bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diverse allosteric and catalytic functions of tetrameric d-lactate dehydrogenases from three Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Furukawa Nayuta , Miyanaga Akimasa , Togawa Misato , Nakajima Masahiro , Taguchi Hayao 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
NAD-dependent d-lactate dehydrogenases (d-LDHs) reduce pyruvate into d-lactate with oxidation of NADH into NAD+. Although non-allosteric d-LDHs from Lactobacilli have been extensively studied, the catalytic properties of allosteric d-LDHs from Gram-negative bacteria except for Escherichia coli remain unknown. We characterized the catalytic properties of d-LDHs from three Gram-negative bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum (FNLDH), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PALDH), and E. coli (ECLDH) to gain an insight into allosteric mechanism of d-LDHs. While PALDH and ECLDH exhibited narrow substrate specificities toward pyruvate like usual d-LDHs, FNLDH exhibited a broad substrate specificity toward hydrophobic 2-ketoacids such as 2-ketobutyrate and 2-ketovalerate, the former of which gave a 2-fold higher k
cat/S0.5 value than pyruvate. Whereas the three enzymes consistently showed hyperbolic shaped pyruvate saturation curves below pH 6.5, FNLDH and ECLDH, and PALDH showed marked positive and negative cooperativity, respectively, in the pyruvate saturation curves above pH 7.5. Oxamate inhibited the catalytic reactions of FNLDH competitively with pyruvate, and the PALDH reaction in a mixed manner at pH 7.0, but markedly enhanced the reactions of the two enzymes at low concentration through canceling of the apparent homotropic cooperativity at pH 8.0, although it constantly inhibited the ECLDH reaction. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and certain divalent metal ions such as Mg2+ also markedly enhanced the reactions of FNLDH and PALDH, but none of them enhanced the reaction of ECLDH. Thus, our study demonstrates that bacterial d-LDHs have highly divergent allosteric and catalytic properties.
Frequency and outcomes of submandibular gland obstruction following resection of squamous cell carcinomas in the vicinity of the submandibular duct
Authors: Wong DWH , Kamisetty A , Lowe D , Rogers SN 
Published: October 2014

Introduction The aim of this study was to report rates, associated factors and outcomes of submandibular gland obstruction following surgery for squamous cell carcinoma in the anterior floor of the mouth (FOM) or ventral tongue without a neck dissection where resection has involved (or has been in very close proximity to) the submandibular duct. Methods A retrospective case note review was carried out for the period January 2007 to December 2011. Only patients who received primary local surgical resection for squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior FOM or ventral tongue were included. Results Fifty-two patients were analysed. Fifteen (29%) developed submandibular gland symptoms following surgery. Symptoms resolved spontaneously for 14 (93%) and 1 patient required the submandibular duct to be repositioned. Comparatively, 2 patients (13%) developed symptoms when the duct was repositioned during primary surgery. No patients had their submandibular gland removed. Conclusions Resection of small tumours associated with the FOM and ventral tongue in proximity to the submandibular duct is associated with obstructive symptoms in about a quarter of patients; this is reduced by half when redirecting the duct. Symptoms are self-limiting and self-resolving. A prospective clinical trial comparing duct repositioning with subcapsular gland excision would help clarify potential benefits and best treatment modalities.
Numerical evaluation of blood viscosity affecting pulse wave propagation in a fluid-structure interaction model
Authors: He Fan , Hua Lu , Gao Li-jian 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHigh blood viscosity often causes cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. It is proven that blood viscosity plays an important role in cardiovascular functions. In this paper, pulse wave characteristics with normal and high blood viscosities are presented in detail to evaluate how blood viscosity affects pulse wave propagation. A fluid-structure interaction is employed to solve for pulse wave characteristics. The results show that increased blood viscosity does not change the time delay of wave propagation. However, high viscosity reduces the velocity amplitude, while it enhances the pressure level. This study provides physical insight for evaluating blood viscosity leading potentially to pulse wave changes.
Mechanical properties and chemical composition of beech wood exposed for 30 and 120 days to white-rot fungi
Authors: Bari Ehsan , Taghiyari Hamid Reza , Mohebby Behbood , Clausen Carol A. , Schmidt Olaf , Tajick Ghanbary Mohammad Ali , Vaseghi Mohammad Javad 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The effects of exposing specimens of Oriental beech [Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis (Lipsky) Greuter and Burdet] to the white-rot fungi Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer and Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Pilát strain 325 have been studied concerning the mechanical properties and chemical composition in terms of carbohydrates, cellulose, and lignin. Biological decay tests were carried out in accordance with the EN 113 standard specifications for 30 and 120 days. P. ostreatus had nearly the same deteriorating effects on the mechanical properties and chemical composition as that caused by T. versicolor. High and significant correlations were found between some mechanical properties with chemical components; for instance, the correlation coefficient (R2) between impact bending and carbohydrate content was about 0.96. The changes of components influence the various mechanical properties to a different degree. Incipient fungal decay caused severe changes for impact bending and carbohydrate loss. Several other properties declined at 120-day exposure time, such as the hardness, compression strength parallel to grain, and cellulose and lignin losses.
National primary drinking water regulation for arsenic: A retrospective assessment of costs
Authors: Morgan Cynthia , Simon Nathalie B. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract:This paper compares EPA’s ex ante cost analysis of the 2001 maximum contaminant limit (MCL) for Arsenic in Drinking Water to an ex post assessment of the costs. Because comprehensive cost information for installed treatment technologies or other mitigation strategies pursued by water systems to meet the new standard is not available, this case study relies upon ex post cost data from EPA Demonstration Projects, capturing a total of 50 systems across the US. Information shared by several states and independent associations on the types (but not costs) of treatment technologies used by systems is also summarized. Comparisons of predicted costs to realized costs using our limited data yield mixed results. Plotting the capital cost data from the Demonstration Projects against the cost curves for the compliance technologies recommended for smaller systems, we find that the EPA methodology overestimated capital costs in most cases, especially as the size of the system increases (as measured by the design flow rate).
Diminished HLA-DR expression on monocyte and dendritic cell subsets indicating impairment of cellular immunity in pre-term neonates: a prospective observational analysis
Authors: Schefold Joerg C. , Porz Linn , Uebe Barbara , Poehlmann Holger , von Haehling Stephan , Jung Andreas , Unterwalder Nadine , Meisel Christian 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe risk of neonates for severe infection/sepsis is reciprocally proportional to gestational age and birth weight. As monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) are recognised key antigen-presenting immune cells, we aimed to elucidate whether neonatal age is associated with reduced expression of human-leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) antigens on subsets of monocytes and DCs.Forty-three consecutive neonates (20 male, mean gestational age 236.0±26.8 days; mean 1-min Apgar score 7.5±2.0) were included in a monocentric prospective observational analysis. Patients were grouped according to gestational age (n=15 full-term, n=28 pre-term defined as <33 weeks). Ten healthy adult volunteers were assessed also. Flow-cytometric assessment of HLA-DR expression was performed in subsets of peripheral blood myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs (MDC and PDC) and monocytes (CD14At birth, leukocyte counts were increased in full-term neonates. Monocyte counts were significantly increased in neonates when compared with adults (all P<0.05). A significant numerical increase of CD14We observed a markedly diminished HLA-DR expression on monocyte and DC subsets in pre-term and full-term neonates, which may contribute to impaired antimicrobial defence mechanisms in the early days of life.
From C-oriented cliticization to verbal agreement in Kansas Bukovina Bohemian
Authors: Wratil Melani 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Kansas Bukovina Bohemian has recently developed a verbal 1pl agreement marker. It is shown that this marker has its origins in the C-oriented cliticization of 1pl subject pronouns. Their reanalysis as C-oriented 1pl agreement markers has brought about double agreement effects that are controlled by the syntactic positioning of the finite verb. Since subordinated structures increasingly feature left-headed TPs due to linguistic influence from American English, the former 1pl enclitics nowadays fully integrate into the verbal conjugation while double agreement is getting lost. The retention of double agreement on one specific auxiliary results from a process of inter-paradigmatic homonymy flight.
How interrogative pronouns can become relative pronouns: the case of was in Misionero German
Authors: Putnam Michael T. , Schwarz Lara 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Misionero German (MG), a variety of heritage German spoken in the Misiones Province of Argentina, allows the interrogative pronoun was ‘what’ to function as a relative pronoun in similar and analogous contexts to those found in Brazilian Portuguese. We argue that this shift in the grammar is the result of replica grammaticalization, likely due to extreme contact with Brazilian Portuguese over the course of the last century.
High-Resolution Genetic Mapping in the Diversity Outbred Mouse Population Identifies Apobec1 as a Candidate Gene for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Smallwood Tangi L , Gatti Daniel M , Quizon Pamela , Weinstock George M , Jung Kuo-Chen , Zhao Liyang , Hua Kunjie , Pomp Daniel , Bennett Brian J 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Inbred mice exhibit strain-specific variation in susceptibility to atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia that renders them useful in dissecting the genetic architecture of these complex diseases. Traditional quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping studies using inbred strains often identify large genomic regions, containing many genes, due to limited recombination and/or sample size. This hampers candidate gene identification and translation of these results into possible risk factors and therapeutic targets. An alternative approach is the use of multiparental outbred lines for genetic mapping, such as the Diversity Outbred (DO) mouse panel, which can be more informative than traditional two-parent crosses and can aid in the identification of causal genes and variants associated with QTL. We fed 292 female DO mice either a high-fat, cholesterol-containing (HFCA) diet, to induce atherosclerosis, or a low-fat, high-protein diet for 18 wk and measured plasma lipid levels before and after diet treatment. We measured markers of atherosclerosis in the mice fed the HFCA diet. The mice were genotyped on a medium-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array and founder haplotypes were reconstructed using a hidden Markov model. The reconstructed haplotypes were then used to perform linkage mapping of atherosclerotic lesion size as well as plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and glucose. Among our highly significant QTL we detected a ~100 kb QTL interval for atherosclerosis on Chromosome 6, as well as a 1.4 Mb QTL interval on Chromosome 9 for triglyceride levels at baseline and a coincident 22.2 Mb QTL interval on Chromosome 9 for total cholesterol after dietary treatment. One candidate gene within the Chromosome 6 peak region associated with atherosclerosis is Apobec1, the apolipoprotein B (ApoB) mRNA-editing enzyme, which plays a role in the regulation of ApoB, a critical component of low-density lipoprotein, by editing ApoB mRNA. This study demonstrates the value of the DO population to improve mapping resolution and to aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease. Using a DO mouse population fed an HFCA diet, we were able to identify an A/J-specific isoform of Apobec1 that contributes to atherosclerosis.
Evaluation of various conventional methods for sampling weeds in potato and spinach crops
Authors: Jamaica David , Plaza Guido 
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to evaluate (at an exploratory level), some of the different conventional sampling designs in a section of a potato crop and in a commercial crop of spinach. Weeds were sampled in a 16 x 48 m section of a potato crop with a set grid of 192 sections. The cover and density of the weeds were registered in squares of from 0.25 to 64 m2. The results were used to create a database that allowed for the simulation of different sampling designs: variables and square size. A second sampling was carried out with these results in a spinach crop of 1.16 ha with a set grid of 6 x 6 m cells, evaluating the cover in 4 m2 squares. Another database was created with this information, which was used to simulate other sampling designs such as distribution and quantity of sampling squares. According to the obtained results, a good method for approximating the quantity of squares for diverse samples is 10-12 squares (4 m2) for richness per ha and 18 or more squares for abundance per hectare. This square size is optimal since it allows for a sampling of more area without losing sight of low-profile species, with the cover variable best representing the abundance of the weeds.
Sorption isotherms for oat flakes (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Zapata M. José Edgar , Quintero C. Oscar Albeiro , Porras B. Luis Danilo 
Published: October 2014

Moisture sorption isotherms of oat flakes were determined at temperatures of 5, 25 and 37°C, using a gravimetric technique in an aw range of between 0.107 and 0.855. These curves were modeled using six equations commonly applied in food. The quality of the fit was assessed with the regression coefficient (r2) and the mean relative percentage error (MRPE). The best fit were obtained with the Caurie model with r2 of 0.996, 0.901 and 0.870, and MRPE of 7.190, 17.878 and 16.206, at 5, 25 and 37°C, respectively. The equilibrium moisture presented a dependence on temperature in the studied aw range, as did the security moisture (XS). These results suggest that the recommended storage conditions of oat flakes include: a relative air humidity of 50% between 5 and 25°C and of 38% up to 37°C.
Effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on the production and quality of oil in Jatropha curcas L. under the dry and warm climate conditions of Colombia
Authors: Montenegro R. Omar , Magnitskiy Stanislav , Henao T. Martha C. 
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to assess fruit and seed yield, oil content and oil composition of Jatropha curcas fertilized with different doses of nitrogen and potassium in Espinal (Tolima, Colombia). The yields ranged from 4,570 to 8,800 kg ha-1 of fruits and from 2,430 to 4,746 kg ha-1 of seeds. These yields showed that the fertilizer dose of 150 kg ha-1 N + 120 kg ha-1K increased fruit production by 92% and seed production by 95%, which represents an increase of about 100% in oil production, which increased from 947 to 1,900 kg ha-1. The total oil content in the seeds ranged from 38.7 to 40.1% (w/w) with a high content of the unsaturated fatty acids oleic (> 47%) and linoleic acid (> 29%). The highest content of oleic acid in the seed oil was from the unfertilized control plants and plants with an application of 100 kg ha-1 of N and 60 kg ha-1 of K, with an average of 48%. The lowest content of oleic acid was registered when a low dose of nitrogen and a high level of potassium were applied at a ratio of 1:2.4 and doses of 50 kg ha-1 N + 120 kg ha-1 K, respectively. Low contents of the saturated fatty acids palmitic (13.4%) and stearic (7.26%) were obtained, making this oil suitable for biodiesel production. The nitrogen was a more important nutrient for the production and quality of oil in J. curcas than potassium under the studied conditions of soil and climate.
Natural co-infection of Solanum tuberosum crops by the Potato yellow vein virus and potyvirus in Colombia
Authors: Villamil-Garzón Angela , Cuellar Wilmer J. , Guzmán-Barney Mónica 
Published: October 2014

The Potato yellow vein virus (PYVV), a Crinivirus with an RNA tripartite genome, is the causal agent of the potato yellow vein disease, reported in Colombian since 1950, with yield reductions of up to 50%. Co-infection of two or more viruses is common in nature and can be associated with differences in virus accumulation and symptom expression. No evidence of mixed infection between PYVV and other viruses has been reported. In this study, eight plants showing yellowing PYVV symptoms: four Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja (P) and four Group Andigena (A), were collected in Cundinamarca, Colombia to detect mixed infection in the isolates using next generation sequencing (NGS). The Potato virus Y (PVY) complete genome (similar to N strain) and the Potato virus V (PVV) partial genomes were detected using NGS and re-confirmed by RT-PCR. Preliminary field screening in a large sample showed that PYVV and PVY co-infect potato plants with a prevalence of 21% within the P group and 23% within the A group. This is the first report of co-infection of PYVV and potyvirus in Colombia and with the use of NGS. Considering that potyviruses enhance symptom severity and/or yield reductions in mixed infections, our results may be relevant for disease diagnosis, breeding programs and tuber certification.
Layered Superconductor/Ferromagnet Structures for Magnetic Field Cloaking
Authors: Gömöry Fedor , Solovyov Mykola , Šouc Ján 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTCombination of superconducting (SC) and ferromagnetic (FM) sheets into layered SC/FM composites allows to obtain metamaterials with unusual magnetic properties: the effective magnetic permeability along the sheets could be much higher than in the perpendicular direction. One can design the magnetic cloak consisting of a shell from SC/FM composite protecting its inner space against the penetration of a static magnetic field. Difference between such a device and a usual SC or FM shield will be in its un-detectability by magnetic sensors checking the field distribution outside the cloak. Thus it could be considered a magnetic invisibility cloak and one can think about using it e.g. for protecting a sensitive electronic circuitry in an electric machine.We have prepared a series of SC/FM cloaks using commercial coated conductors as the superconducting elements and various kinds of ferromagnetic sheets as the ferromagnetic elements. Finite element calculation was utilized to optimize the architecture. Experimental testing of the cloaking ability in static magnetic field was performed by scanning the field distribution in vicinity of the cloak. Detectability in low frequency (< 100 Hz) AC magnetic fields was tested in an AC magnetization set-up allowing to see both screening and dissipation signals. Recording of magnetization loops allowed to analyze in detail the dynamics of field interaction with the cloak. Reduction of the detected magnetic signature due to the cloak was confirmed, however it is still not complete. Tests of various arrangements of superconducting and ferromagnetic materials allowed to identify the main problems hindering to achieve a perfect cloaking.
Stability of a Wind Farm with Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage
Authors: Antony Anish P. , Shaw David T. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTElectric networks will experience deep changes due to the emergence of dispersed generation. Variability in power output is a characteristic of wind energy and increased penetration of wind power will present significant operational challenges in ensuring grid security and power quality. This paper addresses the integration of large wind farms into the grid through the beneficial role of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems. Although originally conceived as a load-leveling device for nuclear power plants, today’s utility-industrial realities emphasize other applications of SMES in the development of wind energy. In the industrial section, concerns about power quality and stability have driven the development of a market for micro-SMES devices for power quality applications. The paper reviews the recent history of SMES, performs analysis in terms of the quantity of superconductor required and cost associated with both toroid and solenoid shaped coil using Bi-2223, YBCO and MgB2. The energy storage is optimized by properly designing the bandwidth of SMES. The ultimate aim of this paper is to influence the optimal design and configuration of SMES for land and offshore wind power generation and to propose a roadmap for the resolution of technical barriers related to the integration of wind energy to the electric grid.
Image Processing To Aid in Graphene Detection
Authors: Gorby Ryan D. , Jiao Lihong (Heidi) 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTQualitative techniques for the detection of graphene on a Si/SiO2 substrate, without the use of sophisticated equipment, are presented. Once calibrated, this technique can be used to detect Single Layer Graphene (SLG) and Few Layer Graphene (FLG) with the use of an inexpensive optical microscope (OM), OM camera system, and image processing software. This technique could be transferred to graphene deposited on other substrates or other 2-D materials with minor updates to mathematical theory.
Alveolar Bone Turnover and Periodontal Ligament Width Are Controlled by Wnt
Authors: Lim Won Hee , Liu Bo , Mah Su‐jung , Yin Xing , Helms Jill A. 
Published: October 2014

Background: The molecular signals responsible for maintaining homeostatic control over the periodontal ligament (PDL) are unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Wnt signaling in this process using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches.Methods: The function of endogenous Wnt signal in the PDL was evaluated in Lrp5ACT mice in which a mutation in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 5 Wnt coreceptor causes constitutive activation of Wnt signaling, and in adenovirus Dkk1–treated mice in which overexpression of the Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 causes transient Wnt signal inhibition. PDL in both animal models was examined using histology and immunohistochemical analyses for osteopontin, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), fibromodulin, osterix, ki67, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), and alkaline phosphatase activity.Results: Lrp5ACT mice exhibited a significant narrowing of the PDL space caused by an increase in osteogenic gene expression, a reduction in RANKL expression and osteoclast activity, and an increase in alveolar bone formation. Conversely, adenovirus Dkk1–treated mice showed decreased expression of osteogenic markers, coupled with an increase in osteoclast activity, which resulted in a slight increase in PDL width.Conclusion: The Wnt pathway is involved in the homeostatic control of the PDL, and conditions that elevate or repress Wnt signaling alter the expression of osteogenic genes within the PDL space, which in turn affects its overall width.