bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Damage to the microbial cell membrane during pyrolytic sugar utilization and strategies for increasing resistance
Authors: Jin Tao , Rover Marjorie R , Petersen Elspeth M , Chi Zhanyou , Smith Ryan G , Brown Robert C , Wen Zhiyou , Jarboe Laura R 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is an appealing feedstock for the production of biorenewable fuels and chemicals, and thermochemical processing is a promising method for depolymerizing it into sugars. However, trace compounds in this pyrolytic sugar syrup are inhibitory to microbial biocatalysts. This study demonstrates that hydrophobic inhibitors damage the cell membrane of ethanologenic Escherichia coli KO11+lgk. Adaptive evolution was employed to identify design strategies for improving pyrolytic sugar tolerance and utilization. Characterization of the resulting evolved strain indicates that increased resistance to the membrane-damaging effects of the pyrolytic sugars can be attributed to a glutamine to leucine mutation at position 29 of carbon storage regulator CsrA. This single amino acid change is sufficient for decreasing EPS protein production and increasing membrane integrity when exposed to pyrolytic sugars.
Prevailing-frequency approximation of the coupling ray theory along the SH and SV reference rays in a heterogeneous generally anisotropic medium which is approximately uniaxial
Authors: Bulant Petr , Klimeš Luděk 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The behaviour of the actual polarization of an electromagnetic wave or elastic S–wave is described by the coupling ray theory, which represents the generalization of both the zero–order isotropic and anisotropic ray theories and provides continuous transition between them. The coupling ray theory is usually applied to anisotropic common reference rays, but it is more accurate if it is applied to reference rays which are closer to the actual wave paths. In a generally anisotropic or bianisotropic medium, the actual wave paths may be approximated by the anisotropic–ray–theory rays if these rays behave reasonably. In an approximately uniaxial (approximately transversely isotropic) anisotropic medium, we can define and trace the SH (ordinary) and SV (extraordinary) reference rays, and use them as reference rays for the prevailing–frequency approximation of the coupling ray theory. In both cases, i.e. for the anisotropic–ray–theory rays or the SH and SV reference rays, we have two sets of reference rays. We thus obtain two arrivals along each reference ray of the first set and have to select the correct one. Analogously, we obtain two arrivals along each reference ray of the second set and have to select the correct one. In this paper, we suggest the way of selecting the correct arrivals. We then demonstrate the accuracy of the resulting prevailing–frequency approximation of the coupling ray theory using elastic S waves along the SH and SV reference rays in four different approximately uniaxial (approximately transversely isotropic) velocity models.
Oral Administration of Ethanolamine Glycerophospholipid Containing a High Level of Plasmalogen Improves Memory Impairment in Amyloid β‐Infused Rats
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Hashimoto Michio , Haque Abdul Md. , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Kinoshita Mikio , Shido Osamu , Miyazawa Teruo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEthanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn), a major phospholipid in neuronal membranes [60–90 mol% of ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (EtnGpl)], is specifically decreased in brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study investigated how PlsEtn administration affects cognitive deficits and lipid composition in an animal model of AD. AD model rats were infused with amyloid‐β (Aβ) into the cerebral ventricle and divided into three groups. Control, Egg, and Ascidian groups were then orally administered vehicle, egg yolk EtnGpl (260 μmol as EtnGpl/kg BW/day; 10 μmol as PlsEtn/kg BW/day), or ascidian viscera EtnGpl (260 μmol as EtnGpl/kg BW/day; 209 μmol as PlsEtn/kg BW/day), respectively. After 4 weeks of dosing, Aβ‐infused rats were tested for learning ability in an 8‐arm radial maze. The administration of ascidian viscera EtnGpl improved both reference and working memory‐related learning abilities. In lipid analysis, the Ascidian group showed higher levels of PlsEtn species in the plasma, erythrocytes, and liver when compared to other groups. In addition, although there were no differences at levels of total plasmalogen including choline plasmalogen, the Ascidian group had significantly higher levels of 18:0ol/22:6‐PlsEtn in the cerebral cortex. These levels of 18:0ol/22:6‐PlsEtn in the cerebral cortex were correlated with working memory‐related learning ability. Moreover, 18:0ol/22:6‐PlsEtn levels in the cerebral cortex showed positive correlations with those in the erythrocytes and liver. In summary, dietary PlsEtn, especially that with 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), may ameliorate learning deficiencies in AD by altering lipid composition in the brain.
Sex-oriented research on dioecious crops of Indian subcontinent: an updated review
Authors: Sarkar Sutanu , Banerjee Joydeep , Gantait Saikat 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA number of dioecious species are grown across India and some of those plants play a crucial role in the agro-based economy of the country. The diagnosis of sex is very difficult in the dioecious plant prior flowering wherein sex identification at the seedling stage is of great importance to breeders as well as farmers for crop improvement or production purpose. A comprehensive approach of sex determination comprising morphological, biochemical, cytological and molecular attributes is a must required for gender differentiation in dioecious plant species. In the present review, we highlighted the economical, medicinal as well as industrial importance of most of the dioecious species extensively grown in Indian subcontinent. In addition to that, the cytogenetic, genetic as well as molecular information in connection to their sex determination were critically discussed in this review.
Effect of gene order in DNA constructs on gene expression upon integration into plant genome
Authors: Aydın Akbudak M. , Srivastava Vibha 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Several plant biotechnology applications are based on the expression of multiple genes located on a single transformation vector. The principles of stable expression of foreign genes in plant cells include integration of full-length gene fragments consisting of promoter and transcription terminator sequences, and avoiding converging orientation of the gene transcriptional direction. Therefore, investigators usually generate constructs in which genes are assembled in the same orientation. However, no specific information is available on the effect of the order in which genes should be assembled in the construct to support optimum expression of each gene upon integration in the genome. While many factors, including genomic position and the integration structure, could affect gene expression, the investigators judiciously design DNA constructs to avoid glitches. However, the gene order in a multigene assembly remains an open question. This study addressed the effect of gene order in the DNA construct on gene expression in rice using a simple design of two genes placed in two possible orders with respect to the genomic context. Transgenic rice lines containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) genes in two distinct orders were developed by Cre-lox-mediated site-specific integration. Gene expression analysis of transgenic lines showed that both genes were expressed at similar levels in either orientation, and different transgenic lines expressed each gene within 1–2× range. Thus, no significant effect of the gene order on gene expression was found in the transformed rice lines containing precise site-specific integrations and stable gene expression in plant cells could be obtained with altered gene orders. Therefore, gene orientation and integration structures are more important factors governing gene expression than gene orders in the genomic context.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Australian Army’s Aboriginal Community Assistance Program from a Military Participant Perspective
Authors: Briggs Joanne , Archer F. , Spencer C. 
Published: May 2017

Study/Objective
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programs (AACAPs) from a military participant perspective provides the objective of this research. The study will identify areas of concern and provide guidance on current military policy, doctrine and protocol.

Background
Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programs (AACAPs) represent a co-operative initiative between the Australian Army and Australian Government, that delivers complex support for Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance (HA/DR) to improve the health and well-being of indigenous communities. Since 1997, the Army has conducted a number of AACAPs in remote Indigenous communities within continental Australia. No previous evaluations of these programs exist.

Methods
A ‘Quality Improvement’ study underpins this evaluation. Shewhart’s “Plan, Do, Study, Act” Model provides the guiding framework for the study. Allen’s Logic Model exemplifies the most appropriate framework to articulate the program needs and objectives, and to delineate the processes inherent in the program for this evaluation. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) evaluation model for public health programs, provides the evaluation standards to examine the delivery of health care to the deployed force in an austere environment. Part 1 of the study will be a desktop examination of current military policy, doctrine and protocol relating to AACAP. Part 2 will overlay personal experience from military participants in the AACAPs through a semi-structured interview, to enable deployed health personnel the opportunity to comment on their experiences. Analysis will comprise quantitative and qualitative method, specifically descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively. Army has approved all required governance, and ethics approval will be sought from Monash University.

Results
This is a proposed study, no results are available.

Conclusion
The benefit of this research will be gaining new knowledge with context of a humanitarian focused military task, through the lens of quality improvement to build capacity and enhance capability.
Does Perfectionism Predict Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Life	Satisfaction After Controlling for Neuroticism?
Authors: Smith Martin M. , Saklofske Donald H. , Yan Gonggu , Sherry Simon B. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Neuroticism overlaps substantially with several perfectionism dimensions, depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction. Accordingly, research testing whether perfectionism dimensions explain unique variance in these outcomes beyond neuroticism is needed. Research on cultural differences in perfectionism is also scarce. And it is especially unclear whether the link between perfectionism and psychological distress differs across individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Our study addressed these important gaps in knowledge. A sample of undergraduates from a traditionally individualistic culture (Canada; N = 449) and a traditionally collectivistic culture (China; N = 585) completed measures of self-oriented perfectionism, personal standards, socially prescribed perfectionism, concern over mistakes, doubts about actions, depression, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction with life. To test the incremental validity of perfectionism dimensions beyond neuroticism, as well as to test potential moderating effects of culture, four hierarchical regression analyses with interactions were conducted. Results supported the explanatory power of concern over mistakes and doubts about actions, beyond neuroticism and culture, in the prediction of depression, anxiety, and stress. As the first study to explore the incremental validity of perfectionism dimensions across undergraduates from traditionally individualistic and collectivistic cultures, our research both extends and clarifies understanding of the predictive power of perfectionism in important ways.
CAML mediates survival of Myc-induced lymphoma cells independent of tail-anchored protein insertion
Authors: Shing Jennifer C , Lindquist Lonn D , Borgese Nica , Bram Richard J 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCalcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand (CAML) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that functions, along with WRB and TRC40, to mediate tail-anchored (TA) protein insertion into the ER membrane. Physiologic roles for CAML include endocytic trafficking, intracellular calcium signaling, and the survival and proliferation of specialized immune cells, recently attributed to its requirement for TA protein insertion. To identify a possible role for CAML in cancer cells, we generated Eμ-Myc transgenic mice that carry a tamoxifen-inducible deletion allele of Caml. In multiple B-cell lymphoma cell lines derived from these mice, homozygous loss of Caml activated apoptosis. Cell death was blocked by Bcl-2/Bcl-xL overexpression; however, rescue from apoptosis was insufficient to restore proliferation. Tumors established from an Eμ-Myc lymphoma cell line completely regressed after tamoxifen administration, suggesting that CAML is also required for these cancer cells to survive and grow in vivo. Cell cycle analyses of Caml-deleted lymphoma cells revealed an arrest in G2/M, accompanied by low expression of the mitotic marker, phospho-histone H3 (Ser10). Surprisingly, lymphoma cell viability did not depend on the domain of CAML required for its interaction with TRC40. Furthermore, a small protein fragment consisting of the C-terminal 111 amino acid residues of CAML, encompassing the WRB-binding domain, was sufficient to rescue growth and survival of Caml-deleted lymphoma cells. Critically, this minimal region of CAML did not restore TA protein insertion in knockout cells. Taken together, these data reveal an essential role for CAML in supporting survival and mitotic progression in Myc-driven lymphomas that is independent of its TA protein insertion function.
The immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-4 increases the clonogenic potential of prostate stem-like cells by activation of STAT6 signalling
Authors: Nappo G , Handle F , Santer F R , McNeill R V , Seed R I , Collins A T , Morrone G , Culig Z , Maitland N J , Erb H H H 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInterleukin-4 plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses and has been detected at high levels in the tumour microenvironment of cancer patients, where concentrations correlate with the grade of malignancy. In prostate cancer, interleukin-4 has been associated with activation of the androgen receptor, increased proliferation and activation of survival pathways such as Akt and NF-κB. However, its role in therapy resistance has not yet been determined. Here we investigate the influence of interleukin-4 on primary epithelial cells from prostate cancer patients. Our data demonstrate an increase in the clonogenic potential of these cells when cultured in the presence of interleukin-4. In addition, a Phospho-Kinase Array revealed that in contrast to previously published work, signal transducer and activator of transcription6 (STAT6) is the only signalling molecule activated after interleukin-4 treatment. Using the STAT6-specific inhibitor AS1517499 we could confirm the role of STAT6 in increasing colony-forming frequency. However, clonogenic recovery assays revealed that interleukin-4 does not rescue the effects of either irradiation or docetaxel treatment. We therefore propose that although the interleukin-4/STAT6 axis does not appear to be involved in therapy resistance, it does play a crucial role in the colony-forming abilities of the basal cell population in prostate cancer. IL-4 may therefore contribute to disease relapse by providing a niche that is favourable for the clonogenic growth of prostate cancer stem cells.
Clinical responses to ERK inhibition in BRAF
V600E-mutant colorectal cancer predicted using a computational model
Authors: Kirouac Daniel C. , Schaefer Gabriele , Chan Jocelyn , Merchant Mark , Orr Christine , Huang Shih-Min A. , Moffat John , Liu Lichuan , Gadkar Kapil , Ramanujan Saroja 
Published: May 2017

AbstractApproximately 10% of colorectal cancers harbor BRAFV600E mutations, which constitutively activate the MAPK signaling pathway. We sought to determine whether ERK inhibitor (GDC-0994)-containing regimens may be of clinical benefit to these patients based on data from in vitro (cell line) and in vivo (cell- and patient-derived xenograft) studies of cetuximab (EGFR), vemurafenib (BRAF), cobimetinib (MEK), and GDC-0994 (ERK) combinations. Preclinical data was used to develop a mechanism-based computational model linking cell surface receptor (EGFR) activation, the MAPK signaling pathway, and tumor growth. Clinical predictions of anti-tumor activity were enabled by the use of tumor response data from three Phase 1 clinical trials testing combinations of EGFR, BRAF, and MEK inhibitors. Simulated responses to GDC-0994 monotherapy (overall response rate = 17%) accurately predicted results from a Phase 1 clinical trial regarding the number of responding patients (2/18) and the distribution of tumor size changes (“waterfall plot”). Prospective simulations were then used to evaluate potential drug combinations and predictive biomarkers for increasing responsiveness to MEK/ERK inhibitors in these patients.
Exacerbation of oxygen–glucose deprivation-induced blood–brain barrier disruption: potential pathogenic role of interleukin-9 in ischemic stroke
Authors: Tan Sha , Shan Yilong , Wang Yuge , Lin Yinyao , Liao Siyuan , Deng Zhezhi , Zhou Li , Cai Wei , Zeng Qin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Bingjun , Men Xuejiao , Li Haiyan , Hu Xueqiang , Wu Changyou , Peng Lisheng , Lu Zhengqi 
Published: May 2017

Interleukin (IL)-9 exerts a variety of functions in autoimmune diseases. However, its role in ischemic brain injury remains unknown. The present study explored the biological effects of IL-9 in ischemic stroke (IS). We recruited 42 patients newly diagnosed with IS and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The expression levels of IL-9 and percentages of IL-9-producing T cells, including CD3+CD4+IL-9+ and CD3+CD8+IL-9+ cells, were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients and control individuals. We also investigated the effects of IL-9 on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) following oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and the potential downstream signaling pathways. We found that patients with IS had higher IL-9 expression levels and increased percentages of IL-9-producing T cells in their PBMCs. The percentages of CD3+CD4+IL-9+ and CD3+CD8+IL-9+ T cells were positively correlated with the severity of illness. In in vitro experiments using bEnd.3 cells, exogenously administered IL-9 exacerbated the loss of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in cells subjected to OGD plus reoxygenation (RO). This effect was mediated via activation of IL-9 receptors, which increased the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), as well as through up-regulated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 and down-regulated phosphorylated protein kinase B/phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. These results indicate that IL-9 has a destructive effect on the BBB following OGD, at least in part by inducing eNOS production, and raise the possibility of targetting IL-9 for therapeutic intervention in IS.
Asymmetric arc‐shaped vortex‐induced electromagnetic generator for harvesting energy from low‐velocity flowing water
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Zhao Jiangxin , Zhao Nian , Awais Qasim , Liu Jun , Wen Yumei , Li Ping , Yang Jin 
Published: May 2017

In this study, a novel small‐scale electromagnetic energy harvester is designed and optimised, which aims at addressing the limitations of existing approaches in output power scavenged from low‐velocity flowing water. Instead of conventional cantilever beams, an asymmetric arc‐shaped elastic beam is implemented to disrupt flow, leading to its oscillation in the induced unsteady flow field. An electromagnetic transducer is utilised to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, the effects of the structure asymmetry and curvature on the electrical outputs are investigated to optimise the scavenging energy capability. A prototype with the volume of 152.4 cm3 is fabricated and tested. A maximum open‐circuit voltage of 1440 mV is obtained at 0.409 m/s, and the harvester generates an output power of 0.503 mW when it is connected to an external load of 110 Ω. The small‐scale harvester shows great potential for applying in wireless sensor networks.
One‐step synthesis of alpha‐MnS nanosheets for supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Li Meng , Liang Jun , Chai Yao , Li Deli , Lu Jiaxue , Li Li 
Published: May 2017

Two‐dimensional manganese sulphide (MnS) nanosheets have been successfully synthesised by a facile, fast, moderate (< 200°C) hydrothermal method. Through the examination of X‐ray powder diffraction method, the crystal structure of the sample is proved to be cubic crystal system and the polymorph is alpha‐MnS. Through scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the morphology is observed to be nanosheet with the thickness of 15–30 nm. The alpha‐MnS nanosheets electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitor. The supercapacitor shows a high specific capacity of 667.40 F g−1 at a scan rate 1 mV s−1, 344.51 F g−1 at current density of 0.5 A g−1 and a high capacitance retention about 93% after 5000 charge–discharge cycles.
Heritage language use among Turkish and Vietnamese mothers in Germany
Authors: Schnoor Birger , Lotter Vivian , Schwenke-Lam Trang 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this study we investigate heritage language use among Turkish and Vietnamese mothers in Germany. We suggest that exclusive use of the heritage language in mother-child interactions is affected by an interplay of structural characteristics in the family environment as well as mothers’ rational expectations aimed towards their language use. We seek to provide an appropriate explanation for mothers’ heritage language use by expanding the usual model through the integration of further types of rationalities. Our results strongly confirm recent findings that immigrants’ heritage language use is mostly linked to the respective social environment and its opportunity structures. The use of the heritage language between immigrant mothers and their children is therefore mainly influenced by situational instrumental rationality aimed towards interactional pragmatism. Interestingly, we did not find any negative relation between mothers’ exclusive heritage language use with their child and mothers’ strategic instrumentally rational expectations aimed towards their child’s future educational success.
Biscriptality and heritage language maintenance
Authors: Brehmer Bernhard , Usanova Irina 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with the script choices made by bilingual Russian-German children when they are asked to compose texts in their Russian heritage language. Furthermore, the relationship between script choice and overall proficiency in the heritage language is investigated. We compare two different age groups of bilingual children. The analysis reveals that knowledge of the Cyrillic script is not dependent on their age upon arrival in Germany. Even those who use the Cyrillic script for writing in Russian sometimes use Latin graphemes. The appearance of Latin graphemes can be treated as an unconscious negative transfer from German, but also sometimes as a purposeful transfer to substitute for complex Cyrillic graphemes. Most of the factors used for assessing language proficiency (e.g. morphological correctness, mean length of sentences, etc.) are related to script choice, but significant effects were found only for task accomplishment.