bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method to assess longitudinal riverine connectivity in tropical streams dominated by migratory biota
Authors: Crook Kelly E. , Pringle Catherine M. , Freeman Mary C. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
One way in which dams affect ecosystem function is by altering the distribution and abundance of aquatic species.
Previous studies indicate that migratory shrimps have significant effects on ecosystem processes in Puerto Rican streams, but are vulnerable to impediments to upstream or downstream passage, such as dams and associated water intakes where stream water is withdrawn for human water supplies. Ecological effects of dams and water withdrawals from streams depend on spatial context and temporal variability of flow in relation to the amount of water withdrawn.
This paper presents a conceptual model for estimating the probability that an individual shrimp is able to migrate from a stream's headwaters to the estuary as a larva, and then return to the headwaters as a juvenile, given a set of dams and water withdrawals in the stream network. The model is applied to flow and withdrawal data for a set of dams and water withdrawals in the Caribbean National Forest (CNF) in Puerto Rico.
The index of longitudinal riverine connectivity (ILRC), is used to classify 17 water intakes in streams draining the CNF as having low, moderate, or high connectivity in terms of shrimp migration in both directions. An in‐depth comparison of two streams showed that the stream characterized by higher water withdrawal had low connectivity, even during wet periods. Severity of effects is illustrated by a drought year, where the most downstream intake caused 100% larval shrimp mortality 78% of the year.
The ranking system provided by the index can be used as a tool for conservation ecologists and water resource managers to evaluate the relative vulnerability of migratory biota in streams, across different scales (reach‐network), to seasonally low flows and extended drought. This information can be used to help evaluate the environmental tradeoffs of future water withdrawals.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulation of Protein Dimerization by a Supramolecular Host–Guest System
Authors: Uhlenheuer Dana A. , Wasserberg Dorothee , Nguyen Hoang , Zhang Li , Blum Christian , Subramaniam Vinod , Brunsveld Luc 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTwo sets of cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins, monomeric analogues, and analogues with a weak affinity for dimerization were functionalized with supramolecular host–guest molecules by expressed protein ligation. The host–guest elements induce selective assembly of the monomeric variants into a supramolecular heterodimer. For the second set of analogues, the supramolecular host–guest system acts in cooperation with the intrinsic affinity between the two proteins, resulting in the induction of a selective protein–protein heterodimerization at a more dilute concentration. Additionally, the supramolecular host–guest system allows locking of the two proteins in a covalent heterodimer through the facilitated and selective formation of a reversible disulfide linkage. For the monomeric analogues this results in a strong increase of the energy transfer between the proteins. The protein heterodimerization can be reversed in a stepwise fashion. The trajectory of the disassembly process differs for the monomeric and dimerizing set of proteins. The results highlight that supramolecular elements connected to proteins can both be used to facilitate the interaction between two proteins without intrinsic affinity and to stabilize weak protein–protein interactions at concentrations below those determined by the actual affinity of the proteins alone. The subsequent covalent linkage between the proteins generates a stable protein dimer as a single species. The action of the supramolecular elements in concert with the proteins thus allows the generation of protein architectures with specific properties and compositions.
Multisite Solid Catalyst for Cascade Reactions: The Direct Synthesis of Benzodiazepines from Nitro Compounds
Authors: Climent Maria J. , Corma Avelino , Iborra Sara , Santos Laura L. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSubstituted 1,5‐benzodiazepines are selectively synthesized in one pot from substituted nitroaromatics and ketones. The reaction is performed in the presence of hydrogen and in the absence of solvent by using a bifunctional solid catalyst with a chemoselective hydrogenation functional group capable of reducing the nitro group to a diamino group and an acid functional group, which catalyzes the cyclocondensation of the amino group with the ketone.
Hypochondriasis Y‐BOCS: a study of the psychometric properties of a clinician‐administered semi‐structured interview to assess hypochondriacal thoughts and behaviours
Authors: Greeven Anja , Spinhoven Philip , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the first clinician‐administered semi‐structured interview for assessing the severity of hypochondriacal symptoms. The Hypochondriasis Yale‐Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (H‐YBOCS) consisted of three a priori dimensions: hypochondriacal obsessions, compulsions and avoidance. Methods: The 16‐item interview was conducted with 112 participants with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, hypochondriasis. We analysed factor analytic structure, reliability, construct validity and sensitivity to change. Results: Factor analysis supported a three‐factor model similar to the a priori dimensions. Internal consistency ranged from satisfactory to good. Inter‐rater reliability was excellent. The construct validity was low to moderate. The H‐YBOCS was sensitive for measuring changes in symptom severity. Conclusion: The H‐YBOCS is a (factorially) valid and coherent interview with a high level of agreement across different raters. The relatively low discriminant validity could be due to co‐morbid anxiety and depressive disorders. Overall, the H‐YBOCS seems to be a promising contribution to the assessment of hypochondriasis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:• The hypochondriasis Y‐BOCS is a feasible clinician rated interview to assess the severity of hypochondriacal complaints.
Versatile Synthesis of Secondary 2‐Amino Thiols and/or Their Disulfides via Thiazolinium Salts
Authors: Mercey Guillaume , Lohier Jean‐François , Gaumont Annie‐Claude , Levillain Jocelyne , Gulea Mihaela 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCommercially available β‐amino alcohols have been transformed into various secondary β‐amino thiols and/or their disulfides by using methyl dithioacetate as a source of sulfur. The transformation involves a thiazolinium salt as a versatile key intermediate, which enables easy modulation of the product structure by varying the substituents on the heterocycle and the N‐alkylating agent.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
“Reverse degradomics”, monitoring of proteolytic trimming by multi‐CE and confocal detection of fluorescent substrates and reaction products
Authors: Piccard Helene , Hu Jialiang , Fiten Pierre , Proost Paul , Martens Erik , Van den Steen Philippe E. , Van Damme Jo , Opdenakker Ghislain 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA platform for profiling of multiple proteolytic activities acting on one specific substrate, based on the use of a 96‐channel capillary DNA sequencer with CE‐LIF of labeled substrate peptides and reaction products is introduced. The approach consists of synthesis of a substrate peptide of interest, fluorescent labeling of the substrate, either aminoterminally by chemical coupling, or carboxyterminally by transglutaminase reaction, proteolysis by a biological mixture of proteases in the absence or presence of protease inhibitors, multi‐channel analysis of substrate and reaction products, and data collection and processing. Intact substrate and reaction products, even when varying by only one amino acid, can be relatively semi‐quantified in a high‐throughput manner, yielding information on proteases acting in complex biological mixtures and without prepurification. Monitoring, classification and inhibition of multiple proteolytic activities are demonstrated on a model substrate, the aminoterminus of the mouse granulocyte chemotactic protein‐2. In view of extensive processing of chemokines into various natural forms with different specific biological activities, and of the fragmentary knowledge of processing proteases, examples of processing by neutrophil degranulate, tumor cell culture fluids and plasma are provided. An example of selection and comparison of inhibitory mAbs illustrates that the platform is suitable for inhibitor screening. Whereas classical degradomics technologies analyze the substrate repertoire of one specific protease, here the complementary concept, namely the study of all proteases acting, in a biological context, on one specific substrate, is developed and tuned to identify key proteases and protease inhibitors for the processing of any biological substrate of interest.
The serum protein binding of pharmacologically active gallium(III) compounds assessed by hyphenated CE‐MS techniques
Authors: Groessl Michael , Bytzek Anna , Hartinger Christian G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTransition metal‐based drugs exhibit high affinity to the soft donors of human serum proteins, especially of the high‐abundance protein HSA and of transferrin (Tf), whereas Ga(III) salts are known to bind to Tf and other iron‐containing metalloproteins, thereby interfering with the iron metabolism. Herein, the utilization of CE‐MS methods for studying the binding behavior of a therapeutic gallium nitrate formulation and the anticancer drug candidate Tris(8‐oxyquinolinato)gallium(III) to Tf and HSA under simulated physiological conditions is described. Both the Ga(III) salt and the complex were found to bind to Tf exclusively in the presence of carbonate, however, at different kinetics and to a different extent. Fe(III) induces the release of the Ga ions due to the higher affinity constant and also prevents the Ga(III) species from accessing the iron‐binding pockets of Tf. In contrast, only low affinity to HSA was observed and even when present atca. 20‐fold excess, the majority of the Ga was attached to Tf.
Analysis of N‐acetylaminosugars by CE: A comparative derivatization study
Authors: Rustighi Isabella , Campa Cristiana , Rossi Marco , Semeraro Sabrina , Vetere Amedeo , Gamini Amelia 
Published: July 2009

AbstractN‐linked or O‐linked glycans derived from glycoprotein processing carry, an N‐acetylglucosamine or an N‐acetylgalactosamine respectively, at their reducing termini. The presence of the N‐acetylamino group on C‐2 of reducing sugar residues has been reported to hamper the derivatization reaction with a chromophore at the anomeric centre. In this paper N‐acetyllactosamine, N‐acetylglucosamine, N‐acetylgalactosamine and several other neutral monosaccharides are coupled to three different dyes (4‐aminobenzonitrile, 2‐aminopyridine, 2‐aminobenzoic acid (2‐AA)) by reductive amination and analysed by CE with UV detection. The 2‐AA derivatives showed the lowest concentration detection limits, varying approximately in the 2–3 μM range for the saccharides tested including the N‐acetamido ones. The possibility to separate and detect with the same sensitivity ten 2‐AA‐labelled monosaccharides mainly found in mammalian or plant glycoproteins in a single CE run is highlighted. The analysis has been carried out in less than 25 min using the borate‐complexation method in CZE mode. The influence of the strength of the acid used as catalyst in the chemical modification of the sugars with 2‐AA is also shortly addressed.
Dielectrophoretic focusing of particles in a microchannel constriction using DC‐biased AC flectric fields
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Xuan Xiangchun 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a fundamental study of particle electrokinetic focusing in a single microchannel constriction. Through both experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that such dielectrophoresis‐induced particle focusing can be implemented in a much smaller magnitude of DC‐biased AC electric fields (10 kV/m in total) as compared to pure DC electric fields (up to 100 kV/m). This is attributed to the increase in the ratio of cross‐stream particle dielectrophoretic velocity to streamwise electrokinetic velocity as only the DC field component contributes to the latter. The effects of the 1 kHz frequency AC to DC electric field ratio on particle trajectories and velocity variations through the microchannel constriction are also examined, which are found to agree with the simulation results.
Identifying and removing heterogeneities between monitoring networks
Authors: Skøien J. O. , Baume O. P. , Pebesma E. J. , Heuvelink G. B. M 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThere is an increased interest in merging observations from local networks into larger national and international databases. However, the observations from different networks have typically been made using different equipment and applying different post‐processing of the values. These heterogeneities in recorded values between networks can lead to inconsistencies between different networks, and to discontinuities at the borders between regions if the observations are used as a source for interpolated maps of the process. Such discontinuities are undesirable, and could create difficulties in interpreting the maps by decision makers.In this paper, we present two variants of a method that can be used to identify and quantify differences between networks. The first variant deals with networks sharing the same region (usually multiple networks within a country) while the second variant deals with networks in neighbouring regions (usually networks in different countries). The estimated differences can be used to estimate individual biases for each network, which can be subtracted as a harmonization procedure.The method was applied to European gamma dose rate (GDR) measurements from May 2008 from the European Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) database. Data from the Slovenian GDR network are used for an application of the first variant of the method whereas the complete dataset is used to illustrate the second variant. The results indicate that these two variants are able to identify and quantify biases reliably, and the interpolated maps after subtraction of the estimated biases appear more reliable than maps created on the basis of the recorded data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase 2 polymorphisms comodulate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and death in alcoholic cirrhosis #
Authors: Nahon Pierre , Sutton Angela , Rufat Pierre , Ziol Marianne , Akouche Hassan , Laguillier Christelle , Charnaux Nathalie , Ganne-Carrié Nathalie , Grando-Lemaire Véronique , N'Kontchou Gisèle , Trinchet Jean-Claude , Gattegno Liliane , Pessayre Dominique , Beaugrand Michel 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Alcohol increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in hepatocyte mitochondria and by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in Kupffer cells and liver-infiltrating neutrophils. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) converts superoxide anion into hydrogen peroxide, which, unless detoxified by glutathione peroxidase or catalase (CAT), can form the hydroxyl radical with iron. Our aim was to determine whether Ala16Val-superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), G-463A-MPO, or T-262C-CAT dimorphisms modulate the risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death in alcoholic cirrhosis. Genotypes and the hepatic iron score were assessed in 190 prospectively followed patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. During follow-up (61.1 ± 2.7 months), 51 patients developed HCC, and 71 died. The T-262C-CAT dimorphism did not modify hepatic iron, HCC, or death. The GG-MPO genotype did not modify iron but increased the risks of HCC and death. The hazard ratio (HR) was 4.7 (2.1–10.1) for HCC and 3.6 (1.9–6.7) for death. Carriage of one or two Ala-SOD2 allele(s) was associated with higher liver iron scores and higher risks of HCC and death. The 5-year incidence of HCC was 34.4% in patients with both the GG-MPO genotype and one or two Ala-SOD2 alleles, 5.1% in patients with only one of these two traits, and 0% in patients with none of these traits. Corresponding 5-year death rates were 37.6%, 11.6%, and 5%. Conclusion: The combination of the GG-MPO genotype (leading to high MPO expression) and at least one Ala-SOD2 allele (associated with high liver iron score) markedly increased the risks of HCC occurrence and death in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2009.)
Sp1 coordinately regulates de novo lipogenesis and proliferation in cancer cells
Authors: Lu Suying , Archer Michael C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCancers express high levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) from which they derive fatty acids for membrane biosynthesis to sustain cell proliferation. How cancer cells coordinate de novo lipogenesis and proliferation has not been investigated. Transcription factors Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are overexpressed in a variety of cancers and regulate gene expression by interacting with GC‐rich Sp1 binding sites. Genes encoding FAS and cell cycle proteins such as CDC25A contain Sp1 binding sites in their promoters. We demonstrate by RNA interference that Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 all play a role in regulating CDC25A expression and proliferation in human breast cancer cells. Only Sp1, however, also regulates FAS. Furthermore, mithramycin, which blocks Sp1 binding sites, decreased proliferation, inhibited CDC25A and FAS expression and reduced binding of Sp1 to the promoters of these genes as assessed by ChIP assays. Conversely, 17β‐estradiol (E2) increased proliferation and CDC25A and FAS expression along with increased binding of Sp1 to the promoters of the 2 genes. In addition, we showed that the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c), the only transcription factor that has been shown to regulate genes of lipogenic enzymes in cancer cells, is also regulated by Sp1. Finally, we demonstrated that Sp1 plays a role in sustaining proliferation and FAS expression in colon as well as prostate cancer cells. Overall, these observations suggest that Sp1 coordinately regulates de novo lipogenesis and proliferation in cancer cells.
Developmental control of segment numbers in vertebrates
Authors: Gomez Céline , Pourquié Olivier 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSegmentation or metamery in vertebrates is best illustrated by the repetition of the vertebrae and ribs, their associated skeletal muscles and blood vessels, and the spinal nerves and ganglia. The segment number varies tremendously among the different vertebrate species, ranging from as few as six vertebrae in some frogs to as many as several hundred in some snakes and fish. In vertebrates, metameric segments or somites form sequentially during body axis formation. This results in the embryonic axis becoming entirely segmented into metameric units from the level of the otic vesicle almost to the very tip of the tail. The total segment number mostly depends on two parameters: (1) the control of the posterior growth of the body axis during somitogenesis—more same‐size segments can be formed in a longer axis and (2) segment size—more smaller‐size segments can be formed in a same‐size body axis. During evolution, independent variations of these parameters could explain the huge diversity in segment numbers observed among vertebrate species. These variations in segment numbers are accompanied by diversity in the regionalization of the vertebral column. For example, amniotes can exhibit up to five different types of vertebrae: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal, the number of which varies according to the species. This regionalization of the vertebral column is controlled by the Hox family of transcription factors. We propose that during development, dissociation of the Hox‐ and segmentation‐clock‐dependent vertebral patterning systems explains the enormous diversity of vertebral formulae observed in vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:533–544, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modification of dendritic cells with interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 gene to enhance vaccine potency
Authors: Kang Tae Heung , Bae Hyun Cheol , Kim Seok‐Ho , Seo Su Hong , Son Sang Wook , Choi Eun Young , Seong Seung‐Yong , Kim Tae Woo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cell (DC)‐based vaccines have become a promising modality in cancer immunotherapy. However, their ability to initiate tumor antigen‐specific T cell immunity is limited in various negative‐feedback mechanisms. The rapid down‐regulation of chemokines, such as the interferon inducible protein of 10 kDa (IP‐10), which chemoattracts activated antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells, would represent negative‐feedback regulation. Therefore, we attempted to improve DC vaccine potency by introducing the IP‐10 gene retrovirally aiming to replenish the chemoattractive activity of DCs.MethodsWe introduced IP‐10 gene into DC2.4 cells, referred to as DC‐IP10, using a retroviral system. Nonsecretable mIP‐10‐expressing DCs (DC‐mIP10) were also prepared to evaluate the effects of secretion in IP‐10‐mediated modulation of DC biology. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo activation of antigen‐specific T lymphocytes and in vivo anti‐tumor effects induced by DC‐IP10 or DC‐mIP10 were determined.ResultsThe modification of DC2.4 cells with the IP‐10 gene resulted in the secretion of functionally chemoattractive IP‐10 and, unexpectedly, a significant up‐regulation of surface expression in co‐stimulatory molecules, such as CD40 and CD80, compared to that of DCs with vector control (DC‐no insert). DC‐mIP10 also displayed the partially matured phenotypes but failed to recruit antigen‐specific T cells in an in vitro cell culture system. Consistently, DC‐IP10 generated more tumor antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells and stronger anti‐tumor effects in vaccinated mice than did control DCs and DC‐mIP10.ConclusionsThe results obtained provide the groundwork for a future clinical translation of the chemokine‐based genetic modification of DCs to increase their vaccine potency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The molecular mechanism of human group IIA phospholipase A2 inactivation by bolinaquinone
Authors: Monti Maria Chiara , Chini Maria Giovanna , Margarucci Luigi , Tosco Alessandra , Riccio Raffaele , Bifulco Giuseppe , Casapullo Agostino 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe molecular basis of the human group IIA secretory phospholipase A2inactivation by bolinaquinone (BLQ), a hydroxyquinone marine terpenoid, has been investigated for the comprehension of its relevant antiinflammatory properties, through the combination of spectroscopic techniques, biosensors analysis, mass spectrometry (MS) and molecular docking. Indeed, sPLA2s are well known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, psoriasis and asthma. Our results suggest a mechanism of competitive inhibition guided by a non‐covalent molecular recognition event, disclosing the key role of the BLQ hydroxyl‐quinone moiety in the chelation of the catalytic Ca2+ion inside the enzyme active site.The understanding of the sPLA2‐IIA inactivation mechanism by BLQ could be useful for the development of a new chemical class of PLA2inhibitors, able to specifically target the enzyme active site. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.