bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression of, and evidence of positive selection for, the prolactin receptor gene in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Hu Qiaomu , Meng Yan , Tian Haifeng , Chen Songlin , Xiao Hanbing 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTProlactin receptor (PRLR) is a protein associated with reproduction in mammals and with osmoregulation in fish. In this study, the complete length of Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus prolactin receptor (AD‐prlr) was cloned. Andrias davidianus prlr expression was high in the kidney, pituitary, and ovary and low in other examined tissues. The AD‐prlr levels were higher in ovary than in testis, and increased in ovaries with age from 1 to 6 years. To determine effect of exogenous androgen and aromatase inhibitor on AD‐prlr expression, methyltestosterone (MT) and letrozole (LE) were injected, resulting in decreased AD‐prlr in both brain and ovary, with MT repressing prlr transcription more rapidly than did LE. The molecular evolution of prlr was assessed, and found to have undergone a complex evolution process. The obranch‐site test detected four positively selected sites in ancestral lineages prior to the separation of mammals and birds. Fourteen sites underwent positive selection in ancestral lineages of birds and six were positively selected in amphibians. The site model showed that 16, 7, and 30 sites underwent positive selection in extant mammals, amphibians, and birds, respectively. The positively selected sites in amphibians were located outside the transmembrane domain, with four in the extracellular and three in the intracellular domain, indicating that the transmembrane region might be conserved and essential for protein function. Our findings provide a basis for further studies of AD‐prlr function and molecular evolution in Chinese giant salamander. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 707–719, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new allele of γ‐kafirin gene coding for a protein with high lysine content in Mexican white sorghum germplasm
Authors: Chiquito‐Almanza Elizabeth , Ochoa‐Zarzosa Alejandra , López‐Meza Joel E , Pecina‐Quintero Víctor , Nuñez‐Colín Carlos A , Anaya‐López José L 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDLow protein digestibility and lysine content of white sorghum grain limit its use as a foodstuff. The increase in γ‐kafirin cross‐linking, has an important role in the reduction of protein digestibility. The objective of this study was to characterize the γ‐kafirin gene in 12 Mexican tannin‐free white sorghum genotypes and its relationship with protein digestibility and lysine content.RESULTSTwo alleles of γ‐kafirin gene were identified: alleles 1 and 7. The predicted amino acid sequence of allele 7 showed seven point mutations; six were silent, and one missense (C235G), causing the substitution P79A in the deduced amino acid sequence. In silico analysis showed that γ‐kafirin codified by allele 1 has five α‐helixes without disulfide bonds, while γ‐kafirin coding by allele 7 has four α‐helixes and three disulfide bonds. Genotypes with allele 7 had higher lysine content than those with allele 1, showing no differences in the kafirin electrophoretic profile, neither a correlation with the protein content nor the in vitro pepsin digestibility.CONCLUSIONSMexican tannin‐free white sorghum genotypes showed two γ‐kafirin alleles, 1 and 7. Allele 7 was associated with higher lysine content; in silico analysis showed that the substitution of P79A in this allele could modify γ‐kafirin secondary structure. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of the almond kernel (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Li Shugang , Geng Fang , Wang Ping , Lu Jiankang , Ma Meihu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlmond (Prunus dulcis) is a popular tree nut worldwide and offers many benefits to human health. However, the importance of almond kernel proteins in the nutrition and function in human health requires further evaluation. The present study presents a systematic evaluation of the proteins in the almond kernel using proteomic analysis.RESULTSThe nutrient and amino acid content in almond kernels from Xinjiang is similar to that of American varieties; however, Xinjiang varieties have a higher protein content. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis demonstrated a wide distribution of molecular weights and isoelectric points of almond kernel proteins. A total of 434 proteins were identified by LC‐MS/MS, and most were proteins that were experimentally confirmed for the first time. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the 434 proteins indicated that proteins involved in primary biological processes including metabolic processes (67.5%), cellular processes (54.1%), and single‐organism processes (43.4%), the main molecular function of almond kernel proteins are in catalytic activity (48.0%), binding (45.4%) and structural molecule activity (11.9%), and proteins are primarily distributed in cell (59.9%), organelle (44.9%), and membrane (22.8%).CONCLUSIONAlmond kernel is a source of a wide variety of proteins. This study provides important information contributing to the screening and identification of almond proteins, the understanding of almond protein function, and the development of almond protein products. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Modelling postharvest quality of blueberry affected by biological variability using image and spectral data
Authors: Hu Meng‐Han , Dong Qing‐Li , Liu Bao‐Lin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDHyperspectral reflectance and transmittance sensing as well as near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were investigated as non‐destructive tools for estimating blueberry firmness, elastic modulus and soluble solid content (SSC). Least squares–support vector machine models were established from these three spectra based on samples from three cultivars viz. Bluecrop, Duke and M2 and two harvest years viz. 2014 and 2015 for predicting blueberry postharvest quality.RESULTSOne‐cultivar reflectance models (establishing model using one cultivar) derived better results than the corresponding transmittance and NIR models for predicting blueberry firmness with few cultivar effects. Two‐cultivar NIR models (establishing model using two cultivars) proved to be suitable for estimating blueberry SSC with correlations over 0.83. Rp (RMSEp) values of the three‐cultivar reflectance models (establishing model using 75% of three cultivars) were 0.73 (0.094) and 0.73 (0.186), respectively , for predicting blueberry firmness and elastic modulus. For SSC prediction, the three‐cultivar NIR model was found to achieve an Rp (RMSEp) value of 0.85 (0.090). Adding Bluecrop samples harvested in 2014 could enhance the three‐cultivar model robustness for firmness and elastic modulus.CONCLUSIONThe above results indicated the potential for using spatial and spectral techniques to develop robust models for predicting blueberry postharvest quality containing biological variability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of surgery with radiation on pelvic Ewing sarcoma survival
Authors: Ng Vincent Y. , Jones Robin , Bompadre Viviana , Louie Philip , Punt Stephanie , Conrad Ernest U. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundPelvic Ewing sarcoma (ES) has poorer outcomes than extremity‐based lesions and the method of local control is controversial.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of 40 primary pelvic or sacral ES treated by a single surgeon. All received modern chemotherapy and those that received radiation were treated with modern dosages.ResultsFifty‐five percent were disease‐free at latest follow‐up (median, 83.1 mos). Sixty‐one percent had ≥99% necrosis, which was associated with 65% disease‐free survival. Larger size (P = 0.016) and the absence of metastatic disease (P = 0.005) was predictive of survival. Eighty‐three percent of relapsed patients were DOD. Half of patients who received surgery alone or RT alone have NED while 57% of those who received S/RT have NED. Complication rates were 69% (S/RT), 75% (surgery alone), 10% (RT alone). Functional outcomes were similar.ConclusionPrimary pelvic ES is localized at presentation in 50% and the absence of metastases is the strongest predictor for survival. Chemotherapy is key, but excellent histologic response is neither a guarantee nor a necessity for survival. More than one‐third die despite an excellent histologic response and at least one‐third with lung metastases survive. With chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, reasonable control of disease can be achieved.Level of Evidence IIICase‐control or retrospective cohort study. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:861–865. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of race and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal operations
Authors: Hauch Adam , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Kandil Emad 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundDisparities following different operations exist. We seek to measure the effects of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status on outcomes following adrenal surgery.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis of adrenal operations identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2009.ResultsA total of 7,537 procedures were included. Operations by high‐volume surgeons had shorter length of stay (LOS) (3.4 days vs. 5.2 days, P < 0.001) and fewer complications (11.6% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001). Hispanics were more likely to be operated on by low‐volume surgeons [OR: 2.17, 95%CI: (1.33, 3.55)]. There were significant differences in LOS and cost among races/ethnicities, income categories, and insurance types (P < 0.05). Hispanics had longer LOS compared to Whites (P = 0.002) and their management was associated with a higher cost ($20,754.00 ± 1,478.40). Patients with either Medicaid [OR: 1.70, 95%CI: (1.30, 2.22)] or Medicare [OR: 1.86, 95%CI: (1.36, 2.54)] were more likely to have a LOS >5 days.ConclusionsRacial and socioeconomic disparities exist; however, they are not solely related to access. A complex interplay between various racial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors likely influence outcomes in adrenal surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:822–827. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pipette vial dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of benzoylurea insecticide in fruit juice
Authors: Xi Xuefei , Yang Miyi , Shen Ganni , Wu Xiaoling , Lu Runhua , Zhou Wenfeng , Zhang Sanbing , Gao Haixiang 
Published: November 2015

A simple, sensitive, and efficient method of using a pipette vial to perform dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets was coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a diode array detector for the preconcentration and analysis of four benzoylurea insecticides in fruit juice. In this method, 1‐dodecanol was used as an extractant, and a snipped pipette was used as an experimental vial to simplify the procedure of collecting and separating solidified extractant. The experimental parameters were optimized using a Plackett–Burman design and one‐factor‐at‐a‐time method. Under the optimal conditions in the water model, the limits of detection for analytes varied from 0.03 to 0.28 μg/L, and the enrichment factors ranged from 147 to 206. Linearity was achieved for diflubenzuron and flufenoxuron in a range of 0.5–500 μg/L, for hexaflumuron in a range of 1–500 μg/L, and for triflumuron in a range of 5–500 μg/L. The correlation coefficients for the analytes ranged from 0.9986 to 0.9994 with recoveries of 91.4–110.9%. Finally, the developed technique was successfully applied to fruit juice samples with acceptable results. The relative standard deviations of the analytes at two spiking levels (50 and 200 μg/L) varied between 0.2 and 4.5%.
The impact of resident involvement on otolaryngology surgical outcomes
Authors: Vieira Brittany L. , Hernandez David J. , Qin Charles , Smith Stephanie S. , Kim John Y. S. , Dutra Jose C. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisIntraoperative experience is an essential element of surgical training, but has the potential to impact patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was two‐fold: 1) to evaluate the effect of resident involvement on morbidity and mortality following otolaryngology procedures and 2) to examine the influence of resident training level on the same outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study reviewed 2,320,920 patients captured in the 2005 to 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases to identify surgical otolaryngology cases. Outcomes of interest included surgical complications, medical complications, and mortality. Cases with and without resident involvement were propensity matched (caliper = 0.2) to account for nonrandomized assignment, and data were subject to multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsResidents participated in 38.4% of the 20,307 cases identified. Cases with resident involvement demonstrated longer operative duration (178.8 minutes vs. 80.1 minutes, P < .001), increased surgical complexity (23.5 relative value units [RVU] vs. 12.4 RVU, P < .001) and greater overall morbidity burden. Logistic regression analyses of the matched cohort revealed that resident participation did not independently increase morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.969, P = .751) or mortality (OR = 0.893, P = .758). A separate logistic regression analysis of the unmatched cohort using resident postgraduate year showed that training level did not confer differential risk to patients.ConclusionsOur data indicate that resident involvement does not increase the risk of morbidity or mortality, and that trainees are being assigned to appropriate cases for their level of experience. These findings suggest that the contemporary paradigm of graduate otolaryngology surgical education does not negatively impact patient outcomes.Level of Evidence2c Laryngoscope, 126:602–607, 2016
Sulcus vocalis: A new clinical paradigm based on a re‐evaluation of histology
Authors: Lee Andrew , Sulica Lucian , Aylward Alana , Scognamiglio Theresa 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisSulcus vocalis is an epithelial invagination adherent to deep tissues of the vocal fold. Traditionally, dysphonia is believed to result from attenuation or absence of lamina propria and consequent alteration of mucosal dynamics. This conception does not account for several clinical features of the lesion, most notably inflammation. The goal of this study is to elucidate the clinical nature of sulcus by re‐examination of its histopathology.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsClinical features, including stroboscopic examination, and hematoxylin and eosin sections of 19 lesions in 15 patients who underwent surgery were reviewed.ResultsEpithelial change was found uniformly in all specimens, consisting of parakeratosis (78.9%), epithelial thickening (77.8%), dyskeratosis (63.2%), basement membrane thickening (47%), epithelial inflammation (52.6%), and retention of keratin debris (36.8%). In contrast, submucosal findings were less prevalent. Seven patients (36.8%) had essentially normal subepithelial tissues. Submucosal inflammation was present in seven (36.8%), and other submucosal changes in four of 17 (23.5%). Clinical characteristics demonstrated general improvement after surgical intervention in most cases.ConclusionsSulcus vocalis appears to have an important component of epithelial pathology, with especially high prevalence of parakeratosis, dyskeratosis, and epithelial thickening. Clinical changes may result from prominent perilesional inflammation related to epithelial changes instead of or in addition to any alteration of the lamina propria. Surgical treatment, when necessary, should refocus on removal of pathologic epithelium as a source of inflammation independent of reconstructive considerations.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 126:1397–1403, 2016
Internal carotid artery injury in endoscopic endonasal surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Chin Oliver Y. , Ghosh Ritam , Fang Christina H. , Baredes Soly , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: November 2015

Objectives/HypothesisInternal carotid artery (ICA) injury during endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is a known and feared complication of paranasal sinus and skull base procedures. These ICA injuries can result in stroke, cranial nerve palsies, and death. This review examines the setting of injury along with the treatment approaches, and patient outcomes.Study DesignSystematic review using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE.MethodsThe databases were searched for articles reporting cases of ICA injury during EES. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, operative approach, preoperative diagnosis, setting of injury, repair method, imaging studies, patient outcomes, and follow‐up.ResultsTwenty‐five articles with 50 cases were included in this review. The EES approach was used for skull base procedures in 34 cases and for inflammatory disease in 16 cases. The most commonly injured ICA segment was the cavernous (34 cases), followed by the ophthalmic (three cases). Injuries occurred more commonly on the left (1.3:1). Injury occurred in the setting of various steps during EES with instruments. Stereotactic image guidance was reported in two cases. Initial hemostasis was achieved with packing in 35 cases, endoscopic clip sacrifice in four cases, bipolar coagulation with the intent to seal defect in three cases, and bipolar coagulation with the intent to sacrifice the ICA in one case. Intraoperative or immediate postoperative angiography was reported in 27 cases.ConclusionsThe incidence of reported cases of ICA injury during EES remains low. Left‐sided injuries to the cavernous segment of the ICA occurred more frequently than injuries on the right.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 126:582–590, 2016
Detecting carbon uptake and cellular allocation by individual algae in multispecies assemblages
Authors: Murdock Justin N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAlgal species vary in carbon (C) need and uptake rates. Understanding differences in C uptake and cellular allocation among species from natural communities will bring new insight into many ecosystem process questions including how species changes will alter energy availability and C sequestration in aquatic ecosystems. A major limitation of current methods that measure algal C incorporation is the inability to separate the response of individual species from mixed‐species assemblages. I used Fourier‐transform infrared microspectroscopy to qualitatively measure inorganic 13C isotope incorporation into individual algal cells in single species, two species, and natural phytoplankton assemblages. Lateral shifts in spectral peaks from 13C treatments were observed in all species. Comparison of peaks associated with carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids allowed for the detection of which individuals took in C, and which macromolecules the C was used to make. For example, shifts in Spirogyra spectral peaks showed substantial C incorporation in carbohydrates. Further, shifts in peaks at 1160 cm−1, 1108 cm−1, 1080 cm−1, 1048 cm−1, and 1030 cm−1 suggested C was being allocated into cellulose. The natural phytoplankton assemblage demonstrated how C could be tracked into co‐occurring species. A diatom had large shifts in protein and carbohydrate peaks, while a green alga and euglenoid had only a few shifts in protein related peaks. Fourier‐transform infrared microspectroscopy is an established, label free method for measuring the chemical composition of algal cells. However, adding a label such as 13C isotope can greatly expand the technique's capabilities by qualitatively tracking C movement between inorganic and organic states within single cells.
Thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue of the free flap donor sites: A histologic study
Authors: Hwang Kun , Kim Hun , Kim Dae Joong 
Published: November 2015

PurposeThe aim of this study is to compare the thickness of skin and hypodermis of the free flap donor sites.MethodsIn 12 cadavers, specimens were harvested from donor sites of radial forearm flap (RF), anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), thoracodorsal perforator flap (TD), and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP). Tissues were stained with Masson‐trichrome.ResultsThe thickness of the epidermis ranged 32–42 μm according to the donor sites. The thickness of the dermis ranged 949–1,350 μm. The dermis of the TD (2,152 ± 575 μm) was the thickest. The thickness of the hypodermis ranged 1,913–7,105 μm. The hypodermis of the DIEP (7,105 ± 4,543 μm) was the thickest followed by the ALT (6,012 ± 4,092 μm) and TD (4,688 ± 1,905 μm). The dermis (949 ± 311 μm) and the hypodermis (1,913 ± 1,066 μm) of the RF were the thinnest. As the thickness of the dermis increased, the thickness of the hypodermis also increased.ConclusionThin hypodermis was found in radial forearm flap and thoracodorsal perforator flap donor sites, which may be used for reconstruction of thin defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:54–58, 2016.
Defining Known Drug Space Using DFT
Authors: Matuszek Anna M. , Reynisson Jóhannes 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA density functional theory (DFT) study was performed on a collection of clinically approved drugs, or Known Drug Space (KDS), to determine the statistical distribution of four properties: dipole moment (DM), polarisability (POL), ionisation potential (IP) and electron affinity (EA). The DM and POL are linked to cell permeability of drugs whereas IP and EA reflect their redox stability thus ease of metabolism. A benchmarking exercise showed a good correlation between experimental values and their predicted counterparts. It was found that KDS occupies the volume of chemical space defined by: DM≤10 D, POL≤68 Å3, IP 6.0–9.0 V and EA−1.5–2.0 eV. Only 16 % of the drugs are outside one or more of these parameters. Three categories based on known oral absorption and bioavailability (low/medium/high) were established and compared. Predominately, drugs designated as ‘low’ were found outside the established parameters. The properties were compared with mainstream molecular descriptors and a strong correlation was seen for POL to MW (r2=0.899), which can explain the success of the latter since POL reflects the ability of molecules to interact with polar and non‐polar environments such as water and interior of a membrane.
The Role of Bubo virginianus magellanicus as Rodent Bone Accumulator in Archaeological Sites: A Case Study for the Atuel River (Mendoza, Argentina)
Authors: Montalvo C. I. , Fernández F. J. , Tallade P. O. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMicromammalian bone assemblages from modern pellets of the strigiform Bubo virginianus magellanicus, from the upper Atuel River (southern Mendoza, Argentina), were taphonomically analysed. The results allow us to place B. v. magellanicus in the category of intermediate modification (Category 2). This sample has also been compared with results from other members of this genus, in order to classify B. v. magellanicus as a taphonomic agent. The participation of the Bubo species in archaeological accumulations has been documented, but in Argentina, the role of B. v. magellanicus has been reported up to the present. It is partly because of the sequence of one archaeological site in the south of Mendoza Province called Laguna El Sosneado‐3 (LS‐3). However, considering the absence of a current taphonomic model of this owl, this participation was mentioned as a hypothesis. In the current investigation, archaeological and modern samples have been compared. The results indicate that the skeletal element assemblages recovered from LS‐3 were accumulated by strigiform birds. Taphonomical evidence of light modifications on units I and IV indicates that Tyto alba (Category 1) was probably the main species involved in these units, whereas the taphonomical evidence on skeletal element assemblages recovered from units II and III suggests the action of a strigiform with a major category of modification such as B. v. magellanicus. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.