bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yapsin 3, a new member of the yapsin family of aspartic proteases encoded by the YPS3 gene
Authors: OLSEN Vicki , CAWLEY Niamh X. , BRANDT Jakob , EGEL-MITANI Michi , LOH Y. Peng 
Published: August 2015

A new aspartic protease from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a high degree of similarity with yapsin 1 and yapsin 2 and a specificity for basic residue cleavage sites of prohormones, has been cloned. This enzyme was named yapsin 3. Expression of a C-terminally truncated non-membrane anchored yapsin 3 in yeast yielded a heterogeneous protein between 135–200 kDa which, upon treatment with endoglycosidase H, migrated as a 60 kDa form. Amino-acid analysis of the N-terminus of expressed yapsin 3 revealed two different N-terminal residues, serine-48 and phenylalanine-54, which followed a dibasic and a monobasic residue respectively. Cleavage of several prohormones by non-anchored yapsin 3 revealed a specificity distinct from that of yapsin 1.
Protein specific N-glycosylation of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 in B16 mouse melanoma cells
Authors: NEGROIU Gabriela , BRANZA-NICHITA Norica , PETRESCU Andrei J. , DWEK Raymond A. , PETRESCU Stefana M. 
Published: August 2015

Tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) are two melanogenic enzymes that regulate melanin biosynthesis. Both are glycoproteins and belong to the TRP-1 gene family. They share a significant level of sequence similarity in several regions, including the catalytic domain and the potential N-glycosylation sites. We have recently shown that inhibition of the early steps of N-glycan processing in B16F1 cells dramatically affects tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis. We present here results on N-glycan processing of TRP-1 and tyrosinase and compare the maturation process and activity of both glycoproteins in the presence of inhibitors of the endoplasmic reticulum stages of N-glycosylation.
N-glycan analysis reveals that each of these two glycoproteins contains a mixture of high-mannose and sialylated complex N-glycans. However, in contrast to TRP-1, tyrosinase presents a homogeneous high-mannose glycoform, also.
In the presence of α-glucosidases inhibitors, the maturation of tyrosinase N-glycans is completely inhibited, whereas TRP-1 is still able to acquire some complex glycans, indicating that endomannosidase acts preferentially on the later glycoprotein. In addition, the dopa-oxidase activity of tyrosinase is totally abolished, whereas for TRP-1 it is only partially affected. The results suggest that despite their structural similarity, tyrosinase is more sensitive than TRP-1 to perturbations of early N-glycan processing, in terms of maturation and catalytical activity.
pH-dependence of the fast step of maltose hydrolysis catalysed by glucoamylase G1 from Aspergillus niger
Authors: CHRISTENSEN Ulla 
Published: August 2015

The presteady-state kinetic parameters of the interaction of wild-type glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger (EC 3.2.1.3) with maltose were obtained and analysed in the pH range 3-7 with intervals of 0.25 pH units. In all cases the following three-step reaction scheme was found to apply.
E+S ES1 ES2 E+P
The general result of the analysis of the presteady-state kinetics is that glucoamylase G1 is affected by the protonation states of three groups, with pKa values of 2.7, 4.5 and 5.7 in the free enzyme and of 2.7, 4.75 and 6.5 in the first enzyme-substrate complex. The protonation of the group in the enzyme-substrate complex with a pKa 6.5 had no effect on k2 (1640 s-1) or k-2 (20±4 s-1), but resulted in a stronger enzyme-substrate interaction, due to a decrease of K1 from 40 to 6.3 mM. In other words, when the substrate is bound, the pKa of the acid group changes to increase the fraction of reactive enzyme. Since this pKa parallels that of the Michaelis complex, known from the pH-dependence of kcat, the group in question is most probably the catalytic acid Glu-179. Protonation of Glu-179 thus is of no importance in the second step, clearly indicating that this step represents a conformational change and not the actual hydrolysis step of the reaction. Protonation of the pKa = 4.75 group leads to a small decrease in k2 to 1090 s-1, and also to minor changes in K1. The group with pKa = 2.7 leads to a major decrease of k2, of which the limit may be zero, but shows no effect on K1. Thus no difference is seen between the pKa values of the free enzyme and of the first enzyme-substrate complex at low pH.
VASODILATORS AND CALCIUM-45 UPTAKE IN VASCULAR SMOOTH AND CARDIAC MUSCLE
Authors: BOSTROM STIG-LENNART , LJUNG BENGT 
Published: August 2015

A variety of substances, chemically heterogenous, has been classified as calcium antagonists. They inhibit the contractile activity of vascular smooth and cardiac muscle. This has been attributed to a blockade of the so called slow channels of the cell membrane causing an inhibition of the transmembrane influx of calcium. In the experiments reported we have studied the effect of verapamil, nifedipine and felodipine (pINN) on the uptake of calcium-45 in the rat portal vein and papillary muscle.
The results show that the substances, at their IC50 values, did not decrease the cellular uptake of calcium-45, measured with the lanthanum method.
The Burden of Clostridium difficile after Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Guzman Javier Z. , Skovrlj Branko , Rothenberg Edward S. , Lu Young , McAnany Steven , Cho Samuel K. , Hecht Andrew C. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. 
Published: August 2015

Study Design Retrospective database analysis. Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate incidence, comorbidities, and impact on health care resources of Clostridium difficile infection after cervical spine surgery. Methods A total of 1,602,130 cervical spine surgeries from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2011 were included. Patients were included for study based on International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedural codes for cervical spine surgery for degenerative spine diagnoses. Baseline patient characteristics were determined. Multivariable analyses assessed factors associated with increased incidence of C. difficile and risk of mortality. Results Incidence of C. difficile infection in postoperative cervical spine surgery hospitalizations is 0.08%, significantly increased since 2002 ( p < 0.0001). The odds of postoperative C. difficile infection were significantly increased in patients with comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, renal failure, and perivascular disease. Circumferential cervical fusion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.93, p < 0.0001) increased the likelihood of developing C. difficile infection after degenerative cervical spine surgery. C. difficile infection after cervical spine surgery results in extended length of stay ( p < 0.0001) and increased hospital costs ( p < 0.0001). Mortality rate in patients who develop C. difficile after cervical spine surgery is nearly 8% versus 0.19% otherwise ( p < 0.0001). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed C. difficile to be a significant predictor of inpatient mortality (OR = 3.99, p < 0.0001). Conclusions C. difficile increases the risk of in-hospital mortality and costs approximately $6,830,695 per year to manage in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. Patients with comorbidities such as renal failure or congestive heart failure have increased probability of developing infection after surgery. Accepted antibiotic guidelines in this population must be followed to decrease the risk of developing postoperative C. difficile colitis.
Thermal and moisture habitat preferences do not maximize jumping performance in frogs
Authors: Mitchell Allegra , Bergmann Philip J. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryAmphibians are suffering population declines globally, and understanding how environmental parameters influence their thermal and moisture preferences and performance at various tasks is crucial to understanding how these animals will be influenced by climate change.Body temperature and hydration affect organismal performance at many fitness‐related tasks. Since amphibians are ectotherms with highly water‐permeable skin, environmental temperature and moisture directly affect their body temperature and hydration. Therefore, amphibians should select habitats with the optimal combination of temperature and moisture to perform tasks necessary for survival. However, interactions between environmental temperature and moisture can influence habitat selection and task performance in different and often unpredictable ways, and this has only infrequently been considered.We tested for interactions between environmental temperature, moisture and organismal hydration on temperature and moisture preferences and jumping performance in green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) in the laboratory, using thermal and moisture gradients, and high‐speed video and force plate data. We then integrated the laboratory experiments with field data.In the thermal and moisture gradients, frogs selected environmental conditions that minimized cutaneous evaporative water loss, hydroregulating more stringently than thermoregulating. These results are consistent with frogs in the field, which had highly variable body temperatures, but were always hydrated above 95% of their standard mass. However, conditions that minimized evaporative water loss frequently did not maximize jumping performance because warmer temperatures conferred greater performance.The ecology ofL. clamitansmay explain the discrepancy between their preferences and jumping performance optima because the frogs remain in wet environments that serve as refuges from dehydration. In parts of their range where frogs are subjected to warmer and drier conditions, they are likely to select microhabitats that minimize the risk of dehydration, possibly at the expense of their ability to forage and escape from predators.
Fatal Injury Caused by a Ram (Ovis Aries) Attack
Authors: Škavić Petar , Šprem Nikica , Kostelić Antun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAnimal‐inflicted injuries to humans are a major public health problem around the world resulting in great morbidity, money loss, and mortality. They are related to wild and domestic animals alike. Animals can cause injuries by various mechanisms—biting, stinging, crushing, goring, stomping, butting, kicking, pecking, etc. We present a case of a ram's attack with fatal consequences. A 4‐year‐old, 120 kg jezersko‐solčava breed ram with prior history of aggressive behavior inflicted multiple injuries to his 83‐year‐old owner, who died in the hospital a few hours later due to severe blunt force injuries sustained in the attack. The autopsy revealed the cause of death to be multiple injuries of the thorax and the head. Sheep, even though they are not considered aggressive or large farm animals such as cattle and horses, can inflict serious injuries with devastating results.
Analytical Challenge in Postmortem Toxicology Applied to a Human Body Found into a Lake after Three Years Immersion
Authors: Morini Luca , Vignali Claudia , Tricomi Paolo , Groppi Angelo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe body of a 30‐year‐old woman was found in Como lake at a depth of about 120 meters in her own car after 3 years of immersion. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychoactive drugs as well as alcohol biomarkers in biological matrices. The following analyses were initially performed: GC‐MS systematic toxicological analysis on biological fluids and tissues; GC‐MS analysis of drugs of abuse on pubic hair; direct ethanol metabolite determination in pubic hair by LC‐MS/MS. After 7 years, the samples, that had been stored at −20°C, were re‐analyzed and submitted to an LC‐MS/MS targeted screening method, using multiple reaction monitoring mode. These analyses detected citalopram (150–3000 ng/mL), desmethylcitalopram (50–2300 ng/mL), clotiapine (20–65 ng/mL), and ethyl glucuronide (97 pg/mg). The methods showed an acceptable reproducibility, and the concentrations of citalopram and desmethylcitalopram calculated through the two analytical techniques did not significantly differ in biological fluids.
Assessing the Utility of Soil DNA Extraction Kits for Increasing DNA Yields and Eliminating PCR Inhibitors from Buried Skeletal Remains
Authors: Hebda Lisa M. , Foran David R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDNA identification of human remains is often necessary when decedents are skeletonized; however, poor DNA recovery and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibition are frequently encountered, a situation exacerbated by burial. In this research, the utility of integrating soil DNA isolation kits into buried skeletal DNA analysis was evaluated and compared to a standard human DNA extraction kit and organic extraction. The soil kits successfully extracted skeletal DNA at quantities similar to standard methods, although the two kits tested, which differ mechanistically, were not equivalent. Further, the PCR inhibitors calcium and humic acid were effectively removed using the soil kits, whereas collagen was less so. Finally, concordant control region sequences were obtained from human skeletal remains using all four methods. Based on these comparisons, soil DNA isolation kits, which quickened the extraction process, proved to be a viable extraction technique for skeletal remains that resulted in positive identification of a decedent.
Ripened Semihard Cheese Covered with Lard and Dehydrated Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Leaves: Processing, Characterization, and Quality Traits
Authors: Marinho Marina Tolentino , Zielinski Acácio Antonio Ferreira , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Bersot Luciano dos Santos , Granato Daniel , Nogueira Alessandro 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to establish a manufacturing protocol and to characterize semihard cheese covered with lard and rosemary during ripening. After the manufacturing protocol was defined, the cheeses were produced with pasteurized and raw milk from Holstein cows, with and without (control) coating, and then ripened for 60 d. During this period the physicochemical properties, color, proteolysis, texture profile, and sensory acceptance were performed. The early‐ripening cheeses differed from the others in terms of color and moisture content. Multivariate statistical analysis separated chesses in groups differentiated by the effects of heat treatment of milk and ripening period. The ripened cheeses obtained from raw milk were sensorially more preferred. The coating gave the final products higher moisture content and favored color and texture characteristics. Consumer testing showed that the cheese obtained from raw milk and coated with lard and rosemary was the most preferred (acceptance of 82%) due to the specific coating of rosemary (aroma and flavor). This product has potential to add value and to diversify the production of semihard cheeses.
Estimating species richness and biomass of tropical dry forests using LIDAR during leaf‐on and leaf‐off canopy conditions
Authors: Hernández‐Stefanoni Jose Luis , Johnson Kristofer D. , Cook Bruce D. , Dupuy Juan Manuel , Birdsey Richard , Peduzzi Alicia , Tun‐Dzul Fernando 
Published: August 2015

AbstractQuestionsIs the accuracy of predictions of above‐ground biomass (AGB) and plant species richness of tropical dry forests from LIDAR data compromised during leaf‐off canopy period, when most of the vegetation is leafless, compared to the leaf‐on period? How does topographic position affect prediction accuracy of AGB for leaf‐off and leaf‐on canopy conditions?LocationTropical dry forest, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.MethodsWe evaluated the accuracy of predictions using both leaf‐on and leaf‐off LIDAR estimates of biomass and species richness, and assessed the adequacy of both LIDAR data sets for characterizing these vegetation attributes in tropical dry forests using multiple regression analysis and ANOVA. The performance of the models was assessed by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. We also investigated differences in vegetation structure between two topographic conditions using PCA and ANOSIM. Finally, we evaluated the influence of topography on the accuracy of biomass estimates from LIDAR using multiple regression analysis and ANOVA.ResultsA higher overall accuracy was obtained with leaf‐on vs leaf‐off conditions for AGB (root mean square error (RMSE) = 21.6 vs 25.7 ton·ha−1), as well as for species richness (RMSE = 5.5 vs 5.8 species, respectively). However, no significant differences in mean dissimilarities between biomass estimates from LIDAR and in situ biomass estimates comparing the two canopy conditions were found (F1,39 = 0.03, P = 0.87). In addition, no significant differences in dissimilarities of AGB estimation were found between flat and hilly areas (F1,39 = 1.36, P = 0.25).ConclusionsOur results suggest that estimates of species richness and AGB from LIDAR are not significantly influenced by canopy conditions or slope, indicating that both leaf‐on and leaf‐off models are appropriate for these variables regardless of topographic position in these tropical dry forests.
Reducing Campylobacter numbers on chicken carcasses using lactic acid in processing plants
Authors: Burfoot Dean , Allen Vivien , Mulvey Elizabeth , Jewell Keith , Harrison Dawn , Morris Victoria 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFour trials were carried out at a broiler processing plant to examine the effectiveness of spraying lactic acid solutions for reducing the numbers of Campylobacter on carcasses. The carcasses were naturally contaminated and treated after the inside–outside washer and before the air chiller. Carcasses were treated by spraying in a tunnel or with one of two hand‐held sprayers. Carcasses were treated with a 1.9%, 4% or 8% solution of lactic acid buffered to pH 4 using sodium lactate, and testing was carried out on skin samples from the breast or back/neck. Treating carcasses with 1.9% acid was not effective. Treatments with 4% acid reduced the numbers of Campylobacter on breast skin by 0.4 log10 cfu g−1 or less and on back/neck skin by 0.8 log10 cfu g−1. Spraying with an 8% acid solution in the tunnel produced a 1.9‐log cfu g−1 reduction on breast skin but adversely affected the appearance of the carcasses. Further work is suggested with a 5% solution with consumer testing for acceptability of appearance.
Neuromelioidosis: Craniospinal MRI Findings in Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection
Authors: Hsu Charlie Chia‐Tsong , Singh Dalveer , Kwan Gigi , Deuble Martin , Aquilina Chloe , Korah Ipeson , Norton Robert 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTPURPOSETo investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of central nervous system (CNS) infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei.METHODSRetrospective analysis of 10 patients (5 male and 5 female, age range from 13 to 69 years) with CNS melioidosis confirmed on culture of blood, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, brain biopsy, and postmortem brain tissue. Clinical data were collected and MRI brain and/or spine were independently reviewed.RESULTSSeven patients with brain parenchymal or intramedullary spinal cord lesions demonstrated rim‐enhancing microabscesses with propensity for white matter tracts including the corticospinal tracts, corpus callosum, and cerebellar peduncles. Three of these 7 patients also showed thickening and enhancement of the trigeminal nerves with contiguous spread to brain stem trigeminal nuclei. Three patients had isolated extraaxial disease with findings including meningeal enhancement, extradural abscess, skull osteomyelitis, and scalp abscess.CONCLUSIONSpread of microabscesses along white matter tracts and frequent trigeminal nerve involvement are unique imaging characteristics of CNS melioidosis. These findings may provide insight into potential mechanisms for B. pseuodomallei entry into the CNS through direct axonal transport in cranial nerves bypassing the blood brain barrier. Prompt recognition of the neuroimaging features of this potentially fatal infection may allow for early microbiological culture and treatment.
Adolescents’ Socio‐Motivational Relationships With Teachers, Amygdala Response to Teacher's Negative Facial Expressions, and Test Anxiety
Authors: Raufelder Diana , Hoferichter Frances , Romund Lydia , Golde Sabrina , Lorenz Robert C. , Beck Anne 
Published: August 2015

The amygdala is essential for processing emotions, including the processing of aversive faces. The aim of this multimethodological study was to relate the amygdala reactivity of students (N = 88) toward teachers’ fearful and angry faces, to students’ relationship with their teachers. Furthermore, students’ neural responses during the perception of teachers’ faces were tested as predictors of test anxiety (controlling for neuroticism as a potential trait anxiety effect). Multiple regression analysis revealed that students reporting high‐quality teacher–student relationships showed stronger amygdala activity toward fearful faces, which was related to worry. Furthermore, students with high levels of neuroticism tended to perceive their teachers as motivators and showed higher amygdala activity toward angry faces, which was related to the measures of emotionality.
Mesoporous silica-based dosage forms improve release characteristics of poorly soluble drugs: case example fenofibrate
Authors: Dressman Jennifer B , Herbert Elisabeth , Wieber Alena , Birk Gudrun , Saal Christoph , Lubda Dieter 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Mesoporous silica-based dosage forms offer the potential for improving the absorption of poorly soluble drugs after oral administration. In this investigation, fenofibrate was used as a model drug to study the ability of monomodal (‘PSP A’) and bimodal (‘PSP B’) porous silica to improve release by a ‘spring’ effect in in vitro biorelevant dissolution tests. Also investigated was the addition of various polymers to provide a ‘parachute’ effect, that is, to keep the drug in solution after its release.

Key Findings
Loading fenofibrate onto PSP A or PSP B porous silica substantially improved the dissolution profile of fenofibrate under fasted state conditions compared with both pure drug and the marketed product, TriCor® 145 mg. Adding a polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinylpyrrolidone or copovidon (HPMCAS, PVP or PVPVA) sustains the higher release of fenofibrate from the PSP A silica, resulting in a combination ‘spring and parachute’ effect – loading the drug onto the silica causes a ‘spring’ effect while the polymer enhances the spring effect (HPMCAS, PVP) and adds a sustaining ‘parachute’. Interestingly, a silica to polymer ratio of 4:1 w/w appears to have an optimal effect for fenofibrate (HPMCAS, PVP). Dissolution results under conditions simulating the fasted state in the small intestine with the PSP A or the PSP B silica with HPMCAS added in a 4:1 w/w ratio show very substantial improvement over the marketed, nanosized product (TriCor® 145 mg).

Conclusions
Further experiments to determine whether the highly positive effects on fenofibrate release observed with the silica prototypes investigated to date can be translated to further poorly soluble drugs and to what extent they translate into improved in-vivo performance are warranted.