bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjugative transfer of an IncA/C plasmid-borne blaCMY-2gene through genetic re-arrangements with an IncX1 plasmid
Authors: Wiesner Magdalena , Fernández-Mora Marcos , Cevallos Miguel A , Zavala-Alvarado Crispín , Zaidi Mussaret B , Calva Edmundo , Silva Claudia 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Our observation that in the Mexican Salmonella Typhimurium population none of the ST19 and ST213 strains harbored both the Salmonella virulence plasmid (pSTV) and the prevalent IncA/C plasmid (pA/C) led us to hypothesize that restriction to horizontal transfer of these plasmids existed. We designed a conjugation scheme using ST213 strain YU39 as donor of the bla
CMY-2 gene (conferring resistance to ceftriaxone; CRO) carried by pA/C, and two E. coli lab strains (DH5α and HB101) and two Typhimurium ST19 strains (SO1 and LT2) carrying pSTV as recipients. The aim of this study was to determine if the genetic background of the different recipient strains affected the transfer frequencies of pA/C.

Results
YU39 was able to transfer CRO resistance, via a novel conjugative mechanism, to all the recipient strains although at low frequencies (10-7 to 10-10). The presence of pSTV in the recipients had little effect on the conjugation frequency. The analysis of the transconjugants showed that three different phenomena were occurring associated to the transfer of bla
CMY-2: 1) the co-integration of pA/C and pX1; 2) the transposition of the CMY region from pA/C to pX1; or 3) the rearrangement of pA/C. In addition, the co-lateral mobilization of a small (5 kb) ColE1-like plasmid was observed. The transconjugant plasmids involving pX1 re-arrangements (either via co-integration or ISEcp1-mediated transposition) obtained the capacity to conjugate at very high levels, similar to those found for pX1 (10-1). Two versions of the region containing bla
CMY-2 were found to transpose to pX1: the large version was inserted into an intergenic region located where the “genetic load” operons are frequently inserted into pX1, while the short version was inserted into the stbDE operon involved in plasmid addiction system. This is the first study to report the acquisition of an extended spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistance gene by an IncX1 plasmid.

Conclusions
We showed that the transfer of the YU39 bla
CMY-2 gene harbored on a non- conjugative pA/C requires the machinery of a highly conjugative pX1 plasmid. Our experiments demonstrate the complex interactions a single strain can exploit to contend with the challenge of horizontal transfer and antibiotic selective pressure.
Barriers in participant recruitment of diverse ethnicities in the state of Kuwait
Authors: Tariq Sufia , Goddard Catharine A , Elkum Naser 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
High rejection rates of subject recruitments for research studies have been reported in immigrants in many countries. However, the barriers in recruiting members of the expatriate population in Kuwait have not yet been investigated. This study was therefore designed to identify barriers in recruiting expatriates for research studies in the state of Kuwait.

Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on expatriate subject’s aged 18 years and older living in Kuwait. Difference between groups of continuous independent variables was analyzed using the t-test. Different categories such as ethnicity and gender were compared using the chi-square test.

Results
3460 (85.1%) participants were recruited and 617 (14.2%) refused to participate in the study while 2530 (38%) calls were unreachable from the total of 6607 calls placed. Younger subjects (mean age 41.1 years) were more hesitant to be part of the study compared to older participants. The rejections among South Asians was (41.8%), Arabs (32.6%), Southeast Asians (18.9%) while the others (6.6%) category was least to refuse among all the nationalities. Gender was not significantly associated with refusal.

Conclusion
There is an acute lack of appropriate recording of the problems faced while recruiting the participants. The findings suggest important messages for the decision makers in the area of expatriate recruitments, to understand the challenge and design new strategies to overcome the problem of recruitment in the state of Kuwait for research studies.
Neonatal outcomes after the transfer of vitrified blastocysts: closed versus open vitrification system
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zheng Xiaoying , Yan Jie , Qiao Jie , Liu Ping 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Increasing evidence indicates that closed vitrification has been successfully used in the cryopreservation of human oocytes and embryos. Little information is available regarding the neonatal outcome of closed blastocysts vitrification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of blastocyst vitrification using a high-security closed vitrification system compared with an open vitrification system.

Methods
A total of 332 vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles between April 2010 and May 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The post-thaw survival rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and neonatal outcome were recorded.

Results
There were no significant differences between the open vitrification group and the close vitrification group regarding the post-thaw survival rate (98% versus 95.8%), clinical pregnancy rate (47.6% versus 42.2%), implantation rate (42.9% versus 35.6%), and live birth rate (39.8% versus 32.1%). In total, 332 warming cycles produced 131 healthy babies. There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age, the birth weight, and the birth length between the two groups. No adverse neonatal outcomes were observed in the children born after the transfer of closed vitrified blastocysts compared with the transfer of open vitrified blastocysts.

Conclusions
These data suggest that blastocyst vitrification using a closed vitrification device seems safe and effective with results comparable to those obtained through open vitrification.
Age-associated telomere shortening in mouse oocytes
Authors: Yamada-Fukunaga Tomoko , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Hamatani Toshio , Chikazawa Nana , Ogawa Seiji , Akutsu Hidenori , Miura Takumi , Miyado Kenji , Tarín Juan J , Kuji Naoaki , Umezawa Akihiro , Yoshimura Yasunori 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Oocytes may undergo two types of aging. The first is induced by exposure to an aged ovarian microenvironment before being ovulated, known as ‘reproductive or maternal aging’, and the second by either a prolonged stay in the oviduct before fertilization or in vitro aging prior to insemination, known as ‘postovulatory aging’. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these aging processes remain to be elucidated. As telomere shortening in cultured somatic cells triggers replicative senescence, telomere shortening in oocytes during reproductive and postovulatory aging may predict developmental competence. This study aimed to ascertain the mechanisms underlying altered telomere biology in mouse oocytes during reproductive and postovulatory aging.

Methods
We studied Tert expression patterns, telomerase activity, cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and telomere length in fresh oocytes from young versus reproductively-aged female mice retrieved from oviducts at 14 h post-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in vivo or in vitro postovulatory-aged mouse oocytes at 23 h post-hCG. Oocytes were collected from super-ovulated C57BL/6 J mice of 6–8 weeks or 42–48 weeks of age. mRNA and protein expressions of the Tert gene were quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and immunochemistry. Telomerase activity was measured by a telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay, while telomere length was measured by Q-PCR and quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses.

Results
The abundance of Tert expression in oocytes significantly decreased during reproductive and postovulatory aging. Immunofluorescent staining clearly demonstrated an altered pattern and intensity of TERT protein expression in oocytes during reproductive aging. Furthermore, relative telomerase activity (RTA) in oocytes from reproductively-aged females was significantly lower than that in oocytes from young females. In contrast, RTA in postovulatory-aged oocytes was similar to that in fresh oocytes. Oocytes from reproductively-aged females and postovulatory-aged oocytes showed higher ROS levels than oocytes from young females. Relative telomere length (RTL) was remarkably shorter in oocytes from reproductively-aged females compared to oocytes from young females. However, postovulatory aging had no significant effect on RTL of oocytes.

Conclusions
Long-term adverse effects of low telomerase activity and increased ROS exposure are likely associated with telomere shortening in oocytes from reproductively-aged female mice.
Differential immunomodulatory effects by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f-derived refined extract PG27 and its purified component PG490 (triptolide) in human peripheral blood T cells: potential therapeutics for arthritis and possible mechanisms explaining in part Chinese herbal theory “Junn-Chenn-Zuou-SS”
Authors: Ho Ling-Jun , Chang Wen-Liang , Chen Ann , Chao Ping , Lai Jenn-Haung 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
For thousands of years, it remains unclear why Chinese prefer complex herbal remedy and seldom try to purify it. One of the reasons is that they believe Chinese herbs compared to Western drugs are relatively less toxic and better tolerated. The so called “Junn-Chenn-Zuou-SS” theory illustrates a concept of coordinated effects from a combination of different Chinese herbs. PG27, a refined extract from a well-known Chinese antirheumatic herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f (TwHf), is effective in attenuating transplantation rejection and extending survival of cardiac xenografts.

Methods
Experiments were conducted in human primary T lymphocytes isolated from buffy coat. The activities of the inhibitor of kappaB alpha kinase-inhibitor of kappaB alpha-nuclear factor kappaB (IKK-IκBα-NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase-activator protein-1 (MAPK-AP-1) signaling pathways were determined via electrophoretic mobility shift assays, immunoprecipitation kinase assays, Western blots, and transfection assays.

Results
We showed that PG27 inhibited IKKα-IκBα-NF-κB and MAPK-AP-1 signaling pathways; however, IKKβ activity was less susceptible to inhibition by PG27. In contrast, the purified component of TwHf, PG490 (triptolide), reduced both MAPK-AP-1 and IKK-IκBα-NF-κB signaling pathways, including both IKKα and IKKβ, with similar potency. By means of high performance liquid chromatography analysis, it was estimated that PG490 constituted 1.27 ± 0.06% of the total PG27 content. Further analysis demonstrated that compared to PG490 alone, PG27 that contained an equal amount of PG490 was less toxic and less immunosuppressive, suggesting the presence of cytoprotective ingredient(s) in the non-PG490 components of PG27.

Conclusions
In addition to demonstrating the immunomodulatory capacity of PG27 as the potential therapeutics for arthritis and prevention of transplantation rejection, the differential regulatory effects and mechanisms by PG27 and PG490 further support in part a possibly-existing Chinese herbal theory “Junn-Chenn-Zuou-SS”.
Dramatically enhanced non-Ohmic properties and maximum stored energy density in ceramic-metal nanocomposites: CaCu3Ti4O12/Au nanoparticles
Authors: Tuichai Wattana , Somjid Saowalak , Putasaeng Bundit , Yamwong Teerapon , Chompoosor Apiwat , Thongbai Prasit , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , Maensiri Santi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Non-Ohmic and dielectric properties of a novel CaCu3Ti4O12/Au nanocomposite were investigated. Introduction of 2.5 vol.% Au nanoparticles in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics significantly reduced the loss tangent while its dielectric permittivity remained unchanged. The non-Ohmic properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/Au (2.5 vol.%) were dramatically improved. A nonlinear coefficient of ≈ 17.7 and breakdown electric field strength of 1.25 × 104 V/m were observed. The maximum stored energy density was found to be 25.8 kJ/m3, which is higher than that of pure CaCu3Ti4O12 by a factor of 8. Au addition at higher concentrations resulted in degradation of dielectric and non-Ohmic properties, which is described well by percolation theory.
Oscillation results for second-order nonlinear neutral differential equations
Authors: Li Tongxing , Rogovchenko Yuriy V , Zhang Chenghui 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We obtain several oscillation criteria for a class of second-order nonlinear neutral differential equations. New theorems extend a number of related results reported in the literature and can be used in cases where known theorems fail to apply. Two illustrative examples are provided.

MSC:34K11.
Recurrence risk after Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: du Rieu Mael Chalret , Filleron Thomas , Beluchon Benoit , Humeau Marine , Julio Charles-Henri , Bloom Eric , Ghouti Laurent , Kirzin Sylvain , Portier Guillaume , Pradère Bernard , Carrère Nicolas 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of tumor recurrence for patients operated on for cancer of oesophagogastric junction or oesophagus by Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy.

Methods
Patients undergoing potentially curative Ivor-Lewis oesophageal resection between January 1999 to December 2008 at a single center institution were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical records, details of surgical procedure, postoperative course, pathological findings, recurrence and long term survival were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

Results
One hundred and twenty patients were analyzed. Fifty three patients (44%) presented recurrence during median follow-up of 58 months. Five-year relapse free survival (RFS) rate was 51% (95%CI = [46; 65%]). On multivariate analysis, pT stage > 2 (HR = 2.42, 95%CI = [1.22; 4.79] p = 0.011), positive lymph node status (HR = 3.69; 95% CI = [1.53; 8.96] p = 0.004) and lymph node ratio > 0.2 (HR = 2.57; 95%CI = [1.38; 4.76] p = 0.003) were associated with a poorer RFS and their combination was correlated to relapse risk. Moreover, preoperative tumor stenosis was associated with an increased risk of local recurrence (HR = 3.46; 95% CI = [1.38; 8.70] p = 0.008) whereas poor or undifferentiated tumor was associated with an increased risk of distant recurrence (HR = 3.32; 95% CI = [1.03; 10.04] p = 0.044).

Conclusion
pT stage > 2, positive lymph node status and lymph node ratio > 0.2 are independent prognostic factors of recurrence after Ivor-Lewis surgery for cancer. Their combination is correlated with an increasing risk of recurrence that may argue favorably, in addition with preoperative tumor stenosis assessment, for adjuvant treatment or reinforced follow-up.
(Im)Perfect robustness and adaptation of metabolic networks subject to metabolic and gene-expression regulation: marrying control engineering with metabolic control analysis
Authors: He Fei , Fromion Vincent , Westerhoff Hans V 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Metabolic control analysis (MCA) and supply–demand theory have led to appreciable understanding of the systems properties of metabolic networks that are subject exclusively to metabolic regulation. Supply–demand theory has not yet considered gene-expression regulation explicitly whilst a variant of MCA, i.e. Hierarchical Control Analysis (HCA), has done so. Existing analyses based on control engineering approaches have not been very explicit about whether metabolic or gene-expression regulation would be involved, but designed different ways in which regulation could be organized, with the potential of causing adaptation to be perfect.

Results
This study integrates control engineering and classical MCA augmented with supply–demand theory and HCA. Because gene-expression regulation involves time integration, it is identified as a natural instantiation of the ‘integral control’ (or near integral control) known in control engineering. This study then focuses on robustness against and adaptation to perturbations of process activities in the network, which could result from environmental perturbations, mutations or slow noise. It is shown however that this type of ‘integral control’ should rarely be expected to lead to the ‘perfect adaptation’: although the gene-expression regulation increases the robustness of important metabolite concentrations, it rarely makes them infinitely robust. For perfect adaptation to occur, the protein degradation reactions should be zero order in the concentration of the protein, which may be rare biologically for cells growing steadily.

Conclusions
A proposed new framework integrating the methodologies of control engineering and metabolic and hierarchical control analysis, improves the understanding of biological systems that are regulated both metabolically and by gene expression. In particular, the new approach enables one to address the issue whether the intracellular biochemical networks that have been and are being identified by genomics and systems biology, correspond to the ‘perfect’ regulatory structures designed by control engineering vis-à-vis optimal functions such as robustness. To the extent that they are not, the analyses suggest how they may become so and this in turn should facilitate synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
Amygdala activation and symptom dimensions in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Via Esther , Cardoner Narcís , Pujol Jesús , Alonso Pino , López-Solà Marina , Real Eva , Contreras-Rodríguez Oren , Deus Joan , Segalàs Cinto , Menchón José M. , Soriano-Mas Carles , Harrison Ben J. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundDespite knowledge of amygdala involvement in fear and anxiety, its contribution to the pathophysiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) remains controversial. In the context of neuroimaging studies, it seems likely that the heterogeneity of the disorder might have contributed to a lack of consistent findings.AimsTo assess the influence of OCD symptom dimensions on amygdala responses to a well-validated emotional face-matching paradigm.MethodCross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of 67 patients with OCD and 67 age-, gender- and education-level matched healthy controls.ResultsThe severity of aggression/checking and sexual/religious symptom dimensions were significantly associated with heightened amygdala activation in those with OCD when responding to fearful faces, whereas no such correlations were seen for other symptom dimensions.ConclusionsAmygdala functional alterations in OCD appear to be specifically modulated by symptom dimensions whose origins may be more closely linked to putative amygdala-centric processes, such as abnormal fear processing.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by Particle Morphology: Preparation, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activities of Octahedral Anatase Titania Particles
Authors: Wei Zhishun , Kowalska Ewa , Ohtani Bunsho 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Titania samples containing octahedral anatase particles (OAPs) were prepared by the ultrasonication–hydrothermal process of partially proton-exchanged potassium titanate nanowires. It was found that increase in the ultrasonication time changed the product morphology, with other structural properties such as specific surface area, crystalline size, and crystallinity remaining almost constant. The results of photocatalytic activity tests for those samples suggested higher activity of a sample with higher OAP content, especially for reactions in the presence of oxygen.
Funkcje emblematów w strukturze dialogu
Authors: Antas Jolanta , Kraśnicka-Wilk Izabela 
Published: November 2013

Functions of emblems in the structure of a dialogue
So far, emblems have been considered a consistent and speech-independent gesture code. This paper attempts to track the function that they play in a natural dialogue. The footage we used to study emblematic gestures, contained such TV programmes where participants can be observed in the situation of unrehearsed dialogue, as it is then that the function of their emblematic gestures is enriched with additional elements such as a mental rapprochement of the interlocutors, and modifications of the syntactic flow of utterances. During the dialogue, speakers might also create new gestural illustrators which can become the seeds of new emblems. The paper also signals a new category of gestures, emotion icons, that were not recognized in previous classifications. Unlike the already known emotion indicators, they do not so much indicate the emotional state of the speaker, as mimic it in a gesture, and are an iconic expression that can even transform into an emblem of the given emotion.
Freedom of expression debates in Turkey: Acute problems and new hopes
Authors: Tunç Asli 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This article critically evaluates the increasing restrictions on freedom of press in Turkey by giving examples and discussing cases in the last decade. The ownership structure of the media, legal constraints on journalists, self-censorship, media owners’ close links with the political establishment and erosion of editorial independence are the chronic diseases of the media sector. The panacea might be social media as an unfettered source of news with the vacuum in mainstream media coverage of civil antigovernment movements such as Gezi Park protests.
Synthesis of a novel fused tricyclic heterocycle, pyrimido[5,4-e][1,4]thiazepine, and its derivatives
Authors: Bazazan Tahmineh , Bakavoli Mehdi , Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein , Nikpour Mohsen 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Sequential treatment of 5-bromo-2,4-dichloro-6-(chloromethyl)pyrimidine with 2-aminothiophenol and secondary amines afforded a series of 2-[(5-bromo-2-chloro-6-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)methylthio]aniline derivatives. Reaction of the latter compounds with secondary amines in ethanol gave a family of new 5,7-diamino-5,11-dihydropyrimido[5,4-e][1,4]benzothiazepines.
Effects of induced drought and tilting on biomass allocation, wood properties, compression wood formation and chemical composition of young Pinus radiata genotypes (clones)
Authors: Nanayakkara Bernadette , Lagane Frederic , Hodgkiss Pat , Dibley Mike , Smaill Simeon , Riddell Mark , Harrington Jonathan , Cown Dave 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Eight genotypes (clones) of Pinus radiata were subjected to drought and stem inclination to assess genotype response to common stressors. While drought stress reduced diameter growth, height growth and total biomass accumulation, root to shoot (R/S) ratios were unaffected. Drought-stressed plants had significantly lower average acoustic velocity, but longitudinal shrinkage (LS) and density were not different from those of the control plants. Radial diameter growth and R/S ratios were unaffected by tilting. Inclined stems had significantly lower acoustic velocity, and significantly higher LS and density than control stems. Acoustic velocity had a strong negative correlation with LS (r2=0.79). Compression wood (CW) content was much higher in tilted plants, compared to control and drought treatment plants. The CW of tilted trees had different chemistry than that of the CW of drought and control plants. Genotypes differed significantly in the amount of CW formed as a response to tilting, demonstrating that the formation and extent of CW is genetically influenced. Mechanical perturbation in conjunction with acoustic methods for assessing stiffness would be a useful approach for early-age selection of genotypes less prone to form CW.