bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation by alkaline treatment and detailed characterisation of empty hepatitis B virus core particles for vaccine and gene therapy applications
Authors: Strods Arnis , Ose Velta , Bogans Janis , Cielens Indulis , Kalnins Gints , Radovica Ilze , Kazaks Andris , Pumpens Paul , Renhofa Regina 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) are one of the most powerful protein engineering tools utilised to expose immunological epitopes and/or cell-targeting signals and for the packaging of genetic material and immune stimulatory sequences. Although HBc VLPs and their numerous derivatives are produced in highly efficient bacterial and yeast expression systems, the existing purification and packaging protocols are not sufficiently optimised and standardised. Here, a simple alkaline treatment method was employed for the complete removal of internal RNA from bacteria- and yeast-produced HBc VLPs and for the conversion of these VLPs into empty particles, without any damage to the VLP structure. The empty HBc VLPs were able to effectively package the added DNA and RNA sequences. Furthermore, the alkaline hydrolysis technology appeared efficient for the purification and packaging of four different HBc variants carrying lysine residues on the HBc VLP spikes. Utilising the introduced lysine residues and the intrinsic aspartic and glutamic acid residues exposed on the tips of the HBc spikes for chemical coupling of the chosen peptide and/or nucleic acid sequences ensured a standard and easy protocol for the further development of versatile HBc VLP-based vaccine and gene therapy applications.
Using an in-vitro biofilm model to assess the virulence potential of Bacterial Vaginosis or non-Bacterial Vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis isolates
Authors: Castro Joana , Alves Patrícia , Sousa Cármen , Cereija Tatiana , França Ângela , Jefferson Kimberly K. , Cerca Nuno 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGardnerella vaginalis is the most common species found in bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, it is also present in a significant proportion of healthy women and G. vaginalis vaginal colonization does not always lead to BV. In an effort to better understand the differences between G. vaginalis isolated from women with a positive (BV) versus a negative (non-BV) diagnosis of BV, we compared the virulence potential of 7 BV and 7 non-BV G. vaginalis isolates and assessed the virulence factors related to biofilm formation, namely: initial adhesion and cytotoxic effect, biofilm accumulation, susceptibility to antibiotics and transcript levels of the known vaginolysin and sialidase genes. Furthermore, we also determined the ability of G. vaginalis to displace lactobacilli previously adhered to HeLa cells. Our results showed that non-BV strains were less virulent than BV strains, as suggested by the lower cytotoxicity and initial adhesion to Hela cells. Significant differences in expression of known virulence genes were also detected, further suggesting a higher virulence potential of the BV associated G. vaginalis. Importantly, we demonstrated that BV associated G. vaginalis were able to displace pre-coated vaginal protective lactobacilli and we hypothesize this to be a trigger for BV development.
Precise Control of the Number of Layers of Graphene by Picosecond Laser Thinning
Authors: Lin Zhe , Ye Xiaohui , Han Jinpeng , Chen Qiao , Fan Peixun , Zhang Hongjun , Xie Dan , Zhu Hongwei , Zhong Minlin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe properties of graphene can vary as a function of the number of layers (NOL). Controlling the NOL in large area graphene is still challenging. In this work, we demonstrate a picosecond (ps) laser thinning removal of graphene layers from multi-layered graphene to obtain desired NOL when appropriate pulse threshold energy is adopted. The thinning process is conducted in atmosphere without any coating and it is applicable for graphene films on arbitrary substrates. This method provides many advantages such as one-step process, non-contact operation, substrate and environment-friendly and patternable, which will enable its potential applications in the manufacturing of graphene-based electronic devices.
Association genetics in Populus reveals the interactions between Pt-miR397a and its target genes
Authors: Chen Jinhui , Chen Beibei , Yang Xiaohui , Tian Jiaxing , Du Qingzhang , Zhang Deqiang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRecent studies have revealed associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA (miRNA) genes and diseases. However, association studies to decipher the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes remain to be conducted. Here, we investigated the association of growth and wood traits with SNPs in Pt-miR397a and its targets, in 261 individuals from a natural population of Populus tomentosa. Of the 57 SNPs identified in Pt-miR397a, three strongly affect its secondary stability and SNPs in target sites in Pt-LAC20 and Pt-HSP40 changed the binding affinity of Pt-miR397a. Single-SNP association analysis revealed that SNPs in Pt-miR397a significantly associated with α-cellulose content and stem volume and SNPs in target genes also associated with growth and wood-property traits. Multi-SNP association analysis with additive and dominant models found that SNPs in six potential target genes associated with at least one trait in common with Pt-miR397a, revealing a possible genetic interaction between Pt-miR397a and its targets. Furthermore, epistasis analysis revealed epistatic interactions between SNPs in Pt-miR397a and its target genes. Thus, our study indicated that SNPs in Pt-miR397a and six target genes affect wood formation and that association studies can reveal the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes.
Alopecia Areata Increases the Risk of Stroke: a 3-year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kang Jiunn-Horng , Lin Herng-Ching , Kao Senyeong , Tsai Ming-Chieh , Chung Shiu-Dong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe risk for stroke in alopecia areata (AA) patients is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk for subsequent risk of a stroke in AA patients in a large-scale retrospective cohort study. We identified 3231 patients with AA included in the study group from 2004 to 2011 in the “Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000” in Taiwan. We randomly selected 16,155 matched patients as the comparison group. We individually tracked each patient for a 3-year period to identify patients who had received a diagnosis of stroke during the follow-up period. We found that incidence rates of stroke during the 3-year follow-up periods were 5.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.03 ~ 7.20) and 2.75 (95% CI = 2.30 ~ 3.27) per 1000 person-years for patients with and those without AA, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regressions showed that the adjusted hazard ratio for stroke for those patients with AA was 1.61 (95% CI = 1.13 ~ 2.30) within the follow-up period compared to the controls. We concluded that patients with AA were associated with a higher risk of stroke in the 3-year follow-up period.
Discovery of a non-cationic cell penetrating peptide derived from membrane-interacting human proteins and its potential as a protein delivery carrier
Authors: Young Kim Hyo , Young Yum Soo , Jang Goo , Ahn Dae-Ro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are peptides that can be translocated into cells and used as a carrier platform for the intracellular uptake of cargo molecules. Subject to the source of CPP sequences and their positively charged nature, the cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of conventional CPPs needs to be optimized to expand their utility for biomedical applications. In addition to these safety issues, the stability of CPPs needs to be addressed since their positively charged residues are prone to interact with the biological milieu. As an effort to overcome these limitations of the current CPP technology, we isolated CPP candidate sequences and synthesized peptides from twelve isoforms of annexin, a family of membrane-interacting human proteins. The candidate screen returned a CPP rich in hydrophobic residues that showed more efficient cellular uptake than TAT-CPP. We then investigated the uptake mechanism, subcellular localization and biophysical properties of the newly found CPP, verifying low cytotoxicity, long-term serum stability and non-immunogenicity. Finally, model proteins conjugated to this peptide were successfully delivered into mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo, indicating a potential use of the peptide as a carrier for the delivery of macromolecular cargos.
Seasonal spatial heterogeneity of warming rates on the Tibetan Plateau over the past 30 years
Authors: Duan Jianping , Li Lun , Fang Yongjie 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBased on temperature data from 79 meteorological stations, we estimate the warming rate by season on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during 1984–2013. The warming rate was spatially heterogeneous across seasons over the past 30 years. The northern TP (NTP) experienced more warming than the southern TP (STP) (divided near 33°N) in all seasons. The greatest north-south difference in warming was 0.70 ± 0.11 °C for summer (June-August), while the smallest difference was 0.27 ± 0.14 °C for the cold season (November-April). Such seasonal and spatial heterogeneity in the warming rate is consistent with the seasonal precipitation patterns of the NTP and the STP. One possible cause for this phenomenon is that more precipitation occurs in the STP than in the NTP (especially for summer), accompanied by more low cloud cover, which may have slowed the warming rate. Our results imply that dry regions on the TP will possibly experience greater temperature increase than wet regions under future global warming and this will be more prominent in summer.
SIW magic‐T with bandpass response
Authors: Li Peng , Chu Hui , Chen Ru Shan 
Published: June 2015

A novel magic‐T with bandpass filtering response using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology is presented. The basic design concept is based on properly locating the two power‐division ports in a dual‐mode circular SIW cavity, whose field distributions are even or odd symmetric. Not only in‐phase and out‐of‐phase operations can be achieved in the magic‐T, but also filtering responses for the two operations can be obtained. This magic‐T is fabricated in a single‐layer PCB and measured results show that it is centred at 9 GHz with 70 MHz 3 dB bandwidth. Good measured performance of balance for magnitude (±0.35 dB) as well as phase (0°–5°) is also obtained within the passband.
Calibration of laser Doppler vibrometer exploiting Bessel functions of the first kind
Authors: Jackson D.A. , Posada‐Roman J.E. , Garcia‐Souto J.A. 
Published: June 2015

Laser Doppler vibrometers (LDVs) both in a bulk optics and fibre optic format have been available for more than 30 years. Calibration of the vibrometer at fixed frequencies varies from counting fringes at low frequencies to measuring the displacement from the Doppler velocity. The proposed method for calibration exploits the properties of the optical vibration spectrum which can be described by Bessel functions of the first kind making it intrinsic to the vibrometer itself and not requiring any additional optical equipment. Calibration was achieved using an electric shaker to generate the vibration signal over a range of frequencies. Ideally the shaker should be calibrated but this is not required in the proposed system. This approach enables the maximum vibration amplitude and the minimum amplitude to be determined. In addition, an example of the calibration of a LDV is presented in which a minimum displacement of 1.6 nm at 4 kHz was achieved.
Entwicklung, Anwendung und Evaluation eines Konzeptes zur sicheren Patientenidentifikation im Krankenhaus – Wie kann der Wissenstransfer gelingen?
Authors: Santos S. , Lessing C. , Schrappe M. , Vollmar H. , Leve V. , Zschocke B. , Lux R. 
Published: June 2015

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie: Das Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit e. V. (APS) hat 2008 Handlungsempfehlungen zur sicheren Patientenidentifikation (PI) veröffentlicht, die das Risiko einer Patientenverwechslung in Krankenhäusern minimieren sollen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, ein theoretisches Rahmenkonzept zum Wissenstransfer zu entwickeln, zu implementieren und zu evaluieren. Das Konzept sollte zu einer nachhaltigen Anwendung der Handlungsempfehlungen zur sicheren PI durch das Krankenhauspersonal führen.
Methodik: Grundlage für das theoretische Rahmenkonzept zum Wissenstransfer waren eine datenbankbasierte Recherche und Literaturanalyse zu den Themengebieten Wissenstransfer, Change Management und praxisbezogene Implementierungsforschung. Im Rahmen der Konzeptanwendung wurden Gruppeninterviews mit dem Krankenhauspersonal geführt und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Auf dieser Basis wurde eine an die Rahmenbedingungen angepasste multimodale Implementierungsstrategie entwickelt und auf 8 Stationen in 4 Häusern eines kommunalen Krankenhauskonzerns umgesetzt. Die Evaluation des Konzeptes zum Wissenstransfer erfolgte 4 Wochen nach Konzeptanwendung mittels schriftlicher Befragung.
Ergebnisse: Das entwickelte Rahmenkonzept zum Wissenstransfer bestand aus 4 aufeinander aufbauenden Phasen: Initiierungsphase, Analysephase, Implementierungsphase, Evaluationsphase. Die multimodale Implementierungsstrategie setzte sich aus 3 Interventionen zusammen: einem Poster, einer Computerbasierten Schulung (CBS) und einem Leitfaden für Teambesprechungen. An der Befragung nahmen insgesamt 56 Stationsmitarbeiter teil: 96% gaben an, über die Existenz von Handlungsempfehlungen zur sicheren PI Bescheid zu wissen; 86% gaben an, die Inhalte der Handlungsempfehlungen zu kennen; 91% waren bestrebt, die Handlungsempfehlungen im stationären Alltag umzusetzen; 71% konstatierten, dass die Handlungsempfehlungen ein fester Bestandteil ihres routinierten stationären Arbeitsalltags geworden seien. Im Durchschnitt wurden die Befragten durch 2,3 Interventionen auf die Handlungsempfehlungen und ihre Inhalte aufmerksam gemacht, wobei die CBS die geringste Aufmerksamkeitssteigerung zur Folge hatte.
Schlussfolgerung: Das entwickelte theoretische Rahmenkonzept bietet eine Möglichkeit, die Handlungsempfehlungen zur sicheren PI in den stationären Versorgungsalltag zu integrieren und somit fördernder Faktoren einer Patientenverwechslung entgegenzusteuern. Dabei ist der Einsatz einer multimodalen Implementierungsstrategie vielversprechend.
The Effect of an Educational Intervention Program on the Adoption of Low Back Pain Preventive Behaviors in Nurses: An Application of the Health Belief Model
Authors: Sharafkhani Naser , Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Shamsi Mohsen , Ranjbaran Mehdi 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of a theory-based educational intervention program on the level of knowledge and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs among nurses in terms of the adoption of preventive behaviors. Methods This pretest/posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 nurses who were recruited through the multistage sampling method. The nurses were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants were evaluated before and 3 months after the educational intervention. A multidimensional questionnaire was prepared based on the theoretical structures of the HBM to collect the data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results There was no significant difference in the mean values of HBM constructs prior to the intervention between the intervention and control groups. However, after the administration of the educational program, the mean scores of knowledge and HBM constructs significantly increased in the intervention group when compared with the control group ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion The results of the current study revealed that the educational intervention based on the HBM was effective in improving the nurses’ scores of knowledge and HBM constructs; therefore, theory-based health educational strategies are suggested as an effective alternative to traditional educational interventions.
Short-term effects of nutrition on behavior: neurotransmitters.
Authors: Worobey J. , Kanarek R. B. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter briefly discusses the physiological effects food intake has on behaviour, mood, sleep, cravings. Of particular interest are the interaction between food intake and the production, secretion and/or metabolism of serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine and tyrosine.
Dietary supplements, mental performance and behavior.
Authors: Tepper B. J. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter begins by defining what a dietary supplement is and continues with a discussion on the functions and uses of 2 general classes of dietary supplements: antioxidant vitamins and minerals; and herbs and botanicals. The safety, efficacy and reported health benefits of dietary supplements (including improvement of memory, mood, depression, anxiety and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia) are discussed. The antioxidant vitamins and minerals discussed include vitamin E, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and selenium, while herbs and botanicals discussed include Ginkgo biloba, ginseng (Panax ginseng), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), and kava (Piper methysticum).
Dietary sugar and behavior.
Authors: D'Anci K. E. , Kanarek R. B. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter defines what nutritionists mean when they use the term 'sugar', discusses the metabolism of sugar, provides information on how much sugar is found in foods, examines how much sugar is being consumed by Americans and, in the main part of the chapter, explores the effect of sugar on behaviour and whether sugar intake does lead to physiological and psychological woes. The results of recent studies that suggest that sugar intake may have beneficial effects on cognition and mood, pain and substance abuse are described. It is concluded that the available data are suggestive of a powerful relationship between ingestion of sugary foods and a wide range of brain functioning.
Caffeine, the methylxanthines and behavior.
Authors: D'Anci K. E. , Kanarek R. B. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter presents a brief history of coffee, tea and chocolate; discusses the sources of caffeine; presents trends in coffee, tea and chocolate consumption; discusses the metabolism and neurophysiological effects of methylxanthines and caffeine; and examines the occurrence of caffeine intoxication.
Alcohol, brain functioning and behavior.
Authors: Kanarek R. B. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter examines the paradox of alcohol intake reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and the association of excessive alcohol intake with detrimental physiological and behavioural outcomes. It discusses the interaction of alcohol and nutrition, the effects of alcohol intake on brain function and human behaviour, the outcomes of chronic alcohol use, the relationship between nutrition and alcohol-induced neurotoxicity and fetal alcohol syndrome and its associated behavioural consequences.
Delivering live events.
Authors: Oriade A. , Robinson P. , Gelder S. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter explains event management from an operational perspective and demonstrates, again through case studies, how effective logistics management is essential for events to be delivered on time and on budget. The chapter discusses each stage of the event planning process, from initial concept to tidying up the site. This includes discussions around venue choices, site and facility design, quality and capacity management, yield management, performance and productivity management, and supply chain management.
Successful staffing of events.
Authors: Heitmann S. , Roberts C. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter discusses human resource management (HRM) theories, processes and concepts in the context of the event management organizations. Key topics include theories of motivation and leadership, human resources planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, grievance and discipline, as well as key issues such as legislation and labour market realities. The ideas are analysed and discussed in the context of their application and usefulness in practice to show the importance of the key concepts for managers in an increasingly competitive and diverse working environment.
Business planning and strategy.
Authors: Tassiopoulos D. , Dale C. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

This chapter explores strategic management concepts and theories within the context of the events industry. The chapter acknowledges the interrelationships between the different management functions and analyse business situations and strategic options. This chapter initially introduces the deliberate and emergent nature of strategic management and its impact upon event strategy and planning. Approaches to analysing the external macro- and microenvironment will be discussed with an understanding of the factors that may impact upon events and event operators. Consideration will then be given to concepts and theories that address the strategic options and methods of event operators. Approaches to understanding the implementation of strategies to events as part of the strategic management process will then be addressed. To enhance understanding of the material, the chapter applies the theories and concepts to 'live' mini-case studies of events and event operators.
Understanding end‐users in academic book publishing
Authors: DODDS Francis 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThis article reviews ways that commissioning editors in academic book publishing can better understand the end‐users of their products. It discusses available market resources, reports, and market research undertaken by other publishing companies and consultants, before going on to look at some of the existing internal sources that commissioning editors can draw on. It considers both qualitative and quantitative ways of testing and developing a commissioning editor's understanding of end‐users to improve market reach and customer satisfaction. The article concludes with a case study illustrating how one publisher used research on end‐users to improve its products and be more successful in the market.
Real-time multi-view deconvolution
Authors: Schmid Benjamin , Huisken Jan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Summary: In light-sheet microscopy, overall image content and resolution are improved by acquiring and fusing multiple views of the sample from different directions. State-of-the-art multi-view (MV) deconvolution simultaneously fuses and deconvolves the images in 3D, but processing takes a multiple of the acquisition time and constitutes the bottleneck in the imaging pipeline. Here, we show that MV deconvolution in 3D can finally be achieved in real-time by processing cross-sectional planes individually on the massively parallel architecture of a graphics processing unit (GPU). Our approximation is valid in the typical case where the rotation axis lies in the imaging plane.
Availability and implementation: Source code and binaries are available on github (https://github.com/bene51/), native code under the repository ‘gpu_deconvolution’, Java wrappers implementing Fiji plugins under ‘SPIM_Reconstruction_Cuda’.
Contact: bschmid@mpi-cbg.de or huisken@mpi-cbg.de
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.