bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altruistic behavior and habit formation
Authors: Rosen Harvey S. , Sims Stephen T. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis article examines whether altruistic behavior is habit forming. The basic premise is that if engaging in altruistic behavior when young is a good predictor of such behavior in adulthood, then this is consistent with the notion that altruistic behavior is habit forming. Using U.S. data, we examine donations of both money and time and find that engaging in charitable behavior when young is a strong predictor of adult altruistic behavior, with all other things equal. A major issue in the interpretation of this result is that the correlation between youthful and adult altruistic behavior may be due to some third variable that affects both. Although it is impossible to rule out such a possibility, we are able to control for family influences that likely could affect lifetime attitudes toward altruism.
Funder‐initiated integration
Authors: Eschenfelder Beth 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe active role of funders in organizational restructuring and consolidation is becoming a more common area of study, because more funders—private and government funders alike—are moving in the direction of encouraging funded agencies to explore new strategies such as mergers and integrations. This research focuses on funder‐initiated nonprofit integration and explores the challenges and strategies demonstrated by a government grantor and nine funded agencies as they planned and developed a management service organization. This was an action research study, whereby all parties participated as co‐researchers to examine the integration challenges and the partnership strategies used to move the integration process forward.
The Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative
Authors: Abzug Rikki , Sabrin Murray 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRetired physician Samuel A. Cassell has followed his goal to establish the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Inc. (BVMI), a free medical service for the uninsured based on the original model developed by retired physician Jack McConnell in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) organizations offer free medical services to the uninsured in communities all over the United States following a culture‐of‐caring philosophy, while relying heavily on the donated services of retired health care professionals. However, Cassell found that starting such a facility in wealthy Bergen County, close enough to be a suburb of New York City, was a bigger challenge than anticipated. Cassell and the BVMI board faced the problem of trying to raise funds to build a facility, only to learn that many donors would be more interested in contributing toward needed services in an organization that already had a proven track record; concerns of some area hospitals about potential duplication of efforts or unequal referrals; and concerns of local officials and suburban residents about the presence of a medical facility servicing the working poor in their business community and in their neighborhood.
First trimester pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in pregnancies complicated by subsequent gestational diabetes
Authors: Beneventi Fausta , Simonetta Margherita , Lovati Elisabetta , Albonico Giulia , Tinelli Carmine , Locatelli Elena , Spinillo Arsenio 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo compare routine first trimester biochemical and ultrasound markers in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes with those of a control group.MethodsFirst trimester data including the screening test for Down syndrome were retrieved from a computer data base. Clinical data were recorded at delivery. A multivariate quantile regression model was used to analyze the association between first trimester data and subsequent clinical outcomes in a case–control study design.ResultsIn the group of women who developed second trimester gestational diabetes, both first trimester median (1494 vs 2225 mU/L,P< 0.001) and adjusted multiple of median pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) concentrations (1.2 vs 0.7,P< 0.001) were significantly lower than in the control group. Differences between observed and expected crown‐to‐rump length expressed in mm was lower in women destined to develop gestational diabetes than in the control group (0.2 vs 1.4 mm,P< 0.005). In multivariate models, first trimester maternal PAPP‐A concentrations correlated independently and inversely to pregestational body mass index (BMI,P= 0.004), subsequent gestational diabetes (P< 0.001) and pregnancy complications (P= 0.036).ConclusionsFirst trimester PAPP‐A concentrations were lower among pregnant women with subsequent gestational diabetes than in the control group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of Singapore grouper iridovirus envelope proteins and characterization of a novel envelope protein VP088
Authors: Zhou Sheng , Wan Qingjiao , Huang Youhua , Huang Xiaohong , Cao Jianhao , Ye Lili , Lim Teck‐Kwang , Lin Qingsong , Qin Qiwei 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSingapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is an enveloped virus causing heavy economic losses to marine fish culture. The envelope fractions of SGIV were separated from the purified virions by Triton X‐100 treatment, and subjected to 1‐DE‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS/MS and LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS/MS analysis. A total of 19 virus‐encoded envelope proteins were identified in this study and 73.7% (13/17) of them were predicted to be membrane proteins. Three viral envelope proteins were uniquely identified by 1‐DE‐MALDI, whereas another ten proteins were identified only by LC‐MALDI, with six proteins identified by both workflows. VP088 was chosen as a representative of proteomic identification and characterized further. VP088 was predicted to be a viral transmembrane envelope protein which contains two RGD (Arg–Gly–Asp) motifs, three transmembrane domains, and five N‐glycosylation sites. VP088 gene transcript was first detected at 12 h p.i. and reached the peak at 48 h p.i. Combined with the drug inhibition assay, VP088 gene was identified as a late (L) gene. Recombinant VP088 (rVP088) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the specific antiserum against rVP088 was raised. VP088 was proved to be a viral envelope protein by Western blot and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). Furthermore, rVP088 can bind to a 94 kDa host cell membrane protein, suggesting that VP088 might function as an attaching protein. Neutralization assay also suggested that VP088 is involved in SGIV infection. This study will lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the iridoviral pathogenesis and virus–host interactions.
Proteomic characterization of the major arthropod associates of the carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea
Authors: Gotelli Nicholas J. , Smith Aidan M. , Ellison Aaron M. , Ballif Bryan A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe array of biomolecules generated by a functioning ecosystem represents both a potential resource for sustainable harvest and a potential indicator of ecosystem health and function. The cupped leaves of the carnivorous pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, harbor a dynamic food web of aquatic invertebrates in a fully functional miniature ecosystem. The energetic base of this food web consists of insect prey, which is shredded by aquatic invertebrates and decomposed by microbes. Biomolecules and metabolites produced by this food web are actively exchanged with the photosynthesizing plant. In this report, we provide the first proteomic characterization of the sacrophagid fly (Fletcherimyia fletcheri), the pitcher plant mosquito (Wyeomyia smithii), and the pitcher‐plant midge (Metriocnemus knabi). These three arthropods act as predators, filter feeders, and shredders at distinct trophic levels within the S. purpurea food web. More than 50 proteins from each species were identified, ten of which were predominantly or uniquely found in one species. Furthermore, 19 peptides unique to one of the three species were identified using an assembled database of 100 metazoan myosin heavy chain orthologs. These molecular signatures may be useful in species monitoring within heterogeneous ecosystem biomass and may also serve as indicators of ecosystem state.
Glycoproteomics analysis to identify a glycoform on haptoglobin associated with lung cancer
Authors: Tsai Hsien‐Yu , Boonyapranai Kongsak , Sriyam Supawadee , Yu Chong‐Jen , Wu Sz‐Wei , Khoo Kay‐Hooi , Phutrakul Suree , Chen Shui‐Tein 
Published: March 2011

AbstractGlycosylation is a common protein modification that is of interest in current cancer research because altered carbohydrate moieties are often found during cancer progress. A search for biomarkers in human lung cancer serum samples using glycoproteomic approaches identified fucosylated haptoglobin (Hp) significantly increased in serum of each subtype of lung cancer compared to normal donors. In addition, MS provided evidence of an increase of Hp fucosylation; the glycan structure was determined to be an α 2,6‐linked tri‐sialylated triantennary glycan containing α1,3‐linked fucose attached to the four‐linked position of the three‐arm mannose of N‐linked core pentasaccharide. These preliminary findings suggest that the specific glycoform of Hp may be useful as a marker to monitor lung cancer progression.
Purification and identification of sperm surface proteins and changes during epididymal maturation
Authors: Belleannee Clémence , Belghazi Maya , Labas Valérie , Teixeira‐Gomes Ana‐Paula , Gatti Jean Luc , Dacheux Jean‐Louis , Dacheux Françoise 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSurface membrane proteins have a key role in the sequential interactions between spermatozoa and oocytes. The aim of this study was to characterize protein changes occurring during post‐testicular differentiation using a new overall approach to study surface membrane proteins of spermatozoa. A dedicated protocol based on specific purification of surface membrane proteins labeled with sulfo‐NHS‐SS‐biotin was developed for this purpose. Appropriate gel electrophoresis separation and purification methods combined with standard proteomic methods were then used to identify and quantify surface membrane proteins from immature and mature spermatozoa. Membrane‐associated proteins were discriminated from integral membrane proteins by differential solubilization. Protein regionalization on the spermatozoon surface was achieved by comparative analysis of the surface protein extracts from the entire spermatozoa and from periacrosomal sperm plasma membranes. Identification of several known proteins and of new proteins related to the process of epididymal maturation showed the reliability of this protocol for specific purification of a subproteome and identification of new sperm membrane proteins. This approach opens up a new area in the search for male fertility markers.
Time resolved protein‐based stable isotope probing (Protein‐SIP) analysis allows quantification of induced proteins in substrate shift experiments
Authors: Taubert Martin , Jehmlich Nico , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H. , Schmidt Frank , von Bergen Martin , Seifert Jana 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe detection of induced proteins after introduction of specific substrates in culture is of high interest for a comparative description of organisms growing under different conditions. In this study, protein‐based stable isotope probing (Protein‐SIP) is used for a fast and reliable detection of newly synthesized proteins in a substrate shift experiment. Therefore, Pseudomonas putida ML2 cells precultured on 12C‐acetate and 12C‐benzene, respectively, were incubated with 13C‐benzene as a stable‐isotope‐labeled substrate. Protein samples from early to stationary growth phase were separated by one‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (1‐DE), subsequently tryptically digested, and analyzed by UPLC Orbitrap MS/MS measurements. Identified peptides from proteins involved in aerobic benzene degradation as well as from housekeeping proteins were chosen to calculate the labeling ratio (proportion of labeled protein to total protein) at different time points. A comparison of parameters from a nonlinear regression analysis of the calculated data enabled a clear differentiation between induced and constitutively expressed proteins. Thus, Protein‐SIP has proven to be a valuable tool for quantitative analysis of induced proteins in substrate shift experiments.
New series of AB2‐type hyperbranched polytriazoles derived from the same polymeric intermediate: Different endcapping spacers with adjustable bulk and convenient syntheses via click chemistry under copper(I) catalysis
Authors: Li Zhong'An , Wu Wenbo , Qiu Guofu , Yu Gui , Liu Yunqi , Ye Cheng , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article, according to the concept of “suitable isolation group,” six new AB2‐type polytriazoles containing azo‐chromophore moieties, derived from the same hyperbranched polymer intermediate, were successfully prepared through click reaction under copper(I) catalysis by modifying the synthetic route, in which different isolation groups in different size were introduced to the periphery of the hyperbranched polymers as end‐capping moieties. With the different end‐capping groups, these hyperbranched polymers, P1–P6, exhibited different solubility and processability; also, their nonlinear optical properties were modified accordingly, realizing the adjustment of the properties of hyperbranched polymers through the structural design. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Versatile functionalization of polyester hydrogels with electroactive aniline oligomers
Authors: Guo Baolin , Finne‐Wistrand Anna , Albertsson Ann‐Christine 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFunctionalizing aliphatic polyester hydrogels with an aniline oligomer is a means of achieving electrically conductive and degradable hydrogels. To lower the aniline oligomer content while maintaining a high conductivity and to overcome the acidic degradation product from polylactide reported in our previous work, a series of electroactive and degradable hydrogels based on polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrogels and carboxyl‐capped aniline pentamer (CCAP) were synthesized by a simple coupling reaction at room temperature. The reaction was carried out between the hydroxyl groups of hydroxyethylmethacrylate in a photopolymerized glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)‐functionalized PCL‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐PCL degradable network and carboxyl group of CCAP, using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide as water‐condensing agent and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine as catalyst. The electroactivity of the hydrogels was verified by cyclic voltammetry, which showed three pairs of redox peaks. The electrical conductivities and swelling ratios of these hydrogels were controlled by the CCAP content, the poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight in the macromer, and the crosslinking density of the hydrogels. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
New pathway for qualification of novel methodologies in the European medicines agency
Authors: Manolis Efthymios , Vamvakas Spiros , Isaac Maria 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe European Medicines Agency (EMA) qualification process is a new, voluntary, scientific pathway leading to either a Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) opinion or a Scientific Advice on innovative methods or drug development tools:(i) CHMP Qualification Opinion on the acceptability of a specific use of the proposed method, based on the assessment of submitted data and(ii) CHMP Qualification Advice on future protocols and methods for further method development towards qualification, based on the evaluation of the scientific rationale and on preliminary data submitted.The qualification procedure was established as a response to the drug development bottlenecks and inefficiencies, but also to the availability of new methodologies, not yet integrated in the drug development and clinical management paradigm. The qualification process addresses innovative methods developed by consortia, networks, public/private partnerships, learned societies or pharmaceutical industry. It is expected to facilitate communication between the scientific community and the regulators and to address challenges with the development and use of medicines. In this article, we will present an overview of the process and the up to now scientific advice working party (SAWP) experience.
Apparent structural differences at the tetramerization region of erythroid and nonerythroid beta spectrin as discriminated by phage displayed scFvs
Authors: Song Yuanli , Antoniou Chloe , Memic Adnan , Kay Brian K. , Fung L.W.‐M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe have screened a human immunoglobulin single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) phage library against the C‐terminal tetramerization regions of erythroid and nonerythroid beta spectrin (βI‐C1 and βII‐C1, respectively) to explore the structural uniqueness of erythroid and nonerythroid β‐spectrin isoforms. We have identified interacting scFvs, with clones “G5” and “A2” binding only to βI‐C1, and clone “F11” binding only to βII‐C1. The Kd values, estimated by competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, of these scFvs with their target spectrin proteins were 0.1–0.3 μM. A more quantitative Kd value from isothermal titration calorimetry experiments with the recombinant G5 and βI‐C1 was 0.15 μM. The α‐spectrin fragments (model proteins), αI‐N1 and αII‐N1, competed with the βI‐C1, or βII‐C1, binding scFvs, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ∼50 μM for αI‐N1, and ∼0.5 μM for αII‐N1. Our predicted structures of βI‐C1 and βII‐C1 suggest that the Helix B′ of the C‐terminal partial domain of βI differs from that of βII. Consequently, an unstructured region downstream of Helix B′ in βI may interact specifically with the unstructured, complementarity determining region H1 of G5 or A2 scFv. The corresponding region in βII was helical, and βII did not bind G5 scFv. Our results suggest that it is possible for cellular proteins to differentially associate with the C‐termini of different β‐spectrin isoforms to regulate α‐ and β‐spectrin association to form functional spectrin tetramers, and may sort β‐spectrin isoforms to their specific cellular localizations.
Novel analogues of bradykinin conformationally restricted in the C‐terminal part of the molecule
Authors: Śleszyńska Małgorzata , Wierzba Tomasz H. , Malinowski Krzysztof , Borovičková Lenka , Małuch Izabela , Sobolewski Dariusz , Lammek Bernard , Slaninová Jiřina , Prahl Adam 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn the present work, achiral non‐coded amino acids, N‐(Bzl)‐Gly, X1 or X2, were substituted at position 7 of the model B2 receptor antagonist [D‐Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5, 8, D‐Phe7]‐BK. The N‐terminal amino group of the analogues was either free or acylated with 1‐Aca or Aaa. Biological activity of the compounds was assessed in the in vitro rat uterus test and the in vivo rat blood pressure test. The X17 substitution resulted in a decrease in antagonistic potency of the new peptide in both assays. The X27 and N‐(Bzl)‐Gly7 substituted analogues showed weak agonistic properties in the rat uterus test. Interestingly, the latter compound exhibited dual activity in the pressor test, i.e. intrinsic vasodepressor action and at the same time a weak antagonistic effect. Acylation of the N‐terminus enhanced antagonistic properties of the resulting peptides in the rat blood pressure test in the case of compounds containing X1 or X2 modification. Our studies provide new information about structure–activity relationship of the BK antagonists which may be helpful for designing more potent B2 receptor blockers. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐catalytic effect of Rh and Ru for the ethanol electro‐oxidation in amorphous microparticulated alloys
Authors: Blanco Tamara C. , Pierna Ángel R. , Barroso Javier 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe ethanol electro‐oxidation on platinum catalyst in acid media leads to the formation of acetaldehyde and acetic acid as main products. Another problem is the poisoning of the electro‐catalyst surface with CO formed during the fuel oxidation reaction. To increase the performance of Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFCs) it is necessary to develop new electrode materials or modification of the existing Pt catalysts. This work presents the electrochemical response to ethanol and CO oxidation of different compositional amorphous alloys obtained by ball milling technique, used as electrodes. Alloys with Ni59Nb40Pt0.6Rh0.4 and Ni59Nb40Pt0.6Rh0.2Ru0.2 composi‐tions were studied. The current density towards ethanol oxidation decreases with the presence of ruthenium; however, this electrode shows the best tolerance to CO, with lower surface coverage (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chikungunya virus: host pathogen interaction
Authors: Singh Sunit Kumar , Unni Salini Krishnan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractChikungunya is a re‐emerging arthropod‐borne viral disease caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) belonging to the Togaviridae family of genus Alphavirus. It is a virus with a single stranded, positive sense RNA, as its genome. It is maintained in a sylvatic and urban cycle involving humans and the mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It has garnered the attention of scientists in the past 5–6 years due to the massive outbreaks in the Indian Ocean region in 2005–2006. It has a major health impact on humans as it causes fever, rashes, arthralgia and myalgia. Polyarthralgia is the most important feature of CHIKV infection which primarily affects the small joints of the wrists and fingers along with the large joints like shoulders and knees. Currently, there are no vaccines or treatment regimens available for CHIKV infection. The molecular mechanism underlying the chronic polyarthralgia observed in patients is not well understood. In this review we have summarized the CHIKV organization, replication, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and pathogenesis with emphasis on the arthralgia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence of activity in threshold contact processes, an “Annealed approximation” of random Boolean networks
Authors: Chatterjee Shirshendu , Durrett Rick 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe consider a model for gene regulatory networks that is a modification of Kauffmann's J Theor Biol 22 (1969), 437–467 random Boolean networks. There are three parameters:$n = {\rm the}$number of nodes,$r = {\rm the}$number of inputs to each node, and$p = {\rm the}$expected fraction of 1'sin the Boolean functions at each node. Following a standard practice in thephysics literature, we use a threshold contact process on a random graph onnnodes, in which each node has in degreer, to approximate its dynamics. We show that if$r\ge 3$and$r \cdot 2p(1-p)>1$, then the threshold contact process persists for a long time, which correspond to chaotic behavior of the Boolean network. Unfortunately, we are only able to prove the persistence time is$\ge \exp(cn^{b(p)})$with$b(p)>0$when$r\cdot 2p(1-p)> 1$, and$b(p)=1$when$(r-1)\cdot 2p(1-p)>1$. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011