bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An endemic frog harbors multiple expression loci with different patterns of variation in the MHC class II B gene
Authors: Shu Yi‐Lin , Hong Pei , Yang Yi‐Wen , Wu Hai‐Long 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe Chinese concave‐eared torrent frog (Odorrana tormota) was the first non‐mammalian vertebrate demonstrated to both produce and perceive ultrasonic frequencies. Due to habitat degradation caused by human activity, currently, the species is at the edge of extinction. In this study, we demonstrated that the species harbors at least four expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II B loci. Four distinct intron 2 sequences and three intron 1 sequences were isolated from genomic DNA. Additionally, eight alleles were recovered from three cDNA samples, of which five could be assigned to three individual loci while the locus identity of the remaining three alleles could not be determined. Based on the intron sequences, locus‐specific primers were designed for Odto‐A, Odto‐B, and Odto‐C. Of these loci, Odto‐B was monomorphic in Huangshan population (n = 32), and Odto‐C displayed low allelic polymorphism with only three similar sequences obtained from partial individuals. In contrast, Odto‐A showed high allelic diversity with 20 unique alleles recovered from the population. No inter‐ or intra‐allele recombination was detected. However, 10 positive selected amino acid residues and an excess of non‐synonymous substitutions were detected in the putative antigen binding sites (ABS), these results combined with trans‐species evolution suggested some form of balancing selection that maintained higher allelic polymorphism for the locus. Our findings demonstrate that despite the effects of a severely shrinking population, O. tormota exhibits high polymorphism compared to other amphibians, both in terms of the allele number and diversity across the MHC class II B loci. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 501–510, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The morphology and evolution of channels on the Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana, USA
Authors: Shaw John B. , Mohrig David , Whitman Spencer K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRiver deltas are classic depositional systems, but a growing body of literature shows that their channel networks can be erosional. Furthermore, this erosion can attack channel beds of consolidated mud that acts as bedrock. To better understand the channel networks of natural deltas and engineered river diversions, we investigate bathymetric and planimetric change, bed cover, and sediment transport in the Wax Lake Delta (WLD) in coastal Louisiana, USA. Channels have eroded up to 40% of modern flow depth between the WLD's initiation in 1973 and 1999. Aerial image analysis shows that channels have widened by 11% between 1991 and 2009, forcing the downstream migration of islands. Channel beds are composed of 85–98% muddy bedrock, with the remainder covered by alluvial sands. Water velocity, grain size, and suspended sand concentration measurements during the 2009 spring flood show that almost all available grain sizes are transported in suspension. Flow was supply limited during this period, with the calculated sand concentration at the height of the bed load layer is 1–4 orders of magnitude smaller than predicted for saturated sand transport. We test “the cover effect” and “the tools effect” previously proposed for bedrock erosion in upland river channels. Bedrock erosion and alluvial cover are anti‐correlated (the cover effect), but the observations do not closely follow previously proposed relationships. The difference in erosion rate between clear water and sand‐rich water shows that abrasion by sand (the tools effect) accounts for 51% ± 56% of bedrock erosion when it is present.
Deep icequakes: What happens at the base of Alpine glaciers?
Authors: Walter Fabian , Dalban Canassy Pierre , Husen Stephan , Clinton John F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBasal seismicity cannot be attributed exclusively to glacier stick‐slip motion. As shown by previous studies on temperate Alpine glaciers, there also exist basal seismic sources, which are not due to pure shear mechanisms. Their moment tensors have substantial, if not dominant, isotropic components. Based on first motion data of high‐quality seismic records from Gornergletscher and Triftgletscher, Switzerland, we argue that the observed isotropic components can be explained by tensile faulting. The implied coseismic volumetric change can be both positive (fracture opening) and negative (fracture collapse). We attribute these observations to hydraulic processes near water‐filled cavities, whose connectivity to the subglacial drainage system changes over time. Thus, our proposed icequake source mechanisms cannot be reconciled with pure shear sources at the glacier bed, which would be expected for basal stick‐slip motion. This sliding mode has recently been proposed as a “realitively common” mechanism, which can substantially enhance subglacial erosion. The existence of several seismic source mechanisms (tensile, shear, or some combination of the two) of basal icequakes implies that a solid understanding about the nature of these events is indispensible if conclusions about glacier sliding, subglacial erosion, and other basal processes are to be drawn from observed seismicity.
Microstructure, chemical composition and mucilage exudation of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) nutlets from Argentina
Authors: Capitani Marianela I , Ixtaina Vanesa Y , Nolasco Susana M , Tomás Mabel C 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe micromorphology and anatomy of nutlets, myxocarpy (mucilage exudation) and mucilage structure of Argentinean chia were described using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The proximal composition of nutlets and mucilage was also studied.RESULTSChia nutlets are made up of a true seed and a pericarp enclosing the seed; they are small, glabrous, elliptic and apically rounded. The pericarp has cuticle, exocarp, mesocarp and bone cells vertically arranged and endocarp. The myxocarpy was carefully recorded by SEM. After 5 min in contact with water, the cuticle of nutlets is broken and the exocarp cell content gradually surrounds the rest of the nutlet. The proximal composition of chia nutlets was studied; fat is the major component (327 ± 8.0 g kg−1) followed by protein (293 ± 4.0 g kg−1) and fiber (276 ± 1.0 g kg−1). Extractions of chia nutlets with water at room temperature yielded 38 ± 1.0 g kg−1 (dry basis) of mucilage. The fresh mucilage structure was similar to a network of open pores. The freeze‐dried crude mucilage contained more ash, residual fat and protein than commercial guar and locust bean gum. The solubility of 10.0 g L−1 w/v solution of chia freeze‐dried crude mucilage in water increased with temperature, being maximal at 60 °C (870 g kg−1).CONCLUSIONThe results obtained show a fast exudation of chia mucilage when nutlets are in contact with water. The freeze‐dried crude mucilage hydrates easily in water, even at low temperatures. Chia nutlets have mucilaginous substances, with interesting functional properties from a technological and physiological point of view. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Hardness as a modification index for malting red and white sorghum (kaffir) grains
Authors: Uvere Peter O , Ngoddy Patrick O , Nwankwo Chibuzo S 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated changes in the resistance to fracture of malting red and white sorghum grains using a hardness tester as another method for monitoring grain modification.RESULTSGrain hardness decreased progressively from 134.35 N and 137.29 N in malting red and white sorghums and levelled off after 120 h at 76.98 N and 69.14 N. In the red grain malts traditionally used for burukutu production, moisture content (r = −0.983), dhurrinase activity (r = −0.981), malting loss (r = −0.981), free amino nitrogen (r = −0.909) and cold water extract (r = −0.908) were better indicators of grain hardness than root length (r = −0.89). In the white sorghum malts, malting loss (r = −0.988), dhurrinase activity (r = −0.954) and diastatic activity (r = −0.936) were better indicators of grain modification than root length (r = −0.916). The soluble nitrogen ratio at the end of malting was lower in the red (0.049) compared with the white (0.0548).CONCLUSIONGrain hardness using a hand‐held tester is a simple, fast and good index of modification of malting red and white sorghum grains. Oven‐dried red and white sorghum malts could be considered to be well modified at hardness values/indices below 77 N/0.5730 and 72 N/0.5036, respectively. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Instability of light illumination stress on amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O thin‐film transistors
Authors: Park Suehye , Cho Edward Namkyu , Yun Ilgu 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAmorphous In–Ga–Zn–O thin‐film transistors (TFTs) have attracted increasing attention due to their electrical performance and their potential for use in transparent and flexible devices. Because TFTs are exposed to illumination through red, green, and blue color filters, wavelength‐varied light illumination tests are required to ensure stable TFT characteristics. In this paper, the effects of different light wavelengths under both positive and negative VGS stresses on amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O TFTs are investigated. The TFT instability that is dependent on optical and electrical stresses can be explained by the charge trapping mechanism and interface modification.
Road kill hotspots do not effectively indicate mitigation locations when past road kill has depressed populations
Authors: Eberhardt Ewen , Mitchell Scott , Fahrig Lenore 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTNegative effects of roads on wildlife include mortality caused by attempted road crossings. The most common method to choose locations for road kill mitigation is to identify hotspots of current road mortality. We evaluated the effect of traffic volume on current road kill hotspots. We used a road kill survey to test for differential traffic effects on road kill by taxonomic group, controlling for effects of habitat. Anuran road kill was negatively related, whereas bird road kill was positively related, to traffic volume. The negative effects of traffic on the birds are at broader spatial extents than we measured, and effective mitigation could be directed by hotspot analysis at this scale. Decreased anuran road kill with increasing traffic volume could be caused by road avoidance or depressed populations, but focusing mitigation efforts on anuran road kill hotspots may ignore populations that have been reduced by past traffic‐related mortality. Road kill hotspot analyses should therefore be used with caution when evaluating mitigation options, since when past mortality reduces populations (e.g., Bouchard et al. 2009, in this region), current road kill numbers can be smallest in precisely the sites with the greatest historical road impact on the population size. Sites with high traffic volume in locations where wildlife habitat is near the road, and particularly where it straddles the road, will often correspond with road kill hotspots, but instances where there is good habitat but low current road kill can indicate particularly important locations for mitigation to restore populations. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of two porcine zona pellucida immunocontraceptive vaccines on ovarian activity in horses
Authors: Bechert Ursula , Bartell Jennifer , Kutzler Michelle , Menino Alfred , Bildfell Robert , Anderson Makensie , Fraker Mark 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTFeral horse population growth rates as high as 25% are of concern to those responsible for managing range lands as well as conservation groups. Current methods to control these populations include adoption and long‐term holding, which are both costly and controversial. Porcine zona pellucida (pZP) immunocontraception may have the greatest potential to control fertility because it has proven to be effective in other studies and vaccines are easy and safe to administer. One pZP vaccine formulation, SpayVac® (ImmunoVaccine Technologies, Inc., Halifax, NS, Canada), has demonstrated single‐dose, multi‐year contraceptive efficacy in other wildlife species, which would make it both practical and economical for field application. Over a 7‐month period during the breeding season, we assessed the effect on ovarian activity of 2 formulations of SpayVac, 1 non‐aqueous with modified Freund's adjuvant (MFA) and the other, an aqueous emulsion with MFA, compared to controls (n = 7 per group). Comparative reproductive parameters included serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ovarian activity assessed by transrectal ultrasound and palpation, as well as gross and histological examination of ovaries upon necropsy (n = 9 or 3 mares from each group) or after ovariectomy (n = 12 or 4 mares from each group). We determined serum antibody titers using ELISA. Mean serum concentrations of P4 were less in the non‐aqueous MFA treatment group compared to control mares (P < 0.025). Ovaries collected from control mares weighed more (P = 0.002) and had greater variation (P = 0.003) than those from either vaccinated group. Both treatment groups also had smaller ovaries and fewer follicles compared to controls (P < 0.001). Three to 4 months after vaccination, 93% of SpayVac‐injected mares ceased cycling; whereas all control mares continued to cycle throughout the study. Relatively constant antibody titers were reached by week 6 post‐vaccination, although we found appreciable variation within treatment groups, especially 4–8 weeks post‐vaccination. Based on our study, the SpayVac formulations impair ovarian function but do not affect other major organ systems, and could provide a safe and effective immunocontraceptive option for mares. Additional research to elucidate the vaccine's mechanism of action, actual contraceptive efficacy, and long‐term effects are still needed. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Friend or foe? Effect of oral resveratrol on cisplatin ototoxicity
Authors: Olgun Yüksel , Kırkım Günay , Kolatan Efsun , Kıray Müge , Bagrıyanık Alper , Olgun Aybüke , Kızmazoglu Deniz Cakır , Ellıdokuz Hülya , Serbetcıoglu Bulent , Altun Zekiye , Aktas Safiye , Yılmaz Osman , Günerı Enis Alpin 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisOur objectives were to study effects of orally administered resveratrol (RV) against cisplatin (CDDP) ototoxicity in different doses and to investigate ultrastructural changes in the cochlea and brainstem.Study DesignIn vivo study using an animal model.MethodsThirty‐two male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. Baseline distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements were made. In groups I, II, and III, only saline, RV, and CDDP were given, respectively. Group IV, V, and VI animals were administered 10 mg/kg/day, 1 mg/kg/day, and 0.1 mg/kg/day of RV for 10 days, respectively, before 16 mg/kg CDDP injections were administered on day 11. All animals were sacrificed after repeated DPOAEs and ABR measurements were made on day 14. Cochleas of animals were investigated with transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis were investigated with caspase‐3 activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method in the brainstem.ResultsIn groups IV and V, DPOAEs and ABR findings revealed that oral administration of RV 10 mg/kg/day and 1 mg/kg/day doses before CDDP injection enhanced ototoxicity. In group VI, electomicroscopy revealed better ultrastructural findings than in the cisplatin group; however, these changes were not reflected in the audiological findings accordingly.ConclusionsOur results implied that there were noticeable differences between different oral RV doses used for cisplatin ototoxicity. Especially in higher doses, RV was observed to enhance cisplatin ototoxicity.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:760–766, 2014
Effectiveness of PET/CT in the preoperative evaluation of neck disease
Authors: Nguyen Anthony , Luginbuhl Adam , Cognetti David , Van Abel Katie , Bar‐Ad Voichita , Intenzo Charles , Keane William , Curry Joseph 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the utility of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for staging the neck in the preoperative setting by comparing it to both CT/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathologic staging.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsSeventy‐one patients with initial diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma having preoperative MR or CT imaging and PET/CT with subsequent bilateral neck dissection as part of primary treatment (142 neck dissections). Comparison of cervical nodal metastases based on three separate staging systems: preoperative CT and/or MRI scan, preoperative PET/CT, and pathology.ResultsBoth CT/MRI scans and PET/CT scans statistically predicted pathologic outcomes (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, respectively) using Chi square analysis. There was a statistically significant improvement in the prediction of true pathologic disease using PET/CT compared to CT and/or MRI alone (P = 0.005). In a subgroup analysis including only the contralateral neck, this significance persisted (P = 0.013). McNemar's test revealed that subsequent detection of bilateral neck disease by PET/CT scan was significantly superior to MRI or CT alone (P = 0.023).ConclusionIn pathologically positive necks, PET/CT was statistically more reliable at identifying positive disease than CT or MRI alone. Furthermore, such a result is achieved without a statistically significant difference in false positivity between PET/CT and CT or MRI. This suggests that PET/CT positivity, despite negative clinical exam and CT/MRI findings, may be more likely to signify pathologic disease and require appropriate treatment.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:159–164, 2014
Analysis of periplasmic sensor domains from Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans 2CP‐C: Structure of one sensor domain from a histidine kinase and another from a chemotaxis protein
Authors: Pokkuluri P. Raj , Dwulit‐Smith Jeff , Duke Norma E. , Wilton Rosemarie , Mack Jamey C. , Bearden Jessica , Rakowski Ella , Babnigg Gyorgy , Szurmant Hendrik , Joachimiak Andrzej , Schiffer Marianne 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAnaeromyxobacter dehalogenans is a δ‐proteobacterium found in diverse soils and sediments. It is of interest in bioremediation efforts due to its dechlorination and metal‐reducing capabilities. To gain an understanding on A. dehalogenans' abilities to adapt to diverse environments we analyzed its signal transduction proteins. The A. dehalogenans genome codes for a large number of sensor histidine kinases (HK) and methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCP); among these 23 HK and 11 MCP proteins have a sensor domain in the periplasm. These proteins most likely contribute to adaptation to the organism's surroundings. We predicted their three‐dimensional folds and determined the structures of two of the periplasmic sensor domains by X‐ray diffraction. Most of the domains are predicted to have either PAS‐like or helical bundle structures, with two predicted to have solute‐binding protein fold, and another predicted to have a 6‐phosphogluconolactonase like fold. Atomic structures of two sensor domains confirmed the respective fold predictions. The Adeh_2942 sensor (HK) was found to have a helical bundle structure, and the Adeh_3718 sensor (MCP) has a PAS‐like structure. Interestingly, the Adeh_3718 sensor has an acetate moiety bound in a binding site typical for PAS‐like domains. Future work is needed to determine whether Adeh_3718 is involved in acetate sensing by A. dehalogenans.
The fission yeast cell wall stress sensor‐like proteins Mtl2 and Wsc1 act by turning on the GTPase Rho1p but act independently of the cell wall integrity pathway
Authors: Cruz Sandra , Muñoz Sofía , Manjón Elvira , García Patricia , Sanchez Yolanda 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSensing stressful conditions that affect the cell wall reorganization is important for yeast survival. Here, we studied two proteins SpWsc1p and SpMtl2p with structural features indicative of plasma membrane‐associated cell wall sensors. We found that Mtl2p and Wsc1p act by turning on the Rho1p GTPase. Each gene could be deleted individually without affecting viability, but the deletion of both was lethal and this phenotype was rescued by overexpression of the genes encoding either Rho1p or its GDP/GTP exchange factors (GEFs). In addition, wsc1Δ and mtl2Δ cells showed a low level of Rho1p‐GTP under cell wall stress. Mtl2p‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) localized to the cell periphery and was necessary for survival under different types of cell wall stress. Wsc1p‐GFP was concentrated in patches at the cell tips, it interacted with the Rho‐GEF Rgf2p, and its overexpression activated cell wall biosynthesis. Our results are consistent with the notion that cell wall assembly is regulated by two different networks involving Rho1p. One includes signaling from Mtl2p through Rho1p to Pck1p, while the second one implicates signaling from Wsc1p and Rgf2p through Rho1p to activate glucan synthase (GS). Finally, signaling through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) Pmk1p remained active in mtl2Δ and wsc1Δ disruptants exposed to cell wall stress, suggesting that the cell wall stress‐sensing spectrum of Schizosaccharomyces pombe sensor‐like proteins differs from that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Psychiatric comorbidities in dystonia: Emerging concepts
Authors: Zurowski Mateusz , McDonald William M. , Fox Susan , Marsh Laura 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPsychiatric disorders are highly prevalent in patients with dystonia and have a profound effect on quality of life. Patients with dystonia frequently meet criteria for anxiety disorders, especially social phobia, and major depressive disorder. Deficits in emotional processing have also been demonstrated in some dystonia populations. Onset of psychiatric disturbances in patients with dystonia often precedes onset of motor symptoms, suggesting that the pathophysiology of dystonia itself contributes to the genesis of psychiatric disturbances. This article examines the hypothesis that mood and anxiety disorders are intrinsic to the neurobiology of dystonia, citing the available literature, which is derived mostly from research on focal isolated dystonias. Limitations of studies are identified, and the role of emotional reactivity, especially in the context of pain secondary to dystonia, is recognized. Available evidence underscores the need to develop dystonia assessment tools that incorporate psychiatric measures. Such tools would allow for a better understanding of the full spectrum of dystonia presentations and facilitate research on the treatment of dystonia as well as the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in the context of dystonia. This article, solicited for a special Movement Disorders issue on novel research findings and emerging concepts in dystonia, addresses the following issues: (1) To what extent are psychiatric disturbances related to the pathophysiology of dystonia? (2) What is the impact of psychiatric disturbances on outcome measures of current assessment tools for dystonia? (3) How do psychiatric comorbidities influence the treatment of dystonia? Answers to these questions will lead to an increased appreciation of psychiatric disorders in dystonia, a better understanding of brain physiology, more nuanced research questions pertaining to this population, better clinical scales that can be used to further patient management and research, and improved patient outcomes. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society