bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leptospirosis Serodiagnosis by the Microscopic Agglutination Test
Authors: Goris Marga G.A. , Hartskeerl Rudy A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard for sero‐diagnosis of leptospirosis because of its unsurpassed diagnostic specificity. It uses panels of live leptospires, ideally recent isolates, representing the circulating serovars from the area where the patient became infected. A dilution series of the patient's serum is mixed with a suspension of live leptospires in microtiter plates. After incubating for about 2 hr at 30°C, results are read under the dark‐field microscope. The titer is the last dilution in which ≥50% of the leptospires have remained agglutinated. Seroconversion or ≥4‐fold titer rise in paired sera is consistent with current leptospirosis. The significance of a titer in a single sample depends on the frequency of residual titers due to past infections and cross‐reacting other diseases in the population. Full standardization of the MAT is not possible, but quality assurance can be achieved by participation in the international MAT proficiency testing scheme. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 32:12E.5.1‐12E.5.18. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Project SupraMetall: Towards Commercial Fabrication of High‐Temperature Superconducting Tapes
Authors: Witte Marco , Gottstein Günter , de Boer Nicole , Gilges Stefan , Klöwer Jutta , Bäcker Michael , Brunkahl Oliver , Wojtyniak Brygida , Mader Werner , Svete Matthias , Hühne Sven‐Martin , Lepper Sabine , Böhm Regina , Schebera Manuela 
Published: February 2014

AbstractsThe aim of the joint industrial and academic project “SupraMetall” is to enable the large scale production of superconducting tapes. This is a report of the recent achievements in the production of cube textured metal substrates and the coating techniques of the buffer and superconductive layers. The final coated conductor tapes of 2 m length reached critical current densities of 120 A/cm‐width.
Electrical and Piezoelectric Behavior of Polyamide/PZT/CNT Multifunctional Nanocomposites
Authors: Carponcin Delphine , Dantras Eric , Dandurand Jany , Aridon Gwenaëlle , Levallois Franck , Cadiergues Laurent , Lacabanne Colette 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThree‐phase polyamide 11 (PA 11)/lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/carbon nanotubes (CNT) composites are elaborated by extrusion. The influence of inorganic particles on the electrical properties of conductive composites and the influence of conductive particles on the ferroelectric properties of organic/inorganic composites are both studied. Inorganic particles do not modify the establishment of the electrical percolation path of CNTs either regarding the percolation threshold value or the conductivity reached above this insulator–conductive transition. The dielectric permittivity of two‐phase PA 11/PZT composites is improved with the addition of only 0.2% in volume of CNTs. This three‐phase composite could be proposed for actuation, energy harvesting and damping performances enhancement.
Immobilized Drosophila melanogaster Deoxyribonucleoside Kinase (DmdNK) as a High Performing Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Purine Arabinonucleotides
Authors: Serra Immacolata , Conti Silvia , Piškur Jure , Clausen Anders R. , Munch‐Petersen Birgitte , Terreni Marco , Ubiali Daniela 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) deoxyribonucleoside kinase (DmdNK; EC: 2.7.1.145) was characterized for its substrate specificity towards natural and non‐natural nucleosides, confirming its potential in the enzymatic synthesis of modified nucleotides. DmdNK was adsorbed on a solid ion exchange support (bearing primary amino groups) achieving an expressed activity >98%. Upon cross‐linking with aldehyde dextran, expressed activity was 30‐40%. Both biocatalysts (adsorbed or cross‐linked) were stable at pH 10 and room temperature for 24 h (about 70% of retained activity). The cross‐linked DmdNK preparation was used for the preparative synthesis of arabinosyladenine monophosphate (araA‐MP) and fludarabine monophosphate (FaraA‐MP). Upon optimization of the reaction conditions (50 mM ammonium acetate, substrate/ATP ratio=1:1.25, 2 mM MgCl2, 37 °C, pH 8) immobilized DmdNK afforded the title nucleotides with high conversion (>90%), whereas with the soluble enzyme lower conversions were achieved (78–87%). Arabinosyladenine monophosphate was isolated in 95% yield and high purity (96.5%).magnified image
Unmyelinated axon loss with postnatal hypertonia after fetal hypoxia
Authors: Drobyshevsky Alexander , Jiang Rugang , Lin Laixiang , Derrick Matthew , Luo Kehuan , Back Stephen A. , Tan Sidhartha 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveWhite matter (WM) injury due to myelination defects is believed to be responsible for the motor deficits seen in cerebral palsy. We tested the hypothesis that the predominant injury is to functional electrical connectivity in unmyelinated WM fibers by conducting a longitudinal study of central WM tracts in newborn rabbit kits with hypertonia in our model of cerebral palsy.MethodsPregnant rabbits at 70% gestation underwent 40‐minute uterine ischemia. Motor deficits in newborn kits, including muscle hypertonia, were assessed by neurobehavioral testing. Major central WM tracts, including internal capsule, corpus callosum, anterior commissure, and fimbria hippocampi, were investigated for structural and functional injury using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological recordings of fiber conductivity in perfused brain slices, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry of oligodendrocyte lineage.ResultsMotor deficits were observed on postnatal day 1 (P1) when WM tracts were unmyelinated. Myelination occurred later and was obvious by P18. Hypertonia was associated with microstructural WM injury and unmyelinated axon loss at P1, diagnosed by diffusion tensor MRI and electron microscopy. Axonal conductivity from electrophysiological recordings in hypertonic P18 kits decreased only in unmyelinated fibers, despite a loss in both myelinated and unmyelinated axons.InterpretationMotor deficits in cerebral palsy were associated with loss of unmyelinated WM tracts. The contribution of injury to myelinated fibers that was observed at P18 is probably a secondary etiological factor in the motor and sensory deficits in the rabbit model of cerebral palsy. Ann Neurol 2014;75:533–541
Constrained Peptides with Target‐Adapted Cross‐Links as Inhibitors of a Pathogenic Protein–Protein Interaction
Authors: Glas Adrian , Bier David , Hahne Gernot , Rademacher Christoph , Ottmann Christian , Grossmann Tom N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBioactive conformations of peptides can be stabilized by macrocyclization, resulting in increased target affinity and activity. Such macrocyclic peptides proved useful as modulators of biological functions, in particular as inhibitors of protein–protein interactions (PPI). However, most peptide‐derived PPI inhibitors involve stabilized α‐helices, leaving a large number of secondary structures unaddressed. Herein, we present a rational approach towards stabilization of an irregular peptide structure, using hydrophobic cross‐links that replace residues crucially involved in target binding. The molecular basis of this interaction was elucidated by X‐ray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry. The resulting cross‐linked peptides inhibit the interaction between human adaptor protein 14‐3‐3 and virulence factor exoenzyme S. Taking into consideration that irregular peptide structures participate widely in PPIs, this approach provides access to novel peptide‐derived inhibitors.
Graft‐interpenetrating polymer networks of epoxy with polyurethanes derived from poly(ethyleneterephthalate) waste
Authors: Chaudhary Saurabh , Parthasarathy Surekha , Kumar Devendra , Rajagopal Chitra , Roy Prasun Kumar 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPolyester polyurethanes derived from poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) glycolysates were blended with epoxy to form graft‐interpenetrating networks (IPNs) with improved mechanical properties. Microwave‐assisted glycolytic depolymerization of PET was performed in the presence of polyethylene glycols of different molecular weights (600–1500). The resultant hydroxyl terminated polyester was used for synthesis of polyurethane prepolymer which was subsequently reacted with epoxy resin to generate grafted structures. The epoxy‐polyurethane blend was cured with triethylene tetramine under ambient conditions to result in graft IPNs. Blending resulted in an improvement in the mechanical properties, the extent of which was found to be dependant both on the amount as well as molecular weight of PET‐based polyurethane employed. Maximum improvement was observed in epoxy blends prepared with polyurethane (PU1000) at a loading of 10% w/w which resulted in 61% increase in tensile strength and 212% increase in impact strength. The extent of toughening was quantified by flexural studies under single edge notch bending (SENB) mode. In comparison to the unmodified epoxy, the Mode I fracture toughness (KIC) and fracture energy (GIC) increased by ∼45% and ∼184%, respectively. The underlying toughening mechanisms were identified by fractographic analysis, which generated evidence of rubber cavitation, microcracking, and crack path deflection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40490.
Polyethylene flame retarded with expandable graphite and a novel intumescent additive
Authors: Focke Walter Wilhelm , Kruger Hermanus Joachim , Mhike Washington , Taute Albertus , Roberson Albert , Ofosu Osei 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA novel intumescent additive was synthesized by neutralizing 3,5‐diaminobenzoic acid hydrochloride salt with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate. This compound, which melts at 257°C, decomposes concurrently to release carbon dioxide gas. The flame retardant performance of this compound as a primary fire retardant and in combination with expandable graphite (EG) was evaluated by cone calorimetry. Cone calorimeter results showed that addition of 10 wt % EG alone lowers peak heat release rate (pHRR) of carbon black‐pigmented polyethylene from 710 ± 109 to 342 ± 15 kW m−2, whereas addition of 27 wt % of the novel intumescent lowered it to 400 ± 16 kW m−2. Combinations of these two additives were able to decrease the pHRR even further. Furthermore, the novel intumescent additive reduced the flame out time from 773 ± 307 to 537 ± 69 s although all other EG containing samples increased it. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40493.
PVDF/PMMA/Basalt fiber composites: Morphology, melting and crystallization, structure, mechanical properties, and heat resistance
Authors: Song Jianbin , Liu Jianxun , Zhang Huiliang , Yang Wenbin , Chen Lihong , Zhong Yumei , Ma Changcheng 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper is to study the effect of basalt fiber on morphology, melting and crystallization, structure, mechanical properties, melting and crystallization of PVDF/PMMA composites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), etc. Basalt fiber may disperse well in PVDF/PMMA matrix and form compact fiber network, and this makes tensile and flexural strength of fiber reinforced PVDF/PMMA composites get to the maximum value of 62 and 102 MPa, respectively. However, the mechanical properties begin to decrease when basalt fiber content exceeds 20 wt %. The α and β phase of PVDF can coexist in composites, and basalt fiber and PMMA can induce β phase of PVDF. The melting temperature of PVDF in composites is kept unchanged, but the degree of crystallinity of composites increases as basalt fiber content increase, and then declines when fiber content exceeds 20%. The DSC results confirm that the nucleation ability of PVDF is enhanced by basalt fiber. Also, the heat resistance of PVDF/PMMA composite is improved from 133 to 146.1°C due to basalt fiber. The DMA shows that basalt fiber increases the storage modulus of PVDF/PMMA composite, and the loss peak of PMMA increases from 116.1 to 130°C. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40494.
Size isn't everything: movements, home range, and habitat preferences of eastern blue gropers (Achoerodus viridis) demonstrate the efficacy of a small marine reserve
Authors: Lee Kate A. , Huveneers Charlie , Macdonald Tracey , Harcourt Robert G. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools, however, efficacy can, in part, be a function of their size in relation to the home range of the target species.
The eastern blue groper, Achoerodus viridis, is a long‐lived, protogynous hermaphrodite, and an ‘iconic’ marine species in eastern Australia, with several MPAs having been established specifically for their protection.
Site fidelity, habitat use, and home range size were assessed for 29 adult eastern blue gropers monitored for up to 374 days using passive acoustic telemetry within and around a small marine reserve.
The fish exhibited long residency times and no movement was recorded between adjacent reefs, suggesting sand acts as a natural barrier to movement.
Core ranges were calculated using 50% kernel utilization distributions (KUD) and estimated between 0.005 and 0.092 km2. Males had larger core ranges than females or fish of indeterminate sex. There was no statistical difference between the breeding/non‐breeding seasons.
Home ranges were calculated using 95% KUD and ranged between 0.03 and 0.54 km2. Home range size was largest for males and significantly larger for all sexes in the breeding season. Fish tagged in the ‘no‐take’ area of the MPA had smaller home ranges than fish tagged in the area where fishing is permitted.
This study indicates that even relatively small MPAs can provide effective protection for adult eastern blue groper, supporting the proposition that large reef dwellers with long residency times can be used as flagship species to gain public support for the designation of MPAs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the function of conserved variations in the catalytic loops of fungal glycoside hydrolase family 12
Authors: Damásio André R.L. , Rubio Marcelo V. , Oliveira Leandro C. , Segato Fernando , Dias Bruno A. , Citadini Ana P. , Paixão Douglas A. , Squina Fabio M. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTEnzymes that cleave the xyloglucan backbone at unbranched glucose residues have been identified in GH families 5, 7, 12, 16, 44, and 74. Fungi produce enzymes that populate 20 of 22 families that are considered critical for plant biomass deconstruction. We searched for GH12‐encoding genes in 27 Eurotiomycetes genomes. After analyzing 50 GH12‐related sequences, the conserved variations of the amino acid sequences were examined. Compared to the endoglucanases, the endo‐xyloglucanase‐associated YSG deletion at the negative subsites of the catalytic cleft with a SST insertion at the reducing end of the substrate‐binding crevice is highly conserved. In addition, a highly conserved alanine residue was identified in all xyloglucan‐specific enzymes, and this residue is substituted by arginine in more promiscuous glucanases. To understand the basis for the xyloglucan specificity displayed by certain GH12 enzymes, two fungal GH12 endoglucanases were chosen for mutagenesis and functional studies: an endo‐xyloglucanase from Aspergillus clavatus (AclaXegA) and an endoglucanase from A. terreus (AtEglD). Comprehensive molecular docking studies and biochemical analyses were performed, revealing that mutations at the entrance of the catalytic cleft in AtEglD result in a wider binding cleft and the alteration of the substrate‐cleavage pattern, implying that a trio of residues coordinates the interactions and binding to linear glycans. The loop insertion at the crevice‐reducing end of AclaXegA is critical for catalytic efficiency to hydrolyze xyloglucan. The understanding of the structural elements governing endo‐xyloglucanase activity on linear and branched glucans will facilitate future enzyme modifications with potential applications in industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1494–1505. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alterations of INPP4B, PIK3CA and pAkt of the PI3K pathway are associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Stjernström Annika , Karlsson Christina , Fernandez Oswaldo J. , Söderkvist Peter , Karlsson Mats G. , Thunell Lena K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate how alterations in the PI3K pathway correlate with non‐small cell lung cancer subtypes squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) and adenocarcinoma (ADCA). We analyzed copy number variation and protein expression of INPP4B, protein expression of pAkt, PDPK1, and PTEN and mutational status of PIK3CA and PTEN in 180 cases. Nineteen% displayed loss of INPP4B copy, whereas 47% lacked expression, both showing correlation with SCC. Elevated pAkt expression was seen in 63% of all cases, also correlating to SCC. PDPK1 was expressed in 70%, more in male than female patients. Regarding PTEN, 50% displayed loss of expression, of which seven were identified with mutations in the phosphatase domain. We detected nine cases (5%) of PIK3CA mutations, all identified as the E545K hot spot mutation in the helical domain, all except one in SCC. When analyzing all PI3K pathway components together, we show that patients with at least one alteration in the PI3K pathway are twice as likely to have SCC, than ADCA. Interestingly, we also found a strong correlation between high pAkt expression and PTEN expression. As comparison, we also analyzed mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway genes, where we identified fifteen KRAS mutations (8%) and one BRAF mutation (1%), significantly associated to ADCA. No association was found to the Gly972Arg polymorphism of IRS‐1, involved in activation of both PI3K and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, we show here that several components of the PI3K pathway, alone and in combination, are correlated to development of SCC of the lung.
An Ensemble of Rapidly Interconverting Orientations in Electrostatic Protein–Peptide Complexes Characterized by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Guan Jia‐Ying , Foerster Johannes M. , Drijfhout Jan W. , Timmer Monika , Blok Anneloes , Ullmann G. Matthias , Ubbink Marcellus 
Published: February 2014

AbstractProtein complex formation involves an encounter state in which the proteins are associated in a nonspecific manner and often stabilized by interactions between charged surface patches. Such patches are thought to bind in many different orientations with similar affinity. To obtain experimental evidence for the dynamics in encounter complexes, a model was created using the electron transfer protein plastocyanin and short charged peptides. Three plastocyanins with distinct surface charge distributions were studied. The experimental results from chemical shift perturbations, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) NMR, and theoretical results from Monte Carlo simulations indicate the presence of multiple binding orientations that interconvert quickly and are dominated by long‐range charge interactions. The PRE data also suggest the presence of highly transient orientations stabilized by short‐range interactions.
Variation of the Mechanical Properties of Spray‐Dried Granules via Internal Structure
Authors: Eckhard Susanna , Fries Manfred , Teipel Ulrich 
Published: February 2014

AbstractZur Untersuchung der Zusammenhänge zwischen inneren Strukturen und mechanischen Eigenschaften wurden variierte Al2O3‐Sprühgranulate hergestellt. Bei Modifikation der Additivart und ‐menge wurde der Einfluss der inneren Strukturen durch die Additiveigenschaften überlagert. Bei Variation von z. B. Primärpartikelgröße oder Feststoffgehalt konnte der Einfluss der inneren Strukturen auf mechanische Eigenschaften deutlich abgebildet werden. Erhöhte Schalendicken sowie reduzierte Mikroporositäten wirken festigkeitssteigernd, wobei die Mikrostruktur (Mikroporosität) offensichtlich einen dominierenden Einfluss hat.
A Cell‐Permeable Ester Derivative of the JmjC Histone Demethylase Inhibitor IOX1
Authors: Schiller Rachel , Scozzafava Giuseppe , Tumber Anthony , Wickens James R. , Bush Jacob T. , Rai Ganesha , Lejeune Clarisse , Choi Hwanho , Yeh Tzu‐Lan , Chan Mun Chiang , Mott Bryan T. , McCullagh James S. O. , Maloney David J. , Schofield Christopher J. , Kawamura Akane 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG)‐dependent Jumonji C domain (JmjC) family is the largest family of histone lysine demethylases. There is interest in developing small‐molecule probes that modulate JmjC activity to investigate their biological roles. 5‐Carboxy‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (IOX1) is the most potent broad‐spectrum inhibitor of 2OG oxygenases, including the JmjC demethylases, reported to date; however, it suffers from low cell permeability. Here, we describe structure–activity relationship studies leading to the discovery of an n‐octyl ester form of IOX1 with improved cellular potency (EC50 value of 100 to 4 μM). These findings are supported by in vitro inhibition and selectivity studies, docking studies, activity versus toxicity analysis in cell cultures, and intracellular uptake measurements. The n‐octyl ester was found to have improved cell permeability; it was found to inhibit some JmjC demethylases in its intact ester form and to be more selective than IOX1. The n‐octyl ester of IOX1 should find utility as a starting point for the development of JmjC inhibitors and as a use as a cell‐permeable tool compound for studies investigating the roles of 2OG oxygenases in epigenetic regulation.
Correlation of Length of Linear Oligo(ethanamino) Amides with Gene Transfer and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Scholz Claudia , Kos Petra , Leclercq Laurent , Jin Xiaoyun , Cottet Hervé , Wagner Ernst 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe optimization of synthetic carriers for gene transfer remains a major challenge. Cationic polymers such as polyethylenimine (PEI) often show increasing gene transfer activity with increasing molecular weight, but this favorable effect is accompanied by an undesired increase in cytotoxicity. Moreover, the polydispersity of polymers prevents accurate determination of optimum size. Herein we describe the step‐by‐step elongation of precise linear oligo(ethanamino) amides by making use of the artificial amino acid succinoyl‐tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) for solid‐phase‐assisted synthesis. This procedure enabled us to identify the optimal oligomer Stp30‐W (8.4 kDa) with a length of 30 Stp units, with which effective gene transfer occurs in the absence of cytotoxicity. The transfection efficiency of Stp30‐W exceeded that of standard linear PEI (22 kDa) by sixfold; nevertheless, Stp30‐W exhibited tenfold lower cytotoxicity. In addition to the lower molecular weight, the succinate spacer between the oligoamine units may also contribute to the favorable biocompatibility. The cytotoxicity of the cationic polymer PEI is a major concern for use as a carrier for gene delivery, so this comparison between linear PEI and the new Stp oligomers is particularly relevant.