bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First report of the alien brown alga Botrytella parva (Takamatsu) H.-S. Kim (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Taşkın Ergün , Pedersen Poul M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Botrytella parva (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) is reported for the first time from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The species was collected from the Dardanelles (Sea of Marmara, Turkey) in the sublittoral zone. Data concerning its habitat, morphology and worldwide distribution are presented. The justification for transfer of Polytretus reinboldii to Botrytella is discussed, and we found morphological arguments to resurrect the generic name Polytretus. A key to the species of Botrytella and Polytretus is provided.
Colpomenia durvillei (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae): its distribution and relationships with other elongate species of the genus
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Mansilla Andrés , Nelson Wendy A. , Boo Sung Min 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The taxonomic distinctiveness and distribution of the brown alga Colpomenia durvillei are debatable; the species was first described from central Chile. We analyzed mitochondrial cox3 and plastid rbcL sequences from specimens collected in central Chile and Sonora, Mexico, in combination with morphological observations of specimens collected in Chile, Peru, and Mexico. Compared with other elongate species of the genus, C. durvillei is distinguished by erect, elongate thalli arising from a wide colpomenioid base, up to eight layers of cortical and medullary cells, and plurilocular sporangia with many layers (up to 18 locules). In all phylogenetic analyses of cox3 and rbcL sequences, all elongate species of the genus formed a clade, in which C. durvillei was consistently distinct from congeners. Colpomenia bullosa was closely related to C. durvillei in our cox3 analyses, and the clade containing these two species was closely related to Colpomenia phaeodactyla. This is the first report to confirm C. durvillei by molecular data and also the first report on the occurrence of the species in Sonora, Mexico. It had previously been misidentified as a variant of C. phaeodactyla on the Pacific coast of South America, and the name C. durvillei was misapplied to C. bullosa in New Zealand.
Chemical analysis of exopolysaccharide fractions and lipid compounds of the microalga Heterosigma akashiwo grown in vitro
Authors: Lopes Daniella Cristine , Maurer Juliana Bello Baron , Stevan-Hancke Fabíola Regina , de Oliveira Proença Luis Antônio , Zawadzki-Baggio Selma Faria 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We report on (i) in vitro growth conditions for different growth stages of Heterosigma akashiwo and (ii) isolation, purification and structural investigation of the exopolysaccharide fraction (EXO). Cell polysaccharide fractions were analyzed for chemical composition, and we performed a comparison of the lipid components between cultures subjected to either a light/dark cycle of 12 h/12 h or 24 h of light. Man, Rha and Gal were the main monosaccharides in the EXO fraction. Following the purification step, the EXO fraction yielded EXO1.0 and EXO1.5 fractions. A linkage analysis of the EXO1.0 fraction indicated the presence of a highly branched polysaccharide with a (1→4)-linked mannan backbone, and analysis of EXO1.5 indicated the presence of a complex rhamnan consisting mainly of 2- and 4-linked Rha units with the non-reducing end of Gal and Rha. In cultures subjected to a 12 h/12 h light/dark cycle, palmitic and myristic acids were the most abundant lipids, and no polyunsaturated acid was detected. However, in cultures subjected to 24 h of light, no myristic acid was detected, and stearic and palmitic acids were the most abundant fatty acids. A polyunsaturated fatty acid and fatty acids with 20 or more carbon atoms also occurred in this fraction.
The photosynthetic characteristics of red coralline algae, determined using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry
Authors: Burdett Heidi L. , Hennige Sebastian J. , Francis Fiona T.-Y. , Kamenos Nicholas A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Interest in red coralline algae is increasing due to their projected sensitivity to ocean acidification and their utility as palaeoenvironmental proxies. Thus, it is crucial to obtain a thorough understanding of their basic photosynthetic characteristics and appropriate techniques for use in both laboratory and in situ studies. This study provides fluorescence methodology and data for the ecologically important red coralline alga Lithothamnion glaciale using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry. Lithothamnion glaciale was sufficiently dark-acclimated for in situ work following 10 s of quasi-darkness, attaining 95–98% of the maximum photochemical efficiency (F
v/F
m). Rapid light curves conducted in situ and in the laboratory determined a low light adaptation, with a saturation intensity of 4.45–54.6 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Intra-thallus heterogeneity was observed between branch tips and bases (i.e., within the thallus) using a custom-made 2 mm fibre optic probe (the heterogeneity could not be detected using the standard 5 mm probe). Branch bases were lower light acclimated than the tips, with higher maximum effective quantum yield (F
q′/F
m′max) and lower non-photochemical quenching. Samples measured in May were higher light acclimated than in March, which suggests a degree of seasonal acclimation. Light history and photon irradiance levels were thus found to significantly affect the photosynthetic characteristics of L. glaciale.
The recoveryELISA – a newly developed immunoassay for measurement of therapeutic antibodies and the target antigen during antibody therapy
Authors: Strohner Pavel , Staatz Antonia , Sarrach Dieter , Steiss Jens-Oliver , Becher Gunther 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies are an important part of Biopharmaceuticals. They are highly innovative and specific drugs. Additionally, they play a challenging role in new demands in diagnostics because they disturb conventional antibody-based tests, such as immunoassays. The recoveryELISA is a newly developed immunoassay technology for monitoring such therapeutic antibodies or comparable biologics during the therapy. The recoveryELISA determines three results in one test: the free level of antigen (if available in serum), the level of therapeutic antibody and the specific dose-response interaction. The free level of antigen is the amount that can be measured in the immunoassay, as it exists unmasked under assay conditions. The relationship between therapeutic antibody level and neutralization rate of target protein is shown by the so-called ‘recovery curve’. The recoveryELISA is demonstrated with the example of Omalizumab/IgE.
Evaluation of the BRAHMS Kryptor® Thyroglobulin Minirecovery Test in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Imperiali Mauro , Verburg Frederik A. , Ceriani Luca 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate a new sensitive thyroglobulin (Tg) mini-recovery test (Tg-mrec) for the detection of potential interferences in sera from patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and low Tg levels.

Methods: 167 DTC patients with serum Tg <2 μg/L were enrolled. Both TgAb and Tg-mrec measurements were performed on the automated Kryptor® platform. Serum pretreatment in proprietory blocking tubes was perfomed to screen for heterophile antibody interferences. The concordance rates between tests were evaluated.

Results: One case of over-recovery occurred in a patient with discordant Tg results in different immunoassays. The prevalences of a positive TgAb test and a reduced recovery rate were 15%–12%, respectively. Serum TgAb and Tg-mrec tests were both positive in 16 patients, both negative in 138 patients and discordant in 13 patients, respectively. The concordance rate between the Tg-mrec test and the TgAb assay was 92% (Cohens’ kappa 0.894; 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.93, p<0.001). In all, among seven clinically relevant interferences, three were found by TgAb, five by Tg-mrec and six by using both tests.

Conclusions: The automated Kryptor® Tg-mrec test has a complimentary value to TgAb immunoassay testing in the detection of potential interferences in Tg measurements in patients with DTC and low Tg values (i.e., <2 μg/L). Tg-mrec may detect interferences from TgAb not measured directly by an individual TgAb assay or from other interfering substances, such as heterophile antibodies.
Theoretical investigation on tautomerism and NBO analysis of 3-hydroxy-1,2,5-thiadiazole derivatives: solvent and substituent effects
Authors: Shabanian Meisam , Hajibeygi Mohsen , Moghanian Hassan , Mohamadi Azin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Thiadiazole compounds including 3-hydroxy-4-substituted-1,2,5-thiadiazole are known as non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1. Density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level were employed to determine the stability, tautomerism, and substituent effects of 1,2,5-thiadiazole, a widely used skin-whitening, antibrowning, and antibacterial agent, and its derivatives (4-NO2, 4-CN, 4-F, 4-H, 4-Me, 4-NH2), in the gas phase and solution using the polarizable continuum method model. Some selected IR frequencies, molecular parameters, charges on atoms, and dipole moment results were analyzed.
Synthesis and molecular structure of (Z)-1H-purin-6-ylideneaminooxysulfonic acid: a possible secondary metabolite of adenine
Authors: Sączewski Jarosław , Gdaniec Maria 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The reaction of 6-chloropurine (1) with fourfold excess of hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) provided (Z)-1H-purin-6-ylideneaminooxysulfonic acid (2) which can be regarded as a secondary metabolite of ultimate mutagen 6-hydroxylaminopurine (6-HAP). A similar reaction of 1 with twofold excess of HOSA gave a mixture of the substrate and the betaine product which co-crystallized from DMF-methanol-water in the form of complex 3 that proved to be a 1:1 complex 1·2 with offset face-to-face π-stacking interactions between purine rings.
Distribution of wood polymers within the cell wall of transgenic aspen imaged by Raman microscopy
Authors: Horvath Laszlo , Peszlen Ilona , Gierlinger Notburga , Peralta Perry , Kelley Steve , Csoka Levente 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Little is known about the effect of genetic modification on the chemical composition and structure of wood, which could have a significant effect on reactivity during chemical and enzymatic processing. In this study, information was collected by confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) on the spatial distribution of lignin and polysaccharides in the cell wall of young transgenic aspen with reduced lignin content, increased syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio, and simultaneously reduced lignin content and increased S/G ratio. CRM revealed that the lignin content of the cell wall and compound middle lamella was reduced by the genetic modification. A higher volume of water was also found in the cell wall of transgenic aspen compared with wild-type aspen, indicating an increase in the hydrophilicity of the cell wall.
Southern pine impregnated with silicate solution containing cellulose nanofibrils
Authors: Peng Yucheng , Han Yousoo , Gardner Douglas J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A drying process has been tested to impregnate southern pine (Pinus spp.) samples with sodium silicate solution. The effect of adding cellulose nanofibrils in the treating solution was also studied. The mechanical tests show that the flexural modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased significantly with increasing concentration of sodium silicate. The highest MOR and MOE of the treated samples were 170±13 MPa and 19±1 GPa, respectively, while the corresponding data of the control sample were 98±8 MPa and 11±1 GPa respectively. Deposition of polymerized silicate in the wood cell lumina was observed. The compression strength was improved by the incorporation of polymerized silicate to increase the measured flexural properties. The presence of cellulose nanofibrils in the sodium silicate solution had no effect.
Determination of adhesive energy at the wood cell-wall/UF interface by nanoindentation (NI)
Authors: Obersriebnig Michael , Veigel Stefan , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang , Konnerth Johannes 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Spruce wood specimens were surface-silylated according to three different protocols in order to progressively reduce hydrophilicity and, consequently, adhesion to urea-formaldehyde (UF) glue. Compared to the untreated reference, the macroscopic adhesive strength was drastically reduced in silylated specimens. Specimens treated with the most effective silylation method in terms of reduction of hydrophilicity showed near zero adhesion to UF glue. Micromechanical characterisation by means of nanoindentation (NI, Berkovich-type probe) revealed that the wood cell wall stiffness and hardness was not significantly affected by silylation. Contrarily, NI experiments (conical indenter tip with 60° opening angle) performed directly at the interface between the wood cell wall and the adhesive showed significantly reduced hardness and reduced specific work of NI in silylated specimens. It is concluded that the measured correlation between reduced hydrophilicity in silylated specimens and the mechanical strength of the interface is due to reduced adhesion. This allows calculating the specific adhesive energy for the system wood cell wall–urea formaldehyde glue from the difference between the specific work of adhesion obtained from the unmodified reference and the most efficiently silylated specimen. The advantage of this new method lies in the position-resolved measurement of qualitative differences in adhesive energy directly at the interface. This is not feasible with macroscopic test methods, which also include effects of surface roughness, cellular adhesive penetration, or grain angle.
TDP-43 in central nervous system development and function: clues to TDP-43-associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Sephton Chantelle F. , Cenik Basar , Cenik Bercin Kutluk , Herz Joachim , Yu Gang 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
From the earliest stages of embryogenesis and throughout life, transcriptional regulation is carefully orchestrated in order to generate, shape, and reshape the central nervous system (CNS). TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is identified as a regulator of essential transcriptional events in the CNS. Evidence for its importance comes from the identification of TDP-43 protein aggregates and genetic mutations in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Efforts are being made to learn more about the biological function of TDP-43 and gain a better understanding of its role in neurodegeneration. TDP-43 RNA targets and protein interactions have now been identified, and in vivo evidence shows that TDP-43 is essential in CNS development and function. This review will highlight aspects of these findings.
Current and prospective applications of non-proteinogenic amino acids in profiling of proteases substrate specificity
Authors: Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Gajda Anna D. , Drąg Marcin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Proteases recognize their endogenous substrates based largely on a sequence of proteinogenic amino acids that surrounds the cleavage site. Currently, several methods are available to determine protease substrate specificity based on approaches employing proteinogenic amino acids. The knowledge about the specificity of proteases can be significantly extended by application of structurally diverse families of non-proteinogenic amino acids. From a chemical point of view, this information may be used to design specific substrates, inhibitors, or activity-based probes, while biological functions of proteases, such as posttranslational modifications can also be investigated. In this review, we discuss current and prospective technologies for application of non-proteinogenic amino acids in protease substrate specificity profiling.
Structure and function of bacterial dynamin-like proteins
Authors: Bramkamp Marc 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Membrane dynamics are essential for numerous cellular processes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In eukaryotic cells, membrane fusion and fission are often catalyzed by large GTPases of the dynamin protein family. These proteins couple GTP hydrolysis to membrane deformation, which eventually leads to fusion or fission of the lipid bilayer. Mutations in eukaryotic dynamin-like proteins (DLPs) are associated with various diseases underscoring the importance to fully understand the biochemistry of these proteins. In recent years, a wealth of structural and biochemical data have been published that allow a detailed analysis of how dynamins or DLPs modulate biological membranes. However, less is known about the function of bacterial DLPs, although structural data exist. This review summarizes current knowledge about bacterial dynamins and discusses structural and functional properties in comparison to their eukaryotic counterparts.
Chronic administration of the antiretroviral nevirapine increases body weight, food, and water intake in albino Wistar rats
Authors: Umoren Elizabeth Bassey , Obembe Agona Odeh , Osim Eme Effiom 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Nevirapine (NVP) is an antiretroviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in the blood. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of chronic administration of NVP on body weight, food, and water intake using apparently healthy albino Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty adult albino Wistar rats (50–125 g body weight) were used for the study. Rats in the control group (n=10) were fed normal rodent chow, whereas the NVP group (n=10) were fed by gavage NVP (0.4 mg/kg body weight) two times daily (07.00 h and 18.00 h) in addition to normal rodent chow for 12 weeks. All animals were allowed free access to clean drinking water.

Results: Results showed that the mean daily food and water intake in the NVP group were significantly higher (p<0.001) when compared with the control group, respectively. The mean change in body weight in the NVP group was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the control group.

Conclusions: These results suggest that chronic administration of NVP may increase body weight in rats, probably due to its stimulatory effects on food and water intake.
Guttus, tiralatte and téterelle: a history of breast pumps
Authors: Obladen Michael 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Breast pumps have been used since antiquity, and their form has changed with the available material. The ancient Greeks used the ceramic guttus type, both to empty the breast and feed the infant. The Romans invented glass milk-extractors, sucked by the mother herself to elevate retracted nipples. Devices in the form of a smoking pipe were in widespread use when corsets had caused an epidemic of flat nipples in the 17th century. In the 19th century, vessels to be sucked both by mother and infant were developed to facilitate breastfeeding for preterm infants. When from 1870 the role of pathogenic bacteria became known, easy and thorough cleaning became an important feature of breast pumps. The 20th century sexualized the female breast to such a degree that its nourishing function was threatened. Electric pumps, developed at the beginning of the 20th century for hospital use, found a large private market when breast feeding in public was no longer tolerated. Today, breast pumps are mainly used to enable breastfeeding mothers to return to work.
Preterm Birth Genome Project (PGP) – validation of resources for preterm birth genome-wide studies
Authors: Pennell Craig E. , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe , Olson David M. , Ha Eun-Hee , Williams Scott , Frayling Tim M. , Dolan Siobhan , Katz Michael , Merialdi Mario , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We determined a series of quality control (QC) analyses to assess the usability of DNA collected and processed from different countries utilizing different DNA extraction techniques prior to genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The quality of DNA collected utilizing four different DNA extraction techniques and the impact of shipping DNA at different temperatures on array performance were evaluated. Fifteen maternal-fetal pairs were used from four countries. DNA was extracted using four approaches: whole blood, blood spots with whole genome amplification (WGA), saliva and buccal swab. Samples were sent to a genotyping facility, either on dry ice or at room temperature and genotyped using Affymetrix SNP array 6.0. QC measured included extraction techniques, effect of shipping temperatures, accuracy and Mendelian concordance. Significantly fewer (50%) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) passed QC metrics for buccal swab DNA (P<0.0001) due to missing genotype data (P<0.0001). Whole blood or saliva DNA had the highest call rates (99.2 0.4% and 99.3 0.2%, respectively) and Mendelian concordance. Shipment temperature had no effect. DNA from blood or saliva had the highest call rate accuracy, and buccal swabs had the lowest. DNA extracted from blood, saliva and blood spots were found suitable for GWAS in our study.
Grammatical constraints and verb-framed languages: The case of Italian
Authors: Cardini Filippo-Enrico 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn the literature on motion events, a lot of previous research can be found on the contrast between the typology of expression favoured by so-called ‘verb-framed languages’ and that favoured by so-called ‘satellite-framed languages.’ Only some of this previous research, however, has focused its attention on the reasons that ultimately bring about such contrasting fashions of speaking. The present study explores this issue in some depth by trying to identify what specific grammatical constraints lead Italian speakers to be shy of the use of manner verbs in the expression of motion events (at least when compared with speakers of a typical satellite-framed language such as English). The outcome of an interpretation task and a grammatical judgement task conducted with some Italian native speakers suggests that this phenomenon ultimately originates from features exhibited by the Italian system of spatial prepositions, as well as from features exhibited by a certain kind of Italian manner verbs. The constraints caused by the verbs appear to be particularly significant.
Light-weight nanocomposite materials with enhanced thermal transport properties
Authors: Song Wei-Li , Veca L. Monica , Anderson Ankoma , Cao Mao-Sheng , Cao Li , Sun Ya-Ping 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPolymeric nanocomposite materials that are highly thermally conductive are important to a variety of applications, with examples ranging from flexible radiators in space to high-performance aircrafts and vehicles and to cutting-edge electronics. Among widely used nanoscale fillers in the development of these materials are carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets. As concluded in previous reviews, the performance of carbon nanotubes for imparting high thermal conductivity into polymeric matrices was generally poor. Here recent results associated with the effort on significant performance improvements are reviewed as an update. By contrast, graphene sheets have emerged as effective nanoscale fillers for polymeric nanocomposites of excellent thermal transport performance, reaching levels that are competitive to those achieved by metals. The significant recent results on thermally conductive polymeric nanocomposites with graphene sheets are highlighted, and their potential applications and issues on their further performance improvements are discussed.