bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular proteinase formation in carbon starving Aspergillus nidulans cultures – physiological function and regulation
Authors: Szilágyi Melinda , Kwon Nak‐Jung , Bakti Fruzsina , M‐Hamvas Márta , Jámbrik Katalin , Park HeeSoo , Pócsi István , Yu Jae‐Hyuk , Emri Tamás 
Published: September 2011

AbstractExtracellular proteinase formation in carbon depleted cultures of the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans was studied to elucidate its regulation and possible physiological function. As demonstrated by gene deletion, culture optimization, microbial physiological and enzymological experiments, the PrtA and PepJ proteinases of A. nidulans did not appear to play a decisive role in the autolytic decomposition of fungal cells under the conditions we tested. However, carbon starvation induced formation of the proteinases observable in autolytic cultures. Similar to other degradative enzymes, production of proteinase was regulated by FluG‐BrlA asexual developmental signaling and modulated by PacC‐dependent pH‐responsive signaling. Under the same carbon starved culture conditions, alterations of CreA, MeaB or heterotrimeric G protein mediated signaling pathways caused less significant changes in the formation of extracellular proteinases. Taken together, these results indicate that while the accumulation of PrtA and PepJ is tightly coupled to the initiation of autolysis, they are not essential for autolytic cell wall degradation in A. nidulans. Thus, as Aspergillus genomes contain a large group of genes encoding proteinases with versatile physiological functions, selective control of proteinase production in fungal cells is needed for the improved industrial use of fungi. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microbial diversity during Rotary Drum and Windrow Pile composting
Authors: Bhatia Akansha , Ali Muntzir , Sahoo Jitendra , Madan Sangeeta , Pathania Ranjana , Ahmed Naseem , Kazmi A. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the prevailing microbial communities during the composting of vegetable waste, cattle manure and saw dust, in a household (250 l) batch scale Rotary Drum composter and Windrow Pile. Physico‐chemical parameters were analyzed to study the organic matter transformations. Total organic matter reduced from 63.8% to 36.2% in rotary drum and 39.6% in windrow pile composting. The C/N ratio decreased from 26.52 to 8.89 and 14.33 in rotary drum and windrow pile composting. The indigenous population of total heterotrophic bacteria decreased in rotary drum and windrow pile composting after 20 days. However, total fungal load initially increased within initial 4 days, then subsequently reduced in final composts. The average number of fecal coliforms and fecal Streptococci showed decrement with time, in both composting systems. Escherichia coli and Salmonella species number deduced during the study. Composting cycle started with Gram positive rods but ended up with the dominance of Gram negative bacilli shaped bacteria. Transformation of organic compounds during the biodegradation of organic waste, difference in the utilization of nutrients (organic matter) by the different group of microbes and high temperature could be cited as a possible reason of the above changes. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to obtain the surface structures of the cultured mycoflora. Results of the study revealed that higher diversity of microbes prevailed in rotary drum as compared to windrow pile, yielding more stable and pathogenic free compost in lesser period of composting. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interactions between bicarbonate, potassium, and magnesium, and sulfur‐dependent induction of luminescence in Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Tabei Yosuke , Era Mariko , Ogawa Akane , Morita Hiroshi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn spite of its central importance in research efforts, the relationship between seawater compounds and bacterial luminescence has not previously been investigated in detail. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of cations (Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) and anions (Cl–, HCO3–, CO32–, and NO3–) on the induction of both inorganic (sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate) and organic (l‐cysteine and l‐cystine) sulfur‐dependent luminescence in Vibrio fischeri. We found that HCO3– (bicarbonate) and CO32– (carbonate), in the form of various compounds, had a stimulatory effect on sulfur‐dependent luminescence. The luminescence induced by bicarbonate was further promoted by the addition of magnesium. Potassium also increased sulfur‐dependent luminescence when sulfate or thiosulfate was supplied as the sole sulfur source, but not when sulfite, l‐cysteine, or l‐cystine was supplied. The positive effect of potassium was accelerated by the addition of magnesium and/or calcium. Furthermore, the additional supply of magnesium improved the induction of sulfite‐ or l‐cysteine‐dependent luminescence, but not the l‐cystine‐dependent type. These results suggest that sulfur‐dependent luminescence of V. fischeri under nutrient‐starved conditions is mainly controlled by bicarbonate, carbonate, and potassium. In addition, our results indicate that an additional supply of magnesium is effective for increasing V. fischeri luminescence. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of common lignin methods and modifications on forage and lignocellulosic biomass materials
Authors: Goff Ben M , Murphy Patrick T , Moore Kenneth J 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: A variety of methods have been developed for estimating lignin concentration within plant materials. The objective of this study was to compare the lignin concentrations produced by six methods on a diverse population of forage and biomass materials and to examine the relationship between these concentrations and the portions of these materials that are available for utilisation by livestock or for ethanol conversion.RESULTS: Several methods produced lignin concentrations that were highly correlated with the digestibility of the forages, but there were few relationships between these methods and the available carbohydrate of the biomass materials. The use of Na2SO3 during preparation of residues for hydrolysis resulted in reduced lignin concentrations and decreased correlation with digestibility of forage materials, particularly the warm‐season grasses.CONCLUSION: There were several methods that were well suited for predicting the digestible portion of forage materials, with the acid detergent lignin and Klason lignin method giving the highest correlation across the three types of forage. The continued use of Na2SO3 during preparation of Van Soest fibres needs to be evaluated owing to its ability to reduce lignin concentrations and effectiveness in predicting the utilisation of feedstuffs and feedstocks. Because there was little correlation between the lignin concentration and the biomass materials, there is a need to examine alternative or develop new methods to estimate lignin concentrations that may be used to predict the availability of carbohydrates for ethanol conversion. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Exogenous mammalian sex hormones mitigate inhibition in growth by enhancing antioxidant activity and synthesis reactions in germinating maize seeds under salt stress
Authors: Erdal Serkan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBACKROUND: Mammalian sex hormones (MSH)—progesterone, β‐estradiol and androsterone—enhance plant growth and development by stimulating significant morphological and biochemical parameters under normal conditions. However, there is no report regarding their effects on plants exposed to environmental stress conditions. Therefore, the present study was focused on elucidating the possible positive effects of MSH on seedling growth, antioxidant activity and synthesis reactions in maize seeds exposed to salt stress, one of the most important environmental stresses. For this purpose, the various concentrations (10−6, 10−8, 10−10 and 10−12 mol L−1) of MSH were studied.RESULTS: Salinity (100 mmol L−1 NaCl) significantly reduced root length and seedling height, whereas MSH treatment significantly ameliorated the adverse effects of salinity on root length and seedling height. On the other hand, although salinity increased soluble protein, soluble sugar and proline content in 7‐day‐old maize seedlings, these were higher in MSH‐treated seedlings. Similarly, MSH treatment augmented superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities under salt stress, whereas it decreased superoxide production and lipid peroxidation level. The most favorable concentrations were determined as 10−8 mol L−1 for progesterone and β‐estradiol and 10−10 mol L−1 for androsterone.CONCLUSION: Exogenous MSH application was found to have an important ameliorative effect on growth of seeds exposed to salt stress by stimulating antioxidant activity and synthesis reactions. This is the first study investigating the effects of MSH on germination of seeds exposed to stress conditions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Targeting integrins and enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for optical imaging of oral cancer
Authors: Keereweer Stijn , Mol Isabel M. , Kerrebijn Jeroen D.F. , Van Driel Pieter B.A.A. , Xie Bangwen , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Löwik Clemens W.G.M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNear‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence optical imaging is a promising technique to assess the tumor margins during cancer surgery. This technique requires targeting by specific fluorescence agents to differentiate tumor from normal surrounding tissue. We assessed the feasibility of cancer detection using NIR fluorescence agents that target either αvβ3 integrins or the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in an orthotopic mouse model of oral cancer.MethodsBinding of the integrin‐targeted agent to tumor cells was assessed in vitro. Oral cancer was induced in 6 BALB/c nu/nu mice by submucosal inoculation of human OSC19‐luc cells into the tongue. Tumor growth was followed with bioluminescence imaging. A combination of agents targeting integrins or EPR effect was injected followed by fluorescence imaging in vivo and ex vivo after resection of the tongues.ResultsOral cancer was clearly demarcated in vitro; in vivo; and on histological analysis with sufficient tumor‐to‐background ratios of the contrast agents.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of optical imaging of oral squamous cell carcinoma based on targeting of αvβ3 integrins and the EPR effect. Once these NIR fluorescence agents become available for clinical testing, optical image‐guided surgery could reduce residual disease after oral cancer surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:714–718. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of fire and grazing on grasshopper sparrow nest survival
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , Miller James R. , Dinsmore Stephen J. , Engle David M. , Debinski Diane M. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPatch‐burn grazing is a management framework designed to promote heterogeneity in grasslands, creating more diverse grassland structure to accommodate the habitat requirements of many grassland species, particularly grassland birds. Published studies on the effects of patch‐burn grazing on passerines have been conducted on relatively large (430–980 ha pastures), contiguous grasslands, and only 1 of these studies has investigated the reproductive success of grassland birds. We assessed the effects of the patch‐burn grazing and a more traditional treatment on the nesting ecology of grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) in small (<37 ha pastures) grasslands located in southern Iowa from May to August of 2008 and 2009. The study pastures were grazed from May to September and prescribed burns were conducted in the spring. We investigated the effects of treatments on clutch size and modeled grasshopper sparrow nest survival as a function of multiple biological and ecological factors. We found no difference in clutch size between treatments; however, we did find a reduction in clutch size for nests that were parasitized by brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Constant daily survival rates were greater in patch‐burn grazed pastures than in grazed‐and‐burned pastures (patch‐burn grazed rate ${\bar {x}} = 0.930$ and grazed‐and‐burned rate ${\bar {x}} = 0.907$). Competitive survival models included year, stage of nest, nest age, and cool‐season grass (csg) abundance within 5 m of the nest. Overall, csg abundance had the greatest effect on survival and had a negative influence. Although survival rates were highest in patch‐burn grazed pastures, multiple factors influenced grasshopper sparrow survival. Nest survival rates for both treatments were relatively low, and variables other than treatment were more instrumental in predicting grasshopper sparrow survival. We recommend decreasing overall vegetation cover if increasing nesting habitat for grasshopper sparrows is a management goal. In addition, we recommend further investigation of heterogeneity management in fragmented landscapes to better understand how it affects biodiversity in relatively small management units that typify grassland habitats in the Midwest. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Nanocarriers for Cytoplasmic Delivery: Cellular Uptake and Intracellular Fate of Chitosan and Hyaluronic Acid‐Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles in a Phagocytic Cell Model
Authors: Zaki Noha M. , Nasti Alessandro , Tirelli Nicola 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe cellular uptake of hyaluronic‐acid‐coated, negatively charged chitosan/triphosphate nanoparticles and that of uncoated, positively charged ones is investigated by studying cellular localization, uptake kinetics and mechanism of internalization in J774.2 macrophages, using non‐phagocytic L929 fibroblasts as a control for uncoated nanoparticles. Both kinds of nanoparticles undergo endosomal escape and adopt a similar clathrin‐based endocytic mechanism. The surface decoration with HA profoundly influences the kinetics of cellular uptake, with an at least two orders of magnitude slower kinetics, but also the nature of the binding on the cellular surface.magnified image
Shifting From Ziegler–Natta to Philips‐Type Catalyst? A Simple and Safe Access to Reduced Titanium Systems for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Popoff Nicolas , Espinas Jeff , Gouré Eric , Boyron Olivier , Le Roux Erwan , Basset Jean‐Marie , Gauvin Régis M. , De Mallmann Aimery , Taoufik Mostafa 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSilica‐supported titanium(IV) chloride is readily reduced by Mashima and co‐workers' reagent (1‐methyl‐3,6‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐cyclohexadiene) to afford materials active in ethylene polymerisation without need of aluminum alkyl cocatalyst.
Hierarchical Organization of Cartilage Proteoglycans
Authors: Horkay Ferenc , Basser Peter J. , Hecht Anne‐Marie , Geissler Erik 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe hierarchical organization of cartilage proteoglycans is investigated on different length and time scales using osmotic pressure measurements, small angle neutron scattering (SANS), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), static and dynamic light scattering and neutron spin echo techniques. Osmotic pressure measurements reveal association of aggrecan bottlebrushes into microgel‐like assemblies. SAXS, SANS and light scattering results indicate weak interpenetration between neighboring aggrecan molecules. As opposed to DNA and many synthetic polyelectrolytes, which display great sensitivity to ion valence, aggrecan exhibits exceptional insensitivity to calcium ions in the physiological ion concentration range and beyond. This property allows aggrecan to play a role of ion reservoir that can mediate calcium metabolism in cartilage and bone.
Studies of the So‐Called Jamming Phenomenon in Filled Rubbers Using Dynamical‐Mechanical Experiments
Authors: Richter Sven , Kreyenschulte Hermann , Saphiannikova Marina , Götze Thomas , Heinrich Gert 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn the past, several models have been proposed to describe the so‐called jamming on filled rubbers. We carefully repeated such experiments on carbon black filled EPDM systems and found that the interpretation given in the literature is not transferable to our systems. Therefore, one has to be very careful in using these universal criteria to describe such dynamic‐mechanical transitions on filled polymer systems.Furthermore, we present an improved multi‐stage agglomeration model to describe the flocculation process in filled elastomer systems.
Construction of Crosslink‐System‐Materials Utilizing Designed Network‐Polymer‐Precursor Modules
Authors: Matsumoto Akira 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFor a long time, we have been concerned with the elucidation of network formation mechanism of free‐radical crosslinking (co)polymerization of multivinyl monomers. We have pursued two extreme network structures formation such as ideal and nanogel‐like NPP formation. During the course of these investigations, we recognized that a network polymer may be reconsidered as a crosslink‐system‐material (CSM) or a giant system consisting of network polymer precursor (NPP) modules. The network polymer is not a giant molecule as a smallest unit of matter which could behave as one molecule. According to this definition, our subject may be changed from the molecular design of network polymer to the molecular design of NPP based on the free‐radical crosslinking multivinyl polymerization mechanism. Then, we could construct a variety of CSMs utilizing designed NPP modules. A variety of CSM constructions are exemplified.
Visual misperceptions and hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: Dysfunction of attentional control networks?
Authors: Shine James M. , Halliday Glenda M. , Naismith Sharon L. , Lewis Simon J.G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractVisual misperceptions and hallucinations are a major cause of distress in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in the advanced stages of the condition. Recent work has provided a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of these symptoms, implicating impairments from the retina to the integration of external information with preformed internal images. In this article, we propose a novel hypothesis that attempts to explain the presence of visual misperceptions and hallucinations in PD through the aberrant coordination of complimentary yet competing neural networks. We propose that hallucinations in PD reflect the relative inability to recruit activation in the dorsal attention network in the presence of an ambiguous percept, leading to overreliance on default mode network processing and salience arising from the ventral attention network. This inability is proposed to stem from improper function across cortical and subcortical structures secondary to the presence of Lewy body pathology. This hypothesis may be empirically tested by the use of targeted cognitive paradigms. In turn, this may assist our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and cognitive processes contributing to visual misperceptions and hallucinations and ultimately may inform more effective treatment strategies for this troubling symptom. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Association of SNCA with Parkinson: Replication in the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center Biomarker Study
Authors: Ding Hongliu , Sarokhan Alison K. , Roderick Sarah S. , Bakshi Rachit , Maher Nancy E. , Ashourian Paymon , Kan Caroline G. , Chang Sunny , Santarlasci Andrea , Swords Kyleen E. , Ravina Bernard M. , Hayes Michael T. , Sohur U. Shivraj , Wills Anne‐Marie , Flaherty Alice W. , Unni Vivek K. , Hung Albert Y. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Schlossmacher Michael G. , Sudarsky Lewis R. , Growdon John H. , Ivinson Adrian J. , Hyman Bradley T. , Scherzer Clemens R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:Mutations in the α‐synuclein gene (SNCA) cause autosomal dominant forms of Parkinson's disease, but the substantial risk conferred by this locus to the common sporadic disease has only recently emerged from genome‐wide association studies.Methods:We genotyped a prioritized noncoding variant in SNCA intron 4 in 344 patients with Parkinson's disease and 275 controls from the longitudinal Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center Biomarker Study.Results:The common minor allele of rs2736990 was associated with elevated disease susceptibility (odds ratio, 1.40; P = .0032).Conclusions:This result increases confidence in the notion that in many clinically well‐characterized patients, genetic variation in SNCA contributes to “sporadic” disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Semantic context dissemination and service matchmaking in future network management
Authors: Famaey Jeroen , Latré Steven , Strassner John , Turck Filip De 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYThe ever‐increasing size, complexity and heterogeneity of telecommunications networks necessitate the introduction of autonomic elements that assist providers in managing and configuring the network's resources. To tackle this increased complexity, it is expected that many specialized autonomic elements will take part in the management process. It becomes necessary for them to collaborate and communicate in order to achieve high‐level, human‐specified, management goals. Therefore, the need for a scalable mechanism to facilitate the interactions between autonomic elements has arisen. This article presents a communications bus, augmented with semantics through the use of ontologies and semantic reasoning, which governs the communication and collaboration between autonomic elements. It supports filtering of context based on meaning. Additionally, it facilitates matchmaking of autonomic element goals with management services using semantic definitions of their inputs, outputs, preconditions and effects. Furthermore, the delay introduced by semantic reasoning was evaluated through an implemented prototype and was shown to be limited to only a few milliseconds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using General Estimating Equations to Analyze Oral Health in the Moche Valley of Perú
Authors: Gagnon C. M. , Wiesen C. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis study introduces a new method for analyzing oral health indicators and thus reconstructing diet. To this end, we examined the dental remains of 173 individuals recovered from the site of Cerro Oreja in the Moche Valley of Perú, who lived during the Salinar (400–1 BC) or Gallinazo (AD 1–200) phases. The infectious and degenerative conditions analyzed include: dental caries, dental wear, dental abscess, antemortem tooth loss and dental calculus, all of which have been used to track dietary and thus subsistence‐related economic and sociopolitical changes. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, an extension of generalized linear models. Significant changes in the frequency of occurrence of most dental conditions suggest that during the period of study, there was an increase in the consumption of agricultural products. However, these changes in oral health did not equally affect females and males. By the end of the Gallinazo phase, significant sex differences developed, with females more often affected by dental caries and males displaying greater mean molar wear scores. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.