bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tender coconut water an economical growth medium for the production of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sekar Narendrakumar , Veetil Soumya Kariyadan , Neerathilingam Muniasamy 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background

Escherichia coli is most widely used prokaryotic expression system for the production of recombinant proteins. Several strategies have been employed for expressing recombinant proteins in E.coli. This includes the development of novel host systems, expression vectors and cost effective media. In this study, we exploit tender coconut water (TCW) as a natural and cheaper growth medium for E.coli and Pichia pastoris.

Result

E.coli and P.pastoris were cultivated in TCW and the growth rate was monitored by measuring optical density at 600 nm (OD600nm), where 1.55 for E.coli and 8.7 for P.pastoris was obtained after 12 and 60 hours, respectively. However, variation in growth rate was observed among TCW when collected from different localities (0.15-2.5 at OD600nm), which is attributed to the varying chemical profile among samples. In this regard, we attempted the supplementation of TCW with different carbon and nitrogen sources to attain consistency in growth rate. Here, supplementation of TCW with 25 mM ammonium sulphate (TCW-S) was noted efficient for the normalization of inconsistency, which further increased the biomass of E.coli by 2 to 10 folds, and 1.5 to 2 fold in P.pastoris. These results indicate that nitrogen source is the major limiting factor for growth. This was supported by total nitrogen and carbon estimation where, nitrogen varies from 20 to 60 mg/100 ml while carbohydrates showed no considerable variation (2.32 to 3.96 g/100 ml). In this study, we also employed TCW as an expression media for recombinant proteins by demonstrating successful expression of maltose binding protein (MBP), MBP-TEV protease fusion and a photo switchable fluorescent protein (mEos2) using TCW and the expression level was found to be equivalent to Luria Broth (LB).

Conclusion
This study highlights the possible application of TCW-S as a media for cultivation of a variety of microorganisms and recombinant protein expression.
Blind recognition of binary cyclic codes
Authors: Jing Zhou , Zhiping Huang , Shaojing Su , Shaowu Yang 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A solution to blind recognition of binary cyclic codes is proposed in this paper. This problem could be addressed on the context of non-cooperative communications or adaptive coding and modulations. We consider it as a reverse engineering problem of error-correcting coding. The proposed algorithm recovers the encoder parameters of a cyclic, coded communication system with the only knowledge of the noisy information streams. By taking advantages of soft-decision outputs of the channel and by employing statistical signal-processing methods, it achieves higher recognition performances than existing algorithms which are based on algebraic approaches in hard-decision situations. By comprehensive simulations, we show that the probability of false estimation of coding parameters of our proposed algorithm is much lower than the existing algorithms, and falls rapidly when signal-to-noise ratio increases.
Collection and trade of wild-harvested orchids in Nepal
Authors: Subedi Abishkar , Kunwar Bimal , Choi Young , Dai Yuntao , van Andel Tinde , Chaudhary Ram P , de Boer Hugo J , Gravendeel Barbara 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Wild orchids are illegally harvested and traded in Nepal for use in local traditional medicine, horticulture, and international trade. This study aims to: 1) identify the diversity of species of wild orchids in trade in Nepal; 2) study the chain of commercialization from collector to client and/or export; 3) map traditional knowledge and medicinal use of orchids; and 4) integrate the collected data to propose a more sustainable approach to orchid conservation in Nepal.

Methods
Trade, species diversity, and traditional use of wild-harvested orchids were documented during field surveys of markets and through interviews. Trade volumes and approximate income were estimated based on surveys and current market prices. Orchid material samples were identified to species level using a combination of morphology and DNA barcoding.

Results
Orchid trade is a long tradition, and illegal export to China, India and Hong Kong is rife. Estimates show that 9.4 tons of wild orchids were illegally traded from the study sites during 2008/2009. A total of 60 species of wild orchids were reported to be used in traditional medicinal practices to cure at least 38 different ailments, including energizers, aphrodisiacs and treatments of burnt skin, fractured or dislocated bones, headaches, fever and wounds. DNA barcoding successfully identified orchid material to species level that remained sterile after culturing.

Conclusions
Collection of wild orchids was found to be widespread in Nepal, but illegal trade is threatening many species in the wild. Establishment of small-scale sustainable orchid breeding enterprises could be a valuable alternative for the production of medicinal orchids for local communities. Critically endangered species should be placed on CITES Appendix I to provide extra protection to those species. DNA barcoding is an effective method for species identification and monitoring of illegal cross-border trade.
Role of viruses in the development of breast cancer
Authors: Alibek Kenneth , Kakpenova Ainur , Mussabekova Assel , Sypabekova Marzhan , Karatayeva Nargis 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The most common cancer worldwide among women is breast cancer. The initiation, promotion, and progression of this cancer result from both internal and external factors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer stated that 18-20% of cancers are linked to infection, and the list of definite, probable, and possible carcinogenic agents is growing each year. Among them, biological carcinogens play a significant role. In this review, data covering infection-associated breast and lung cancers are discussed and presented as possible involvements as pathogens in cancer. Because carcinogenesis is a multistep process with several contributing factors, we evaluated to what extent infection is significant, and concluded that members of the herpesvirus, polyomavirus, papillomavirus, and retrovirus families definitely associate with breast cancer. Detailed studies of viral mechanisms support this conclusion, but have presented problems with experimental settings. It is apparent that more effort needs to be devoted to assessing the role of these viruses in carcinogenesis, by characterizing additional confounding and synergistic effects of carcinogenic factors. We propose that preventing and treating infections may possibly stop or even eliminate certain types of cancers.
Omalizumab may decrease IgE synthesis by targeting membrane IgE+ human B cells
Authors: Chan Marcia A , Gigliotti Nicole M , Dotson Abby L , Rosenwasser Lanny J 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundOmalizumab, is a humanized anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody used to treat allergic asthma. Decreased serum IgE levels, lower eosinophil and B cell counts have been noted as a result of treatment. In vitro studies and animal models support the hypothesis that omalizumab inhibits IgE synthesis by B cells and causes elimination of IgE‐expressing cells either by induction of apoptosis or induction of anergy or tolerance.MethodsWe examined the influence of omalizumab on human tonsillar B cell survival and on the genes involved in IgE synthesis. Tonsillar B cells were stimulated with IL‐4 plus anti‐CD40 antibody to induce class switch recombination to IgE production in the presence or absence of omalizumab. Cell viability was assessed and RNA extracted to examine specific genes involved in IgE synthesis.ConclusionsWe found that omalizumab reduced viable cell numbers but this was not through induction of apoptosis. IL‐4R and germline Cϵ mRNA levels were decreased as well as the number of membrane IgE+ cells in B cells treated with omalizumab. These data suggest that omalizumab may decrease IgE synthesis by human B cells by specifically targeting membrane IgE‐bearing B cells and inducing a state of anergy.
Concentration dependent Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS ) studies on (E,E)-1-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]- piperidine (Piperine) and its analogues
Authors: Khajuria Ravi K , Sharma Neha , Koul Jawahar L , Verma Mahendra K 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Studies on piperine ((M
1
)) and its synthetic analogues (M
2–18
) by positive electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry were carried out in the flow injection mode of analysis in methanol. The MS experiments on these compounds at concentration 5 ng/μL or above yielded dimeric ionic species [2 M + Na]+ which revealed that piperine and its analogues exhibit clustering of ions when the solutions of these compounds at concentrations 5 ng/μL or above were allowed to move through the electrospray interface of the mass spectrometer. The same clustering of the ions was not observed when the solutions of the same compounds at concentrations below 5 ng/μL were used for similar studies. The formation of the clusters was further confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) studies wherein the fragmentation of dimeric ionic species [2 M + Na]+ led to the formation of sodium adducted monomeric ionic species [M + Na]+. The MS measurements of these compounds by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI) were on expected lines as there was no clustering of the ions in case of APCI-MS measurements.
Quantifying uncertainties in attenuation estimation at methane-hydrate-bearing zones using sonic waveform logs
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Matsushima Jun 
Published: September 2013

Application of seismic attenuation estimation using sonic waveform data is limited because the estimation methods have not yet been fully developed. Although the median frequency shift method is considered to be effective and robust compared to the conventional spectral ratio method, we demonstrated that the median frequency shift methods strongly depend on reference data under lower signal-to-noise ratios. We modified an existing median frequency shift method not to depend on arbitrarily choosing a reference value and to quantify the uncertainties in attenuation estimation. Furthermore, we implied the optimum selection of receiver pairs used for more stable attenuation analysis. Our numerical experiments supported the advantage of the proposed method. Although our main findings by applying the proposed methods in methane hydrate-bearing sediments are almost consistent with past field sonic logging measurements, we find some differences in the magnitude of attenuation values compared to existing sonic attenuation measurements and discuss various possible factors. We believe that more stable and reliable attenuation results can lead to clarifying various factors affecting attenuation estimation, such as the effect of scattering, near-field effects, and source-coupling effects. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of scattering effect caused by the heterogeneity of the formation and demonstrated the limitation of characterizing the 1D heterogeneity using the sonic logging data spatially sampled at 0.15 m to adequately estimate the effect of scattering attenuation.
Risk assessment and management: forensic methods, human results
Authors: Baird John , Stocks Ruth 
Published: September 2013

SummaryRisk assessment and management is an integral part of modern clinical practice. In this article we discuss best practice in the assessment and management of risk of harm to others. Unstructured clinical judgement methods have been used for many years, but it is only more recently that actuarial and structured clinical judgement methods have been introduced. These methods are discussed and compared. We describe a process that could be followed by a clinical team and give an illustrative case example. Last, we reflect on aspects of current practice and consider the possible direction of developments in the field.
Autism spectrum disorder in adults: clinical features and the role of the psychiatrist
Authors: Garland Jacqui , O'Rourke Linda , Robertson Dene 
Published: September 2013

SummaryAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong conditions. Although not all adults with ASD require psychiatric input, general adult psychiatrists increasingly find themselves responsible for the care of adults with the disorder. This may present a new and unique challenge to them. Here, we summarise the core clinical features of ASD; discuss appropriate diagnostic practice; review the principles of management; and identify key educational, social care and voluntary services for adults with ASD in the UK.
Supporting self-management in early dementia: a contribution towards ‘living well’?
Authors: Cheffey Jo , Hill Laura , Roberts Glenn , Marlow Ruth 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThere has been increasing interest in how to assist people to ‘live well’ with advancing and incurable conditions late into life. This article considers the progress made in mental health services for adults of working age which promote active involvement in their care and how these principles can be applied to older adults with dementia. The concept of ‘recovery’ and its applicability to dementia care are discussed. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and how it could be translated and modified to the needs of people with dementia are explored. This is especially important in light of the UK National Dementia Strategy, which emphasises early diagnosis and intervention to promote improved care and quality of life.
Understanding the person with dementia: a clinicophilosophical case discussion
Authors: Hughes Julian C. , Beatty Aileen 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThis article examines the notion of personhood and shows how it offers a robust conceptual underpinning to person-centred care. We use a fictitious case vignette to clarify the nature of personhood. Mental health professionals need a broad view of personhood, which we feel is best captured by regarding the person as a 'situated embodied agent'. Using this characterisation, we aim to demonstrate how it can underpin the notion of person-centred care and show the practical implications of this in connection with our fictitious case. The broad view supports a specific approach to people with dementia, but also shows the challenges that face the implementation of good-quality dementia care. Discussion of this case shows both the relevance of philosophy to clinical practice and the ways in which clinical practice can enrich the debates of philosophy.
Cognitive function in schizophrenia: insights from intelligence research
Authors: Joyce Eileen M. 
Published: September 2013

SummarySchizophrenia is characterised by generalised cognitive impairment that is both a risk factor and a predictor of outcome. Recent research into human intelligence supports the view that, in schizophrenia, poor performance on disparate cognitive tasks can be explained by dysfunction of a frontoparietal neural network thought to support fluid intelligence.
Selection of autophagy or apoptosis in cells exposed to ER-stress depends on ATF4 expression pattern with or without CHOP expression
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Miyazaki Shuichi , Matsuyama Satoshi , Takeda Masayuki , Kawano Makoto , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Nishimura Kazuhiko , Matsuo Saburo 
Published: August 2013

Summary
Cells exposed to ER-stress undergo the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to avoid apoptosis, but may also activate autophagy. However, the signal for selection of one of these two protective responses is unknown. To clarify the key switch between autophagy and apoptosis, we examined the correlation of UPR-related signals with autophagy and/or apoptosis inductions in HepG2 cells exposed to three ER-stress inducers (NaF, tunicamycin, and thapsigargin) with time, including the effect of small interfering RNA on the cell responses. Thapsigargin-induced ER-stress caused only apoptosis after ∼2 hr with Ire1 phosphorylation, and Grp78, ATF4, and CHOP expressions. On the other hand, NaF- and tunicamycin-induced ER-stress caused only autophagy in the early stage by ∼8 hr with ATF4 expression and without CHOP expression. ATF4-siRNA completely inhibited the autophagy induced by NaF or tunicamycin with suppressed ATF4 protein and mRNA expressions, and also inhibited apoptosis by thapsigargin with suppression of both ATF4 and CHOP. CHOP-siRNA had no effect on autophagy activation by NaF and tunicamycin. On the other hand, CHOP-siRNA activated autophagy in thapsigargin-induced ER-stress with significant ATF4 expression, and suppressed apoptosis with CHOP suppression. These results showed that ATF4 is the key signal for autophagy induced by ER-stress, and that autophagy is switched to apoptosis by subsequent CHOP upregulation, suggesting that the changeover switch between autophagy and apoptosis is located between ATF4 to CHOP in the PERK pathway.
FancJ regulates interstrand crosslinker induced centrosome amplification through the activation of polo-like kinase 1
Authors: Zou Jianqiu , Tian Fen , Li Ji , Pickner Wyatt , Long Molly , Rezvani Khosrow , Wang Hongmin , Zhang Dong 
Published: August 2013

Summary
DNA damage response (DDR) and the centrosome cycle are two of the most critical processes for maintaining a stable genome in animals. Sporadic evidence suggests a connection between these two processes. Here, we report our findings that six Fanconi Anemia (FA) proteins, including FancI and FancJ, localize to the centrosome. Intriguingly, we found that the localization of FancJ to the mother centrosome is stimulated by a DNA interstrand crosslinker, Mitomycin C (MMC). We further show that, in addition to its role in interstrand crosslinking (ICL) repair, FancJ also regulates the normal centrosome cycle as well as ICL induced centrosome amplification by activating the polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). We have uncovered a novel function of FancJ in centrosome biogenesis and established centrosome amplification as an integral part of the ICL response.
Cell-cycle dependent localization of MELK and its new partner RACK1 in epithelial versus mesenchyme-like cells in Xenopus embryo
Authors: Chartrain Isabelle , Le Page Yann , Hatte Guillaume , Körner Roman , Kubiak Jacek Z. , Tassan Jean-Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Summary
Maternal Embryonic Leucine zipper Kinase (MELK) was recently shown to be involved in cell division of Xenopus embryo epithelial cells. The cytokinetic furrow of these cells ingresses asymmetrically and is developmentally regulated. Two subpopulations of xMELK, the mMELK (for “mitotic” xMELK) and iMELK (“interphase” xMELK), which differ in their spatial and temporal regulation, are detected in Xenopus embryo. How cells regulate these two xMELK populations is unknown. In this study we show that, in epithelial cells, xMELK is present at a higher concentration at the apical junctional complex, in contrast to mesenchyme-like cells, which have uniform distribution of cortical MELK. Interestingly, mMELK and iMELK also differ by their requirements towards cell–cell contacts to establish their proper cortical localization both in epithelial and mesenchyme-like cells. Receptor for Activated protein Kinase C (RACK1), which we identified as an xMELK partner, co-localizes with xMELK at the tight junction. Moreover, a truncated RACK1 construct interferes with iMELK localization at cell–cell contacts. Collectively, our results suggest that iMELK and RACK1 are present in the same complex and that RACK1 is involved in the specific recruitment of iMELK at the apical junctional complex in epithelial cells of Xenopus embryos.
Mechanical properties of sand tiger sharkCarcharias taurusvertebrae in relation to spinal deformity
Authors: Huber Daniel , Neveu Danielle E. , Stinson Charlotte M. , Anderson Paul A. , Berzins Ilze K. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryApproximately 35% of sand tiger sharks Carcharias taurus in public aquaria exhibit spinal deformities ranging from compressed vertebrae and loss of intervertebral space to dislocated spines with vertebral degeneration and massive spondylosis caused by excessive mineralization both within vertebrae and outside the notochordal sheath. To identify the mechanical basis of these deformities, vertebral centra from affected (n = 12) and non-affected (n = 9) C. taurus were subjected to axial compression tests on an MTS 858 Bionix material testing system, after which mineral content was determined. Vertebral centra from affected sharks had significantly lower mineral content and material behavior in nearly all variables characterizing elasticity, plasticity, and failure. These mechanical deficiencies are correlated with size at capture, capture method, vitamin C and zinc deficiency, aquarium size, and swimming behavior in public aquaria. Non-affected C. taurus had greater stiffness and toughness even though these properties are generally incompatible in mineralized structures, suggesting that the biphasic (mineralized, unmineralized phases) nature of chondrichthyan vertebrae yields material behavior not otherwise observed in vertebrate skeletons. However, vertebral centra from non-affected sharks had lower mineral content (33%), stiffness (167 MPa), yield strain (14%), and ultimate strength (16 MPa) than other species of sharks and bony vertebrates, indicating that biomechanical precautions must be taken in the husbandry of this species.
Insulin-like peptides (AmILP1 and AmILP2) differentially affect female caste development in the honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wang Ying , Azevedo Sergio V. , Hartfelder Klaus , Amdam Gro 
Published: August 2013

Summary
The food a honey bee female larva receives determines whether she develops into a large long-lived fertile queen or a short-lived sterile worker. Through well-established nutrient sensing and growth promoting functions in metazoans, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling (IIS) pathway has become a focal topic in investigations on how differences in food environment can be translated into internal signals responsible for queen-worker determination. However, low expression levels of two insulin receptors (AmInRs) in honey bee larvae and the failure of one AmInR to influence caste differentiation are in potential conflict with such a classical growth promoting role of IIS in queen-worker development. In view of such an apparent contradiction, and the fact that binding partners and affinities of these two AmInRs have not been worked out, we performed a functional study on insulin-like peptide genes (AmILP1 and AmILP2) in honey bee larvae by using a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene knockdown approach. We found that juvenile hormone (JH) levels were diminished by vAmILP1 dsRNA treatment, while the AmILP2 knockdown caused a reduction in ovary size. Blood sugar titers were not significantly affected by the treatments. From these results we conclude that AmILP2 transcript levels may influence specific organ development, such as the ovary and body mass, while more general traits of caste differentiation, such as mandibles, may require additional regulators. In addition, JH production may be regulated by AmILP1 expressed locally in the brain, similar to the function of certain ILPs in Drosophila.