bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐level expression and purification of soluble bioactive recombinant human heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Khalili Mostafa , Soleyman Mohammad Reza , Baazm Maryam , Beyer Cordian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHeparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF) is a member of highly conserved superfamily of proteins that has potential mitogenic activity and stimulates differentiation and migration of various cell types. Since HB‐EGF has three intra‐molecular disulfide bonds, a high expression pattern of active HB‐EGF in an E. coli expression system was not successfully established. The aim of this study was to increase production of soluble bioactive recombinant human HB‐EGF in E. coli by modifying growth conditions and codon optimization. The open reading frame codons of human HB‐EGF were optimized to achieve high level expression in E. coli. The optimized codon was amplified, cloned into plasmid pET‐32a, and transformed into E. coli BL21 for further expression. The cultivation parameters (temperature and inducer) were optimized to produce a high yield of soluble HB‐EGF. The fusion protein was purified by Nickel‐nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni‐NTA) affinity chromatography. Amethylthiazole tetrazolium assay was used to evaluate the bioactivity of the produced recombinant protein. After codon optimization, the codon adaptation index (CAI) was increased from 0.255 in native gene to 0.829 using the optimized sequence. By lowering the temperature to 22°C and the inducer to 0.4 μM, we obtained 35% soluble expression of recombinant and biologically active human HB‐EGF. Our data demonstrate that codon optimization increases the yield of HB‐EGF in an E. coli expression system. Furthermore, the chosen modifications in cell culturing increase the solubility of recombinant human HB‐EGF.
Exceptional Activity of a Pt–Rh–Ni Ternary Nanostructured Catalyst for the Electrochemical Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Erini Nina , Rudi Stefan , Beermann Vera , Krause Paul , Yang Ruizhi , Huang Yunhui , Strasser Peter 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAlloying Pt with highly oxophilic transition metals such as Rh, Ni, or Sn has been a promising strategy to modify the electrocatalytic surface properties of Pt in order to supply active oxygen‐containing species for ethanol electrooxidation. A new, highly active, ternary single‐phased fcc PtRhNi/C nanoparticle electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol (EOR) is reported and its morphology (XRD and TEM), composition (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy), and electrochemical activity are discussed in comparison with the state‐of‐art PtRhSn/C electrocatalyst. The EOR activity of the PtRhNi/C material outperformed the benchmark PtRhSn/C material in acidic and alkaline media, showing high stability, especially in alkaline media. The higher intrinsic EOR activity of the Ni‐containing electrocatalyst lends support to the notion that surface NiOx is an excellent oxygenate‐supplying catalyst component for the oxidation of ethanol.
Pure and Palladium‐Loaded Co3O4 Hollow Hierarchical Nanostructures with Giant and Ultraselective Chemiresistivity to Xylene and Toluene
Authors: Hwang Su‐Jin , Choi Kwon‐Il , Yoon Ji‐Wook , Kang Yun Chan , Lee Jong‐Heun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPure and palladium‐loaded Co3O4 hollow hierarchical nanostructures consisting of nanosheets have been prepared by solvothermal self‐assembly. The nanostructures exhibited an ultrahigh response and selectivity towards p‐xylene and toluene. The responses (resistance ratio) of the palladium‐loaded Co3O4 hollow hierarchical nanostructures to 5 ppm of p‐xylene and toluene were as high as 361 and 305, respectively, whereas the selectivity values (response ratios) towards p‐xylene and toluene over interference from ethanol were 18.1 and 16.1, respectively. We attributed the giant response and unprecedented high selectivity towards methylbenzenes to the abundant adsorption of oxygen by Co3O4, the high chemiresistive variation in the Co3O4 nanosheets (thickness≈11 nm), and the catalytic promotion of the specific gas‐sensing reaction. The morphological design of the p‐type Co3O4 nanostructures and loading of the palladium catalyst have paved a new way to monitoring the most representative indoor air pollutants in a highly selective, sensitive, and reliable manner.
Color naming in Italian language
Authors: Paggetti Giulia , Menegaz Gloria , Paramei Galina V. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe present study investigated Italian basic color terms (BCTs). It is an extension of our previous work that explored Italian basic color categories (BCCs) using a constrained color‐naming method, with 11 Italian BCTs allowed, including blu for naming the BLUE area. Since a latter outcome indicated a categorization bias, here monolexemic color‐naming method was employed, enabling also use of azzurro, deeply entrenched Italian term that designates light blue. In Experiment 1, colors (N = 367), sampling the Munsell Mercator projection, were presented on a CRT; color names and reaction times of vocalization onset were recorded. Naming consistency and consensus were estimated. Consistency was obtained for 12 CTs, including the two blue terms; consensus was found for 11 CTs, excluding rosso “red.” For each consensus category, color with the shortest response time was considered focal. In Experiment 2, consensus stimuli (N = 72) were presented; on each trial, observers indicated the focal color (“best example”) in an array of colors comprising a consensus category. For each of the 12 Italian CCs, centroid was calculated and focal color (two measures) estimated. Compared to English color terms, two outcomes are specific to Italian color naming: (i) naming of the RED‐PURPLE area is highly refined, with consistent use of emergent non‐BCTs; (ii) azzurro and blu both perform as BCTs dividing the BLUE area along the lightness dimension. The findings are considered in the framework of the weak relativity hypothesis. Historico‐linguistic, environmental, and pragmatic communication factors are discussed that conceivably have driven the extension of the BCT inventory in Italian. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 402–415, 2016
Effect of Chain Topology of Polyethylenimine on Physisorption and Chemisorption of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhao Qiangli , Wang Quanyong , Zhang Chen , Du Zhongjie , Tian Ming , Mi Jianguo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPolyethylenimine (PEI) is a promising candidate for CO2 capture. In this work, the physisorption and chemisorption of CO2 on various low‐molecular‐weight PEIs are investigated to identify the effect of chain architecture on sorption. The reliability of theoretical calculations are partially supported by our experimental measurements. Physisorption is calculated independently by the reference interaction‐site model integral equation theory; chemisorption is distinguished from the total sorption given by the quantum density functional theory. It is shown that, as the chain length increases, both chemisorption and physisorption drop off nonlinearly, but the decay amplitude of chemisorption is more apparent. Conversely, as the amine group approaches the central triamine unit of each oligomer, the sorption capacity decreases, affecting the sorption equilibrium in a complex way. This arises from the cooperative contribution of an increased steric effect and renormalized electronic distribution.
π‐Hole Bonds: Boron and Aluminum Lewis Acid Centers
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations were performed on complexes of boron and aluminum trihydrides and trihalides with hydrogen cyanide (ZH3‐NCH and ZX3‐NCH; Z=B, Al; X=F, Cl). The complexes are linked through the B⋅⋅⋅N and Al⋅⋅⋅N interactions, which are named as triel bonds and which are classified as π‐hole bonds. It was found that they possess numerous characteristics of typical covalent bonds, since they are ruled mainly by processes of the electron charge shift from the Lewis base to the Lewis acid unit. Other configurations of the ZH3‐NCH and ZX3‐NCH complexes linked by the dihydrogen, hydrogen, and halogen bonds were found. However, these interactions are much weaker than the corresponding π‐hole bonds. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the natural bond orbital approaches were applied to characterize the complexes and interactions analyzed. The crystal structures of triel trihydrides and triel trihalides were also analyzed for comparison with the results of calculations.
Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Efficiency of a Core/Shell Array Photoanode Enhanced by a Dual Suppression Strategy
Authors: He Wanhong , Yang Ye , Wang Liren , Yang Junjiao , Xiang Xu , Yan Dongpeng , Li Feng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe development of earth‐abundant semiconductor photoelectrodes is of great importance to high‐efficiency and sustainable photoelectrochemical water splitting. Herein, a one‐dimensional TiO2 array photoanode was sheathed with an ultrathin overlayer of phosphated nickel–chromium double‐metal hydroxide by a photoassisted modification and deposition strategy. The core/shell array photoanode resulted in a large cathodic shift of photocurrent onset potential (≈200 mV). Nearly 100 % oxidative efficiency for PEC water oxidation was achieved over a wide range of potential. Mechanism studies show that the modification of phosphate leads to significantly improved charge separation. The amorphous hydroxide sheath could efficiently inhibit oxygen reduction reactions. Therefore, this strategy enables the simultaneous suppression of surface carrier recombination and back reactions, which is promising to improve the water oxidation efficiency of currently prevailing photoanodes.
Drought‐induced changes in flow regimes lead to long‐term losses in mussel‐provided ecosystem services
Authors: Vaughn Caryn C. , Atkinson Carla L. , Julian Jason P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractExtreme hydro‐meteorological events such as droughts are becoming more frequent, intense, and persistent. This is particularly true in the south central USA, where rapidly growing urban areas are running out of water and human‐engineered water storage and management are leading to broad‐scale changes in flow regimes. The Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma, USA, has high fish and freshwater mussel biodiversity. However, water from this rural river is desired by multiple urban areas and other entities. Freshwater mussels are large, long‐lived filter feeders that provide important ecosystem services. We ask how observed changes in mussel biomass and community composition resulting from drought‐induced changes in flow regimes might lead to changes in river ecosystem services. We sampled mussel communities in this river over a 20‐year period that included two severe droughts. We then used laboratory‐derived physiological rates and river‐wide estimates of species‐specific mussel biomass to estimate three aggregate ecosystem services provided by mussels over this time period: biofiltration, nutrient recycling (nitrogen and phosphorus), and nutrient storage (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon). Mussel populations declined over 60%, and declines were directly linked to drought‐induced changes in flow regimes. All ecosystem services declined over time and mirrored biomass losses. Mussel declines were exacerbated by human water management, which has increased the magnitude and frequency of hydrologic drought in downstream reaches of the river. Freshwater mussels are globally imperiled and declining around the world. Summed across multiple streams and rivers, mussel losses similar to those we document here could have considerable consequences for downstream water quality although lost biofiltration and nutrient retention. While we cannot control the frequency and severity of climatological droughts, water releases from reservoirs could be used to augment stream flows and prevent compounded anthropogenic stressors.
Performance Evaluation of CLIA for Treponema Pallidum Specific Antibodies Detection in Comparison with ELISA
Authors: Li Lixin , Cai Bei , Tao Chuanmin , Wang Lanlan 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to evaluate the performance effects of chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) for Treponema pallidum specific antibodies detection, and to compare T. pallidum specific antibodies detection accuracy between CLIA and ELISA with TPPA (T. pallidum particle agglutination assay) as a confirmatory test.MethodsA total of 865 samples from suspected syphilis patients and preoperative patients were included, in which T. pallidum specific antibodies were simultaneously detected by CLIA and ELISA. Among them, 457 samples were determined by TPPA.ResultsAll coefficients of variation (CVs) of ELISA in high‐, median‐, and low‐level samples were more than 5% and the maximum CV was 54.39% in the low‐level sample. CVs of CLIA in different‐level samples were all below 5%. Among the three assays the Spearman correlation and Kappa coefficients were 0.771 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.854 (P ≤ 0.001, CLIA vs. ELISA), 0.806 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.897 (P ≤ 0.001, ELISA vs. TPPA), 0.937 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.967 (P ≤ 0.001, CLIA vs. TPPA), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CLIA was higher than that of ELISA (0.994 vs. 0.989) with TPPA as the confirmatory test. In 18 discrepant samples the consistency rate between CLIA and TPPA was elevated compared with that between ELISA and TPPA (72.22% vs. 27.78%, P = 0.008). In gray zone, the consistency rate of CLIA with TPPA was higher than that of ELISA with TPPA (90.91% vs. 41.67%, P = 0.027).ConclusionsCompared with ELISA, CLIA is more reliable, sensitive and accurate to detect serum T. pallidum specific antibodies. In the future it may be an alternative test with higher sensitivity to ELISA.
Immunolocalization of the telomerase‐1 component in cells of the regenerating tail, testis, and intestine of lizards
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTUsing an antibody against a lizard telomerase‐1 component the presence of telomerase has been detected in regenerating lizard tails where numerous cells are proliferating. Immunoblots showed telomerase positive bands at 75–80 kDa in normal tissues and at 50, 75, and 90 kDa in those regenerating. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunolocalization showed telomerase‐immunoreactivity in sparCe (few/diluted) mesenchymal cells of the blastema, early regenerating muscles, perichondrium of the cartilaginous tube, ependyma of the spinal cord, and in the regenerating epidermis. Clusters of gold particles were detected in condensing chromosomes of few mesenchymal and epithelial cells in the regenerating tail, but a low to undetectable labeling in interphase cells. Telomerase‐immunoreactivity was intense in the nucleus and sparCe (few/diluted) in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and spermatocytes and drastically decreased in early spermatids where some nuclear labeling remains. Some intense immunoreactivity was seen in few cells near the basal membrane of intestinal enterocytes or in leukocytes (likely lymphocytes) of the intestine mucosa. In spermatogonia, spermatids and in enterocytes part of the nuclear labeling formed cluster of gold particles in dense areas identified as Cajal Bodies, suggesting that telomerase is a marker for these stem cells. This therefore suggests that also the sparCe (few/diluted) telomerase positive cells detected in the regenerating tail may represent sparCe (few/diluted) stem cells localized in regenerating tissues where transit amplifying cells are instead preponderant to allow for tail growth. This observation supports previous studies indicating that few stem cells are present in the stump after tail amputation and give rise to transit amplifying cells for tail regeneration. J. Morphol. 276:748–758, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A laboratory realization of the Burgers' vortex cartoon of turbulence‐plankton interactions
Authors: Webster D. R. , Young D. L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA laboratory apparatus was constructed to physically realize the Burgers' vortex cartoon of turbulence‐plankton interactions. Fluid motion is induced by corotating two disks while simultaneously withdrawing fluid axially through hollow drive shafts. The technique creates a flow pattern that mimics a Burgers' vortex with size and strength consistent with turbulence vortices in the coastal and near‐surface zones. Specifically, the radius, circulation, and axial strain rate of the Burgers' vortex were specified to match typical dissipative vortices corresponding to two turbulence intensity levels (described by a mean turbulent dissipation rate of 0.009 cm2 s−3 and 0.096 cm2 s−3, respectively). Tomographic particle image velocimetry was used to quantify the flow field, calibrate the apparatus, verify that it produces the desired vortex characteristics, and provide a three‐dimensional velocity vector field to compare with zooplankton behavioral assays. The apparatus facilitates direct examination of the mechanistic aspects of plankton interaction with a turbulent‐like vortex, which is demonstrated via quantifying the swimming behavior of Acartia tonsa in and around the vortex flow structure.
Unraveling the pathogenesis of ARX polyalanine tract variants using a clinical and molecular interfacing approach
Authors: Marques Isabel , Sá Maria João , Soares Gabriela , Mota Maria do Céu , Pinheiro Carla , Aguiar Lisa , Amado Marta , Soares Christina , Calado Angelina , Dias Patrícia , Sousa Ana Berta , Fortuna Ana Maria , Santos Rosário , Howell Katherine B. , Ryan Monique M. , Leventer Richard J , Sachdev Rani , Catford Rachael , Friend Kathryn , Mattiske Tessa R. , Shoubridge Cheryl , Jorge Paula 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Aristaless‐related homeobox (ARX) gene is implicated in intellectual disability with the most frequent pathogenic mutations leading to expansions of the first two polyalanine tracts. Here, we describe analysis of the ARX gene outlining the approaches in the Australian and Portuguese setting, using an integrated clinical and molecular strategy. We report variants in the ARX gene detected in 19 patients belonging to 17 families. Seven pathogenic variants, being expansion mutations in both polyalanine tract 1 and tract 2, were identifyed, including a novel mutation in polyalanine tract 1 that expands the first tract to 20 alanines. This precise number of alanines is sufficient to cause pathogenicity when expanded in polyalanine tract 2. Five cases presented a probably non‐pathogenic variant, including the novel HGVS: c.441_455del, classified as unlikely disease causing, consistent with reports that suggest that in frame deletions in polyalanine stretches of ARX rarely cause intellectual disability. In addition, we identified five cases with a variant of unclear pathogenic significance. Owing to the inconsistent ARX variants description, publications were reviewed and ARX variant classifications were standardized and detailed unambiguously according to recommendations of the Human Genome Variation Society. In the absence of a pathognomonic clinical feature, we propose that molecular analysis of the ARX gene should be included in routine diagnostic practice in individuals with either nonsyndromic or syndromic intellectual disability. A definitive diagnosis of ARX‐related disorders is crucial for an adequate clinical follow‐up and accurate genetic counseling of at‐risk family members.
Towards a standardised metrology for multi‐scale characterisation of nanostructured durable hydrophobic coatings
Authors: De Bono Damaso M. , Taylor Alan , Durand Geraldine 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNanostructured coatings are gaining an increasing importance in critical applications such as anti‐fouling, low friction and boundary layer control applications, due to their ability to tailor roughness levels and to modify the energy of the underlying surface. The sustainability of a coating is linked to its lifetime and limited durability is one of the main drawbacks for nanostructured coatings. To improve performance and durability of nanostructured coatings a greater understanding of the structure at the nano‐scale and the influence of this on the macro‐scale behaviour is needed. As confirmation of this need, international bodies dealing with metrology standardisation have recognised that one of the main barrier limiting a larger scale exploitation of nanostructured coatings is the lack of understanding and testing methodologies able to link the nanostructure features of the coating with the final macro‐scale performance of the coating itself. This paper will offer an overview on the potential of nanostructured coatings to provide engineering surfaces with durable hydrophobic/super‐hydrophobic properties. The advancements achieved and the work carried out by TWI in this field will be illustrated. The project activities proposing the development and establishment of metrology methodologies for nanostructured coatings will be also mentioned. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Endobronchial deposits of chronic lymphocytic leukemia – an unusual cause of central airway obstruction
Authors: Maw Miranda , Harvey Michael , Harrington Zinta , Baraket Melissa , Montgomery Renn , Williamson Jonathan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA 66‐year‐old woman with a background of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was admitted to the hospital on several occasions with recurrent episodes of community‐acquired pneumonia. Computed tomography and bronchoscopy revealed multiple obstructing endobronchial polyps. Post‐obstructive pneumonia together with immunoglobulin G deficiency was considered the most likely cause of these recurrent infections. Bronchoscopy was performed for removal of the critically obstructing lesions. Histopathology revealed replacement of bronchial mucosa with CLL deposits. Despite a brief window of infection‐free survival following therapy, she remained susceptible to pneumonia with further hospital admissions and eventually died from her disease.
Die Ertüchtigung der Rendsburger Eisenbahnhochbrücke über den Nord‐Ostsee‐Kanal
Authors: Bartzsch Matthias , Geißler Karsten , Schmachtenberg Richard 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDie Eisenbahnhochbrücke Rendsburg über den Nord‐Ostsee‐Kanal ist ein über 100 Jahre altes technisches Denkmal und trotzdem – als Nadelöhr für den Skandinavienverkehr – noch unter vollem Eisenbahnbetrieb. Die Brücke, eine genietete Stahlkonstruktion, wird derzeit umfangreich ertüchtigt. Zu den Maßnahmen gehört neben der Erneuerung des Korrosionsschutzes und der Instandsetzung von Schäden eine Verstärkung für heutige Eisenbahnverkehrslasten. So kann die Brücke langfristig erhalten werden – ein wichtiger Beitrag zur Baukultur.The strengthening of the Rendsburg High Bridge across the Kiel Canal. The Rendsburg High Bridge – a railway viaduct across the Kiel Canal – is a more than 100 year old technical monument. Nethertheless it is used under full traffic load – as a bottleneck for the traffic to Scandinavia. The bridge, a riveted steel construction, is currently extensively refitted. The maintenance procedures comprise a strengthening for today’s railway traffic loads beside the renewal of the corrosion protection and the repair of defects. Thus, the bridge can be preserved for a long time – also an important contribution to the building culture.