bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ligand promiscuity through the eyes of the aminoglycoside N3 acetyltransferase IIa
Authors: Norris Adrianne L. , Serpersu Engin H. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAminoglycoside‐modifying enzymes (AGMEs) are expressed in many pathogenic bacteria and cause resistance to aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics. Remarkably, the substrate promiscuity of AGMEs is quite variable. The molecular basis for such ligand promiscuity is largely unknown as there is not an obvious link between amino acid sequence or structure and the antibiotic profiles of AGMEs. To address this issue, this article presents the first kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of one of the least promiscuous AGMEs, the AG N3 acetyltransferase‐IIa (AAC‐IIa) and its comparison to two highly promiscuous AGMEs, the AG N3‐acetyltransferase‐IIIb (AAC‐IIIb) and the AG phosphotransferase(3′)‐IIIa (APH). Despite having similar antibiotic selectivities, AAC‐IIIb and APH catalyze different reactions and share no homology to one another. AAC‐IIa and AAC‐IIIb catalyze the same reaction and are very similar in both amino acid sequence and structure. However, they demonstrate strong differences in their substrate profiles and kinetic and thermodynamic properties. AAC‐IIa and APH are also polar opposites in terms of ligand promiscuity but share no sequence or apparent structural homology. However, they both are highly dynamic and may even contain disordered segments and both adopt well‐defined conformations when AGs are bound. Contrary to this AAC‐IIIb maintains a well‐defined structure even in apo form. Data presented herein suggest that the antibiotic promiscuity of AGMEs may be determined neither by the flexibility of the protein nor the size of the active site cavity alone but strongly modulated or controlled by the effects of the cosubstrate on the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the enzyme.
Intrafetal laser treatment for twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence: cohort study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pagani G. , D'Antonio F. , Khalil A. , Papageorghiou A. , Bhide A. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo ascertain the outcome of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence cases managed in our unit and to review systematically cases reported in the literature treated with intrafetal laser therapy.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all TRAP sequence cases identified from 2000 to 2012 at our center. Pregnancy management and outcomes were ascertained from maternal and neonatal records. We also performed a meta‐analysis of the literature on the use of intrafetal laser therapy for the treatment of TRAP. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as a composite of intrauterine death (IUD) and preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation.ResultsTwenty‐three cases of TRAP were identified during the study period. Six were managed conservatively and 17 were treated with laser therapy. All cases managed conservatively were complicated by IUD at a median gestational age of 14 + 4 (interquartile range (IQR), 12 + 4 to 16 + 5) weeks. Among the treated cases, 14 (82%) delivered a healthy twin at a median gestational age of 37 + 1 (IQR, 34 + 0 to 38 + 3) weeks. Ten studies were reviewed in detail and the data were combined with those from the current study. The overall neonatal survival was 80%. Adverse pregnancy outcome was significantly lower when the treatment was performed before 16 weeks' gestation (19 vs 66%, P = 0.0025).ConclusionThe study data demonstrate a high risk of spontaneous fetal demise in early pregnancy, lack of accurate prognostic markers and improved pregnancy outcome after laser therapy in cases of TRAP. In these cases we recommend elective treatment with intrafetal laser therapy at between 13 and 16 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Distortion of the anterior part of the interhemispheric fissure: significance and implications for prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Vinurel N. , Van Nieuwenhuyse A. , Cagneaux M. , Garel C. , Quarello E. , Brasseur M. , Picone O. , Ferry M. , Gaucherand P. , des Portes V. , Guibaud L. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn order to illustrate the significance of a new anatomical finding, distortion of the interhemispheric fissure (DIHF) associated with impacted medial borders of the frontal lobes, we report a retrospective observational study of 13 fetuses in which DIHF was identified on prenatal imaging. In 10 cases there were associated anatomical anomalies, including mainly midline anomalies (syntelencephaly (n = 2), lobar holoprosencephaly (n = 1), Aicardi syndrome (n = 2)), but also schizencephaly (n = 1), cortical dysplasia (n = 1) and more complex cerebral malformations (n = 3), including neural tube defect in two cases. Chromosomal anomaly was identified in two cases, including 6p deletion in a case without associated central nervous system anomalies and a complex mosaicism in one of the cases with syntelencephaly. In two cases, the finding was apparently isolated on both pre‐ and postnatal imaging, and the children were doing well at follow‐up, aged 4 and 5 years. The presence of DIHF on prenatal imaging may help in the diagnosis of cerebral anomalies, especially those involving the midline. If DIHF is apparently isolated on prenatal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for careful analysis of gyration and midline, especially optic and olfactory structures. Karyotyping is also recommended. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Bioenergy options for New Zealand: key findings from five studies
Authors: Hall Peter 
Published: May 2013

Studies on bioenergy opportunities available to New Zealand found wood from plantation forests is the largest biomass resource and the one with most potential to expand. The use of municipal solid wastes and industrial effluents for energy gave significant environmental benefits, but makes a small contribution to total energy demand. The potential of plantation forests to create a carbon store, garner environmental benefits, and create lumber and energy supplies are substantial. After considering several aspects, including domestic energy supply and demand, key to maximizing these benefits for New Zealand is the development of biomass to liquid fuels conversion technologies, focused on wood to drop‐in liquid fuels. Establishment of large‐scale woody biomass resources producing multiple products including energy could mitigate risks associated with other bioenergy options by

Being based on an existing industry;
Not impacting exports from arable and high‐value pastoral land;
Acting as significant long‐term energy store;
Providing carbon sequestration during establishment and growingphases and additional carbon stocks from new forest area;
Providing environmental services, stabilizing erosion prone land, provid‐ing low‐input (fertilizer, pesticides) land use, and improving waterquality;
Producing sustainable coproducts, traditional timber products, and high‐value biomaterials and chemicals;
Providing the forest industry with a significant alternative market for low‐value log products;
Stimulating regional development;
Providing year round biomass supply.
The opportunity to substitute fossil fuels with domestically produced biofuels could bring long‐term economic and environmental benefits to the country through better utilizing New Zealand's natural capital.This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Economics and Policy
Bioenergy > Systems and Infrastructure
Bioenergy > Climate and Environment
Learning Tools and Simulation in Robotic Surgery: State of the Art
Authors: Buchs Nicolas C. , Pugin François , Volonté Francesco , Morel Philippe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRobotic surgery has emerged as a new technology over the last decade and has brought with it new challenges, particularly in terms of teaching and training. To overcome these challenges, robotic courses, virtual simulation, and dual consoles have been successfully introduced. In fact, there are several simulators currently on the market that have proven to be a valid option for training, especially for the novice trainee. Robotic courses have also found success around the world, allowing participants to implement robotic programs at their institution, typically with the help of a proctor. More recently, the dual console has enabled two surgeons to be operating at the same time. Having one experienced surgeon and one trainee each at his or her own console has made it an obvious choice for training. Although these methods have been successfully introduced, the data remain relatively scarce concerning their role in training. The aim of this article was to review the various methods and tools involved in the training of surgeons in robotic surgery.
Quorum-sensing inhibitory compounds from extremophilic microorganisms isolated from a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat
Authors: Abed Raeid M M , Dobretsov Sergey , Al-Fori Marwan , Gunasekera Sarath P , Sudesh Kumar , Paul Valerie J 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this study, extremely halophilic and moderately thermophilic microorganisms from a hypersaline microbial mat were screened for their ability to produce antibacterial, antidiatom, antialgal, and quorum-sensing (QS) inhibitory compounds. Five bacterial strains belonging to the genera Marinobacter and Halomonas and one archaeal strain belonging to the genus Haloterrigena were isolated from a microbial mat. The strains were able to grow at a maximum salinity of 22–25 % and a maximum temperature of 45–60 °C. Hexanes, dichloromethane, and butanol extracts from the strains inhibited the growth of at least one out of nine human pathogens. Only butanol extracts of supernatants of Halomonas sp. SK-1 inhibited growth of the microalga Dunaliella salina. Most extracts from isolates inhibited QS of the acyl homoserine lactone producer and reporter Chromobacterium violaceum CV017. Purification of QS inhibitory dichloromethane extracts of Marinobacter sp. SK-3 resulted in isolation of four related diketopiperazines (DKPs): cyclo(l-Pro-l-Phe), cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu), cyclo(l-Pro-l-isoLeu), and cyclo(l-Pro-d-Phe). QS inhibitory properties of these DKPs were tested using C. violaceum CV017 and Escherichia coli-based QS reporters (pSB401 and pSB1075) deficient in AHL production. Cyclo(l-Pro-l-Phe) and cyclo(l-Pro-l-isoLeu) inhibited QS-dependent production of violacein by C. violaceum CV017. Cyclo(l-Pro-l-Phe), cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu), and cyclo(l-Pro-l-isoLeu) reduced QS-dependent luminescence of the reporter E. coli pSB401 induced by 3-oxo-C6-HSL. Our study demonstrated the ability of halophilic and moderately thermophilic strains from a hypersaline microbial mat to produce biotechnologically relevant compounds that could be used as antifouling agents.
The Well- and Unwell-Being of a Child
Authors: Schües Christina , Rehmann-Sutter Christoph 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The concept of the ‘well-being of the child’ (like the ‘child’s welfare’ and ‘best interests of the child’) has remained underdetermined in legal and ethical texts on the needs and rights of children. As a hypothetical construct that draws attention to the child’s long-term welfare, the well-being of the child is a broader concept than autonomy and happiness. This paper clarifies some conceptual issues of the well-being of the child from a philosophical point of view. The main question is how well-being could in practice acquire a concrete meaning and content for a particular issue or situation. A phenomenological-hermeneutic research perspective will be outlined that allows the child’s well-being to be elucidated and specified as an anthropological and ethical idea. It is based on a contextual understanding of generative relationships, a combination of the theory and practice of making sense, here described as ‘generative insight’, which could provide ethical guidance for decision making in families, legal practice, medicine or biomedical research.
Production and Characterization of DHA and GLA‐Enriched Structured Lipid from Palm Olein for Infant Formula Use
Authors: Nagachinta Supakana , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPalm olein was modified via lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis reaction to obtain fatty acid composition and positional distribution similar to human milk fat. In the reaction, a free fatty acid mix containing 23.23 % docosahexaenoic (DHA), 31.42 % gamma‐linolenic (GLA), and 15.12 % palmitic acid was employed. The DHA and GLA were incorporated into the structured lipid (SL) product to improve its nutritional value. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of reaction time and substrate mole ratio (palm olein to a free fatty acid mix) on the amount of palmitic acid at the sn‐2 position of SL triacyglycerols (TAG), and on the total DHA and GLA incorporation. Gram‐scale production of SL was performed using the conditions predicted by RSM to maximize the content of palmitic acid at the sn‐2 position. Verification of the predictions from RSM confirmed its practical utility. The resulting SL had 35.11 % palmitic acid at the sn‐2 position, with 3.75 % DHA and 5.03 % GLA. Differential scanning calorimetry and HPLC analyses of the TAG revealed changes in their polymorphic profiles and TAG molecular species of SL compared to palm olein. The SL from this study can potentially be used in infant formula formulations.
Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for patients with Asherman's syndrome: menstrual and fertility outcomes
Authors: Yamamoto Nari , Takeuchi Reiko , Izuchi Daisuke , Yuge Norihito , Miyazaki Masahide , Yasunaga Masafumi , Egashira Katsuko , Ueoka Yousuke , Inoue Yoshihito 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeMost patients with Asherman's syndrome present with infertility and menstrual problems. In this retrospective clinical study, we analyzed patients with Asherman's syndrome who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis to examine their associated symptoms, disease etiologies, and fertility outcomes.MethodsTwenty‐seven patients with Asherman's syndrome that were diagnosed using hysteroscopy were recruited. The chief complaints were infertility, hypomenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Each case of Asherman's syndrome was classified according to the American Fertility Society classification. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was performed in all cases and concomitant transabdominal ultrasonography was conducted in cases with extensive and dense adhesions.ResultsThere were no complications associated with the hysteroscopic procedure. Normal menstrual cycles resumed in all cases. Of the 16 infertile patients, 9 conceived. Three patients achieved term deliveries and one patient is currently pregnant. None of the patients had obstetric complications. Two patients had spontaneous abortions, one had an ectopic pregnancy, one had an abortion at 16 weeks’ gestation due to cervical incompetence, and one had a molar pregnancy and required uterine artery embolization for uncontrolled hemorrhaging during a dilatation and curettage procedure.ConclusionsHysteroscopic adhesiolysis with transabdominal ultrasonography is a suitable treatment method for Asherman's syndrome. Subfertile patients with Asherman's syndrome undergoing adhesiolysis should be appropriately informed about the risk of associated life‐threatening complications and preterm delivery.
Risk factors for mild cognitive impairment among Mexican Americans
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Johnson Leigh , Reisch Joan , Edwards Melissa , Hall James , Barber Robert , Devous Michael D. , Royall Donald , Singh Meharvan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough a great deal of literature has focused on risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), little published work examines risk for MCI among Mexican Americans.MethodsData from 1628 participants (non‐Hispanicn= 1002; Mexican Americann= 626) were analyzed from two ongoing studies of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease, Project FRONTIER (Facing Rural Obstacles to health Now Through Intervention, Education & Research) and TARCC (Texas Alzheimer's Research & Care Consortium).ResultsWhen looking at the full cohorts (non‐Hispanic and Mexican American), age, education, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and gender were consistently related to MCI diagnosis across the two cohorts. However, when split by ethnicity, advancing age was the only significant risk factor for MCI among Mexican Americans across both cohorts.ConclusionsThe current data suggest that many of the previously established risk factors for MCI among non‐Hispanic cohorts may not be predictive of MCI among Mexican Americans and point to the need for additional work aimed at understanding factors related to cognitive aging among this underserved segment of the population.
Sermons, Separatists, and Succession Politics in Late Elizabethan England
Authors: Questier Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn late 1599 the population of York was able to witness a fairly extraordinary sight. In York Castle, the Catholic prisoners of conscience, as they saw themselves (though others regarded them as dangerous political dissidents), were being compelled to listen, once a week, to a Protestant sermon. These sermons were preached at them by a slate of godly ministers. This exercise was something the prisoners actively contested by murmuring, blocking their ears, shouting, and attempting to rush out of the hall. The prisoners' antics provoked the authorities into increasingly coercive measures to make them hear the Word of God. This outwardly rather ridiculous and unseemly charade went on, week after week, for nearly a year, at which point the whole business was abandoned by the lord president, Lord Burghley, as a waste of time. However, by decoding the extant manuscript narrative that we have of the sermon series and by looking at who was involved in this business and why, and what political messages were being sent during the course of it, we can say something about the popular politics of late Elizabethan England. In particular, we can comment on the strategies adopted by those who were anticipating the moment, surely not far off, when Tudor power would be extinguished and Elizabeth's crown would pass to her successor.
L'abstention sélective, ou pourquoi certains jeunes qui votent au fédéral boudent les élections municipales
Authors: Dostie-Goulet Eugénie , Blais André , Fournier Patrick , Gidengil Elizabeth 
Published: May 2013

Résumé.Les études sur le comportement électoral au niveau municipal sont rares. Sont encore plus rares celles qui comparent les élections municipales avec celles d'un autre niveau. Cette recherche vise à combler ce vide, mais d'une manière particulière : nous nous intéressons aux gens qui choisissent de s'abstenir de façon sélective. Il s'agit donc de voir pourquoi certains votent lors des élections fédérales mais non lors des élections municipales, ou pourquoi une élection de « deuxième niveau » serait moins attirante qu'une élection de « premier niveau ». Cette question est examinée à l'aide d'un échantillon composé de jeunes montréalais ayant entre 19 et 31 ans. Quatre déterminants sont plus fortement liés à l'abstention sélective : l'identification partisane, l'enracinement local, l'intérêt pour la politique et l'utilisation des services municipaux.Abstract.Studies of electoral behaviour at the municipal level are rare. Even less frequent are those comparing behaviour in municipal elections and in elections at other levels of government. Our aim is to address this gap in the research, with particular interest paid to people who choose to abstain in a selective way. This study considers those who participate in federal elections but not in municipal elections. Stated alternatively, why might second-order elections be less attractive to voters than first-order elections? To address this question, we use a sample composed of young Montrealers aged 19 to 31. Four determinants were found to be important when explaining selective abstention : partisan identification, local attachment, political interest and use of municipal services.
Extremal sequences of polynomial complexity
Authors: HARE KEVIN G. , MORRIS IAN D. , SIDOROV NIKITA 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe joint spectral radius of a bounded set of d × d real matrices is defined to be the maximum possible exponential growth rate of products of matrices drawn from that set. For a fixed set of matrices, a sequence of matrices drawn from that set is called extremal if the associated sequence of partial products achieves this maximal rate of growth. An influential conjecture of J. Lagarias and Y. Wang asked whether every finite set of matrices admits an extremal sequence which is periodic. This is equivalent to the assertion that every finite set of matrices admits an extremal sequence with bounded subword complexity. Counterexamples were subsequently constructed which have the property that every extremal sequence has at least linear subword complexity. In this paper we extend this result to show that for each integer p ≥ 1, there exists a pair of square matrices of dimension 2p(2p+1 − 1) for which every extremal sequence has subword complexity at least 2−p2np.
Marketing foods to children: a comparison of nutrient content between children's and non-children's products
Authors: Lythgoe Amelia , Roberts Caireen , Madden Angela M , Rennie Kirsten L 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe predominance of marketing of products high in fat, sugar and/or salt to children has been well documented and implicated in the incidence of obesity. The present study aimed to determine whether foods marketed to children in UK supermarkets are nutritionally similar to the non-children's equivalent, focusing on food categories that may be viewed as healthier options.DesignNutritional data were collected on yoghurts (n 147), cereal bars (n 145) and ready meals (n 144) from seven major UK supermarkets and categorised as children's or non-children's products based on the characteristics, promotional nature or information on the product packaging. Fat, sugar and salt content was compared per 100 g and per recommended portion size.SettingUK.ResultsPer 100 g, children's yoghurts and cereal bars were higher in total sugars, fat and saturated fat than the non-children's; this was significant for all except sugar and total fat in cereal bars. Per portion these differences remained, except for sugars in yoghurts. Conversely children's ready meals were significantly lower in these nutrients per portion than non-children's, but not when expressed per 100 g. Children's yoghurts and ready meals had significantly lower sodium content than non-children's both per portion and per 100 g.ConclusionsSignificant differences between the nutritional composition of children's and non-children's products were observed but varied depending on the unit reference. A significant number of products marketed towards children were higher in fat, sugar and salt than those marketed to the general population.