bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids with α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and their contents in the leaves of Morus atropurpurea
Authors: Hong Hin-Chu , Li Song-Lin , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Ye Wen-Cai , Zhang Qing-Wen 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
This study aims to isolate the α-glucosidase inhibitory compounds from mulberry leaves (Morus atropurpurea Roxb., Moraceae) and to develop an analytical method for quantification of the compounds.

Methods
Four flavonoids, rutin (1), isoquercetin (2), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (3) and astragalin (4), were isolated by column chromatography from mulberry leaf water extracts (MWE). The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of MWE and the four isolated compounds were evaluated by a microplate-based in vitro assay. The content of the isolated flavonoids in M. atropurpurea leaves purchased from different local herbal stores or collected in different locations was determined by high performance liquid chromatography.

Results
The four flavonoids (1–4) showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, with rutin (1) and astragalin (4) showing high α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC50 values of 13.19 ± 1.10 and 15.82 ± 1.11 μM, respectively). The total contents of the four flavonoids were different among eight samples examined, ranging from 4.34 mg/g to 0.53 mg/g.

Conclusions
The four flavonoids in M. atropurpurea leaves could inhibit α-glucosidase activity.
Corrosion casting of the subglottis following endotracheal tube intubation injury: A pilot study in Yorkshire piglets
Authors: Kus Lukas H , Sklar Michael C , Negandhi Jaina , Estrada Marvin , Eskander Antoine , Harrison Robert V , Campisi Paolo , Forte Vito , Propst Evan J 
Published: October 2013

Purpose Subglottic stenosis can result from endotracheal tube injury. The mechanism by which this occurs, however, is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of angiogenesis, hypoxia and ischemia in subglottic mucosal injury following endotracheal intubation. Methods Six Yorkshire piglets were randomized to either a control group (N=3, ventilated through laryngeal mask airway for corrosion casting) or accelerated subglottic injury group through intubation and induced hypoxia as per a previously described model (N=3). The vasculature of all animals was injected with liquid methyl methacrylate. After polymerization, the surrounding tissue was corroded with potassium hydroxide. The subglottic region was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy looking for angiogenic and hypoxic or degenerative features and groups were compared using Mann–Whitney tests and Friedman's 2-way ANOVA. Results Animals in the accelerated subglottic injury group had less overall angiogenic features (P=.002) and more overall hypoxic/degenerative features (P=.000) compared with controls. Amongst angiogenic features, there was decreased budding (P=.000) and a trend toward decreased sprouting (P=.037) in the accelerated subglottic injury group with an increase in intussusception (P=.004), possibly representing early attempts at rapid revascularization. Amongst hypoxic/degenerative features, extravasation was the only feature that was significantly higher in the accelerated subglottic injury group (P=.000). Conclusions Subglottic injury due to intubation and hypoxia may lead to decreased angiogenesis and increased blood vessel damage resulting in extravasation of fluid and a decreased propensity toward wound healing in this animal model.
Critical importance of the correction of contrast transfer function for
transmission electron microscopy-mediated structural biology
Authors: Jeong Hyeong-Seop , Park Hyo-Nam , Kim Jin-Gyu , Hyun Jae-Kyung 
Published: October 2013

Abstracts

Background
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an excellent tool for studying
detailed biological structures. High-resolution structure determination is
now routinely performed using advanced sample preparation techniques and
image processing software. In particular, correction for contrast transfer
function (CTF) is crucial for extracting high-resolution information from
TEM image that is convoluted by imperfect imaging condition. Accurate
determination of defocus, one of the major elements constituting the CTF, is
mandatory for CTF correction.

Findings
To investigate the effect of correct estimation of image defocus and
subsequent CTF correction, we tested arbitrary CTF imposition onto the
images of two-dimensional crystals of Rous sarcoma virus capsid protein. The
morphology of the crystal in calculated projection maps from incorrect CTF
imposition was utterly distorted in comparison to an appropriately
CTF-corrected image.

Conclusion
This result demonstrates critical importance of CTF correction for producing
true representation of the specimen at high resolution.
Trichloroacetic acid assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles and its application in detection and estimation of pesticide
Authors: Barman Gadadhar , Maiti Swarnali , Konar Laha Jayasree 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Many analytical methods are available for detection of methyl parathion in water but they are not handy for on-site analysis. An attempt has been made to utilize stable GNP for methyl parathion detection by sensing the peak at 400 nm generated due to the interaction between methyl parathion and GNP.

Methods
GNP was produced by reduction of chloroauric acid solution by trichloroacetic acid in alkaline medium in presence of CTAB. Sensor properties of GNP were studied by varying the concentration of methyl parathion in gold sol from 0 to 500 ppm.

Results and discussion
GNP stabilized by CTAB showed only one peak at 532 nm and one broad peak near 300 nm was observed for pure methyl parathion. But as soon as methyl parathion was added in the GNP solution, one new peak at 400 nm developed in addition to the other two peaks. More interestingly, a quantitative decrease of the absorbance at 532 nm of GNP and increase of the absorbance at 400 nm, the new peak, were observed when methyl parathion concentration increased from 10 to 500 ppm.

Conclusions
The UV-VIS measurement and TEM images confirmed that the surfactant capped GNP can act as a colorimetric sensor for detection and estimation of methyl parathion pesticide present in water in ppm level.
Sm-Nd isotopic analysis of mixed standard solutions by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: evaluations on isobaric interference correction of Nd isotopic composition and external calibration of Sm/Nd ratio
Authors: Ryu Jong-Sik , Choi Min Seok , Jeong Youn-Joong , Cheong Chang-sik 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The Sm-Nd isotope system has long been used to provide information on the age and geochemical evolution of terrestrial rocks and extraterrestrial objects. Traditional thermal ionization mass spectrometry requires a refined chemical separation of Sm and Nd. Here, we present multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) Sm-Nd isotopic results for a series of mixed standard solutions with different Sm/Nd ratios to test the validity of isobaric interference corrections of Nd isotopic composition and external calibration of Sm/Nd inter-elemental ratio.

Findings
Reliable 143Nd/144Nd and 145Nd/144Nd ratios of the mixed solutions were obtained by using the exponential law and selected Sm isotopic compositions. The Sm/Nd ratios of the mixed solutions corrected by the standard bracketing method were consistent with the gravimetric values mostly within 1% difference.

Conclusions
This study provides a simple and high-throughput technique that can simultaneously measure Nd isotopic composition and Sm/Nd ratio without chemical separation between Sm and Nd.
Video laryngoscopy improves intubation success and reduces esophageal intubations compared to direct laryngoscopy in the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Mosier Jarrod M , Whitmore Sage P , Bloom John W , Snyder Linda S , Graham Lisa A , Carr Gordon E , Sakles John C 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Tracheal intubation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can be challenging as patients often have anatomic and physiologic characteristics that make intubation particularly difficult. Video laryngoscopy (VL) has been shown to improve first attempt success compared to direct laryngoscopy (DL) in many clinical settings and may be an option for ICU intubations.

Methods
All intubations performed in this academic medical ICU during a 13-month period were entered into a prospectively collected quality control database. After each intubation, the operator completed a standardized form evaluating multiple aspects of the intubation including: patient demographics, difficult airway characteristics (DACs), method and device(s) used, medications used, outcomes and complications of each attempt. Primary outcome was first attempt success. Secondary outcomes were grade of laryngoscopic view, ultimate success, esophageal intubations, and desaturation. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for first attempt and ultimate success.

Results
Over the 13-month study period (January 2012-February 2013), a total of 234 patients were intubated using VL and 56 patients were intubated with DL. First attempt success for VL was 184/234 (78.6%; 95% CI 72.8 to 83.7) while DL was 34/56 patients (60.7%; 95% CI 46.8 to 73.5). Ultimate success for VL was 230/234 (98.3%; 95% CI 95.1 to 99.3) while DL was 52/56 patients (91.2%; 95% CI 81.3 to 97.2). In the multivariate regression model, VL was predictive of first attempt success with an odds ratio of 7.67 (95% CI 3.18 to 18.45). VL was predictive of ultimate success with an odds ratio of 15.77 (95% CI 1.92 to 129). Cormack-Lehane I or II view occurred 199/234 times (85.8%; 95% CI 79.5 to 89.1) and a median POGO (Percentage of Glottic Opening) of 82% (IQR 60 to 100) with VL, while Cormack-Lehane I or II view occurred 34/56 times (61.8%; 95% CI 45.7 to 71.9) and a median POGO of 45% (IQR 0 to 78%) with DL. VL reduced the esophageal intubation rate from 12.5% with DL to 1.3% (P = 0.001) but there was no difference in desaturation rates.

Conclusions
In the medical ICU, video laryngoscopy resulted in higher first attempt and ultimate intubation success rates and improved grade of laryngoscopic view while reducing the esophageal intubation rate compared to direct laryngoscopy.
Genome-wide analysis of condensin binding in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kranz Anna-Lena , Jiao Chen-Yu , Winterkorn Lara Heermans , Albritton Sarah Elizabeth , Kramer Maxwell , Ercan Sevinç 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Background
Condensins are multi-subunit protein complexes that are essential for chromosome condensation during mitosis and meiosis, and play key roles in transcription regulation during interphase. Metazoans contain two condensins, I and II, which perform different functions and localize to different chromosomal regions. Caenorhabditis elegans contains a third condensin, IDC, that is targeted to and represses transcription of the X chromosome for dosage compensation.

Results
To understand condensin binding and function, we performed ChIP-seq analysis of C. elegans condensins in mixed developmental stage embryos, which contain predominantly interphase nuclei. Condensins bind to a subset of active promoters, tRNA genes and putative enhancers. Expression analysis in kle-2-mutant larvae suggests that the primary effect of condensin II on transcription is repression. A DNA sequence motif, GCGC, is enriched at condensin II binding sites. A sequence extension of this core motif, AGGG, creates the condensin IDC motif. In addition to differences in recruitment that result in X-enrichment of condensin IDC and condensin II binding to all chromosomes, we provide evidence for a shared recruitment mechanism, as condensin IDC recruiter SDC-2 also recruits condensin II to the condensin IDC recruitment sites on the X. In addition, we found that condensin sites overlap extensively with the cohesin loader SCC-2, and that SDC-2 also recruits SCC-2 to the condensin IDC recruitment sites.

Conclusions
Our results provide the first genome-wide view of metazoan condensin II binding in interphase, define putative recruitment motifs, and illustrate shared loading mechanisms for condensin IDC and condensin II.
Coating processes for plastic optics
Authors: Schulz Ulrike 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Transparent plastics have been used for optical applications with growing demand. This development is accompanied by a desire for extended surface functionalities. Most important optical surface function is antireflection (AR), which is performed mainly by applying plasma-assisted processes. Critical considerations for coating polymers include interaction with emission from plasma and thermal stress. State-of-the-art vacuum processes for coating on plastic, as well as new results of research and development in the fields of AR design and AR structures will be introduced and discussed.
Folding of peptides and proteins: role of disulfide bonds, recent developments
Authors: Hidaka Yuji , Shimamoto Shigeru 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDisulfide-containing proteins are ideal models for studies of protein folding as the folding intermediates can be observed, trapped, and separated by HPLC during the folding reaction. However, regulating or analyzing the structures of folding intermediates of peptides and proteins continues to be a difficult problem. Recently, the development of several techniques in peptide chemistry and biotechnology has resulted in the availability of some powerful tools for studying protein folding in the context of the structural analysis of native, mutant proteins, and folding intermediates. In this review, recent developments in the field of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding are discussed, from the viewpoint of chemical and biotechnological methods, such as analytical methods for the detection of disulfide pairings, chemical methods for disulfide bond formation between the defined Cys residues, and applications of diselenide bonds for the regulation of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding.
Septin 9 amplification and isoform-specific expression in peritumoral and tumor breast tissue
Authors: Connolly Diana , Hoang Hien G. , Adler Esther , Tazearslan Cagdas , Simmons Nichelle , Bernard Vahni Vishala , Castaldi Maria , Oktay Maja H. , Montagna Cristina 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Septins are a large family of GTP-binding proteins abnormally expressed in many solid tumors. Septin 9 (SEPT9) in particular has been found overexpressed in diverse human tumors including breast, head and neck, ovarian, endometrial, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Although we previously reported SEPT9 amplification in breast cancer, we now show specifically that high-grade breast carcinomas, the subtype with worst clinical outcome, exhibit a significant increase in SEPT9 copy number when compared with other tumor grades. We also present, for the first time, a sensitive and quantitative measure of seven (SEPT9_v1 through SEPT9_v7) isoform variant mRNA levels in mammary epithelial cells. SEPT9_v1, SEPT9_v3, SEPT9_v6, and SEPT9_v7 isoforms were expressed at the highest levels followed by SEPT9_v2 and SEPT9_v5, whereas SEPT9_v4 was almost undetectable. Although most of the isoforms were upregulated in primary tumor tissues relative to the patient-matched peritumoral tissues, SEPT9_v4 remained the lowest expressing isoform. This comprehensive analysis of SEPT9 provides substantial evidence for increased SEPT9 expression as a consequence of genomic amplification and is the first study to profile SEPT9_v1 through SEPT9_v7 isoform-specific mRNA expression in tumor and nontumor tissues from patients with breast cancer.
Exact Nonparametric Confidence Bands for the Survivor Function
Authors: Matthews David 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA method to produce exact simultaneous confidence bands for the empirical cumulative distribution function that was first described by Owen, and subsequently corrected by Jager and Wellner, is the starting point for deriving exact nonparametric confidence bands for the survivor function of any positive random variable. We invert a nonparametric likelihood test of uniformity, constructed from the Kaplan–Meier estimator of the survivor function, to obtain simultaneous lower and upper bands for the function of interest with specified global confidence level. The method involves calculating a null distribution and associated critical value for each observed sample configuration. However, Noe recursions and the Van Wijngaarden–Decker–Brent root-finding algorithm provide the necessary tools for efficient computation of these exact bounds. Various aspects of the effect of right censoring on these exact bands are investigated, using as illustrations two observational studies of survival experience among non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients and a much larger group of subjects with advanced lung cancer enrolled in trials within the North Central Cancer Treatment Group. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the merits of the proposed method of deriving simultaneous interval estimates of the survivor function across the entire range of the observed sample.This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. It was begun while the author was visiting the Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, and completed during a subsequent sojourn at the Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit in Cambridge. The support of both institutions, in addition to that of NSERC and the University of Waterloo, is greatly appreciated.
Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of alkaloidal fractions of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera
Authors: Gupta Sakshi , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background: Aldose reductase is primarily involved in development of long-term diabetic complications due to increased polyol pathway activity. The synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors are not very successful clinically. Therefore, the natural sources may be exploited for safer and effective aldose reductase inhibitors.

Methods: In the present study, the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera was evaluated. The hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of the selected plants were prepared. The different concentrations of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of these plants were evaluated for their goat lens aldose reductase inhibitory activity using dl-glyceraldehyde as substrate. The aldose reductase inhibitory potential of extracts was assessed in terms of their IC50 value.

Results: Amongst the hydroalcoholic extracts, the highest aldose reductase inhibitory activity was shown by P. nigrum (IC50 value 35.64±2.7 μg/mL) followed by M. koenigii (IC50 value 45.67±2.57 μg/mL), A. mexicana (IC50 value 56.66±1.30 μg/mL), and N. nucifera (IC50 value 59.78±1.32 μg/mL). Among the alkaloidal extracts, highest inhibitory activity was shown by A. mexicana (IC50 value 25.67±1.25 μg/mL), followed by N. nucifera (IC50 value 28.82±1.85 μg/mL), P. nigrum (IC50 value 30.21±1.63 μg/mL), and M. koenigii (IC50 value 35.66±1.64 μg/mL).

Conclusions: It may be concluded that the alkaloidal extracts of these plants possess potent aldose reductase inhibitory activity and may be therapeutically exploited in diabetes-related complications associated with increased activity of aldose reductase.
Methylglyoxal causes endothelial dysfunction: the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and AMP-activated protein kinase α
Authors: Turkseven Saadet , Ertuna Elif , Yetik-Anacak Gunay , Yasa Mukadder 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background: Methylglyoxal is a major precursor in the formation of advanced glycation end products and is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes-related vascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether methylglyoxal induces endothelial dysfunction and to determine the contributors involved in this process.

Methods: Rat thoracic aortic rings were treated for 24 h with 100 μM methylglyoxal by using an organ culture method. A cumulative dose-response curve to acetylcholine was obtained to determine endothelium-dependent relaxation. The protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and its phosphorylated form at the serine 1177 site [p-eNOS (Ser1177)], heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) and its phosphorylated form at the threonine 172 site [p-AMPKα (Thr172)] were evaluated. Superoxide production was determined by lucigenin-chemiluminescence.

Results: Treatment with 100 μM methylglyoxal for 24 h decreased acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation. The levels of eNOS and p-eNOS (Ser1177) were reduced while no effect on Hsp90 was observed. Levels of p-AMPKα (Thr172) were significantly decreased without any change in total AMPKα protein levels. Superoxide level was not affected by methylglyoxal treatment.

Conclusions: In rat aortic rings, methylglyoxal determines a reduction in endothelium-dependent relaxation. This effect seems to be mediated via a reduction in p-eNOS (Ser1177) and p-AMPKα (Thr172).
Multicore fibers for large capacity transmission
Authors: Saitoh Kunimasa , Matsuo Shoichiro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe experience Internet traffic growth of 100 times every 10 years. However, the capacity of existing standard single-mode fiber is approaching its fundamental limit regardless of significant realization of transmission technologies which allow for high spectral efficiencies. Space division multiplexing (SDM) based on multicore fibers (MCFs) has emerged as a solution to the problem of saturation of the capacity of optical transmission systems. This article presents the recent progress on the MCFs for future large capacity long-distance transmission systems. In MCFs, there is a tradeoff relationship between low crosstalk and high multiplicity, therefore the maximum number of cores and the core arrangement have to be carefully determined based on the required crosstalk level and core size. The state-of-the-art of fabricated MCFs and the transmission experiments using MCFs are reviewed. The current maximum capacity-distance product in MCF transmission is 368.2 (184.1+184.1) Pb/s/fiber km with the relative spatial efficiency of 4.7 compared with a standard single-mode fiber. In order to increase the spatial efficiency as well as the capacity-distance product further in MCFs, the possibility of heterogeneous MCFs and few-mode MCFs is also presented.