bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient fermentation of an improved synthetic grape must by enological and laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Viana Tiago , Loureiro-Dias Maria C , Prista Catarina 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Grape must or freshly pressed grape juice is a complex chemical matrix that impacts the efficiency of yeast fermentation. The composition of natural grape must (NGM) can be variable; thus, to ensure reproducibility, a synthetic grape must (SGM) with defined composition is commonly used. The aim of this work was to create conditions to advance the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae laboratory strains for wine fermentation studies, considering previous results obtained for enological strains fermenting NGM under simulated winery conditions. We designed a new SGM formulation, ISA-SGM, by introducing specific modifications to a commonly used formulation, putting together previous reports. We added glucose and fructose in equal amounts (125 g/l) and 50 parts per million (ppm) sulfur dioxide (SO2, corresponding to standard enological treatment), and we optimized the concentrations of malic acid (3 g/l), citric acid (0.3 g/l), and tartaric acid (3 g/l). Using ISA-SGM, we obtained similar fermentative profiles for the wine strain ISA1000, the prototrophic strain S288C, and its auxotrophic derivative BY4741. In this case, the concentrations of supplements were optimized to 120 mg/l L-uracil, 80 mg/l L-methionine, 400 mg/l L-leucine, and 100 mg/l L-histidine. All these strains tested in ISA-SGM presented a similar fermentative performance as ISA1000 in NGM. ISA-SGM formulation is a promising new tool to allow the use of the auxotrophic BY strains in the detailed assessment of the alcoholic fermentation process under simulated winery conditions, and it provides a foundation to extract relevant physiological conclusions in future research on enological yeast traits.
Xylanase (GH11) from Acremonium cellulolyticus: homologous expression and characterization
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Inoue Benchaporn , Yoshimi Miho , Fujii Tatsuya , Ishikawa Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Cellulosic materials constitute most of the biomass on earth, and can be converted into biofuel or bio-based materials if fermentable sugars can be released using cellulose-related enzymes. Acremonium cellulolyticus is a mesophilic fungus which produces a high amount of cellulose-related enzymes. In the genome sequence data of A. cellulolyticus, ORFs showing homology to GH10 and GH11 xylanases were found. The xylanases of A. cellulolyticus play an important role in cellulolytic biomass degradation. Search of a draft genome sequence of A. cellulolyticus for xylanase coding regions identified seven ORFs showing homology to GH 11 xylanase genes (xylA, xylB, xylC, xylD, xylE, xylF and xylG). These genes were cloned and their enzymes were prepared with a homologous expression system under the control of a glucoamylase promoter. Six of the seven recombinant enzymes were successfully expressed, prepared, and characterized. These enzymes exhibited optimal xylanase activity at pH 4.0 – 4.5. But this time, we found that only XylC had enormously higher relative activity (2947 U•mg −1) than the other xylanases at optimum pH. This result is surprising because XylC does not retain a carbohydrate-binding module 1 (CBM-1) that is necessary to bind tightly own substrate such as xylan. In this study, we discuss the relationship between activity, pH and sequence of seven xylanases in A. cellulolyticus.
Genetic Analysis in Young-Age-of-Onset Graves' Disease Reveals New Susceptibility Loci
Authors: Brown Rosalind S. , Lombardi Angela , Hasham Alia , Greenberg David A. , Gordon Joshua , Concepcion Erlinda , Hammerstad Sara S. , Lotay Vaneet , Zhang Weijia , Tomer Yaron 
Published: March 2014

Context:
Genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in the pathogenesis of Graves' Disease (GD). Children with GD have less exposure time to environmental factors and therefore are believed to harbor stronger genetic susceptibility than adults.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to identify susceptibility loci that predispose to GD in patients with young-age-of-onset (YAO) GD.

Setting and Design:
One hundred six patients with YAO GD (onset &lt;30 y) and 855 healthy subjects were studied. Cases and controls were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium Immunochip, designed to genotype 196,524 polymorphisms. Case control association analyses were performed using the PLINK computer package. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis program (QIAGEN) was used to carry out pathway analyses.

Results:
Immunochip genetic association analysis identified 30 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in several genes that were significantly associated with YAO GD, including major histocompatibility complex class I and class II genes, BTNL2, NOTCH4, TNFAIP3, and CXCR4. Candidate gene analysis revealed that most of the genes previously shown to be associated with adult-onset GD were also associated with YAO GD. Pathway analysis demonstrated that antigen presentation, T-helper cell differentiation, and B cell development were the major pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of YAO GD.

Conclusions:
Genetic analysis identified novel susceptibility loci in YAO GD adding a new dimension to the understanding of GD etiology.
GSK-3 – at the crossroads of cell death and survival
Authors: Maurer Ulrich , Preiss Florian , Brauns-Schubert Prisca , Schlicher Lisa , Charvet Céline 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is involved in various signaling pathways controlling metabolism, differentiation and immunity, as well as cell death and survival. GSK-3 targets transcription factors, regulates the activity of metabolic and signaling enzymes, and controls the half-life of proteins by earmarking them for degradation. GSK-3 is unique in its mode of substrate recognition and the regulation of its kinase activity, which is repressed by pro-survival phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT signaling. In turn, GSK-3 exhibits pro-apoptotic functions when the PI3K–AKT pathway is inactive. Nevertheless, as GSK-3 is crucially involved in many signaling pathways, its role in cell death regulation is not uniform, and in some situations it promotes cell survival. In this Commentary, we focus on the various aspects of GSK-3 in the regulation of cell death and survival. We discuss the effects of GSK-3 on the regulation of proteins of the BCL-2 family, through which GSK-3 exhibits pro-apoptotic activity. We also highlight the pro-survival activities of GSK-3, which are observed in the context of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signaling, and we discuss how GSK-3, by impacting on cell death and survival, might play a role in diseases such as cancer.
α-Arrestins – new players in Notch and GPCR signaling pathways in mammals
Authors: Puca Loredana , Brou Christel 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
For many years, β-arrestins have been known to be involved in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization. However, β-arrestins belong to a family of proteins that act as multifunctional scaffolding proteins, in particular during trafficking of transmembrane receptors. The arrestin family comprises visual arrestins, β-arrestins and α-arrestins. In mammals, the functions of the α-arrestins are beginning to be elucidated, and they are described as versatile adaptors that link GPCRs or the Notch receptor to E3 ubiquitin ligases and endocytic factors. These α-arrestins can act in sequence, complementarily or cooperatively with β-arrestins in trafficking and ubiquitylation events. This Commentary will summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the functions and properties of these α-arrestin proteins in comparison to β-arrestins, and will highlight a new hypothesis linking their functional complementarity to their physical interactions. α- and β-arrestins could form transient and versatile heterodimers that form a bridge between cargo and E3 ubiquitin ligases, thus allowing trafficking to proceed.
The Role of Accounting Quality in the M&A Market
Authors: Marquardt Carol , Zur Emanuel 
Published: March 2014

We examine the role of target firms’ accounting quality in the merger and acquisition process. We predict that target firm accounting quality will be positively associated with (1) the likelihood that the deal will be structured as a negotiation rather than as an auction, (2) the speed with which the deal reaches final resolution, and (3) the likelihood that the proposed deal is ultimately completed. Our empirical evidence is consistent with these predictions. These results complement and extend existing findings on target firm accounting quality and provide new evidence that financial accounting quality relates positively to the efficient allocation of the economy’s capital resources. This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
Properties of Ozonized Soybean Oil/Polymeric Methylene-Diphenyl-4,4′-Diisocyanate Adhesives and Their Adhesion Performance for Wood
Authors: Lee Eung Su , Lee Sang Min , Park Sang Bum , Seo Jun Won , Yoon Yong Han , Park Heon 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Ozonized soybean oil (OZSBO), obtained by the ozone cleavage reaction of the double bond of soybean oil, was reacted with polymeric methylene-diphenyl-4,4′-diisocyanate (pMDI) to prepare wood adhesive. To investigate the feasibility of this preparation method, different polyurethane adhesives were prepared with a variety of equivalent molar ratios (eq-MRs) of OZSBO to pMDI. The chemical reactions of the adhesives were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared, and their thermal characteristics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The OZSBO/pMDI resins with eq-MRs of 1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1 showed an exothermic reaction at 150°C, resins with eq-MRs of 1:2 and 1:3 exhibited exothermic peaks at 185°C, and resins with an eq-MR of 1:4 presented an exothermic peak at 180°C. The maximum adhesion strength was reached when plywood was bonded using the adhesive with an eq-MR of 1:2. This result shows that adhesion strength was not proportionally increased with the addition of pMDI after an eq-MR of 1:2, indicating that adhesion strength was attributed not only to reactions of the residual –NCO groups in the adhesive with the hydroxyl groups of wood during the manufacturing of plywood but also to the cross-linking reaction between OZSBO and pMDI.
Thermal plume behaviour in the Kadra reservoir at Kaiga atomic power station – Part 2: studies for the case of four and six units in operation
Authors: Goyal P. , Sharma P. K. , Markandeya S. G. , Ghosh A. K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA computational model was developed earlier for 2 units of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) operational at Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) to understand the thermal plume behaviour in the Kadra reservoir wherein the hot water from the plant condensers is discharged. The model was successfully validated against the site data. The same model has now been extended for analyzing the thermal plume bahaviour in case of 4 NPP units as well as 6 NPP units operational at the same site. The present paper briefly describes details of the studies along with the results of earlier study to understand the overall behavior of thermal plume in Kadra reservoir.
Establishing abiotic and biotic factors necessary for reliable male pheromone production and attraction to pheromones by female plum curculiosConotrachelus nenuphar(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hock Virginia , Chouinard Gérald , Lucas Éric , Cormier Daniel , Leskey Tracy , Wright Starker , Zhang Aijun , Pichette André 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe plum curculio (PC),Conotrachelus nenupharHerbst (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest of stone and pome fruit in North America. Though grandisoic acid (GA) was identified as a male-produced aggregation pheromone for this species, other components likely exist, as have been identified for various curculionids. To better determine these components, an understanding of the conditions necessary for optimum pheromone production and attraction is needed, this is essential for the improvement of monitoring techniques and to achieve better biological control. The goal of this study was to determine the biotic and abiotic factors influencing both the response to pheromones and pheromone production. Tests were conducted in a dual-choice still-air vertical olfactometer using live male PCs as odour sources and live females as responders, to determine which physiological factors (age, number of males, mating status) influenced female response to males. Head-space collections of GA production under various conditions (airflow rate and frequency, collection zone strata, variation of humidity, temperature, and presence of a harbourage) were also done, as were electroantennograms (EAG) using synthetic pheromone mixtures. Results revealed that for both strains, the odour of two virgin mature males elicited significantly greater and more consistent attraction from mature virgin females than other ages and numbers of males when compared with the control. Head-space collections indicate that male PC have increased production of GA under high humidity in the presence of fruit, indicating that these conditions are necessary for optimal pheromone production and collection. EAG studies revealed significant responses to GrandLures I, II, III/IV and to the positive enantiomer of GA, and the amplitude of the signal varied with concentration. Our data identify the optimal physiological state and conditions at which pheromone collections should be performed, and what physiological life stages respond to these stimuli. These results have implications for optimising monitoring tools for this serious crop pest. This species has a northern univoltine strain and a southern multivoltine strain, both of which were examined in this study.
The expanded inframammary fold triangle: Improved results in large volume breast reductions
Authors: Chopra Karan , Tadisina Kashyap Komarraju , Conde-Green Alexandra , Singh Devinder P 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Context: The inferior pedicle, Wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty is the most popular technique for breast reduction because of its reproducible results and reliability. However, complication rates in super obese patients or patients receiving large volume reductions are high, ranging from 35 to 78%. These complications include delayed healing, infection, seroma, nipple-areolar complex necrosis, fat necrosis and development of hypertrophic scars. Aims: This study aimed to determine whether a modification to the standard Wise-pattern reduction technique, an expanded inframammary fold skin triangle, produces improved outcomes in high-risk large volume breast reduction patients. We report that this modification leads to improved outcomes by decreasing wound complications and improving aesthetic appearance. Settings and Design: Twenty-two patients received the inferior pedicle Wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty, which was modified to include an 8 cm wide inferior pedicle. This pedicle was de-epithelialized and an 8 Χ 3 cm 2 triangle of skin was preserved at the inferior base to reduce tension at the triple point, inverted T-closure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty with the expanded inframammary fold (eIMF) technique as well as all patients who received the standard wise pattern technique. Statistical Analysis Used: A student t-test was performed for both reduction populations using SPSS software package. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results: The average patient age was 32.25 years old (range 18-59), average BMI was 35.0, and average tissue mass removed per breast was 1378.39 g. The modified technique was found to produce a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in the amount of breast tissue removed (693.96 g increase in the left and 571.21 g in the right) as well as a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in dehiscence (75% reduction) and post-operative infection (44.10%). Conclusions: This method is an easily reproducible and reliable technique that produces a favourable cosmetic outcome with acceptable, sustainable results in high-risk reductions in obese patients.
Deviation of the penoscrotal median raphe: Is it a normal finding or within the spectrum of hypospadias?
Authors: Mohan Arvind , Ashton Laura , Dalal Milind 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Introduction and Objectives: Hypospadias is the most common congenital abnormality of the penis, and is most commonly diagnosed during the postnatal physical examination. However, milder forms of the condition can be difficult to detect, leading to delayed referral to specialist teams. We aim to determine whether there is an association between hypospadias and the position of the penoscrotal raphe. Materials and Methods: A case — control study was performed where clinical photographs from children undergoing hypospadias correction were compared with a control group of children without the condition. The position of the penoscrotal raphe was documented as midline, left or right. Pearson’s chi squared test was used to determine significance. Results: Images for 80 children undergoing hypospadias correction were compared with 80 normal children in the maternity ward. 88.8% of the children with hypospadias had a penoscrotal raphe deviated from the midline compared with only 13.8% in the control group (P < 0.0003). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a significant association between hypospadias and deviation of the penoscrotal raphe from the midline. Consideration should be given to whether to include this finding within the spectrum of abnormalities seen in hypospadias. Examination of the penoscrotal raphe is simple to perform and could aid in the early diagnosis in children with milder forms of the condition.
Successful combined approach to a severe fournier’s gangrene
Authors: Agostini Tommaso , Mori Francesco , Perello Raffaella , Dini Mario , Russo Giulia Lo 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWe present a case of a successful reconstruction of a severe Fournier’s gangrene (FG) involving the scrotum, the perineum, the right ischial area and extended to the lower abdomen. There are many different surgical techniques to repair and reconstruct the defect following debridement in FG. The authors treated this complex wound using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), dermal regeneration template and a split-thickness skin graft. Complete recovery was achieved and no major complications were observed. The patient showed a satisfying functional and aesthetic result.
Spectrum of Echocardiography Abnormalities among 168 Consecutive Referrals to an Urban Private Hospital in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji Adebayo T. , Akintunde Adeseye A. , Owojori Olukolade O. , Peter Johnson O. 
Published: March 2014

Trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an important non-invasive cardiac examination that provides structural and functional information. It is useful in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases and often guides the management and follow-up of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).The study aimed to present an audit of the echocardiograms performed in an urban private hospital over a two-year period in order to define the pattern of cardiac diseases in our center. Echocardiogram reports of 168 consecutive patients performed between May 2011 and April 2013 at an organized private sector hospital in Lagos, south-west Nigeria were reviewed. Studies were performed with a Toshiba Nemio XG ultrasound machine. The data obtained were analyzed for mean age, sex, clinical indications, and echocardiographic diagnosis in the study subjects.A total of 168 echocardiography reports were examined, comprising of 92 males (54.8%) and 76 females (45.2%). The age range of the subjects was 10-76 years (mean 42.5 ± 12.1 years). The commonest indication for echocardiography was systemic hypertension and hypertension related causes (38.1%), followed by abnormal resting electrocardiogram (14.9%). Routine annual medical screening was the next most common indication, representing 13.1% of the indications for echocardiography. The other indications are as presented in Table 1 . The echocardiogram was normal in 64.3% of the subjects. The commonest abnormality detected was hypertensive heart disease (HHD); accounting for 9.6% of the subjects studied. Isolated atrial enlargement (left, right, or bi-atrial) was the next most common abnormality accounting for 6% of the echocardiographic diagnosis. Pulmonary hypertension was the next most common diagnosis accounting for 4.8% of our findings. The other echocardiographic diagnoses are as listed in Table 2 .Hypertension represents the commonest indication for echocardiography. Normal echocardiogram was the commonest echocardiographic finding while HHD was the commonest echocardiographic abnormality. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease by echocardiography was 2.4%. There was no case of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was 1.2%. Ease of access to echocardiography may influence the findings in an echocardiographic audit and policy makers should incorporate appropriateness criteria into their guidelines for reimbursement.
Personality Disorders in Addiction Outpatients: Prevalence and Effects on Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Casadio Paola , Olivoni Deanna , Ferrari Barbara , Pintori Cecilia , Speranza Elvira , Bosi Monica , Belli Valentina , Baruzzi Lucia , Pantieri Paola , Ragazzini Grazia , Rivola Filippo , Atti Anna Rita 
Published: March 2014

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of personality disorders (PDs) in the outpatients attending an addiction service, with particular attention to the effects of PDs on social and occupational functioning and on the intensity of treatment required. Design A cross-sectional epidemiological study with the assessment of 320 outpatients, through SCID-II (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II PDs), SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Screen), and questionnaire extracted from EuropASI. Results The percentage prevalence of PDs was 62.2% (confidence interval at 95% (95% CI): 57–68). PDs were positively associated with placement in an addiction treatment community (odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, CI = 1.77–5.03), having received lifetime treatment at the mental health center (MHC) (OR = 3.67, CI = 1.67–8.07) or having attempted suicide (OR = 2.30, CI = 1.05–5.02). Furthermore, PDs were related to a reduced probability of keeping a job (OR = 0.54, CI = 0.31–0.95) or starting a family (OR = 0.51, CI = 0.30–0.87). Conclusion Axis II comorbidity occurs in 62% of addiction outpatients and has substantial effects on social and occupational functioning as well as on treatment programs.