bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic Analysis of Prophage Endolysins and Endolysin-Like Genes from the Order Lactobacillales
Authors: Maliničová Lenka , Pristaš Peter , Javorský Peter 
Published: June 2012

Bioinformatic Analysis of Prophage Endolysins and Endolysin-Like Genes from the Order Lactobacillales
Endolysins belonging to the group of peptigoglycan hydrolases, which are able to cleave peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, become an extensively studied group of enzymes. Thanks to their narrow target specificity and low probability of resistance they are considered to be an appropriate alternative to conventional antibiotics. The present paper concerns the occurrence of endolysin and endolysin-like genes in genomes of bacteria belonging to the order Lactobacillales. Using bioinformatic programmes we compared and analysed protein sequences of catalytic and cell wall binding (CWB) domains of these enzymes, their preferred combinations, their phylogenetic relationship and potential occurence of natural "domain shuffling". The existence of this phenomenon in selected group of enzymes was confirmed only in limited range, so we assume that the natural trend is the distribution of "well-tried" combinations of catalytic and CWB domains of endolysin genes as a whole.
Potential of mechanical surface treatment for mould and die production
Authors: Groche Peter , Engels Michael , Steitz Manuel , Müller Clemens , Scheil Jan , Heilmaier Martin 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The use of mechanical surface treatment methods can extraordinarily increase the productivity in mould and die making processes. The present paper shows how deep rolling and machine hammer peening can smoothen machined surfaces in order to substitute manual polishing processes. Initial roughness of R
a > 3 μm can be smoothed to R
a < 1 μm, independent from the treated material. For a further improvement of the surface quality, a closer look is given to the influence of geometric effects in hammer peening. Both procedures also increase the surface hardness by work hardening. The influence on the attainable work hardening depth is examined in detail. When combined with thermal hardening operations, hardness and smoothness are still influenced positively, although this combination may be constrained by crack nucleation beneath.
Bioplastics from Blends of Cassava and Rice Flours: The Effect of Blend Composition
Authors: Lopattananon N. , Thongpin C. , Sombatsompop N. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Bioplastics from melt-mixing of cassava flour, rice flour and their blends with compositions of between 0/100 and 100/0 %wt were successfully obtained using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding processes. The influence of blend composition on the bioplastic's properties was studied. It was found that the flour blends were uniformly mixed. The tensile properties and dynamic properties of the flour bioplastics were examined. The tensile strength and storage modulus of compression molded bioplastics based on rice flour was greater than those of the cassava flour, but their flexibility was lower. The tensile strength and storage modulus of the flour blend bioplastics increased with increasing rice flour content. The flour bioplastics showed two glass transitions, one corresponding to glycerol rich phase and the other corresponding to plasticized starch. For plasticized flour blends, the glass transitions were not affected by the blend composition. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the bioplastics produced from the cassava/rice flour blend could be explained by an increase in the crystallinity level resulting from the higher concentration of rice flour. Using flour blends derived from cassava and rice flours, the bioplastics developed in this study offer a greater performance while maintaining environmental compatibility and sustainability, which allows for a substitution of tradition bioplastics from cassava starch.
Stretch-Blow Molding of PET Copolymers – Influence of Molecular Architecture
Authors: Déloye E. , Haudin J.-M. , Billon N. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to study the influence of molecular architecture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) on its ability to be processed by stretch-blow molding, which is not well documented in the literature. To evaluate this process ability, it proposes an original strategy combining laboratory analyses and experiments on a prototype machine. PET copolymers were prepared from three types of comonomers: diethylene glycol (DEG), isophthalic acid (IPA) and trimethylolpropane (TMP). It is first shown, through laboratory experiments, that the nature of the polymer in terms of chain constitution (copolymerization), chain length (intrinsic viscosity) and purity (catalytic residues) greatly affects many properties: melt crystallization, thermal properties, polymer rigidity and drawability. These different properties obviously induce very different behaviours at the different steps of the stretch-blow molding process: injection-molding of the preform (quenchability), heating (IR absorption), stretch-blow (rigidity and drawability). The stretch-blow step has been simulated on a prototype apparatus designed in our laboratory. It has been shown that free blowing can be used to characterize the process ability of the polymer. A statistical analysis has confirmed the great differences between the materials investigated and pointed out the complexity of the material response during blowing.
Interrupted intracarotid artery cold saline infusion as an alternative method for neuroprotection after ischemic stroke
Authors: Ji Ya-Bin , Wu Yong-Ming , Ji Zhong , Song Wei , Xu Sui-Yi , Wang Yao , Pan Su-Yue 
Published: June 2012

Object
Intracarotid artery cold saline infusion (ICSI) is an effective method for protecting brain tissue, but its use is limited because of undesirable secondary effects, such as severe decreases in hematocrit levels, as well as its relatively brief duration. In this study, the authors describe and investigate the effects of a novel ICSI pattern (interrupted ICSI) relative to the traditional method (uninterrupted ICSI).

Methods
Ischemic strokes were induced in 85 male Sprague-Dawley rats by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 3 hours using an intraluminal filament. Uninterrupted infusion groups received an infusion at 15 ml/hour for 30 minutes continuously. The same infusion speed was used in the interrupted infusion groups, but the whole duration was divided into trisections, and there was a 20-minute interval without infusion between sections. Forty-eight hours after reperfusion, H & E and silver nitrate staining were utilized for morphological assessment. Infarct sizes and brain water contents were determined using H & E staining and the dry-wet weight method, respectively. Levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100β protein, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neurological deficits were also evaluated.

Results
Histology showed that interrupted ICSI did not affect neurons or fibers in rat brains, which suggests that this method is safe for brain tissues with ischemia. The duration of hypothermia induced by interrupted ICSI was longer than that induced via the traditional method, and the decrease in hematocrit levels was less pronounced. There were no differences in infarct size or brain water content between uninterrupted and interrupted ICSI groups, but neuron-specific enolase and matrix metalloproteinase 9 serum levels were more reduced after interrupted ICSI than after the traditional method.

Conclusions
Interrupted ICSI is a safe method. Compared with traditional ICSI, the interrupted method has a longer duration of hypothermia and less effect on hematocrit and offers more potentially improved neuroprotection, thereby making it more attractive as an infusion technique in the clinic.
Publication patterns of comparative effectiveness research in spine neurosurgery
Authors: Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Tsai Chia-Lin , Hsu Shih-Wei , Ma Hsin-I 
Published: June 2012

Object
The purpose of this study was to investigate publication patterns for comparative effectiveness research (CER) on spine neurosurgery.

Methods
The authors searched the PubMed database for the period 1980–2012 using the key words “cost analysis,” “utility analysis,” “cost-utility,” “outcomes research,” “practical clinical research,” “comparator trial,” and “comparative effectiveness research,” linked with “effectiveness” and “spine neurosurgery.”

Results
From 1980 through April 9, 2012, neurosurgery CER publications accounted for 1.38% of worldwide CER publications (8657 of 626,330 articles). Spine neurosurgery CER accounted for only 0.02%, with 132 articles. The journal with the greatest number of publications on spine neurosurgery CER was Spine, followed by the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. The average annual publication rate for spine neurosurgery CER during this period was 4 articles (132 articles in 33 years), with 68 (51.52%) of the 132 articles being published within the past 5 years and a rising trend beginning in 2008. The top 3 contributing countries were the US, Turkey, and Japan, with 68, 8, and 7 articles, respectively. Only 8 regular articles (6.06%) focused on cost analysis.

Conclusions
There is a paucity of publications using CER methodology in spine neurosurgery. Few articles address the issue of cost analysis. The promotion of continuing medical education in CER methodology is warranted. Further investigations to address cost analysis in comparative effectiveness studies of spine neurosurgery are crucial to expand the application of CER in public health.
Micro‐Supercapacitors Based on Interdigital Electrodes of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotube Composites with Ultrahigh Power Handling Performance
Authors: Beidaghi Majid , Wang Chunlei 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel method for fabricating micro‐patterned interdigitated electrodes based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composites for ultra‐high power handling micro‐supercapacitor application is reported. The binder‐free microelectrodes were developed by combining electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) and photolithography lift‐off methods. Without typically used thermal or chemical reduction, GO sheets are readily reduced to rGO during the ESD deposition. Electrochemical measurements show that the in‐plane interdigital design of the microelectrodes is effective in increasing accessibility of electrolyte ions in‐between stacked rGO sheets through an electro‐activation process. Addition of CNTs results in reduced restacking of rGO sheets and improved energy and power density. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements show that the specific capacitance of the micro‐supercapacitor based on rGO–CNT composites is 6.1 mF cm−2 at 0.01 V s−1. At a very high scan rate of 50 V s−1, a specific capacitance of 2.8 mF cm−2 (stack capacitance of 3.1 F cm−3) is recorded, which is an unprecedented performance for supercapacitors. The addition of CNT, electrolyte‐accessible and binder‐free microelectrodes, as well as an interdigitated in‐plane design result in a high‐frequency response of the micro‐supercapacitors with resistive‐capacitive time constants as low as 4.8 ms. These characteristics suggest that interdigitated rGO–CNT composite electrodes are promising for on‐chip energy storage application with high power demands.
Asymmetric Domino Nitro‐Michael/Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Reaction for Disubstituted Cyclohexenecarboxylate Annulation: Efficient Synthesis of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor ABT‐341 and Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitor
Authors: Weng Jiang , Li Jun‐Ming , Li Feng‐Quan , Xie Zhi‐Sheng , Lu Gui 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAn asymmetric domino nitro‐Michael/Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction involving α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and nitro phosphonates has been developed, which gave 4,5‐disubstituted cyclohexenecarboxylates with high stereoselectivities (dr up to >20:1, ee 83–92%) in good yields (44–76%). Furthermore, using this methodology as a key step, a short and practical synthesis of pharmaceutically useful compounds (such as the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor ABT‐341 and an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor) has also been accomplished.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Cycloamidination via C(sp2)H Activation and Isocyanide Insertion
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhu Qiang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAn efficient method for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles containing a cyclic amidine moiety has been developed. The process involves palladium‐catalyzed C(sp2)H activation and isocyanide insertion starting with readily accessible ortho‐heteroarene‐substituted aniline derivatives under mild conditions.
Highly Selective Palladium‐Catalysed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides using a Bulky Diphosphine Ligand
Authors: de la Fuente Verónica , Godard Cyril , Claver Carmen , Castillón Sergio 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAn efficient methodology for the synthesis of amides via palladium‐catalysed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides is reported using the bulky cis‐1,2‐bis[(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)methyl]cyclohexane ligand under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide. Excellent conversions (up to 99%) and chemoselectivities (up to 99%) were obtained for a range of aryl iodides and amine nucleophiles. The effect of the substituents on the substrate and nucleophiles on the catalytic performance was investigated. An NMR study was also carried out and key intermediates of the catalytic cycle were detected and characterised.
Chemical Modification of Amberlite XAD‐2 by Immobilization of Calcein Blue for Extractive Concentration of Lead(II) Ion in Environmental Samples
Authors: Moniri Elham , Panahi Homayon Ahmad , Karimi Meghdad , Rajabi Nasir Ahmad , Faridi Mohammad 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA chelating resin is produced by coupling a dye calcein blue to Amberlite XAD‐2 through an azo spacer. The resulting resin has been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis and studied for the preconcentration and determination of trace Pb(II) from solution samples. The optimum pH for adsorption of lead ions was 6.5. The sorption capacity of functionalized resin is 40.22 mg g−1. The chelating resin can be reused for 10 cycles without any significant changes in the sorption capacity. A recovery of 100% was obtained for Pb(II) when eluted with 0.5 M nitric acid. Scatchard analysis revealed that homogeneous binding sites were formed in the resin. The equilibrium adsorption data of Pb(II) on a modified resin were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. Based on equilibrium adsorption data, the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin constants were determined as 0.044, 4.127, and 0.540 , respectively, at pH 6.5 and 20°C. The method was applied for the Pb(II) assay in environmental samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E462–E473, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21293
Microdeletion in distal 17p13.1: A recognizable phenotype with microcephaly, distinctive facial features, and intellectual disability
Authors: Zeesman Susan , Kjaergaard Susanne , Hove Hanne D. , Kirchhoff Maria , Stevens Jadd M. , Nowaczyk Małgorzata J.M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractArray comparative genomic hybridization has led to the identification of new syndromes by identifying genomic imbalances not detectable by standard karyotyping methods and by allowing correlations with physical findings. Deletions in the 17p13.1 region have been reported in patients with dysmorphic features and developmental delay but a consistent phenotype has yet to emerge. This report describes two unrelated patients with a characteristic phenotype associated with overlapping de novo deletions in the distal region of 17p13.1 detected with array comparative genomic hybridization and confirmed by real‐time PCR. These patients share remarkably similar clinical features including microcephaly, mild developmental delay, generalized joint laxity, and a body posture with knee and elbow flexion and hands held in midline. They have distinctive facial features which include long midface with retrognathia with overbite, and protruding ears. The deletions in both patients are the smallest ever reported in this region (approximately 252 and 219 kb). The overlapping region contains 18 genes. Various isolated deletions of the17p13.1 region have been reported previously without delineation of a consistent phenotype. We propose that the described microdeletions in the distal portion of 17p13.1 represent a novel microdeletion syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Chronic undernutrition is associated with higher mucosal antibody levels among ariaal infants of northern kenya
Authors: Miller Elizabeth M. , McConnell Daniel S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe immune activation that occurs with infection diverts energy from growth and can contribute to poor nutritional outcomes in developing infants and children. This study investigates the association between salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and growth outcomes among Ariaal infants of northern Kenya. The Ariaal are a group of settled northern Kenyan pastoralists who are under considerable nutritional stress. Two hundred and thirty‐nine breastfeeding Ariaal infants were recruited into the study and underwent anthropometric measurement and saliva collection, with mothers providing individual and household characteristics for them via questionnaire. Infant saliva samples were analyzed with an ELISA for IgA in the United States. Infant anthropometric measurements were converted to height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) using the WHO Child Growth Standards. Based on multivariate models performed in SAS 9.2 two main results emerge: 1) low HAZ, an indicator of chronic undernutrition, was significantly associated with higher IgA concentration (β = −0.12, P = 0.050) and 2) boys had significantly higher IgA levels than girls (β = 0.25, P = 0.039). Although there was not a significant interactive effect between HAZ and sex, the two variables confound each other, with boys having significantly lower HAZ values than girls do. In addition, maternal breastmilk IgA was significantly associated with infant salivary IgA, indicating that maternal effects play a role in infant IgA development. Future research will unravel the three‐way association between sex, stunting, and immune function in the Ariaal community. Am J PhyAnthropol 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and validation of a novel learning tool, the “Anato‐Rug,” for teaching equine topographical anatomy
Authors: Braid Francesca , Williams Sarah B. , Weller Renate 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRecognition of anatomical landmarks in live animals (and humans) is key for clinical practice, but students often find it difficult to translate knowledge from dissection‐based anatomy onto the live animal and struggle to acquire this vital skill. The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate the use of an equine anatomy rug (“Anato‐Rug”) depicting topographical anatomy and key areas of lung, heart, and gastrointestinal auscultation, which could be used together with a live horse to aid learning of “live animal” anatomy. Over the course of 2 weeks, 38 third year veterinary students were randomly allocated into an experimental group, revising topographical anatomy from the “Anato‐Rug,” or a control group, learning topographical anatomy from a textbook. Immediately post activity, both groups underwent a test on live anatomy knowledge and were retested 1 week later. Both groups then completed a questionnaire to ascertain their perceptions of their learning experiences. Results showed that the experimental groups scored significantly higher than the control group at the first testing session, experienced more enjoyment during the activity and gained more confidence in identifying anatomical landmarks than the control group. There was not a significant difference in scores between groups at the second testing session. The findings indicate that the anatomy rug is an effective learning tool that aids understanding, confidence, and enjoyment in learning equine thorax and abdominal anatomy; however it was not better than traditional methods with regards to longer term memory recall. Anat SciEduc. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
What do I Think of Others in Relation to Myself? Moral Identity and Moral Inclusion in Explaining Prejudice
Authors: Passini Stefano 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this article is to analyze the effect of moral identity on prejudice in conjunction with moral inclusion/exclusion attitudes. In particular, the hypothesis is that even if high moral identity people tend to be less prejudicial than low moral identity people, this result can be explained with reference to moral inclusion/exclusion attitudes. A questionnaire was distributed to 192 Italian subjects. According to the hypothesis, results show that moral identity is negatively correlated with blatant prejudice, but that this effect is completely mediated by the perception of moral inclusion/exclusion with the other groups. These results suggest that it is not how morally you behave (symbolization), or the relevance you give to moral traits for your identity (internalization), that have an effect on prejudice, but rather it is who you include within the moral community within which moral values apply. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the Mildiomycin Biosynthesis Gene Cluster in Streptoverticillum remofaciens ZJU5119 and Characterization of MilC, a Hydroxymethyl cytosyl‐glucuronic Acid Synthase
Authors: Wu Jun , Li Li , Deng Zixin , Zabriskie T. Mark , He Xinyi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMildiomycin (MIL) is a peptidyl‐nucleoside antibiotic produced by Streptoverticillum remofaciens ZJU5119 that exhibits strong inhibitory activity against powdery mildew. The entire MIL biosynthesis gene cluster was cloned and expressed in Streptomyces lividans 1326. Systematic gene disruptions narrowed down the cluster to 16 functional ORFs and identified the boundaries of the gene cluster. A putative cytosylglucuronic acid (CGA) synthase gene, milC, was disrupted in Sv. remofaciens and heterologously expressed in E. coli. An in vitro assay revealed that purified MilC could utilize either cytosine or hydroxymethylcytosine as substrate to yield CGA or hydroxymethyl‐CGA (HM‐CGA), respectively. MilG is believed to be a key enzyme in the MIL biosynthesis pathway and contains the CXXXCXXC motif characteristic of members of the radical S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) superfamily. Disruption of milG leads to accumulation of HM‐CGA. Labeling experiments with 13C6‐L‐arginine indicated that decarboxylation at C5 of the pyranoside ring was coupled with the attachment of 5‐guanidino‐2,4‐dihydroxyvalerate side chain through CC bond formation. In contrast, exogenous 13C6‐labeled 4‐hydroxy‐L‐arginine was not incorporated into the MIL structure. Comparative analysis of the 16 MIL ORFs with counterparts involved in the biosynthesis of the structurally similar compound blasticidin S, along with the results above, provide insight into the complete MIL biosynthetic pathway.