bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the activation mechanism of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase using rational design and tryptophan‐induced fluorescence quenching
Authors: Skjold‐Jørgensen Jakob , Vind Jesper , Svendsen Allan , Bjerrum Morten J. 
Published: September 2016

The attractiveness of lipases as industrial biocatalysts underlines the importance of understanding their molecular action in detail, helping future efforts to improve performance and applicability. Lipases represent a special class of carboxyl ester hydrolases, which act on long‐chained water insoluble acyl‐glycerols at the water‐lipid interface. This heterogeneous catalysis makes it very difficult to monitor the structural changes taking place in the enzyme during activation in its preferred milieu. In this review, we cover recent developments toward a deeper understanding of the interfacial activation phenomenon of lipases and discuss a selection of biophysical methods suitable for studying lipase activation. For many lipases, such as that from Thermomyces lanuginosus, a structural domain called the “lid” is directly involved in the activation process. This has been shown through alteration of the lid‐residue composition using rational design. The resulting lid‐mutants have highlighted the lid's role in governing enzymatic activity and interfacial activation. Moreover, a recently developed fluorescence‐based technique called the Tryptophan Induced Quenching method has proved to enable the direct measurement of lipase activation in water‐ethanol mixtures, and thus represents an intriguing method to gain further insight into the structural movements taking place at the water‐lipid interface.Practical applications: Lipases are important industrial biocatalysts widely used in industrial applications including detergent, leather, paper, fuel, fine chemicals, baking, cosmetics, and food. Knowledge of structural changes of lipase upon activation and identification of the amino acids involved in lipase activation is crucial for design of new variants with improved or new properties. Rational design of the lid‐region in lipases has an interesting potential for optimization of lipase function and adapting them to different environments. In order to leverage on the design of new lipase variants and their altered function, methods that enable direct measurement of lipase action directly in solution, in real time, are desired. In this context, fluorescence based methods have shown great potential and provides interesting perspectives for probing the delicate movements occurring in lipases upon activation.Interfacial activation of lipases and the lid movements studied by rational design, fluorescence quenching methods, and solvent effect – polarity driven activation.
Chemosensory cues alter earthworm (Eisenia fetida) avoidance of lead-contaminated soil
Authors: Syed Zuby , Alexander Dana , Ali Jasmine , Unrine Jason , Shoults-Wilson W. Aaron 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Earthworms were shown to significantly avoid soils spiked with Pb at concentrations lower than or comparable to concentrations that demonstrate significant effects for other endpoints. It was also shown that inclusion of a microorganism-produced volatile compound that attracts earthworms, ethyl valerate, decreased avoidance of spiked soils. These findings suggest that care should be taken when analyzing earthworm avoidance of soils in which microorganism communities are not controlled. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:999–1004. © 2016 SETAC
Dose‐dependent effects of alpha‐naphthylisothiocyanate disconnect biliary fibrosis from hepatocellular necrosis
Authors: Joshi Nikita , Ray Jessica L. , Kopec Anna K. , Luyendyk James P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractExposure of rodents to the xenobiotic α‐naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) is an established model of experimental intrahepatic bile duct injury. Administration of ANIT to mice causes neutrophil‐mediated hepatocellular necrosis. Prolonged exposure of mice to ANIT also produces bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis. However, the mechanistic connection between ANIT‐induced hepatocellular necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and fibrosis is not well characterized. We examined impact of two different doses of ANIT, by feeding chow containing ANIT (0.05%, 0.1%), on the severity of various liver pathologies in a model of chronic ANIT exposure. ANIT‐elicited increases in liver inflammation and hepatocellular necrosis increased with dose. Remarkably, there was no connection between increased hepatocellular necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and peribiliary fibrosis, as these pathologies increased similarly in mice exposed to either dose of ANIT. The results indicate that the severity of hepatocellular necrosis does not dictate the extent of bile duct hyperplasia/fibrosis in ANIT‐exposed mice.
Association between LEKR1‐CCNL1 and IGSF21‐KLHDC7A gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Wang Jihong , Yun Lixia , Jiang Shuhong , Li Langen , Chen Xiaohai , Li Zhen , Lu Qiang , Zhang Yihui , Ma Xiaocheng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. The present study aimed to identify a possible connection between gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing DR.Materials and methodsA total of 319 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected. All patients underwent a complete eye examination. Based on this, the patients with T2DM were divided into two subgroups: 175 patients with retinopathy (DR) and 144 patients without retinopathy (NDR). We calculated the genotype frequencies of case and control subjects using the chi‐squares test. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and sex.ResultsThe finding by analysis is that the mean of duration of diabetes, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), glomerular filtration rate and C‐peptide were significantly different between DR and NDR. We found significant differences in cystatin‐C concentrations with LEKR1‐CCNL1 rs13064954 and NOS3 rs3918227 of different genotypes. Significant differences in serum TG levels were seen among the three genotypes of MTHFR rs1537516. Subjects carried the T allele of IGSF21‐KLHDC7A rs3007729 had higher serum LDL concentrations (p = 0.015). In the allele model, LEKR1‐CCNL1 rs13064954 decreased the risk of DR (OR =0.57, 95% CI = 0.34–0.96, p = 0.032). Under the dominant model, the IGSF21‐KLHDC7A rs3007729 CT‐TT genotype increased the risk of DR (OR =1.84, 95% CI = 1.14–2.99, p = 0.013).ConclusionsOur results suggest that LEKR1‐CCNL1 and IGSF21‐KLHDC7A influence the development of DR.
Assessment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats Using Quantitative Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI
Authors: Wu Zhuo , Cheng Zi‐Liang , Yi Zhi‐Long , Xie Ming‐Wei , Zeng Hong , Lu Lie‐Jing , Xu Xiao , Shen Jun 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo evaluate the usefulness of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in the assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) severity.Materials and MethodsLiver DCE‐MRI at 3.0T was performed in 36 adult Sprague–Dawley rats with methionine choline‐deficient diet‐induced NAFLD and 10 untreated control rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of DCE‐MRI including Ktrans, Kep, Ve, Vp, and hepatic portal index (HPoI) were measured using the dual‐input extended Tofts model. Animals were categorized as normal (n = 10), simple steatosis (SS, n = 11), borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (bNASH, n = 20), and NASH (n = 5) subgroups according to the NAFLD activity score system, and classified into F0 (n = 24), F1 (n = 11), F2 (n = 7), and F3 (n = 4) subgroups according to an established scoring system. DCE‐MRI parameters were compared. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of various DCE‐MRI parameters in grading NAFLD activity and staging liver fibrosis.ResultsKtrans and HPoI were elevated with increasing severity of NAFLD activity and increased fibrosis stage. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) of HPoI ranged from 0.895–0.951 for discriminating between different grades of NAFLD activity, and the AUROC was 0.852 for discriminating F0 stage from overall F1–F3 stages. The AUROC of Ktrans for discriminating non‐NASH from bNASH and NASH groups was 0.968, and 0.898 for discriminating between normal and overall fibrosis groups.ConclusionDCE‐MRI may play a role in assessing NAFLD severity.Level of Evidence: 1J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1485–1493
Identification of lignin‐deficient Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv. mutants induced by gamma radiation
Authors: Lee Man Bo , Kim Jae Yoon , Seo Yong Weon 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDBrachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv. is a monocotyledonous model plant that has been studied to understand a range of biological phenomena for lignocellulosic bioethanol feedstocks and other cereal crops. The lignin makes its cell walls recalcitrant to saccharification, constituting the main barrier to lignocellulosic bioethanol production. In this study, lignin‐deficient mutants of B. distachyon induced by chronic radiation were selected and the effects of the mutants on fermentable glucose production were identified.RESULTSBrachypodium distachyon M2 mutants induced by chronically irradiated gamma radiation were screened by the Wiesner test. Lignin‐deficient M2 mutants were further confirmed in subsequent M3 and M4 generations by determining acetyl bromide‐soluble lignin. The lignin content was significantly reduced in mutant plants 135‐2 (by 7.99%), 142‐3 (by 13.8%) and 406‐1 (by 8.13%) compared with the wild type. Moreover, fermentable glucose was significantly higher in 135‐2 (by 23.91%) and 142‐3 (by 36.72%) than in the wild type after 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis.CONCLUSIONThree lignin‐deficient B. distachyon mutants induced by chronically irradiated gamma radiation were obtained. This study will provide fundamental understanding of the B. distachyon cell wall and could contribute to increases in bioethanol production using bioenergy crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Hippies, Greenies, and Tree Huggers: How the “Warmth” Stereotype Hinders the Adoption of Responsible Brands
Authors: Antonetti Paolo , Maklan Stan 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTPast research has highlighted the difficulty faced by responsible consumers, individuals who wish to make environmentally and socially responsible consumption choices. Individual buyers, it is argued, act within a network of structural and social relationships that make responsible alternatives intrinsically hard to pursue. This paper maintains that one such barrier is the perception that users of responsible brands are not worthy of social emulation. Consumers are less likely to adopt brands positioned explicitly on their positive environmental or social credentials because of the stereotypes attached to the users of these products. Two empirical studies demonstrate that users of responsible brands are perceived as stereotypically warm. Warmth, however, is not an appealing feature in a consumption context. Warm groups are not envied and envy plays a central role in fueling a desire to emulate a consumption group. The study is the first to examine the possibility that a group‐level stereotype limits the potential attractiveness of responsible brands. The significant implications of this insight for both scholarly research and marketing practice are examined in detail. The presence of a warmth stereotype, which has a negative influence on the social perception of responsible brands, suggests that the development of niches of responsible or ethical consumers is intrinsically problematic.
The Skin and Parkinson's Disease: Review of Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Issues
Authors: Skorvanek Matej , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) and the skin are related in a number of ways, including clinical abnormalities of the disease itself and skin‐related side effects of dopaminergic medication, pumps, and surgical therapies. Recent advances in understanding the role of α‐synuclein suggest skin biopsies as a potential diagnostic or even a premotor marker ofPD.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for publications up to October 2015, and the current evidence on skin‐related issues inPDwas comprehensively summarized.ResultsThe evidence was summarized on the prevalence, etiology, and management of seborrheic dermatitis, sweating dysfunctions, bullous pemphigoid, and malignant melanoma, as well as therapy‐related skin disorders, especially those observed in amantadine, rotigotine, apomorphine, and levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel therapies and deep‐brain stimulation. Skin biopsies evaluating the presence of α‐synuclein, the density and morphology of cutaneous nerves, and skin fibroblast functions also are discussed.ConclusionsSkin disorders are a common manifestation ofPD. However, the exact pathophysiology and prevalence of these disorders are not well understood, and more systematic research is needed in this regard. Peripheral tissue biopsies as a diagnostic marker ofPDare an exciting avenue in futurePDresearch, although multiple caveats and pending issues need to be solved before they can be used in routine clinical practice.
Advocating social marketing as ultimate weapon to fighting HIV/AIDS propagation, and related discrimination and stigmatisation
Authors: Ayikwa Lutete Christian , de Jager Johan W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe spreading of HIV/AIDS in the African continent and related discrimination and stigmatisation towards people living with the virus have become a major issue to be addressed by communities, health organisations and governments in Africa. An effective way to successfully overcome these plagues necessitates the application of social marketing techniques and campaigns. However, when it comes to funding and supporting social marketing activities, African leaders deny the important role that the government could play in achieving the ‘HIV/AIDS free generation goal’ as well as making African societies a non‐discriminative and stigmatisation places for infected people. The present study intend to demonstrate through analysis of empirical data that social marketing is crucial in changing people's sexual behaviour and battling misconceptions that lead to discrimination and stigmatisation of infected people. In this light, African political authorities such as Congolese leaders need to understand the relevancy of this discipline in their HIV/AIDS policy.
Preparation of glycopolypeptides bearing mannose moieties and biphenyl pendants and their upper‐critical‐solution‐temperature‐type thermoresponsive properties in alcohol/water solvent mixtures
Authors: Li Minjie , Wang Xi , Xu Yanzhi , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA series of glycopolypeptides with constant main‐chain lengths and various compositions of mannose moieties and biphenyl pendants were synthesized by copper‐mediated 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions. 1H NMR and Fourier transform IR (FTIR) analysis confirmed the molecular structures of the resulting polypeptides. FTIR analysis characterized the molar contents of the mannose pendants and α‐helical conformations in the solid state. Glycopolypeptides conjugated with tetra‐O‐acetyl‐d‐(+)‐mannopyranoside showed a reversible upper‐critical‐solution‐temperature‐type (UCST‐type) phase behavior both in MeOH/H2O and EtOH/H2O binary solvent mixtures depending on the weight percentage of alcohols (fw). Incorporation of a low content of biphenyl pendants (≤0.20) can broaden the range of fw at which polymers showed UCST‐type phase behaviors. The UCST‐type transition temperature (Tpt) was highly related to the incorporation of biphenyl pendants, polymer concentrations, and the nature and weight percentage of alcohols. It decreased as the polymer concentration decreased and increased on incorporation of biphenyl groups. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Ethnic differences in the levator hiatus and pelvic organ descent: a prospective observational study
Authors: Abdool Z. , Dietz H. P. , Lindeque B. G. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo date, most studies on functional anatomy of the pelvic floor have focused on Caucasian women. There is scant information on this topic involving other ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate levator hiatal area and pelvic organ descent in three racially diverse ethnic groups of healthy nulliparous South Asian, Caucasian and black South African women, using three/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) transperineal ultrasound (TPS).MethodsNulliparous women aged 18–40 years from three different ethnic groups were recruited for this prospective observational study between June 2012 and April 2015. After informed consent and clinical examination of the pelvic floor, all patients underwent a 3D/4D‐TPS examination. Ultrasound volumes were captured at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and on maximal Valsalva maneuver. Analyses of variance and covariance were performed to compare the three ethnic groups, and a post‐hoc Bonferroni pairwise test was applied.ResultsA total of 207 nulliparous women were recruited, comprising 41 South Asian, 69 Caucasian and 97 black women. After controlling for age and body mass index, all measurements of mean levator hiatal area at rest, on PFMC and on Valsalva were higher in black women (all P < 0.0001). Post‐hoc Bonferroni pairwise comparison revealed that black women had greater pelvic organ descent and levator hiatal area compared with South Asian and Caucasian women (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis comparative study indicates that there are significant differences in levator hiatal area and pelvic organ mobility between Caucasian, South Asian and black ethnic groups. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Measured acoustic intensities for clinical diagnostic ultrasound transducers and correlation with thermal index
Authors: Retz K. , Kotopoulis S. , Kiserud T. , Matre K. , Eide G. E. , Sande R. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate if the thermal index for bone (TIB) displayed on screen is an adequate predictor for the derated spatial‐peak temporal‐average (ISPTA.3) and spatial‐peak pulse‐average (ISPPA.3) acoustic intensities in a selection of clinical diagnostic ultrasound machines and transducers.MethodsWe calibrated five clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanners and 10 transducers, using two‐dimensional grayscale, color Doppler and pulsed‐wave Doppler, both close to and far from the transducer, with a TIB between 0.1 and 4.0, recording 103 unique measurements. Acoustic measurements were performed in a bespoke three‐axis computer‐controlled scanning tank, using a 200‐μm‐diameter calibrated needle hydrophone.ResultsThere was significant but poor correlation between the acoustic intensities and the on‐screen TIB. At a TIB of 0.1, the ISPTA.3 range was 0.51–50.49 mW/cm2 and the ISPPA.3 range was 0.01–207.29 W/cm2. At a TIB of 1.1, the ISPTA.3 range was 19.02–309.44 mW/cm2 and the ISPPA.3 range was 3.87–51.89 W/cm2.ConclusionsTIB is a poor predictor for ISPTA.3 and ISPPA.3 and for the potential bioeffects of clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanners. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enhanced processing of coatings on glass surfaces
Authors: Gerhard Christoph , Gredner Alexander , Mainusch Nils , Viöl Wolfgang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this contribution, basic technically usable interactions of atmospheric pressure plasmas (APP), laser irradiation and solids as well as a technique which combines such plasmas and laser irradiation are introduced. Two examples for plasma‐enhanced laser processing of coatings on glass surfaces are presented in more detail. First, APP‐assisted annealing of amorphous silicon layers is discussed. It is shown that the crystallised area is notably increased by assisting plasmas where the particular improvement factor depends on the particularly applied type of plasma. Second, the impact of assisting plasmas on laser removal of lacquers and varnishes from glass surfaces is presented. By introducing a plasma jet to the laser removal process, the laser energy required for cleaning or delamination is notably reduced.
Recent Developments in the Field of Precision Optical Coatings
Authors: Frank Marcus 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis contribution discusses a choice of high‐precision interference coatings which are customized for specific applications in different photonic marketplaces:Individually marked wafers with AR coatings and patterned chrome layers which are used as base substrates for biochip applications.High transmission, low‐loss UV‐filters to select specific UV wavelengths from illumination sources like mercury arc lamps.A high reflective broadband all dielectric mirror for applications in harsh environments.Miniaturized polarizing beamsplitter cubes for micro‐projection and Near‐Eye Displays.
Benefit of Modern Arc Management in MF Dual Magnetron Sputtering Power Supplies
Authors: Heintze Moritz , Kroyer Thomas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFor modern large area coatings reactive dual magnetron sputtering (DMS) is a widespread technology. Economic constraints and advanced technology calls for increasing process flexibility regarding target utilization as well as the use of new materials. This in turn raises demands to the arc handling capabilities of the power supplies. On the one hand, a stable process at high arcing rates demands short arc blanking times and fast recovery to full output power. On the other hand, some materials tend to the formation of so‐called “hard” arcs, with hot cathode spots. In this case, longer treatment times are needed. The benefit of modern arc handling capabilities is demonstrated for reactive SiO2 deposition from heavily used targets. For other demanding materials with low melting point, favourable operating modes are investigated.
From color to chemometrics
Authors: Hellwig Chris , Büttner Torsten , Krause Mario 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn‐line and in‐situ process control for thin‐film properties during the production is an important factor to improve and stabilize the product quality. Furthermore machine set‐up times can be reduced significantly. ZEISS provides a variety of methods to fulfill this need. The article shows how a combination of different process capable methods — color, physical, and chemometric models — helps the operator to stabilize coating processes and control the final product quality with a single equipment.