bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production host selection for asymmetric styrene epoxidation: Escherichia coli vs. solvent-tolerant Pseudomonas
Authors: Kuhn Daniel , Bühler Bruno , Schmid Andreas 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Selection of the ideal microbe is crucial for whole-cell biotransformations, especially if the target reaction intensively interacts with host cell functions. Asymmetric styrene epoxidation is an example of a reaction which is strongly dependent on the host cell owing to its requirement for efficient cofactor regeneration and stable expression of the styrene monooxygenase genes styAB. On the other hand, styrene epoxidation affects the whole-cell biocatalyst, because it involves toxic substrate and products besides the burden of additional (recombinant) enzyme synthesis. With the aim to compare two fundamentally different strain engineering strategies, asymmetric styrene epoxidation by StyAB was investigated using the engineered wild-type strain Pseudomonas sp. strain VLB120ΔC, a styrene oxide isomerase (StyC) knockout strain able to accumulate (S)-styrene oxide, and recombinant E. coli JM101 carrying styAB on the plasmid pSPZ10. Their performance was analyzed during fed-batch cultivation in two-liquid phase biotransformations with respect to specific activity, volumetric productivity, product titer, tolerance of toxic substrate and products, by-product formation, and product yield on glucose. Thereby, Pseudomonas sp. strain VLB120ΔC proved its great potential by tolerating high styrene oxide concentrations and by the absence of by-product formation. The E. coli-based catalyst, however, showed higher specific activities and better yields on glucose. The results not only show the importance but also the complexity of host cell selection and engineering. Finding the optimal strain engineering strategy requires profound understanding of bioprocess and biocatalyst operation. In this respect, a possible negative influence of solvent tolerance on yield and activity is discussed.
Lipid Class and Fatty Acid Content of the Leptocephalus Larva of Tropical Eels
Authors: Deibel D. , Parrish C. C. , Grønkjær P. , Munk P. , Nielsen T. Gissel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe leptocephalus larva of eels distinguishes the elopomorph fishes from all other bony fishes. The leptocephalus is long lived and increases in size primarily through the synthesis and deposition of glycosaminoglycans. Energy stored during the larval stage, in the form of glycosaminoglycan and lipids, is required to fuel migration, metamorphosis and metabolism of the subsequent glass eel stage. Despite the importance of energy storage by leptocephali for survival and recruitment, their diet, condition and lipid content and composition is essentially unknown. To gain further insight into energy storage and condition of leptocephali, we determined the lipid class and fatty acid concentration of larvae collected on a cross‐shelf transect off Broome, northwestern Australia. The total lipid concentration of two families and four sub‐families of leptocephali ranged from 2.7 to 7.0 mg g wet weight−1, at the low end of the few published values. Phospholipid and triacylglycerol made up ca. 63 % of the total lipid pool. The triacylglycerol:sterol ratio, an index of nutritional condition, ranged from 0.9 to 3.7, indicating that the leptocephali were in good condition. The predominant fatty acids were 16:0 (23 mol%), 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, 16 mol%), 18:0 (8.2 mol%), 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, 6.7 mol%), 18:1n‐9 (6.4 mol%) and 16:1n‐7 (6.3 mol%). The DHA:EPA ratio ranged from 2.4 to 2.9, sufficient for normal growth and development of fish larvae generally. The leptocephali had proportions of bacterial markers >4.4 %, consistent with the possibility that they consume appendicularian houses or other marine snow that is bacteria rich.
2-D Velocity Structure in Kerala-Konkan Basin Using Traveltime Inversion of Seismic Data
Authors: Singh Praveen Kumar , Sain Kalachand 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The existence of gas-hydrates in marine sediments increases the seismic velocity, whereas even a small amount of underlying free-gas reduces the velocity considerably. The change in velocities against the background (without gas-hydrates and free-gas) velocity can be used for identification and assessment of gas-hydrates. Traveltime inversion of identifiable reflections from large offset multi channel seismic (MCS) experiment is an effective method to derive the 2-D velocity structure in an area. We apply this method along a seismic line in the Kerala-Konkan (KK) offshore basin for delineating the gas-hydrates and free-gas bearing sediments across a bottom simulating reflector (BSR). The result reveals a four layer 2-D shallow velocity model with the topmost sedimentary layer having velocity of 1,680-1,740 m/s and thickness of 140-190 m. The velocity of the second layer of uniform thickness (110 m) varies from 1,890 to 1,950 m/s. The third layer, exhibiting higher velocity of 2,100-2,180 m/s, is interpreted as the gas-hydrates bearing sediment, the thickness of which is estimated as 100 to 150 m. The underlying sedimentary layer shows a reduction in seismic velocity between 1,620 to 1,720 m/s. This low-velocity layer with 160-200 m thickness may be due to the presence of free-gas below the gas-hydrates layer.
Parents and adolescents growing up in the digital age: Latent growth curve analysis of proactive media monitoring
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Coyne Sarah M. , Fraser Ashley M. , Dyer W. Justin , Yorgason Jeremy B. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe current study examined how parents' use of restrictive and active monitoring and deference changed over three years, and examined both adolescent and parent characteristics as predictors of initial levels of media monitoring, as well as change in media monitoring. Participants included 276 mother–child dyads (M age of child = 12.08, SD = .63, 50% female) taken from Time 2 of the Flourishing Families Project, 96% of whom had complete data for Time 4 (N = 266). Active monitoring was the most common approach at the first and second time points, while active monitoring and deference were equally common by the final time point. Latent growth curve analysis revealed that restrictive and active monitoring decreased over time, while deference increased. In addition, both adolescent and parent characteristics were predictive of initial levels of all three types of monitoring, and of change in restrictive monitoring. Discussion focuses on developmental implications of these findings.
Effect of a yoga program on glucose metabolism and blood lipid levels in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Nidhi Ram , Padmalatha Venkatram , Nagarathna Raghuram , Ram Amritanshu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of yoga therapy on glucose metabolism and blood lipid values in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA prospective, randomized, interventional controlled trial recruited 90 adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. A yoga group practiced suryanamaskara, asanas, pranayama, and meditation 1 hour per day each day for12 weeks while another group practiced conventional physical exercises. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare score changes between the 2 groups.ResultsThe changes in fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly different in the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Except for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, the changes in blood lipid values were also significantly different (P < 0.05). The changes in body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist‐to‐hip ratio, however, were not significantly different (P > 0.05).ConclusionYoga was found to be more effective than conventional physical exercises in improving glucose, lipid, and insulin values, including insulin resistance values, in adolescent girls with PCOS independent of anthropometric changes.Central Trial Registry of India No.: REFCTRI‐2008 000291.
Factors associated with disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners of patients receiving HIV care in Kabale, Uganda
Authors: Osinde Michael O. , Kakaire Othman , Kaye Dan K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate factors independently associated with disclosure of HIV serostatus in the era of widespread access to antiretroviral agents (ARVs) among individuals receiving HIV care in Uganda.MethodsBetween January 1 and August 31, 2009, 403 HIV‐positive individuals attending Kabale Hospital in southwestern Uganda were interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics; sexuality; contraceptive use and sexual behavior; and disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners. Data regarding disclosure versus nondisclosure were analyzed to identify factors independently associated with disclosure of serostatus.ResultsThe study participants were predominantly female (74.0%). In all, 82.5% of the patients were receiving ARVs. Disclosure of HIV serostatus to regular sexual partners was reported by 50.9% of the participants, while 49.1% had chosen not to disclose their serostatus. Factors independently associated with nondisclosure were marital status; current use of ARVs; having children who had died (from any cause); being sexually active in the previous 6 months; and the number of sexual partners during the previous 6 months (P < 0.05 for all associations). Fear of stigma was the main reason for nondisclosure of HIV serostatus.ConclusionDespite receiving treatment with ARVs, many of the study participants neither disclosed their own HIV serostatus nor knew the HIV serostatus of their sexual partners.
The effect of bladder fullness on evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Haya Nir , Segev Eran , Younes Grace , Goldschmidt Eyal , Auslender Ron , Abramov Yoram 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of bladder fullness on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) staging via the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP‐Q).MethodsSixty women with advanced POP underwent pelvic examination with maximal Valsalva straining via POP‐Q with an empty bladder and after transcatheter bladder filling to maximum cystometric capacity, with simultaneous intra‐abdominal and intravesical pressure recordings. Main outcome measures included POP‐Q values and staging with full versus empty bladder.ResultsAn empty bladder was associated with a significantly higher POP‐Q staging (median, 3 vs 2; P < 0.0001); and a lower location of points Ba (4.51 vs 1.37; P < 0.0001), Aa (2.58 vs 0.62; P < 0.0001), Bp (− 0.68 vs − 1.10; P = 0.01), Ap (0.83 vs − 1.27; P = 0.002), C (1.57 vs − 1.07; P < 0.0001), and D (0.14 vs − 2.77; P < 0.0001) compared with a full bladder. However, genital hiatus, perineal body, and total vaginal length values were not significantly affected by bladder fullness. No differences in intra‐abdominal or detrusor pressures were noted between empty and full bladder states.ConclusionPOP‐Q assessment with a full bladder is associated with underestimation of POP severity. Therefore, bladder emptying should be a standard requirement for POP‐Q staging and reporting.
Diagram to map the locations of endometriosis
Authors: Lasmar Ricardo Bassil , Lasmar Bernardo Portugal , Pillar Claudia 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and test a visual map that corresponds practically and objectively to the anatomical areas affected by endometriosis.MethodThe study comprised 150 questionnaires concerning 10 clinical cases of endometriosis presented as a visual diagram that were distributed at 3 different scientific events, among 3 groups of 50 gynecologists. Data were analyzed to evaluate the diagram's ability to graphically represent the endometriosis sites.ResultsAfter presentation at the first event, the rate of correct answers on the site of endometriosis was 84.7%; at the second event, after modifications implemented after feedback from the first event, the rate of correct answers was 97.4%; and at the third event, when all suggestions and modifications had been made, the rate was 99.7%.ConclusionThe diagram proposed to map the location of endometriosis lesions appears to be an adequate and effective instrument to represent the site of the disease, with correlation at almost 100%.
Postabortion contraceptive use and method continuation in India
Authors: Zavier A.J. Francis , Padmadas Sabu S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the patterns and determinants of postabortion contraceptive use and the rates of method continuation in India.MethodsPopulation‐level retrospective calendar data on 5135 married women who had their last abortion during the 60 months preceding the survey were drawn from 2005–2006 Indian National Family Health Surveys. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the factors associated with postabortion method choices. Method discontinuation rates were estimated using proportional hazard models.ResultsOverall, 70.4% of women reported not using any method following abortion, and the levels varied considerably across states. Significant differences were observed in the type of method adopted by women living in large cities, small towns, and rural areas. Poor and socially excluded women were less likely to use any method after abortion, particularly modern reversible methods. Method discontinuation rates were considerably higher among socially disadvantaged groups.ConclusionPostabortion contraceptive adoption is exceptionally low in India. Reproductive health interventions should urgently consider implementing comprehensive postabortion care policies, integrating family planning with sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and in particular targeting women from disadvantaged communities.
Prenatal maternal infection, neurodevelopment and adult schizophrenia: a systematic review of population-based studies
Authors: Khandaker G. M. , Zimbron J. , Lewis G. , Jones P. B. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundDisruption of foetal development by prenatal maternal infection is consistent with a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Whether specific prenatal infections are involved, their timing and the mechanisms of any effect are all unknown. We addressed these questions through a systematic review of population-based studies.MethodElectronic and manual searches and rigorous quality assessment yielded 21 studies that included an objective assessment of individual-level prenatal maternal infection and standardized psychotic diagnoses in adult offspring. Methodological differences between studies necessitated a descriptive review.ResultsResults for prenatal maternal non-specific bacterial, respiratory or genital and reproductive infection differed between studies, which reported up to a two- to fivefold increased risk of schizophrenia. Evidence for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) andToxoplasma gondiiwas mixed; some studies reported up to a doubling of schizophrenia risk. Prenatal HSV-1 or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were not associated with increased risk. Exposure to influenza or other infections during early pregnancy may be more harmful than later exposure. Increased proinflammatory cytokines during pregnancy were also associated with risk. Prenatal infection was associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities relevant to schizophrenia.ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to a range of infections and inflammatory responses may be associated with risk of adult schizophrenia. Larger samples, mediation and animal models should be used to investigate whether there is a ‘sensitive period’ during development, and the effects of prenatal infections on neurodevelopment. Inclusion of genetic and immunological information should help to elucidate to what extent genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia may be explained by vulnerability to infection.
Delta- and Gamma-Tocotrienols Induce Classical Ultrastructural Apoptotic Changes in Human T Lymphoblastic Leukemic Cells
Authors: Wong Rebecca S.Y. , Radhakrishnan Ammu K. , Ibrahim Tengku Azmi Tengku , Cheong Soon-Keng 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTocotrienols are isomers of the vitamin E family, which have been reported to exert cytotoxic effects in various cancer cells. Although there have been some reports on the effects of tocotrienols in leukemic cells, ultrastructural evidence of tocotrienol-induced apoptotic cell death in leukemic cells is lacking. The present study investigated the effects of three isomers of tocotrienols (alpha, delta, and gamma) on a human T lymphoblastic leukemic cell line (CEM-SS). Cell viability assays showed that all three isomers had cytotoxic effects (p < 0.05) on CEM-SS cells with delta-tocotrienol being the most potent. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cytotoxic effects by delta- and gamma-tocotrienols were through the induction of an apoptotic pathway as demonstrated by the classical ultrastructural apoptotic changes characterized by peripheral nuclear chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. These findings were confirmed biochemically by the demonstration of phosphatidylserine externalization via flow cytometry analysis. This is the first study showing classical ultrastructural apoptotic changes induced by delta- and gamma-tocotrienols in human T lymphoblastic leukemic cells.
Global maps of lunar neutron fluxes from the LEND instrument
Authors: Litvak M. L. , Mitrofanov I. G. , Sanin A. , Malakhov A. , Boynton W. V. , Chin G. , Droege G. , Evans L. G. , Garvin J. , Golovin D. V. , Harshman K. , McClanahan T. P. , Mokrousov M. I. , Mazarico E. , Milikh G. , Neumann G. , Sagdeev R. , Smith D. E. , Starr R. , Zuber M. T. 
Published: April 2012

The latest neutron spectrometer measurements with the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) are presented. It covers more than 1 year of mapping phase starting on 15 September 2009. In our analyses we have created global maps showing regional variations in the flux of thermal (energy range < 0.015 eV) and fast neutrons (>0.5 MeV), and compared these fluxes to variances in soil elemental composition, and with previous results obtained by the Lunar Prospector Neutron Spectrometer (LPNS). We also processed data from LEND collimated detectors and derived a value for the collimated signal of epithermal neutrons based on the comparative analysis with the LEND omnidirectional detectors. Finally, we have compared our final (after the data reduction) global epithermal neutron map with LPNS data.
Trade Policy Reform, Productivity Growth and Welfare in South Korean Agriculture
Authors: Yoo Chun Kwon , Gopinath Munisamy , Kim Hanho 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe examine the effects of multilateral trade reform on South Korean agriculture and its economy. We first measure agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) and its components (technological and technical efficiency change) by estimating a production function and stochastic frontier using data from Korean Statistical Information Service during 1970‐2009. We then examine the sources of South Korean agricultural TFP with an emphasis on trade openness, and agricultural research and extension. We find that TFP elasticity with respect to trade openness is significantly larger after 1994 relative to the pre‐reform period. Further, Korean farmers have passed on productivity gains from trade reform to consumers in the form of lower prices.
Lack of significant renal tubular injury despite acute kidney injury in acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Dupont Matthias , Shrestha Kevin , Singh Dhssraj , Awad Adiveh , Kovach Cynthia , Scarcipino Mario , Maroo Anjli P. , Tang W.H. Wilson 
Published: April 2012

AimsAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a strong predictor of adverse events with an incompletely understood pathophysiology. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is proposed as an early marker of renal tubular injury. Our aim is to determine whether AKI during treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is accompanied by renal tubular injury.Methods and resultsUrinary NGAL (uNGAL) and urinary creatinine (uCreat) levels were measured in 141 consecutive patients hospitalized for ADHF and followed for 180 days for death or re‐hospitalization. AKI was defined as a rise in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dl in a 48 h period. Median uNGAL/uCreat levels on Day 1 (baseline) were similar between patients who did and did not develop AKI [22.8 (12.5–106.8) μg/g vs. 20.6 (12.4–52.0) μg/g, P = 0.55]. On Day 2 and beyond, the difference between the AKI and no AKI cohorts increased, but was only significant on Day 3 [36.2 (21.7–131.8) μg/g vs. 29.4 (11.4–54.6) μg/g, P = 0.02]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Day 2 uNGAL/uCreat (≥ or <32 µg/g) to predict AKI was 0.61. There was no difference in diuretic response between ‘uNGAL/uCreat + ’ (≥ 27 µg/g) and ‘uNGAL/uCreat–’ (<27 µg/g) patients. However ‘uNGAL/uCreat + ’ patients had more adverse events after 180 days (66% vs. 52%, P = 0.02).ConclusionsIn patients with ADHF who develop AKI following diuretic therapy, a minor rise in uNGAL precedes AKI. However, the degree of renal tubular insult was much lower than that observed in other forms of AKI.
Relationship between pump speed and exercise capacity during HeartMate II left ventricular assist device support: influence of residual left ventricular function
Authors: Noor Mumin R. , Bowles Christopher , Banner Nicholas R. 
Published: April 2012

AimsPatients treated with a Thoratec HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are supported at a fixed pump speed. It is uncertain whether pump speed has a significant effect on exercise capacity. We investigated the relationship between pump speed and exercise capacity and the influence of residual LV functionMethods and resultsWe exercised 30 patients 6 months after HeartMate II implantation at clinical pump speed (typically 9000 r.p.m.) and again at the lowest speed available (6000 r.p.m.). Overall, peak oxygen uptake (pkVO2) positively correlated with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) both at the clinical pump speed (r = 0.41, P = 0.03) and after pump speed reduction (r = 0.50, P = 0.01). We divided the patients into two groups; those with higher LVEF (LVEF ≥40%) and those with lower LVEF (LVEF <40%) at the time of exercise testing. The response to speed change was different between the two groups. In the higher LVEF group, the impact of LVAD pump speed reduction was minimal (pkVO2 21.4 ± 4.8 mL/kg/min vs. 20.8 ± 5.5 mL/kg/min, P = 0.38). In the lower LVEF group, the pkVO2 was lower at both speeds; 17.2 ± 5.3 and 14.7 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min, respectively. In the lower LVEF group, the pkVO2 decreased by 2.5 mL/kg/min (P = 0.02) with speed reduction.ConclusionsHeartMate II patients with lower residual LV function had a lower pkVO2 and were more sensitive to pump speed reduction. This suggests that modulation of LVAD speed during exercise could be of benefit to this group of patients.