bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin of Bilaterian Hox Patterning System
Authors: Moreno Eduardo , Martínez Pedro 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Hox genes (homeobox‐containing genes) encode regulatory transcription factors involved in the regionalisation of the antero‐posterior body axis during the early embryonic development of bilateral animals. These genes are arranged in evolutionarily conserved clusters in Bilateria, which have been originated by means of several gene tandem duplications from an original ProtoHox gene. On the contrary, in the phylogenetic sister group of Bilateria, the Cnidaria,
Hox
genes do not seem to play a similar role for patterning the oral–aboral axis. Recently, new insights on the origin and evolution of the
Hox
gene patterning system have been obtained from the study of the Acoelomorpha, a group of flatworms that branched before the protostome‐deuterostome divergence. On the basis of the more recent data available from Cnidaria, Acoelomorpha and the rest of the Bilateria, we analyse some plausible scenarios for the origin and evolution of the
Hox
system in the metazoans.

Key Concepts:

Hox patterning system is associated to the origin of bilaterian animals.

Hox genes are used as vectorial systems to pattern the major body axis.

Cnidarians have Hox genes but are not used, as such, to organise their oral‐aboral axis.
Sample Preparation for Analysis of Chemicals Related to the Chemical Weapons Convention in an Off‐site Laboratory
Authors: Kuitunen Marja‐Leena 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis article discusses the preparation of environmental samples to be analyzed for chemicals related to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), where analysis takes place off‐site by gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) as an introduction technique to spectrometers, or by capillary electrophoresis (CE). The specific sample preparation methods required for analysis by spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are dealt with in separate articles. Preparations of air, aqueous liquid (water), soil, active charcoal, wipe, and concrete samples, and samples of paint, rubber, and other polymeric materials for off‐site analysis are presented in Section 2 and are as described in the corresponding recommended operating procedures (ROPs). In addition, preparations of organic liquid samples are presented, as described in the in‐house operating procedures of the Finnish Institute for CWC analysis. Section 3 examines the question of quality control (QC) in sample preparation and Section 4 discusses the important matter of safety in handling samples that may contain CWC‐related chemicals. Section 5 reports on the use of the methods in international comparison and proficiency tests.
Dynamic Light Scattering for Protein Characterization
Authors: Schmidt Roland 
Published: December 2010

AbstractDynamic light scattering (DLS) is an analytical tool for the determination of diffusion coefficients and hydrodynamic sizes of molecules and particles in solution. It allows for the characterization in a size range from the nanometer to lower micrometer scale, which makes it especially valuable in the field of biotechnology. The present article provides an introduction to the theoretical concepts of the DLS technique with emphasis on concepts relevant for protein characterization. Applications for protein analysis are discussed and literature references given. Applications include aggregation detection, crystallization monitoring, and association studies. Specialized applications for particle detection at low scattering angles for protein samples, high‐throughput analysis, and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) are highlighted.
Terahertz Spectroscopy as a Tool to Study Hydration Dynamics
Authors: Heyden M. , Ebbinghaus S. , Havenith M. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The role of water in biomolecule dynamics has attracted much interest over the past decade, due in part to new probes of biomolecule–water interactions and developments in molecular simulations. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, among the most recent experimental methods brought to bear on this problem, is able to detect even small solute‐induced changes of the collective water network dynamics at the biomolecule–water interface. When studying the properties of water in aqueous solutions via THz absorption, proteins show a long‐ranged influence on water network dynamics, and even small saccharides influence the dynamics of several hydration layers. The THz spectrum of water solvating a protein is sensitive to mutations and depends on the surface charge and flexibility of the protein. Influence on the solvation shell appears most pronounced for native wild‐type proteins and decreases upon partial unfolding or mutation. THz spectra of solvated saccharides reveal that the number of water molecules coupled dynamically to a saccharide forming a dynamic hydration shell around it is related to the number of exposed oxygen atoms on the solute surface. The thickness of this layer appears correlated with the bioprotection efficiency of the saccharide. All findings support the thesis of a long‐range dynamic coupling between biomolecules and solvent.
Kinetic terahertz absorption (KITA) studies of protein folding recently revealed that solvent dynamics are coupled to secondary structure formation of the protein. The solvent water network is dynamically rearranged in milliseconds before the protein folds to its native state in the following seconds. THz spectroscopy gives experimental evidence that collective long‐range dynamics are a key factor of biomolecular hydration.
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry of14C
Authors: Watanabe Takahiro , Nara Fumiko Watanabe 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe principle of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and its use in analyses of radioisotopes are described. AMS was developed during the latter half of the 1970s. Thereafter, it has been used mainly for microanalyses of long half‐life radioisotopes (14C,10Be,26Al,36Cl,41Ca,129I, etc.). The AMS finds widespread applications in many research fields, such as nuclear physics, space and earth sciences, medical science, biology, the science of agriculture, materials science, archaeology, and the science of cultural properties.
Use of Ionic Liquids in Microextraction Techniques
Authors: Aguilera‐Herrador Eva 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe combined use of microextraction techniques for sample preparation and ionic liquids (ILs) is of growing interest in analytical chemistry. This article focuses on the combinations described in this context, considering the added values of ILs that are exploited in the extraction procedures. With this purpose, after an overview of the characteristics of ILs and their impact on analytical science, the topic is contextualized by giving a general outlook of a variety of microextraction techniques described. The main body of the article is devoted to the detailed explanation of the different uses of ILs in solid‐phase and liquid‐phase microextraction modalities, including the description of the most relevant practical examples presented in the literature. Finally, some remarks are made about the prospects of ILs in this context.
Green Solvents for Analytical Separation and Analyses
Authors: de la Guardia Miguel , Armenta Sergio 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The alternatives to the use of organic solvents that have been offered by the scientific literature reviewed. In order to look at the best solvents from both analytical and sustainable view points, the use of water under superheated conditions, supercritical fluids, renewable organics, ionic liquids, and aqueous solutions of amphiphillic compounds, have been evaluated. As a general conclusion, it can be seen that, at present, green alternatives to the traditional organic solvents employed in analytical separations and analysis that are being well explored are the capabilities of the use of alcohols, supercritical fluids, and superheated water; and remain unexplored tremendous possibilities for the use of ionic liquids and surfactant solutions.
Push and Pull Marketing Strategies
Authors: Brocato Deanne 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
A push/pull strategy refers to the way information and products move between consumers and a manufacturer. Specifically in marketing, this strategy refers to the focus of the promotional efforts used to sell a good or service. In a push strategy, suppliers “push” their goods toward consumers, and in a pull strategy consumers “pull” information or products that are suitable for their needs. A pull strategy is defined as a promotion strategy focused on consumers rather than on members of a marketing channel in order to facilitate the flow of a good or service from a manufacturer to end‐users (consumers). Conversely, a push strategy is defined as a promotion strategy focused on marketing intermediaries (wholesalers and retailers) rather than on end‐users in order to facilitate the flow of a good or service from a manufacturer to consumers.
Services Marketing Strategy
Authors: Zeithaml Valarie A. , Bitner Mary Jo , Gremler Dwayne D. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Services marketing strategy focuses on delivering processes, experiences, and intangibles – rather than physical goods and discrete transactions – to customers. Delivering experiences successfully and building customer relationships are complicated undertakings involving many different strategies and tactics. Successful services marketing strategy also involves integrating a focus on the customer throughout the firm and across all functions. All company functions – marketing, selling, human resources, operations, and R&D – must work together to create effective services marketing strategy. Although companies have often found it difficult to attack service problems in an organized manner, a well‐established model called the
gaps model
provides a framework for focusing on the customer and describes the approaches necessary to close the gap between customer expectations and perceptions. This article discusses services marketing strategy in the context of the gaps model, demonstrating that closing the all‐important customer gap is a function of closing four gaps on the service provider side: the listening gap, the service design and standards gap, the performance gap, and the communication gap.
Consumer Materialism
Authors: Richins Marsha L. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Consumer materialism is a personal value that reflects the importance a consumer places on the acquisition and possession of material objects. In the consumer‐behavior literature, three elements are typically recognized as constituting materialism: the belief that acquisition is necessary for happiness, the tendency to judge the success of one's self and others by their possessions, and the centrality of acquisition and possessions in one's life. Materialism is distinct from conspicuous consumption, a behavioral variable that involves the ownership and display of status objects to enhance one's relative standing and inspire envy.
Materialism has important implications for society as a driver of personal consumption, and thus the economy. It also has personal implications because of its negative association with well‐being and other desirable personal outcomes. Research into causes of individual differences in materialism has investigated the role of media exposure, early family environment, and peer influences, among others.
Materialism is associated with many variables of interest to marketers, including preference for status goods and unique products, the centrality of visual aesthetics when making a product choice, willingness to purchase counterfeit products, and other decision variables.
Optimum Stimulation Level
Authors: Steenkamp Jan‐Benedict E. M. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

The notion that human behavior is sometimes instigated by the mere desire to attain a satisfactory level of stimulation has figured prominently among psychological theories investigating motivational tendencies as causes of people's actions. People tend to prefer intermediate levels of stimulation, referred to as the
optimal stimulation level
(
OSL
) in the literature. There are reliable individual differences in the amount of stimulation considered optimal by a given person. To attain a satisfactory level of stimulation, a person may engage in exploration of the environment. This suggests that OSL is a major determinant of consumer behaviors with strong exploratory elements. Indeed, research has shown that OSL is an important factor in explaining a wide variety of consumer behaviors with an exploratory component. Consumers seeking thrills, adventure, disinhibition, new experiences, fantasies, cognitive or sensory stimulation, escape from boredom, and alternation among familiar things have been identified as engaging in exploratory consumer behaviors in order to raise their level of stimulation in life. While it is generally believed that general personality traits have little explanatory value for consumer behavior, OSL is clearly an exception. Since many consumer behaviors have an exploratory component, the theoretical potential of OSL for understanding consumer behavior is substantial. Therefore, consumer researchers are encouraged to include OSL more often in their research design.
Non‐Toxic Dry‐Coated Nanosilver for Plasmonic Biosensors
Authors: Sotiriou Georgios A. , Sannomiya Takumi , Teleki Alexandra , Krumeich Frank , Vörös Janos , Pratsinis Sotiris E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe plasmonic properties of noble metals facilitate their use for in vivo bio‐applications such as targeted drug delivery and cancer cell therapy. Nanosilver is best suited for such applications as it has the lowest plasmonic losses among all such materials in the UV‐visible spectrum. Its toxicity, however, can destroy surrounding healthy tissues and thus, hinders its safe use. Here, that toxicity against a model biological system (Escherichia coli) is “cured” or blocked by coating nanosilver hermetically with a about 2 nm thin SiO2 layer in one‐step by a scalable flame aerosol method followed by swirl injection of a silica precursor vapor (hexamethyldisiloxane) without reducing the plasmonic performance of the enclosed or encapsulated silver nanoparticles (20–40 nm in diameter as determined by X‐ray diffraction and microscopy). This creates the opportunity to safely use powerful nanosilver for intracellular bio‐applications. The label‐free biosensing and surface bio‐functionalization of these ready‐to‐use, non‐toxic (benign) Ag nanoparticles is presented by measuring the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a model sensing experiment. Furthermore, the silica coating around nanosilver prevents its agglomeration or flocculation (as determined by thermal annealing, optical absorption spectroscopy and microscopy) and thus, enhances its biosensitivity, including bioimaging as determined by dark field illumination.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Simple Ketimines Using a Brønsted Acid as Activator
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Yu , Bao Ming , Zhou Yong‐Gui 
Published: December 2010

AbstractUsing a catalytic amount of a Brønsted acid as activator of simple imines, the highly enantioselective homogeneous palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of simple ketimines was successfully developed with up to 95% ee.
Synthese von Nano‐/Mikrostrukturen an fluiden Grenzflächen
Authors: Niu Zhongwei , He Jinbo , Russell Thomas P. , Wang Qian 
Published: December 2010

AbstractDie Schaffung neuer multifunktionaler Materialien mit hierarchischer Ordnung ist ein Schwerpunkt der aktuellen Material‐ und Ingenieurswissenschaften. Ideale Ansatzpunkte für diese Bestrebungen sind Luft‐Flüssigkeit‐Grenzflächen und Grenzflächen zwischen zwei Flüssigkeiten, an denen sich Nanopartikel oder kolloidale Partikel akkumulieren und selbstorganisieren können. An solchen fluiden Grenzflächen wurden bereits verschiedenste Organisationsprozesse und Reaktionen durchgeführt, um hierarchische Strukturen wie zweidimensionale kristalline Filme, Kolloidosome, “Himbeer”‐ähnliche Kern‐Schale‐Strukturen oder Janus‐Partikel zu erzeugen. Diese Arbeiten führten zu zahlreichen Anwendungen beim Transport und bei der kontrollierten Freisetzung von Wirkstoffen, in der Nanoelektronik sowie für Sensoren, Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und Kosmetika.
Toward a data‐driven evaluation of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for rheumatoid arthritis: Is it sensible to look at levels of rheumatoid factor?
Authors: van der Linden M. P. M. , Batstra M. R. , Bakker‐Jonges L. E. ,   Foundation for Quality Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Detert J. , Bastian H. , Scherer H. U. , Toes R. E. M. , Burmester G.‐R. , Mjaavatten M. D. , Kvien T. K. , Huizinga T. W. J. , van der Helm‐van Mil A. H. M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjectiveRecently, new classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been devised by methodology that used first a quantitative approach (data from databases), then a qualitative approach (consensus; based on paper patients), and finally a common sense–based approach (evaluation of the former phases). Now the individual items that make up these criteria are being evaluated. This study was undertaken to analyze the item “autoantibodies,” in particular rheumatoid factor (RF) level.MethodsThree separate cohorts comprising a total of 972 patients with undifferentiated arthritis were studied for RA development (according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria) and arthritis persistence. The positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratios (LRs) were compared between different levels of RF and the presence of anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA). A similar comparison was made in 686 RA patients for the rate of joint destruction and achievement of sustained disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug–free remission during 7 years of followup. The variation in RF levels obtained by different measurement methods in the same RF‐positive sera was explored.ResultsCompared to high RF levels, presence of ACPA had a better balance between positive LR and negative LR and between PPV and NPV for RA development. The additive value of ACPA assessment after testing for RF level was higher than vice versa. The association between high RF level and RA severity was not as strong as that between ACPA antibodies and RA severity. The RF level obtained by different methods in the same patients' sera varied considerably.ConclusionOur findings indicate that determination of RF level is subject to large variation; high RF level has limited additive prognostic value compared to ACPA positivity. Thus, omitting RF level and using RF presence, ACPA presence, and ACPA level may improve the 2010 criteria for RA.
Berberine induces dendritic cell apoptosis and has therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hu Zhenlin , Jiao Qing , Ding Jieping , Liu Fang , Liu Runhui , Shan Lei , Zeng Huawu , Zhang Junping , Zhang Weidong 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of berberine on dendritic cell (DC) apoptosis and its potential as a therapeutic agent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsBone marrow (BM)–derived myeloid DCs (MDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs) were generated by culturing BM cells with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor/interleukin‐4 or flt3L, respectively. Splenic DCs, T cells, and B cells were purified using a magnetic‐activated cell sorting system. In vitro apoptosis was assessed by annexin V/propidium iodide or Hoechst 33258 staining. The in vivo effects of berberine were examined in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Immune responses against type II collagen (CII) were determined by assaying serum antibody levels, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. The proportions of DCs and apoptosis of different immune cell subsets in spleens and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry after subset‐specific surface marker labeling and TUNEL staining.ResultsExposure of MDCs to berberine during BM cell differentiation reduced cell recovery by inducing apoptosis. Sensitivity to berberine‐induced apoptosis was acquired starting on day 3 of DC differentiation, and mature DCs were more sensitive to berberine than immature DCs. Murine peritoneal macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells, and Jurkat cells were insensitive to berberine‐induced apoptosis. Splenic DCs were more sensitive to berberine than T and B cells. Susceptibility of PDCs to berberine‐induced apoptosis was similar to that of MDCs. In mice with CIA, berberine treatment ameliorated arthritis, suppressed CII‐specific immune responses, and selectively increased the incidence of apoptosis in DCs within spleens and lymph nodes.ConclusionThese findings show that berberine selectively induces apoptosis in DCs. Berberine may thus represent a novel therapeutic agent for RA.
Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Scaffolds with Tailored Hydrophilic Pores
Authors: Yoon Jeong Ae , Bencherif Sidi A. , Aksak Burak , Kim Eun Kyung , Kowalewski Tomasz , Oh Jung Kwon , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThermoresponsive hydrogels with efficient water‐release channels were prepared by incorporating star‐shaped macromolecular pore precursors, with degradable disulfide crosslinked cores and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) arms, into the gel network. The gel framework exhibiting lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The incorporation of degradable star macromolecules (dSM) was facilitated by growing the gel from ATRP initiator sites contained within their cores. Following the formation of the gel, the dSM cores were degraded, yielding uniform pores lined with hydrophilic PEO chains. The effect of hydrophilic pores on thermoresponsive hydrogel performances was studied by comparing hydrogels containing hydrophilic pores with analogous hydrogels with neutral pores or with pore‐free controls. Dye absorption/release experiments pointed to the suitability of newly synthesized hydrogels as controlled‐release media, for example, for drug delivery. Cell culture experiments confirmed their nontoxicity and biocompatibility (cell viability>98 %).
Magnetic and structural properties of magnetite in radular teeth of chiton Acanthochiton rubrolinestus
Authors: Han Yunan , Liu Chuanlin , Zhou Dong , Li Fashen , Wang Yong , Han Xiufeng 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe teeth of the Polyplacophora Chiton Acanthochiton Rubrolinestus contain biomineralized magnetite crystallites whose biological functions in relation to structure and magnetic properties are not well understood. Here, using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, we find that the saturation magnetization (σs) and the Verwey transition temperature (Tv) of tooth particles are 78.4 emu/g and 105 K, respectively. These values are below those of the stoichiometric magnetite. An in situ examination of the structure of the magnetite‐bearing region within an individual tooth using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy indicates magnetite microcrystals form electron‐dense polycrystalline sheets with typical lengths of about 800 nm and widths of about 150 nm. These polycrystalline sheets are arranged regularly along the longitudinal direction of the tooth cutting surface. In addition, the crystallites in polycrystalline sheets take on generally good crystallinity. The magnetic microstructures of in situ magnetic force microscopy demonstrate that the [111] easy direction of magnetite microcrystals are aligned along the length of the tooth, whereas the [1${\bar {1}}$1] direction is parallel to the thickness of the tooth. Both Mössbauer spectra and magnetization versus temperature measurements under field cooled and zero‐field cooled conditions do not detect superparamagnetic magnetite crystallites in the mature major lateral tooth particles of this chiton. Bioelectromagnetics 32:226–233, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.