bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structures of halohydrin hydrogen‐halide‐lyases from Corynebacterium sp. N‐1074
Authors: Watanabe Fumiaki , Yu Fujio , Ohtaki Akashi , Yamanaka Yasuaki , Noguchi Keiichi , Yohda Masafumi , Odaka Masafumi 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTHalohydrin hydrogen‐halide‐lyase (H‐Lyase) is a bacterial enzyme that is involved in the degradation of halohydrins. This enzyme catalyzes the intramolecular nucleophilic displacement of a halogen by a vicinal hydroxyl group in halohydrins to produce the corresponding epoxides. The epoxide products are subsequently hydrolyzed by an epoxide hydrolase, yielding the corresponding 1, 2‐diol. Until now, six different H‐Lyases have been studied. These H‐Lyases are grouped into three subtypes (A, B, and C) based on amino acid sequence similarities and exhibit different enantioselectivity. Corynebacterium sp. strain N‐1074 has two different isozymes of H‐Lyase, HheA (A‐type) and HheB (B‐type). We have determined their crystal structures to elucidate the differences in enantioselectivity among them. All three groups share a similar structure, including catalytic sites. The lack of enantioselectivity of HheA seems to be due to the relatively wide size of the substrate tunnel compared to that of other H‐Lyases. Among the B‐type H‐Lyases, HheB shows relatively high enantioselectivity compared to that of HheBGP1. This difference seems to be due to amino acid replacements at the active site tunnel. The binding mode of 1, 3‐dicyano‐2‐propanol at the catalytic site in the crystal structure of the HheB‐DiCN complex suggests that the product should be (R)‐epichlorohydrin, which agrees with the enantioselectivity of HheB. Comparison with the structure of HheC provides a clue for the difference in their enantioselectivity. Proteins 2015; 83:2230–2239. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on the ultrastructure in Anacardium occidentale L. leaves from Amazon in northern Brazil by scanning microscopy
Authors: Ramos Glenda Quaresma , Cotta Eduardo Adriano , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte 
Published: September 2015

SummaryLeaves surfaces have various structures with specific functions and contribute to the relationship with the environment. On morphological studies are analyzed various parameters, ranging from macro scale through the micro scale to the nanometer scale, which contribute to the study of taxonomy, pharmacognosy, and ecology, among others. Functional structures found in leaves are responsible for the wide variety of surfaces and some behaviors are given in terms of cellular adaptation and the presence or absence of wax. This study reports the characterization of Anacardium occidentale L. leaf surface and the techniques used therein. A set of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images performed on fresh leaf allowed observation of textured and heterogeneous profiles on both sides. SCANNING 38:329–335, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and model confirmation of the intermediate scale VolturnUS floating wind turbine subjected to its extreme design conditions offshore Maine
Authors: Viselli Anthony M. , Goupee Andrew J. , Dagher Habib J. , Allen Christopher K. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFloating offshore wind turbines are gaining considerable interest in the renewable energy sector. Design standards for floating offshore wind turbines such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Installations are relatively new and few if any floating wind turbines have yet experienced the prescribed design extreme environmental conditions. Only a few pilot floating turbines have been deployed in Europe and Japan. These turbines have been designed for long return period storm events and are not likely to see their extreme design conditions during early deployment periods because of the low probability of occurrence. This paper presents data collected for an intermediate scale floating semi‐submersible turbine intentionally placed offshore Maine in a carefully selected site that subjects the prototype to scale extreme conditions on a frequent basis. This prototype, called VolturnUS 1:8, was the first grid‐connected offshore wind turbine in the Americas, and is a 1:8 scale model of a 6 MW prototype. The test site produces with a high probability 1:8 scale wave environments, and a commercial turbine has been selected so that the wind environment/rotor combination produces 1:8‐scale aerodynamic loads appropriate for the site wave environment. In the winter of 2013–2014, this prototype has seen the equivalent of 50 year to 500 year return period storms exercising it to the limits prescribed by design standards, offering a unique look at the behavior of a floating turbine subjected to extreme design conditions. Performance data are provided and compared to full‐scale predicted values from numerical models. There are two objectives in presenting this data and associated analysis: (i) validate numerical aeroelastic hydrodynamic coupled models and (ii) investigate the performance of a near full‐scale floating wind turbine in a real offshore environment that closely matches the prescribed design conditions from the ABS Guide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Siting wind turbines near cliffs—the effect of wind direction
Authors: Rowcroft J. , Burton D. , Blackburn H.M. , Sheridan J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe optimal siting of wind turbines in the vicinity of cliffs is investigated with respect to inflow yaw angle, using wind tunnel experiments. Wind statistics are measured above a generic forward facing step, namely, the speed‐up, turbulence intensity, changes in wind direction and the persistence and frequency of vortices shed from the crest of the cliff. The experiments demonstrate that at half a cliff height above the cliff, and that same distance downstream of the crest, there exists an optimal region with increases in wind speed, combined with lower levels of turbulence intensity across the range of inflow angles that were investigated. In contrast, the far wake experiences a velocity deficit and an increase in turbulence intensity, when compared with the inflow. Furthermore, vortices are shed from the downstream reattachment region and persist beyond 10 cliff heights downstream. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can widespread generalist predators affect keystone prey? A case study with red foxes and European rabbits in their native range
Authors: Fernandez‐de‐Simon Javier , Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Rodríguez‐de la Cruz Manuel , Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Villafuerte Rafael , Ferreras Pablo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWidespread generalist predators may affect declining keystone prey populations. However, this phenomenon is not well understood. In this paper, we assessed whether the abundance and population growth of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, a keystone prey species in Mediterranean Iberia, was related to the abundance and diet of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, a widespread generalist predator. In a locality in central Spain, where rabbit population abundance declined, we estimated rabbit abundance during almost 3 years and determined fox abundance and diet during two concurrent years. We calculated a fox predation index (percentage of consumed rabbit biomass × fox abundance) to assess the importance of rabbits to foxes. We employed a multi–model approach to explain rabbit abundance and population growth. Foxes consumed between 60 and 99 % rabbit biomass in their diets, and this was independent of rabbit abundance. Periods of higher fox predation index coincided with lower rabbit density and vice versa. Two models best explained rabbit abundance and four rabbit population growth. They included the fox predation index and its interaction with rabbit abundance during the previous month. Altogether, fox predation, intraspecific density dependence, and their interaction partly explained rabbit population dynamics. We conclude that in order to propel the recovery of the rabbit in Iberia, it is essential to better understand the role of these factors in driving the abundance of the species.
Retinal development impairment and degenerative alterations in adult rats subjected to post‐natal malnutrition
Authors: Bevilaqua Mário Cesar do Nascimento , Andrade‐da‐Costa Belmira Lara , Fleming Renata Lopez , Dias Gisele Pereira , da Silveirada Luz Anna Claudia Domingos , Nardi Antonio Egidio , de Mello Fernando Garcia , Gardino Patricia Franca , Calaza Karin C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe early stages of central nervous system (CNS) development are extremely important. Key events such as neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, and ontogenesis occur. Malnutrition promotes alterations in CNS development, including the retinal development. During retinal development, malnutrition can induce a delay in some important events, such as neurotransmitter expression and neurogenesis.Methodology/Principal findingsPostpartum Wistar rats were fed either a commercial diet or a multideficient diet. Pups were breastfed by these rats, and from PND21 were kept with the same diet until PND45. We investigated the effects of malnutrition on adult retinal tissue with regard to (1) endogenous gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) release induced by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and (2) the expression of cellular markers related to degenerative events, such as reactive gliosis, microglial activation, cell proliferation and cell death. Endogenous GABA release induced by EAAs was higher in the retina of malnourished rats. The Müller cell population was reduced and displayed alterations in their phenotype profile compatible with reactive gliosis. The expression of glutamine synthetase and markers of cellular proliferation were higher in the retina of malnourished rats. Additionally, retinal dysplasia‐like structures were present, indicating disturbance in the cell cycle machinery.Conclusion/SignificanceThe current study provides evidence that the adult retina shows degenerative processes induced by long‐term malnutrition during the postnatal development. These findings have high clinical significance with regard to the identification of possible targets for interventions in malnourished patients.
Task shifting: A key strategy in the multipronged approach to reduce maternal mortality in India
Authors: Bhushan Himanshu , Bhardwaj Ajey 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTask shifting from specialist to nonspecialist doctors (NSDs) is an important strategy that has been implemented in India to overcome the critical shortage of healthcare workers by using the human resources available to serve the vast population, particularly in rural areas. A competency‐based training program in comprehensive emergency obstetric care was implemented to train and certify NSDs. Trained NSDs were able to provide key services in maternal health, which contribute toward reductions in maternal morbidity and mortality. The present article provides an overview of the maternal health challenges, shares important steps in program implementation, and shows how challenges can be overcome. The lessons learned from this experience contribute to understanding how task shifting can be used to address large‐scale public health issues in low‐resource countries and in particular solutions to address maternal health issues.
The impact of high-performance work systems on firm performance: The moderating effects of the human resource function’s influence
Authors: Jeong Dae Yong , Choi Myungweon 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWith data collected from 632 manufacturing firms in South Korea, we investigated (1) the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and firm performance, and (2) the moderating effect of the human resource (HR) function’s influence on the relationship between HPWSs and firm performance. Our findings showed the existence of both the main effect of HPWSs, supporting the universalistic perspective, and the moderating effect of the HR function’s influence, supporting the contingency perspective. Based on the findings, we concluded that HPWSs can be regarded as universal or best practices; at the same time, the presence of an influential HR function may intensify the effect of HPWSs on firm performance. This study contributes to the debate over the respective merits of the universalistic and contingency perspectives by showing that the two perspectives are not necessarily incompatible; rather, they can be complementary.
Effect of co-ingestion of amino acids with rice on glycaemic and insulinaemic response
Authors: Soong Yean Yean , Lim Joseph , Sun Lijuan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar 
Published: September 2015

AbstractConsumption of high glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic response (GR) food such as white rice has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have reported the ability of individual amino acids to reduce GR of carbohydrate-rich foods. Because of the bitter flavour of amino acids, they have rarely been used to reduce GR. We now report the use of a palatable, preformed amino acid mixture in the form of essence of chicken. In all, sixteen healthy male Chinese were served 68 or 136 ml amino acid mixture together with rice, or 15 or 30 min before consumption of white rice. Postprandial blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were measured at fasting and every 15 min after consumption of the meal until 60 min after the consumption of the white rice. Subsequent blood samples were taken at 30-min intervals until 210 min. The co-ingestion of 68 ml of amino acid mixture with white rice produced the best results in reducing the peak blood glucose and GR of white rice without increasing the insulinaemic response. It is postulated that amino acid mixtures prime β-cell insulin secretion and peripheral tissue uptake of glucose. The use of ready-to-drink amino acid mixtures may be a useful strategy for lowering the high-GI rice diets consumed in Asia.
Acute effects of calcium supplements on blood pressure and blood coagulation: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial in post-menopausal women
Authors: Bristow Sarah M. , Gamble Greg D. , Stewart Angela , Horne Anne M. , Reid Ian R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that Ca supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular events, but the mechanism(s) by which this occurs is uncertain. In a study primarily assessing the effects of various Ca supplements on blood Ca levels, we also investigated the effects of Ca supplements on blood pressure and their acute effects on blood coagulation. We randomised 100 post-menopausal women to 1 g/d of Ca or a placebo containing no Ca. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and every 2 h up to 8 h after their first dose and after 3 months of supplementation. Blood coagulation was measured by thromboelastography (TEG) in a subgroup of participants (n 40) up to 8 h only. Blood pressure declined over 8 h in both the groups, consistent with its normal diurnal rhythm. The reduction in systolic blood pressure was smaller in the Ca group compared with the control group by >5 mmHg between 2 and 6 h (P≤0·02), and the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was smaller at 2 h (between-groups difference 4·5 mmHg, P=0·004). Blood coagulability, assessed by TEG, increased from baseline over 8 h in the calcium citrate and control groups. At 4 h, the increase in the coagulation index was greater in the calcium citrate group compared with the control group (P=0·03), which appeared to be due to a greater reduction in the time to clot initiation. These data suggest that Ca supplements may acutely influence blood pressure and blood coagulation. Further investigation of this possibility is required.
SAMPLING THE SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY OF THE HONEYCOMB MODEL IN MAIZE AND WHEAT BREEDING TRIAS: ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY DATA COMPARED TO POPULAR CLASSICAL DESIGNS
Authors: TOKATLIDIS IOANNIS S. 
Published: September 2015

SUMMARYThe systematic rather than random entry arrangement of honeycomb designs (HDs) has been deployed to sample the spatial heterogeneity. This hypothesis was studied in fairly homogeneous populations, assuming that their phenotypic variability stemmed absolutely from spatial rather than genetic heterogeneity. It was based on single plant performance in two separate trials of a maize hybrid and a wheat cultivar reflecting different level of spatial heterogeneity. In general, the HDs counteracted spatial heterogeneity well, particularly when the number of evaluated entries was limited. There was a suggestion that they do well even in a high number of entries with many replicates per entry. Distribution and layout of spatial heterogeneity across the experimental area did not affect the precision of the HDs. Standardized configuration, which ensures implementation of essential principles met in other experimental models such as blocking, replication and nearest-neighbour (NN) adjustment on the same baseline, renders the honeycomb experimental pattern advantageous over the classical experimental designs like the randomized complete block (RCB), the NN method and the lattice model.
IMPROVING PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND DRY MATTER PRODUCTION OF ZEA MAYS L. ON A TROPICAL ACID SOIL USING POULTRY MANURE BIOCHAR AND PINEAPPLE LEAVES COMPOST
Authors: CH'NG HUCK YWIH , AHMED OSUMANU HARUNA , MAJID NIK MUHAMAD AB. 
Published: September 2015

SUMMARYPhosphorus deficiency in tropical acid soils is a problem because soluble inorganic phosphorus is fixed by aluminium and iron. Organic amendments could be used to overcome phosphorus fixation in acid soils. Thus, the objectives of this study were to (i) improve soil phosphorus availability using biochar and compost produced from poultry manure and pineapple leaves respectively, and (ii) determine whether the use of biochar and compost could improve phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium uptake and dry matter production of Zea mays L. cultivation on a tropical acid soil. Organic amendments significantly increased soil pH compared with non-organic amendments. Organic amendments also significantly reduced exchangeable acidity and exchangeable forms of aluminium and iron, and effectively fixed aluminium and iron instead of phosphorus. As a result, phosphorus availability in soil increased. Besides increasing the availability of nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium in soil, organic amendments improved nutrients uptake and dry matter production of Zea mays L. Biochar and compost can be used to improve the productivity of Zea mays L. on acid soils by reducing phosphorus fixation.
Lp and Weak–Lp estimates for the number of integer points in translated domains
Authors: BRANDOLINI LUCA , COLZANI LEONARDO , GIGANTE GIACOMO , TRAVAGLINI GIANCARLO 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRevisiting and extending a recent result of M. Huxley, we estimate the Lp($\mathbb{T}$d) and Weak–Lp($\mathbb{T}$d) norms of the discrepancy between the volume and the number of integer points in translated domains.
Maternal nutritional status (as measured by height, weight and BMI) in Bangladesh: trends and socio-economic association over the period 1996 to 2007
Authors: Mohsena Masuda , Goto Rie , Mascie-Taylor CG Nicholas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse trends in maternal nutritional status in Bangladesh over a 12-year period and to examine the associations between nutritional status and socio-economic variables.DesignMaternal nutritional status indicators were height, weight and BMI. Socio-economic variables used were region, residency, education and occupation of the mothers and their husbands, house type, and possession score in the household.SettingBangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007) were the source of data.SubjectsA total of 16 278 mothers were included.ResultsAll of the socio-economic variables showed significant associations with maternal nutritional status indicators. Regional variation was found to be present; all three indicators were found to be lowest in the Sylhet division. Upward trends in maternal height, weight and BMI were evident from no possessions to four possessions in households, and for no education to higher education of women and their husbands. Bangladeshi mothers measured in 2007 were found to be on average 0·34 cm taller and 3·36 kg heavier than mothers measured in 1996. Between 1996 and 2007 maternal underweight fell from nearly 50 % to just over 30 % while overweight and obesity increased from about 3 % to over 9 % (WHO cut-offs) or from 7 % to nearly 18 % (Asian cut-offs).ConclusionsThe study reveals that over the 12-year period in Bangladesh there has been a substantial reduction in maternal underweight accompanied by a considerable increase in obesity. It is also evident that malnutrition in Bangladesh is a multidimensional problem that warrants a proper policy mix and programme intervention.
Defensive modernization in Germany and in the Habsburg Empire – a historical study of capitalist transformation
Authors: WEGNER GERHARD 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWith the beginning of the Napoleonic war at the turn of the 19th century, capitalist transformation in the German states and in the Habsburg Empire took different routes. The article analyses the political economy of both types of ‘defensive modernization’ from the viewpoint of institutional economics. We argue that initial reforms in German states gave way to a transformation process which drove a wedge between the interest of the monarchs and the landed nobility. Liberal reformers established a political bargain with the nobility which made capitalist institutions acceptable for the power holders. Later on, reformers established a ‘market preserving federalism’ which gave capitalism a further boost. By contrast, the dependence of the Austrian Emperor on the multiethnic nobility weakened the power of the central state. The transformation process in the Habsburg Empire remained dependent on the personal interests of the dominant coalition, which either delayed capitalism or sought to combine capitalism with protectionism on its own behalf. As a result, capitalist dynamics took up speed in Germany but were delayed in Austria.
A pain-inducing centipede toxin targets the heat activation machinery of nociceptor TRPV1
Authors: Yang Shilong , Yang Fan , Wei Ningning , Hong Jing , Li Bowen , Luo Lei , Rong Mingqiang , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir , Zheng Jie , Wang KeWei , Lai Ren 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe capsaicin receptor TRPV1 ion channel is a polymodal nociceptor that responds to heat with exquisite sensitivity through an unknown mechanism. Here we report the identification of a novel toxin, RhTx, from the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede that potently activates TRPV1 to produce excruciating pain. RhTx is a 27-amino-acid small peptide that forms a compact polarized molecule with very rapid binding kinetics and high affinity for TRPV1. We show that RhTx targets the channel’s heat activation machinery to cause powerful heat activation at body temperature. The RhTx–TRPV1 interaction is mediated by the toxin’s highly charged C terminus, which associates tightly to the charge-rich outer pore region of the channel where it can directly interact with the pore helix and turret. These findings demonstrate that RhTx binding to the outer pore can induce TRPV1 heat activation, therefore providing crucial new structural information on the heat activation machinery.