Chun , Zhu Xiao‐Dong , Fan Xiu‐Hua , Wang Hua‐Guo , Xu Zhi‐Tao , Le Shi‐Ru 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe propose a self‐assembly strategy to decorate water‐phase exfoliated WS2 nanosheets with a small quantity of Ag nanoparticles. The whole process is facile, green, economic, and energy efficient. The resulting Ag/WS2 zero/two‐dimensional hybrid architectures exhibit a remarkable synergy in high‐rate lithium storage, which shows potentials for the practical applications of high power and energy density anodes of lithium‐ion batteries.
Single Amino Acid Replacement in G‐7039 Leads to a 70‐fold Increase in Binding toward GHS‐R1a
Authors: Lalonde Tyler , Fowkes Milan M. , Hou Jinqiang , Thibeault Pierre E. , Milne Mark , Dhanvantari Savita , Ramachandran Rithwik , Luyt Leonard G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS‐R1a) is a class A rhodopsin‐like G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed in a variety of human tissues and is differentially expressed in benign and malignant prostate cancer. Previously, the peptidomimetic [1‐Nal4,Lys5(4‐fluorobenzoyl)]G‐7039 was designed as a molecular imaging tool for positron emission tomography (PET). However, this candidate was a poor binder (IC50=69 nm), required a lengthy four‐step radiosynthesis, and had a cLogP above 8. To address these challenges, we now report on changes targeted at the 4th position of G‐7039. A 2‐fluoropropionic acid (2‐FPA) group was added on to Lys5 to determine the potential binding affinity of the [18F]‐2‐FP radiolabeled analogue, which could be prepared by simplified radiochemistry. Lead candidate [Tyr4,Lys5(2‐fluoropropionyl)]G‐7039 exhibited an IC50 of 0.28 nm and low picomolar activity toward GHS‐R1a. Molecular docking revealed a molecular basis for this picomolar affinity.
Frequency and outcomes of brain metastases in patients with HER2‐mutant lung cancers
Authors: Offin Michael , Feldman Daniel , Ni Ai , Myers Mackenzie L. , Lai W. Victoria , Pentsova Elena , Boire Adrienne , Daras Mariza , Jordan Emmet J. , Solit David B. , Arcila Maria E. , Jones David R. , Isbell James M. , Beal Kathryn , Young Robert J. , Rudin Charles M. , Riely Gregory J. , Drilon Alexander , Tabar Viviane , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Yu Helena A. , Kris Mark G. , Li Bob T. 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundMutations in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; also known as ERBB2) are found in approximately 2% of lung adenocarcinomas. The frequency and clinical course of brain metastases in this oncogenic subset are ill defined.MethodsBaseline and subsequent development of brain metastases was evaluated in consecutive patients with HER2‐mutant (n = 98), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutant (n = 200), and KRAS‐mutant lung cancers (n = 200).ResultsAt metastatic diagnosis, the odds ratio (ORs) for brain metastases was similar for patients whose tumors harbored HER2 mutations (19%) in comparison with patients with KRAS mutations (24%; OR for HER2 vs KRAS, 0.7; P = .33) but lower compared to patients with EGFR mutations (31%; OR for HER2 vs EGFR, 0.5; P = .03). Patients with lung cancer and HER2 mutations developed more brain metastases on treatment than patients with KRAS mutations (28% vs 8%; hazard ratio [HR], 5.2; P < .001) and trended more than patients with EGFR mutations (28% vs 16%; HR, 1.7; P = .06). Patients with HER2 YVMA mutations also developed more brain metastases on treatment than patients with KRAS mutations (HR, 5.9; P < .001). The median overall survival (OS) was shorter for patients with HER2‐mutant (1.6 years; P < .001) or KRAS‐mutant lung cancers (1.1 years; P < .001) than patients with EGFR‐mutant lung cancers (3.0 years). Brain metastases occurred in 47% of patients with HER2‐mutant lung cancers, which imparted shorter OS (HR, 2.7; P < .001).ConclusionsThese data provide a framework for brain imaging surveillance in patients with HER2‐mutant lung cancers and underpin the need to develop HER2‐targeted agents with central nervous system activity.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma surviving blood or marrow transplantation
Authors: Gangaraju Radhika , Chen Yanjun , Hageman Lindsey , Wu Jessica , Francisco Liton , Kung Michelle , Ness Emily , Parman Mariel , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Forman Stephen J. , Arora Mukta , Armenian Saro H. , Bhatia Smita 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundPatients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly when they are receiving treatment. Blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) is recommended for relapsed/refractory NHL, and the risk of VTE after these patients undergo BMT is uncertain.MethodsPatients with NHL who survived 2 years or longer after BMT were surveyed for long‐term health outcomes, including VTE. The median follow‐up was 8.1 years (interquartile range, 5.6‐12.9 years). The risk of VTE in 734 patients with NHL versus 897 siblings without a history of cancer and the risk factors associated with VTE were analyzed.ResultsBMT survivors of NHL were at increased risk for VTE in comparison with siblings (odds ratio for allogeneic BMT survivors, 4.61;P < .0001; odds ratio for autologous BMT survivors, 1.75;P = .035). The cumulative incidence of VTE was 6.3% ± 0.9% at 5 years after BMT and 8.1% ± 1.1% at 10 years after BMT. In allogeneic BMT recipients, an increased body mass index (BMI; hazard ratio [HR] for BMI of 25‐30 kg/m2, 3.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43‐8.64;P = .006; HR for BMI > 30 kg/m2, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.15‐10.23;P = .027) and a history of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (HR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.59‐6.97;P = .001) were associated with an increased risk of VTE. Among autologous BMT recipients, a diagnosis of coronary artery disease (HR, 5.94; 95% CI, 1.7‐20.71;P = .005) and prior treatment with carmustine (HR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.66‐14.51;P = .004) were associated with increased VTE risk.ConclusionsPatients with NHL who survive BMT are at risk for developing late occurring VTE, and ongoing vigilance for this complication is required. Future studies assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis in high‐risk patients with NHL are needed.
Galanin immunoreactivity is sexually polymorphic in neuroendocrine and vocal‐acoustic systems in a teleost fish
Authors: Tripp Joel A. , Bass Andrew H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGalanin is a peptide that regulates pituitary hormone release, feeding, and reproductive and parental care behaviors. In teleost fish, increased galanin expression is associated with territorial, reproductively active males. Prior transcriptome studies of the plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus), a highly vocal teleost fish with two male morphs that follow alternative reproductive tactics, show that galanin is upregulated in the preoptic area‐anterior hypothalamus (POA‐AH) of nest‐holding, courting type I males during spawning compared to cuckolding type II males. Here, we investigate possible differences in galanin immunoreactivity in the brain of both male morphs and females with a focus on vocal‐acoustic and neuroendocrine networks. We find that females differ dramatically from both male morphs in the number of galanin‐expressing somata and in the distribution of fibers, especially in brainstem vocal‐acoustic nuclei and other sensory integration sites that also differ, though less extensively, between the male morphs. Double labeling shows that primarily separate populations of POA‐AH neurons express galanin and the nonapeptides arginine‐vasotocin or isotocin, homologues of mammalian arginine vasopressin and oxytocin that are broadly implicated in neural mechanisms of vertebrate social behavior including morph‐specific actions on vocal neurophysiology in midshipman. Finally, we report a small population of POA‐AH neurons that coexpress galanin and the neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid. Together, the results indicate that galanin neurons in midshipman fish likely modulate brain activity at a broad scale, including targeted effects on vocal motor, sensory and neuroendocrine systems; are unique from nonapeptide‐expressing populations; and play a role in male‐specific behaviors.
Performance enhancement of UWA‐OFDM communication systems based on FWHT
Authors: El‐Mahallawy Mohamed , Eldien Adly Tag 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe available bandwidth of underwater environment tends to several kilohertz, which considers the main challenges of communications under sea water. On the other hand, the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance degrades because of several reasons such as multipath propagation, time variabilities of the channel, attenuation, and water temperature. In this paper, we aim to improve the underwater acoustic (UWA) BER system performance by using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based on fast Walsh‐Hadamard transform (FWHT) instead off fast Fourier transform (FFT). We proposed a low‐complexity equalization and carrier frequency offset (CFO) compensation for UWA‐OFDM–based FWHT using banded‐matrix approximation concept. Simulation results show that the UWA‐OFDM–based FWHT with low‐density parity check (LDPC) codes give a good improvement performance compared with traditional OFDM in UWA system especially in case of estimation errors.
Efficient data management and control over WSNs using SDN‐enabled aerial networks
Authors: Sayeed Mohd Abuzar , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Vishal 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe recent developments in collaborative search, acquisition, and tracking have hoisted the geographical barrier. The network between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is one such collaboration, which comprises battery‐powered static sensor nodes that act as sources and sinks and UAVs that act as relays. This collaborative network presents with opportunities and advantages, but at the same time, configuration of such networks is an arduous task. The WSN nodes are characterized by constant depleting power. Their network itself requires constant management and reconfiguration. These requisites can be slaked through the formation of an efficient data dissemination algorithm, which acclimates according to the network state. Considering this, a data dissemination approach is presented in this paper, which constructs a virtual topology predicated on the charge of WSN nodes utilizing software‐defined networks (SDNs) through UAVs. The topology is constantly monitored and reconfigured when required. The aerial nodes are equipped with multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antennas in order to facilitate simultaneous communication with the ground nodes, the base station, and the SDN controller. An efficient sleep timer and backoff counter strategies are also utilized by the proposed approach. The SDN controller facilitates the topology formation and maintenance of a sleep timer and a backoff counter. The proposed model is compared with clustered hierarchical layouts and hexagonal cell layouts through the network simulations. The results suggest significant improvements in the proposed model for various metrics, such as lifetime, delay, latency, delivery ratio, and throughput in comparison with the existing solutions.
Functional response of wolves to human development across boreal North America
Authors: Muhly Tyler B. , Johnson Cheryl A. , Hebblewhite Mark , Neilson Eric W. , Fortin Daniel , Fryxell John M. , Latham Andrew David M. , Latham Maria C. , McLoughlin Philip D. , Merrill Evelyn , Paquet Paul C. , Patterson Brent R. , Schmiegelow Fiona , Scurrah Fiona , Musiani Marco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimThe influence of humans on large carnivores, including wolves, is a worldwide conservation concern. In addition, human‐caused changes in carnivore density and distribution might have impacts on prey and, indirectly, on vegetation. We therefore tested wolf responses to infrastructure related to natural resource development (i.e., human footprint).LocationOur study provides one of the most extensive assessments of how predators like wolves select habitat in response to various degrees of footprint across boreal ecosystems encompassing over a million square kilometers of Canada.MethodsWe deployed GPS‐collars on 172 wolves, monitored movements and used a generalized functional response (GFR) model of resource selection. A functional response in habitat selection occurs when selection varies as a function of the availability of that habitat. GFRs can clarify how human‐induced habitat changes are influencing wildlife across large, diverse landscapes.ResultsWolves displayed a functional response to footprint. Wolves were more likely to select forest harvest cutblocks in regions with higher cutblock density (i.e., a positive functional response to high‐quality habitats for ungulate prey) and to select for higher road density in regions where road density was high (i.e., a positive functional response to human‐created travel routes). Wolves were more likely to use cutblocks in habitats with low road densities, and more likely to use roads in habitats with low cutblock densities, except in winter when wolves were more likely to use roads regardless of cutblock density.Main conclusionsThese interactions suggest that wolves trade‐off among human‐impacted habitats, and adaptively switch from using roads to facilitate movement (while also risking encounters with humans), to using cutblocks that may have higher ungulate densities. We recommend that conservation managers consider the contextual and interacting effects of footprints when assessing impacts on carnivores. These effects likely have indirect impacts on ecosystems too, including on prey species.
The first complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian Tent Turtle, Pangshura tentoria (Testudines: Geoemydidae): Characterization and comparative analysis
Authors: Kundu Shantanu , Kumar Vikas , Tyagi Kaomud , Chakraborty Rajasree , Chandra Kailash 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe characterization of a complete mitogenome is widely used in genomics studies for systematics and evolutionary research. However, the sequences and structural motifs contained within the mitogenome of Testudines taxa have rarely been examined. The present study decodes the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian Tent Turtle, Pangshura tentoria (16,657 bp) by using next‐generation sequencing. This denovo assembly encodes 37 genes: 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA, and one control region (CR). Most of the genes were encoded on majority strand, except for one PCG (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6) and eight tRNAs. Most of the PCGs were started with an ATG initiation codon, except for Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 with “GTG” and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 with “ATA.” The termination codons, “TAA” and “AGA” were observed in two subunits of NADH dehydrogenase gene. The relative synonymous codon usage analysis revealed the maximum abundance of alanine, isoleucine, leucine, and threonine. The nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios were <1 in all PCGs, which indicates strong negative selection among all Geoemydid species. The study also found the typical cloverleaf secondary structure in most of the tRNA genes, except for serine with the lack of the conventional DHU arm. The comparative study of Geoemydid mitogenomes revealed the occurrence of tandem repeats was frequent in the 3′ end of CR. Further, two copies of a unique tandem repeat “TTCTCTTT” were identified in P. tentoria. The Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic trees using concatenation of 13 PCGs revealed the close relationships of P. tentoria with Batagur trivittata in the studied dataset. All the Geoemydid species showed distinct clustering with high bootstrap support congruent with previous evolutionary hypotheses. We suggest that the generations of more mitogenomes of Geoemydid species are required, to improve our understanding of their in‐depth phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships.
Miniaturized systems for evaluating enzyme activity in polymeric membrane bioreactors
Authors: Islam Mohammad S. , Harnett Cindy K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEnzyme‐coated polymeric membranes are versatile catalysts for biofuel production and other chemical production from feedstock, like plant biomass. Such bioreactors are more energy efficient than high temperature methods because enzymes catalyze chemical reactions near room temperature. A major challenge in processing plant biomass is the presence of lignin, a complex aromatic polymer that resists chemical breakdown. Therefore, membranes coated with enzymes such as laccase that can degrade lignin are sought for energy extraction systems. We present an experimental study on optimizing an enzyme‐based membrane bioreactor and investigate the tradeoff between high flow rate and short dwell time in the active region. In this work, zero flow rate voltammetry experiments confirm the electrochemical activity of Trametes versicolor laccase on conductive polymer electrodes, and a flow‐through spectroscopy device with laccase‐coated porous nylon membranes is used with a colorimetric laccase activity indicator to measure the catalysis rate and percent conversion as a function of reactant flow rate. Membrane porosity before and after laccase coating is verified with electron microscopy.