bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of calpain B from Drosophila melanogaster by phosphorylation
Authors: Kovács László , Alexa Anita , Klement Eva , Kókai Endre , Tantos Ágnes , Gógl Gergö , Sperka Tamás , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Tözsér József , Dombrádi Viktor , Friedrich Péter 
Published: August 2009

Calpain B is one of the two catalytically competent calpain (calcium‐activated papain) isoenzymes in Drosophila melanogaster. Because structural predictions hinted at the presence of several potential phosphorylation sites in this enzyme, we investigated the in vitro phosphorylation of the recombinant protein by protein kinase A as well as by the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1 and 2. By MS, we identified Ser845 in the Ca2+ binding region of an EF‐hand motif, and Ser240 close to the autocatalytic activation site of calpain B, as being the residues phosphorylated by protein kinase A. In the transducer region of the protease, Thr747 was shown to be the target of the ERK phosphorylation. Based on the results of three different assays, we concluded that the treatment of calpain B with protein kinase A and ERK1 and ERK2 kinases increases the rate of the autoproteolytic activation of the enzyme, together with the rate of the digestion of external peptide or protein substrates. Phosphorylation also elevates the Ca2+ sensitivity of the protease. The kinetic analysis of phosphorylation mimicking Thr747Glu and Ser845Glu calpain B mutants confirmed the above conclusions. Out of the three phosphorylation events tested in vitro, we verified the in vivo phosphorylation of Thr747 in epidermal growth factor‐stimulated Drosophila S2 cells. The data obtained suggest that the activation of the ERK pathway by extracellular signals results in the phosphorylation and activation of calpain B in fruit flies.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7214239: ERK1 (uniprotkb:P40417) phosphorylates (MI:0217) CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
MINT‐7214216, MINT‐7214228: PKA (uniprotkb:P12370) phosphorylates (MI:0217) CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
MINT‐7214325: CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) cleaves (MI:0194) MAP2C (uniprotkb:P11137) by protease assay (MI:0435)
MINT‐7214275: ERK2 (uniprotkb:P40417‐2) phosphorylates (MI:0217) CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
MINT‐7214319: CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) and CalpainB (uniprotkb:Q9VT65) cleave (MI:0194) by protease assay (MI:0435)
Impaired Sexual Function in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder is Determined by History of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Schulte-Herbrüggen Olaf , Ahlers Christoph J. , Kronsbein Julia-Maleen , Rüter Anke , Bahri Scharif , Vater Aline , Roepke Stefan 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Patients suffering from a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) display altered sexual behavior, such as sexual avoidance or sexual impulsivity, which has repeatedly been linked to the sexual traumatization that occurs in a high percentage of BPD patients. Until now, no empirical data exists on whether these patients concomitantly suffer from sexual dysfunction.

Aim
This study investigates sexual function and the impact of sexual traumatization on this issue in women with BPD as compared to healthy women.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index. Additionally, diagnoses were made with SCID II Interviews for Axis II and with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Axis I disorders. The Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale for trauma evaluation was used. Sexual orientation was assessed by self-evaluation.

Methods
Forty-five women with BPD as diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria and 30 healthy women completed questionnaires on sexual function and sexual abuse history, as well as interviews on axis I and II disorders and psychotropic medication.

Results
The BPD group showed a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Subgroup analyses revealed that BPD with concomitant sexual traumatization, and not BPD alone, best explains impaired sexual function. Sexual inactivity was mainly related to current major depression or use of SSRI medication. In sexually active participants, medication and symptoms of depression had no significant impact on sexual function.

Conclusions
Not BPD alone, but concomitant sexual traumatization, predicts significantly impaired sexual function. This may have a therapeutic impact on BPD patients reporting sexual traumatization.
In Vitro and in Vivo Relaxation of Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle by the Selective Myosin II Inhibitor, Blebbistatin
Authors: Zhang Xin-hua , Aydin Memduh , Kuppam Dwaraka , Melman Arnold , DiSanto Michael E. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Blebbistatin (BLEB) is a small cell permeable molecule originally reported as a selective inhibitor of myosin II isoforms expressed by striated muscle and non-muscle cells (IC50 = 0.5–5 µM) with poor inhibition of turkey gizzard smooth muscle (SM) myosin II (IC50∼80 µM). However, recently it was found that BLEB can potently inhibit mammalian arterial SM (IC50∼5 µM).

Aim
To investigate the effect of BLEB on corpus cavernosum SM (CCSM) tone and erectile function (EF).

Methods
CC tissue obtained from penile implant patients along with CC, aorta and bladder from adult male rats were used for BLEB organ bath studies. Intracavernosal BLEB was administered to rats and EF was assessed via intracavernous pressure (ICP).

Main Outcome Measures
Effects of BLEB on agonist-induced CCSM, aorta and bladder contraction in vitro and ICP in vivo.

Results
BLEB completely relaxed human CCSM pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE) in a dose-dependent manner decreasing tension by 76.5% at 10 µM. BLEB pre-incubation attenuated PE-induced contraction of human CC by ∼85%. Human CC strips pre-contracted with endothelin-1 or KCl were almost completely relaxed by BLEB. Rat CCSM pre-contracted with PE showed BLEB relaxation comparable to human CCSM. BLEB inhibition was similar for rat aorta but slower for bladder. Both maximal ICP and ICP/mean arterial pressure were dose-dependently increased by BLEB intracavernous injections with full erection at 1 micromole.

Conclusion
Our novel data reveals that BLEB nearly completely relaxes rat and human CCSM pre-contracted with a variety of potent agonists and exhibits tissue selectivity. Coupled with our in vivo data in which nanomole doses of BLEB significantly increase ICP, our data substantiates an important role for the SM contractile apparatus in the molecular mechanism for EF and suggests the possibility of BLEB binding at myosin II as a therapeutic treatment for ED by targeting SM contractile pathways.
Conceptualizing Women’s Sexual Function: Linear vs. Circular Models of Sexual Response
Authors: Giles Katie R. , McCabe Marita P. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The lack of an adequate empirical base for models of female sexual response is a critical issue within the female sexual dysfunction (FSD) literature.

Aim
The current research compared the extent to which a linear model of sexual response and Basson’s circular model of female sexual response represent the sexual function of women with and without FSD.

Main Outcome Measures
Women’s levels of sexual function/dysfunction were assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index and additional items measured women’s endorsement of models of female sexual function as representing their own sexual experience.

Methods
An anonymous online survey assessing female sexual response and associated aetiological factors was completed by a random sample of 404 women.

Results
Although the linear model of sexual response was a good fit for women with and without sexual dysfunction, the relationship between sexual arousal and orgasm was mediated by sexual desire for women with FSD. The fit of the initial circular model of women’s sexual response was poor for both groups. Following pathway modification, the modified circular model adequately represented the responses of both groups and revealed that a number of the relationships between sexual response variables were stronger for women with FSD.

Conclusions
The linear model was a more accurate representation of sexual response for women with normal sexual function than women with FSD and sexual arousal and orgasm was mediated by sexual desire for women with FSD. The modified circular model was a more accurate representation of the sexual response of women with FSD than women with normal sexual function.
The Correlation Between Intracavernosal Pressure and Cavernosal Blood Oxygenation
Authors: Tal Raanan , Mueller Alexander , Mulhall John P. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Given that regular nocturnal erections are physiological, it has been suggested that erections are pivotal to the maintenance of erectile tissue health. It has been postulated that a critical element to erectile tissue protection is cavernosal oxygenation. It is accepted that the corpora cavernosa are oxygenated fully during a rigid erection. However, it remains unknown what degree of penile rigidity is required to achieve cavernosal oxygenation at the arterial level.

Aim
This analysis was undertaken to define the correlation between intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and cavernosal oxygen partial pressure (pO2).

Main Outcome Measures
Cavernosal pO2 at various ICPs.

Methods
The study population was comprised of patients undergoing dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DIC) in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction or prior to penile reconstructive surgery. DIC was conducted with a standard vasoactive agent redosing schedule. One milliliter of corporal blood was aspirated at various ICPs into a heparinized syringe for later pO2 analysis. Blood was placed on ice immediately and transported to the laboratory upon completion of the DIC.

Results
Twenty-one blood samples were analyzed from 13 patients. Mean patient age was 43 ± 18 years. Blood specimens were collected at an ICP range of 6–90 mm Hg. Mean ± SD pO2 was 39 ± 11 mm Hg at ICP &lt; 10 mm Hg, 87 ± 3 at ICP 11–20 mm Hg, 89 ± 6 at ICP 21–45 mm Hg and 96 ± 13 at ICP &gt; 45 mm Hg.

Conclusions
Significant increases in cavernosal oxygenation occur in the earliest stages of erection at relatively low ICP. These findings suggest that partial erections may be sufficient to oxygenate erectile tissue and protect it from prolonged hypoxia-induced damage.
The Role of 3-D Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Menstrual Cycle-Related Vascular Modifications of the Clitoris. A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella Elena , Sisti Giovanni , Persico Nicola , Busacchi Paolo , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Clitoral functional modifications occur during the menstrual cycle.

Aim
To prospectively evaluate, by the three-dimensional (3-D) Doppler flow analysis, the hemodynamic clitoral blood flow variations during the menstrual cycle.

Methods
Fourteen young (18–35 years), eumenorrheic (menstrual cycle of &gt;25 and &lt;35 days) women in a stable heterosexual relationship (&gt;1 year) and without any sexual dysfunction (as resulted from the two-factor Italian McCoy female sexuality questionnaire ≥35) were submitted, in the early follicular (day 3–5) and in the periovulatory (day 12–14) phases of the menstrual cycle, to bi- and tridimensional ultrasonographic and color Doppler analyses of the clitoral structures. On the same days, the circulating estradiol values were assayed.

Main Outcomes Measures
Two-dimensional ultrasonographic evaluation of follicular diameter and color Doppler evaluation of the dorsal clitoral arteries; 3-D power Doppler analysis of the clitoral body volume and of the indices of clitoral vascularization and blood flow; estradiol assay.

Results
The mean virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) volume of the clitoral body was lower in the follicular (0.79 ± 0.19 mL) phase with respect to the periovulatory phase (0.98 ± 0.22 mL; P &lt;0.001); the clitoral arteries demonstrated a significant decrease of the pulsatility index (PI) from the follicular (1.75 ± 0.18) to the periovulatory phase (1.26 ± 0.21; P = 0.002); the 3-D power Doppler histogram analysis showed significant changes of the indices of vascularization and blood flow (vascularization index [VI] = 2.239 ± 1.201 vs. 3.302 ± 1.305, P = 0.001; flow index = 27.290 ± 2.454 vs. 33.620 ± 1.712, P &lt; 0.001; vascularization flow index = 0.578 ± 0.573 vs. 1.091 ± 0.461; P = 0.001) between the follicular and the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. The relationship between the different parameters evidenced that estradiol is positively correlated with the VOCAL clitoral body volume (r = 0.512; P = 0.033) and inversely correlated with the dorsal clitoral artery PI (r = −497; P = 0.048) and with VI (r = 0.622; P = 0.011).

Conclusions
During the normal menstrual cycle, the estrogens may, probably, influence the clitoral anatomic and vascular structures and the 3-D ultrasonography may easily and precisely demonstrate these modifications.
Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) for Relieving Penile Retraction
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Kamal , Shaeer Ahmad 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The flaccid penis undergoes retraction upon contraction of the dartos muscle. These contractions are most pronounced in the situations of cold, stress, and upon exercising, and can be the source of embarrassment to those who have a hyperactive retraction reflex, especially when exposed to their partners or to others in showers and dressing rooms, despite a normal and satisfactory length in the erect state.

Aim
In this work, we propose an alternative to surgery and penile extenders for alleviating penile retraction, by injection of botulinum toxin into the dartos to induce muscle relaxation. This is the first report of the technique.

Methods
Ten male patients complaining of a short penis exclusively in the flaccid state, despite normal and satisfactory erect and outstretched lengths, were selected for the study. One hundred units of BOTOX were injected into the dartos muscle.

Main Outcome Measures
Frequency and amplitude of penile retraction, flaccid unstretched length, and patient satisfaction.

Results
Seven out of 10 cases (70%) subjectively reported a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of penile retraction, as well as improvement in flaccid length. Clinical measurements were less pronounced but still showed an improvement that was mainly in terms of less retraction rather than more length. No side effects were reported. Improvement faded completely by the 6th month.

Conclusion
This preliminary report of botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection into the dartos muscle shows that Botox may have a potential effect in temporarily decreasing penile retractions in terms of frequency and amplitude.
Persistent Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy: The Association between Nerve-Sparing Status and the Prevalence and Chronology of Venous Leak
Authors: Tal Raanan , Valenzuela Rolando , Aviv Nadid , Parker Marilyn , Waters W. Bedford , Flanigan Robert C. , Mulhall John P. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Failure to recover erectile function after radical prostatectomy (RP) may result from venous leak as a sequela of neuropraxia-induced erectile tissue damage. Venous leak portends a poor prognosis for erections recovery as well as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) response.

Aims
To define the impact of RP nerve-sparing status on venous leak prevalence and chronology.

Methods
Study population: men who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer, had functional erections prior to RP, developed postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), had a Doppler ultrasonography within 6 months of RP, and did not receive any ED treatment for the first 6 months after RP other than on-demand PDE5i.

Main Outcome Measures
Venous leak prevalence and erectile function recovery at different time-points.

Results
Data on 142 patients were analyzed, mean age: 58 ± 16 years. Sixty percent had bilateral nerve-sparing (BNS) surgery, 20% unilateral nerve-sparing (UNS) surgery, and 20% non-nerve-sparing (NNS) surgery. Eleven percent and 21% had venous leak by 3 and 6 months, respectively. Venous leak prevalence by 6 months was 7%, 11%, and 75% for BNS, UNS, and NNS surgery (P &lt; 0.001). Mean end-diastolic velocity was 1.8, 2.1, and 7.2 cm/second for the three groups (P &lt; 0.01). The only patients developing venous leak prior to 3 months were NNS patients, one-third of NNS-associated venous leak occurring before this time-point. At 18 months, the proportion of men having return of unassisted erections was 49%, 42%, and 7% with mean erectile function domain scores of 21, 18, and 12, and PDE5i response rates were 72%, 64%, and 12% for the three groups, respectively.

Conclusions
Nerve-sparing status impacts heavily upon the prevalence and the chronology of venous leak development post-RP. NNS RP is associated with early development of venous leak, increased prevalence of venous leak, and reduction in return of natural erections.
EFFECTS OF ZERO‐TRANS INTERESTERIFIED AND NON‐INTERESTERIFIED SHORTENINGS AND BREWER'S SPENT GRAIN ON COOKIE QUALITY
Authors: OZTURK SERPIL , OZBAS OZEN OZBOY , JAVIDIPOUR ISSA , KOKSEL HAMIT 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT The effects of non‐interesterified (non‐in‐es) and chemically interesterified (in‐es) cottonseed oil (CO), palm oil (PO) and CO : PO blend (1:1, weight basis) and brewer's spent grain (BSG) on quality of cookies were studied. Incorporation of non‐in‐es and in‐es CO and CO : PO blend improved the nutritional value of the cookies by altering the fatty acid composition. The experimental shortenings had zero‐trans fatty acids (TFA) and considerably higher linoleic acid contents than hydrogenated shortening (HS). in‐es PO and CO : PO blend samples had lower solid fat content than their non‐in‐es counterparts and this resulted in higher spread ratios in in‐es incorporated cookies. As expected, addition of BSG significantly increased (P < 0.05) the total dietary fiber (TDF) content of cookies. Cookies with modified fatty acid composition and 4.4‐fold higher TDF have been produced by using non‐in‐es and in‐es CO and CO : PO with 15% BSG, without significant adverse effects on sensory properties.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSHydrogenated shortenings (HSs) are the most important source of fat in cookies and might have high proportions of trans fatty acids (TFAs). A high intake of TFA is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and the intake should be reduced to minimize health risks. In this work, the production of zero‐trans interesterified and non‐interesterified shortenings and their utilization in high‐fiber cookies were investigated. The results indicated that some of the experimental in‐es and non‐in‐es shortenings and 15% brewer's spent grain could be used for production of cookies with zero TFA and higher unsaturated fatty acids and total dietary fiber contents without detrimentally affecting their sensory properties. The in‐es shortening incorporated cookies had higher spread ratios and color values than their non‐in‐es counterparts.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BENE HULL OIL COMPARED WITH SESAME AND RICE BRAN OILS DURING THE FRYING PROCESS OF SUNFLOWER OIL
Authors: SHARIF ALI , FARHOOSH REZA , KHODAPARAST MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN HADDAD , KAFRANI MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN TAVASSOLI 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT The antioxidant activity of Bene hull oil (BHO) was compared with that of sesame oil (SEO) and rice bran oil (RBO) during the frying process of sunflower oil (SFO) at 180C. The ratio between the polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids and calculated oxidizability were statistically greater for the SFO (4.26 and 6.48, respectively), followed by the SEO (3.18 and 6.27, respectively), RBO (1.53 and 4.37, respectively) and BHO (0.37 and 1.67, respectively). Peroxide and acid values of the oils studied ranged from 0.34 to 3.07 mEq/kg and from 0.19 to 5.20 mg/g, respectively. Total tocopherols and phenolics contents of the SEO (1093.28 and 1042.43 mg/kg, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the SFO (740.27 and 38.68 mg/kg, respectively), BHO (573.41 and 276.67 mg/kg, respectively), and RBO (832.98 and 67.98 mg/kg, respectively). In total, based on the conjugated diene value and carbonyl value measurements during the frying process, the BHO showed an antioxidant activity higher than those of the SEO and RBO at the level of 2%, and the levels higher than 2% of the antioxidative oils caused to decrease the oxidative stability of the SFO, indicating the pro‐oxidant effect of the oils added at these levels. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis research introduces the oil obtained from the hull of Bene, a species of pistachio growing wild in Iran, as a new source of vegetable oil for human nutrition with antioxidant activity significantly higher than sesame and rice bran oils, which are considered as very stable and antioxidative vegetable oils because of the presence of very strong indigenous antioxidants, during the frying process.
Critical Events and Labour Mobility: Relocations in the Wake of the Ansett Airlines Collapse
Authors: WELLER SALLY 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMigration plays an important role in neo‐liberal regional adjustment. This paper explores the role of economic shocks in stimulating internal migration within Australia. Drawing on the experiences of retrenched Ansett Airlines employees, it argues that economic crisis impels some households to relocate but traps others in places with restricted employment prospects. For some, the crisis of retrenchment triggers inter‐state migration to take up new jobs. For others, it prompts relocation to less expensive housing, often in a geographically proximate location. These opposing responses, which are different outcomes of similar causal processes, exacerbate regional inequalities since they selectively encourage younger skilled workers to enter growing regions. The combination of high housing costs and insecure employment discourages speculative migration. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the policy implications of these findings.
The Tung Oil Boom in Australasia: a Network Perspective
Authors: ROCHE MICHAEL 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIdeas about networks are explored in the context of the interest within the British Empire and the United States of America in planting Tung Oil trees (Aleurites fordii) during the 1920s and 1930s. Closer attention is paid to the Australian and New Zealand experience and short‐lived enthusiasm for the search for seeds, the collation of information on growth rates, and the planting of Tung trees. The paper briefly distinguishes various types of network research in human geography and concludes by raising some questions about space and time in network approaches in the social sciences more generally.