bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration and Desalination of Protein Derived from Tuna Cooking Juice by Nanofiltration
Authors: Hajihama Muhammadameen , Youravong Wirote 
Published: January 2014

Tuna cooking juice is a co-product of tuna canning industry. It riches in protein, currently used for production of feed meal as well as protein hydrolysate. The finish products are usually in the form of concentrate, produced by evaporation process. However, evaporation is energy consumable process and the salt content level of the concentrate is often over the standard, thus required additional process for lowering salt content e.g. crystallization. The use of membrane technology, therefore, is of interest, since it required less energy and footprint compared with evaporation and is also able to reduce salt content of the concentrate. The aim of this study were to employ and select the membrane filtration process, and optimize the operating condition for protein concentration and desalination of tuna cooking juice. The results indicated that nanofiltration (NF) was more suitable than the ultrafiltration (UF) process, regarding the ability in protein recovery and desalination. The NF performance was evaluated in terms of permeation flux and protein and salt retentions. The protein and salt rejections of NF were 96 % and 5 %, respectively. The permeate flux(J) increased as transmembrane pressure (TMP) or cross flow rate (CFR) increased and the highest flux was obtained at TMP of 10 bar and CFR of 800 L/h. Operating with batch mode, the permeate flux was found to decrease as protein concentration increased, and at volume concentration factor about 4, the protein concentration about 10% while salt removal was aproximately 70 % of the initial value. This work clearly showed that NF was successfully employed for concentration and desalination of protein derived from tuna cooking juice.
Assertiveness Among Undergraduates in a Malaysian Public University: Implications Towards Improved Employability
Authors: Haladin Nurâ€™ain Balqis , Ibrahim Noor Aireen , Rajab Azizah 
Published: January 2014

Assertiveness began to gain scholarly interest in the 1940s but more recent research on assertiveness has pointed to the importance of assertiveness in English language teaching and learning as well as in developing studentâ€™s communicative competence. In the context of workplace communication also, assertiveness is regarded as an important skill which will improve an individualâ€™s interpersonal communication. However, previous cross-cultural studies have shown that Asians are less assertive than Westerners because the principles of assertiveness may be in conflict with the values of Asian society. As a result of this, Asians may be placed in a less favourable light in situations in which assertiveness is highly regarded.Â Hence, this study aims to discover the level of assertiveness among undergraduates in a Malaysian public university. This paper will also report on two factors i.e. communicative competence and situations that may have a significant relationship on an individualâ€™s level of assertiveness. Respondents were chosen through proportionate stratified sampling to complete the Rathus Assertiveness Survey (RAS) used in this study. Findings indicate a high level of assertiveness but a significant difference in the level of assertiveness in different settings, while the relationship between assertiveness and communicative competence appears to contradict past research. Finally, the implication of the findings of this study with regard to employability is discussed.
Smoking Out Reproductive Hormone Actions in Lung Cancer
Authors: Siegfried Jill M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Experimental and population-based evidence has been steadily accumulating that steroid hormones are fundamentally involved in the biology of the lung. Both estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in normal and malignant lung tissue, and the reproductive hormones that bind these receptors have a role in lung development, lung inflammation, and lung cancer. The estrogen receptor-β (ER-β) was discovered in the 1990s as a novel form of ER that is transcribed from a gene distinct from ER-α, the receptor previously isolated from breast tissue. Interestingly, ER-β is the predominate ER expressed in normal and malignant lung tissue, whereas inflammatory cells that infiltrate the lung are known to express both ER-α and ER-β. Although there is evidence from animal models for the preferential effects of ER-β in the lungs of females, human lung tumors from males often contain comparable numbers of ER-β–positive cells and male-derived lung cancer cell lines respond to estrogens. Lung tumors from both males and females also express CYP19 (aromatase), the rate-limiting enzyme in estrogen synthesis that converts testosterone to estrone and β-estradiol. Thus, testosterone acts as a precursor for local estrogen production within lung tumors, independent of reproductive organs. This review discusses the recent literature findings about the biology of the ERs, aromatase, and the progesterone receptor in lung cancer and highlights the ongoing clinical trials and future therapeutic implications of these findings. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 24–31. ©2014 AACR.
Natural history of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome associated with FAS gene mutations
Authors: Price Susan , Shaw Pamela A. , Seitz Amy , Joshi Gyan , Davis Joie , Niemela Julie E. , Perkins Katie , Hornung Ronald L. , Folio Les , Rosenberg Philip S. , Puck Jennifer M. , Hsu Amy P. , Lo Bernice , Pittaluga Stefania , Jaffe Elaine S. , Fleisher Thomas A. , Rao V. Koneti , Lenardo Michael J. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
Less than 60% of individuals who inherit a FAS mutation have a clinical manifestation of ALPS, implying a high carrier rate. Major causes of morbidity and mortality in ALPS patients are sepsis following splenectomy and development of lymphoma.
Haemolytic uremic syndrome following fire ant bites
Authors: Lee Yi-Che , Wang Jyh-Seng , Shiang Jeng-Chuan , Tsai Ming-Kai , Deng Kai-Tai , Chang Min-Yu , Wang Hsi-Hao , Ho Li-Chun , Chen Yi-Ting , Hung Shih-Yuan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundHaemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe, life-threatening disease with symptoms such as haemolytic anaemia, renal failure, and a low platelet count. Possible aetiology includes bacterial infections, medication, post-hematopoietic cell transplantation, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.Case presentationWe report the case of a 21-year-old healthy man who developed acute renal failure caused by HUS. Typical symptoms of HUS combined with severe uraemia developed following a large local reaction after suspectedSolenopsis invicta(fire ant) bites. He was successfully treated with plasma exchange and achieved complete recovery of renal function.ConclusionThis is the first case illustrating a serious systemic reaction of HUS to fire ant bites, and highlights this severe complication in patients who sustain fire ant bites.
A randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of a nurse-led Antenatal Asthma Management Service in South Australia (AAMS study)
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E , Dekker Gustaaf , Rivers Karen , Roberts-Thomson Kate , Roy Anil , Smith Brian , Bowden Jeffery , Bryce Robert , Davies Michael , Beilby Justin , Wilson Anne , Middleton Philippa , Ruffin Richard , Karnon Jonathan , Clifton Vicki L ,   the AAMS study group
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy presents a unique situation for the management of asthma as it can alter the course of asthma severity and its treatment, which in turn can affect pregnancy outcomes. Despite awareness of the substantial adverse effects associated with asthma during pregnancy, little has been done to improve its management and reduce associated perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of an Antenatal Asthma Management Service.Methods/designDesign:Multicentre, randomized controlled trial.Inclusion criteria:Women with physician diagnosed asthma, which is not currently in remission, who are less than 20 weeks gestation with a singleton pregnancy and do not have a chronic medical condition.Trial entry and randomization:Eligible women with asthma, stratified by treatment site, disease severity and parity, will be randomized into either the ‘Standard Care Group’ or the ‘Intervention Group’.Study groups:Both groups will be followed prospectively throughout pregnancy. Women in the ‘Standard Care Group’ will receive routine obstetric care reflecting current clinical practice in Australian hospitals. Women in the ‘Intervention Group’ will receive additional care through the nurse-led Antenatal Asthma Management Service, based in the antenatal outpatient clinic. Women will receive asthma education with a full assessment of their asthma at 18, 24, 30 and 36 weeks gestation. Each antenatal visit will include a 60 min session where asthma management skills are assessed including: medication adherence and knowledge, inhaler device technique, recognition of asthma deterioration and possession of a written asthma action plan. Furthermore, subjects will receive education about asthma control and management skills including trigger avoidance and smoking cessation counseling when appropriate.Primary study outcome:Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy.Sample size:A sample size of 378 women will be sufficient to show an absolute reduction in asthma exacerbations during pregnancy of 20% (alpha 0.05 two-tailed, 90% power, 5% loss to follow-up).DiscussionThe integration of an asthma education program within the antenatal clinic setting has the significant potential to improve the participation of pregnant women in the self-management of their asthma, reduce asthma exacerbations and improve perinatal health outcomes.Trial registrationACTRN12613000244707
Assessing the optimal virulence of malaria‐targeting mosquito pathogens: a mathematical study of engineered Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Konrad Bernhard P , Lindstrom Michael , Gumpinger Anja , Zhu Jielin , Coombs Daniel 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundMetarhizium anisopliaeis a naturally occurring fungal pathogen of mosquitoes. Recently,Metarhiziumhas been engineered to act against malaria by directly killing the disease agent within mosquito vectors and also effectively blocking onward transmission. It has been proposed that efforts should be made to minimize the virulence of the fungal pathogen, in order to slow the development of resistant mosquitoes following an actual deployment.ResultsTwo mathematical models were developed and analysed to examine the efficacy of the fungal pathogen. It was found that, in many plausible scenarios, the best effects are achieved with a reduced or minimal pathogen virulence, even if the likelihood of resistance to the fungus is negligible. The results for both models depend on the interplay between two main effects: the ability of the fungus to reduce the mosquito population, and the ability of fungus‐infected mosquitoes to compete for resources with non‐fungus‐infected mosquitoes.ConclusionsThe results indicate that there is no obvious choice of virulence for engineeredMetarhiziumor similar pathogens, and that all available information regarding the population ecology of the combined mosquito‐fungus system should be carefully considered. The models provide a basic framework for examination of anti‐malarial mosquito pathogens that should be extended and improved as new laboratory and field data become available.
Enhancement of antireflection property of silicon using nanostructured surface combined with a polymer deposition
Authors: Ha Jun Mok , Yoo Sung Ho , Cho Jong Hoi , Cho Yong Hoon , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Silicon (Si) nanostructures that exhibit a significantly low reflectance in ultraviolet (UV) and visible light wavelength regions are fabricated using a hydrogen etching process. The fabricated Si nanostructures have aperiodic subwavelength structures with pyramid-like morphologies. The detailed morphologies of the nanostructures can be controlled by changing the etching condition. The nanostructured Si exhibited much more reduced reflectance than a flat Si surface: an average reflectance of the nanostructured Si was approximately 6.8% in visible light region and a slight high reflectance of approximately 17% in UV region. The reflectance was further reduced in both UV and visible light region through the deposition of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) layer with a rough surface on the Si nanostructure: the reflectance can be decreased down to 2.5%. The enhancement of the antireflection properties was analyzed with a finite difference time domain simulation method.
Flexible context aware interface for ambient assisted living
Authors: McNaull James , Augusto Juan Carlos , Mulvenna Maurice , McCullagh Paul 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA Multi Agent System that provides a (cared for) person, the subject, with assistance and support through an Ambient Assisted Living Flexible Interface (AALFI) during the day while complementing the night time assistance offered by NOCTURNAL with feedback assistance, is presented. It has been tailored to the subject’s requirements profile and takes into account factors associated with the time of day; hence it attempts to overcome shortcomings of current Ambient Assisted Living Systems. The subject is provided with feedback that highlights important criteria such as quality of sleep during the night and possible breeches of safety during the day. This may help the subject carry out corrective measures and/or seek further assistance. AALFI provides tailored interaction that is either visual or auditory so that the subject is able to understand the interactions and this process is driven by a Multi-Agent System. User feedback gathered from a relevant user group through a workshop validated the ideas underpinning the research, the Multi-agent system and the adaptable interface.
Inhibition of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Steroidogenic Factor-1 Inverse Agonists
Authors: Doghman Mabrouka , Cazareth Julie , Douguet Dominique , Madoux Franck , Hodder Peter , Lalli Enzo 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Context:
Transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) plays a pivotal role in the control of adrenocortical cell steroidogenesis and proliferation. SF-1 amplification and overexpression are found in most cases of childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACTs).

Objective:
Our objective was to investigate the effect of SF-1 inverse agonists of the alkyloxyphenol and isoquinolinone classes on the proliferation of human adrenocortical cell lines expressing SF-1 (H295R), in conditions of basal and increased SF-1 expression, or negative for SF-1 expression (SW-13).

Main Outcome Measures:
Proliferation assays, immunoblots, flow cytometric analyses, steroid hormone assays, and real-time quantitative PCR were used.

Results:
SF-1 inhibitors of the alkyloxyphenol class displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on both SF-1-positive and -negative ACT cells, whereas SF-1 inverse agonists of the isoquinolinone class selectively inhibited cell proliferation elicited by SF-1 overexpression. These drugs also inhibited stimulated steroid hormone secretion and CYP21 and CYP17 mRNA expression.

Conclusion:
SF-1 inhibitors may represent a useful tool in the chemotherapy of ACTs.
MBX-102/JNJ39659100, a Novel Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-γ Ligand with Weak Transactivation Activity Retains Full Anti-Diabetic Properties in the Absence of Side Effects
Authors: Gregoire Francine M. , Zhang Fang , Clarke Holly J. , Gustafson Thomas A. , Sears Dorothy D. , Favelyukis Svetlana , Lenhard James , Rentzeperis Dennis , Clemens L. Edward , Mu Yi , Lavan Brian E. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
MBX-102/JNJ39659100 (MBX-102) is in clinical development as an oral glucose lowering agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. MBX-102 is a non-thiazolidinedione (TZD) selective partial agonist of PPAR-γ that is differentiated from the TZDs structurally, mechanistically, pre-clinically and clinically. In diabetic rodent models, MBX-102 has insulin sensitizing and glucose lowering properties comparable to TZDs without dose-dependent increases in body weight. In vitro, in contrast with full PPAR-γ agonist treatment, MBX-102 fails to drive human and murine adipocyte differentiation and selectively modulates the expression of a subset of PPAR-γ target genes in mature adipocytes. Moreover, MBX-102 does not inhibit oteoblastogenesis of murine mesenchymal cells. Compared to full PPAR-γ agonists, MBX-102 displays differential interactions with the PPAR-γ ligand binding domain (LBD) and possesses reduced ability to recruit coactivators. Interestingly, in primary mouse macrophages, MBX-102 displays enhanced anti-inflammatory properties compared to other PPAR-γ or α/γ agonists suggesting that MBX-102 has more potent transrepression activity. In summary, MBX-102 is a selective PPAR-γ modulator with weak transactivation but robust transrepression activity. MBX-102 exhibits full therapeutic activity without the classical PPAR-γ side effects and may represent the next generation insulin sensitizer.
Resistance to Antiestrogen Arzoxifene Is Mediated by Overexpression of Cyclin D1
Authors: Zwart Wilbert , Rondaij Mariska , Jalink Kees , Sharp Z. Dave , Mancini Michael A. , Neefjes Jacques , Michalides Rob 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Resistance to tamoxifen treatment occurs in approximately 50% of the estrogen receptor (ER)α-positive breast cancer patients. Resistant patients would benefit from treatment with other available antiestrogens. Arzoxifene is an effective growth inhibitor of ERα-positive breast cancer cells, including tamoxifen-resistant tumors. In this study, we show that overexpression of a regular component of the ERα transcription factor complex, cyclin D1, which occurs in approximately 40% of breast cancer patients, renders cells resistant to a new promising antiestrogen, arzoxifene. Overexpression of cyclin D1 alters the conformation of ERα in the presence of arzoxifene. In this altered conformation, ERα still recruits RNA polymerase II to an estrogen response element-containing promoter, inducing transcription of an ERα-dependent reporter gene and of endogenous pS2, and promoting arzoxifene-stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells. Arzoxifene is then converted from an ERα antagonist into an agonist. This can be explained by a stabilization of the ERα/steroid receptor coactivator-1 complex in the presence of arzoxifene, only when cyclin D1 is overexpressed. These results indicate that subtle changes in the conformation of ERα upon binding to antiestrogen are at the basis of resistance to antiestrogens.
FGF-2 Stimulation of RANK Ligand Expression in Paget’s Disease of Bone
Authors: Sundaram Kumaran , Senn Joseph , Yuvaraj Sambandam , Rao D. Sudhaker , Reddy Sakamuri V. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a critical osteoclastogenic factor expressed in marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells is up-regulated in Paget’s disease of bone (PDB). We previously demonstrated that heat-shock factor-2 (HSF-2) is a downstream target of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) signaling to induce RANKL expression in bone marrow stromal/preosteoblast cells. In this study, we identified a 2.5-fold increase in serum FGF-2 levels in patients (n = 8) with PDB compared with normal subjects (n = 10). We showed that HSF-2 co-immunoprecipitates with heat-shock protein-27 (HSP-27) and that FGF-2 stimulation significantly increased phospho-HSP-27 levels in marrow stromal cells. Confocal microscopy revealed HSF-2 colocalization with HSP-27 in unstimulated cells and HSF-2 nuclear translocation upon FGF-2 stimulation. We further show that FGF-2 stimulation significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of the transcription (p-STAT-1) in these cells. Western blot analysis confirmed that small interfering RNA suppression of STAT-1 significantly decreased (3.2-fold) RANKL expression and promoter activity in FGF-2-stimulated cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed STAT-1 binding to a putative motif located far upstream (−8 kb) in the hRANKL gene promoter region. These results suggest STAT-1 is a downstream effector of FGF-2 signaling and that elevated levels of FGF-2 stimulates RANKL expression in PDB.
Opposite Clinical Phenotypes of “Glucokinase Disease”: Description of a Novel Activating Mutation and Contiguous Inactivating Mutations in Human Glucokinase Gene
Authors: Barbetti Fabrizio , Cobo-Vuilleumier Nadia , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Toni Sonia , Ciampalini Paolo , Massa Ornella , Rodriguez-Bada Pablo , Colombo Carlo , Lenzi Lorenzo , Garcia-Gimeno María A. , Bermudez Francisco J. , Rodriguez de Fonseca Fernando , Banin Patrizia , Aledo Juan C. , Baixeras Elena , Sanz Pascual , Cuesta-Muñoz Antonio L. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Glucokinase (GK) is essential for glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic β-cell, serving as glucose sensor in humans. Inactivating or activating mutations of glucokinase lead to different forms of “Glucokinase Disease”, i.e. Monogenic Diabetes of Youth (GCK-MDY), Permanent Neonatal Diabetes (inactivating mutations) and Congenital Hyperinsulinism, respectively. Here we present a novel GCK activating mutation (p.E442K) found in an infant with neonatal hypoglycemia (1.5 mmol/l) and in two other family members suffering from recurrent hypoglycemic episodes in their childhood and adult life. In contrast to the severe clinical presentation in the index case, functional studies showed only a slight activation of the protein (relative activity index of 3.3). We also report on functional studies of two inactivating mutations of the GCK (p.E440G and p.S441W), contiguous to the activating one, that lead to GCK-MDY. Interestingly, adult family members carrying the GCK pE440G mutation show an unusually “heterogeneous and progressive” diabetic phenotype, a feature not typical of MDY. In summary, we identified a novel activating GCK mutation that although being associated with severe neonatal hypoglycemia is characterized by the mildest activation of the glucokinase enzyme of all previously reported.