bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A robust dual reporter system to visualize and quantify gene expression mediated by transcription activator-like effectors
Authors: Uhde-Stone Claudia , Huang Joseph , Lu Biao 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are a class of naturally occurring transcription effectors that recognize specific DNA sequences and modulate gene expression. The modularity of TALEs DNA binding domain enables sequence-specific perturbation and offers broad applications in genetic and epigenetic studies. Although the efficient construction of TALEs has been established, robust functional tools to assess their functions remain lacking.

Results
We established a dual reporter system that was specifically designed for real-time monitoring and quantifying gene expression mediated by TALEs. We validated both sensitivity and specificity of this dual-reporter system in mammalian cells, and demonstrated that this dual reporter system is robust and potentially amenable to high throughput (HTP) applications.

Conclusion
We have designed, constructed and validated a novel dual reporter system for assessing TALE mediated gene regulations. This system offers a robust and easy-to- use tool for real-time monitoring and quantifying gene expression in mammalian cells.
Cytotoxic effects of ZnO hierarchical architectures on RSC96 Schwann cells
Authors: Yin Yixia , Lin Qiang , Sun Haiming , Chen Dan , Wu Qingzhi , Chen Xiaohui , Li Shipu 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The alteration in intracellular Zn2+ homeostasis is attributed to the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, which subsequently results in oxidative damage of organelles and cell apoptosis. In this work, the neurotoxic effects of ZnO hierarchical architectures (nanoparticles and microspheres, the prism-like and flower-like structures) were evaluated through the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using RSC96 Schwann cells as the model. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected using flow cytometry. The concentration of Zn2+ in the culture media was monitored using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show that ZnO nanoparticles and microspheres displayed significant cytotoxic effects on RSC96 Schwann cells in dose- and time-dependent manners, whereas no or low cytotoxic effect was observed when the cells were treated with the prism-like and flower-like ZnO. A remarkable cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest were observed when RSC96 Schwann cells were exposed to ZnO nanoparticles and microspheres at a dose of 80 μg/mL for 12 h. The time-dependent increase of Zn2+ concentration in the culture media suggests that the cytotoxic effects were associated with the decomposition of ZnO hierarchical architecture and the subsequent release of Zn2+. These results provide new insights into the cytotoxic effects of complex ZnO architectures, which could be prominently dominated by nanoscale building blocks.
DNA-directed immobilization of horseradish peroxidase onto porous SiO2 optical transducers
Authors: Shtenberg Giorgi , Massad-Ivanir Naama , Engin Sinem , Sharon Michal , Fruk Ljiljana , Segal Ester 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Multifunctional porous Si nanostructure is designed to optically monitor enzymatic activity of horseradish peroxidase. First, an oxidized PSi optical nanostructure, a Fabry-Pérot thin film, is synthesized and is used as the optical transducer element. Immobilization of the enzyme onto the nanostructure is performed through DNA-directed immobilization. Preliminary studies demonstrate high enzymatic activity levels of the immobilized horseradish peroxidase, while maintaining its specificity. The catalytic activity of the enzymes immobilized within the porous nanostructure is monitored in real time by reflective interferometric Fourier transform spectroscopy. We show that we can easily regenerate the surface for consecutive biosensing analysis by mild dehybridization conditions.
Purification of silicon powder by the formation of thin porous layer followed byphoto-thermal annealing
Authors: Khalifa Marouan , Hajji Messaoud , Ezzaouia Hatem 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Porous silicon has been prepared using a vapor-etching based technique on a commercial silicon powder. Strong visible emission was observed in all samples. Obtained silicon powder with a thin porous layer at the surface was subjected to a photo-thermal annealing at different temperatures under oxygen atmosphere followed by a chemical treatment. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry results indicate that silicon purity is improved from 99.1% to 99.994% after annealing at 900°C.
Intranasal fentanyl versus intravenous morphine in the emergency department treatment of severe painful sickle cell crises in children: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Barrett Michael Joseph , Cronin John , Murphy Adrian , McCoy Siobhan , Hayden John , an Fhailí SinéadNic , Grant Tim , Wakai Abel , McMahon Corrina , Walsh Sean , O’Sullivan Ronan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) frequently and unpredictably present to the emergency department (ED) with pain. The painful event is the hallmark acute clinical manifestation of SCD, characterised by sudden onset and is usually bony in origin. This study aims to establish if 1.5mcg/kg of intranasal fentanyl (INF; administered via a Mucosal Atomiser Device, MAD™) is non-inferior to intravenous morphine 0.1 mg/kg in severe SCD-associated pain.

Methods/design
This study is a randomised,double-blind, double-dummy active control trial of children (weighing more than 10 kg) between 1 year and 21 years of age with severe painful sickle cell crisis. Severe pain is defined as rated seven or greater on a 0 to 10 age-appropriate numeric pain scale or equivalent. The trial will be conducted in a single tertiary urban paediatric ED in Dublin, Ireland. Each patient will receive a single active agent and a single placebo via the intravenous and intranasal routes. All clinical and research staff, patients and parents will be blinded to the treatment allocation. The primary endpoint is severity of pain scored at 10 min from administration of the study medications. Secondary endpoints include pain severity measured at 0, 5, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 120 min after the administration of analgesia, proportion of patients requiring rescue analgesia and incidence of adverse events. The trial ends at 120 min after the administration of the study drugs. A clinically meaningful difference in validated pain scores has been defined as 13 mm. Setting the permitted threshold to 50% of this limit (6 mm) and assuming both treatments are on average equal, a sample size of 30 patients (15 per group) will provide at least 80% power to demonstrate that INF is non-inferior to IV morphine with a level of significance of 0.05.

Discussion
This clinical trial will inform of the role of INF 1.5mcg/kg via MAD in the acute treatment of severe painful sickle cell crisis in children in the ED setting.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN67469672 and EudraCT no. 2011-005161-20
Microwave synthesis and thermal properties of polyacrylate derivatives containing itaconic anhydride moieties
Authors: Osman Sameh M , El-Newehy Mohamed H , Al-Deyab Salem S , El-Faham Ayman 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Microwave irradiation as an alternative heat source is now a well-known method in synthetic chemistry. Microwave heating has emerged as a powerful technique to promote a variety of chemical reactions, offering reduced pollution, low cost and offer high yields together with simplicity in processing and handling. On the other hand, copolymers containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments are drawing considerable attention because of their possible use in biological systems. Various copolymer compositions can produce a very large number of different arrangements, producing materials of varying chemical and physical properties. Thus, the hydrophilicity of copolymers can be modified by changing the amount of incorporated itaconic anhydride.

Results
A series of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylamide (AA) copolymers containing itaconic anhydride (ITA) were synthesized by microwave irradiation employing a multimode reactor (Synthos 3000 Aton Paar, GmbH, 1400 W maximum magnetron) as well as conventional method. The thermal properties of the copolymers were evaluated by different techniques. Structure-thermal property correlation based on changing the itaconic anhydride ratio was demonstrated. Results revealed that the incorporation of itaconic anhydride into the polymeric backbone of all series affect the thermal stability of copolymers. In addition, the use of the microwave method offers high molecular weight copolymers which lead eventually to an increase in thermal stability.

Conclusions
Microwave irradiation method showed advantages for the produced copolymers compared to that prepared by conventional method, where it can offer a copolymer in short time, high yield, more pure compounds and more thermally stable copolymers, rather than conventional method. Also, microwave irradiation method gives higher molecular weight due to prevention of the chain transfer. Moreover, as the itaconic anhydride content increases the thermal stability and T

g
increase due to the decrease in the crystallinity.
Best-bet integrated strategies for containing drug-resistant trypanosomes in cattle
Authors: Mungube Erick O , Diall Oumar , Baumann Maximilian PO , Hoppenheit Antje , Hinney Barbara , Bauer Burkhard , Sanogo Yousouf , Maiga Brehima , Zessin Karl-Hans , Randolph Thomas F , Clausen Peter-Henning 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
African animal trypanosomosis is a major constraint to the rearing of productive livestock in the sub-humid Sudan-Sahel zone of West Africa where cotton is grown. Trypanosomosis is mainly controlled using trypanocidal drugs, but the effective use of drugs is threatened by the development of widespread resistance. This study tested integrated best-bet strategies for containment and/ or reversal of trypanocide resistance in villages in south-east Mali where resistance has been reported.

Methods
Four sentinel villages each from an intervention area (along the road from Mali to Burkina Faso) and a control area (along the road from Mali to Côte d’Ivoire) were selected for the study. Tsetse control was based on deltamethrin-treated stationary attractive devices and targeted cattle spraying between March 2008 and November 2009. Trypanosome-positive cattle were selectively treated with 3.5 mg/kg diminazene aceturate. Strategic helminth control using 10 mg/kg albendazole was also undertaken. During the intervention, tsetse densities along drainage lines, trypanosome infections and faecal egg counts in risk cattle (3 to 12 months of age) were monitored.

Results
Catch reductions of 66.5 % in Glossina palpalis gambiensis and 90 % in G. tachinoides were observed in the intervention area. Trypanosome prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the intervention area (2.3 %; 1.3-3.6 %) compared to the control area (17.3 %; 14.8-20.1 %). Albendazole treatment resulted in a faecal egg count reduction of 55.6 % and reduced trypanosome infection risk (2.9 times lower than in the placebo group) although not significantly (p > 0.05). Further studies are required before confirming the existence of albendazole resistant strongyles in the study area.

Conclusion
Integration of best-bet strategies in areas of multiple drug-resistance is expected to reduce trypanosome infection risk thus contributing to containment of trypanocidal drug resistance. Integrated best-bet strategies could therefore be considered a viable trypanosomosis control option especially in areas where multiple drug-resistance has been reported.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and the oropharynx in patients less than 40 years of age: a 20-year analysis
Authors: Udeabor Samuel E , Rana Majeed , Wegener Gerd , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Eckardt André M 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Squamous cell carcinoma mainly afflicts patients older than 40 years of age however, few cases are seen in younger patients. The aim of this study therefore was to determine the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx in patients less than 40 years of age with a view to assessing the prognosis over a period of time.

Methods
This was a 20 years retrospective review of patients who were histologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and the oropharynx at the Department of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Hannover Medical School, Germany and had not received treatment anywhere else. Records of these patients were analysed for age and sex distribution, tumour staging and differentiation, location, treatment given, recurrences and metastasis, time between diagnosis and death or last contact with patient, and possible cause of death. Comparisons were also made with patients older than 40 years of age.

Results and discussion
A total of 977 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and the oropharynx in the 20-year period of this study were included. Thirty eight (3.9 %) of the overall patient population were under 40 years of age. Among these, 30 (78.9%) were males and 8 (21.1%) were females. The incidence was highest in the 30–39 year age group accounting for 31 (81.6%) of the 38 patients. The moderately differentiated carcinoma was commonest (24; 63.2%). The floor of the mouth had the highest number of tumours (15; 39.5%), but none was seen in the oropharynx. Surgery alone was the main stay of treatment given to 26 (68.4%) patients. At the end of the study period, 13 (34.2%) patients had died of the tumour and the 5-year survival rate was 66.2%. In the older patient group (>40 years), 42.7% died from the tumour and the 5-year survival rate was 57.6%.

Conclusion
The results from the present study showed that young adults may have a better prognosis especially in terms of long term overall survival from oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.
3D CSEM modeling and time-lapse sensitivity analysis for subsurface CO2 storage
Authors: Bhuyian Anwar H. , Landrø Martin , Johansen Ståle E. 
Published: August 2012

Monitoring a time-lapse geophysical anomaly due to variation in the pore-fluid contents of a subsurface reservoir is critical for further development and management. However, it may be difficult to detect the changes in P-wave responses beyond a certain level of saturation. A comprehensive 3D finite-difference time domain (FDTD) forward modeling, based on idealized subsurface resistivity structures, demonstrates the possibility of marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) surveying to monitor the movement of subsurface [Formula: see text] storage. We focused on CSEM sensitivity studies with respect to variations in geometry and/or saturation of [Formula: see text] storage, evaluation of the effects of reservoir depths and lithology, and detection of [Formula: see text] leakage from the main storage. A 100% lateral expansion from the initial diameter (1500 m) of a typical [Formula: see text] plume with thickness and resistivity of 100 m and 80 Ωm, respectively, at 850 m below seafloor, results in 41% electric field (E-field) magnitude increase at 2500 m source-receiver offset for 0.5 Hz source frequency. In comparison, a 300% vertical expansion of a 50 m thick plume with diameter and resistivity of 2500 m and 80 Ωm, respectively, gives only a 7% E-field magnitude anomaly. An increase of the aspect ratio of a [Formula: see text] plume with diameter and thickness of 1750 and 130 m, respectively, by 110%, without volumetric change, results in a 20% E-field magnitude increase. The E-field magnitude differences due to [Formula: see text] saturation change by 20% in clay-rich (10% clay) and clean reservoirs are almost identical; thus, a time-lapse anomaly in a clay-rich reservoir might be detectable. A gradual inverse variation of offset and frequency can differentiate the responses of a 50 m thick shallow [Formula: see text] accumulation, 200 m below the seafloor, from the main [Formula: see text] plume at 850 m below the seafloor and allow for early warning of [Formula: see text] leakage.
Locomotory activity and feeding strategy of the hadal munnopsid isopod Rectisura cf. herculea (Crustacea: Asellota) in the Japan Trench
Authors: Jamieson Alan J. , Fujii Toyonobu , Priede Imants G. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY
Benthic fauna in the hadal zone (6500-11,000 m) rely on maintaining sufficient locomotory activity to exploit a low, patchy and uniquely distributed food supply while exposed to high pressure, low temperatures and responding to predator-prey interactions. Very little is currently known about the locomotory capabilities of hadal fauna. In situ video footage of the isopod Rectisura cf. herculea (Birstein 1957) (Asellota, Munnopsidae) was obtained from 6945 and 7703 m deep in the Japan Trench (NW Pacific Ocean). Measurements of locomotion revealed routine walking speeds of 0.19±0.04 BL s-1 (mean ± s.d.), increasing to 0.33±0.04 BL s-1 if naturally perturbed by larger organisms. When immediately threatened by the presence of predators (decapod crustaceans), the isopods are capable of eliciting backward escape jumps and burst swimming escape responses of 2.6±1.5 BL s-1 and 4.63±0.9 BL s-1, respectively. These data suggest no significant reduction in locomotory capability despite the extreme depths in which they inhabit. These observations also revealed the isopod to be a bait-attending and aggregative species and suggest that it may not be obligatorily selecting infaunal food sources as previously thought.
New model for gain control of signal intensity to object distance in echolocating bats
Authors: Nørum Ulrik , Brinkløv Signe , Surlykke Annemarie 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYEcholocating bats emit ultrasonic calls and listen for the returning echoes to orient and localize prey in darkness. The emitted source level, SL (estimated signal intensity 10 cm from the mouth), is adjusted dynamically from call to call in response to sensory feedback as bats approach objects. A logarithmic relationship of SL=20log10(x), i.e. 6 dB output reduction per halving of distance, x, has been proposed as a model for the relationship between emitted intensity and object distance, not only for bats but also for echolocating toothed whales. This logarithmic model suggests that the approaching echolocator maintains a constant intensity impinging upon the object, but it also implies ever-increasing source levels with distance, a physical and biological impossibility. We developed a new model for intensity compensation with an exponential rise to the maximum source level: SL=SLmax–ae–bx. In addition to providing a method for estimating maximum output, the new model also offers a tool for estimating a minimum detection distance where intensity compensation starts. We tested the new exponential model against the ‘conventional’ logarithmic model on data from five bat species. The new model performed better in 77% of the trials and as good as the conventional model in the rest (23%). We found much steeper rates of compensation when fitting the model to individual rather than pooled data, with slopes often steeper than –20 dB per halving of distance. This emphasizes the importance of analyzing individual events. The results are discussed in light of habitat constraints and the interaction between bats and their eared prey.
The effect of surface water and wetting on gecko adhesion
Authors: Stark Alyssa Y. , Sullivan Timothy W. , Niewiarowski Peter H. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY
Despite profound interest in the mechanics and performance of the gecko adhesive system, relatively few studies have focused on performance under conditions that are ecologically relevant to the natural habitats of geckos. Because geckos are likely to encounter surfaces that are wet, we used shear force adhesion measurements to examine the effect of surface water and toe pad wetting on the whole-animal performance of a tropical-dwelling gecko (Gekko gecko). To test the effect of surface wetting, we measured the shear adhesive force of geckos on three substrate conditions: dry glass, glass misted with water droplets and glass fully submerged in water. We also investigated the effect of wetting on the adhesive toe pad by soaking the toe pads prior to testing. Finally, we tested for repeatability of the adhesive system in each wetting condition by measuring shear adhesion after each step a gecko made under treatment conditions. Wetted toe pads had significantly lower shear adhesive force in all treatments (0.86±0.09 N) than the control (17.96±3.42 N), as did full immersion in water (0.44±0.03 N). Treatments with droplets of water distributed across the surface were more variable and did not differ from treatments where the surface was dry (4.72±1.59 N misted glass; 9.76±2.81 N dry glass), except after the gecko took multiple steps. These findings suggest that surface water and the wetting of a gecko's adhesive toe pads may have significant consequences for the ecology and behavior of geckos living in tropical environments.
A model based on oscillatory threshold and build-up of a developmental substance explains gating of adult emergence inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mukherjee Narendra , Kannan Nisha N. , Yadav Pankaj , Sharma Vijay Kumar 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYAdult emergence (eclosion) of fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster under constant laboratory conditions follows a circadian pattern with bouts of eclosion recurring at approximately 24 h intervals. Under periodic light:dark (LD) cycles, adults emerge only during a specific time of the day followed by little or no emergence for the rest of the day. This phenomenon is therefore equated to a gate of emergence that, when open, allows adults to emerge and when closed, no emergence takes place. In this study, we attempt to understand the mechanism underlying adult emergence rhythm in D. melanogaster using a model based on interplay between developmental and circadian clock systems. The model is composed of an oscillatory threshold of a substance that builds up during pre-adult development. Computer simulations based on this model enabled us to make specific predictions about the ‘gate width’ of the adult emergence rhythm under conditions of fast/slow pre-adult development and short/long circadian periods, which we subsequently tested empirically. The main predictions from the simulations are: (1) flies with faster development have greater gate width and vice versa, and (2) flies with faster circadian clocks have shorter gate width and vice versa. To empirically validate these predictions, we carried out experiments on D. melanogaster populations known to have fast/slow pre-adult development, short/long circadian periods and narrow/wide gate width. Additionally, we manipulated the rate of pre-adult development of the above flies by increasing/decreasing ambient temperature to further examine the influence of developmental rates on gate width of adult emergence rhythm by a complementary approach. The results show that gate width is greatly influenced by the duration of pre-adult development and the length of circadian cycles. This suggests that the adult emergence rhythm of D. melanogaster may be based on mechanisms involving oscillatory threshold and build-up of a developmental substance.
Die EduWear-Umgebung – Wearables konstruierend be-greifen
Authors: Dittert Nadine , Katterfeldt Eva-Sophie , Schelhowe Heidi 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Artikel stellt das EduWear Kit vor – ein so genanntes Construction Kit mit Smart Textiles, bestehend aus Hardware, Programmierumgebung, Workshopkonzept, Webplattform und Anleitungen, mit denen eigene “Wearables” konstruiert werden können. Durch die Eigenschaften von Smart Textiles spricht das Kit auch weniger technik-affine Menschen an. Wir erläutern das Konzept der Construction Kits, stellen die Komponenten des EduWear Kits vor und geben Beispiele, wie das Kit zum be-greifen von Programmierbarkeit und Wearable Computing Konzepten vielfältig eingesetzt werden kann.