bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Frequency of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Mankaï Amani , Manoubi Wiem , Ghozzi Mariam , Melayah Sarra , Sakly Wahiba , Ghedira Ibtissem 
Published: March 2014

AimTo evaluate, retrospectively, the frequency of autoantibodies of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) in Tunisian patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).Patients and methodsWe analyzed 80 PBC sera and 80 sera from blood donors. ELISA was used to determine the frequency of antibodies against cardiolipin (aCL IgG, IgA, and IgM) and beta 2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI IgG, IgA, and IgM).ResultsThe frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies (aCL and/or aβ2GPI) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in controls (70 vs. 5%, P < 10−6). The frequency of aCL antibodies (IgG, IgA or IgM) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in the control group (23.7 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.0005). The frequencies of aCL IgA and aCL IgM in PBC patients' sera were significantly higher than those in the control group (10 vs. 0%, P = 0.003 and 20 vs. 2.5%, P = 0.001, respectively). Two patients of eighty (2.5%) had aCL IgG, aCL IgA and aCL IgM. The frequency of aβ2GPI antibodies (IgG, IgA, or IgM) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in the control group (70 vs. 1.2%, P < 10−6). The frequencies of aβ2GPI IgG, aβ2GPI IgA, and aβ2GPI IgM in PBC patients' sera were significantly higher in patients than in the control group (12.5 vs. 0%, P = 0.003; 62.5 vs. 1.2%, P < 10−6; and 21.2 vs. 0%, P < 10−4, respectively).ConclusionAutoantibodies related to APLS (aCL and aβ2GPI) were present in the majority of patients with PBC, reflecting the ability of these antibodies to engage mediators of damage.
Application of a Commercial Immunoblot to Define EBV IgG Seroprofiles
Authors: de Ory Fernando , Guisasola Eulalia , Tarragó David , Sanz Juan Carlos 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundImmunoblot (IB) techniques using different Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens have been applied for detecting specific antibodies, making possible to obtain EBV seroprofiles in a single determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate a commercial IB for the detection of EBV‐specific IgG (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany).MethodsA total of 117 samples classified as EBV primary recent infections (n = 70), past infections (n = 29), or not infected (n = 18) have been used. The samples were characterized by immunofluorescence, by testing EBV capsid antigens IgM and IgG (using indirect approaches) and EBV nuclear antigen (by anticomplement technique; Meridian Bioscience Inc.).ResultsUsing the cut‐off value as defined by the IB manufacturer, the concordance, relative sensitivity, and relative specificity were 85.5 (100/117), 94.3% (66/70), and 72.3% (34/47), respectively. If a corrected cut‐off value was considered to classify the samples, the corresponding corrected figures were 89.7, 88.6, and 91.5%, respectively.ConclusionBeing a useful serological diagnostic tool, IB for testing EBV IgG seems to be an adequate approach to define EBV seroprofiles. However, efforts to better define the cut‐off value should be made in order to improve the performance of the assay in evaluation.
Association Between Serum Soluble Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor Levels and Metabolic Factors in Healthy Japanese Individuals
Authors: Shimohiro Hisashi , Taniguchi Shin‐Ichi , Koda Masahiko , Sakai Chieko , Yamada Sadako 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundSoluble low‐density lipoprotein receptor (sLDL‐R) is formed by cleavage of the extracellular domain of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R). It is unclear whether serum sLDL‐R is a marker of diseases associated with triglyceride (TG) metabolism. We investigated the association between serum sLDL‐R concentrations and other biochemical parameters in healthy Japanese individuals.MethodsStudy subjects consisted of 102 healthy adult Japanese volunteers (42 men, 60 women) with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and serum TGs, LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and glucose concentrations within normal ranges. Serum sLDL‐R concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and their correlations with biochemical parameters were analyzed.ResultsMean serum sLDL‐R concentration was 120.9 ± 39.9 ng/ml. Serum sLDL‐R levels were significantly and positively correlated with BMI (rs = 0.252) and TG (rs = 0.408) and LDL‐C (rs = 0.325) concentrations. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and smoking showed that BMI (β = 0.274), TG (β = 0.328), and LDL‐C (β = 0.224) were factors independently correlated with sLDL‐R levels.ConclusionSerum sLDL‐R concentration may be a marker of diseases associated with TG metabolism. This is the first report to date describing the clinical relevance of sLDL‐R.
Improvement of ballast water disinfection using a photocatalytic (UV‐C + TiO2) flow‐through reactor for saltwater treatment
Authors: Romero‐Martínez Leonardo , Moreno‐Andrés Javier , Acevedo‐Merino Asunción , Nebot Enrique 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltraviolet disinfection systems used for treating ballast water have several strict requirements such as short exposure time or high disinfection efficacy. Disinfection can be enhanced by a photocatalytic system triggered by ultraviolet light, leading to a reduction in the exposure time necessary and thus a general improvement in the treatment. The use of laboratory disinfection equipment and data modeling enabled determination of the expected treatment optimization.RESULTSPhotocatalysis enhanced ultraviolet treatment, reducing dose requirements by up to 70%, and was particularly effective on the most resistant organism. Treatment optimization was also observed in saltwater conditions.CONCLUSIONPhotocatalytic treatment may speed up ballasting and deballasting processes, since a lower ultraviolet dose is required. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences between the single‐event and frequency formats of seasonal‐climate‐forecast probability
Authors: Coventry W. L. , Dalgleish L. I. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTSince the late 1980s, Australian forecasters have used the seasonal climate forecast (SCF) statement In the next three months, the probability of getting above median rainfall is 30%. Study one (n = 63) established a baseline of whether laypersons interpreted this statement as forecasting wetter or drier conditions than normal. Although the statement is forecasting a greater likelihood of drier conditions than normal, 76% incorrectly interpreted the statement as forecasting a wetter season than normal. Using testing conditions identical to study one, in study two (n = 71), to improve accuracy, we inserted the word only in the statement (i.e. … probability of getting above median rainfall is only 30%). While the probability itself had not changed, a drop to just 24% errors suggested participants were ambiguous about how to interpret this probability. A body of research by Gigerenzer and others shows peoples' ability to reason with probabilities is enhanced by frequency probabilities rather than single‐event probabilities. Study three (n = 51) used the frequency (i.e. 3 in 10) rather than single‐event (i.e. 30%) format tested in studies one and two. Only 22% made errors showing participants better understood how to interpret the frequency probability. We discuss formats for presenting the SCF and argue the frequency format more effectively conveys the chance nature of forecasts.
Product characteristics and quality of bovine blood‐enriched dried vegetable paste
Authors: Faria da Rocha Silvia , Kappaun Rodrigues Marla Cristina , Legemann Monte Micheli , Quites Larrosa Ana Paula , de Almeida Pinto Luiz Antonio 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to evaluate a preparation of vegetable paste with bovine blood in order to maximize the protein content using linear programming, and to analyze the product characteristics and quality of bovine blood‐enriched vegetable paste dried in a spouted bed. The drying experiments were performed by evaluating the effects of inlet air temperature, paste flow rate and paste solids concentration on the dried product characteristics and quality (functional and nutritional properties).RESULTSThe vegetable paste enriched with bovine blood was a good source of protein (∼0.20 g g−1, dry basis), and the linear programming was adequate to select the constituents (carrot, onion, potato, kale, tomato, soybean oil and bovine blood) and optimize their quantities. The drying conditions of bovine blood‐enriched vegetable paste in the spouted bed that gave the best product characteristics were an air temperature of 110 °C and a paste flow rate of 600 mL h−1 with 0.07 g g−1 solids concentration.CONCLUSIONThe addition of bovine blood to vegetable paste by linear programming increased the protein content of the paste and improved its functional properties and digestibility. The powder obtained from the spouted bed drier showed suitable functional and nutritional properties and was also a good source of antioxidant compounds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Block Copolymer Micelles with an Intermediate Star‐/Flower‐Like Structure Studied by 1H NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Weiss Jan , Wienk Hans , Boelens Rolf , Laschewsky André 
Published: March 2014

1H NMR relaxation is used to study the self‐assembly of a double thermoresponsive diblock copolymer in dilute aqueous solution. Above the first transition temperature, at which aggregation into micellar structures is observed, the trimethylsilyl (TMS)‐labeled end group attached to the shell‐forming block shows a biphasic T2 relaxation. The slow contribution reflects the TMS groups located at the periphery of the hydrophilic shell, in agreement with a star‐like micelle. The fast T2 contribution corresponds to the TMS groups, which fold back toward the hydrophobic core, reflecting a flower‐like micelle. These results confirm the formation of block copolymer micelles of an intermediate nature (i.e., of partial flower‐like and star‐like character), in which a part of the TMS end groups folds back to the core due to hydrophobic interactions.
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Synthesis of a Multiblock Copolymer of cis‐1,4‐Polybutadiene and Poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol)
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Kasai Yuki , Shinzawa Masahito , Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi 
Published: March 2014

Synthesis of a multiblock copolymer composed of cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (PBd) segments and poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol) segments is performed via successive hydroboration and oxidation of cis‐1,4/syn‐1,2‐multiblock PBd. The ratio of functionalization can be controlled by changing the amount of the borane reagent. The obtained polymer shows two distinctive glass‐transition temperatures, which correspond to the cis‐1,4‐PBd block and the poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol) block. These thermal properties clearly show that the functionalization of the PBd proceeds keeping the elastic property derived from cis‐1,4 segment.
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Global transcriptome analysis identifies regulated transcripts and pathways activated during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in atlantic cod
Authors: Kleppe Lene , Edvardsen Rolf Brudvik , Furmanek Tomasz , Taranger Geir Lasse , Wargelius Anna 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThe molecular mechanisms underlying oogenesis and maternally controlled embryogenesis in fish are not fully understood, especially in marine species. Our aim was to study the egg and embryo transcriptome during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in Atlantic cod. Follicles from oogenesis stages (pre‐, early‐, and late‐vitellogenic), ovulated eggs, and two embryonic stages (blastula, gastrula) were collected from broodstock fish and fertilized eggs. Gene expression profiles were measured in a 44 K oligo microarray consisting of 23,000 cod genes. Hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the follicle stages investigated, implicating a continuous accumulation and degradation of polyadenylated transcripts throughout oogenesis. Very few DEGs were identified from ovulated egg to blastula, showing a more stable maternal RNA pool in early embryonic stages. The highest induction of expression was observed between blastula and gastrula, signifying the onset of zygotic transcription. During early vitellogenesis, several of the most upregulated genes are linked to nervous system signaling, suggesting increasing requirements for ovarian synaptic signaling to stimulate the rapid growth of oocytes. Highly upregulated genes during late vitellogenesis are linked to protein processing, fat metabolism, osmoregulation, and arrested meiosis. One of the genes with the highest upregulation in the ovulated egg is involved in oxidative phosphorylation, reflecting increased energy requirements during fertilization and the first rapid cell divisions of early embryogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides a large‐scale presentation of the Atlantic cod's maternally controlled transcriptome in ovarian follicles through oogenesis, ovulated eggs, and early embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 619–635, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sperm‐specific AKAP3 is a dual‐specificity anchoring protein that interacts with both protein kinase a regulatory subunits via conserved N‐terminal amphipathic peptides
Authors: Xu Kaibiao , Qi Huayu 
Published: March 2014

SummarycAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) plays important regulatory roles during mouse spermatogenesis. PKA‐mediated signaling has been shown to regulate gene expression, chromatin condensation, capacitation, and motility during sperm development and behavior, although how PKA is regulated in spatiotemporal manners during spermatogenesis is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that PKA subunit isoforms are expressed and localized differently in meiotic and post‐meiotic mouse spermatogenic cells. Regulatory subunit I alpha (RIα) is expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids, where it is localized diffusely throughout the cytoplasm of cells. During late spermiogenesis, RIα abundance gradually decreases. On the other hand, RIIα is expressed constantly throughout meiotic and post‐meiotic stages, and is associated with cytoskeletal structures. Among several A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) expressed in the testis, sperm‐specific AKAP3 can be found in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids and interacts with RIα, as demonstrated by both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In mature sperm, AKAP3 is exclusively found in the principal piece of the flagellum, coincident with only RIIα. Mutagenesis experiments further showed that the preferential interactions of AKAP3 with PKA regulatory subunits are mediated by two highly conserved amphipathic peptides located in the N‐terminal region of AKAP3. Thus, AKAP3 is a dual‐specificity molecule that modulates PKA isotypes in a spatiotemporal manner during mouse spermatogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 595–607, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Roles of the spinal glutamatergic pathway activated through α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors and its interactions with spinal noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways in the rat urethral continence mechanisms
Authors: Kawamorita Naoki , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Miyazato Minoru , Arai Yoichi , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: March 2014

AimsTo investigate the role of the glutamatergic pathway and its relationship to noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways in modulation of the urethral continence reflex during sneezing in rats.MethodsIn female Sprague‐Dawley rats under urethane anesthesia, the effects of an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐meth‐ylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor antagonist, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and a serotonin [5‐hydeoxytripitamine (5‐HT)]2B/2C agonist on the amplitude of urethral responses during sneezing (AURS), urethral baseline pressure (UBP), and sneeze‐induced leak point pressure (S‐LPP) were investigated.ResultsIntrathecal application (i.t.) of NBQX disodium salt (an AMPA receptor antagonist) decreased AURS dose‐dependently by approximately 60% without affecting UBP and caused stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during sneezing in 60% of normal rats. Nisoxetine (i.t.), a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and mCPP (i.t.), a 5‐HT2B/2C, agonist increased AURS, and NBQX (i.t.) abolished these excitatory effects of nisoxetine (i.t.) and mCPP (i.t.), whereas nisoxetine (i.t.) and mCPP (i.t.) did not enhance AURS in the presence of NBQX (i.t.).ConclusionThese results indicate that the glutamatergic pathway acting through AMPA receptors plays a crucial role on the active urethral closure reflex during sneezing at the spinal level, and noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways modulate the reflex via the spinal glutamatergic system in rats. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:475–481, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resorcinol‐based benzoxazine with low polymerization temperature
Authors: Arnebold Andre , Schorsch Oliver , Stelten Johannes , Hartwig Andreas 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe industrial applications of benzoxazines are limited due to their high curing temperatures. This drawback can be overcome by more reactive precursor compared to conventional benzoxazines or by application of efficient initiators. We report the synthesis of a new resorcinol‐based benzoxazine and its cationic polymerization with thermolatent super acids, namely organic sulfonium hexafluoroantimonates. This combination of a reactive precursor and an efficient initiator results in a curing temperature below 100 °C (differential scanning calorimetry onset) which is up to now one of the lowest polymerization temperatures for benzoxazine systems. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the formed polybenzoxazine has not been influenced by the applied initiators. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1693–1699
Immediate Effects of Talocrural and Subtalar Joint Mobilization on Balance in the Elderly
Authors: Chevutschi Alain , D'Houwt Juliette , Pardessus Vinciane , Thevenon André 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate effects of therapeutic mobilization of the talocrural and subtalar joints on ankle mobility and postural control in elderly subjects.MethodsNineteen subjects (83.1 ± 6 years, 159 ± 1 cm; 56.1 ± 9.7 kg − mean ± standard deviation) participated in this study. The centre of pressure (COP) displacements along the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral axes was recorded in static and dynamic conditions on a force platform before and after therapeutic mobilization of the feet and ankles without blinding the subjects.ResultsIn static conditions, the sway area is reduced contrarily to dynamic conditions where the sway area is increased. In the two experimental sessions, subjects showed comparable COP displacements and the total length of the oscillations. Results demonstrated a significant improvement immediately after mobilization for ankle range of motion in dorsal flexion (right +4.7°; left +3.2°) and plantar flexion (right 5.2°; left +4.2°).ConclusionThese results suggested that postural control is improved in static conditions and decreased in dynamic conditions. Therapeutic mobilization of feet and ankles in the elderly provides an immediate improvement in joint range of movement in dorsal and plantar flexion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structure of the nucleotide‐binding domain of mortalin, the mitochondrial Hsp70 chaperone
Authors: Amick Joseph , Schlanger Simon E. , Wachnowsky Christine , Moseng Mitchell A. , Emerson Corey C. , Dare Michelle , Luo Wen‐I , Ithychanda Sujay S. , Nix Jay C. , Cowan J. A. , Page Richard C. , Misra Saurav 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMortalin, a member of the Hsp70‐family of molecular chaperones, functions in a variety of processes including mitochondrial protein import and quality control, Fe‐S cluster protein biogenesis, mitochondrial homeostasis, and regulation of p53. Mortalin is implicated in regulation of apoptosis, cell stress response, neurodegeneration, and cancer and is a target of the antitumor compound MKT‐077. Like other Hsp70‐family members, Mortalin consists of a nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD) and a substrate‐binding domain. We determined the crystal structure of the NBD of human Mortalin at 2.8 Å resolution. Although the Mortalin nucleotide‐binding pocket is highly conserved relative to other Hsp70 family members, we find that its nucleotide affinity is weaker than that of Hsc70. A Parkinson's disease‐associated mutation is located on the Mortalin‐NBD surface and may contribute to Mortalin aggregation. We present structure‐based models for how the Mortalin‐NBD may interact with the nucleotide exchange factor GrpEL1, with p53, and with MKT‐077. Our structure may contribute to the understanding of disease‐associated Mortalin mutations and to improved Mortalin‐targeting antitumor compounds.
Evaluation of ensemble forecast uncertainty using a new proper score: Application to medium‐range and seasonal forecasts
Authors: Christensen H. M. , Moroz I. M. , Palmer T. N. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractForecast verification is important across scientific disciplines, as it provides a framework for evaluating the performance of a forecasting system. In the atmospheric sciences, probabilistic skill scores are often used for verification, as they provide a way of ranking the performance of different probabilistic forecasts unambiguously. In order to be useful, a skill score must be proper: it must encourage honesty in the forecaster and reward forecasts that are reliable and have good resolution. A new score, the error‐spread score (ES), is proposed, which is particularly suitable for evaluation of ensemble forecasts. It is formulated with respect to the moments of the forecast. The ES is confirmed to be a proper score and is therefore sensitive to both resolution and reliability. The ES is tested on forecasts made using the Lorenz ′96 system and found to be useful for summarizing the skill of the forecasts. The European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble prediction system (EPS) is evaluated using the ES. Its performance is compared with a perfect statistical probabilistic forecast: the ECMWF high‐resolution deterministic forecast dressed with the observed error distribution. This generates a forecast that is perfectly reliable if considered over all time, but does not vary from day to day with the predictability of the atmospheric flow. The ES distinguishes between the dynamically reliable EPS forecasts and the statically reliable dressed deterministic forecasts. Other skill scores are tested and found to be comparatively insensitive to this desirable forecast quality. The ES is used to evaluate seasonal range ensemble forecasts made with the ECMWF System 4. The ensemble forecasts are found to be skilful when compared with climatological or persistence forecasts, though this skill is dependent on the region and time of year.