bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of α-Amylase Production with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in a Cocurrent Downflow Contacting Reactor
Authors: Orhan Ramazan , Dursun Gülbeyi 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The cocurrent downflow contacting reactor (CDCR) has a high oxygen transfer rate by providing the effective the gas-liquid contact. This property is an advantage for enzyme production. In this study, the CDCR was used for the production of α-amylase by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for different starch concentrations in the range of 7.5–17.5 g l–1 at constant air and liquid flow rates. The values of the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) and specific oxygen uptake rate (

q

O

2

${{\rm{q}}_{{{\rm{O}}_2}}}$

) were determined during enzyme production. It has been found that the starch concentration has great effect on the enzyme activity. Maximum enzyme activity (1,000 IU ml–1) was obtained in the fermentation broth containing of 15 g l–1 starch concentration at 37 °C and pH 7 for 28 h. The kLa and

q

O

2

${{\rm{q}}_{{{\rm{O}}_2}}}$

values were determined to be 175.83 h–1 and 47.5 mg O2 g–1cell h–1, respectively.
Maternal hypoglycemia on 50 g glucose challenge test: outcomes are influenced by fetal gender
Authors: Topçu Hasan Onur , İskender Can Tekin , Çelen Şevki , Oskovi Aslı , Uygur Dilek , Erkaya Salim 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo assess the perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with maternal hypoglycemia following a second trimester oral glucose challenge test (GCT).This retrospective case control study consisted of 2091 pregnant women with hypoglycemia (glucose levels >88 mg/dL 1 h following a 50 g GCT in the second trimester of pregnancy) and a control group of 2091 pregnant women with a GCT result between 88 and 130 mg/dL. Perinatal and neonatal characteristics obtained from electronic medical records were compared between groups.The rates of pregnancy complications were similar in both groups, with the exception of a lower incidence of polyhydramnios and a higher rate of deliveries before the 34A low maternal plasma glucose level on the GCT is associated with favorable outcomes, such as decreased rates of birth trauma and neonatal hypoglycemia. In addition, male infants have a higher risk of being SGA than female infants when maternal GCT results were <88 mg/dL.
Compromised Dopaminergic Encoding of Reward Accompanying Suppressed Willingness to Overcome High Effort Costs Is a Prominent Prodromal Characteristic of the Q175 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Covey Dan P. , Dantrassy Hannah M. , Zlebnik Natalie E. , Gildish Iness , Cheer Joseph F. 
Published: May 2016

Huntington's disease (HD) is a heritable neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of CAG (glutamine) repeats in theHTTgene. A prodromal stage characterized by psychiatric disturbances normally precedes primary motor symptoms and suppressed motivation represents one of the earliest and most common psychiatric symptoms. Although dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) critically regulates motivation and altered dopamine signaling is implicated in HD, the nature of dopaminergic deficits and contribution to symptoms in HD is poorly understood. We therefore tested whether altered NAc dopamine release accompanies motivational deficits in the Q175 knock-in HD mouse model. Q175 mice express a CAG expansion of the human mutant huntingtin allele in the native mouse genome and gradually manifest symptoms late in life, closely mimicking the genotypic context and disease progression in human HD. Sub-second extracellular dopamine release dynamics were monitored using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, whereas motivation was assessed using a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule. As the response ratio (lever presses per reward) escalated, Q175 mice exerted less effort to earn fewer rewards versus wild-type (WT). Moreover, dopamine released at reward delivery dynamically encoded increasing reward cost in WT but not Q175 mice. Deficits were specific to situations of high effortful demand as no difference was observed in locomotion, free feeding, hedonic processing, or reward seeking when the response requirement was low. This compromised dopaminergic encoding of reward delivery coincident with suppressed motivation to work for reward in Q175 mice provides novel, neurobiological insight into an established and clinically relevant endophenotype of prodromal HD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPsychiatric impairments in Huntington's disease (HD) typically manifest early in disease progression, before motor deficits. However, the neurobiological factors contributing to psychiatric symptoms are poorly understood. We used a mouse HD model and assessed whether impaired dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region critical to goal-directed behaviors, accompanies motivational deficits, one of the most common early HD symptoms. HD mice exhibited blunted motivation to work for food reward coincident with diminished dopamine release to reward receipt. Motivational and NAc dopaminergic deficits were not associated with gross motor deficits or impaired food seeking when effortful demands were low. This work identifies a specific prodromal HD phenotype associated with a prominent and previously unidentified neurobiological impairment.
Deficiency of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase (ICMT) Leads to Progressive Loss of Photoreceptor Function
Authors: Christiansen Jeffrey R. , Pendse Nachiket D. , Kolandaivelu Saravanan , Bergo Martin O. , Young Stephen G. , Ramamurthy Visvanathan 
Published: May 2016

Retinal neurons use multiple strategies to fine-tune visual signal transduction, including post-translational modifications of proteins, such as addition of an isoprenyl lipid to a carboxyl-terminal cysteine in proteins that terminate with a “CAAXmotif.” We previously showed that RAS converting enzyme 1 (RCE1)-mediated processing of isoprenylated proteins is required for photoreceptor maintenance and function. However, it is not yet known whether the requirement for the RCE1-mediated protein processing is related to the absence of the endoproteolytic processing step, the absence of the subsequent methylation step by isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase (ICMT), or both. To approach this issue and to understand the significance of protein methylation, we generated mice lackingIcmtexpression in the retina. In the absence ofIcmtexpression, rod and cone light-mediated responses diminished progressively. Lack of ICMT-mediated methylation led to defective association of isoprenylated transducin and cone phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6α′) with photoreceptor membranes and resulted in decreased levels of transducin, PDE6α′, and cone G-protein coupled receptor kinase-1 (GRK1). In contrast to our earlier findings with retina-specificRce1knock-out mice, rod PDE6 inIcmt-deficient mice trafficked normally to the photoreceptor outer segment, suggesting that the failure to remove the −AAXis responsible for blocking the movement of PDE6 to the outer segment. Our findings demonstrate that carboxyl methylation of isoprenylated proteins is crucial for maintenance of photoreceptor function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn this report, we show that an absence of isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase-mediated protein methylation leads to progressive loss of vision. Photoreceptors also degenerate, although at a slower pace than the rate of visual loss. The reduction in photoresponses is due to defective association of crucial players in phototransduction cascade. Unlike the situation with RCE1 deficiency, where both methylation and removal of −AAXwere affected, the transport of isoprenylated proteins in isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase-deficient retinas was not dependent on methylation. This finding implies that the retention of the −AAXin PDE6 catalytic subunits inRce1−/−mice is responsible for impeding their transport to the rod photoreceptor outer segment. In conclusion, lack of methylation of isoprenylcysteines leads to age-dependent photoreceptor dysfunction.
On the Role of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus and Mesencephalic Reticular Formation in Locomotion in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Goetz Laurent , Piallat Brigitte , Bhattacharjee Manik , Mathieu Hervé , David Olivier , Chabardès Stéphan 
Published: May 2016

The mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) is formed by the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei, two neuronal structures thought to be key elements in the supraspinal control of locomotion, muscle tone, waking, and REM sleep. The role of MRF has also been advocated in modulation of state of arousal leading to transition from wakefulness to sleep and it is further considered to be a main player in the pathophysiology of gait disorders seen in Parkinson's disease. However, the existence of a mesencephalic locomotor region and of an arousal center has not yet been demonstrated in primates. Here, we provide the first extensive electrophysiological mapping of the MRF using extracellular recordings at rest and during locomotion in a nonhuman primate (NHP) (Macaca fascicularis) model of bipedal locomotion. We found different neuronal populations that discharged according to a phasic or a tonic mode in response to locomotion, supporting the existence of a locomotor neuronal circuit within these MRF in behaving primates. Altogether, these data constitute the first electrophysiological characterization of a locomotor neuronal system present within the MRF in behaving NHPs under normal conditions, in accordance with several studies done in different experimental animal models.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe provide the first extensive electrophysiological mapping of the two major components of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF), namely the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei. We exploited a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of bipedal locomotion with extracellular recordings in behaving NHPs at rest and during locomotion. Different MRF neuronal groups were found to respond to locomotion, with phasic or tonic patterns of response. These data constitute the first electrophysiological evidences of a locomotor neuronal system within the MRF in behaving NHPs.
Defects in Neuromuscular Transmission May Underlie Motor Dysfunction in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Xu Youfen , Halievski Katherine , Henley Casey , Atchison William D. , Katsuno Masahisa , Adachi Hiroaki , Sobue Gen , Breedlove S. Marc , Jordan Cynthia L. 
Published: May 2016

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) in men is an androgen-dependent neuromuscular disease caused by expanded CAG repeats in the androgen receptor (AR). Whether muscle or motor neuron dysfunction or both underlies motor impairment in SBMA is unknown. Muscles of SBMA mice show significant contractile dysfunction, implicating them as a likely source of motor dysfunction, but whether disease also impairs neuromuscular transmission is an open question. Thus, we examined synaptic function in three well-studied SBMA mouse models—the AR97Q, knock-in (KI), and myogenic141models—by recordingin vitrominiature and evoked end-plate potentials (MEPPs and EPPs, respectively) intracellularly from adult muscle fibers. We found striking defects in neuromuscular transmission suggesting that toxic AR in SBMA impairs both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. Notably, SBMA causes neuromuscular synapses to become weak and muscles to become hyperexcitable in all three models. Presynaptic defects included deficits in quantal content, reduced size of the readily releasable pool, and impaired short-term facilitation. Postsynaptic defects included prolonged decay times for both MEPPs and EPPs, marked resistance to μ-conotoxin (a sodium channel blocker), and enhanced membrane excitability. Quantitative PCR revealed robust upregulation of mRNAs encoding neonatal isoforms of the AChR (γ-subunit) and the voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV1.5) in diseased adult muscles of all three models, consistent with the observed slowing of synaptic potentials and resistance to μ-conotoxin. These findings suggest that muscles of SBMA patients regress to an immature state that impairs neuromuscular function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe have discovered that SBMA is accompanied by marked defects in neuromuscular synaptic transmission involving both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. For three different mouse models, we find that diseased synapses are weak, having reduced quantal content due to reductions in the size of the readily releasable pool and/or probability of release. Synaptic potentials in diseased adult fibers are slowed, explained by an aberrant upregulation of the neonatal isoform of the acetylcholine receptor. Diseased fibers also show marked resistance to μ-conotoxin, explained by an aberrant upregulation in the neonatal isoform of the sodium channel, and are hyperexcitable, reminiscent of myotonic dystrophy, showing anode-break action potentials. This work identifies several new molecular targets for recovering function in SBMA.
Trim9Deletion Alters the Morphogenesis of Developing and Adult-Born Hippocampal Neurons and Impairs Spatial Learning and Memory
Authors: Winkle Cortney C. , Olsen Reid H. J. , Kim Hyojin , Moy Sheryl S. , Song Juan , Gupton Stephanie L. 
Published: May 2016

During hippocampal development, newly born neurons migrate to appropriate destinations, extend axons, and ramify dendritic arbors to establish functional circuitry. These developmental stages are recapitulated in the dentate gyrus of the adult hippocampus, where neurons are continuously generated and subsequently incorporate into existing, local circuitry. Here we demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM9 regulates these developmental stages in embryonic and adult-born mouse hippocampal neuronsin vitroandin vivo. Embryonic hippocampal and adult-born dentate granule neurons lackingTrim9exhibit several morphological defects, including excessive dendritic arborization. Although gross anatomy of the hippocampus was not detectably altered byTrim9deletion, a significant number ofTrim9−/−adult-born dentate neurons localized inappropriately. These morphological and localization defects of hippocampal neurons inTrim9−/−mice were associated with extreme deficits in spatial learning and memory, suggesting that TRIM9-directed neuronal morphogenesis may be involved in hippocampal-dependent behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAppropriate generation and incorporation of adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus are critical for spatial learning and memory and other hippocampal functions. Here we identify the brain-enriched E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM9 as a novel regulator of embryonic and adult hippocampal neuron shape acquisition and hippocampal-dependent behaviors. Genetic deletion ofTrim9elevated dendritic arborization of hippocampal neuronsin vitroandin vivo. Adult-born dentate granule cells lackingTrim9similarly exhibited excessive dendritic arborization and mislocalization of cell bodiesin vivo. These cellular defects were associated with severe deficits in spatial learning and memory.
Improving Early Identification and Ongoing Care of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Carbone Paul S. , Norlin Chuck , Young Paul C. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Poor adherence to recommended screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pediatricians’ lack of confidence in providing care for children with ASD reflect quality gaps in primary care. This study aimed to increase the proportion of toddlers screened for ASD and improve physicians’ self-efficacy in providing care to children with ASD.

METHODS:
Twenty-six Utah primary care practices participated in a 3 to 6 month learning collaborative (LC) to improve identification and ongoing care of children with ASD. Monthly chart audits assessed whether an ASD screening tool was administered at 18- and 24-month visits. Physicians completed pre-LC and post-LC surveys to assess changes in self-efficacy in providing care and changes in perceived barriers to implementation of screening and caring for children with ASD.

RESULTS:
Before the LC, 15% of 18- and 24-month visits had documented ASD screening, compared with 91% during the last month of the LC (P &lt; .001). This rate of ASD screening was sustained 4 years after the LC by most practices. Compared with survey responses before the LC, physicians reported significant improvement in their ability to care for children with ASD and decreases in their perceived barriers to screening and caring for children with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS:
The LC was effective in increasing and sustaining recommended ASD screening of toddlers and improving physicians’ perceived self-efficacy in caring for children with ASD. Improving primary care screening, skills, and knowledge may improve the timing of diagnosis, initiation of treatment, quality of care, and outcomes for children with ASD.
Influence of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone on Absorption and Radiation Transitions of Mn\(^{2 + }\) ions in Mn-doped ZnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Thai Dang Van , Thang Pham Van , Ben Pham Van , Van Bui Hong , Thi Tran Minh , Nhat Hoang Nam 
Published: May 2016

ZnS:Mn nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method from the precursors solutions of 0.1M Zn(CH\(_{3}\)COO)\(_{2}\), Na\(_{2}\)S and Mn(CH\(_{3}\)COO)\(_{2}\) then were capped with polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The XRD patterns showed that the ZnS:Mn nanoparticles possessed the \(T_d^2 - F4\bar {3}m\) cubic structure with the average crystallite size of several nanometers. At 300~K, the obtained photoluminescence spectra showed only a wide yellow-orange band centered at 603 nm, which should be attributed to the radiation transition of [\(^{4}\)T\(_{1}(^{4}\)G)\( \to ^{6}\)A\(_{1}(^{6}\)S)] of Mn\(^{2 + }\)(3d\(^{5})\) cations in the ZnS matrix. The excitation spectra recorded at 300 K on the other hand featured a strong photoluminescence band around 310-334 nm, which were assigned to the near band-edge absorption transition of ZnS host lattice, in addition with three weaker bands relating to the absorption transitions of [\(^{6}\)A\(_{1}(^{6}\)S) \( \to \) \(^{4}\)T\(_{2}(^{4}\)D)]: 430 nm, [\(^{6}\)A\(_{1}(^{6}\)S) \( \to \) \(^{4}\)A\(_{1}(^{4}\)G) -- \(^{4}\)E(\(^{4}\)G)]: 468 nm, and [\(^{6}\)A\(_{1}(^{6}\)S) \( \to ^{4}\)T\(_{2}(^{4}\)G)]: 498 nm of Mn\(^{2 + }\)(3d\(^{5})\) cations. It was shown that the capping affected only the intensities of emissions bands.
Takayasu Arteritis as an Odd Cause of Chest Pain
Authors: Bernal-Macias Santiago , Alzate Maria A. , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana 
Published: May 2016

<p>We describe a case of Takayasu arteritis with unusual presentation, having chest pain as the main symptom and a<strong> </strong>nasal septal perforation as a rare complication, without upper and lower extremities, abdominal, neck or cerebral compromise. The patient, a 34 year-old male, previously healthy, presented with acute onset of chest pain, dyspnea and severe compromise of his functional status. Severe stenosis of pulmonary arteries and coronaries, as well as signs of aortitis were found in a CT angiography of the thorax, pulmonary angiography and right and left heart catheterization<strong>. </strong>Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were positive. The patient received 750 mg of Methylprednisolone and monthly bolus of Cyclophosphamide. Six months after the diagnosis, the patient developed a nasal septal perforation. This is the first reported case of Takayasu arteritis with rapidly progressing coronary disease as the only presentation, complicated by a nasal septal perforation. </p>
Crónica de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea
Authors: Ordóñez Solís David 
Published: May 2016

<p><strong>Sumario: </strong>I. Introducción. De Skouris a Lenaerts.—II. Primera parte. Los desarrollos jurisprudenciales del derecho de la unión europea. 2.1. Los límites de los derechos fundamentales y el Derecho de la Unión: privacidad e igualdad. 2.2. La construcción del espacio europeo de libertad, seguridad y justicia. 2.3. Los delitos en materia fiscal y los límites de la protección de los intereses financieros de la Unión Europea. 2.4. La armonización de las legislaciones sobre contratos públicos y de protección del medio ambiente.—III. Segunda parte. La jurisprudencia europea provocada por los jueces españoles y sus efectos en el derecho interno. 3.1. Las sentencias prejudiciales «españolas». 3.1.1. Los límites a la contratación temporal de los empleados públicos de confianza: <em>sentencia Regojo Dans</em>. 3.1.2. La protección de los trabajadores en la duración de la jornada laboral (<em>sentencia Tyco</em>), despidos colectivos (<em>sentencia Pujante Rivera</em>), traspaso de empresas (<em>sentencia Adif</em>) y trabajo a tiempo parcial (auto Plaza Bravo). 3.1.3. Las cláusulas abusivas y los poderes del juez español: nuevas sentencias y autos interpretativos. 3.1.4. Las sentencias en materia de contratación pública y libertades económicas fundamentales: <em>sentencias Consorci </em><em>Sanitari del Maresme</em>, <em>Grupo Hospitalario Quirón </em>y <em>Grupo Itevelesa</em>. 3.1.5. La cooperación judicial civil y la notificación de documentos extrajudiciales: <em>sentencia Tecom Mican</em>. 3.2. Las nuevas cuestiones prejudiciales «españolas» pendientes ante el Tribunal de Justicia. 3.2.1. La independencia en la aplicación del Derecho europeo de la competencia. 3.2.2. La asignación de derechos de emisión de gases de efecto invernadero. 3.2.3. La gestión de las subvenciones agrícolas en Aragón. 3.2.4. La limitación en el tiempo de las cláusulas abusivas («cláusulas suelo») del Tribunal Supremo cuestionada ante el Tribunal de Justicia. 3.3. La aplicación del régimen de ayudas de Estado en España: las ayudas ilegales a la televisión digital terrestre.—IV. Relación de las sentencias comentadas (Tribunal de Justicia y Tribunal General).</p>
Seedling mortality from litterfall increases with decreasing latitude
Authors: Gillman Len N. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGlobal patterns in ecology need to be identified and interpreted if macroecological processes are to be fully understood. Facilitating effects on seedlings such as that of nurse plants and competitive effects such as allelopathy have been well recognized but the importance of plants acting as killers through physical damage by the litterfall they produce has received relatively little attention. Here I examine latitudinal patterns of physical disturbance to seedlings (microdisturbance) due to litterfall and discuss the macroecological implications in light of current research. Analyses of results from published studies show that both the risk of litterfall disturbance, as measured using artificial model seedlings, and the proportion of seedling mortalities due to litterfall decrease significantly with increasing latitude. Patterns of microdisturbance appear to be driven by the dynamic interaction between macro‐litterfall, safe sites with protective overhead vegetation, topography, and animal activity. However, we are informed on this subject by few studies. There is evidence, again from a limited number of studies, for considerable spatial heterogeneity in microdisturbance intensity and for seedling resilience to litterfall damage to differ substantially among species. Therefore, differential survival among microsites may produce regeneration niche diversity. However, more focused studies are required across a range of forest types and latitudes before these results can be generalized. Therefore, there is fertile ground for researchers to use comparable multifactorial methods to investigate the implications of microdisturbance at macro‐ecological scales.