bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new approach for improving epothilone B yield in Sorangium cellulosum by the introduction of vgb epoF genes
Authors: Ye Wei , Zhang Weimin , Chen Yuchan , Li Haohua , Li Saini , Pan Qingling , Tan Guohui , Liu Taomei 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Epothilone B has drawn great attention due to its much stronger anticancer activity and weaker side effects compared with taxol. The relative low yield of epothilone B limited its application. In this study, we report the successful introduction of the vgb gene and the epoF gene into Sorangium cellulosum So ce M4 by electroporation for the first time, which was demonstrated by Southern blot analysis. Results of qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis confirmed the transcription and expression of the vgb and epoF genes. LC–MS results showed that the epothilones B, A yields were improved and epothilones D, C yields were decreased. The yields of epothilone B were improved by 57.9 ± 0.3, 62.7 ± 0.8 and 122.4 ± 0.7 % through the introduction of vgb gene, epoF gene and both genes into strain So ce M4, respectively. Our study provides a new approach for improving epothilone B yield in S. cellulosum.
A xylanase from Streptomyces sp. FA1: heterologous expression, characterization, and its application in Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Xu Yang , Wu Jing , Zheng Kaixuan , Wu Dan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Xylanases (EC 3.2.1.8) are hydrolytic enzymes that have found widespread application in the food, feed, and paper-pulp industries. Streptomyces sp. FA1 xynA was expressed as a secreted protein in Pichia pastoris, and the xylanase was applied to the production of Chinese steamed bread for the first time. The optimal pH and the optimal temperature of XynA were 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. Using beechwood as substrate, the K m and V max were 2.408 mg mL−1 and 299.3 µmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. Under optimal conditions, a 3.6-L bioreactor produced 1374 U mL−1 of XynA activity at a protein concentration of 6.3 g L−1 after 132 h of fermentation. Use of recombinant XynA led to a greater increase in the specific volume of the CSB than could be achieved using commercial xylanase under optimal conditions. This study provides the basis for the application of the enzyme in the baking industry.
Genetic Counselors in Startup Companies: Redefining the Genetic Counselor Role
Authors: Rabideau Marina M. , Wong Kenny , Gordon Erynn S. , Ryan Lauren 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGenetic counselors (GCs) have recently begun moving into non‐clinic based roles in increasing numbers. A relatively new role for GCs is working for startup companies. Startups are newly established companies in the phase of developing and researching new scalable businesses. This article explores the experiences of four GCs working at different startup companies and aims to provide resources for GCs interested in learning more about these types of roles. The article describes startup culture, including a relatively flat organizational structure, quick product iterations, and flexibility, among other unique cultural characteristics. Financial considerations are described, including how to understand and evaluate a company's financial status, along with a brief explanation of alternate forms of compensation including stock options and equity. Specifically, the article details the uncertainties and rewards of working in a fast‐paced startup environment that affords opportunities to try new roles and use the genetic counseling skill set in new ways. This article aims to aid GCs in determining whether a startup environment would be a good fit, learning how to evaluate a specific startup, and understanding how to market themselves for positions at startups.
Climate change induced rainfall patterns affect wheat productivity and agroecosystem functioning dependent on soil types
Authors: Tataw James Tabi , Baier Fabian , Krottenthaler Florian , Pachler Bernadette , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Wyhlidal Stefan , Formayer Herbert , Hösch Johannes , Baumgarten Andreas , Zaller Johann G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWheat is a crop of global importance that supplies carbohydrates to more than half of the worlds’ population. We examined whether climate change‐induced rainfall patterns, which are expected to produce less frequent but heavier rain events, will alter the productivity of wheat and agroecosystem functioning on three different soil types. Therefore, in a full‐factorial experiment, Triticum aestivum L. was cultivated in 3‐m2 lysimeter plots, each of which contained one of the following soil types: sandy calcaric phaeozem, gleyic phaeozem and calcic chernozem. Predicted rainfall patterns based on the calculations of a regionalised climate change model were compared with the current long‐term rainfall patterns, and each treatment combination was replicated three times. Future rainfall patterns significantly reduced wheat yield, leaf area index, and plant height at the earlier growth stages; it equally decreased the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation of roots and increased the stable carbon isotope signature (δ13C) of wheat leaves. Sandy soils with inherently lower mineralization potential negatively affected wheat growth, harvest index, and yield but stimulated early season root production. The interaction between rainfall and soil type was significant for the harvest index and early wheat development. Our results suggest that changes in rainfall intensity and frequency can significantly affect the functioning of wheat agroecosystems. Wheat production under future rainfall conditions will likely become more challenging as further concurrent climate change factors become prevalent.
Interactions Between a Sulfobetaine‐Type Zwitterionic Gemini Surfactant and Fatty Acid Alkanolamide in Aqueous Micellar Solution
Authors: Zheng Yancheng , Ren Zhaohua , Mei Ping , Yu Liwen 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1,2‐bis[N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl)‐alkylammonium]‐ethane betaine (GCS12) was measured using a tensiometric method in the presence of inorganic salts. Inorganic salt has a little impact on the surface tension and CMC of zwitterionic gemini surfactant. The CMC value of GCS12 is 0.07 mmol/L in distilled water, while all CMC values are around 0.04–0.05 mmol/L in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl, 2 % NaCl, and 2 % NaCl + 0.05 % CaCl2. The interactions between GCS12 and non‐ionic surfactant lauric acid diethanolamide (CDA) were investigated by measuring the CMC of their mixtures at different molar ratios. CDA and GCS12 form mixed micelles and exhibit synergism when the mole fraction of CDA is higher than 0.25. Both the steric effect of the head group and GCS12 charge affect the formation and stability of the mixed micelles. Small amounts of GCS12 with a lower CMC penetrate into the micelle of nonionic surfactant with a higher CMC and reduce its degree of hydration inducing an attractive interaction between the two surfactants.
Correlation of first‐trimester serum levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A with small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates and preterm births
Authors: Gundu Shridevi , Kulkarni Mohan , Gupte Sanjay , Gupte Asmita , Gambhir Maitreyee , Gambhir Prakash 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between first‐trimester levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates and preterm births, and to assess predictive utility for these events.MethodsA prospective study was conducted among women undergoing first‐trimester screening between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, at two centers in Pune, India. Serum PAPP‐A levels, pregnancy course, and outcome were assessed.ResultsOverall, 1474 women were included. An association was found between the lowest quintile of PAPP‐A levels (< 0.4 multiples of median) for both SGA (< 10th centile; 20.9% of cases in this PAPP‐A quintile) and preterm birth (< 37 weeks; 15.8%). Women in the lowest quintile of PAPP‐A concentration had a significantly increased risk of SGA (< 10th centile) than did those with higher concentrations (adjusted odds ratio 2.92, 95% confidence interval 2.00–4.27). Their risk of preterm birth (< 37 weeks) was also increased (adjusted odds ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.25–2.72). The predictive sensitivities of the lowest quintile of PAPP‐A were 35.85% for SGA (< 10th centile) and 27.92% for preterm birth (< 37 weeks).ConclusionLow levels of PAPP‐A were associated with SGA and preterm births; however, poor predictive sensitivity could restrict clinical utility of this marker when used alone.
Evidence from cluster surveys on the association between home‐based counseling and use of family planning in conflict‐affected Darfur
Authors: Adam Izzeldin F. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between home counseling and awareness and use of modern family planning (FP) methods among women in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in conflict‐affected West Darfur, Sudan.MethodsIn a community‐based cross‐sectional study, two questionnaire‐based surveys were performed in three camps. Home‐based counseling had been introduced in March 2006. An initial survey (February 2007) and a follow‐up survey (April 2009) targeted women of child‐bearing age. A sample of 640 randomly selected women aged 15–49 years who had experienced pregnancy after joining the camp were interviewed for each survey.ResultsOverall, modern FP use increased from 10.9% (70/640) in 2007 to 21.6% (138/640) in 2009 (P < 0.001). As compared with the initial survey, women in the follow‐up survey were more likely to be aware of and to use any modern FP method (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–7.4; and aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0–4.1, respectively). Contraceptive pills were the most common modern method used. Home counseling and loss of a child under 5 years were the most significant predictors of awareness and use of modern FP methods.ConclusionAfter the introduction of home‐based FP counseling for couples and FP services in clinics, women's awareness and use of modern FP methods increased in a conflict‐affected setting.
Diabetes is associated with cerebrovascular but not Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Authors: Abner Erin L. , Nelson Peter T. , Kryscio Richard J. , Schmitt Frederick A. , Fardo David W. , Woltjer Randall L. , Cairns Nigel J. , Yu Lei , Dodge Hiroko H. , Xiong Chengjie , Masaki Kamal , Tyas Suzanne L. , Bennett David A. , Schneider Julie A. , Arvanitakis Zoe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe relationship of diabetes to specific neuropathologic causes of dementia is incompletely understood.MethodsWe used logistic regression to evaluate the association between diabetes and infarcts, Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage, and neuritic plaque score in 2365 autopsied persons. In a subset of >1300 persons with available cognitive data, we examined the association between diabetes and cognition using Poisson regression.ResultsDiabetes increased odds of brain infarcts (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, P < .0001), specifically lacunes (OR = 1.71, P < .0001), but not Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Diabetes plus infarcts was associated with lower cognitive scores at end of life than infarcts or diabetes alone, and diabetes plus high level of Alzheimer's neuropathologic changes was associated with lower mini‐mental state examination scores than the pathology alone.DiscussionThis study supports the conclusions that diabetes increases the risk of cerebrovascular but not Alzheimer's disease pathology, and at least some of diabetes' relationship to cognitive impairment may be modified by neuropathology.
Effects of dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination on retrobulbar hemodynamics in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma
Authors: Eliacik Mustafa , Karaman Erdur Sevil , Baltepe Altıok Inci , Gulkilik Gokhan , Aslan Cemile Anil , Kaya Faruk 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn our study we aimed to evaluate the short‐term effects of dorzolamide/timolol on ocular perfusion pressure and retrobulbar blood flow in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG). This prospective observational cross‐sectional study enrolled 22 eyes of 22 newly‐diagnosed patients with PXG in a single center. All of the patients received a fixed combination of dorzolamide/timolol. Besides routine ophthalmologic examination, the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and short posterior ciliary arteries were measured in all participants at baseline and the 3rd month using color Doppler imaging. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 22.3 ± 2.1 mmHg at baseline and reduced to 17.4 ± 2.3 mmHg at the 3rd month (p < 0.05). None of the retrobulbar parameters, except peak systolic velocity and resistive index in temporal short posterior ciliary arteries, changed significantly on therapy with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination when the results were analyzed at Month 3. The drug significantly decreased the peak systolic velocity (p = 0.044) and reduced the resistive index in 0.04 units, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.05, (p < 0.001) in the temporal short posterior ciliary arteries. This study reports that the retrobulbar hemodynamics might be affected less than expected by dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination in patients with PXG although the reduction of IOP was statistically significant.
Novel compound heterozygous mutation in the CNGA1 gene underlie autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in a Chinese family
Authors: Jin Xin , Qu Ling-Hui , Hou Bao-Ke , Xu Hai-Wei , Meng Xiao-Hong , Pang Chi-Pui , Yin Zheng-Qin 
Published: January 2016

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) describes a group of inherited retinopathies that are characterized by the progressive degeneration of photoreceptor neurons, which causes night blindness, a reduction in the peripheral visual field and decreased visual acuity. More than 50 RP-related genes have been identified. In the present study, we analysed a Chinese family with autosomal recessive RP. We identified a compound heterozygous mutation, c.265delC and c.1537G&gt;A, in CNGA1 using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RP-causing genes. The mutations were validated in the family members by Sanger sequencing. The mutations co-segregated with the RP phenotype and were absent from ethnically-matched control chromosomes. The mutant (mut) CNGA1 p.(G513R) protein caused by the mis-sense novel mutation c.1537G&gt;A was expressed in vitro. The mut CNGA1 p.(G513R) protein was largely retained inside the cell rather than being targeted to the plasma membrane, suggesting the absence of cGMP-gated cation channels in the plasma membrane would be deleterious to rod photoreceptors, leading lead to RP.
Epidemiology Profile of Traumatic Spine Injury of a Spinal Cord Service in the State of Espírito Santo
Authors: Scopel Gabriela , Jacob Júnior Charbel , Brazolino Marcus , Cardoso Igor , Batista Júnior José , Sogame Luciana , Maia Thiago , Debom Tadeu 
Published: January 2016

Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoing surgical procedures in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed based on the analysis of 70 medical records of patients who underwent surgery due to traumatic SCI in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
Results Males comprised 79% of the patients. The average age of the occurrence of the traumatic SCI was 44 years; automobile accidents were the main cause of trauma (44%). Half of the patients had lesions in the cervical region, and 46% were classified as Frankel A, according to the Frankel scale. In the first 60 days after surgery, the main complication presented by the patients was urinary tract infection (UTI). Half of the patients were from the metropolitan area.
Conclusion Patients undergoing surgery for traumatic SCI in the state of Espírito Santo are predominantly men, with a mean age of 44 years, with cervical spine injury due to car accidents, from the metropolitan area, and whose main complication was UTI.
Chemotaxis toward phytoplankton drives organic matter partitioning among marine bacteria
Authors: Smriga Steven , Fernandez Vicente I. , Mitchell James G. , Stocker Roman 
Published: January 2016

Significance
Microscale interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton underpin ocean biogeochemistry and frequently involve bacterial chemotaxis to phytoplankton dissolved organic matter (DOM). Yet, it remains unclear how the effects of this interaction propagate to ecosystem scales. We address this gap through a hybrid approach where high-resolution observations of chemotaxis toward a diatom are directly used in a resource utilization model. We find that chemotactic bacteria consume most diatom DOM under resource-rich or bacteria-rich conditions, that DOM is partitioned among distinct populations based on diffusivity, and that consumption is skewed toward very few cells. Nonmotile oligotrophic bacteria dominate when productivity is low. Motile copiotrophs dominate during blooms. Ocean chemotaxis thus partitions resources spatially, by molecular size, and temporally through seasonal and episodic blooms.
Polycomb inhibits histone acetylation by CBP by binding directly to its catalytic domain
Authors: Tie Feng , Banerjee Rakhee , Fu Chen , Stratton Carl A. , Fang Ming , Harte Peter J. 
Published: January 2016

Significance
The Polycomb protein (PC) is well known for its role in transcriptional silencing and binding to trimethylated histone H3 Lys27 (H3K27me3). We report here that PC inhibits the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of CREB-binding protein (CBP). PC interacts directly with the CBP HAT domain, binding to its autoregulatory loop, whose autoacetylation greatly enhances enzyme activity. PC binding inhibits histone H3 acetylation. Interestingly, CBP autoacetylation impairs PC binding in vitro, and PC is preferentially associated with unacetylated CBP in vivo. Altering PC levels in vivo alters the acetylated H3K27 (H3K27ac) level in a predictable manner. PC inhibition of CBP HAT activity at enhancers and promoters with paused RNA polymerase II may affect regulation of both repressed and active genes.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) recruitment in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Buchheister Andre , Miller Thomas J. , Houde Edward D. , Secor David H. , Latour Robert J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAtlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, is an abundant, schooling pelagic fish that is widely distributed in the coastal Northwest Atlantic. It supports the largest single-species fishery by volume on the east coast of the United States. However, relatively little is known about factors that control recruitment, and its stock–recruitment relationship is poorly defined. Atlantic menhaden is managed as a single unit stock, but fisheries and environmental variables likely act regionally on recruitments. To better understand spatial and temporal variability in recruitment, fishery-independent time-series (1959–2013) of young-of-year (YOY) abundance indices from the Mid-Atlantic to Southern New England (SNE) were analysed using dynamic factor analysis and generalized additive models. Recruitment time-series demonstrated low-frequency variability and the analyses identified two broad geographical groupings, the Chesapeake Bay (CB) and SNE. Each of these two regions exhibited changes in YOY abundance and different periods of relatively high YOY abundance that were inversely related to each other; CB indices were highest from ca. 1971 to 1991, whereas SNE indices were high from ca. 1995 to 2005. We tested for effects of climatic, environmental, biological, and fishing-related variables that have been documented or hypothesized to influence stock productivity. A broad-scale indicator of climate, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, was the best single predictor of coast-wide recruitment patterns, and had opposing effects on the CB and SNE regions. Underlying mechanisms of spatial and interannual variability in recruitment likely derive from interactions among climatology, larval transport, adult menhaden distribution, and habitat suitability. The identified regional patterns and climatic effects have implications for the stock assessment of Atlantic menhaden, particularly given the geographically constrained nature of the existing fishery and the climatic oscillations characteristic of the coastal ocean.
Role of the Infectious Disease Consultant in Management of Patients With Tuberculosis-Associated Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Conant Marjorie M. , Vrasich Chuck R. , Wongskhaluang Jeff V. , Ferenchak Kevin , Asano Matthew K. , Becker Norbert , DeMarais Patricia 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground.  Tuberculosis is a disease with continued worldwide prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Tuberculosis-associated ocular inflammation (TB-AOI) is a manifestation that can occur with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB. Evaluation of these ocular presentations and treatment in the United States are limited. Our objective was to describe cases in an urban area and assess the role of the infectious diseases specialist in managing these complex patients.Methods.  We performed a retrospective case series of all patients referred to our infectious disease clinic for presumed TB-AOI from 2005 through 2013. Patients with ocular inflammation were determined to have presumed TB-AOI based on clinical presentation with correlative positive tuberculin skin test and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold. Attempts were made to exclude other diagnoses. Data were collected and analyzed with respect to demographics, ocular manifestations, and treatment.Results.  Sixty eyes of 42 patients were included in the study; anterior uveitis was the most common site of involvement. The median age was 46 years, and 33 patients (79%) were foreign born. Forty patients (95%) received a course of antituberculous therapy with 38% experiencing treatment-related side effects. A 6-month duration was recommended in 78% cases. There was improvement or stability of the vision in 42 eyes (74%) of those treated.Conclusions.  Ocular involvement is an uncommon but important manifestation of TB. Our data further characterize TB-AOI cases in the United States. Treatment provides significant benefit to properly selected patients. A multidisciplinary approach, with care provided by ophthalmology and infectious disease providers, should be used to allow for the most efficacious treatment.