bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase 2: Friend or foe? The discordant role in neurons and astrocytes
Authors: Quinn Breandan R. , Yunes‐Medina Laura , Johnson Gail V. W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMembers of the transglutaminase family catalyze the formation of isopeptide bonds between a polypeptide‐bound glutamine and a low molecular weight amine (e.g., spermidine) or the ɛ‐amino group of a polypeptide‐bound lysine. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a prominent member of this family, is unique because in addition to being a transamidating enzyme, it exhibits numerous other activities. As a result, TG2 plays a role in many physiological processes, and its function is highly cell type specific and relies upon a number of factors, including conformation, cellular compartment location, and local concentrations of Ca2+ and guanine nucleotides. TG2 is the most abundant transglutaminase in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a pivotal role in the CNS injury response. How TG2 affects the cell in response to an insult is strikingly different in astrocytes and neurons. In neurons, TG2 supports survival. Overexpression of TG2 in primary neurons protects against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced cell death and in vivo results in a reduction in infarct volume subsequent to a stroke. Knockdown of TG2 in primary neurons results in a loss of viability. In contrast, deletion of TG2 from astrocytes results in increased survival following OGD and improved ability to protect neurons from injury. Here, a brief overview of TG2 is provided, followed by a discussion of the role of TG2 in transcriptional regulation, cellular dynamics, and cell death. The differing roles TG2 plays in neurons and astrocytes are highlighted and compared to how TG2 functions in other cell types.
Changing the focus of locus (of control): A targeted review of the locus of control literature and agenda for future research
Authors: Galvin Benjamin M. , Randel Amy E. , Collins Brian J. , Johnson Russell E. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryLocus of control—a fundamental individual difference variable that reflects individuals' beliefs about the degree of control they have over events in their lives—has been formally studied for more than 50 years. Early scholarship demonstrated that locus of control was a key predictor of various work‐related outcomes, ranging from job attitudes and affect to motivation and behavior. Despite this evidence, the majority of contemporary organizational research has moved away from examining locus of control as an independent construct. Instead, locus of control is now commonly examined as a component of core self‐evaluation. However, recent research suggests that locus of control is in fact an independent, distinct concept and that core self‐evaluation research should continue without incorporating locus of control in future work. This presents an opportunity to theoretically review locus of control as a distinct construct and explicate its salient characteristics. Accordingly, this review aims to further clarify the construct of locus of control, provide a foundation upon which research may build, and elucidate fruitful avenues for future research.
Modelling serial clustering and inter‐annual variability of European winter windstorms based on large‐scale drivers
Authors: Walz Michael A. , Befort Daniel J. , Kirchner‐Bossi Nicolas Otto , Ulbrich Uwe , Leckebusch Gregor C. 
Published: March 2018

Winter windstorms are known to be among the most dangerous and loss intensive natural hazards in Europe. In order to gain a better understanding of their variability and driving mechanisms, this study analyses the temporal variability which is often referred to as serial or seasonal clustering. This is realized by developing a statistical model relating the winter storm counts to known teleconnection patterns affecting European weather and climate conditions (e.g., North Atlantic Oscillation [NAO], Scandinavian pattern [SCA], etc.). The statistical model is developed via a stepwise Poisson regression approach that is applied to windstorm counts and large‐scale indices retrieved from the ERA‐20C reanalysis. Significant large‐scale drivers accountable for the inter‐annual variability of storms for several European regions are identified and compared. In addition to the SCA and the NAO which are found to be the essential drivers for most areas within the European domain, other teleconnections (e.g., East Atlantic pattern) are found to be more significant for the inter‐annual variability in certain regions.Furthermore, the statistical model allows an estimation of the expected number of storms per winter season and also whether a season has the characteristic of being what we define an active or inactive season. The statistical model reveals high skill particularly over British Isles and central Europe; however, even for regions with less frequent storm events (e.g., southern and eastern Europe) the model shows adequate positive skill. This feature could be of specific interest for the actuarial sector.
Estimation of near‐surface air temperature lapse rates over continental Spain and its mountain areas
Authors: Navarro‐Serrano F. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Azorin‐Molina C. , Alonso‐González E. , Tomás‐Burguera M. , Sanmiguel‐Vallelado A. , Revuelto J. , Vicente‐Serrano S. M. 
Published: March 2018

Although the mean environmental lapse rate (MELR) value (a linear decrease of −6.5 °C/km) is the most widely used, near‐surface (i.e., non‐free atmosphere) air temperature lapse rates (NSLRs; measured at ~1.5 m height) are variable in space and time because of their dependence on topography and meteorological conditions. In this study we conducted the first analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of NSLRs for continental Spain and their relationship to synoptic atmospheric circulation (circulation weather types [CWTs]), focusing on major mountain areas including the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Central, Baetic, and Iberian ranges.The results showed that the NSLR varied markedly at spatial and seasonal scales and depended on the dominant atmospheric conditions. The median NSLR values were weaker (less negative) than the MELR for the mountain areas (Pyrenees −5.17 °C/km; Cantabrian range −5.22 °C/km; Central range −5.78 °C/km; Baetic range −4.83 °C/km; Iberian range −5.79 °C/km) and for the entire continental Spain (−5.28 °C/km). For the entire continental Spain the steepest NSLR values were found in April (−5.80 °C/km), May (−5.58 °C/km), and October (−5.54 °C/km) because of the dominance of northerly and westerly advections of cold air. The weakest NSLR values were found in July (−4.67 °C/km) and August (−4.78 °C/km) because of the inland heating, and in winter because of the occurrence of thermal inversions. As the use of the MELR involves the assumption of large errors, we propose 1 zonal, 12 monthly, 11 CWTs, and 132 hybrid monthly–CWTs NSLRs for each of the mountain ranges and for the entire continental Spain. More regional studies are urgently needed to accurately assess the NSLR as a function of atmospheric circulation conditions.
Preparation of citrus pectin gels by power ultrasound and its application as an edible coating in strawberries
Authors: Muñoz‐Labrador Ana , Moreno Rodrigo , Villamiel Mar , Montilla Antonia 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPectin is heteropolysaccharide found in cell walls originating mainly from by‐products, as well as citrus peels, apple and sugar beet pulp, and presenting biological and techno‐functional properties. In the present study, a general and structural characterisation of industrial citrus pectins was performed together with a study of impact of power ultrasound (US) on their rheological properties, with the aim of using them as edible coatings for fresh strawberries.RESULTSThe results obtained indicated that pure pectin showed a methylesterification degree greater than 50% and galacturonic acid content > 65%, supporting its consideration as additive E‐440; such conditions were not achieved in pectin with sugar addition. Furthermore, in the rheological study, pectin gels showed a non‐Newtonian flow and pseudoplastic behaviour and presented different viscosity ranges depending on the preparation methods, including power US. Gels were used as edible coatings for fresh strawberries aiming to improve their quality during storage over a period of 5 days, controlling quality characteristics such as humidity loss, acidity and colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C, h°, ΔE).CONCLUSIONThe results obtained demonstrate that US treatments give rise to pectin gels that can improve the quality of strawberries over their lifetime. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of d‐mannose from d‐glucose by co‐expression of d‐glucose isomerase and d‐lyxose isomerase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Huang Jiawei , Yu Lina , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Tao , Guang Cuie , Mu Wanmeng 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDd‐Mannose is not only the epimer of d‐glucose at the C‐2 position, but also the aldose isomer of d‐fructose. Because of its physiological properties and health benefits, d‐mannose has attracted public interest. It has been confirmed that d‐mannose has broad applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. According to the Izumoring strategy, d‐glucose isomerase (d‐GI) and d‐lyxose isomerase (d‐LI) play important roles in the conversions of d‐fructose from d‐glucose and of d‐mannose from d‐fructose respectively. In this study, a one‐step enzyme process of d‐mannose production from d‐glucose has been constructed by co‐expression of the d‐GI from Acidothermus cellulolyticus and d‐LI from Thermosediminibacter oceani in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells.RESULTSThe co‐expression system exhibits maximum activity at pH 6.5 and 65 °C with Co2+ supplement. It is relatively thermostable at less than 65 °C. When the reaction reaches equilibrium, the ratio of d‐glucose, d‐fructose, and d‐mannose is approximately 34 : 49.6 : 16.4. By using this co‐expression system, about 60.0 g L−1 d‐mannose is obtained from 400 g L−1 d‐glucose in 8 h.CONCLUSIONThis co‐expression of d‐GI and d‐LI system provides a novel and efficient approach for d‐mannose production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
From ‘green’ technologies to ‘red’ antioxidant compounds extraction of purple corn: a combined ultrasound–ultrafiltration–purification approach
Authors: Jiang Tian , Zhan Shaoying , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou , He Jingren , Lorenzo Jose M , Barba Francisco J 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA pilot scale process consisting of ultrasound‐assisted extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, cross‐flow ultrafiltration and AB‐8 macroporous resins purification aiming to recover anthocyanins and zein from purple corn (PC) was optimized and scaled‐up. The effects of five independent variables (ethanol concentration, liquid to solid ratio, ultrasound temperature, time and power) were discussed and the most influential factors were optimized.RESULTSThe highest total anthocyanin (0.45 ± 0.01 g kg−1) and zein (17.14 ± 1.73 g kg−1) contents from purple corn were obtained using an ultrasound power of 105 W, an extraction time of 90 min, an ethanol concentration of 74% and a liquid to solid ratio of 26:1, at 70 °C, and this was consistent with the predicted values (0.46 and 17.36 g kg−1, for anthocyanin and zein, respectively). Subsequently, ammonium sulfate precipitation was used to isolate anthocyanins and zein. After cross‐flow ultrafiltration, zein (6.30 g) was obtained with 80% purity. Anthocyanins were purified by AB‐8 macroporous resins, resulting in 1.60 g of anthocyanins. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry analysis revealed eight different anthocyanins in purple corn extracts.CONCLUSIONFrom the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that the proposed extraction–separation–filtration–purification method applied under the optimal conditions could be scaled‐up to recover anthocyanins and zein simultaneously. Moreover, under the selected conditions, no significant degradation of anthocyanins was observed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictive factors in 995 stapes surgeries for primary otosclerosis
Authors: Khorsandi A. Mohammad T. , Jalali Mir M. , Shoshi D. Vahideh 
Published: March 2018

Objectives/HypothesisThis study sought to identify the predictors of outcome in patients with otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of medical records.MethodsA total of 995 patients with otosclerosis who underwent primary stapes surgery by a single surgeon between January 2006 and December 2016 were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors affecting postoperative hearing thresholds at individual frequencies. A postoperative air‐bone gap (ABG) closure ≤ 10 dB in the stapes surgery was considered as excellent outcome.ResultsStapedotomies and stapedectomies were conducted in 823 and 172 ears, respectively. The surgeries had an overall success rate of 93.6%. Univariate analysis showed a significantly higher success rate in patients with larger prostheses (diameter = 0.6 mm). According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative ABG (B coefficient = −0.10), bilaterality (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09), right ear involvement (OR = 2.00), female gender (OR = 1.81), and nonobliterative footplate (OR = 3.69) were significant prognostic factors predicting excellent outcome.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that the functional results were generally good. Based on logistic regression analysis, preoperative ABG and nonobliterative footplate were the most important predictors of hearing outcome after stapes surgery for otosclerosis. The success of the surgery did not depend on the procedure types (stapedotomy vs. stapedectomy) or the diameter of the prosthesis (0.4 mm vs. 0.6 mm).Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:2403–2407, 2018
Generating Power Enhancement of Flexible PVDF Generator by Incorporation of CNTs and Surface Treatment of PEDOT:PSS Electrodes
Authors: Lee Sunwoo , Lim Youngtaek 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTwo approaches are proposed for enhancing the generating power of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flexible generator by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ethylene glycol (EG) treatment of the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes. By incorporating CNTs into the PVDF polymer, higher portion of β‐phase PVDF can be obtained, which shows higher piezoelectricity resulting in higher electric charge generating performance. Higher conductivity is also obtained by surface treatment of the PEDOT:PSS electrodes using EG solvent due to the removal of excess PSS in the electrodes. Highly conductive electrode makes effective mobility of charges generated from the CNT/PVDF film, resulting in higher generating performance. Consequently, higher generating performance can be achieved by collaborating the above two approaches.
Semi‐linear wave models with power non‐linearity and scale‐invariant time‐dependent mass and dissipation, II
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Reissig Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper is a continuation of our recent paper . We will consider the semi‐linear Cauchy problem for wave models with scale‐invariant time‐dependent mass and dissipation and power non‐linearity. The goal is to study the interplay between the coefficients of the mass and the dissipation term to prove global existence (in time) of small data energy solutions assuming suitable regularity on the L2 scale with additional L1 regularity for the data. In order to deal with this L2 regularity in the non‐linear part, we will develop and employ some tools from Harmonic Analysis.
A Temperature‐Controlled, Conductive PANI@CNFs/MEO2MA/PEGMA Hydrogel for Flexible Temperature Sensors
Authors: Liu Liu , Luo Sha , Qing Yan , Yan Ning , Wu Yiqiang , Xie Xinfeng , Hu Feiyu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractElectrically conductive, yet stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are highly desirable for many technological applications. However, the discontinuous conductivity of hydrogels during the response process has become a bottleneck that limits their application. To overcome this constraint, a linearly tunable, electrically conductive hydrogel is prepared using in‐situ polymerized polyaniline (PANI) on a CNFs/MEO2MA/PEGMA hydrogel (PANI@CMP hydrogel) substrate. The PANI@CMP hydrogel exhibits temperature‐tunable electrical conductivity due to the liner relationship between thermosensitivity and temperature of the CMP hydrogel substrate. Furthermore, the stiffness and elasticity of the resultant hydrogel after PANI introduction is enhanced via physical interactions, and the compression load is improved by 42%. A highly sensitive temperature sensor is therefore fabricated with PANI@CMP hydrogel as the flexible induction element, and this sensor achieves temperature monitoring from 20 to 60 °C. This new temperature‐controllable conductive hydrogel has excellent mechanical properties, showing great potential for applications in flexible smart sensors, conductive fillers, and medical devices.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fernandez Hubert H. , Boyd James T. , Fung Victor S. C. , Lew Mark F. , Rodriguez Ramon L. , Slevin John T. , Standaert David G. , Zadikoff Cindy , Vanagunas Arvydas D. , Chatamra Krai , Eaton Susan , Facheris Maurizio F. , Hall Coleen , Robieson Weining Z. , Benesh Janet , Espay Alberto J. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBackground: Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (designated as carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension in the United States) provides stable plasma levodopa concentrations and reduces motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson's disease patients through continuous delivery of levodopa via percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy. We report long‐term safety and efficacy outcomes from an open‐label phase 3 treatment program.Methods: PD patients (n = 262) who completed a 12‐week double‐blind study and its 52‐week open‐label extension or a separate 54‐week open‐label study were enrolled in this ongoing phase 3 open‐label, multinational study (NCT00660673). Safety and efficacy assessments were collected every 6 months.Results: Mean total duration of exposure to levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel was 4.1 years (range, 1.2 to 6.9 years). The overall discontinuation rate was 34% (average annual discontinuation rate, 10%). Although most patients (94%) reported an adverse event, the rate of adverse events decreased over time; 53% experienced a serious adverse event. Of patients in this extension study, 54% required jejunal tube replacement during the study, and 37% required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube replacement. Most patients were on levodopa monotherapy. Patients maintained reductions in “off” time and increases in mean “on” time without dyskinesia from initial levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel infusion to he study end point (P < 0.001; n = 81). Activities of daily living and quality‐of‐life assessments demonstrated significant improvements that persisted through the study.Conclusions: This long‐term study demonstrates sustained and clinically meaningful benefits from levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel in advanced PD patients. Although adverse event rates decreased over time, vigilance is required for device‐related complications and adverse events. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Precision and Relative Effectiveness of a Purse Seine for Sampling Age-0 River Herring in Lakes
Authors: Devine Matthew T. , Roy Allison H. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Gahagan Benjamin I. , Armstrong Michael P. , Jordaan Adrian 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Stock assessments for anadromous river herring, collectively Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, lack adequate demographic information, particularly with respect to early life stages. Although sampling adult river herring is increasingly common throughout their range, currently no standardized, field-based, analytical methods exist for estimating juvenile abundance in freshwater lakes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the relative effectiveness and sampling precision of a purse seine for estimating densities of age-0 river herring in freshwater lakes. We used a purse seine to sample age-0 river herring in June–September 2015 and June–July 2016 in 16 coastal freshwater lakes in the northeastern USA. Sampling effort varied from two seine hauls to more than 50 seine hauls per lake. Catch rates were highest in June and July, and sampling precision was maximized in July. Sampling at night (versus day) in open water (versus littoral areas) was most effective for capturing newly hatched larvae and juveniles up to ca. 100 mm TL. Bootstrap simulation results indicated that sampling precision of CPUE estimates increased with sampling effort, and there was a clear threshold beyond which increased effort resulted in negligible increases in precision. The effort required to produce precise CPUE estimates, as determined by the CV, was dependent on lake size; river herring densities could be estimated with up to 10 purse-seine hauls (one-two nights) in a small lake (&lt;50 ha) and 15–20 hauls (two-three nights) in a large lake (&gt;50 ha). Fish collection techniques using a purse seine as described in this paper are likely to be effective for estimating recruit abundance of river herring in freshwater lakes across their range.
T2, T1ρ and TRAFF4 detect early regenerative changes in mouse ischemic skeletal muscle
Authors: Laakso Hanne , Wirth Galina , Korpisalo Petra , Ylä‐Herttuala Elias , Michaeli Shalom , Ylä‐Herttuala Seppo , Liimatainen Timo 
Published: March 2018

The identification of areas with regenerative potential in ischemic tissues would allow the targeting of treatments supporting tissue recovery. The regeneration process involves the activation of several cellular and molecular responses which could be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, to date, magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation parameters have received little attention in the diagnosis and follow‐up of limb ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of different MRI relaxation and diffusion tensor imaging parameters in the detection of areas showing early signs of regeneration in ischemic mouse skeletal muscles. T2 and T1ρ relaxation time constants, together with TRAFFn, T1 and diffusion tensor imaging, were evaluated to differentiate areas of regeneration in a mouse hind limb ischemia model before and 0, 1, 4, 7, 14 and 30 days after ischemia. All the measured relaxation times were longer in the areas of early regeneration compared with normal muscle tissue. The relaxation times increased after ischemia in the ischemic muscles, reaching a maximum at 4–7 days after occlusion, coinciding with the appearance of early signs of regeneration. Fractional anisotropy decreased significantly (p < 0.05) on days 1–4, whereas mean diffusivity, λ1 and λ2 decreased later, starting at day 7 after ischemia compared with the pre‐operational time point. The percentages of areas with different tissue morphologies were determined based on histological analysis of the ischemic muscle cross‐sections, and correlations between the percentages obtained and different relaxation times were calculated. The highest correlation between relaxation times and histology was achieved with T2, T1ρ and TRAFF4 (R2 = 0.96, R2 = 0.92 and R2 = 0.84, respectively, p < 0.01). Early regenerative changes were visible using T2, T1ρ and TRAFF4 MR relaxation time constants in skeletal muscle after ischemia. These markers could potentially be used for the identification of targets for therapies supporting muscle regeneration after ischemic injury.