bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Tulamoeba bucina n. sp., an Extremely Halotolerant Amoeboflagellate Heterolobosean Belonging to the Tulamoeba–Pleurostomum Clade (Tulamoebidae n. fam.)
Authors: Kirby William A. , Tikhonenkov Denis V. , Mylnikov Alexandre P. , Janouškovec Jan , Lax Gordon , Simpson Alastair G. B. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMost protozoans that have been cultivated recently from high salinity waters appear to be obligate halophiles. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that these species mostly represent independent lineages. Here, we report the cultivation, morphological characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of two strains (XLG1 and HLM‐8) of a new extremely halotolerant heterolobosean amoeboflagellate. This species is closely related to the obligate halophiles Tulamoeba peronaphora and Pleurostomum flabellatum, and more specifically to the former. Like Tulamoeba, the new species has a monopodial limax amoeba stage, however, its cyst stage lacks an intrusive pore plug. The flagellate stage bears a combination of a planar spiral feeding apparatus and unequal heterodynamic flagella that discriminates it from described Pleurostomum species. Strain XLG1 grows at salinities from 35‰ to 225‰. This degree of halotolerance is uncommon in protozoa, as most species showing growth in seawater are unable to grow at 200‰ salinity. The unrelatedness of most halophilic protozoa suggested that independent colonization of the hypersaline environment is more common than speciation within it. However, this study supports the idea that the Tulamoeba–Pleurostomum clade underwent an adaptive radiation within the hypersaline environment. A new species Tulamoeba bucina n. sp. is described, with Tulamoebidae n. fam. proposed for the Tulamoeba–Pleurostomum clade.
Application of Salt Solution and Vacuum Packaging in Extending the Shelf Life of Cooked Fish Balls for Home and Retail Uses
Authors: Noordin Wan Norhana Md. , Shunmugam Nannthini , Huda Nurul 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe effectiveness of salt solution and vacuum packaging in extending the shelf life of cooked fish balls was evaluated. Freshly produced fish balls were bought and divided into five groups (one group was air packaged [control]; three groups immersed in salt solutions [2.5, 5.0, 10.0%]; one group, vacuum packaged) and stored at 4 ± 1C for 14 days. Changes in aerobic bacterial counts, pH, texture and sensory characteristics were evaluated and shelf life was determined based on bacterial counts and sensory evaluation. A microbiological shelf life extension of 6 days was obtained for vacuum packaged and 4 days for 10% salt‐immersed fish balls compared with control's shelf life (<3 days). Based on sensory analysis, vacuum packaging and 2.5% salt‐immersed fish balls extended the shelf life of fish balls by 6 days compared with control's shelf life (<9 days). There was no significant (P > 0.05) changes in the pH values for treated fish ball samples.Practical ApplicationsA limited shelf life of 4–5 days at 5C and 2 days without refrigeration is one of the major problems faced by the chilled fish ball industry especially the small‐ to medium‐scale industries. Limited shelf life is also a problem to the consumers. As a product with high water content and rich in protein, fish balls are prone to the growth of microorganisms especially if stored at room temperature as what is commonly practiced at retail. Although freezing the fish balls enables them to last longer, the consumers and retailers might not prefer that as it tends to affect the texture and freshness of the fish ball. Thus, the development of readily available, inexpensive, simple and practical treatments to extend the shelf life of chilled fish ball at home and retail is much needed.
Contribution of cod liver oil‐related nutrients (vitamins A, D, E and eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) to daily nutrient intake and their associations with plasma concentrations in the EPIC‐Norfolk cohort
Authors: Lentjes M. A. H. , Mulligan A. A. , Welch A. A. , Bhaniani A. , Luben R. N. , Khaw K.–T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundTotal nutrient intake (TNI) is intake from food and supplements. This provides an assessment of nutrient adequacy and the prevalence of excessive intake, as well as the response with respect to biomarkers. Cod liver oil (CLO) is the most frequently consumed supplement in the UK, containing nutrients that might have varying influences on health. We calculated TNI for vitamins A, D and E, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and assessed associations with the respective blood concentrations.MethodsSeven‐day diet diaries and blood samples were taken from two subsets of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC‐Norfolk) cohort (age range 39–79 years; n = 1400 for vitamin D; n = 6656 for remaining nutrients). TNI was calculated for the subgroups: nonsupplement users, those consuming the nutrient in supplement form and those consuming a supplement without this nutrient.ResultsCLO‐related nutrients were supplemented by 15%–33%, which approximately doubled median intakes. Almost everyone in the supplement + vitamin A group reached the estimated average requirement; however, guideline levels were likely to be exceeded. Partial correlations between intake of vitamins A and D and biomarkers were low and modestly strengthened by the inclusion of supplement sources (correlation = 0.01–0.13). Correlations between biomarker and TNI of vitamin E and EPA+DHA were in the range 0.40–0.46; however, vitamin E exceeding food intake resulted in attenuated coefficients. Linear associations between food or TNI EPA+DHA and plasma were weak but consistent across subgroups.ConclusionsCLO‐related nutrients contribute substantially to nutrient intake, with a risk of over‐consumption. Apart from EPA+DHA, biomarker data suggest that CLO‐related nutrients in supplements are not linearly associated with vitamin status.
Blue‐light‐induced rapid chloroplast de‐anchoring in Vallisneria epidermal cells
Authors: Sakai Yuuki , Inoue Shin‐Ichiro , Harada Akiko , Shimazaki Ken‐Ichiro , Takagi Shingo 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn the outer periclinal cytoplasm of leaf epidermal cells of an aquatic angiosperm Vallisneria, blue light induces “chloroplast de‐anchoring”, a rapid decline in the resistance of chloroplasts against centrifugal force. Chloroplast de‐anchoring is known induced within 1 min of irradiation with high‐fluence‐rate blue light specifically, preceding the commencement of chloroplasts migration toward the anticlinal cytoplasm. However, its regulatory mechanism has remained elusive, although pharmacological analysis suggested that a calcium release from intracellular calcium stores is necessary for the response. In search of the responsible photoreceptors, immunoblotting analysis using antibodies against phototropins demonstrated that cross‐reactive polypeptides of 120‐kDa exist in the plasma‐membrane fraction prepared from the leaves. In vitro phosphorylation analysis revealed that 120‐kDa polypeptides were phosphorylated by exposure to blue light in a fluence‐dependent manner. The blue‐light‐induced phosphorylation activity was sensitive to a Ser/Thr kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, and unusually was retained at a high level for a long time in darkness. Furthermore, phototropin gene homologs (Vallisneria PHOTOTROPIN1 and PHOTOTROPIN2) expressed in leaves were isolated. We propose that calcium‐regulated chloroplast de‐anchoring, possibly mediated by phototropins, is an initial process of the blue‐light‐induced avoidance response of chloroplasts in Vallisneria.
Harmonic demodulation and minimum enhancement factors in field‐enhanced near‐field optical microscopy
Authors: SCARPETTINI A.F. , BRAGAS A.V. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryField‐enhanced scanning optical microscopy relies on the design and fabrication of plasmonic probes which had to provide optical and chemical contrast at the nanoscale. In order to do so, the scattering containing the near‐field information recorded in a field‐enhanced scanning optical microscopy experiment, has to surpass the background light, always present due to multiple interferences between the macroscopic probe and sample. In this work, we show that when the probe–sample distance is modulated with very low amplitude, the higher the harmonic demodulation is, the better the ratio between the near‐field signal and the interferometric background results. The choice of working at a given n harmonic is dictated by the experiment when the signal at the n + 1 harmonic goes below the experimental noise. We demonstrate that the optical contrast comes from the nth derivative of the near‐field scattering, amplified by the interferometric background. By modelling the far and near field we calculate the probe–sample approach curves, which fit very well the experimental ones. After taking a great amount of experimental data for different probes and samples, we conclude with a table of the minimum enhancement factors needed to have optical contrast with field‐enhanced scanning optical microscopy.
Insulin induces phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1, reversed by ZIP, and over‐expression of Protein Kinase M zeta, reversed by amyloid beta
Authors: Adzovic Linda , Domenici Luciano 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInsulin receptor (IR) in the brain plays a role in synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Phosphorylation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors GluR1 subunit at Serine 831 is regulated by calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and protein kinase C that underlie long‐term potentiation and learning/memory. Recent studies have shown that the novel Protein Kinase M zeta (PKMζ) underlies synaptic plasticity and may regulate AMPAr. In this study, we show that insulin induces phosphorylation of Serine 831 GluR1 subunit of AMPAr and induces over‐expression of PKMζ; pre‐treatment with either the IR inhibitor 3‐Bromo‐5‐t‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy‐benzylidenemalonitrile (AG1024) or PKMζ inhibitor protein kinase C zeta pseudo‐substrate inhibitor returned the phosphorylation value of GluR1 to control level. Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the form of oligomers interferes with IR signaling. Pre‐treating neuronal cultures with Aβ following incubation with insulin, we found a reduction of insulin‐dependent PKMζ over‐expression and MAPK/Erk (1/2) phosphorylation, i.e., signaling pathways involved in synaptic plasticity and learning/memory. These results indicate a new intracellular insulin signaling pathway, and, additionally, that insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease is a response to the production and accumulation of Aβ.
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We show that insulin induces activation of protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ) and phosphorylation of Glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1); treatment with 3‐Bromo‐5‐t‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy‐benzylidenemalonitrile (AG1024) or amyloid beta oligomers decrease PKMζ expression. Pre‐treatment with AG1024 or Zeta Inhibitory Peptide (ZIP) erases insulin‐dependent GluR1 phosphorylation. These findings suggest a mechanistic explanation of insulin receptor signaling in memory and insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease.
The ratio of acetate‐to‐glucose oxidation in astrocytes from a single 13C NMR spectrum of cerebral cortex
Authors: Marin‐Valencia Isaac , Hooshyar M. Ali , Pichumani Kumar , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe 13C‐labeling patterns in glutamate and glutamine from brain tissue are quite different after infusion of a mixture of 13C‐enriched glucose and acetate. Two processes contribute to this observation, oxidation of acetate by astrocytes but not neurons, and preferential incorporation of α‐ketoglutarate into glutamate in neurons, and incorporation of α‐ketoglutarate into glutamine in astrocytes. The acetate:glucose ratio, introduced previously for analysis of a single 13C NMR spectrum, provides a useful index of acetate and glucose oxidation in the brain tissue. However, quantitation of relative substrate oxidation at the cell compartment level has not been reported. A simple mathematical method is presented to quantify the ratio of acetate‐to‐glucose oxidation in astrocytes, based on the standard assumption that neurons do not oxidize acetate. Mice were infused with [1,2‐13C]acetate and [1,6‐13C]glucose, and proton decoupled 13C NMR spectra of cortex extracts were acquired. A fit of those spectra to the model indicated that 13C‐labeled acetate and glucose contributed approximately equally to acetyl‐CoA (0.96) in astrocytes. As this method relies on a single 13C NMR spectrum, it can be readily applied to multiple physiologic and pathologic conditions.
imageDifferences in 13C labeling of brain glutamate and glutamine have been attributed to metabolic compartmentation. The acetate:glucose ratio, introduced for description of a 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrum, is an index of glucose and acetate oxidation in brain tissue. A simple mathematical method is presented to quantify the ratio of acetate‐to‐glucose oxidation in astrocytes from a single NMR spectrum. As kinetic analysis is not required, the method is readily applicable to analysis of tissue extracts. α‐KG = alpha‐ketoglutarate; CAC = citric acid cycle; GLN = glutamine; GLU = glutamate.
Collateralization, Bank Loan Rates, and Monitoring
Authors: CERQUEIRO GERALDO , ONGENA STEVEN , ROSZBACH KASPER 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWe show that collateral plays an important role in the design of debt contracts, the provision of credit, and the incentives of lenders to monitor borrowers. Using a unique data set from a large bank containing timely assessments of collateral values, we find that the bank responded to a legal reform that exogenously reduced collateral values by increasing interest rates, tightening credit limits, and reducing the intensity of its monitoring of borrowers and collateral, spurring borrower delinquency on outstanding claims. We thus explain why banks are senior lenders and quantify the value of claimant priority.
Short‐Term Debt as Bridge Financing: Evidence from the Commercial Paper Market
Authors: KAHL MATTHIAS , SHIVDASANI ANIL , WANG YIHUI 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWe analyze why firms use nonintermediated short‐term debt by studying the commercial paper (CP) market. Using a comprehensive database of CP issuers and issuance activity, we show that firms use CP to provide start‐up financing for capital investment. Firms’ CP issuance is driven by a desire to minimize transaction costs associated with raising capital for new investment. We show that firms with high rollover risk are less likely to enter the CP market, borrow less CP, and borrow more from bank credit lines. Further, CP is often refinanced with long‐term bond issuance to reduce rollover risk.
Assessment of women who applied for the uterine transplant project as potential candidates for uterus transplantation
Authors: Erman Akar Munire , Ozekinci Murat , Alper Ozgul , Demir Durkadin , Cevikol Can , Meric Bilekdemir Asli , Daloglu Aylin , Ongut Gozde , Senol Yesim , Ozdem Sebahat , Uzun Gulbahar , Luleci Guven , Suleymanlar Gultekin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo review the medical charts of women who applied for the uterine transplant project from June 2008 to June 2011 in our hospital retrospectively (18–40 years).MethodsThe data for 144 women were retrieved, and information was collected on the etiology of uterine factor infertility(UFI); ovarian reserve tests; and accompanying anatomic, infectious, genetic and endocrinological problems.ResultsThere were 119 patients with primary amenorrhea and uterovaginal agenesis and 25 patients with a history of hysterectomy. The complete Müllerian agenesis patients formed the largest group of the UFI patients with better anti‐Müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count. Anatomical anomalies such as a solitary pelvic kidney may accompany Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser syndrome (MRKH) and impede surgery. The mean ages in MRKH, hysterectomy and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) cases were 24.7, 35.0 and 34.4 years, respectively. The karyotype analysis showed 46XX (MRKH) in 109 patients and 46XY (CAIS) in 10 of the primary amenorrhea patients.ConclusionHysterectomy may deteriorate ovarian blood flow and decrease ovarian reserve. Fertility preservation may be considered in young woman undergoing hysterectomy.
Sonoembryological evaluations of the development of placenta previa and velamentous cord insertion
Authors: Hasegawa Junichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLongitudinal and cross‐sectional investigations using ultrasound examinations during pregnancy can be used to clarify the mechanisms and pathophysiology of abnormal fetal and placental development. Such sonoembryological assessments are useful as a method for clarifying the etiology of disease. In the present review, we describe current knowledge based on our experience with applying sonoembryological methods to determine the developmental mechanisms of placenta previa and velamentous cord insertion.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation Following Socket Reconstruction with Blair‐Brown Graft and Conformer Therapy for Management of Severe Post‐Enucleation Socket Syndrome – A Clinical Report
Authors: Aggarwal Himanshi , Singh Saumyendra V. , Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Singh Arun 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOne of the most common tumors of the eye diagnosed in childhood is retinoblastoma, which mandates enucleation with adjunctive chemotherapy and radiotherapy to save the patient's life. The most common late enucleation complication is post‐enucleation socket syndrome (PESS), which poses a management dilemma for the prosthodontist and surgeon, along with being a major esthetic concern for the patient. The reconstruction of such sockets is complex. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe the rehabilitation of such a pediatric patient with severe PESS. The patient was successfully rehabilitated by presurgical conformer therapy, socket reconstruction surgery with non‐meshed intermediate split thickness skin graft (STSG)/Blair‐Brown graft, and postsurgical conformer stent. This was followed by fabrication of a custom ocular prosthesis, to achieve favorable functional, physical, and psychological effects.
THE EXPERIENCE OF THE LONG‐TERM DOCTOR–PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IN CONSULTANT NEPHROLOGISTS
Authors: Pooley Hannah M. , Highfield Julie , Neal Adrian 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundThere is evidence to suggest that the long‐term doctor–patient relationship is crucial in the management of chronic illness such as chronic kidney disease. While previous research has focused on patient views of the doctor–patient relationship, research exploring the doctor's experiences of this unique dynamic is lacking, leading to a gap in our understanding. Therefore, an enhanced appreciation of the experience of the doctor is important and could have potential implications for medical training and service organisation.ObjectivesIn this paper, we report the first known study exploring the experience of consultant nephrologists in the long‐term doctor–patient relationship.Participants and DesignSeven male consultant nephrologists (mean age of 48 years) took part in semi‐structured interviews, and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).ResultsThree main themes were identified from the analysis: ‘Defining my professional identity’, ‘Relating to the patient’ and ‘Coping with the job’.ConclusionParticipants had difficulty in defining their role as doctors, discussing themselves as being more than a doctor and comparing themselves with other medical specialties to help them define their identity. Although participants enjoyed forming long‐term relationships with patients and the closeness this involved, they discussed the acute scenarios of saving lives as the most rewarding aspect of their job and used coping mechanisms that enabled them to remain detached in the relationship.
A review of melatonin as a suitable antioxidant against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and clinical heart diseases
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Yang , Yi Wei , Li Yue , Fan Chongxi , Xin Zhenlong , Jiang Shuai , Di Shouyin , Qu Yan , Reiter Russel J. , Yi Dinghua 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCardiac tissue loss is one of the most important factors leading to the unsatisfactory recovery even after treatment of ischemic heart disease. Melatonin, a circadian molecule with marked antioxidant properties, protects against ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. In particular, the myocardial protection of melatonin is substantial. We initially focus on the cardioprotective effects of melatonin in myocardial IR. These studies showed how melatonin preserves the microstructure of the cardiomyocyte and reduces myocardial IR injury. Thereafter, downstream signaling pathways of melatonin were summarized including Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, nitric oxide‐synthase, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2. Herein, we propose the clinical applications of melatonin in several ischemic heart diseases. Collectively, the information summarized in this review (based on in vitro, animal, and human studies) should serve as a comprehensive reference for the action of melatonin in cardioprotection and hopefully will contribute to the design of future experimental research.
Synovial fluid bupivacaine concentrations following single intra‐articular injection in normal and osteoarthritic canine stifles
Authors: Barry S. L. , Martinez S. A. , Davies N. M. , Remsberg C. M. , Sayre C. L. , Bachelez A. 
Published: September 2014

Intra‐articular bupivacaine helps alleviate pain in animals receiving joint surgery, but its use has become controversial as ex vivo studies have illuminated the potential for chondrotoxicity. Such studies typically involve cell cultures incubated in solutions containing high bupivacaine concentrations for long durations. The aim of this study was to measure the actual synovial fluid bupivacaine concentrations after intra‐articular injection. Eight healthy beagles with normal stifles and 22 large and giant‐breed dogs with stifle osteoarthritis (OA) were treated with a single intra‐articular injection of bupivacaine (1 mg/kg) into a stifle. Joint fluid samples were taken from the treated stifle immediately after injection and 30 min after injection and analyzed for bupivacaine concentrations. Immediately after injection, the median bupivacaine concentrations in normal and OA stifles were 3.6 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. Thirty minutes after injection, bupivacaine concentrations in normal and OA stifles were 0.4 and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively. These results provide insight into the pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after injection into a joint. Given its immediate dilution and rapid drop in synovial fluid concentration, bupivacaine is unlikely to damage chondrocytes when administered as a single intra‐articular injection.