bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The concerted action of a positive charge and hydrogen bonds dynamically regulates the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine in the NrdH‐redoxin family
Authors: Van Laer Koen , Oliveira Margarida , Wahni Khadija , Messens Joris 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNrdH‐redoxins shuffle electrons from the NADPH pool in the cell to Class Ib ribonucleotide reductases, which in turn provide the precursors for DNA replication and repair. NrdH‐redoxins have a CVQC active site motif and belong to the thioredoxin‐fold protein family. As for other thioredoxin‐fold proteins, the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine of NrdH‐redoxins is of particular interest since it affects the catalytic reaction rate of the enzymes. Recently, the pKa value of this cysteine in Corynebacterium glutamicum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis NrdH‐redoxins were determined, but structural insights explaining the relatively low pKa remained elusive. We subjected C. glutamicum NrdH‐redoxin to an extensive molecular dynamics simulation to expose the factors regulating the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine. We found that the nucleophilic cysteine receives three hydrogen bonds from residues within the CVQC active site motif. Additionally, a fourth hydrogen bond with a lysine located N‐terminal of the active site further lowers the cysteine pKa. However, site‐directed mutagenesis data show that the major contribution to the lowering of the cysteine pKa comes from the positive charge of the lysine and not from the additional Lys‐Cys hydrogen bond. In 12% of the NrdH‐redoxin family, this lysine is replaced by an arginine that also lowers the cysteine pKa. All together, the four hydrogen bonds and the electrostatic effect of a lysine or an arginine located N‐terminally of the active site dynamically regulate the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine in NrdH‐redoxins.
Solid oxide fuel cells for power generation
Authors: Singhal Subhash C. 
Published: November 2013

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), based on an oxide ion conducting electrolyte, offer a clean, low‐pollution technology to electrochemically generate electricity at high efficiencies. These fuel cells provide many advantages over traditional energy conversion systems including high efficiency, reliability, modularity, fuel adaptability, and very low levels of SOx and NOx emissions. Quiet, vibration‐free operation of SOFCs also eliminates noise usually associated with conventional power generation systems. Furthermore, because of their high operation temperature (600–1000°C), some hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas can be reformed within the cell stack eliminating the need for an expensive, external reformer. In spite of these advantages, the degree and extent of their market penetration really depends on the ability to reduce the cost of SOFC‐based power systems while ensuring their long‐term durability. This article reviews the cell and stack materials, cell designs, and present commercial status of power systems built using SOFCs.This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Systems and Infrastructure
Purification and characterization of a prolyl endopeptidase isolated from Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Kang Chao , Yu Xiao-Wei , Xu Yan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A new fungal strain that was isolated from our library was identified as an Aspergillus oryzae and noted to produce a novel proly endopeptidase. The enzyme was isolated, purified, and characterized. The molecular mass of the prolyl endopeptidase was estimated to be 60 kDa by using SDS-PAGE. Further biochemical characterization assays revealed that the enzyme attained optimal activity at pH 4.0 with acid pH stability from 3.0 to 5.0. Its optimum temperature was 30 °C and residual activity after 30 min incubation at 55 °C was higher than 80 %. The enzyme was activated and stabilized by Ca2+ but inhibited by EDTA (10 mM) and Cu2+. The K m and k cat values of the purified enzyme for different length substrates were also evaluated, and the results imply that the enzyme from A. oryzae possesses higher affinity for the larger substrates. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates for the first time that a prolyl endopeptidase purified from A. oryzae is able to hydrolyze intact casein.
Modified Triglyceride Oil Through Reactions with Phenyltriazolinedione
Authors: Biswas Atanu , Cheng H. N. , Kim Sanghoon , Liu Zengshe 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMost of the current lubricants originate from petroleum stock, which may make them difficult to dispose of and be environmentally unfriendly. Triglyceride oils are good platforms for new products that can substitute for conventional mineral oil‐based lubricating oils and synthetic esters. As part of the effort to develop new uses of triglyceride oils, a modified triglyceride oil was synthesized through the reactions with 4‐phenyl‐1,2‐4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (PTAD). The process required no solvent or catalyst and entailed only the mixing of triglyceride and PTAD. 1H NMR was used for structure determination and to monitor the reactions. Several reaction products were produced, and their relative yields depended on the stoichiometry and temperature of the reaction. The reaction product mixture exhibited a self‐curing behavior as a function of time. Thus, the viscosity of a mixture containing PTAD and triglyceride in a 3:10 weight ratio increased 40‐fold in about 2 h at room temperature, suggesting its possible use as an additive in lubricants, caulking, cement and thickener applications.
Vegetation and fire history since the last glacial maximum in an inland area of the western Mediterranean Basin (Northern Iberian Plateau, NW Spain)
Authors: Morales-Molino César , García-Antón Mercedes 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe reconstructed vegetation responses to climate oscillations, fire and human activities since the last glacial maximum in inland NW Iberia, where previous paleoecological research is scarce. Extremely sparse and open vegetation composed of steppic grasslands and heathlands with scattered pioneer trees suggests very cold and dry conditions during the Oldest Dryas, unsuitable for tree survival in the surroundings of the study site. Slight woodland expansion during the Bølling/Allerød was interrupted by the Younger Dryas cooling. Pinewoods dominated for most of the early Holocene, when a marked increase in fire activity occurred. Deciduous trees expanded later reaching their maximum representation during the mid-Holocene. Enhanced fire activity and the presence of coprophilous fungi around 6400–6000 cal yr BP suggest an early human occupation around the site. However, extensive deforestation only started at 4500 cal yr BP, when fire was used to clear the tree canopy. Final replacement of woodlands with heathlands, grasslands and cereal crops occurred from 2700 cal yr BP onwards due to land-use intensification. Our paleoecological record can help efforts aimed at restoring the natural vegetation by indicating which communities were dominant at the onset of heavy human impact, thus promoting the recovery of currently rare oak and alder stands.
High-throughput genotyping assay for the large-scale genetic characterization ofCryptosporidiumparasites from human and bovine samples
Authors: ABAL-FABEIRO J. L. , MASIDE X. , LLOVO J. , BELLO X. , TORRES M. , TREVIÑO M. , MOLDES L. , MUÑOZ A. , CARRACEDO A. , BARTOLOMÉ C. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe epidemiological study of human cryptosporidiosis requires the characterization of species and subtypes involved in human disease in large sample collections. Molecular genotyping is costly and time-consuming, making the implementation of low-cost, highly efficient technologies increasingly necessary. Here, we designed a protocol based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the high-throughput genotyping of a panel of 55 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) selected as markers for the identification of commongp60subtypes of fourCryptosporidiumspecies that infect humans. The method was applied to a panel of 608 human and 63 bovine isolates and the results were compared with control samples typed by Sanger sequencing. The method allowed the identification of species in 610 specimens (90·9%) andgp60subtype in 605 (90·2%). It displayed excellent performance, with sensitivity and specificity values of 87·3 and 98·0%, respectively. Up to nine genotypes from four differentCryptosporidiumspecies (C. hominis, C. parvum, C. meleagridisandC. felis) were detected in humans; the most common ones wereC. hominissubtype Ib, andC. parvumIIa (61·3 and 28·3%, respectively). 96·5% of the bovine samples were typed as IIa. The method performs as well as the widely used Sanger sequencing and is more cost-effective and less time consuming.
Morphological priming in child German
Authors: CLAHSEN HARALD , FLEISCHHAUER ELISABETH 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTRegular and irregular inflection in children's production has been examined in many previous studies. Yet, little is known about the processes involved in children's recognition of inflected words. To gain insight into how children process inflected words, the current study examines regular -tand irregular -nparticiples of German using the cross-modal priming technique testing 108 monolingual German-speaking children in two age groups (group I, mean age: 8;4, group II, mean age: 9;9) and a control group of 72 adults. Although both age groups of children had the same full priming effect as adults for -tforms, only children of age group II showed an adult-like (partial) priming effect for -nparticiples. We argue that children (within the age range tested) employ the same mechanisms for regular inflection as adults but that the lexical retrieval processes required for irregular forms become more efficient when children get older.
The relationships between land cover, climate and cave copepod spatial distribution and suitability along the Carpathians
Authors: MELEG IOANA NICOLETA , NĂPĂRUŞ MAGDALENA , FIERS FRANK , MELEG IONUŢ HOREA , VLAICU MARIUS , MOLDOVAN OANA TEODORA 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe distribution of subterranean copepods may reflect the persistence of cave assemblages in relation to the environmental health of the overlying landscape. Areas supporting groundwater fauna were established by modelling the persistence of seven copepod species using a geographical information system (GIS). Environmental drivers were found to influence subterranean copepod distribution in the caves of the Romanian Carpathians. Habitat-based modelling, using ordinary least squares regression and geographically-weighted regression to identify the significant predictors explaining copepod habitat suitability, predicted suitable areas for the selected taxa. The most constant predictor was land cover, a measure of human impact and climate change, followed by precipitation and altitude. The model performed well for the majority of analysed taxa, and the areas predicted as suitable for narrowly distributed taxa overlapped with observed distributions. GIS facilitated the prediction of suitable habitat, and also enabled spatial autocorrelation to be tested. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of sustainable management of the terrestrial surface in limestone areas in conserving copepod biodiversity.
Morphological changes and germ layer formation in the porcine embryos from days 7–13 of development
Authors: Sun Ruizhen , Lei Lei , Liu Shichao , Xue Binghua , Wang Jianyu , Wang Jiaqiang , Shen Jingling , Duan Lian , Shen Xinghui , Cong Yimei , Gu Yanli , Hu Kui , Jin Lianhong , Liu Zhong-hua 
Published: November 2013

SummaryMorphogenesis and identification of embryonic differentiation in porcine embryos are crucial issues for developmental biology and laboratory animal science. The current paper presents a study on the asynchronous development of hatched porcine embryos from days 7 to 13 post-insemination. Examination of semi-thin sections of the hypoblast showed that it had characteristics similar to those of the mouse anterior visceral endoderm during embryonic disc formation. Also, a cavity appeared in the epiblast, which was similar to a mouse proamniotic cavity. With the gradual disappearance of Rauber's layer, the cavity opened and contacted the external environment directly, all of which formed the embryonic disc. To confirm the differentiation characteristics, we performed immunohistochemical analyses and showed that GATA6 was detected clearly in parietal endoderm cells during embryonic disc establishment. OCT4 was expressed in the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophoblast of hatched blastocysts and in the epiblast during formation of the embryonic disc. However, OCT4 showed comparatively decreased expression in the posterior embryonic disc, primitive streak and migrating cells. SOX2 was present in the ICM and epiblast. Therefore, both SOX2 and OCT4 can be used as markers of pluripotent cells in the porcine embryonic disc. At the start of gastrulation, staining revealed VIMENTIN in the posterior of the embryonic disc, primitive streak and in migrating cells that underlay the embryonic disc and was also expressed in epiblast cells located in the anterior primitive streak. Together with serial sections of embryos stained by whole mount immunohistochemistry, the mesoderm differentiation pattern was shown as an ingression movement that took place at the posterior of the embryonic disc and with bilateral migration along the embryonic disc borders.
Screening of congenital heart disease in the second trimester of pregnancy: current knowledge and new perspectives to the clinical practice
Authors: Alves Rocha Luciane , Araujo Júnior Edward , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Barros Fernanda Silveira Bello , Silva Karina Peres , Martinez Luis Henrique , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveCongenital heart diseases are common in foetuses, with an incidence greater than six times that of chromosomal abnormalities; however, experts in cardiac anatomy have evaluated only the foetuses of pregnant women with increased risk for congenital heart disease. Over the years, it has become clear that congenital heart disease occur in foetuses of low-risk women. In the mid-1980s, a proposal to expand the assessment of cardiac anatomy was presented to obstetricians in order to improve prenatal screening. With the aim to systematise and improve the diagnosis of congenital heart disease in foetuses, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology established an ultrasound heart examination guideline. In this review, we have described the important features of this guideline and discussed the applications of this tool in clinical practice.MethodsWe performed a literature search of the National Library of Medicine for publications released between 2000 and 2012; we used search terms pertinent to congenital heart disease, such as foetal echocardiography, foetal heart and cardiac screening examination.ResultsThe guidelines serve as a standard and help to systematise the screening for congenital heart diseases, but we think that some topics may be added to design the most appropriate screening method. However, we cannot expand the topics to be evaluated in this examination without good training of sonographers who undergo this screening.ConclusionAlthough the screening standardisation is a good tool to be used in day-to-day practice, the increment of aortic and ductal archs and colour Doppler to heart screening could be useful to detect further cardiac defects.
A review of FDA-approved treatment options in bipolar depression
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Cha Danielle S. , Kim Rachael D. , Mansur Rodrigo B. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/IntroductionHerein we review the evidence supporting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and emerging treatments for bipolar depression.MethodsA PubMed search of all English-language articles published up to July 2013 was conducted. The search terms were quetiapine, olanzapine-fluoxetine, olanzapine, lurasidone, ketamine, modafinil/armodafinil, and lamotrigine. The search was augmented with a manual review of relevant article reference lists, as well as posters presented at national and international meetings. Articles selected for review were based on the adequacy of sample size, the use of standardized diagnostic instruments, validated assessment measures, and overall manuscript quality.ResultsOlanzapine-fluoxetine combination (OFC), quetiapine, and lurasidone are FDA-approved for the acute treatment of bipolar depression. Lurasidone is the most recently approved agent for bipolar depression. Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination and quetiapine are approved as single modality therapies while lurasidone is approved as a monotherapy and as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex. The overall effect size of the 3 treatments in mitigating depressive symptoms is similar. Clinically significant weight gain and metabolic disruption as well as sedation are significant limitations of OFC and quetiapine. The minimal propensity for weight gain as well as the metabolic neutrality of lurasidone in the bipolar population is a clinically significant advantage. Evidence also supports lamotrigine with compelling evidence as an adjunct to lithium and in recurrence prevention paradigm; suggested evidence also exists for ketamine and modafinil/armodafinil; notwithstanding, these treatments remain investigational.ConclusionRelatively few agents are FDA-approved for bipolar depression. The selection and sequencing of agents in bipolar depression should give primacy to those agents that are FDA-approved. Further refinement of the selection process will need to pay careful attention to the relative hazards of weight gain and metabolic disruption in this highly susceptible population. Other agents with differential mechanisms (eg, ketamine) offer a promising alternative in bipolar depression.
Cognitive and Psychosocial Phenotype of Young Children with Neurofibromatosis-1
Authors: Klein-Tasman Bonita P. , Janke Kelly M. , Luo Wen , Casnar Christy L. , Hunter Scott J. , Tonsgard James , Trapane Pamela , van der Fluit Faye , Kais Lorri A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChildren with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from a mutation of the NF1 gene (17q11.2), often have difficulties with learning and attention, but there is little research in the early childhood years. In this study, the cognitive and psychosocial functioning of 40 young children with NF1 (ages 3 through 6) was examined and compared both to normative data and to a contrast group comprised of unaffected siblings and community members matched for age and socio-economic status (n = 37). Children with NF1 showed significantly weaker cognitive abilities across all domains and for the vast majority of subtests. Consistent with research in older children, a variety of patterns of intra-individual strength and weakness were present for young children with NF1. Few significant group differences in psychosocial functioning were observed, but the children with NF1 showed significantly greater functional communication problems than did the unaffected group. Overall, the results indicate that in participant groups matched for age and socioeconomic status, cognitive vulnerabilities are evident for close to half of young children with NF1, with some relations to psychosocial functioning, particularly functional communication, attention problems and social skills. (JINS, 2014, 1, 1–11)
Dressed or undressed? How to measure children's body weight in overweight surveillance?
Authors: Censi Laura , Spinelli Angela , Roccaldo Romana , Bevilacqua Noemi , Lamberti Anna , Angelini Veronica , Nardone Paola , Baglio Giovanni 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo simplify body weight measurement and, particularly, to encourage children and their parents to participate in the Italian nutritional surveillance system OKkio alla SALUTE, children were measured with clothes and then the weight was corrected for the estimated weight of the clothes. In the present study we compared the children's weight measured in underwear, as recommended by the WHO (WWHO), with that obtained using the OKkio alla SALUTE protocol (WOK) and investigated how the latter affects the calculation of BMI and the assessment of overweight and obesity prevalence.DesignWeight (twice in close sequence, with and without clothing) and height were measured. A checklist was used to describe the type of clothing worn. The estimated weight of clothing was subtracted from the WOK. BMI was calculated considering both values of weight and height; ponderal status was defined using both the International Obesity Task Force and WHO BMI cut-offs.SettingThirty-seven third grade classes of thirteen primary schools in Rome and in two towns in the Lazio Region were recruited.SubjectsThe anthropometric measurements were taken on 524 children aged 8–9 years.ResultsThe error in the calculation of BMI from WOKwas very low, 0·005 kg/m2(95 % CI −0·185, 0·195 kg/m2); the agreement between the percentages of overweight (not including obesity) and obese children calculated with the two methods was very close to 1 (κ= 0·98).ConclusionsThe error in BMI and in nutritional classification can be considered minor in a surveillance system for monitoring overweight/obesity, but eases the procedure for measuring children.
Dietary intake assessment in women with different weight and pregnancy status using a short questionnaire
Authors: Svensson Åsa , Renström Frida , Bluck Les , Lissner Lauren , Franks Paul W , Larsson Christel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveFirst, to evaluate the ability of a short dietary questionnaire (SDQ) to estimate energy intake (EI) on group and individual levels compared with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by the doubly labelled water method. Second, to compare the SDQ's performance in estimating energy, nutrient and food intakes with a sixty-six-item FFQ used in large-scale Swedish epidemiological research.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUmeå, Sweden.SubjectsIn total, sixty-five non-pregnant women, of whom thirty-one were overweight or obese, and twenty-five pregnant, normal-weight women completed the protocol.ResultsOn average, the SDQ captured 78 % and 79 % of absolute TEE in the non-pregnant and pregnant normal-weight women, respectively. Furthermore, the SDQ captured an average of 57 % of TEE in the overweight/obese non-pregnant women. The Spearman correlation of EI and TEE was significant in the overweight and obese women only (ρ= 0·37, 95 % CI 0·02, 0·64). There was no significant difference between the SDQ and the more extensive FFQ in the ability to assess EI when compared with TEE. Intakes of most nutrients and foods were significantly higher when assessed with the SDQ compared with the FFQ.ConclusionsA new short dietary questionnaire with an alternative design underestimated EI of non-pregnant and pregnant, overweight and obese women on a group level but was able to rank the overweight/obese women according to EI. Furthermore, the short questionnaire captured as much or more of the energy, nutrient and food intakes of non-pregnant normal-weight and overweight/obese women on the group level as a traditional, more extensive FFQ.