bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detektion von Mehrbindigkeit und differenziellen Affinitäten in großen, intrinsisch ungeordneten Proteinen mithilfe von Segmentbewegungsanalyse
Authors: Milles Sigrid , Lemke Edward A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIntrinsisch ungeordnete Proteine (IUPs) können unterschiedliche Interaktionspartner binden. Mehrere Bindungsregionen in IUPs, die durch komplexe kooperative Effekte zusammenwirken, vereinfachen solche Interaktionen. Gleichzeitig erschweren sie aber die Analyse solcher IUP‐Komplexe. Um diese Schwierigkeit anzugehen, kombinierten wir Fluoreszenzkorrelationsspektroskopie mit zeitaufgelöster Polarisationsspektroskopie, um die Eigenschaften der Bindung des IUP Nucleoporin 153 (Nup153) mit Transportrezeptoren (TRs) des Kerntransports zu untersuchen. Die Detektion von flexibler Segmentbewegung im Rückgrat des Proteins Nup153 zeigte lokale, regionsspezifische Bindungspräferenzen von TRs. Solche Eigenschaften bleiben oft verborgen, wenn allgemeine – nicht regionsspezifische – Eigenschaften des IUP untersucht werden. Die Affinität von funktionell und strukturell unterschiedlichen TRs für bestimmte Regionen von Nup153 können sich um Größenordnungen unterscheiden – ein Befund mit Bedeutung für verschiedene Transportwege im Kerntransport.
Synthesis, characterization, and thermo mechanical properties of siloxane‐modified epoxy‐based nano composite
Authors: Chiu Yie‐Chan , Huang Chun‐Chiang , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, polymer hybrid composites were synthesized by sol‐gel process. 3‐Amino‐propyltrimethoxysilane [APTMS)/γ‐Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxy‐silane (GPTMS); (4, 4′‐Methylene‐dianiline (DDM)] and 1,4‐Bis(trimethoxysilylethyl) benzene (BTB) were added to DGEBA type epoxy resin for anticipated to exhibit excellent thermal stability. Boron trifluoride monoethylamine (BF3MEA) was used as catalyst. The structure of nanocomposites was characterized by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and solid‐state 29Si NMR which suggest EP‐APTMS‐BTB/EP‐GPTMS‐BTB possesses T3; T1–T0, and T1 structures when the BTB content was lower than 10 wt % and higher 20 wt %, respectively. BF3MEA was proved to be an effective catalyst for the sol‐gel reaction of APTMS, but it could not promote for GPTMS. From TEM microphotographs, EP‐APTMS‐BTB (10 wt %) possesses a dense inorganic structure (particle size around 5–15 nm) compare with the loose inorganic structure of EP‐GPTM‐/BTB (10 wt %). DSC, TGA were use to analyze the thermal properties of the nanocomposites and DMA was used to analyze the dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The Tgs of all nanocomposites decreased with the increasing BTB content. A system with BTB content lower than 10 wt % showed good dynamic mechanical property and thermal stability (Td5 increased from 336°C to 371°C, char yield increased from 27.4 to 30.2%). The structure of inorganic network affects the Td5 and dynamic mechanical properties of composite. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40984.
Calcium‐dependent cysteine proteinase (calpain) in human arthritic synovial joints
Authors: Yamamoto Shingo , Shimizu Katsuji , Shimizu Kazuya , Suzuki Kiichi , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Yamamuro Takao 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjective. To study the roles of calpains in the synovial joint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and to verify the hypothesis that calpains present in the synovial fluid come from the synovium.Methods. We performed immunohistochemical, biochemical, and immunoblotting analyses for calpains in synovial tissues, synovial cell cultures, and synovial fluids.Results. Immunohistochemical staining of RA synovium demonstrated specific cytoplasmic staining of cells in the synovial lining layer, storomal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. OA synovium showed almost the same intensity and distribution of calpain staining. DEAE‐cellulose chromatography of RA and OA synovial extracts and synovial fluids showed a peak of caseinolytic activity attributable to calpain, as well as an inhibitory peak of calpastatin, a specific inhibitor protein of calpains. Immunoblotting using the anticalpain antibody from the calpain peak of RA and OA synovium and synovial fluid showed identity with the heavy subunit of calpain (80 kd). Similarly, calpain existed in the same form (80 kd) in conditioned media (supernatant) obtained from synovial cell cultures, as well as in the synoviocytes. The total specific activity of the 2 calpains in the synovial fluid of RA patients was higher than that of calpastatin.Conclusion. The findings suggest that the extracellular appearance of calpains could be due to the secretion of these proteins from the synovial cells and that calpains may play a role in cartilage damage of RA and OA that occurs in synovial joints.
Efficacy and safety of 10‐deazaaminopterin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A one‐year continuation, double‐blind study
Authors: Alarcón Graciela S. , Castañeda Oswaldo , Ferrándiz Manuel , Krumdieck Carlos L. , Koopman William J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjective. To determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of 10‐deazaaminopterin (10‐DAM) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. A 1‐year continuation of an initial 15‐week randomized, double‐blind clinical trial of 10‐DAM and methotrexate (MTX).Results. 10‐DAM (n = 10) and MTX (n = 8) had comparable safety and efficacy profiles. One 10‐DAM—treated and 2 MTX‐treated patients experienced transient side effects; 1 MTX‐treated patient experienced recurrent nausea and discontinued MTX.Conclusion. 10‐DAM appears to be as beneficial and as safe as MTX for the treatment of RA.
The treatment of wegener's granulomatosis with glucocorticoids and methotrexate
Authors: Hoffman Gary S. , Leavitt Randi Y. , Kerr Gail S. , Fauci Anthony S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjective. To identify alternatives to daily low‐dose cyclophosphamide (CYC) in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).Methods. An open‐label pilot study of weekly low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) plus glucocorticoids (GC) for treatment of patients with WG was performed. Twenty‐nine patients who did not have immediately life‐threatening disease were included. Outcome was determined by clinical characteristics, pathologic findings, course of illness, laboratory and radiographic findings, and successful withdrawal of GC therapy.Results. Weekly administration of MTX (at a mean stable dosage of 20 mg) and GC resulted in marked improvement in 76% of the 29 patients. Remission was achieved in 69% of the patients, 7% improved but had intermittent smoldering disease that precluded total withdrawal of GC, and 17% had progressive disease within 2–6 months of starting the study treatment. Two patients who initially achieved remission later had relapses after GC was discontinued. Of those who remain in remission (mean followup time 14.5 months), 72% have not required GC for a mean period of 10 months.Conclusion. Although standard therapy for WG (daily CYC and GC) has dramatically improved outcome in this often‐fatal disease, treatment morbidity has led to attempts to identify effective interventions that have less toxicity. Weekly low‐dose MTX was shown in this study to be a feasible alternative to CYC in patients whose illness was not immediately life‐threatening or in whom prior CYC treatment was ineffective or produced serious toxicity. Although these results are preliminary, they are encouraging and justify further studies in which MTX, CYC, and other alternative therapeutic approaches are compared concurrently.
Serum anti—SS‐B/La and IgA rheumatoid factor are markers of salivary gland disease activity in primary sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Atkinson Jane C. , Travis William D. , Slocum Linda , Ebbs William L. , Fox Philip C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjective. To identify serologic markers of salivary gland disease activity in 43 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.Methods. Comparison of salivary gland biopsies (focus scores) and flow rates with serum concentrations of IgA and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), total serum IgG, serum anti—SS‐B/La antibodies, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.Results. Serum anti—SS‐B/La antibody levels correlated with focus scores (rs = 0.477, P < 0.0025). Serum IgA‐RF concentrations correlated inversely with stimulated parotid gland salivary flow rates (rs = −0.394, P < 0.01).Conclusion. Measuring serum levels of anti—SS‐B/La and IgA‐RF would be useful when monitoring salivary responses in therapeutic trials, especially in patients with minimal salivary function.
Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Activity of ZnIn2S4 Microspheres Using Carbon Quantum Dots and Platinum as Dual Co‐catalysts
Authors: Li Qin , Cui Can , Meng Huan , Yu Jiaguo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractZnIn2S4 microspheres (ZIS MSs) were for the first time decorated with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and platinum nanoparticles (NPs) as dual co‐catalysts of for photocatalytic H2 production. The ZIS MSs co‐loaded with CQDs and Pt exhibited a high photocatalytic H2 production rate of 1032.2 μmol h−1 g−1 with an apparent quantum efficiency of 2.2 % (420 nm) in triethanolamine aqueous solution under visible‐light irradiation, which was much higher than the respective photocatalytic rates of pure ZIS, Pt loaded ZIS, and CQDs‐decorated ZIS. Such a great enhancement was attributed to the integrative effect of good crystallization, enhanced light absorption, high electrical conductivity of CQDs, and the vectorial electron transfer from ZIS to CQDs and Pt NPs (ZIS→CQDs→Pt).
Group‐effort applied research: Expanding opportunities for undergraduate research through original, class‐based research projects
Authors: Moore Sean D. , Teter Ken 
Published: June 2014

AbstractUndergraduate research clearly enriches the educational development of participating students, but these experiences are limited by the inherent inefficiency of the standard one student‐one mentor model for undergraduate research. Group‐effort applied research (GEAR) was developed as a strategy to provide substantial numbers of undergraduates with meaningful research experiences. The GEAR curriculum delivers concept‐driven lecture material and provides hands‐on training in the context of an active research project from the instructor's laboratory. Because GEAR is structured as a class, participating students benefit from intensive, supervised research training that involves a built‐in network of peer support and abundant contact with faculty mentors. The class format also ensures a relatively standardized and consistent research experience. Furthermore, meaningful progress toward a research objective can be achieved more readily with GEAR than with the traditional one student‐one mentor model of undergraduate research because sporadic mistakes by individuals in the class are overshadowed by the successes of the group as a whole. Three separate GEAR classes involving three distinct research projects have been offered to date. In this article, we provide an overview of the GEAR format and review some of the recurring themes for GEAR instruction. We propose GEAR can serve as a template to expand student opportunities for life science research without sacrificing the quality of the mentored research experience. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(4):331–338, 2014.
Using analogy role‐play activity in an undergraduate biology classroom to show central dogma revision
Authors: Takemura Masaharu , Kurabayashi Mario 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFor the study of biology in an undergraduate classroom, a classroom exercise was developed: an analogy role‐play to learn mechanisms of gene transcription and protein translation (central dogma). To develop the central dogma role‐play exercise, we made DNA and mRNA using paper sheets, tRNA using a wire dress hanger, and amino acids using Lego® blocks (Lego System A/S, Denmark). Students were studying in the course of mathematics, physics, or chemistry, so biology was not among their usual studies. In this exercise, students perform the central dogma role‐play and respectively act out nuclear matrix proteins, a transcription factor, an RNA polymerase II, an mRNA transport protein, nuclear pore proteins, a large ribosomal subunit, a small ribosomal subunit, and several amino‐acyl tRNA synthetases. Questionnaire results obtained after the activity show that this central dogma role‐play analogy holds student interest in the practical molecular biological processes of transcription and translation. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(4):351–356, 2014.
The impact of dietary isoflavonoids on malignant brain tumors
Authors: Sehm Tina , Fan Zheng , Weiss Ruth , Schwarz Marc , Engelhorn Tobias , Hore Nirjhar , Doerfler Arnd , Buchfelder Michael , Eyüpoglu IIker Y. , Savaskan Nic E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPoor prognosis and limited therapeutic options render malignant brain tumors one of the most devastating diseases in clinical medicine. Current treatment strategies attempt to expand the therapeutic repertoire through the use of multimodal treatment regimens. It is here that dietary fibers have been recently recognized as a supportive natural therapy in augmenting the body's response to tumor growth. Here, we investigated the impact of isoflavonoids on primary brain tumor cells. First, we treated glioma cell lines and primary astrocytes with various isoflavonoids and phytoestrogens. Cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner was measured for biochanin A (BCA), genistein (GST), and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Dose–response action for the different isoflavonoids showed that BCA is highly effective on glioma cells and nontoxic for normal differentiated brain tissues. We further investigated BCA in ex vivo and in vivo experimentations. Organotypic brain slice cultures were performed and treated with BCA. For in vivo experiments, BCA was intraperitoneal injected in tumor‐implanted Fisher rats. Tumor size and edema were measured and quantified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In vascular organotypic glioma brain slice cultures (VOGIM) we found that BCA operates antiangiogenic and neuroprotective. In vivo MRI scans demonstrated that administered BCA as a monotherapy was effective in reducing significantly tumor‐induced brain edema and showed a trend for prolonged survival. Our results revealed that dietary isoflavonoids, in particular BCA, execute toxicity toward glioma cells, antiangiogenic, and coevally neuroprotective properties, and therefore augment the range of state‐of‐the‐art multimodal treatment approach.
Identification of a Novel Inhibition Site in Translocase MraY Based upon the Site of Interaction with Lysis Protein E from Bacteriophage ϕX174
Authors: Rodolis Maria T. , Mihalyi Agnes , O'Reilly Amy , Slikas Justinas , Roper David I. , Hancock Robert E. W. , Bugg Timothy D. H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTranslocase MraY is the site of action of lysis protein E from bacteriophage ϕX174. Previous genetic studies have shown that mutation F288L in transmembrane helix 9 of E. coli MraY confers resistance to protein E. Construction of a helical wheel model for transmembrane helix 9 of MraY and the transmembrane domain of protein E enabled the identification of an Arg‐Trp‐x‐x‐Trp (RWxxW) motif in protein E that might interact with Phe288 of MraY and the neighbouring Glu287. This motif is also found in a number of cationic antimicrobial peptide sequences. Synthetic dipeptides and pentapeptides based on the RWxxW consensus sequence showed inhibition of particulate E. coli MraY activity (IC50 200–600 μM), and demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. coli (MIC 31–125 μg mL−1). Cationic antimicrobial peptides at a concentration of 100 μg mL−1 containing Arg‐Trp sequences also showed 30–60 % inhibition of E. coli MraY activity. Assay of the synthetic peptide inhibitors against recombinant MraY enzymes from Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Micrococcus flavus (all of which lack Phe288) showed reduced levels of enzyme inhibition, and assay against recombinant E. coli MraY F288L and an E287A mutant demonstrated either reduced or no detectable enzyme inhibition, thus indicating that these peptides interact at this site. The MIC of Arg‐Trp‐octyl ester against E. coli was increased eightfold by overexpression of mraY, and was further increased by overexpression of the mraY mutant F288L, also consistent with inhibition at the RWxxW site. As this site is on the exterior face of the cytoplasmic membrane, it constitutes a potential new site for antimicrobial action, and provides a new cellular target for cationic antimicrobial peptides.
Molecular characteristics of residual cancer and stromal cells after chemoradiotherapy for gastric cancer: report of four cases
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Mohri Yasuhiko , Koike Yuhki , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Toiyama Yuji , Ohi Masaki , Kobayashi Minako , Inoue Yasuhiro , Araki Toshimitsu , Uchida Keiichi , Miki Chikao , Kusunoki Masato 
Published: June 2014

Key Clinical MessageFour patients with gastric cancer underwent 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin‐based chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. Expression analysis of chemoradiosensitivity related genes in residual cancer using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens may be useful when determining a chemotherapy regimen for disease recurrence after chemoradiotherapy for gastric cancer.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Morphology, Phase Transformation, and Carbon‐Layer Growth of Iron‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Pendyala Venkat Ramana Rao , Graham Uschi M. , Jacobs Gary , Hamdeh Hussein H. , Davis Burtron H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe morphological, phase transformations and carbon‐layer growth for unpromoted and K‐promoted iron catalysts were investigated over time during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Catalysts were activated in CO for 24 h, which transformed hematite into a mixture containing 93 % iron carbide and 7 % magnetite for the unpromoted catalyst and 81 % iron carbide and 19 % magnetite for the K‐promoted catalyst. Initially, the activated catalysts had high CO conversions (≈85 %); however, the conversions decreased to approximately 30 % after approximately 280 h of synthesis time. For the unpromoted catalyst, the amount of iron carbide gradually decreased over time while the corresponding magnetite phase increased. However, for the K‐promoted one, only one iron carbide phase (χ‐Fe5C2) gradually decreased, while the other ($\acute \epsilon $‐Fe2.2C) phase steadily increased and magnetite remained unchanged. TEM analyses revealed that for the K‐promoted catalyst, carbon deposition increased over time, unlike that of the unpromoted catalyst.
Influence of the Marangoni Effect on Mass Transfer in Inclined Falling Films
Authors: Zhang Huishu , Yuan Xigang , Yu Kuotsung , Kalbassi Mohammad Ali , Liu Botan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe Marangoni effect on the mass transfer coefficient of falling films was investigated on inclined stainless‐steel plates to elucidate the influence on the mass transfer performance of structured packing surfaces. Desorption of ethanol from water generated the Marangoni effect in the liquid phase while the process of oxygen desorption from water was proceeded. The enhanced liquid phase mass transfer by the Marangoni effect was found to be related to the ethanol concentration in the liquid, inclination of the plate, and liquid flow condition. A generalized correlation was proposed to predict the effective enhancement factor of the system incorporated with the Marangoni effect.
Effect of Structural Parameters on Drop Size Distribution in Pulsed Packed Columns
Authors: Samani Mahmoud Gholam , Safdari Jaber , Asl Ali Haghighi , Torab‐Mostaedi Meisam 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe effect of packing type on drop size distribution in pulsed packed columns was investigated by means of different columns and three packing types with three liquid systems including n‐butyl acetate, toluene, and kerosene with water. These liquid systems cover a wide range of interfacial tensions. Also the influence of operating variables in terms of pulse intensity and volumetric flow rates of dispersed and continuous phases was examined. Pulse intensity, interfacial tension, and packing shape were found as the main important factors for drop size distribution while volumetric flow rates had no significant effect. Correlations are presented to predict drop distribution and mean drop size in pulsed packed columns.
Elimination of Perfluorinated Surfactants – Adsorbent Evaluation Applying Surface Tension Measurements
Authors: Schuricht Falk , Reschetilowski Wladimir , Reich Andy , Giebler Eckart 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) onto activated carbons, nonfunctionalized polymeric adsorbents, and anion exchange resins was evaluated in batch as well as column experiments. It was found that the total PFOS capacity, adsorption kinetics, breakthrough times, and minimum effluent concentrations were highly dependent on the material properties, such as the inner surface area, pore size, functionalization, and hydrophobic character of the material, and on process parameters like temperature and ionic strength of the solution. The experiments furthermore revealed that surface tension measurements are a suitable method for online determination of PFOS concentrations above a defined value.
Generation of Active Sites on Gold Nanostructured Surface through Ultrasound‐Assisted Direct Electrodeposition and Its Effect on Enzyme‐less Glucose Electro‐oxidation
Authors: Boopathi Sidhureddy , Senthil Kumar Shanmugam , Narasimha Phani Kanala Lakshmi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBy using ultrasound‐assisted direct electrodeposition, gold nanostructured films decorated by catalytic sites can be generated that are capable of effecting enzyme‐less oxidation of glucose at pH 7.4. The morphology, surface roughness and nature of the crystallographic orientation of the deposited gold nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode surface are studied by atomic force microscopy and metal underpotential deposition. The cyclic voltammetry signatures of the deposited nanostructured gold films reveal the identity of the catalytically active sites, which undergo pre‐monolayer oxidation/reduction on the nanostructured gold surface. These active species are responsible for the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose under neutral pH conditions, enabling a steady‐state amperometric response in a linear range of concentration from 0.25 to 1.75 mMwith a sensitivity of 0.849×10−3 mA cm−2 mM−1.
Sponge Phase Producing Porous CeO2 for Catalytic Oxidation of CO
Authors: Song Shasha , Wang Haiqiao , Song Aixin , Dong Shuli , Hao Jingcheng 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe aggregation behavior of mixtures of the alkaline amino acid L‐Arginine (L‐Arg) and bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) in water was studied in detail. At a fixed L‐Arg concentration, a phase sequence of micellar phase (L1 phase), vesicle phase (Lαv phase), planar lamellar phase (Lαl phase), and sponge phase (L3 phase) was obtained with increasing DEHPA concentration due to changes in the packing parameter. The phase transition of the lamellar structures was determined by freeze‐fracture TEM and 2H NMR spectroscopy. Rheological measurements reflected the phase transition through significant variations of both the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus. Porous CeO2 materials were produced by utilizing the L3 phase as template, and the porous CeO2 exhibited excellent catalytic oxidation activity toward CO due to its high surface area, which provides more active sites for CO conversion.