bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of peptide dipoles and hydrogen bonds on reactive cysteine pKa values in fission yeast DJ‐1
Authors: Madzelan Peter , Labunska Tetyana , Wilson Mark A. 
Published: September 2012

Cysteine residues with depressed pKa values are critical for the functions of many proteins. Several types of interactions can stabilize cysteine thiolate anions, including hydrogen bonds between thiol(ate)s and nearby residues as well as electrostatic interactions involving charged residues or dipoles. Dipolar stabilization of thiolates by peptide groups has been suggested to play a particularly important role near the N‐termini of α‐helices. Using a combination of X‐ray crystallography, site‐directed mutagenesis and spectroscopic methods, we show that the reactive cysteine residue (Cys111) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe DJ‐1 experiences a 0.6 unit depression of its thiol pKa as a consequence of a hydrogen bond donated by a threonine side chain (Thr114) to a nearby peptide carbonyl oxygen at the N‐terminus of an α‐helix. This extended hydrogen bonded interaction is consistent with a sum of dipoles model whereby the distal hydrogen bond polarizes and strengthens the direct hydrogen bond between the proximal amide hydrogen and the cysteine thiol(ate). Therefore, our results suggest that the local dipolar enhancement of hydrogen bonds can appreciably stabilize cysteine thiolate formation. However, the substitution of a valine residue with a proline at the i + 3 position has only a minor effect (0.3 units) on the pKa of Cys111. As proline has a reduced peptide dipole moment, this small effect suggests that a more extended helix macrodipolar effect does not play a major role in this system.DatabaseStructural models and diffraction data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number(s) 4GDH (wild‐type SpDJ‐1), 4GE0 (T114P SpDJ‐1) and 4GE3 (T114V SpDJ‐1)Structured digital abstract

SpDJ‐1 and SpDJ‐1 bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial green tea extracts in UV protection
Authors: Silva A. R. , Seidl C. , Furusho A. S. , Boeno M. M. S. , Dieamant G. C. , Weffort‐Santos A. M. 
Published: September 2012

SynopsisPlants with antioxidant properties are beneficial for preventing the ageing events evoked by UV light, and numerous products based on Camellila sinensis (green tea) are commercially available, many of which claiming to contain bioactive compounds that would prevent UV‐induced skin damage. In this study, we tested the efficacy of five commercial green tea extracts used to enrich cosmetic formulations for protecting human and mouse fibroblasts against UV radiation effects and compared with a fluid one prepared according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia recommendations. Taking into consideration that the ageing process can be accelerated by solar radiation by excessive free radical generation, leading to depletion of skin antioxidant defences, and its collapse caused by disruption of the metalloproteinase metabolism, we have used their individual (‐)‐epigallocathechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) content, the catalase and SOD status and the matrix‐degrading metalloproteases (MMP)‐1, MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 levels as comparative parameters. The EGCG content of the commercial products showed wide variability, ranging from undetectable levels to 58.65 ± 1.12 μg mL−1, in contrast with the fluid extract (87.82 ± 1.35 μg mL−1). Moreover, only the pharmacopoeic extract was able to significantly reduce MMP degradation while enhancing the levels of SOD and catalase. These results indicate, for the first time, that the methodologies for preparing herbal mixtures can interfere significantly with compounds endowed with photoprotective effects, and the efficacy of products containing C. sinensis extracts thought to act against effects of solar radiation can be compromised.
Relationship between perceived softness of bilayered skin models and their mechanical properties measured with a dual‐sensor probe
Authors: Nakatani M. , Fukuda T. , Sasamoto H. , Arakawa N. , Otaka H. , Kawasoe T. , Omata S. 
Published: September 2012

SynopsisThe development of a sensor system that can predict the subjective softness of human skin is an important goal for the cosmetics industry. Here, we first carried out a subjective softness evaluation test using 65 skin models consisting of polyurethane bilayers with different thickness of the superficial layer and different degree of cross‐polymerization of the basal layer. The results showed that perceived softness was dependent on the mechanical properties of both the superficial and basal layers. Then, we used a recently developed tactile sensor system composed of a piezoelectric tactile sensor and a load cell to measure mechanical softness parameters of the superficial layer and the whole model, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the data obtained from these two sensors were well correlated with the perceived softness of the prepared models. These results suggest that it may be feasible to predict the subjective softness of human skin in vivo from non‐invasive mechanical softness measurements of the superficial skin layer and whole skin obtained with our new dual‐probe sensor system.
Dentine sialoprotein expression in gingival crevicular fluid during trauma‐induced root resorption
Authors: Kumar V. , Logani A. , Shah N. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo detect and quantify dentine sialoprotein (DSP) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of luxated teeth.MethodologyEighteen subjects were enroled and distributed as follows. Group I (n = 6, positive control): subjects with primary second molar teeth undergoing physiological root resorption. Group II (n = 6, negative control): subjects with permanent mature maxillary central incisors. Subjects with a recent history (<1 week) of luxation injury were included in group III (n = 6, test group) and standardized digital radiographs with a superimposed mesh gauge were exposed at various time intervals. Percentage of radiographic root resorption (%RRR) was calculated. GCF was collected using microcapillary pipettes. DSP in the GCF was quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay. Group III was subjected to Spearman's rank test to establish the correlation between the concentration of DSP and %RRR at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months.ResultsQuantifiable amounts of DSP were released in the GCF of subjects in Group I and III. However, the protein was not detected in Group II. Detectable quantities of DSP were observed in the GCF of luxated teeth before any radiographic evidence of root resorption (base line radiograph). A positive correlation was established at 6 weeks (r = 0.795), 3 (r = 0.755) and 6 month (r = 0.837) between the release of DSP and %RRR (P < 0.05).ConclusionDentine sialoprotein was released in the GCF of luxated teeth and its concentration correlated with the active and remission phases of this pathological process. Further investigation is required to establish a potentially noninvasive aid for diagnosing and monitoring root resorption.
Comparison of physicochemical, binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells
Authors: Byun Sung Mi , No Hong Kyoon , Hong Joo‐Heon , Lee Sang Il , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPhysicochemical, binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells were compared. Chitosan prepared from ground shell (designated as g‐chitosan) had significantly higher nitrogen content, degree of deacetylation, solubility and viscosity, but lower ash content, bulk density and colour redness (a*) value than chitosan prepared from entire shell (designated as e‐chitosan). Compared with e‐chitosan, g‐chitosan had comparable water‐binding capacity, but higher fat‐binding and dye‐binding capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activity against two Gram‐negative (Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli) and two Gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study demonstrated that chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shell exhibited drastic differences in their physicochemical and functional characteristics. These differences were contributed by the particle size of the crab shell.
In vitro starch digestion in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flours
Authors: Chen Gladys , Sopade Peter 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe kinetics of starch digestion in cryo‐ and hammer‐milled sweet potato flours were investigated to reveal monophasic digestograms that were independent on particle size (80–390 μm), and suitably described (r2 > 0.98; P < 0.05) by a modified first‐order model. Milling conditions significantly affected (P < 0.05) the particle size, salivary–gastric‐digested starch and rate of starch digestion as the effective surface areas changed. The reciprocal of the rate of starch digestion (1/K, s) was significantly related to the square of the average particle size (size2, cm2), with the reciprocal of the slope (0.9–3.8 × 10−7 cm2 s−1) revealing diffusion‐controlled digestion. The hammer‐milled flours gave different digestion and functional parameters as frictional heat and glass transition phenomena played different roles in the overall structural changes in the flours. These parameters are discussed with starch digestion parameters in cereals and legumes to understand starch digestion in sweet potato.
Suppression of α‐amylase genes improves quality of rice grain ripened under high temperature
Authors: Hakata Makoto , Kuroda Masaharu , Miyashita Tomomi , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Mitsui Toshiaki , Yamakawa Hiromoto 
Published: September 2012

SummaryHigh temperature impairs rice (Oryza sativa) grain filling by inhibiting the deposition of storage materials such as starch, resulting in mature grains with a chalky appearance, currently a major problem for rice farming in Asian countries. Such deterioration of grain quality is accompanied by the altered expression of starch metabolism‐related genes. Here we report the involvement of a starch‐hydrolyzing enzyme, α‐amylase, in high temperature‐triggered grain chalkiness. In developing seeds, high temperature induced the expression of α‐amylase genes, namely Amy1A, Amy1C, Amy3A, Amy3D and Amy3E, as well as α‐amylase activity, while it decreased an α‐amylase‐repressing plant hormone, ABA, suggesting starch to be degraded by α‐amylase in developing grains under elevated temperature. Furthermore, RNAi‐mediated suppression of α‐amylase genes in ripening seeds resulted in fewer chalky grains under high‐temperature conditions. As the extent of the decrease in chalky grains was highly correlated to decreases in the expression of Amy1A, Amy1C, Amy3A and Amy3B, these genes would be involved in the chalkiness through degradation of starch accumulating in the developing grains. The results show that activation of α‐amylase by high temperature is a crucial trigger for grain chalkiness and that its suppression is a potential strategy for ameliorating grain damage from global warming.
Visual size perception and haptic calibration during development
Authors: Gori Monica , Giuliana Luana , Sandini Giulio , Burr David 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIt is still unclear how the visual system perceives accurately the size of objects at different distances. One suggestion, dating back to Berkeley’s famous essay, is that vision is calibrated by touch. If so, we may expect different mechanisms involved for near, reachable distances and far, unreachable distances. To study how the haptic system calibrates vision we measured size constancy in children (from 6 to 16 years of age) and adults, at various distances. At all ages, accuracy of the visual size perception changes with distance, and is almost veridical inside the haptic workspace, in agreement with the idea that the haptic system acts to calibrate visual size perception. Outside this space, systematic errors occurred, which varied with age. Adults tended to overestimate visual size of distant objects (over‐compensation for distance), while children younger than 14 underestimated their size (under‐compensation). At 16 years of age there seemed to be a transition point, with veridical perception of distant objects. When young subjects were allowed to touch the object inside the haptic workspace, the visual biases disappeared, while older subjects showed multisensory integration. All results are consistent with the idea that the haptic system can be used to calibrate visual size perception during development, more effectively within than outside the haptic workspace, and that the calibration mechanisms are different in children than in adults.
Surviving the Crisis: Foreign Multinationals versus Domestic Firms
Authors: Godart Olivier , Görg Holger , Hanley Aoife 
Published: September 2012

AbstractStarting from the observation that all firms in Ireland (foreign and domestic in manufacturing and services industries) were hit by the crisis, the paper asks whether there is a difference in the behaviour of foreign and domestic firms. One hypothesis is that foreign multinationals are less linked into the Irish economy, so more likely to leave once the economy is hit by a negative shock. The paper discusses background hypotheses before giving empirical evidence from first, aggregate data and second, firm‐level observations. The analysis of the latter suggests that foreign firms are not more likely to leave during the crisis than Irish firms. Some policy conclusions are offered in the paper.
A three‐dimensional axis for the study of femoral neck orientation
Authors: Bonneau Noémie , Libourel Paul‐Antoine , Simonis Caroline , Puymerail Laurent , Baylac Michel , Tardieu Christine , Gagey Olivier 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA common problem in the quantification of the orientation of the femoral neck is the difficulty to determine its true axis; however, this axis is typically estimated visually only. Moreover, the orientation of the femoral neck is commonly analysed using angles that are dependent on anatomical planes of reference and only quantify the orientation in two dimensions. The purpose of this study is to establish a method to determine the three‐dimensional orientation of the femoral neck using a three‐dimensional model. An accurate determination of the femoral neck axis requires a reconsideration of the complex architecture of the proximal femur. The morphology of the femoral neck results from both the medial and arcuate trabecular systems, and the asymmetry of the cortical bone. Given these considerations, two alternative models, in addition to the cylindrical one frequently assumed, were tested. The surface geometry of the femoral neck was subsequently used to fit one cylinder, two cylinders and successive cross‐sectional ellipses. The model based on successive ellipses provided a significantly smaller average deviation than the two other models (P < 0.001) and reduced the observer‐induced measurement error. Comparisons with traditional measurements and analyses on a sample of 91 femora were also performed to assess the validity of the model based on successive ellipses. This study provides a semi‐automatic and accurate method for the determination of the functional three‐dimensional femoral neck orientation avoiding the use of a reference plane. This innovative method has important implications for future studies that aim to document and understand the change in the orientation of the femoral neck associated with the acquisition of a bipedal gait in humans. Moreover, the precise determination of the three‐dimensional orientation has implications in current research involved in developing clinical applications in diagnosis, hip surgery and rehabilitation.
Territorial User Rights for Fisheries as Ancillary Instruments for Marine Coastal Conservation in Chile
Authors: Gelcich Stefan , Fernández Miriam , Godoy Natalio , Canepa Antonio , Prado Luis , Castilla Juan Carlos 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTerritorial user rights for fisheries have been advocated as a way to achieve sustainable resource management. However, few researchers have empirically assessed their potential as ancillary marine conservation instruments by comparing them to no‐take marine protected areas. In kelp (Lessonia trabeculata) forests of central Chile, we compared species richness, density, and biomass of macroinvertebrates and reef fishes among territorial‐user‐right areas with low‐level and high‐level enforcement, no‐take marine protected areas, and open‐access areas in 42 100‐m subtidal transects. We also assessed structural complexity of the kelp forest and substratum composition. Multivariate randomized permutation tests indicated macroinvertebrate and reef fish communities associated with the different access regimes differed significantly. Substratum composition and structural complexity of kelp forest did not differ among access regimes. Univariate analyses showed species richness, biomass, and density of macroinvertebrates and reef fishes were greater in highly enforced territorial‐user‐right areas and no‐take marine protected areas than in open‐access areas. Densities of macroinvertebrates and reef fishes of economic importance were not significantly different between highly enforced territorial‐user‐right and no‐take marine protected areas. Densities of economically important macroinvertebrates in areas with low‐level enforcement were significantly lower than those in areas with high‐level enforcement and no‐take marine protected areas but were significantly higher than in areas with open access. Territorial‐user‐right areas could be important ancillary conservation instruments if they are well enforced.Derechos de Usuario Territoriales para Pesquerías como Instrumentos Accesorios para la Conservación Marina Costera en Chile
Albumin is taken up by hippocampal NG2 cells and astrocytes and decreases gap junction coupling
Authors: Braganza Oliver , Bedner Peter , Hüttmann Kerstin , von Staden Elena , Friedman Alon , Seifert Gerald , Steinhäuser Christian 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and albumin extravasation have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of human epilepsy. In this context, dysfunction of glial cells attracts increasing attention. Our study was aimed to analyze in the hippocampus (1) which cell types internalize albumin injected into the lateral ventricle in vivo, (2) whether internalization into astrocytes impacts their coupling and expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), and (3) whether expression of Kir4.1, the predominating astrocytic K+ channel subunit, is altered by albumin.Methods:  The patch‐clamp method was combined with single cell tracer filling to investigate electrophysiologic properties and gap junction coupling (GJC). For cell identification, mice with cell type–specific expression of a fluorescent protein (NG2kiEYFP mice) and immunohistochemistry were employed. Semiquantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) allowed analysis of Kir4.1 and Cx43 transcript levels.Key Findings:  We show that fluorescently labeled albumin is taken up by astrocytes, NG2 cells, and neurons, with NG2 cells standing out in terms of the quantity of uptake. Within 5 days postinjection (dpi), intracellular albumin accumulation was largely reduced suggesting rapid degradation. Electrophysiologic analysis of astrocytes and NG2 cells revealed no changes in their membrane properties at either time point. However, astrocytic GJC was significantly decreased at 1 dpi but returned to control levels within 5 dpi. We found no changes in hippocampal Cx43 transcript expression, suggesting that other mechanisms account for the observed changes in coupling. Kir4.1 mRNA was regulated oppositely in the CA1 stratum radiatum, with a strong increase at 1 dpi followed by a decrease at 5 dpi.Significance:  The present study demonstrates that extravasal albumin in the hippocampus induces rapid changes of astrocyte function, which can be expected to impair ion and transmitter homeostasis and contribute to hyperactivity and epileptogenesis. Therefore, astrocytes may represent alternative targets for antiepileptic therapeutic approaches.
Exploring the Relationship of Economic, Sociological, and Psychological Factors to the Savings Behavior of Low‐ to Moderate‐Income Households
Authors: Gutter Michael S. , Hayhoe Celia R. , DeVaney Sharon A. , Kim Jinhee , Bowen Cathy F. , Cheang Michael , Cho Soo Hyun , Evans David A. , Gorham Elizabeth , Lown Jean M. , Mauldin Teresa , Solheim Catherine , Worthy Sheri Lokken , Dorman Rachel 
Published: September 2012

Applying a multidisciplinary approach, this study examined economic, sociological, and psychological concepts to understand individual savings behavior with a national sample of low‐ to moderate‐income families (N = 826). Multinomial logistic regression results showed that some of the economic, sociological, and psychological factors were statistically significant in explaining whether a person had only a savings account or both savings and investing accounts compared to having no savings or investment accounts. Economic factors had a more robust relationship with savings behavior when compared to sociological and psychological factors. Specifically, age and a financial behavior score were significantly related to the likelihood of having a savings account while income, net worth, and education were significantly related to the likelihood of having both savings and investment accounts. The number of information sources that a person used (a sociological factor) was significantly related to having both savings and investment accounts. The length of a person's planning horizon and the number of perceived barriers (psychological factors) were significantly related to having a savings account. Implications for researchers, policy makers, educators, and counselors are discussed.
An Unusual Case of Predation: Dog Pack or Cougar Attack?
Authors: Fonseca Gabriel M. , Palacios Rocío 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInjuries produced by animals are capable of leaving severe patterns and in some cases may result in the death of the attacked individual. Law enforcement authorities may come to erroneous conclusions about the source of the bites based on their awareness of animals present and similarities of the injuries to the untrained eye, with dreadful consequences. Expertise of a carnivore biologist and an odontologist that indentifies the particularities of bite marks may be useful for identifying the attacking species. We present the investigation of a fatal dog pack attack involving a 43‐year‐old man in Bell Ville (Argentina) where the evidence provided by a forensic dentist and a biologist was categorical for establishing the animal species involved. Because of the unusual characteristics of the wounds and the initial hypothesis made by local authorities of a cougar attack, habits and specific patterns of both dog pack and cougar predation on humans are discussed.