bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of the properties of regulated promoter systems commonly used for recombinant gene expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Balzer Simone , Kucharova Veronika , Megerle Judith , Lale Rahmi , Brautaset Trygve , Valla Svein 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Production of recombinant proteins in bacteria for academic and commercial purposes is a well established field; however the outcomes of process developments for specific proteins are still often unpredictable. One reason is the limited understanding of the performance of expression cassettes relative to each other due to different genetic contexts. Here we report the results of a systematic study aiming at exclusively comparing commonly used regulator/promoter systems by standardizing the designs of the replicon backbones.

Results
The vectors used in this study are based on either the RK2- or the pMB1- origin of replication and contain the regulator/promoter regions of XylS/Pm (wild-type), XylS/Pm ML1-17 (a Pm variant), LacI/P

T7lac

, LacI/P

trc
and AraC/P

BAD
to control expression of different proteins with various origins. Generally and not unexpected high expression levels correlate with high replicon copy number and the LacI/P

T7lac
system generates more transcript than all the four other cassettes. However, this transcriptional feature does not always lead to a correspondingly more efficient protein production, particularly if protein functionality is considered. In most cases the XylS/Pm ML1-17 and LacI/P

T7lac
systems gave rise to the highest amounts of functional protein production, and the XylS/Pm ML1-17 is the most flexible in the sense that it does not require any specific features of the host. The AraC/P

BAD
system is very good with respect to tightness, and a commonly used bioinformatics prediction tool (RBS calculator) suggested that it has the most translation-efficient UTR. Expression was also studied by flow cytometry in individual cells, and the results indicate that cell to cell heterogeneity is very relevant for understanding protein production at the population level.

Conclusions
The choice of expression system needs to be evaluated for each specific case, but we believe that the standardized vectors developed for this study can be used to more easily identify the nature of case-specific bottlenecks. By then taking into account the relevant characteristics of each expression cassette it will be easier to make the best choice with respect to the goal of achieving high levels of protein expression in functional or non-functional form.
Immunoproteomic analysis of Plasmodium falciparum antigens using sera from patients with clinical history of imported malaria
Authors: Costa Rita M , Nogueira Fátima , de Sousa Karina P , Vitorino Rui , Silva Marcelo S 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains a serious public health problem in the world, due largely to the absence of an effective vaccine. There is a lack of information on the structural properties and antigens capable of activating the immunological mechanisms for the induction of protective immunity. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the serological reactivity of sera from individuals with imported malaria and identify major immunogenic proteins.

Methods
The study was conducted in 227 individuals with imported malaria and 23 healthy individuals who had never been in areas endemic for malaria. The determination of anti-P. falciparum IgG antibodies was performed by an ELISA validated and optimized for this study. Sera showing higher reactivity to anti-P. falciparum by ELISA were analysed by immunoblotting and immunogenic proteins were identified by mass spectroscopy.

Results
The results of anti-P. falciparum antibodies research by ELISA indicates 78 positive, 137 negative and 12 indeterminate sera. Analysis of immunoblotting demonstrated a consistent pattern with respect to immunoreactivity of antigens with molecular weights in the range of 40 to 60 kDa. Between 40 and 60 kDa six immunogenic proteins were identified: elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α), protein disulphide isomerase (PDI); phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK); 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein homologue (GRP-78); rhoptry-associated protein 2 (RAP-2) and rhoptry-associated protein 3 (RAP-3).

Conclusions
It was identified immunogenic proteins essential for parasite survival in the host, two of which (RAP-2 and RAP-3) are already described in the literature as proteins that play an important role in the invasion of erythrocytes by extracellular merozoites.
Quality of life and the related factors in spouses of veterans with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Shojaei Bibi-Soheila , Golhasani-Keshtan Farideh , Soltani-Moghaddas Seyed Hossein , Fattahi Asieh Sadat , Mazloumi Seyed Mahdi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries may be affected by several factors. Moreover, this issue is yet to be documented fully in the literature.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health related quality of life of spouses who act as primary caregivers of veterans with chronic spinal cord injuries in Iran.

Methods
The study consisted of 72 wives of 72 veterans who were categorized as spinal cord injured patients based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. Health related quality of life was assessed by the Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey. Pearson's correlation was carried out to find any correlation between demographic variables with SF-36 dimensions. To find the effect of the factors like age, employment status, duration of care giving, education, presence or absence of knee osteoarthritis, and mechanical back pain on different domains of the SF-36 health survey, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 44.7 years. According to the ASIA classification 88.9% and 11.1% of the veterans were paraplegic and tetraplegic respectively. Fifty percent of them had a complete injury (ASIA A) and 85% of the spouses were exclusive care givers. All of the SF-36 scores of the spouses were significantly lower than the normal population. Pearson's correlation demonstrated a negative significant correlation between both age and duration of caring with the PF domain. The number of children had a negative correlation with RE and VT.

Conclusion
The burden of caregiving can impact the QOL of caregivers and cause health problems. These problems can cause limitations for caregiver spouses and it can lead to a decrease in the quality of given care.
Boiling local heat transfer enhancement in minichannels using nanofluids
Authors: Chehade Ali Ahmad , Gualous Hasna Louahlia , Le Masson Stephane , Fardoun Farouk , Besq Anthony 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper reports an experimental study on nanofluid convective boiling heat transfer in parallel rectangular minichannels of 800 μm hydraulic diameter. Experiments are conducted with pure water and silver nanoparticles suspended in water base fluid. Two small volume fractions of silver nanoparticles suspended in water are tested: 0.000237% and 0.000475%. The experimental results show that the local heat transfer coefficient, local heat flux, and local wall temperature are affected by silver nanoparticle concentration in water base fluid. In addition, different correlations established for boiling flow heat transfer in minichannels or macrochannels are evaluated. It is found that the correlation of Kandlikar and Balasubramanian is the closest to the water boiling heat transfer results. The boiling local heat transfer enhancement by adding silver nanoparticles in base fluid is not uniform along the channel flow. Better performances and highest effect of nanoparticle concentration on the heat transfer are obtained at the minichannels entrance.
A cytotoxic hydroperoxy sterol from the brown alga, Nizamuddinia zanardinii
Authors: Moghadam Maryam Hamzeloo , Firouzi Jamileh , Saeidnia Soodabeh , Hajimehdipoor Homa , Jamili Shahla , Rustaiyan Abdolhossein , Gohari Ahmad R 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The marine environment is a unique source of bioactive natural products, of which Nizamuddinia zanardinii is an important brown algae distributed in Oman Sea. Literature revealed that there is no report on phytochemistry and pharmacology of this valuable algae.

Methods
Bioguided fractionation of the methanolic extract of Nizamuddinia zanardinii, collected from Oman Sea, led to the isolation of a hydroperoxy sterol. Its structure was determined by analysis of the spectroscopic data as 24-hydroperoxy-24-vinyl cholesterol (HVC). In vitro cytotoxic activity of this compound was evaluated against HT29, MCF7, A549, HepG2 and MDBK cell lines.

Results
Although 24(R)-hydroproxy-24-vinylcholesterol has been previously reported from Sargassum and Padina species, it is the first report on the presence of this compound from N. zanardinii. This compound exhibited cytotoxicity in all cell lines (IC50, 3.62, 9.09, 17.96, 32.31 and 37.31 μg/mL respectively). HVC was also evaluated for apoptotic activity and demonstrated positive results in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End labeling (TUNEL) assay suggesting it a candidate for further apoptotic studies.

Conclusions

Nizamuddinia zanardinii, a remarkable brown algae of Oman Sea, is a good source of hydroproxy sterols with promising cytotoxic on various cell lines particularly human colon adenocarcinoma.
Overexpression of MACC1 and Its significance in human Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Huang Yongbo , Zhang Huizhong , Cai Junchao , Fang Lishan , Wu Jueheng , Ye Caisheng , Zhu Xun , Li Mengfeng 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) was first identified as a transcriptional activator for proto-oncogene c-MET expression, and its overexpression is frequently associated with metastatic progression for multiply tumor types. In the present study, we analyzed for the first time the expression of MACC1 in breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathologic features, including metastasis and patient survival.

Results
MACC1 protein expression was analyzed in two cohorts of clinicopathologically characterized breast cancer using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation of MACC1 expression with the primary tumor, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis classifications as well as the clinical staging in breast cancer patients. Moreover, overexpression of MACC1 was associated with both a reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poorer patients' overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis with a Cox proportional-hazards model suggested that MACC1 expression was an independent prognostic indicator for RFS and OS. Stratification of breast cancer patients according to the estrogen receptor (ER) status revealed that MACC1 was prognostic for both ER-negative and ER-positive patients.

Conclusions
MACC1 may represent a potentially useful biomarker for the prognosis of breast cancer patients and might be involved in progression of breast cancer.
What are the impacts of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus L.) on arctic and alpine vegetation? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Bernes Claes , Bråthen Kari Anne , Forbes Bruce C , Hofgaard Annika , Moen Jon , Speed James DM 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background
Reindeer and caribou (both belonging to the species Rangifer tarandus L.) are among the most important large herbivores in Eurasia’s and North America’s arctic, alpine and boreal zones. In Sweden, the impact of reindeer grazing on arctic and alpine vegetation has recently been re-evaluated. In the 1990s, records of grazing-related vegetation degradation helped to form a widespread perception that some mountain areas were overgrazed. However, later analyses have shown no evidence of large-scale overutilisation of reindeer ranges in the Swedish mountains.
The present-day consensus is that overgrazing has been temporary and local, and that it rarely has caused permanent damage, but it is imperative to examine the scientific support for these views. Moreover, the Swedish Parliament has adopted an environmental quality objective according to which it is essential to preserve ‘a mountain landscape characterised by grazing’. No details have been given on how this goal is to be interpreted, which is another reason why the significance of reindeer grazing for arctic/alpine vegetation needs to be assessed.
This protocol presents the methodology that will be used in a systematic review of the impact of reindeer herbivory in arctic and alpine ecosystems. The focus will be on Fennoscandia, but data from other parts of the range of R. tarandus will be used when deemed appropriate.

Methods
The review will be based on primary field studies that compare vegetation subject to different degrees of reindeer/caribou herbivory (including grazing and browsing as well as trampling). Such comparisons can be either temporal, spatial or both. The review will cover impacts of herbivory in arctic, subarctic, alpine and subalpine areas (including the forest-tundra ecotone) across the range of R. tarandus, but not in boreal forests. Relevant aspects of vegetation include cover (abundance), biomass, diversity (e.g. species richness), structure, composition (including functional groups) and productivity.
Strategies for prevention of postoperative delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lu Yan , Liu Meng , Zou Zui , Wang Long , Xu Feng-Ying , Shi Xue-Yin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The ideal measures to prevent postoperative delirium remain unestablished. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the significance of potential interventions.

Methods
The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. Two researchers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for articles published in English before August 2012. Additional sources included reference lists from reviews and related articles from 'Google Scholar'. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on interventions seeking to prevent postoperative delirium in adult patients were included. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using predefined data fields and scoring system. Meta-analysis was accomplished for studies that used similar strategies. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative delirium. We further tested whether interventions effective in preventing postoperative delirium shortened the length of hospital stay.

Results
We identified 38 RCTs with interventions ranging from perioperative managements to pharmacological, psychological or multicomponent interventions. Meta-analysis showed dexmedetomidine sedation was associated with less delirium compared to sedation produced by other drugs (two RCTs with 415 patients, pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.16 to 0.95). Both typical (three RCTs with 965 patients, RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.93) and atypical antipsychotics (three RCTs with 627 patients, RR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.50) decreased delirium occurrence when compared to placebos. Multicomponent interventions (two RCTs with 325 patients, RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.86) were effective in preventing delirium. No difference in the incidences of delirium was found between: neuraxial and general anesthesia (four RCTs with 511 patients, RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.50); epidural and intravenous analgesia (three RCTs with 167 patients, RR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.43) or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and placebo (four RCTs with 242 patients, RR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.44). Effective prevention of postoperative delirium did not shorten the length of hospital stay (10 RCTs with 1,636 patients, pooled SMD (standard mean difference) = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.04).

Conclusions
The included studies showed great inconsistencies in definition, incidence, severity and duration of postoperative delirium. Meta-analysis supported dexmedetomidine sedation, multicomponent interventions and antipsychotics were useful in preventing postoperative delirium.
Pb–Pb Raman Modes in Amorphous Lead Nanostructures in Zeolite X
Authors: Cortez-Valadez M , Melgarejo F Rodríguez , Flores-Acosta M , Román-Zamorano J F , Vargas-Ortiz A , Ramírez-Bon R 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Amorphous lead nanostructures have been obtained by ionic interchange and reduction in faujasite zeolite X (F9) matrix. The size and amorphous nature of the lead nanostructures was determined by transmission electron microscopy and the chemical composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. The Raman spectrum of the lead species in the zeolite X displays a peak at 112 cm−1 which has been assigned to Pb–Pb vibration modes in the amorphous nanostructures. The structure and vibrational properties of Pbn clusters, for n = 2 to 20, were determined using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory. The optimized Pbn structures present a vibration mode at a frequency around that observed in the Raman spectrum of the amorphous lead nanostructures.
Needle-like NaNbO3 Synthesis via Nb6O198− Cluster Using Na3NbO4 Precursor by Dissolution–Precipitation Method
Authors: Yamazoe Seiji , Shibata Kengo , Kato Kazuo , Wada Takahiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A needle-like NaNbO3 polycrystal was synthesized successfully from Na3NbO4 at low temperatures by the dissolution–precipitation method. The Na3NbO4 precursor could be dissolved in an aqueous solution, and the Nb6O198− cluster was formed. When the pH of the solution was above 13, needle-like Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O crystals were precipitated, which were 0.25–0.55 µm in width and more than 2 µm in length. When heated at a low temperature of 500 °C, the needle-like Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O crystals transformed to the needle-like NaNbO3 polycrystal. The excess Na could be washed out with water.
Efficient Removal and Recovery of Perfluorinated Compounds from Water by Surface-tethered β-Cyclodextrins on Polystyrene Particles
Authors: Kawano Shintaro , Kida Toshiyuki , Takemine Shusuke , Matsumura Chisato , Nakano Takeshi , Kuramitsu Masaki , Adachi Kenji , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
To efficiently remove and recover perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) from water, surface-tethered β-cyclodextrins (CDs) on the surface of polystyrene (PS) particles (PS-β-CDs) were prepared. The PS-β-CDs with a 36% β-CD content showed high adsorption capability against these PFCs from water via inclusion complex formation. The perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) adsorbed onto PS-β-CDs were easily and quantitatively recovered by washing with acetone.
Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Poly(1-vinylimidazole) as a Polyampholyte for Biocompatibility
Authors: Asayama Shoichiro , Seno Kozo , Kawakami Hiroyoshi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A carboxymethyl poly(1-vinylimidazole) (CM-PVIm) has been synthesized as a polyampholyte for biocompatibility. A solution turbidity measurement proved that no significant effect on rapid aggregate formation or phase separation of serum proteins is induced by the resulting polyampholyte CM-PVIm. Agarose gel retardation assay shows no significant interaction of the CM-PVIm with DNA. However, ζ-potential measurement proved that the CM-PVIm coated poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)/DNA binary complexes. The resulting CM-PVIm/PEI/DNA ternary complexes largely preserved the gene expression mediated by the PEI/DNA binary complexes with the cell viability increased. These results suggest that the CM-PVIm can be a polyampholyte for biocompatibility.
Synthesis and Properties of Disiloxane-bridged Cyclophanes Bearing Heteroaromatics
Authors: Kato Shin-ichiro , Yamazaki Nanae , Tajima Toshihiro , Nakamura Yosuke 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Disiloxane-bridged cyclophanes 1–3 bearing heteroaromatics were successfully synthesized. Among them, 3 afforded pronounced excimer fluorescence as well as monomer fluorescence in contrast with 1 and 2. The excimer formation in 3 is accomplished by the flexibility of disiloxane linkages and the relatively long lifetime of the excited singlet state.
Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on Bacterial Growth and Biosynthesis of Polyesters
Authors: Sakakibara Takanori , Sano Masahito 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with various diameters and defect densities were added to a microbial reactor containing Cupriavidus necator, and the effects on bacterial growth and biosynthetic activity to produce poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s were investigated. Although growth was not affected by any of the CNTs, polymer biosynthesis was depressed by thinner and defect-rich CNTs. The Raman D-band was found to be insufficient for characterizing the CNTs for microbial toxicity.
Preparation of Highly Active Noble Metal Phosphide Catalysts: Effect of Precursors on the Formation of the Active Phase and Hydrodesulfurization Activity
Authors: Kanda Yasuharu , Ichiki Takuma , Kayaoka Shohei , Sawada Ayaka , Sugioka Masatoshi , Uemichi Yoshio 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The effect of precursors on the active phase formation and hydrodesulfurization activities of noble metal phosphide catalysts was examined. The maximum activities of Pd–P and Rh–P catalysts prepared from acetylacetonato (acac) complex were observed at lower reduction temperatures than those for catalysts prepared from chlorides (Cl). The Pd–P catalyst prepared from acac also showed higher activity than that obtained from Cl. However, this trend was not observed in the Rh–P catalyst. The characterization results revealed that the higher activity of the Pd–P catalyst prepared from the acac is due to the highly dispersed Pd4.8P.
A Combination of Electroless Plating and Sol–Gel Methods as a Novel Technique for Preparing a Honeycomb-type-structured Catalyst
Authors: Fukuhara Choji , Makiyama Yudai , Yamamoto Kazumasa , Watanabe Ryo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A structured Ni/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by combination of a sol–gel method for forming an oxide layer and electroless plating for depositing a metallic component on a stainless honeycomb fin. When using a sodium borohydride bath for the plating, the prepared catalyst indicated a high activity for methane-steam reforming, which was almost equal to the equilibrium, under severe conditions. The developed combination method is effective for preparing a structured catalyst and could be used to prepare other kinds of structured catalysts.
Novel All-inorganic Mononuclear Chloro Oxo Diperoxotungstate
Authors: Ishimoto Ryo , Kamata Keigo , Mizuno Noritaka 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Addition of TPA·Cl (TPA: tetra-n-propylammonium) to a reaction mixture of H2WO4, H2O2, and HCl gave a novel all-inorganic mononuclear chloro oxo diperoxotungstate, TPA[WOCl(O2)2(H2O)] (I), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and IR, Raman, UV–vis, 17O and 183W NMR spectroscopies, and CSI-MS. Compound I acted as a good precursor for the high-yield synthesis of an active protonated tetranuclear peroxotungstate, TPA3[H{W2O2(O2)4(µ-O)}2].
Novel Interactions between [Co(NH3)6](ClO4)3 and Inclusion Compounds of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Cyclodextrins
Authors: Vanthoeun Keo , Shimasaki Kie , Ono Yasuhiko , Suzuki Takayoshi , Kita Masakazu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The surface tension of aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) stayed constant by an addition of α-, β-, or γ-cyclodextrin (CD) since the 1:2 inclusion compound, SDS–2CDs, is formed. On the other hand, the addition of [Co(NH3)6](ClO4)3 into an aqueous solution of the above inclusion compound shows the characteristic drawing of SDS from CDs. The easiness of the drawing is shown as γ-CD &gt; β-CD &gt; α-CD due to the cavity size of CDs.