bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual Thermo‐ and pH‐Responsive Zwitterionic Sulfobataine Copolymers for Oral Delivery System
Authors: Chen Ching‐Yi , Wang Hsiang‐Ling 
Published: July 2014

A novel oral delivery system consisting of thermoresponsive zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) and pH‐responsive poly(2‐(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDPA) is synthesized via free radical polymerization. This copolymer can self‐aggregate into nanoparticles via electrostatic attraction between ammonium cation and sulfo‐anion of PSBMA and successfully encapsulate anticancer drug, curcumin (CUR), with highest loading content of 2.6% in the P(SBMA‐co‐DPA) nanoparticles. The stimuli‐responsive phase transition behaviors of P(SBMA‐co‐DPA) copolymers at different pH buffer solution show pH‐dependent upper critical solution temperature (UCST) attributed to the influence of protonation/deprotonation of the pH‐responsive DPA segments. Through the delicate adjustment of the PSBMA/PDPA molar ratios, the stimuli‐responsive phase transition could be suitable for physiological environment. The kinetic drug release profiles demonstrate that P(SBMA‐co‐DPA) nanoparticles have the potential as oral delivery carriers due to their effective release of entrapped drugs in the stimulated intestinal fluid and preventing the deterioration of drug in stimulated gastric fluid.
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Bacterial Cellulose Nanopaper as Reinforcement for Polylactide Composites: Renewable Thermoplastic NanoPaPreg
Authors: Montrikittiphant Thanit , Tang Min , Lee Koon‐Yang , Williams Charlotte K. , Bismarck Alexander 
Published: July 2014

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is often regarded as a prime candidate nano‐reinforcement for the production of renewable nanocomposites. However, the mechanical performance of most BC nanocomposites is often inferior compared with commercially available polylactide (PLLA). Here, the manufacturing concept of paper‐based laminates is used, i.e., “PaPreg,” to produce BC nanopaper reinforced PLLA, which has been called “nanoPaPreg” by the authors. It is demon­strated that high‐performance nanoPaPreg (vf = 65 vol%) with a tensile modulus and strength of 6.9 ± 0.5 GPa and 125 ± 10 MPa, respectively, can be fabricated. It is also shown that the tensile properties of nanoPaPreg are predominantly governed by the mechanical performance of BC nanopaper instead of the individual BC nanofibers, due to difficulties impregnating the dense nanofibrous BC network.
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Modelling of Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Hybrid Bus Using Chain Graph Models
Authors: Flaccadoro Diana , Cervellera Cristiano , Bosia Giorgio , Riccomagno Eva 
Published: July 2014

Graphical models are statistical models supported on a graph structure: nodes represent random variables, and missing edges represent probabilistic relationship of conditional independence. This makes them suited to model the behavior of complex systems that are difficult to model through mathematical equations. In this work, this possibility is exploited in a context of diagnostics and fault detection. Specifically, the fault detection problem is reduced to the evaluation of a conditional probability. The relevant conditional distribution is derived from the analysis of a suitable graphical model taking advantage of the so‐called Markov properties.As a case study, we consider diagnostics of a hybrid bus, characterized by the combined use of a diesel engine and an electrical engine. The aim of the study is to verify the correct operation of the electrical system, in particular the status of the battery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E‐correlator: an entropy‐based alert correlation system
Authors: GhasemiGol Mohammad , Ghaemi‐Bafghi Abbas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWith the rapid size and complexity growth of computer networks, network supervisors are now facing a new problem, which is to analyze and manage the large amounts of security alerts that can be generated by security devices. Alert correlation systems attempt to solve this problem by finding the similarity and causality relationships between raw alerts and providing high‐level view of the network under surveillance. Several alert correlation methods have been proposed recently to detect known attack scenarios. This paper focuses on how to develop an intrusion‐alert correlation system according to the information existed in the raw alerts without using any predefined knowledge. For this purpose, first, we define the concept of alert partial entropy to find the alert clusters with the same information. Then, we represent the alert clusters by an intelligible notation called hyper‐alerts. The network supervisor can reduce the number of hyper‐alerts based on the principle of maximum entropy or by using the concept of hyper‐alerts partial entropy. For more visualization, we define the hyper‐alerts graph, which provides a global view of intrusion alerts. Our results show that the proposed entropy‐based alert correlation system (E‐correlator) can simplify the analysis of large number of alerts. We achieved the promising reduction ratio of 99.98% in LLS_DDOS_1.0 attack scenario in DARPA2000 dataset while the constructed hyper‐alerts have enough information to discover the attacker, the victim, and the attack scenario. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of codon-optimized E. coli signal peptides on recombinant Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase periplasmic localization, yield and activity
Authors: Samant Shalaka , Gupta Gunja , Karthikeyan Subbulakshmi , Haq Saiful F , Nair Ayyappan , Sambasivam Ganesh , Sukumaran Sunilkumar 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Recombinant proteins can be targeted to the Escherichia coli periplasm by fusing them to signal peptides. The popular pET vectors facilitate fusion of target proteins to the PelB signal. A systematic comparison of the PelB signal with native E. coli signal peptides for recombinant protein expression and periplasmic localization is not reported. We chose the Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase (MA), an industrial enzyme widely used in the baking and brewing industry, as a model protein and analyzed the competence of seven, codon-optimized, E. coli signal sequences to translocate MA to the E. coli periplasm compared to PelB. MA fusions to three of the signals facilitated enhanced periplasmic localization of MA compared to the PelB fusion. Interestingly, these three fusions showed greatly improved MA yields and between 18- and 50-fold improved amylase activities compared to the PelB fusion. Previously, non-optimal codon usage in native E. coli signal peptide sequences has been reported to be important for protein stability and activity. Our results suggest that E. coli signal peptides with optimal codon usage could also be beneficial for heterologous protein secretion to the periplasm. Moreover, such fusions could even enhance activity rather than diminish it. This effect, to our knowledge has not been previously documented. In addition, the seven vector platform reported here could also be used as a screen to identify the best signal peptide partner for other recombinant targets of interest.
Heavy oils, principally long-chain n-alkanes secreted by Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanogenum strain P5 isolated from mangrove system
Authors: Liu Yuan-Yuan , Chi Zhe , Wang Zhi-Peng , Liu Guang-Lei , Chi Zhen-Ming 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this study, the yeast strain P5 isolated from a mangrove system was identified to be a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanogenum and was found to be able to secrete a large amount of heavy oil into medium. After optimization of the medium for heavy oil production and cell growth by the yeast strain P5, it was found that 120.0 g/l of glucose and 0.1 % corn steep liquor were the most suitable for heavy oil production. During 10-l fermentation, the yeast strain P5 produced 32.5 g/l of heavy oil and cell mass was 23.0 g/l within 168 h. The secreted heavy oils contained 66.15 % of the long-chain n-alkanes and 26.4 % of the fatty acids, whereas the compositions of the fatty acids in the yeast cells were only C16:0 (21.2 %), C16:1(2.8 %), C18:0 (2.9 %), C18:1 (39.8 %), and C18:2 (33.3 %). We think that the secreted heavy oils may be used as a new source of petroleum in marine environments. This is the first report of yeast cells which can secrete the long-chain n-alkanes.
Lipid Emulsions Differentially Affect LPS‐Induced Acute Monocytes Inflammation: In Vitro Effects on Membrane Remodeling and Cell Viability
Authors: Boisramé‐Helms Julie , Delabranche Xavier , Klymchenko Andrey , Drai Jocelyne , Blond Emilie , Zobairi Fatiha , Mely Yves , Hasselmann Michel , Toti Florence , Meziani Ferhat 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess how lipid emulsions for parenteral nutrition affect lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute monocyte inflammation in vitro. An 18 h long LPS induced human monocyte leukemia cell stimulation was performed and the cell‐growth medium was supplemented with three different industrial lipid emulsions: Intralipid®, containing long‐chain triglycerides (LCT—soybean oil); Medialipid®, containing LCT (soybean oil) and medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT—coconut oil); and SMOFlipid®, containing LCT, MCT, omega‐9 and ‐3 (soybean, coconut, olive and fish oils). Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by Trypan blue exclusion and flow cytometry respectively. Monocyte composition and membrane remodeling were studied using gas chromatography and NR12S staining. Microparticles released in supernatant were measured by prothrombinase assay. After LPS challenge, both cellular necrosis and apoptosis were increased (threefold and twofold respectively) and microparticle release was enhanced (sevenfold) after supplementation with Medialipid® compared to Intralipid®, SMOFlipid® and monocytes in the standard medium. The monocytes differentially incorporated fatty acids after lipid emulsion challenge. Finally, lipid‐treated cells displayed microparticles characterized by disrupted membrane lipid order, reflecting lipid remodeling of the parental cell plasma membrane. Our data suggest that lipid emulsions differentially alter cell viability, monocyte composition and thereby microparticle release. While MCT have deleterious effects, we have shown that parenteral nutrition emulsion containing LCT or LCT and MCT associated to n‐3 and n‐9 fatty acids have no effect on endotoxin‐induced cell death and inflammation.
Emerging lessons from the FIGO LOGIC initiative on maternal death and near‐miss reviews
Authors: Lewis Gwyneth 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis short paper describes some early findings from an overview of the maternal death or severe morbidity “near‐miss” reviews that have been undertaken to improve clinical care by the eight societies participating in the FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health aimed at strengthening the role of professional obstetric associations. While it is expected that each will publish its own report, generalizable lessons emerged and valuable solutions were implemented that will help others planning such reviews and audits in future.
Low energy positron interactions with uracil—Total scattering, positronium formation, and differential elastic scattering cross sections
Authors: Anderson E. K. , Boadle R. A. , Machacek J. R. , Chiari L. , Makochekanwa C. , Buckman S. J. , Brunger M. J. , Garcia G. , Blanco F. , Ingolfsson O. , Sullivan J. P. 
Published: July 2014

Measurements of the grand total and total positronium formation cross sections for positron scattering from uracil have been performed for energies between 1 and 180 eV, using a trap-based beam apparatus. Angular, quasi-elastic differential cross section measurements at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 eV are also presented and discussed. These measurements are compared to existing experimental results and theoretical calculations, including our own calculations using a variant of the independent atom approach.
Stability analysis of strange-modes in hot massive stars with time-dependent convection
Authors: Sonoi Takafumi , Shibahashi Hiromoto 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
We carry out a nonadiabatic analysis of strange-modes in hot massive stars with time-dependent convection (TDC). In the envelopes of such stars, convective luminosity is not so dominant as it is in the envelopes of stars on the redder side of the classical instability strip. Around the Fe opacity bump, however, convection contributes nonnegligibly to energy transfer. Indeed, we find that the instability of modes excited at the Fe bump is likely to be weaker with TDC as compared with the case of adopting the frozen-in convection (FC) approximation. But we confirm that unstable strange-modes certainly remain in hot massive stars even by taking into account TDC. We also examine properties of the strange-mode instability, which is related to destabilization of strange-modes without adiabatic counterparts. In this type of instability, a phase lag between density and pressure varies from 0° to 180° in an excitation zone, unlike the case of the κ-mechanism. In addition, we confirm by comparing two models with Z = 0 and Z = 0.02 that the dominance of radiation pressure is important for this type of instability.
CPK13, a Noncanonical Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase, Specifically Inhibits KAT2 and KAT1 Shaker K+ Channels and Reduces Stomatal Opening
Authors: Ronzier Elsa , Corratgé-Faillie Claire , Sanchez Frédéric , Prado Karine , Brière Christian , Leonhardt Nathalie , Thibaud Jean-Baptiste , Xiong Tou Cheu 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Ca2 +-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) form a large family of 34 genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Based on their dependence on Ca2+, CPKs can be sorted into three types: strictly Ca2+-dependent CPKs, Ca2+-stimulated CPKs (with a significant basal activity in the absence of Ca2+), and essentially calcium-insensitive CPKs. Here, we report on the third type of CPK, CPK13, which is expressed in guard cells but whose role is still unknown. We confirm the expression of CPK13 in Arabidopsis guard cells, and we show that its overexpression inhibits light-induced stomatal opening. We combine several approaches to identify a guard cell-expressed target. We provide evidence that CPK13 (1) specifically phosphorylates peptide arrays featuring Arabidopsis K+ Channel KAT2 and KAT1 polypeptides, (2) inhibits KAT2 and/or KAT1 when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and (3) closely interacts in plant cells with KAT2 channels (Förster resonance energy transfer-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy). We propose that CPK13 reduces stomatal aperture through its inhibition of the guard cell-expressed KAT2 and KAT1 channels.
Dynamic Transcriptome Landscape of Maize Embryo and Endosperm Development
Authors: Chen Jian , Zeng Biao , Zhang Mei , Xie Shaojun , Wang Gaokui , Hauck Andrew , Lai Jinsheng 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is an excellent cereal model for research on seed development because of its relatively large size for both embryo and endosperm. Despite the importance of seed in agriculture, the genome-wide transcriptome pattern throughout seed development has not been well characterized. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we developed a spatiotemporal transcriptome atlas of B73 maize seed development based on 53 samples from fertilization to maturity for embryo, endosperm, and whole seed tissues. A total of 26,105 genes were found to be involved in programming seed development, including 1,614 transcription factors. Global comparisons of gene expression highlighted the fundamental transcriptomic reprogramming and the phases of development. Coexpression analysis provided further insight into the dynamic reprogramming of the transcriptome by revealing functional transitions during maturation. Combined with the published nonseed high-throughput RNA sequencing data, we identified 91 transcription factors and 1,167 other seed-specific genes, which should help elucidate key mechanisms and regulatory networks that underlie seed development. In addition, correlation of gene expression with the pattern of DNA methylation revealed that hypomethylation of the gene body region should be an important factor for the expressional activation of seed-specific genes, especially for extremely highly expressed genes such as zeins. This study provides a valuable resource for understanding the genetic control of seed development of monocotyledon plants.
Functional Evidence for the Critical Amino-Terminal Conserved Domain and Key Amino Acids of Arabidopsis 4-HYDROXY-3-METHYLBUT-2-ENYL DIPHOSPHATE REDUCTASE
Authors: Hsieh Wei-Yu , Sung Tzu-Ying , Wang Hsin-Tzu , Hsieh Ming-Hsiun 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The plant 4-HYDROXY-3-METHYLBUT-2-ENYL DIPHOSPHATE REDUCTASE (HDR) catalyzes the last step of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway to synthesize isopentenyl diphosphate and its allyl isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate, which are common precursors for the synthesis of plastid isoprenoids. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genomic HDR transgene-induced gene-silencing lines are albino, variegated, or pale green, confirming that HDR is essential for plants. We used Escherichia coli isoprenoid synthesis H (Protein Data Bank code 3F7T) as a template for homology modeling to identify key amino acids of Arabidopsis HDR. The predicted model reveals that cysteine (Cys)-122, Cys-213, and Cys-350 are involved in iron-sulfur cluster formation and that histidine (His)-152, His-241, glutamate (Glu)-242, Glu-243, threonine (Thr)-244, Thr-312, serine-379, and asparagine-381 are related to substrate binding or catalysis. Glu-242 and Thr-244 are conserved only in cyanobacteria, green algae, and land plants, whereas the other key amino acids are absolutely conserved from bacteria to plants. We used site-directed mutagenesis and complementation assay to confirm that these amino acids, except His-152 and His-241, were critical for Arabidopsis HDR function. Furthermore, the Arabidopsis HDR contains an extra amino-terminal domain following the transit peptide that is highly conserved from cyanobacteria, and green algae to land plants but not existing in the other bacteria. We demonstrated that the amino-terminal conserved domain was essential for Arabidopsis and cyanobacterial HDR function. Further analysis of conserved amino acids in the amino-terminal conserved domain revealed that the tyrosine-72 residue was critical for Arabidopsis HDR. These results suggest that the structure and reaction mechanism of HDR evolution have become specific for oxygen-evolving photosynthesis organisms and that HDR probably evolved independently in cyanobacteria versus other prokaryotes.
Strigolactone Involvement in Root Development, Response to Abiotic Stress, and Interactions with the Biotic Soil Environment
Authors: Kapulnik Yoram , Koltai Hinanit 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Strigolactones, recently discovered as plant hormones, regulate the development of different plant parts. In the root, they regulate root architecture and affect root hair length and density. Their biosynthesis and exudation increase under low phosphate levels, and they are associated with root responses to these conditions. Their signaling pathway in the plant includes protein interactions and ubiquitin-dependent repressor degradation. In the root, they lead to changes in actin architecture and dynamics as well as localization of the PIN-FORMED auxin transporter in the plasma membrane. Strigolactones are also involved with communication in the rhizosphere. They are necessary for germination of parasitic plant seeds, they enhance hyphal branching of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the Glomus and Gigaspora spp., and they promote rhizobial symbiosis. This review focuses on the role played by strigolactones in root development, their response to nutrient deficiency, and their involvement with plant interactions in the rhizosphere.
Customer Franchise—A Hidden, Yet Crucial, Asset
Authors: Bonacchi Massimiliano , Kolev Kalin , Lev Baruch 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe introduce a measure of customer franchise value for subscription‐based companies—a fast growing and vital sector of the economy. This measure is based on information voluntarily disclosed by some, but not all, firms. Controlling for self‐selection, we examine the measure's information content and find that customer value is significantly positively associated with stock price and this association is incremental to both GAAP and a set of non‐GAAP variables typically considered in valuation tests. Furthermore, we show that the customer value measure is positively associated with future earnings and analysts' forecast errors. Importantly, we find that the documented results are robust to controlling for the individual inputs used to derive the measure, highlighting the need to consider the interaction between stand‐alone value drivers in assessing a firm's performance. These findings indicate that the proposed measure of customer value is an important valuation tool that quantifies and summarizes the main trends and factors underlying the performance of subscription‐based enterprises. This study informs researchers and investors, as well as accounting policymakers, about a major value‐generating asset currently missing from corporate financial reports.
Contact sensitizer 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene is a highly potent human TRPA1 agonist
Authors: Saarnilehto M. , Chapman H. , Savinko T. , Lindstedt K. , Lauerma A. I. , Koivisto A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract2,4‐Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is widely used in human clinical studies and in experimental animal studies to evoke allergic contact dermatitis. 2,4‐Dinitrochlorobenzene is a potent immunogen capable of inducing contact sensitization in all humans exposed. However, the mechanism by which DNCB evokes such symptoms is presently unknown. TRPA1 is a nonselective cation channel that is expressed in peptidergic sensory neurons and fibroblasts. TRPA1 activation was recently implicated in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis especially in transducing cutaneous itch signals. Here, we test the hypothesis that DNCB acts as a TRPA1 agonist and thereby evokes allergic symptoms. We found that DNCB activates human TRPA1 dose dependently in FLIPR experiments with an EC50 of 167 nM, an effect that was fully blocked by selective TRPA1 antagonists Chembridge‐5861528 and A‐967079. Similarly, DNCB activated nonselective TRPA1 current in patch clamp studies. Neutralization of 3 critical cysteines in TRPA1 resulted in a loss of DNCB agonism.