bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico prediction of potential metallothioneins and metallohistins in actinobacteria
Authors: Schmidt Andre , Hagen Matthias , Schütze Eileen , Schmidt Astrid , Kothe Erika 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMetallothioneins and metallohistins are short peptides with a high cysteine and/or histidine content able to coordinate metals intracellularly, thereby increasing the tolerance against elevated concentrations of metals. Because of their features, they can be detected by in silico prediction from proteomes annotated from sequenced genomes. Here, we analyzed 73 sequenced actinobacterial genomes for peptides (≤100 amino acids) with a high content of cysteine and histidine (≥15%) and identified 103 putative metallothioneins and metallohistins. For 45 of these peptides, we found similarities to metal binding protein domains, including zinc fingers, heavy metal transporters or eukaryotic metallothioneins, which can serve as proof‐of‐principle in underscoring a potential function as metal binding peptides. An evolutionary origin from metal containing domains of enzymes is discussed and metallohistins not containing cysteine are described for the first time for bacteria. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bacterial tolerance to silver nanoparticles (SNPs): Aeromonas punctata isolated from sewage environment
Authors: Sudheer Khan S. , Bharath Kumar E. , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran N. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractUse of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) is increasing in a large number of consumer products. Thus, the possible build‐up of the nanoparticles in the environment is becoming a major concern. Aeromonas punctata isolated from sewage showed tolerance to 200 μg/ml SNPs. The growth kinetics data for A. punctata treated with nanoparticles were similar to those in the absence of nanoparticles. There was a reduction in the amount of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in bacterial culture supernatant after nanoparticle‐supernatant interaction. EPS capping of the nanoparticles was confirmed by UV‐visible, XRD and comparative FTIR analysis. The EPS‐capped SNPs showed less toxicity to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus compared to the uncapped ones. The study suggests capping of nanoparticles by bacterially produced EPS as a probable physiological defense mechanism. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diversity and phylogeny of plant growth‐promoting bacilli from moderately acidic soil
Authors: Yadav Subhash , Kaushik Rajeev , Saxena Anil K. , Arora Dilip K. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe molecular diversity of aerobic endospore‐forming bacteria, typically Bacillus and its derived genera, has been investigated in various environments. However, there have been few investigations concerning Bacillus in acidic soils. In this study, the genotypic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among plant growth‐promoting (PGP) bacilli isolated from the rice rhizosphere growing in acidic soils of Kerala (pH varying from 6.3 to 6.8) were investigated. For assessing their biocontrol potential and PGP attributes, 115 isolates were randomly selected and 49 isolates that were positive for multiple traits were selected. Metabolic characterization of representative strains, using the Biolog GP2 (Gram Positive) MicroPlateTM, revealed a large versatility with respect to carbohydrate utilization. Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis revealed 13 clusters at 65% similarity level, which consisted of 1–21 strains. 16S rDNA partial sequencing assigned all the isolates, except for one, to the Bacillus genus, with close relatedness to Bacillus humi, B. megaterium, B. drentensis, B. pocheonensis, B. aestuarii, B. arbutinivorans, B. niacini, and Brevibacterium casei. The Bacillus species with different metabolic capabilities, PGP abilities, and genetic diversity found in this study are likely to have ecological relevance. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phylogenetic analysis and antimicrobial activities of Streptomyces isolates from mangrove sediment
Authors: Satheeja Santhi V. , Jebakumar Solomon R. D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe phylogeny of members of Streptomyces bacteria isolated from mangrove sediments in the Manakudi estuary near the Arabian Sea, India, was analyzed in the present study. Among the 35 different isolates, five organisms, JS‐9, JS‐11, JS‐12, JS‐13 and JS‐20, exhibited potent antimicrobial effects against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (clinical isolate) and methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus MTCC 3160 and Salmonella typhi MTCC 733; all other isolates displayed intermediate antimicrobial effects. RFLP analysis of HaeIII and BstUI double‐digested 16S rRNA gene fragments of the isolates were distinguished into 20 distinct RFLP types, with the genetic similarity coefficient varying from 0.57 to 0.97. On average, 17 RFLP markers were observed from approximately 50 to 350 bp size and all the RFLP types showed significant genetic polymorphism by clustering into three major clusters. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 20‐member Streptomyces isolates were divided into three major clusters and they shared 97.2–99.8% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the Streptomyces taxons of marine origin. The distribution of the isolates revealed that the distinct Streptomyces groups were clustered in the phylogenetic tree and there was a good correlation between the diversity of the antimicrobial phenotype and that of the 16S rRNA gene. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates and their differential toxicity against Helicoverpa armigera populations
Authors: Anitha Deepak , Kumar Nachimuthu Senthil , Vijayan Deepu , Ajithkumar Kunhikrishnan , Gurusubramanian Guruswami 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis isolates were characterized in rhizospheric cotton soils by using acetate selection process from eight different locations in South India. The fact that B. thuringiensis indices were higher in proportion in soil samples taken from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka than from Andhra Pradesh, indicates the abundance of B. thuringiensis populations in the cotton rhizosphere. Biochemical typing of the isolates designated eight local isolates (BtNg13, BtCo1, BtHyb7, BtAm2, BtRm5, BtWr3, BtPl 4, BtN 9), which belong to subspecies kurstaki, the most prevalent subspecies. Toxicity assays on American boll worm larval (F1) populations collected from the Andhra Pradesh, Bangalore and Coimbatore regions, with a susceptible insect strain against different isolates of B. thuringiensis kurstaki spore‐crystal mix, revealed distinct susceptibility patterns and specificity. The highest susceptibility was observed in the F1 populations of Coimbatore, followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad populations, in comparison with the susceptible insect strain. Significant differences were observed (p < 0.0005 and CD = 5.3975) among Btk local isolates, H. armigera biotypes, Btk spore‐crystal mix concentration and their interactions, through the Multifactorial ANOVA analysis. The toxicity of local B. thuringiensis isolates was higher than that of HD‐1 (reference B.t.k strain). Indigenous Btk isolates have an enormous potential for the management of H. armigera in terms of development of resistance to HD‐1. The present study would serve as a baseline data for future resistance monitoring of B. thuringiensis strains in H. armigera in Southern India. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development and applications of single‐drop microextraction for pesticide residue analysis: A review
Authors: Pakade Yogesh B. , Tewary Dhananjay Kumar 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSingle‐drop microextraction (SDME) has become more popular than other microextraction techniques because it is simple, cost‐effective, easy to operate and nearly solvent‐free. The technique has been employed successfully for trace analysis in environmental, biomedical and food applications. In view of the increasingly stringent regulatory limits for many pesticides, which are below the LOD of the existing instruments, SDME may provide a cost‐effective solution for reducing the LOD of pesticides. The present review focuses on recent development in SDME technique, and its application coupled with various analytical techniques, such as GC‐MS, GC and HPLC for pesticide residue analysis in different matrices. The advantages, limitations and outlook on the future of SDME technique for its wider applications are also discussed.
Quality assessment of a formulated Chinese herbal decoction, Kaixinsan, by using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: A chemical evaluation of different historical formulae
Authors: Zhu Kevin Y. , Fu Q. , Xie Heidi Q. , Xu Sherry L. , Cheung Anna W. H. , Zheng Ken Y. Z. , Luk Wilson K. W. , Choi Roy C. Y. , Lau David T. W. , Dong Tina T. X. , Jiang Zhi Y. , Chen Ji J. , Tsim Karl W. K. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractKaixinsan is an ancient Chinese herbal decoction mainly prescribed for patients suffering from mental depression. This decoction was created by Sun Si‐miao of Tang Dynasty (A.D. 600) in ancient China, and was composed of four herbs: Radix and Rhizome Ginseng, Radix Polygalae, Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii and Poria. Historically, this decoction has three different formulations, each recorded at a different point in time. In this study, the chemical compositions of all three Kaixinsan formulae were analyzed. By using rapid resolution LC coupled with a diode‐array detector and an ESI triple quadrupole tandem MS (QQQ‐MS/MS), the Radix and Rhizome Ginseng‐derived ginsenosides including Rb1, Rd, Re, Rg1, the Radix Polygalae‐derived 3,6′‐disinapoyl sucrose, the Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii‐derived α‐ and β‐asarone and the Poria‐derived pachymic acid were compared among the three different formulations. The results showed variations in the solubility of different chemicals between one formula and the others. This systematic method developed could be used for the quality assessment of this herbal decoction.
Determination of phthalate esters in soil by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography coupled with accelerated solvent extraction
Authors: Lin Zian , Zhang Jianhua , Cui Huimin , Zhang Lan , Chen Guonan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA novel method using microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography combining accelerated solvent extraction was developed for quantitative analysis of six phthalate esters (PAEs) including dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, as well as dioctyl phthalate. The effect of each individual component within the microemulsions, i.e. oil phase, surfactant and co‐surfactant on resolution of the analytes was systematically studied. Baseline separation of six PAEs was achieved within 26 min by using the microemulsion buffer containing a 60 mmol/L borate buffer at pH 9.0, 0.5% v/v n‐octane as oil droplets, 100 mmol/L sodium cholate as surfactant and 5.0% v/v 1‐butanol as co‐surfactant. The purposed accelerated solvent extraction‐microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography method was successfully applied to the determination of trace amount of PAEs in soil samples collected from three different fields in areas of Fujian Province and the contents of dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate and dioctyl phthalate were 0.63–0.68, 0.32–0.63, 2.53–3.96, 0–1.75, 7.32–11.7 and 0–3.46mg/kg, respectively. It was validated that the results were consistent with those obtained by GC‐MS method.
CAMT in a female with developmental delay, facial malformations and central nervous system anomalies
Authors: Martinón‐Torres Nazareth , Vázquez‐Donsión Manuel , Loidi Lourdes , Couselo Jose Miguel 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCongenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT) is a rare disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and absence or decline in the number of megakaryocytic precursors in the bone marrow. It is caused by mutations in the thrombopoietin receptor gene, c‐mpl, involved in the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes and platelets. The association between CAMT and central nervous system (CNS) anomalies has been reported in the literature, albeit not very frequently. Here we present a unique case where CAMT appeared associated to cerebellum agenesis, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and brainstem, facial malformations, and developmental delay. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:452–453. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localisation of the benzimidazole fungicide binding site of Gibberella zeae β2‐tubulin studied by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Qiu JianBo , Xu JianQiang , Yu JunJie , Bi ChaoWei , Chen ChangJun , Zhou MingGuo 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The efficacy of benzimidazole fungicides is often limited by resistance, and this is the case with the use of carbendazim for controlling Fusarium head blight caused by Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch (anamorph Fusarium graminearum). Recent studies have shown that carbendazim resistance in field strains of G. zeae is associated with mutations in the β2‐tubulin gene. The aims of the present study were to validate this mechanism and research the binding sites of carbendazim on β2‐tubulin.RESULTS: This work used site‐directed mutagenesis followed by gene replacement to change the β2‐tubulin gene of a carbendazim‐sensitive field strain of G. zeae at residues 50, 167, 198 or 200. The transformants were confirmed and tested for their sensitivity to carbendazim. All the mutants were resistant to carbendazim, but the level of resistance differed depending on the mutation. Biological characteristics did not differ between the field strain and the site‐directed mutants. A three‐dimensional model of β2‐tubulin was constructed, and the possible carbendazim binding site was analysed.CONCLUSION: Mutations at codons 50, 167, 198 and 200 of G. zeae β2tub could cause resistance to carbendazim, and these codons may form a binding pocket. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of strategies for monitoring indoxacarb and gel bait susceptibility in the German cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae)
Authors: Gondhalekar Ameya D , Song Cheol , Scharf Michael E 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Advion®cockroach gel bait (6 g kg−1indoxacarb) is in widespread use forBlattella germanica(L.) control in the United States. However, baseline susceptibility levels to indoxacarb in German cockroach field populations are not known. Hence, this research sought to develop monitoring strategies to estimate the susceptibility of German cockroach populations to indoxacarb.RESULTS:Four bioassays were evaluated: topical lethal dose (LD), formulated gel bait lethal time (LT), vial lethal concentration (LC) and gel bait matrix LD. Of these methods, the vial LC and gel bait matrix LD bioassays were the most economical and relevant assessment strategies. For indoxacarb susceptibility monitoring, a two‐tiered approach was developed that utilizes diagnostic concentrations and doses in vial LC (30 and 60 µg vial−1) and gel bait matrix LD (1.0, 1.5 and 2.5 µg insect−1) formats.CONCLUSIONS:A two‐tiered susceptibility monitoring strategy was developed that includes testing field populations at diagnostic concentrations and doses in first‐tier vial LC bioassays and second‐tier gel bait matrix LD bioassays. The vial method facilitates rapid identification of field strains with reduced susceptibility. The feeding bioassay effectively simulates field exposure to Advion®and therefore has utility for secondary confirmation of susceptibility shifts and identification of behavioral resistance (i.e. bait aversion). Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Excitation density, diffusion‐drift, and proportionality in scintillators
Authors: Williams R. T. , Grim Joel Q. , Li Qi , Ucer K. B. , Moses W. W. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractStopping of an energetic electron produces a track of high excitation density, especially near its end, and consequent high radial concentration gradient. The effect of high excitation density in promoting nonlinear quenching is generally understood to be a root cause of nonproportionality in scintillators. However, quantitative data on the kinetic rates of nonlinear quenching processes in scintillators are scarce. We report experimental measurements of second‐order dipole–dipole rate constants governing the main nonlinear quenching channel in CsI, CsI:Tl, NaI, and NaI:Tl. We also show that the second of the extreme conditions in a track, i.e., radial concentration gradient, gives rise to fast (≤picoseconds) diffusion phenomena which act both as a competitor in reducing excitation density during the relevant time of nonlinear quenching, and as a determiner of branching between independent and paired carriers, where the branching ratio changes with dE/dx along the primary electron track. To investigate the interplay of these phenomena in determining nonproportionality of light yield, we use experimentally measured rate constants and mobilities in CsI and NaI to carry out quantitative modeling of diffusion, drift, and nonlinear quenching evaluated spatially and temporally within an electron track which is assumed cylindrical Gaussian in this version of the model.
Effect of mollugin on apoptosis and adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Jun Do Youn , Han Cho Rong , Choi Myung Sook , Bae Myung Ae , Woo Mi Hee , Kim Young Ho 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe effect of mollugin, isolated from the roots of Rubia cordifolia L., on cell viability, apoptosis and adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes was investigated. The inhibitory effect of mollugin (40–60 µm) on cell viability was more significant in differentiated adipocytes than in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. In 3T3‐L1 cells, the cytotoxicity of mollugin was accompanied by apoptotic events including mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss and activation of caspase‐9, ‐3 and ‐7, leading to PARP degradation. Although the presence of 20 µm mollugin during induced adipocytic differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells for 6 days failed to affect the cell viability, it could almost completely abrogate the differentiation‐associated morphology change and intracellular lipid accumulation. A similar level of inhibition was observed, when 20 µm mollugin was present during the early stage (D0–D2) of the differentiation period. In addition, the expression of C/EBPα, PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 was significantly down‐regulated. The presence of 20 µm mollugin during either middle stage (D2–D4) or late stage (D4–D6) of the differentiation period, however, caused the inhibition to a lesser extent. These results indicated that mollugin at high concentrations (40–60 µm) exerted cytotoxicity via inducing apoptosis, whereas mollugin at a low concentration (20 µm) suppressed adipocytic differentiation without exerting cytotoxicity in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibration control and shock absorption techniques for Hi‐Tech manufacturing plants
Authors: Shih Ming‐Hsiang , Sung Wen‐Pei , Chen Chang‐Liang 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYThe Hi‐Tech industrial plant that houses manufacturing processes of high precision requires much more vibration‐proof and earthquake‐proof structures than conventional plants. Taiwan is densely populated in limited space so that the Hi‐Tech industry does not have too much leeway for locating the manufacturing plant at locations that are away from sources of vibration. Hence, strengthening the capacity of Hi‐Tech plant structures to resist vibration is of primary importance to Hi‐Tech industries. In this research, the TFT‐LCD plant structure is selected for improving its shock absorption capability by replacing the braces at soft floor of the structure with Viscous Damper (VD) and Velocity and Displacement Hydraulic Damper (VDHD). The reinforced structure is then subject to vibrations of various accelerations for analysing the dynamics and efficiency of vibration reduction. The results show that: (1) When subject to micro vibration, VD and VDHD that have similar capabilities in controlling displacement and responding to acceleration are more effective than Buckling Resistant Bracing, BRB; (2) When subject to medium vibration, VD, BRB and VDHD show tremendous improvements in controlling the momentum of story drift or slab acceleration. However, BRB shows buckling that may lead to permanent structural deformation whereas the overflow occurs in the Relief valve of VDHD causing the energy‐dissipating viscosity of VDHD from a VD‐like to BRB‐like behavior; (3) Under strong vibration, when the maximum force of a VD exceeds its design value, the VD has inferior capacity than BRB and VDHD in reducing acceleration. The VDHD always has smaller acceleration response than BRB because the former has damping effect under strong vibration. The results obtained in this research will obtain the suitability of VDHD in reducing vibration and confirm its superior vibration reduction capability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation capacity of ultra‐high strength concrete flexural elements subjected to inelastic load reversals
Authors: Elmenshawi Abdelsamie , Brown Tom 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYDuctility and plastic rotational capacity of flexural elements constructed with concrete strengths up to 175 MPa were investigated experimentally. Ten exterior beam–column sub‐assemblages were tested under cyclic displacements that represented a severe seismic event. The test variables included the concrete strength, the bottom/top reinforcement ratio, the transverse reinforcement ratio, and the shear‐span‐to‐depth ratio. The increase of concrete brittleness with the higher strength concretes did not inhibit the reinforced concrete flexural elements from attaining comparable ductility and deformation capacity with respect to counterpart elements constructed with normal strength concrete. However, the maximum concrete strength that could be used in achieving highly ductile elements depended on the other test variables of the beam element including the bottom/top reinforcement ratio, the transverse reinforcement ratio in the hinge region, and the shear‐span‐to‐depth ratio. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based seismic design of complicated tall building structures beyond the code specification
Authors: Wei Li , Qing‐Ning Li 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYPerformance‐based seismic design (PBSD) has been widely recognized as an ideal method for use in the future practice of seismic design. This paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the current seismic design code in China. Suggesting the tall building structures beyond the code specification (TBBC), applying PBSD method due to its many advantages of PBSD and aiming TBBC characteristics, a PBSD flowchart is presented and the proposed code is described. Structural seismic performance objectives, performance levels and the main method to implementation of PBSD have been presented. Site feasibility requirements, conceptual design scopes and basic rules have been proposed. Performance objective‐oriented procedures for preliminary design and seismic performance evaluation have been presented. Suggestions on seismic performance criteria and the evaluation of new TBBC have been made. In order to verify the feasibility of PBSD for application of TBBC, a typical case study has also been conducted. It is believed that PBSD methodology will bring a new era to engineering practices with increased confidence in, and reliability on, seismic performance and safety. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.