bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional Analysis of Virtual Water Flow in View of Crop Consumption
Authors: Kim Young Deuk , Lee Sung Hee , Itsubo Norihiro , Ono Yuya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIt is important to identify virtual water for crop production (Pvw) and consumption (Cvw) and to analyse the virtual water flow among regions for a better understanding of water resource use. The estimation of virtual water flow in a basin or between regions of a basin can contribute to finding options for water‐saving strategies, such as changing cropping pattern and land use. The objective of this study was to analyse virtual water flow by using Pvw, Cvw and virtual water content (VWC). VWC of a product is the amount of fresh water required to produce the product, expressed as m3 t−1. The virtual water consumption rate in this study is defined as Cvw/Pvw, which indicates the extent of water shortage and self‐sufficiency of water use in a region. The Cvw and Pvw of 16 regions were computed and the virtual water flow in the Han and Nakdong River basins was analysed. The analysis indicated that a shift of rice cultivation between the upper and the lower regions of these basins can save between 503 and 752 Mm3 of VW in ideal conditions. Virtual water analysis can be useful for finding solutions to improve water productivity at basin level and to reduce pressure on local water resources. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in the mechanisms of action of BDE‐47 and its metabolites on OVCAR‐3 and MCF‐7 cell apoptosis
Authors: Karpeta Anna , Gregoraszczuk Ewa Łucja 
Published: September 2016

AbstractData concerning possible carcinogenic action of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in hormone‐dependent tissues are limited. Our earlier studies showed that 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) stimulated OVCAR‐3 and MCF‐7 cell proliferation, while its hydroxylated metabolites (5‐OH‐BDE‐47 and 6‐OH‐BDE‐47) increased estrogen receptors protein expression and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase Cα phosphorylation in these cell lines. In addition to cell proliferative disorder, a failure in the regulation of apoptosis can also lead to the formation and development of tumors. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of BDE‐47 and its metabolites (2.5–50 ng ml–1) on the expression of apoptosis regulatory genes and proteins, caspase‐8 and ‐9 activity and DNA fragmentation induced by extracellular signal‐regulated kinase inhibitor (PD098059) and protein kinase Cα inhibitor (Gӧ 6976) in ovarian (OVCAR‐3) and breast (MCF‐7) cancer cells. In OVCAR‐3 cells, BDE‐47 upregulated expression of most of the investigated genes and increased protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, TNF receptor 1, caspase‐6, Bcl‐xl and caspase‐8 activity. Whereas in MCF‐7 cells, BDE‐47 resulted in the downregulation of most of the investigated genes, and decreased caspase‐8 and ‐9 activity. In both OVCAR‐3 and MCF‐7 cells, the expression of most of the investigated genes were downregulated by metabolites. Exposure of OVCAR‐3 cells to 5‐OH‐BDE‐47 corresponded with a decrease in the protein expression of caspase‐6, caspase‐9 and Bcl‐xl and treatment with 6‐OH‐BDE‐47 decreased Bcl‐xl and TNF receptor 1 expression in OVCAR‐3 cells and caspase‐9 expression in MCF‐7 cells. Hydroxylated metabolites of BDE‐47 have strong inhibitory effects on apoptosis in ovarian and breast tumor cells and thus should be considered potential carcinogens in hormone‐dependent cancers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical and biological characterization of a dermonecrotic metalloproteinase isolated from Cerastes cerastes snake venom
Authors: Ami Amina , Oussedik‐Oumehdi Habiba , Laraba‐Djebari Fatima 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA dermonecrotic metalloproteinase (CcD‐II) was isolated from C. cerastes venom. Venom fractionation was performed using three chromatographic steps (molecular exclusion on Sephadex G‐75, ion‐exchange on DEAE‐Sephadex A‐50, and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography on C8 column). CcD‐II presented an apparent molecular mass of 39.9 kDa and displayed a dermonecrotic activity with a minimal necrotic dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight. CcD‐II showed proteolytic ability on casein chains and on α and β fibrinogen chains that was inhibited by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and 1,10‐phenanthroline while remained unaffected by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride and heparin. CcD‐II displayed gelatinase activity and degraded extracellular matrix compounds (type‐IV collagen and laminin). These results correlated with histopathological analysis showing a complete disorganization of collagenous skin fibers. These data suggested that CcD‐II belongs to P‐II class of snake venom metalloproteinase. The characterization of venom compounds involved in tissue damage may contribute in the development of new therapeutic strategies in envenomation.
Toxicity of lithium on isolated heart mitochondria and cardiomyocyte: A justification for its cardiotoxic adverse effect
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Gholamifar Ehsan , Naserzadeh Parvaneh , Hosseini Mir‐Jamal , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMitochondria play an important role in myocardial tissue homeostasis; therefore, deterioration in mitochondrial function will eventually lead to cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell death and consequently cardiovascular dysfunction. Lithium (Li+) is an effective drug for bipolar disorder with known cardiotoxic side effects. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Li+ on mitochondria and cardiomyocytes isolated from the heart of Wistar rat. Results revealed that Li+ induced a concentration‐ and time‐dependent rise in mitochondrial ROS formation, inhibition of respiratory complexes (II), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, mitochondrial swelling, and cytochrome c release in rat heart mitochondria and also induced Caspase 3 activation through mitochondrial pathway, decline of ATP and lipid peroxidation in rat cardiomyocytes. These results indicate that the cardiotoxic effects of Li+ were initiated from mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which finally ends in cytochrome c release and cell death signaling heart cardiomyocytes.
Babesia parasitemia rebound after red blood cell exchange
Authors: Alquist Caroline R. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Dunbar Nancy 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBabesiosis is an increasingly recognized disease which may benefit from therapeutic apheresis (Category II/Grade 2C). Vulnerable populations include the splenectomized, those aged >50, those with malignancies, and the immunocompromised. In the setting of parasite levels > 10%, significant anemia, renal impairment, pulmonary compromise, or hepatic dysfunction, RBC exchange can rapidly reduce parasite burdens and decrease the bioavailability of proinflammatory cytokines. No previous report has shown such a rapid rebound in parasitemia despite adequate organism removal. Herein, we report a case of severe babesiosis in a splenectomized 56 year old male with a past medical history significant for benign multiple sclerosis. Following a week of flu‐like symptoms, the patient presented to an outside hospital with anemia, elevated bilirubin, thrombocytopenia, and 15% of his RBCs containing Babesia forms on a peripheral smear. Despite initiation of appropriate antimicrobials, subsequent transfer to our facility revealed worsening parasitemia (25%), tachypnea, and hypoxia. An emergent two volume RBC exchange was performed, resulting in 15% post‐exchange parasitemia. Twelve hours later, the parasitic burden had climbed to 30%. A second RBC exchange reduced the parasite burden to 1.5%. His post‐procedural course was significant for diminishing periodic increases in parasitemia despite continued antimicrobial therapy. Rapid increases in parasitic burden following RBC exchanges can occur and post‐procedural surveillance of parasitemia should be closely monitored to expedite additional exchanges.
Whole exome sequencing and array‐based molecular karyotyping as aids to prenatal diagnosis in fetuses with suspected Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome
Authors: Kehrer Christina , Hoischen Alexander , Menkhaus Ralf , Schwab Eva , Müller Andreas , Kim Sarah , Kreiß Martina , Weitensteiner Valerie , Hilger Alina , Berg Christoph , Geipel Anne , Reutter Heiko , Gembruch Ulrich 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveSimpson–Golabi–Behmel (SGBS) syndrome type 1 and type 2 represent rare X‐linked prenatal overgrowth disorders. The aim of our study is to describe the prenatal sonographic features as well as the genetic work‐up.MethodRetrospective analysis of four cases with a pre‐ or postnatal diagnosis of SGBS in a single tertiary referral center within a period of 4 years.ResultsIn the study period, four male fetuses with SGBS were detected. The final diagnosis was made prenatally in three cases. In all cases the second trimester anomaly scan revealed left sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with additional anomalies; three fetuses with SGBS type 1 showed fetal overgrowth. In two of these, whole exome sequencing showed a possible frameshift mutation and a point mutation in the gene GPC3, respectively. In the third case, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) revealed a hemizygous duplication of exon 3–7 in the gene GPC3. In the fourth case, SGBS type 2 was confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) of amniotic fluid cells showing a deletion of the gene OFD1.ConclusionWe could demonstrate, that in the presence of a CDH, syndromes of the fetus can be increasingly differentiated by detailed sonography followed by a selective and graded molecular diagnostic using microarray techniques and whole exome sequencing. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryo‐EM of dynamic protein complexes in eukaryotic DNA replication
Authors: Sun Jingchuan , Yuan Zuanning , Bai Lin , Li Huilin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDNA replication in Eukaryotes is a highly dynamic process that involves several dozens of proteins. Some of these proteins form stable complexes that are amenable to high‐resolution structure determination by cryo‐EM, thanks to the recent advent of the direct electron detector and powerful image analysis algorithm. But many of these proteins associate only transiently and flexibly, precluding traditional biochemical purification. We found that direct mixing of the component proteins followed by 2D and 3D image sorting can capture some very weakly interacting complexes. Even at 2D average level and at low resolution, EM images of these flexible complexes can provide important biological insights. It is often necessary to positively identify the feature‐of‐interest in a low resolution EM structure. We found that systematically fusing or inserting maltose binding protein (MBP) to selected proteins is highly effective in these situations. In this chapter, we describe the EM studies of several protein complexes involved in the eukaryotic DNA replication over the past decade or so. We suggest that some of the approaches used in these studies may be applicable to structural analysis of other biological systems.
Gene expression related to serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission is altered in the flinders sensitive line rat model of depression: Effect of ketamine
Authors: Du Jardin Kristian Gaarn , Müller Heidi Kaastrup , Sanchez Connie , Wegener Gregers , Elfving Betina 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with dysfunctional serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, and the genetic animal model of depression Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats display alterations in these systems relatively to their control strain Flinders Resistant Line (FRL). However, changes on transcript level related to serotonergic and glutamatergic signaling have only been sparsely studied in this model. The non‐competitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has fast‐onset antidepressant properties, and recent data implicate serotonergic neurotransmission in ketamine's antidepressant‐like activities in rodents. Here, we investigated the transcript levels of 40 genes involved in serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in FSL and FRL rats in response to a single dose of ketamine (15 mg/kg; 90 min prior to euthanization). Using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we studied the effect of ketamine in the hippocampus, whereas strain differences were investigated in both hippocampus and frontal cortex. The expression of genes involved in serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission were unaffected by a single dose of ketamine in the hippocampus. Relative to FRL rats, FSL rats displayed enhanced hippocampal transcript levels of 5‐ht2c, and P11, whereas the expression was reduced for 5‐ht2a, Nr2a, and Mglur2. In the frontal cortex, we found higher transcript levels of 5‐ht2c and Mglur2, whereas the expression of 5‐ht2a was reduced in FSL rats. Thus, ketamine is not associated with hippocampal alterations in serotonergic or glutamatergic genes at 90 min after an antidepressant dose. Furthermore, FSL rats display serotonergic and glutamatergic abnormalities on gene expression level that partly may resemble findings in MDD patients.
Biocalcification by halophilic bacteria for remediation of concrete structures in marine environment
Authors: Bansal Roohi , Dhami Navdeep Kaur , Mukherjee Abhijit , Reddy M Sudhakara 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Microbial carbonate precipitation has emerged as a promising technology for remediation and restoration of concrete structures. Deterioration of reinforced concrete structures in marine environments is a major concern due to chloride-induced corrosion. In the current study, halophilic bacteria Exiguobacterium mexicanum was isolated from sea water and tested for biomineralization potential under different salt stress conditions. The growth, urease and carbonic anhydrase production significantly increased under salt stress conditions. Maximum calcium carbonate precipitation was recorded at 5 % NaCl concentration. Application of E. mexicanum on concrete specimens significantly increased the compressive strength (23.5 %) and reduced water absorption about five times under 5 % salt stress conditions compared to control specimens. SEM and XRD analysis of bacterial-treated concrete specimens confirmed the precipitation of calcite. The present study results support the potential of this technology for improving the strength and durability properties of building structures in marine environments.
Production of Saponin Biosurfactant from Glycyrrhiza glabra as an Agent for Upgrading Heavy Crude Oil
Authors: Hajimohammadi Reza , Hosseini Morteza , Amani Hossein , Najafpour Ghasem Darzi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSaponins are the main group of phytogenic biosurfactants extracted from plants. One of the significant applications of these compounds is upgrading and viscosity reduction of heavy crude oil water in oil (W/O) emulsions. In this research, use of saponin extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra was investigated for viscosity reduction of heavy crude oil and upgrading its API properties. The extracted saponin was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Phase behavior analysis demonstrated a reduction in initial viscosity and improved API gravity of the heavy oil from 2350 mPa·s and 19 to 900 mPa·s and 27, respectively. In addition, the emulsification index (E24) was found to be 98 % at a saponin concentration of 8 % w/v. It was observed that the emulsions were stable in the pH range of 5.5–13, temperature from 30 to 80 °C and salinity up to 6 % w/v of NaCl solution. Average diameter of W/O droplets evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) were in the range of 10–15 µm. The results obtained from the present research revealed that the extracted saponin improved the physical characteristics of heavy crude oil. We propose the use of saponin as a potential alternative to conventional emulsifiers for upgrading heavy crude oil in petroleum industry.
Stratification and segmentation: Social class in consumer behavior
Authors: Shavitt Sharon , Jiang Duo , Cho Hyewon 
Published: September 2016

AbstractComparing working‐class and middle‐class consumers, Carey and Markus (2016, this issue) highlight the ways that social class determines consumer behavior through a set of mutually supportive culture cycles. We use their framework to re‐examine several core assumptions in marketing and consumer behavior, assumptions that may fit middle‐class consumers better than they do working‐class consumers. Revisiting previous findings with an emphasis on social class allows us to offer an agenda for future research regarding advertising and consumer persuasion, material versus experiential purchases, conspicuous and compensatory consumption, and market segmentation.
Swapping and the social psychology of disadvantaged American populations
Authors: Conley Dalton 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAre observed class gradients in cognitive frameworks cause or effect of those socioeconomic differences? This question is of critical importance not just for policymakers and psychologists but for all social scientists, including market researchers. The question is all the more salient today as economic and behavioral disparities have seemingly widened in tandem over the last few decades. This commentary offers various theories for this observed correlation within the context of recent psychological and sociological scholarship.
Functional near-tricuspid atresia in a patient with absent pulmonary valve and an intact ventricular septum
Authors: Miki Yasunobu , Tanaka Toshikatsu , Oshima Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAbsent pulmonary valve with an intact ventricular septum is a rare malformation. We report a case of absent pulmonary valve and intact ventricular septum with functional near-tricuspid atresia caused by pulmonary regurgitation. Initial palliation with main pulmonary artery ligation and bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed at 1 day of age. More antegrade flow across the tricuspid valve was recognised postoperatively, resulting in a successful right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction by a hand-sewn bileaflet polytetrafluoroethylene valve and modified Blalock–Taussig shunt at 11 days of age.
Cripto is essential to capture mouse epiblast stem cell and human embryonic stem cell pluripotency
Authors: Fiorenzano Alessandro , Pascale Emilia , D'Aniello Cristina , Acampora Dario , Bassalert Cecilia , Russo Francesco , Andolfi Gennaro , Biffoni Mauro , Francescangeli Federica , Zeuner Ann , Angelini Claudia , Chazaud Claire , Patriarca Eduardo J. , Fico Annalisa , Minchiotti Gabriella 
Published: September 2016

AbstractKnown molecular determinants of developmental plasticity are mainly transcription factors, while the extrinsic regulation of this process has been largely unexplored. Here we identify Cripto as one of the earliest epiblast markers and a key extracellular determinant of the naive and primed pluripotent states. We demonstrate that Cripto sustains mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal by modulating Wnt/β-catenin, whereas it maintains mouse epiblast stem cell (EpiSC) and human ESC pluripotency through Nodal/Smad2. Moreover, we provide unprecedented evidence that Cripto controls the metabolic reprogramming in ESCs to EpiSC transition. Remarkably, Cripto deficiency attenuates ESC lineage restriction in vitro and in vivo, and permits ESC transdifferentiation into trophectoderm lineage, suggesting that Cripto has earlier functions than previously recognized. All together, our studies provide novel insights into the current model of mammalian pluripotency and contribute to the understanding of the extrinsic regulation of the first cell lineage decision in the embryo.
Simple direct formation of self-assembled N-heterocyclic carbene monolayers on gold and their application in biosensing
Authors: Crudden Cathleen M. , Horton J. Hugh , Narouz Mina R. , Li Zhijun , Smith Christene A. , Munro Kim , Baddeley Christopher J. , Larrea Christian R. , Drevniok Benedict , Thanabalasingam Bheeshmon , McLean Alastair B. , Zenkina Olena V. , Ebralidze Iraklii I. , She Zhe , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard , Mosey Nicholas J. , Saunders Lisa N. , Yagi Akiko 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe formation of organic films on gold employing N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) has been previously shown to be a useful strategy for generating stable organic films. However, NHCs or NHC precursors typically require inert atmosphere and harsh conditions for their generation and use. Herein we describe the use of benzimidazolium hydrogen carbonates as bench stable solid precursors for the preparation of NHC films in solution or by vapour-phase deposition from the solid state. The ability to prepare these films by vapour-phase deposition permitted the analysis of the films by a variety of surface science techniques, resulting in the first measurement of NHC desorption energy (158±10 kJ mol−1) and confirmation that the NHC sits upright on the surface. The use of these films in surface plasmon resonance-type biosensing is described, where they provide specific advantages versus traditional thiol-based films.
Direct evidence for the spin cycloid in strained nanoscale bismuth ferrite thin films
Authors: Bertinshaw Joel , Maran Ronald , Callori Sara J. , Ramesh Vidya , Cheung Jeffery , Danilkin Sergey A. , Lee Wai Tung , Hu Songbai , Seidel Jan , Valanoor Nagarajan , Ulrich Clemens 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMagnonic devices that utilize electric control of spin waves mediated by complex spin textures are an emerging direction in spintronics research. Room-temperature multiferroic materials, such as bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), would be ideal candidates for this purpose. To realize magnonic devices, a robust long-range spin cycloid with well-known direction is desired, since it is a prerequisite for the magnetoelectric coupling. Despite extensive investigation, the stabilization of a large-scale uniform spin cycloid in nanoscale (100 nm) thin BiFeO3 films has not been accomplished. Here, we demonstrate cycloidal spin order in 100 nm BiFeO3 thin films through the careful choice of crystallographic orientation, and control of the electrostatic and strain boundary conditions. Neutron diffraction, in conjunction with X-ray diffraction, reveals an incommensurate spin cycloid with a unique [11"Equation missing"] propagation direction. While this direction is different from bulk BiFeO3, the cycloid length and Néel temperature remain equivalent to bulk at room temperature.
Metallic tin quantum sheets confined in graphene toward high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction
Authors: Lei Fengcai , Liu Wei , Sun Yongfu , Xu Jiaqi , Liu Katong , Liang Liang , Yao Tao , Pan Bicai , Wei Shiqiang , Xie Yi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUltrathin metal layers can be highly active carbon dioxide electroreduction catalysts, but may also be prone to oxidation. Here we construct a model of graphene confined ultrathin layers of highly reactive metals, taking the synthetic highly reactive tin quantum sheets confined in graphene as an example. The higher electrochemical active area ensures 9 times larger carbon dioxide adsorption capacity relative to bulk tin, while the highly-conductive graphene favours rate-determining electron transfer from carbon dioxide to its radical anion. The lowered tin–tin coordination numbers, revealed by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, enable tin quantum sheets confined in graphene to efficiently stabilize the carbon dioxide radical anion, verified by 0.13 volts lowered potential of hydroxyl ion adsorption compared with bulk tin. Hence, the tin quantum sheets confined in graphene show enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability. This work may provide a promising lead for designing efficient and robust catalysts for electrolytic fuel synthesis.