bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of low temperature upon vitality of Saccharomyces cerevisiae phospholipid mutants
Authors: Redón Marian , Borrull Anna , López Maria , Salvadó Zoel , Cordero Ricardo , Mas Albert , Guillamón José Manuel , Rozès Nicolas 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe phospholipid metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays a central role in its adaptation to low temperatures. In order to detect the key genes in this adaptation, various phospholipid mutants from the EUROSCARF collection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4742 were tested to ascertain whether the suppression of some genes could improve the fermentation vitality of the cells at low temperature. The cell vitality and phospholipid composition of these mutants were analysed. Some knockouts improved (hmn1Δ) or impaired (cho2Δ and psd1Δ) their vitality at low temperature (13 °C) but were not affected at optimum temperature (25 °C). A common trait of the mutants that had some defect in vitality was a lower concentration of phosphatidylcholine and/or phosphatidylethanolamine. The supplementation with choline allowed them to recover viability, probably by synthesis through the Kennedy pathway. Hmn1Δ showed a lower concentration of phosphatidylcholine, which explains the dominant role of the de novo pathway in cellular phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine vs the Kennedy pathway. The absence of such genes as CRD1 or OPI3 produced important changes in phospholipid composition. Cardiolipin was not detected in crd1Δ but phosphatidylglycerol circumvents most of the functions assigned to CL. The considerable reduction in PC diminished the cell vitality of opi3Δ at both temperatures, although the decrease at 13 °C was more marked. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Greater risk of parkinsonism associated with non‐N370S GBA1 mutations
Authors: Barrett M. J. , Giraldo P. , Capablo J. L. , Alfonso P. , Irun P. , Garcia‐Rodriguez B. , Pocovi M. , Pastores G. M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMutations in β‐glucosidase (GBA1) are the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD). There is evidence to suggest that PD risk is greater (1) in GBA1 heterozygotes with non‐N370S GBA1 mutations compared to N370S mutations and (2) in GD type 1 (GD1) patients compared to GBA1 heterozygotes. This study aimed to determine the comparative risk of parkinsonism in individuals who are affected or carriers of Gaucher disease (GD) and to ascertain the influence of different GBA1 mutations on risk/clinical expression. We conducted a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data assessing the prevalence of parkinsonism in a population of GD1 patients and their heterozygote and non‐carrier family members. Two logistic regression models, both employing a family‐specific random effect, were used to assess (1) the association between GBA1 mutation (N370S or non‐N370S) and parkinsonism among GBA1 heterozygotes and (2) the association between GBA1 genotype and parkinsonism. Parkinsonism was present in 8.6 % of GD1 (7/81), 8.7 % of GBA1 heterozygotes (18/207), and 2.2 % of non‐carriers (1/45). For those greater than 60 years old, parkinsonism was present in 38.5 % (5/13) of GD1 (5/13), 15.3 % of GBA1 heterozygotes (13/85), and 7.1 % of non‐carriers (1/14). Among GBA1 heterozygotes, non‐N370S mutations were associated with a significantly increased risk of parkinsonism compared to N370S (OR = 22.5; p = 0.035; 95%CI: 1.24, 411). In this population, each additional GBA1 mutation was associated with a non‐significant two‐fold increased risk of parkinsonism. GBA1 heterozygotes with non‐N370S mutations associated with Gaucher disease have an increased risk of parkinsonism compared to those with N370S mutations.
Scarring and Mortality Selection Among Civil War POWs: A Long-Term Mortality, Morbidity, and Socioeconomic Follow-Up
Authors: Costa Dora L. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Debilitating events could leave either more frail or more robust survivors, depending on the extent of scarring and mortality selection. The majority of empirical analyses find more frail survivors. I find heterogeneous effects. Among severely stressed former Union Army prisoners of war (POWs), the effect that dominates 35 years after the end of the Civil War depends on age at imprisonment. Among survivors to 1900, those younger than 30 at imprisonment faced higher old-age mortality and morbidity and worse socioeconomic outcomes than non-POW and other POW controls, whereas those older than 30 at imprisonment faced a lower older-age death risk than the controls.
Reference levels in the context of Fukushima - lessons learned and a challenge for the radiation protection system
Authors: Sakai K. 
Published: September 2012

A number of dose criteria were set after the accident in Fukushima, including a criterion regarding the use of school playgrounds in Fukushima. Considering the band of 1–20 mSv/year recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for public exposure under existing exposure situations, Japanese authorities set 20 mSv/year as a ‘start line’ for reducing the dose to school children. However, this led to considerable confusion among the general public and some experts. They thought that the dose limit was increased to 20 mSv/year (20 times as high as before), and that school children could be exposed to 20 mSv in 1 year. This is just an example of confusion caused by inadequate comprehension of radiation effects, misunderstanding of radiation protection concepts, or both. Another issue was raised regarding the higher radiosensitivity of children compared with adults. In the 2007 ICRP Recommendations, a higher risk coefficient is given to the whole population than the adult population, because the whole population includes children; a subpopulation with higher radiosensitivity and a longer life span. The point of argument was whether a lower reference level should be set for children alone. Radiation protection experts should continue to collect scientific information to improve the radiation protection system. In addition, it is the role of these experts to explain the framework of radiation protection to the general public in plain language.
Particle image velocimetry study of fractal-generated turbulence
Authors: Gomes-Fernandes R. , Ganapathisubramani B. , Vassilicos J. C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn experimental investigation involving space-filling fractal square grids is presented. The flow is documented using particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a water tunnel as opposed to previous experiments which mostly used hot-wire anemometry in wind tunnels. The experimental facility has non-negligible incoming free-stream turbulence (with 2.8 % and 4.4 % in the streamwise (${u}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } / U$) and spanwise (${v}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } / U$) directions, respectively) which presents a challenge in terms of comparison with previous wind tunnel results. An attempt to characterize the effects of the incoming free stream turbulence on the grid-generated turbulent flow is made and an improved wake-interaction length scale is proposed which enables the comparison of the present results with previous ones for both fractal square and regular grids. This length scale also proves to be a good estimator of the turbulence intensity peak location. Furthermore, a new turbulence intensity normalization capable of collapsing${u}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } / U$for various grids in various facilities is proposed. Comparison with previous experiments indicates good agreement in turbulence intensities, Taylor microscale, as well as various other quantities, if the improved wake-interaction length scale is used. Global and local isotropy of fractal-generated turbulence is assessed using the velocity gradients of the two-component (2C) two-dimensional (2D) PIV and compared with regular grid results. Finally, the PIV data appear to confirm the new dissipation behaviour previously observed in hot-wire measurements.
Predictive significance of the overvaluation of shape/weight in obese patients with binge eating disorder: findings from a randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up
Authors: Grilo C. M. , White M. A. , Gueorguieva R. , Wilson G. T. , Masheb R. M. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundUndue influence of body shape or weight on self-evaluation – referred to as overvaluation – is considered a core feature across eating disorders, but is not a diagnostic requirement for binge eating disorder (BED). This study examined the concurrent and predictive significance of overvaluation of shape/weight in obese patients with BED participating in a randomized clinical trial testing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral weight loss (BWL).MethodA total of 90 participants were randomly assigned to 6-month group treatments of CBT or BWL. Assessments were performed at baseline, throughout- and post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups after completing treatments with reliably administered semi-structured interviews and established measures.ResultsParticipants categorized with overvaluation (n = 52, 58%) versus without overvaluation (n = 38, 42%) did not differ significantly in demographic features (age, gender and ethnicity), psychiatric co-morbidity, body mass index or binge eating frequency. The overvaluation group had significantly greater levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poorer psychological functioning (higher depression and lower self-esteem) than the non-overvaluation group. Overvaluation of shape/weight significantly predicted non-remission from binge eating and higher frequency of binge eating at the 12-month follow-up, even after adjusting for group differences in depression and self-esteem levels.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that overvaluation does not simply reflect concern commensurate with being obese or more frequent binge eating, but also is strongly associated with heightened eating-related psychopathology and psychological distress, and has negative prognostic significance for longer-term treatment outcomes. Overvaluation of shape/weight warrants consideration as a diagnostic specifier for BED as it provides important information about severity and treatment outcome.
Controlled nuclear import of the transcription factor NTL6 reveals a cytoplasmic role of SnRK2.8 in the drought-stress response
Authors: Kim Mi Jung , Park Mi-Jeong , Seo Pil Joon , Song Jin-Su , Kim Hie-Joon , Park Chung-Mo 
Published: September 2012

Controlled proteolytic activation of membrane-anchored transcription factors provides an adaptation strategy that guarantees rapid transcriptional responses to abrupt environmental stresses in both animals and plants. NTL6 is a plant-specific NAC [NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2] transcription factor that is expressed as a dormant plasma membrane-associated form in Arabidopsis. Proteolytic processing of NTL6 is triggered by abiotic stresses and ABA (abscisic acid). In the present study, we show that NTL6 is linked directly with SnRK (Snf1-related protein kinase) 2.8-mediated signalling in inducing a drought-resistance response. SnRK2.8 phosphorylates NTL6 primarily at Thr142. NTL6 phosphorylation by SnRK2.8 is required for its nuclear import. Accordingly, a mutant NTL6 protein, in which Thr142 was mutated to an alanine, was poorly phosphorylated and failed to enter the nucleus. In accordance with the role of SnRK2.8 in drought-stress signalling, transgenic plants overproducing either NTL6 or its active form 6ΔC (35S:NTL6 and 35S:6ΔC) exhibited enhanced resistance to water-deficit conditions such as those overproducing SnRK2.8 (35S:SnRK2.8). In contrast, NTL6 RNAi (RNA interference) plants were susceptible to dehydration as observed in the SnRK2.8-deficient snrk2.8-1 mutant. Furthermore, the dehydration-resistant phenotype of 35S:NTL6 transgenic plants was compromised in 35S:NTL6 X snrk2.8-1 plants. These observations indicate that SnRK2.8-mediated protein phosphorylation, in addition to a proteolytic processing event, is important for NTL6 function in inducing a drought-resistance response.
Electron ionization and dissociation of aliphatic amino acids
Authors: Papp P. , Shchukin P. , Kočíšek J. , Matejčík Š. 
Published: September 2012

We present experimental and theoretical study of electron ionization and dissociative ionization to the gas phase amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine. A crossed electron/molecular beams technique equipped with quadrupole mass analyzer has been applied to measure mass spectra and ion efficiency curves for formation of particular ions. From experimental data the ionization energies of the molecules and the appearance energies of the fragment ions were determined. Ab initio calculations (Density Functional Theory and G3MP2 methods) were performed in order to calculate the fragmentation paths and interpret the experimental data. The experimental ionization energies of parent molecules [P]+ 8.91 ± 0.05, 8.85 ± 0.05, and 8.79 ± 0.05 eV and G3MP2 ionization energies (adiabatic) of 8.89, 8.88, and 8.81 eV were determined for valine, leucine, and isoleucine, respectively, as well as the experimental and theoretical threshold energies for dissociative ionization channels. The comparison of experimental data with calculations resulted in identification of the ions as well as the neutral fragments formed in the dissociative reactions. Around 15 mass/charge ratio fragments were identified from the mass spectra by comparison of experimental appearance energies with calculated reaction enthalpies for particular dissociative reactions.
Beyond the siege state – tracing hybridity during a recent visit to Eritrea
Authors: Müller Tanja R. 
Published: September 2012

This article offers an alternative reading of the current situation in Eritrea that goes beyond the narrative of dictatorship and oppression. Based on recent fieldwork in Eritrea and among Eritrean refugees in Tel Aviv, it offers a hybrid interpretation of developments within Eritrea. The article argues that a transition process instigated by the current leadership is still possible. At the same time rising inequalities and other dynamics may ultimately jeopardise any such transition. More generally important sections of the population have become suspicious of grand political projects, but rather focus on the microcosms of potentially intangible transformations from within.[Au de-là de l’état de siège – retracer le contexte pragmatique tel constaté lors d'une récente visite en Érythrée.] Cet article propose une lecture alternative de la situation actuelle en Érythrée qui va au-delà du récit de la dictature et de l'oppression. Basé sur des travaux récents en Érythrée et parmi les réfugiés érythréens à Tel Aviv, il offre une interprétation mitigée des développements au sein de l’Érythrée. L'article fait valoir que le processus de transition initié par la direction actuelle est encore possible. Dans le même temps, les inégalités croissantes et d'autres dynamiques peuvent même menacer une telle transition. Plus généralement, d'importants groupements d'individus au sein de la population deviennent méfiants à l’égard des grands projets politiques, et se concentrent plutôt sur les microcosmes de transformations potentiellement incorprels de l'intérieur.Mots-clés: Érythrée; état de siège; hybridité
Limited conformational flexibility in the paratope may be responsible for degenerate specificity of HIV epitope recognition
Authors: Bhowmick Arijit , Salunke Dinakar M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Exquisite specificity is the hallmark of antigen–antibody recognition. However, breakdown in the specific recognition potential culminating in the binding to multiple antigens by a single antibody has been observed, even after the maturation of the humoral response. While such a broad specificity may be expected to assist the host to counter the antigenic variations associated with an immune-evading pathogen, escape from immune surveillance by subtle epitopic mutations in pathogens like HIV and influenza virus has been clearly established. In the light of this dichotomy, the issues of degeneracy/specificity in the humoral response against such epitopes were analysed using three HIV-neutralizing epitopes and their variants as a model system. Cross-reactivity was observed in the polyclonal response against two of the epitopes. Multi-reactive mAb KEL10 was isolated against one of the epitopes, ELDKWA from this response. It is evident that even after the affinity maturation, antibodies showing binding to multiple variants of an immunizing peptide epitope existed. Binding kinetics and in silico structural analyses indicated that conserved interactions across epitopes and limited conformational flexibility in the paratope may account for the observed multi-reactivity. Though the affinity maturation process is expected to incorporate an extent of specificity to the paratope, there appear to be still some B-cell clones producing antibodies with subtle flexibility in their binding site, as demonstrated in case of KEL10. Generation of such antibodies against effective immunogens could be a possible approach for countering the antibody neutralization escape by various immune-evading pathogens.
Preparation and Structure Characterization of Carboxymethyl Corn Starch Under Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Shi Haixin , Hu Xiaoxi 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTTo discover new synthesis technology and increase the degree of substitution (DS) of carboxymethyl starch (CMS), ultrasound‐modified CMS (U‐CMS) was successfully prepared under ultrasonic irradiation in the alkali condition with corn starch (CS) as the raw material, ethyl alcohol as the solvent, and monochloroacetic acid as the carboxymethylated reagent. The effects of ultrasound conditions (ultrasonic action sequence, ultrasonic radiation time, and ultrasonic power) and etherification time after ultrasonic irradiation on DS of U‐CMS were studied separately through single‐factor experiments. Meanwhile, the granule morphology, crystal type, and molecular structure of U‐CMS were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The results showed that DS of U‐CMS prepared under certain conditions (ultrasonic radiation time before alkalization, 40 min; ultrasonic radiation temperature, 35°C; ultrasonic power, 170 W; and etherification time, 180 min) improved 38.7% compared with that without ultrasonic radiation. The SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR results illustrated that crystal‐type change of the starch granule after ultrasonic irradiation was not obvious. However, the number of sunken points and holes on the granule surface increased, so that the specific surface expanded, which improved the carboxymethylation.
VALSALVA RETINOPATHY DEVELOPING DURING JAPANESE CHEERLEADING TRAINING (“OUENDAN”)
Authors: Hanazono Gen , Shinoda Kei , Obazawa Minoru , Imamura Yutaka , Matsumoto Soiti C. , Satofuka Shingo , Mizota Atsushi , Ando Yasutaka 
Published: September 2012

Purpose:
Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy is characterized by retinal hemorrhages that develop after a Valsalva maneuver that consists of a forcible exhalation against a closed glottis, thereby creating a sudden increase in the intrathoracic or intraabdominal pressure. We present a patient who developed retinal and vitreous hemorrhages with multiple retinal nonperfused areas after extreme physical training with shouting on a mountainous area. This exercise was part of his training as a member of a Japanese traditional cheerleading team.

Method:
Case presentation.

Results:
A 19-year-old man developed an acute decrease in the vision to 0.3 in his left eye after running on hilly roads at approximately 800 m while shouting fight songs for several hours. Ophthalmoscopy showed a fresh vitreous hemorrhage that covered the entire macula and was connected to the optic disk in the left eye. The vitreous hemorrhage spontaneously resolved and an intraretinal hemorrhage and nonperfused area emerged. His visual acuity returned to 1.2.

Conclusion:
Prolonged, strenuous physical exertion with shouting during training exercises can lead to Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy. Several other factors, such as hot weather, altitude, and dehydration, may have played an additive role in increasing the venous pressure and hypoxia in the retinal vessels, which then caused the retinopathy.
An improved algorithm for the detection of genomic variation using short oligonucleotide expression microarrays
Authors: Settles Matthew L. , Coram Tristan , Soule Terence , Robison Barrie D. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHigh‐throughput microarray experiments often generate far more biological information than is required to test the experimental hypotheses. Many microarray analyses are considered finished after differential expression and additional analyses are typically not performed, leaving untapped biological information left undiscovered. This is especially true if the microarray experiment is from an ecological study of multiple populations. Comparisons across populations may also contain important genomic polymorphisms, and a subset of these polymorphisms may be identified with microarrays using techniques for the detection of single feature polymorphisms (SFP).SFPs are differences in microarray probe level intensities caused by genetic polymorphisms such as single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and small insertions/deletions and not expression differences. In this study, we provide a new algorithm for the detection ofSFPs, evaluate the algorithm using existing data from two publicly availableAffymetrixBarley (Hordeum vulgare) microarray data sets and compare them to two previously publishedSFPdetection algorithms. Results show that our algorithm provides more consistent and sensitive calling ofSFPs with a lower false discovery rate. Simultaneous analysis ofSFPs and differential expression is a low‐cost method for the enhanced analysis of microarray data, enabling additional biological inferences to be made.
Bacterial Modulation of Human Fetal Membrane Toll‐like Receptor Expression
Authors: Abrahams Vikki M. , Potter Julie A. , Bhat Geeta , Peltier Morgan R. , Saade George , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: September 2012

ProblemPreterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) occurs in 30–40% of spontaneous preterm births (PTB) and is associated with intra‐amniotic infection and inflammation. The membranes may sense and respond to microbes via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs); however, little is known about their expression and regulation in this tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of TLRs 1–10 in fetal membranes after exposure to pathogens associated with intra‐amniotic infection and PTB.Method of studyNormal human term fetal membrane explants were exposed to various bacteria. After 24 hrs, RNA was extracted and quantitative RT‐PCR performed for TLRs1–10.ResultsTreatment of fetal membranes with Mycoplasma hominis increased expression of TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8 mRNA. Ureaplasma parvum upregulated TLR8 mRNA, and Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly increased fetal membrane TLR7 expression. In contrast, treatment with Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (and its cell wall component lipopolysaccharide) downregulated TLR10 mRNA. No effect was detected for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, or Group B Streptococcus.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that different types of bacteria have distinct effects on fetal membrane TLR expression patterns. Moreover, these findings highlight the disparity of fetal membrane responses to infection and thus suggest heterogeneity in the mechanisms by which infection‐associated pregnancy complications, such as pPROM and PTB, arise.