bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of Campylobacter lari cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) effect on HeLa cells
Authors: Nakajima T. , Hirayama J. , Tazumi A. , Hayashi K. , Tasaki E. , Asakura M. , Yamasaki S. , Moore J. E. , Millar B. C , Matsuda M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe aimed to clarify if Campylobacter lari exerts a cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) effect on HeLa cells. Campylobacter cell lysates (CCLys) from C. jejuni 81–176 and urease‐positive thermophilic Campylobacter (UPTC) CF89‐12 and UPTC NCTC12893 isolates were shown to exert a CDT effect on HeLa cells with morphological changes examined by Giemsa staining and microscopy. However, Campylobacter lari JCM2530T isolate showed no effect. In addition, Campylobacter cell culture supernatant wash gave low or absent toxic effects with both C. jejuni and C. lari organisms. When western blot analysis was carried out to clarify if there was a CDTB effect in the CCLys and soluble fractions from Campylobacter isolates, which had a CDT effect on HeLa cells or did not have any effect, anti‐recombinant CjCDTB antibodies identified an immunoreactively positive signal at around approximately 25 kDa on all the C. lari isolates examined, as well as the C. jejuni 81116 strain. Thus, all the Campylobacter isolates including those without any CDT effect were shown to express CDTB at the translational level. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Purification and characterization of a highly thermostable esterase from the actinobacterium Geodermatophilus obscurus strain G20
Authors: Jaouani Atef , Neifar Mohamed , Hamza Adnen , Chaabouni Semia , Martinez Maria Jesus , Gtari Maher 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIntracellular thermostable esterase produced by the extremophilic Geodermatophilus obscurus G20 was purified to homogeneity by a heat treatment, followed by an anion‐exchange chromatography, and then characterized. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) was shown to be approximatively 55 kDa. The enzyme showed an optimal activity between pH 8.0 and 9.0 and was stable in the pH range 7.0–10.0. Moreover, it is highly thermostable, with a residual activity greater than 90% after incubation at 80 °C for more than 10 h. The enzyme showed preference for esters of p ‐nitrophenol with short chain fatty acid. When the p ‐nitrophenyl acetate (C2) was used as substrate, the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity for the reaction (Vmax) of esterase were 400 μM and 2500 U/mg protein, respectively. The effect of phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine‐specific inhibitor, on the enzyme activity suggested that the thermostable esterase belong to the serine hydrolase group. Because of its high thermostability, activity at alkaline pH, tolerance to methanol and various metal ions and specificity for short chain fatty acids, this enzyme showed high potential for use in biocatalysis. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Statistical optimization of medium components for production of extracellular chitinase byBasidiobolus ranarum: a novel biocontrol agent against plant pathogenic fungi
Authors: Mishra P. , Kshirsagar P. R. , Nilegaonkar S. S. , Singh S. K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe influence of concentration of medium components such as colloidal chitin, lactose, malt extract, yeast extract, and peptone on the chitinase production fromBasidiobolous ranarumat the flask level were studied by using statistical tool Central Composite Design (CCD) and analysed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results revealed that colloidal chitin, malt extract and peptone had significant effect (P< 0.01) on the chitinase production at their individual levels. The polynomial equation of the model developed incorporates 3 linear, 3 quadratic and 5 interactive terms. Maximum chitinase production of 3.47 U ml–1was achieved with 1.5% colloidal chitin, 0.125% lactose, 0.025% malt extract and 0.075% peptone. After optimization, chitinase activity was increased by 7.71 fold. A second order polynomial equation was found to be useful for the development of efficient bioprocess for chitinase production. To screen the biotechnological potential of this enzyme, degradation of fungal mycelia by ammonium sulphate precipitate of the same was studied for several pathogenic fungi‐in vitrowhich showed promising results particularly againstRhizoctonia solaniandFusarium solani. This study provides the first evidence showing the effectiveness of RSM for the development of a robust statistical model for the chitinase production byBasidiobolusand for its application in the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bird assemblages of intensively established pine plantations in Coastal Plain Mississippi
Authors: Hanberry Brice B. , Hanberry Phillip , Riffell Samuel K. , Demarais Stephen , Jones Jeanne C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPine (Pinusspp.) plantations are a common type of managed forest in the southeastern United States that may supply habitat for early successional bird species, many of which are declining. To provide information about young pine plantations as bird habitat, we evaluated spring bird presence in 5 combinations of stand establishment practices during years 2 through 5 post‐establishment in the Lower Coastal Plain of Mississippi, USA. We detected 38 species with point counts and compared bird metrics among establishment practices using mixed general linear models. Species richness, total relative abundance, and relative abundance of many species were greater by at least a factor of 1.5–4 in the chemical‐only establishment practice than mechanically prepared establishment practices, and values declined by about 5–60% within mechanically prepared establishment practices as herbicide intensity increased. Tree and snag retention contributed to avian abundance and richness in the chemical‐only establishment practice. Our study, in conjunction with past research, demonstrated the conservation value to early successional bird species of managed pine stands established with tree retention, indicating that silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives can be met within the range of stand establishment treatments available to managers. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Determination of rate parameters based on both direct and indirect measurements
Authors: Turányi T. , Nagy T. , Zsély I. Gy. , Cserháti M. , Varga T. , Szabó B. T. , Sedyó I. , Kiss P. T. , Zempléni A. , Curran H. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe determination of rate parameters of gas‐phase elementary reactions is usually based on direct measurements. The rate parameters obtained in many independent direct measurements are then used in reaction mechanisms, which are tested against the results of indirect experiments, like time‐to‐ignition or laminar flame velocity measurements. We suggest a new approach that takes into account both direct and indirect measurements and optimizes all influential rate parameters. First, the domain of feasibility of the Arrhenius parameters is determined from all of the available direct measurements. Thereafter, the optimal Arrhenius parameters are sought within this domain to reproduce the selected direct and indirect measurements. Other parameters of a complex mechanism (third‐body efficiencies, enthalpies of formation, parameters of pressure dependence, etc.) can also be taken into account in a similar way. A new fitting algorithm and a new method for error calculation were developed to determine the optimal mean values and the covariance matrix of all parameters. The approach is demonstrated on the calculation of Arrhenius parameters of reactions (R1): H + O2 = OH + O and (R2): H + O2 + M = HO2 + M (low‐pressure limit, M = N2 or Ar). In total, 9 direct measurements for reaction (R1) (745 data points), 10 direct measurements for reaction (R2) (258 data points), and 11 ignition time measurements (79 data points) were taken into account. The application of the method resulted in the following rate parameters for the investigated reactions—(R1): A = 3.003 × 1010 cm3 mol−1 s−1, n = 0.965, E/R = 6158 K (T = 950–3550 K) and (R2): A = 7.856 × 1018 cm6 mol−2 s−1, n = −1.100, E/R = 0 K (low‐pressure limit, M = N2, T = 300–1850 K). The optimized third‐body efficiency of Ar relative to N2 is m = 0.494 (standard deviation σ = 0.010). The uncertainty parameter f as a function of temperature was also calculated. Average uncertainty parameter values are f = 0.025 and 0.049 for reactions (R1) and (R2) (corresponding to 6% and 12%), respectively, which are much lower than those of the previous evaluations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 284–302, 2012
Application of Low‐Level Laser Therapy for Noninvasive Body Contouring
Authors: Jackson Robert F. , Stern Fredric A. , Neira Rodrigo , Ortiz‐Neira Clara L. , Maloney Jillian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundLow‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive treatment for a wide‐assortment of medical ailments. A recent application is for noninvasive body slimming. A Level 1 clinical study was completed and recorded a significant reduction in circumferential measurements across waist, hips, and thighs compared to placebo subjects. Questions remain unanswered to whether the result observed was based upon simple fluid redistribution. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT for noninvasive body slimming and determine if the loss was attributable to fluid or fat relocation.MethodsData from 689 participants were obtained to evaluate the circumferential reduction demonstrated across the treatment site of the waist, hips, and thighs as well as nontreated systemic regions. Patient data were not pre‐selected; all reports provided by clinics using LLLT for body contouring were used to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment. Participants received a total of six LLLT treatments across 2‐weeks having baseline and post‐procedure circumferential measurements recorded. Measurement sites included waist, hips, thighs, arms, knees, neck, and chest.ResultsThe mean circumferential reduction reported for the waist, hips, and thighs 1 week after the treatment regimen was 3.27 in. (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, participants demonstrated an overall mean reduction of 5.17 in. across all measurement points 5.17 in. (P < 0.0001). Each anatomical region measured exhibited a significant circumferential reduction.ConclusionThese data reveal that the circumferential reduction exhibited following LLLT is not attributable to fluid or fat relocation as all measurement points, including nontreated regions, reported an inch loss. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:211–217, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double Pass 595 nm pulsed dye laser at a 6 minute interval for the treatment of port‐wine stains is not more effective than single pass
Authors: Peters M.A.D. , van Drooge A.M. , Wolkerstorfer A. , van Gemert M.J.C. , van der Veen J.P.W. , Bos J.D. , Beek J.F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPulsed dye laser (PDL) is the first choice for treatment of port wine stains (PWS). However, outcome is highly variable and only a few patients achieve complete clearance. The objective of the study was to compare efficacy and safety of single pass PDL with double pass PDL at a 6 minute interval.MethodsWe conducted a randomized within‐patient controlled study on PWS resistant to multiple single pass PDL treatments. In each patient two similar PWS areas were randomly allocated to PDL treatment (595 nm, 7 mm spot size, 1.5 mseconds pulse duration) using, as a control treatment, a single pass (12 J/cm2) or, as a new treatment, a double pass PDL (11 J/cm2, second pass 6 minutes after the first pass). Both test areas were treated two times, 8 weeks apart. PWS clearance was assessed by two blinded dermatologists, and by color measurement (L*a*b) using reflectance spectroscopy, at 3 months follow‐up.ResultsSixteen out of 17 included patients completed follow‐up. The mean number of treatments before inclusion was 15. Overall color assessed by spectrophotometer showed no improvement for either single or double pass PDL. Blinded Physician Global Assessment and Patient Global Assessment showed a high variability in outcome, with mostly only moderate improvement of the PWS for either single pass or double pass PDL. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in any of the outcomes between single pass and double pass PDL.ConclusionAt the chosen settings and after two treatment sessions, double pass PDL at a 6 minute interval does not result in improved clearance of PWS as compared to single pass treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:199–204, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Biodegradable and pH‐Sensitive Poly(ester amide) Microspheres for Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: He Pan , Tang Zhaohui , Lin Lin , Deng Mingxiao , Pang Xuan , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBiodegradable and pH‐sensitive PEAs based on dual amino acids are designed, synthesized, and characterized. Insulin can be loaded into the PEA microspheres by a solid‐in‐oil‐in‐oil technique with high encapsulation efficiency. The feasibility of PEA microspheres as oral insulin delivery carriers is evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The hydrophobic leucine groups on PEA seem to play an important role in the pH‐dependent release mechanism and cytotoxicity of PEA microspheres. Oral administration of insulin‐loaded PEA microspheres to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats at 60 IU kg−1 is able to reduce fasting plasma glucose levels to 49.4%. These results indicate that PEA microspheres are potential new vehicles for insulin oral delivery.magnified image
Comparison of Scheffersomyces stipitis strains CBS 5773 and CBS 6054 with regard to their xylose metabolism: implications for xylose fermentation
Authors: Krahulec Stefan , Kratzer Regina , Longus Karin , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe various strains of Scheffersomyces stipitis (Pichia stipitis) differ substantially with respect to their ability to ferment xylose into ethanol. Two P. stipitis strains CBS 5773 and CBS 6054 have been most often used in literature but comparison of their performance in xylose fermentation under identical conditions has not been reported so far. Conversion of xylose (22 g/L) by each of these P. stipitis strain was analyzed under anaerobic and microaerobic conditions. Ethanol yields of ∼0.41 g/g were independent of strain and conditions used. Glycerol and acetate were formed in constant yields of 0.006 g/g and 0.02 g/g, respectively. Xylitol formation decreased from ∼0.08 g/g to ∼0.05 g/g upon switch from anaerobic to microaerobic conditions. Specific activities of enzymes of the two‐step oxidoreductive xylose conversion pathway (xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase) matched for both strains within limits of error. When xylose was offered at 76 g/L under microaerobic reaction conditions, ethanol yields were still high (0.37–0.39 g/g) for both strains even though the xylitol yields (0.12–0.13 g/g) were increased as compared to the conditions of low xylose concentration. P. stipitis strains CBS 5773 and CBS 6054 are therefore identical by the criteria selected and show useful performance during conversion of xylose into ethanol, irrespective of the supply of oxygen.
Intrathecal application of autologous bone marrow cell preparations in parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Storch Alexander , Csoti Ilona , Eggert Karla , Henriksen Tove , Plate Annika , Lorrain Michael , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Antonini Angelo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:A growing number of patients is treated with intrathecal application of autologous bone marrow cells (aBMCs), but clinical data are completely lacking in movement disorders. We provide first clinical data on efficacy and safety of this highly experimental treatment approach in parkinsonian syndromes.Methods:Retrospective data collection from patients with parkinsonism who spontaneously sought cell treatment. The application procedure was neither recommended nor performed by the authors.Results:We report 17 patients with parkinsonian syndromes (Parkinson's disease [PD], n = 7; multiple system atrophy [MSA], n = 7; various, n = 3) who received intrathecal application of aBMCs. We did not observe any changes in motor function, activities of daily living, global clinical impression, or antiparkinsonian medication after a median observation period of 10 months. Two patients reported a worsening of parkinsonian symptoms, but the intervention was otherwise safe and well‐tolerated.Conclusions:Intrathecal application of aBMCs in uncontrolled conditions produces no clinical benefit in parkinsonian syndromes. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Concordance and consistency of answers to the self‐delivered ESPAD questionnaire on use of psychoactive substances
Authors: Molinaro Sabrina , Siciliano Valeria , Curzio Olivia , Denoth Francesca , Mariani Fabio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractConsidering the prevalence of drug use in Italy, it is crucial to develop a reproducible screening test. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency are important indicators of a measurement's temporal stability and are a necessary condition for validity. The aim of the study was to assess the consistency and concordance of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) questionnaire; participating students completed the questionnaire twice, with a three‐week interval. To verify the concordance for variables relating to use of alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs, the original ordinal variables as well as the same dichotomically recodified variables were used. Data analysis was done using Kappa and weighted Kappa. The method proposed by Lipsitz was used to evaluate the influence of gender and age on concordance. Questions about drug use, examined in ordinal form, show a good test–retest concordance and an excellent concordance for answers relating to the use of cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis. Regarding the effect of age adjusted for gender, 15‐year‐old subjects showed a lower concordance than 19‐year‐olds. ESPAD is a tool with a good reproducibility. Results focus on the effect of gender and age covariates on the concordance of answers regarding drug use and suggest the importance of examining the concordance in relation to the covariate levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective image correction in the presence of nonlinear temporal magnetic field changes using multichannel navigator echoes
Authors: Versluis M. J. , Sutton B. P. , de Bruin P. W. , Börnert P. , Webb A. G. , van Osch M. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSpatio‐temporal magnetic field changes in the brain caused by breathing or body movements can lead to image artifacts. This is especially a problem in T2*‐weighted sequences. With the acquisition of an extra echo (navigator), it is possible to measure the magnetic field change induced frequency offset for a given slice during image acquisition. However, substantial local variation across a slice can occur. This work describes an extension of the conventional navigator technique that improves the estimation of the magnetic field distribution in the brain during strong field fluctuations. This is done using the combination of signals from multiple coil elements, the coil sensitivity profiles, and frequency encoding: termed sensitivity‐encoded navigator echoes. In vivo validation was performed in subjects who performed normal breathing, nose touching, and deep breathing during scanning. The sensitivity‐encoded navigator technique leads to an error reduction in estimating the field distribution in the brain of 73% ± 16% compared with 56% ± 14% for conventional estimation. Image quality can be improved via incorporating this navigator information appropriately into the image reconstruction. When the sensitivity‐encoded navigator technique was applied to a T2*‐weighted sequence at 7 T, a ghosting reduction of 47% ± 13% was measured during nose touching experiments compared with no correction. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phosphonate‐terminated poly(vinyl acetate) synthesized by RAFT/MADIX polymerization
Authors: Dufils P‐E. , David G. , Boutevin B. , Woodward G. , Otter G. , Guinaudeau A. , Mazières S. , Destarac M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFour different xanthates containing either phosphonate or bisphosphonate moieties were synthesized with high degree of purity. These xanthates were used as chain transfer agents (CTA) in the RAFT/MADIX polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) to prepare end‐capped poly(VAc). The rate of VAc polymerization in the presence of these new CTAs was shown to be similar to that obtained with conventional xanthate, that is, (methyl ethoxycarbonothioyl) sulfanyl acetate. Good control of VAc polymerization was also obtained since the molecular weight increased linearly with monomer conversion for each phosphonate‐containing xanthate. Low‐PDI values were obtained, ascribed to efficient exchange during RAFT/MADIX polymerization. Cex value was therefore calculated to about 25, based on RAFT/MADIX of VAc in the presence of rhodixan A1/VAc adduct. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis, characterization, and micellization of PCL‐g‐PEG copolymers by combination of ROP and “Click” chemistry via “Graft onto” method
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Ying , Zhu Weipu , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBiodegradable and biocompatible PCL‐g‐PEG amphiphilic graft copolymers were prepared by combination of ROP and “click” chemistry via “graft onto” method under mild conditions. First, chloro‐functionalized poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐Cl) was synthesized by the ring‐opening copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) and α‐chloro‐ε‐caprolactone (CCL) employing scandium triflate as high‐efficient catalyst with near 100% monomer conversion. Second, the chloro groups of PCL‐Cl were quantitatively converted into azide form by NaN3. Finally, copper(I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction was carried out between azide‐functionalized PCL (PCL‐N3) and alkyne‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (A‐PEG) to give PCL‐g‐PEG amphiphilic graft copolymers. The composition and the graft architecture of the copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC analyses. These amphiphilic graft copolymers could self‐assemble into sphere‐like aggregates in aqueous solution with diverse diameters, which decreased with the increasing of grafting density. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012