bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solution by extracellular polymeric substances extracted from Klebsiella sp. J1: Adsorption behavior and mechanism assessment
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Qilin , Li Ang , Yang Jixian , Ma Fang , Pi Shanshan , Wu Dan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe adsorption performance and mechanism of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from Klebsiella sp. J1 for soluble Pb (II) were investigated. The maximum biosorption capacity of EPS for Pb (II) was found to be 99.5 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 and EPS concentration of 0.2 g/L. The data for adsorption process satisfactorily fitted to both Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The mean free energy E and activation energy Ea were determined at 8.22– 8.98 kJ mol−1 and 42.46 kJ mol−1, respectively. The liquid-film diffusion step might be the rate-limiting step. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔGo, ΔHo and ΔSo) revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic under natural conditions. The interactions between EPS system and Pb (II) ions were investigated by qualitative analysis methods (i.e Zeta potential, FT-IR and EDAX). Based on the strong experimental evidence from the mass balance of the related elements participating in the sorption process, an ion exchange process was identified quantitatively as the major mechanism responsible for Pb (II) adsorption by EPS. Molar equivalents of both K+ and Mg2+ could be exchanged with Pb2+ molar equivalents in the process and the contribution rate of ion exchange to adsorption accounted for 85.72% (Δmequiv = −0.000541).
Globin mRNA reduction for whole-blood transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Krjutškov Kaarel , Koel Mariann , Roost Anne Mari , Katayama Shintaro , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Jouhilahti Eeva-Mari , Söderhäll Cilla , Jaakma Ülle , Plaas Mario , Vesterlund Liselotte , Lohi Hannes , Salumets Andres , Kere Juha 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe transcriptome analysis of whole-blood RNA by sequencing holds promise for the identification and tracking of biomarkers; however, the high globin mRNA (gmRNA) content of erythrocytes hampers whole-blood and buffy coat analyses. We introduce a novel gmRNA locking assay (GlobinLock, GL) as a robust and simple gmRNA reduction tool to preserve RNA quality, save time and cost. GL consists of a pair of gmRNA-specific oligonucleotides in RNA initial denaturation buffer that is effective immediately after RNA denaturation and adds only ten minutes of incubation to the whole cDNA synthesis procedure when compared to non-blood RNA analysis. We show that GL is fully effective not only for human samples but also for mouse and rat and so far incompletely studied cow, dog and zebrafish.
On the top of ARB N/L type Ca channel blocker leads to less elevation of aldosterone
Authors: Konoshita Tadashi , Kaeriyama Saori , Urabe Machi , Nakaya Takahiro , Yamada Mika , Ichikawa Mai , Yamamoto Katsushi , Sato Satsuki , Imagawa Michiko , Fujii Miki , Makino Yasukazu , Zenimaru Yasuo , Wakahara Shigeyuki , Suzuki Jinya , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Nakamura Hiroyuki ,   for the Genomic Disease Outcome Consortium (G-DOC) Study Investigators
Published: August 2016

The activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the unfavourable characteristics of calcium channel blocker (CCB). N type calcium channel is thought to be involved in renin gene transcription and adrenal aldosterone release. Accordingly, N/L type CCB has a possibility of less elevation of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) among CCBs. In a monotherapy study, we had already demonstrated that N/L type CCB leads to less activation of the RAS compared with L type CCB. The objective of this study is to substantiate the hypothesis that at the condition of additive administration on the top of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), still N/L type CCB leads to less elevation of PAC compared with L type one. Subjects were 60 hypertensives administered with valsartan. As an open label study, amlodipine (L type) or cilnidipine (N/L type) were administered on the top of valsartan (ARB) in a cross-over manner. Results were as follows (valsartan+amlodipine compared with valsartan+cilnidipine): systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (mmHg): 132±10/76±10 compared with 131±10/77±9, P=0.95/0.48, plasma renin activity (PRA) (ng/ml·h): 2.41±2.67 compared with 2.00±1.50 P=0.20, PAC (pg/ml): 77.3±31.0 compared with 67.4±24.8, P&lt;0.05, urinary albumin excretion (UAE) (mg/gCr): 105.9±216.1 compared with 73.9±122.2, P&lt;0.05. Thus, PAC at cilnidipine was significantly lower than those at amlodipine in spite of the comparable BP reductions. Besides, UAE was significantly lower at cilnidipine. In conclusion, on the top of the ARB, it is suggested that cilnidipine administration might lead to less elevation of PAC and reduction in UAE compared with amlodipine.
Compact diplexer using microstrip half‐ and quarter‐wavelength resonators
Authors: Yan Jun‐Mei , Zhou Hai‐Ying , Cao Liang‐Zu 
Published: August 2016

This Letter presents a compact microstrip diplexer. The high‐frequency signal path is constructed by two electrically‐coupling half‐wavelength resonators, its external coupling adopts the tapped line structure. The low‐frequency signal path is formed by two magnetically‐coupling quarter‐wavelength resonators, its external coupling is accomplished by microstrip coupling lines, which are formed from the tapped line structure and resonator of the high‐frequency signal paths. The novel combination of the two signal path removes the need of T‐junction in conventional diplexers. Meantime, the coupling strength of the two pass bands at the input port can be separately designed. A diplexer with Chebyshev frequency response at both signal paths with the central frequencies of 1.8/2.4 GHz is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results give a good agreement with the simulated ones, which verifies the effectiveness of the diplexer.
Studies on the probing stimulants for the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Homoptera: Delphacidae) in rice plant (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhan Zhi-Hui , Matsuo Akane , Oku Yasushi , Tebayashi Shin-ichi , Kim Chul-Sa 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
To elucidate the probing stimulants in rice plants for the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera, bioassay-guided separations were conducted, which led to the isolation of four active compounds. Using NMR and LC-MS spectra, their structures were determined as isoorientin 2″-O-(6‴-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside, isoorientin 2″-O-(6‴-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucoside, tricin 5-O-glucoside, and isoscoparin 2″-O-(6‴-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside.
EnhancerAtlas: a resource for enhancer annotation and analysis in 105 human cell/tissue types
Authors: Gao Tianshun , He Bing , Liu Sheng , Zhu Heng , Tan Kai , Qian Jiang 
Published: August 2016

Motivation: Multiple high-throughput approaches have recently been developed and allowed the discovery of enhancers on a genome scale in a single experiment. However, the datasets generated from these approaches are not fully utilized by the research community due to technical challenges such as lack of consensus enhancer annotation and integrative analytic tools.
Results: We developed an interactive database, EnhancerAtlas, which contains an atlas of 2,534,123 enhancers for 105 cell/tissue types. A consensus enhancer annotation was obtained for each cell by summation of independent experimental datasets with the relative weights derived from a cross-validation approach. Moreover, EnhancerAtlas provides a set of useful analytic tools that allow users to query and compare enhancers in a particular genomic region or associated with a gene of interest, and assign enhancers and their target genes from a custom dataset.
Availability and Implementation: The database with analytic tools is available at http://www.enhanceratlas.org/.
Contact: jiang.qian@jhmi.edu or tank1@email.chop.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
NVT: a fast and simple tool for the assessment of RNA-seq normalization strategies
Authors: Eder Thomas , Grebien Florian , Rattei Thomas 
Published: August 2016

Motivation: Measuring differential gene expression is a common task in the analysis of RNA-Seq data. To identify differentially expressed genes between two samples, it is crucial to normalize the datasets. While multiple normalization methods are available, all of them are based on certain assumptions that may or may not be suitable for the type of data they are applied on. Researchers therefore need to select an adequate normalization strategy for each RNA-Seq experiment. This selection includes exploration of different normalization methods as well as their comparison. Methods that agree with each other most likely represent realistic assumptions under the particular experimental conditions.
Results: We developed the NVT package, which provides a fast and simple way to analyze and evaluate multiple normalization methods via visualization and representation of correlation values, based on a user-defined set of uniformly expressed genes.
Availability and Implementation: The R package is freely available under https://github.com/Edert/NVT
Contact: thomas.rattei@univie.ac.at
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Discussion of the Certification Officer Reforms
Authors: Cavalier Stephen , Arthur Richard 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The Trade Union Act 2016 contains further changes to the role of the Certification Officer (CO) following the changes introduced by the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 which gave supervisory, investigative and enforcement powers over new membership record requirements designed to assist with legal challenges to industrial action. The enhanced powers of investigation and the ability to exercise powers without receiving a complaint from a trade union member are now applied across much of the CO’s jurisdiction. To these are added additional enforcement powers and the power to impose financial penalties, with the Secretary of State having power to make provision for the CO to impose a levy on trade unions. The role of the CO, now described by the Government as that of a ‘regulator’, is politicised to an unprecedented degree and is transformed into that of instigator, investigator, prosecutor, adjudicator and sentencer. Unlike even the measures introduced by Conservative governments from 1980 to 1997, the provisions fail to take account of the protection of trade union autonomy in international law. Having already optimised the opportunities for legal challenges to industrial action, these measures are designed to heap unwarranted administrative burdens and expense on trade unions.
Biosynthesis and molecular engineering of templated natural products
Authors: Chen Ming , Liu Jingyu , Duan Panpan , Li Mulin , Liu Wen 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Bioactive small molecules that are produced by living organisms, often referred to as natural products (NPs), historically play a critical role in the context of both medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. How nature creates these chemical entities with stunning structural complexity and diversity using a limited range of simple substrates has not been fully understood. Focusing on two types of NPs that share a highly evolvable ‘template’-biosynthetic logic, we here provide specific examples to highlight the conceptual and technological leaps in NP biosynthesis and witness the area of progress since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The biosynthesis of polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides and their hybrids that share an assembly-line enzymology of modular multifunctional proteins exemplifies an extended ‘central dogma’ that correlates the genotype of catalysts with the chemotype of products; in parallel, post-translational modifications of ribosomally synthesized peptides involve a number of unusual biochemical mechanisms for molecular maturation. Understanding the biosynthetic processes of these templated NPs would largely facilitate the design, development and utilization of compatible biosynthetic machineries to address the challenge that often arises from structural complexity to the accessibility and efficiency of current chemical synthesis.
A platform for constructing, evaluating, and screening bioconjugates on the yeast surface
Authors: Van Deventer James A. , Le Doris N. , Zhao Jessie , Kehoe Haixing P. , Kelly Ryan L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe combination of protein display technologies and noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) offers unprecedented opportunities for the high throughput discovery and characterization of molecules suitable for addressing fundamental and applied problems in biological systems. Here we demonstrate that ncAA-compatible yeast display facilitates evaluations of conjugation chemistry and stability that would be challenging or impossible to perform with existing mRNA, phage, or E. coli platforms. Our approach enables site-specific introduction of ncAAs into displayed proteins, robust modification at azide-containing residues, and quantitative evaluation of conjugates directly on the yeast surface. Moreover, screening allows for the selective enrichment of chemically modified constructs while maintaining a genotype–phenotype linkage with encoded azide functionalities. Thus, this platform is suitable for the high throughput characterization and screening of libraries of chemically modified polypeptides for therapeutic lead discovery and other biological applications.
Host genetics affect microbial ecosystems via host immunity
Authors: El Kafsi Hela , Gorochov Guy , Larsen Martin 
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review
Genetic evolution of multicellular organisms has occurred in response to environmental challenges, including competition for nutrients, climate change, physical and chemical stressors, and pathogens. However, fitness of an organism is dependent not only on defense efficacy, but also on the ability to take advantage of symbiotic organisms. Indeed, microbes not only encompass pathogenicity, but also enable efficient nutrient uptake from diets nondegradable by the host itself. Moreover, microbes play important roles in the development of host immunity. Here we review associations between specific host genes and variance in microbiota composition and compare with interactions between microbes and host immunity.

Recent findings
Recent genome-wide association studies reveal that symbiosis between host and microbiota is the exquisite result of genetic coevolution. Moreover, a subset of microbes from human and mouse microbiota have been identified to interact with humoral and cellular immunity. Interestingly, microbes associated with both host genetics and host immunity are taxonomically related. Most involved are Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia, which are dually associated with both host immunity and host genetics.

Summary
We conclude that future therapeutics targeting microbiota in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases need to consider both immune and genetic host features associated with microbiota homeostasis.
Allergic manifestations of contact lens wearing
Authors: Solomon Abraham 
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review
Contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) is a common ocular allergic disease in contact lens wearers. In its more severe form, it can cause giant papillary conjunctivitis, resulting in contact lens intolerance and the need to discontinue the use of contact lenses. This review presents the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and management guidelines of this common disorder.

Recent findings
Different types of contact lenses are associated with differences in the severity of CLPC. Refitting patients with silicone hydrogel contact lenses or with daily disposable contact lenses may improve the signs and symptoms of CLPC. The recent introduction of the topical immunomodulatory agent tacrolimus in other severe allergic eye diseases may apply in suppressing the allergic inflammation in CLPC as well.

Summary
CLPC is a common ocular disorder in contact lens wearers, with a significant impact on the quality of vision. It should be promptly recognized by healthcare practitioners and managed by modifications of the types and wearing schedules of contact lenses, as well as novel treatment options with topical immunomodulators.
Exposure of Stored Packed Erythrocytes to Nitric Oxide Prevents Transfusion-associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Muenster Stefan , Beloiartsev Arkadi , Yu Binglan , Du E , Abidi Sabia , Dao Ming , Fabry Gregor , Graw Jan A. , Wepler Martin , Malhotra Rajeev , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Feelisch Martin , Bloch Kenneth D. , Bloch Donald B. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Background
Transfusion of packed erythrocytes stored for a long duration is associated with increased pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance. Prolonged storage decreases erythrocyte deformability, and older erythrocytes are rapidly removed from the circulation after transfusion. The authors studied whether treating stored packed ovine erythrocytes with NO before transfusion could prevent pulmonary vasoconstriction, enhance erythrocyte deformability, and prolong erythrocyte survival after transfusion.

Methods
Ovine leukoreduced packed erythrocytes were treated before transfusion with either NO gas or a short-lived NO donor. Sheep were transfused with autologous packed erythrocytes, which were stored at 4°C for either 2 (“fresh blood”) or 40 days (“stored blood”). Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic parameters were monitored before, during, and after transfusion. Transfused erythrocytes were labeled with biotin to measure their circulating lifespan. Erythrocyte deformability was assessed before and after NO treatment using a microfluidic device.

Results
NO treatment improved the deformability of stored erythrocytes and increased the number of stored erythrocytes circulating at 1 and 24 h after transfusion. NO treatment prevented transfusion-associated pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure at 30 min of 21 ± 1 vs. 15 ± 1 mmHg in control and NO–treated packed erythrocytes, P &lt; 0.0001). Washing stored packed erythrocytes before transfusion did not prevent pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusions
NO treatment of stored packed erythrocytes before transfusion oxidizes cell-free oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin, prevents subsequent NO scavenging in the pulmonary vasculature, and limits pulmonary hypertension. NO treatment increases erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte survival after transfusion. NO treatment might provide a promising therapeutic approach to prevent pulmonary hypertension and extend erythrocyte survival.
Clavicle Fractures are Associated With Arthritis of the Glenohumeral Joint in a Large Osteological Collection
Authors: Weinberg Douglas S. , Vallier Heather A. , Gaumer Gregory A. , Cooperman Daniel R. , Liu Raymond W. 
Published: August 2016

Objectives:
Recent data has challenged the historical precedent of nonoperative care for many clavicle fractures; clinical and biomechanical studies have shown altered joint-contact forces occur in the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) after fracture and shortening of the clavicle. However, to date, there have been no analyses documenting the long-term effects of these altered shoulder girdle mechanics on the GHJ.

Methods:
The clavicles of 2899 cadaveric skeletons were manually inspected for evidence of fracture. Shortening, fracture location, and laterality were recorded along with demographic information. Degenerative joint disease of the GHJ was graded. Correlations between the presence of a clavicle fracture and ipsilateral GHJ osteoarthritis were evaluated with multiple regression analysis using an age-, gender-, race-, and laterality-matched control group of 1154 GHJs.

Results:
One hundred three specimens had 104 clavicle fractures, a prevalence of 3.6% (103/2899) in this collection. There was a strong correlation between the presence of an ipsilateral clavicle fracture (standardized beta 0.108, P < 0.001), age (standardized beta 0.332, P < 0.001), male gender (standardized beta −0.069, P = 0.009), and laterality (right sided, standardized beta 0.056, P = 0.032) on the development of GHJ arthritis. There was a trend toward increased GHJ arthritis in specimens with shortening >20 mm (standardized beta 0.156, P = 0.109), although this subanalysis may have been underpowered.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to report long-term consequences of clavicle fracture on the development of ipsilateral GHJ osteoarthritis; clavicle fractures were shown to have a higher degree of GHJ osteoarthritis. Future clinical studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
Cardiac N-methyl d-aspartate Receptors as a Pharmacological Target
Authors: Makhro Asya , Tian Qinghai , Kaestner Lars , Kosenkov Dmitry , Faggian Giuseppe , Gassmann Max , Schwarzwald Colin , Bogdanova Anna 
Published: August 2016

Abstract:
This study focuses on characterization of the cardiac N-methyl d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) as a target for endogenous and synthetic agonists and antagonists. Using isolated perfused rat hearts, we have shown that intracoronary administration of the NMDAR agonists and antagonists has a pronounced effect on autonomous heart function. Perfusion of rat hearts with autologous blood supplemented with NMDAR agonists was associated with induction of tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, and ischemia occurring within physiological plasma concentration range for glutamate and glycine. Intracoronary administration of the NMDAR antagonists exerted an antiarrhythmic effect and resulted in bradycardia and improvement of capillary perfusion. Action of antagonists eliprodil, Ro25-6981, memantine, ketamine, and MK-801 on autonomous heart function diverged strikingly from that of L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. Cardiac NMDAR subunit composition differed from that of neuronal receptors and was age specific and chamber specific. Transcripts of the GluN3A and GluN2D were found in all heart chambers, whereas expression of GluN1 and GluN2A and 2C was restricted to the atria. Expression of the GluN2B protein in ventricles increased markedly with age of the animals. The obtained data reveal that NMDARs are expressed in rat heart contributing to the autonomic heart rate regulation and the function of the cardiac conduction system.
What's new in the functional anatomy of pelvic organ prolapse?
Authors: DeLancey John O.L. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review
Provide an evidence-based review of pelvic floor functional anatomy related to pelvic organ prolapse.

Recent findings
Pelvic organ support depends on interactions between the levator ani muscle and pelvic connective tissues. Muscle failure exposes the vaginal wall to a pressure differential producing abnormal tension on the attachments of the pelvic organs to the pelvic sidewall. Birth-induced injury to the pubococcygeal portion of the levator ani muscle is seen in 55% of women with prolapse and 16% of women with normal support. Failure of the lateral connective tissue attachments between the uterus and vagina to the pelvic wall (cardinal, uterosacral, and paravaginal) are strongly related with prolapse (effect sizes ∼2.5) and are also highly correlated with one another (r ∼ 0.85). Small differences exist with prolapse in factors involving the vaginal wall length and width (effect sizes ∼1). The primary difference in ligament properties between women with and without prolapse is found in ligament length. Only minor differences in ligament stiffness are seen.

Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs because of injury to the levator ani muscles and failure of the lateral connections between the pelvic organs to the pelvic sidewall. Abnormalities of the vaginal wall fascial tissues may play a minor role.