bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immobilization and stabilization of levansucrase biocatalyst of high interest for the production of fructooligosaccharides and levan
Authors: Hill Andrea , Karboune Salwa , Mateo Cesar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDLevansucrase (LS)‐catalyzed‐transfructosylation reaction is a potential approach for the synthesis of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) and levan as health promoting compounds. This biocatalytic approach is hindered by low thermal stability of LS and its high rate of hydrolysis. In the present study, LS from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was immobilized onto modified and unmodified epoxy‐activated supports (Eupergit® C; Sepabeads®) and on modified cross‐linked‐agarose beads, to increase its thermal stability and modulate its reaction selectivity (hydrolysis/transfructosylation).RESULTSLS bound to Sepabeads® HA (98.8%) and glyoxyl agarose‐IDA/Cu (67%) retained high initial activity along with good immobilization yields. The thermal stability results indicated that glyoxyl agarose‐IDA/Cu and glyoxyl agarose, provided the greatest thermal stability with factors of 14 and 106 times, respectively. Immobilization through Sepabeads® HA increased the ratio of transfructosylation/hydrolysis by 2.3 times, although it did not promote the stabilization of LS. Immobilization on glyoxyl agarose‐IDA/Cu provided a good compromise of all three properties: retention of activity (67.0%), transfructosylation/hydrolysis ratio (120%) and thermal stability (stability factor of 13.6).CONCLUSIONThe stabilization of LS through immobilization contributes to its potential use commercially. With an increasingly stable enzyme, further work will be directed towards altering LS reaction specificity towards levan and levan‐type FOSs. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The Fano Plane and the Strong Independence Ratio in Hypergraphs of Maximum Degree 3
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Löwenstein Christian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA set S of vertices in a hypergraph H is strongly independent if no two vertices in S belong to a common edge. The strong independence number of H, denoted , is the maximum cardinality of a strongly independent set in H. The rank of H is the size of a largest edge in H. The hypergraph H is k‐uniform if every edge of H has size k. The transversal number, denoted , of H is the minimum number of vertices that intersect every edge. Our main result is that for all , the strong independence ratio of a hypergraph H with rank k and maximum degree 3 satisfies and this bound is achieved for all . In particular, this bound is achieved for the Fano plane. As an application of our result, we show that if H is a k‐uniform hypergraph on n vertices with m edges and with maximum degree 3 and vertices of degree 3, then . This improves a result due to Chvátal and McDiarmid [Combinatorica 12 (1992), 19–26] who proved that in the case when is even and H has maximum degree 3.
The extracranial venous system in the heads of beaked whales, with implications on diving physiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Costidis Alexander M. , Rommel Sentiel A. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBeaked whales are a poorly known but diverse group of whales that have received considerable attention due to strandings that have been temporally and spatially associated with naval sonar deployment. Postmortem studies on stranded carcasses have revealed lesions consistent with decompression sickness, including intravascular gas and fat emboli. These findings have been supported by analyses of intravascular gas emboli showing composition dominated by nitrogen gas. To increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of nitrogen bubble formation and intravascular embolization, we examined the gross and microscopic anatomy of the venous system in the head of beaked whales. Since the potential sources of intravascular fat and gas emboli were of greatest interest, focus was placed on the acoustic fat bodies and pneumatic accessory sinus system. Herein, we describe intimate arteriovenous associations with specialized adipose depots and air sinuses in beaked whales. These vascular structures comprise an extensive network of thin‐walled vessels with a large surface area, which is likely to facilitate exchange of nitrogen gas and may, therefore, form anatomic regions that may be important in physiological management of diving gases. These structures may also be vulnerable to pathologic introduction of emboli into the vascular system. Expansive, thin‐walled venous lakes are found within the pterygoid region, which suggest the potential for nitrogen exchange as well as for compensation of middle‐ear pressures during descent on a dive. These findings warrant further research into the structure and function of this morphology as it relates to normal and pathologic physiology. J. Morphol. 277:34–64, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The extracranial arterial system in the heads of beaked whales, with implications on diving physiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Costidis Alexander M. , Rommel Sentiel A. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBeaked whales are medium‐sized toothed whales that inhabit depths beyond the continental shelf; thus beaked whale strandings are relatively infrequent compared to those of other cetaceans. Beaked whales have been catapulted into the spotlight by their tendency to strand in association with naval sonar deployment. Studies have shown the presence of gas and fat emboli within the tissues and analysis of gas emboli is suggestive of nitrogen as the primary component. These findings are consistent with human decompression sickness (DCS) previously not thought possible in cetaceans. Because, tissue loading with nitrogen gas is paramount for the manifestation of DCS and nitrogen loading depends largely on the vascular perfusion of the tissues, we examined the anatomy of the extracranial arterial system using stranded carcasses of 16 beaked whales from five different species. Anatomic regions containing lipid and/or air spaces were prioritized as potential locations of nitrogen gas absorption due to the known solubility of nitrogen in adipose tissue and the nitrogen content of air, respectively. Attention was focused on the acoustic fat bodies and accessory sinus system on the ventral head. We found much of the arterial system of the head to contain arteries homologous to those found in domestic mammals. Robust arterial associations with lipid depots and air spaces occurred within the acoustic fat bodies of the lower jaw and pterygoid air sacs of the ventral head, respectively. Both regions contained extensive trabecular geometry with small arteries investing the trabeculae. Our findings suggest the presence of considerable surface area between the arterial system, and the intramandibular fat bodies and pterygoid air sacs. Our observations may provide support for the hypothesis that these structures play an important role in the exchange of nitrogen gas during diving. J. Morphol. 277:5–33, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing outcome and symptoms of anxiety and depression in dysphagic patients
Authors: Verdonschot Rob J. C. G. , Baijens Laura , Vanbelle Sophie , Florie Michelle , Kremer Bernd , Leue Carsten 
Published: October 2015

Objectives/HypothesisAffective complaints are involved in bothersome oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). The aim was to determine the relationship between the severity of OD and affective symptoms.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsOne hundred seven patients underwent a standardized examination protocol including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Two observers independently assessed patient performance on four ordinal FEES‐variables (for thin and thick liquid consistency, blindly assessed). The relationship between FEES outcome and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression was analyzed using binary logistic regression.ResultsSignificant associations were found between clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and two variables: piecemeal deglutition (thin liquid consistency only) (P = .026) and postswallow vallecular pooling (thick liquid consistency only) (P = .015). The probability of presenting with anxiety symptoms decreased as the severity of piecemeal deglutition and postswallow vallecular pooling increased. No significant association was found between clinically relevant symptoms of depression and any specific FEES variable.ConclusionsThese data revealed few associations between anxiety symptoms and the measured FEES variables. However, the more severe the score on FEES variables, the less important the affective complaints were. Anxiety seems to play a role in OD, but no causal relationship was found, commensurate with a cross‐sectional study design. The contribution of affective symptoms to the development and treatment of OD warrants longitudinal research.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 126:E199–E207, 2016
Effects of free fat grafting on the prevention of Frey's syndrome and facial depression after parotidectomy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Wang Shaoxin , Li Ling , Chen Jin , Li Xiaoxia , Yin Jun , Liu Kun , Li Chunhua , Wang Zhaohui , Li Chao , Zhu Guiquan 
Published: October 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the effectiveness of free fat grafting in preventing Frey's syndrome (FS) and facial depression after parotidectomy compared with acellular dermis.MethodsA prospective randomized trial was performed. Patients who underwent parotidectomy were randomly assigned to abdominal free fat or acellular dermis grafting groups. The occurrence of FS, the aesthetic outcome, economic results, and other complications were evaluated.ResultsBoth acellular dermis and free fat grafts were effective in preventing FS with an equal rate of postoperative complications. Patients undergoing free fat grafting had a significantly higher aesthetic score and lower cost than those undergoing acellular dermis grafting.ConclusionFree fat grafting has equal risks but more advantages compared with acellular dermis. Free fat grafting is an effective, convenient, and inexpensive option for parotidectomy defect reconstruction.Level of Evidence1b. Laryngoscope, 126:815–819, 2016
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and odds of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in North Carolina
Authors: Busch Evan L. , Zevallos Jose P. , Olshan Andrew F. 
Published: October 2015

Objectives/HypothesisExposure to excess gastric acid resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, might contribute to initiation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly laryngeal cancer. Prior epidemiologic studies have reported inconsistent results. We sought to clarify this relationship using an observational study with a larger available sample size and better‐characterized exposure information than most prior studies.Study DesignA population‐based case‐control study of head and neck cancer in North Carolina with 1,340 newly diagnosed cases and 1,378 controls matched on age, race, and sex.MethodsWe used unconditional logistic regression to examine associations between self‐reported heartburn and development of overall head and neck cancer as well as development of cancer at specific tumor sites. Subgroup analysis by smoking and alcoholic drinking status was used to make comparisons with a previous study that used a similar study design.ResultsOverall, an increased odds of head and neck cancer was not associated with either self‐reported history of heartburn symptoms (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.68, 1.06) or self‐reported medical diagnosis of GERD (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.71, 1.11). These patterns held for specific tumor sites. For laryngopharyngeal cancer, we did not detect any associations regardless of joint smoking and alcoholic drinking status.ConclusionGastroesophageal reflux does not appear to play a role in development of head and neck cancer.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1091–1096, 2016
The late‐annotated small ORF LSO1 is a target gene of the iron regulon of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: An Xiuxiang , Zhang Caiguo , Sclafani Robert A. , Seligman Paul , Huang Mingxia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe have identified a new downstream target gene of the Aft1/2‐regulated iron regulon in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the late‐annotated small open reading frame LSO1. LSO1 transcript is among the most highly induced from a transcriptome analysis of a fet3‐1 mutant grown in the presence of the iron chelator bathophenanthrolinedisulfonic acid. LSO1 has a paralog, LSO2, which is constitutively expressed and not affected by iron availability. In contrast, we find that the LSO1 promoter region contains three consensus binding sites for the Aft1/2 transcription factors and that an LSO1‐lacZ reporter is highly induced under low‐iron conditions in a Aft1‐dependent manner. The expression patterns of the Lso1 and Lso2 proteins mirror those of their mRNAs. Both proteins are localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm, but become more cytoplasmic upon iron deprivation consistent with a role in iron transport. LSO1 and LSO2 appear to play overlapping roles in the cellular response to iron starvation since single lso1 and lso2 mutants are sensitive to iron deprivation and this sensitivity is exacerbated when both genes are deleted.
Survival of microvascular free flaps in mandibular reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Markiewicz Michael R. , Bell R. Bryan , Bui Tuan G. , Dierks Eric J. , Ruiz Ramon , Gelesko Savannah , Pirgousis Phillip , Fernandes Rui 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundFree tissue transfer is commonly used in the reconstruction of post‐ablative defects of the mandible. Due to lack of statistical power, comparing the survival of various free flaps, even in large studies, is challenging. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis comparing the survival of the most commonly used free flaps for mandibular reconstruction.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS for relevant studies. A meta‐analysis using the Peto one‐step odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to compare the pooled survival of the most commonly used free flaps for mandibular reconstruction.ResultsOf the 25,303 studies reviewed, 17 were selected for data extraction. A total of 1,221 subjects received 1,262 free flaps. Sixty‐five free flaps failed. The pooled survival of all free flaps used for mandibular reconstruction was 94.8%. The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap was associated with a seven‐fold increase in failure when compared to the radial forearm free flap (Peto OR 7.40; 95% CI 1.38, 39.75, P = 0.02). There was no difference in survival when comparing other commonly used free flaps.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that free flap reconstruction of the mandible is highly successful. With the exception of the increased survival of the radial forearm when compared to the DCIA, there is no difference in recipient site survival when comparing various free flaps for mandibular reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:576–587, 2015.
Use of uroflow parameters in diagnosing an overactive bladder—Back to the drawing board
Authors: Futyma Konrad , Nowakowski Łukasz , Bogusiewicz Michał , Ziętek Alicja , Wieczorek Andrzej P. , Rechberger Tomasz 
Published: October 2015

AimsThe aim of our study was to analyze whether uroflowmetry parameters are helpful in diagnosing overactive bladder (OAB). The working hypothesis was that the flow curves of patients with OAB symptoms would appear as a sharp peak flow rate with a short duration and high amplitude, lasting only for a short period during urgency sensation, followed by reduced urine flow. We introduced a new parameter called flow index (FI) defined as an average divided by maximal urine flow rates as a potential marker for diagnosing OAB.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study analyzing 757 urodynamic studies performed in women with lower urinary tract symptoms between 2007–2014. Based on subjective clinical symptoms patients were divided into four groups (pure OAB, mixed urinary incontinence with predominant OAB [MUI‐OAB], mixed urinary incontinence with predominant SUI [MUI‐SUI], and pure SUI patients).ResultsWhen comparing FI between pure OAB and pure SUI patients, a strong statistically significant difference was found (mean 0.45 ± 0.08 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar results were found when comparing the patients with pure OAB and MUI‐OAB versus patients with pure SUI and MUI‐SUI (mean 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). On the other hand, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the FI value between mixed urinary incontinence where SUI is the predominant factor and pure SUI groups (median 0.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P > 0.5).ConclusionsFI may be used as an additional marker for OAB diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:198–202, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of a distraction task on the involuntary reflex contraction of the pelvic floor muscles following cough
Authors: Thubert Thibault , Villot Anne , Billecocq Sylvie , Auclair Laurent , Amarenco Gérard , Deffieux Xavier 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo explore the involvement of a distraction task in involuntary reflex pelvic floor muscle contraction following cough.MethodsInformed consent was obtained from 33 healthy volunteers. Involuntary contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS) was induced by means of coughing. Cough efforts were elicited by electronic order. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the EAS was recorded during involuntary contraction elicited by coughing. The trials were carried out twice: combined (or not) with a mental distraction task; the paced auditory serial additional test (PASAT). Reaction time (RT) defined as latency between the stimulus and maximum EAS EMG activity (RT1), latency between the stimulus and external intercostal (EIC) muscle EMG activity (RT2), latency between EIC EMG activity and EAS EMG activity (RT3), duration of the contraction, and the area under the EAS EMG activity curve (perineal contraction) were measured.ResultsThe distraction task altered anticipation of the PFM contraction: RT3 was −80.00 ms (IQR −107; −56) without the PASAT versus −56.67 ms (IQR: −94; −2) with the distraction task (ratio 0.71, P = 0.0045, Wilcoxon test). RT2 was altered during the distraction task: 583.33 ms (IQR: 344–775) without PASAT versus 652.71 ms (503–790) during PASAT (ratio 1.12, P = 0.031, Wilcoxon test). Finally, when the two conditions (respectively with and without the mental distraction task) were compared, there was a significant difference between the area under the EAS EMG activity curve (0.0115 mv sec vs. 0.0103 mv sec, ratio 0.90, P = 0.023).ConclusionsThe mental distraction task altered involuntary reflex contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:160–165, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging of sodium in the brain: a brief review
Authors: Shah N. Jon , Worthoff Wieland A. , Langen Karl‐Josef 
Published: October 2015

Sodium‐based MRI plays a vital role in the study of metabolism and can unveil valuable information about emerging and existing pathology – in particular in the human brain. Sodium is the second most abundant MR active nucleus in living tissue and, due to its quadrupolar nature, has magnetic properties not common to conventional proton MRI, which can reveal further insights, such as information on the compartmental distribution of intra‐ and extracellular sodium. Nevertheless, the use of sodium nuclei for imaging comes at the expense of a lower sensitivity and significantly reduced relaxation times, making in vivo sodium studies feasible only at high magnetic field strength and by the use of dedicated pulse sequences.Hybrid imaging combining sodium MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) simultaneously is a novel and promising approach to access information on dynamic metabolism with much increased, PET‐derived specificity. Application of this new methodology is demonstrated herein using examples from tumour imaging. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction: Descent from Israel and Jewish Identities in the Pacific, Past and Present
Authors: Newland Lynda , Brown Terry M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis Introduction to this Special Issue of Oceania, ‘Descent from Israel: Jewish Identities in the Pacific, Past and Present’, sets the historical context of European interest in Pacific peoples as descended from the ‘Lost Tribes’ of the biblical Hebrews. After surveying the way in which Pacific Christians in the past and present have adopted a Jewish identity, whether through genealogy, biblical and theological interpretation, and/or deep interest in the State of Israel, we then contextualise and summarise the scholarship that follows: on Jewish identity as adopted by churches and religious movements in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua Guinea, as well as a final reflection on their significance for Judaism today.
Representative Bureaucracy, Organizational Integrity, and Citizen Coproduction: Does an Increase in Police Ethnic Representativeness Reduce Crime?
Authors: Hong Sounman 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn 1999, the U.K. government set force‐specific 10‐year targets for recruiting new police officers from ethnic minorities. Using these targets as instrumental variables, this study finds that this policy mandating an increase in the share of ethnic minority officers in a given force is associated with a decrease in the number of crimes in the area under the force's jurisdiction during the 10‐year period. It is argued that greater representativeness and diversity within a public organization improves organizational integrity, which influences bureaucrats’ attitudes and behaviors toward minority citizens. In the context of policing, diversity can mitigate the institutionalized practice of officers acting on implicit assumptions about minorities being inherently more unlawful than whites: Police representativeness is associated with a decrease in the overrepresentation of black individuals among those subject to “stop and search.” Such a change may make minority citizens more willing to cooperate in the coproduction of public values, facilitating the attainment of organizational goals.