bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esculentin 1–21: a linear antimicrobial peptide from frog skin with inhibitory effect on bovine mastitis‐causing bacteria
Authors: Islas‐Rodrìguez Alfonso Enrique , Marcellini Ludovica , Orioni Barbara , Barra Donatella , Stella Lorenzo , Mangoni Maria Luisa 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMastitis, or inflammation of the mammary gland, is the most common and expensive illness of dairy cows throughout the world. Although stress and physical injuries may give rise to inflammation of the udders, infections by bacteria or other microorganisms remain the major cause, and infusion of antibiotics is the main treatment approach. However, the increased emergence of multidrug‐resistant pathogens and the production of milk contaminated with antibiotics has become a serious threat in the livestock. Hence, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new therapeutic agents with a new mode of action. Gene‐encoded AMPs, which represent the first line of defence in all living organisms, are considered as promising candidates for the development of new anti‐infective agents. This paper reports on the antibacterial activities in vitro and in an animal model, of the frog skin AMP esculentin 1–21 [Esc(1–21)], along with a plausible mode of action. Our data revealed that this peptide (i) is highly potent against the most common mastitis‐causing microbes (e.g. Streptococcus agalactiae); and (ii) is active in vivo, causing a visible regression of the clinical stage of mastitis in dairy cows, after 1 week of peptide treatment. Biophysical characterisation revealed that the peptide adopts an α‐helical structure in microbial mimicking membranes and is able to permeate the membrane of S. agalactiae in a dose‐dependent manner. Overall, these data suggest Esc(1–21) as an attractive AMP for the future design of new antibiotics to cure mastitis in cattle. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High electron mobility achieved in n‐channel 4H‐SiC MOSFETs oxidized in the presence of nitrogen
Authors: Zippelius B. , Beljakowa S. , Krieger M. , Pensl G. , Reshanov S. A. , Noborio M. , Kimoto T. , Afanas'ev V. V. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo types of nitrided n‐4H‐SiC MOSFETs have been investigated; the p‐type 4H‐SiC epilayer is either oxidized in the presence of N2O or an N‐/Al‐co‐implanted, surface‐near layer is over‐oxidized. The electrical parameters of these MOSFETs are determined and compared. We have investigated the temperature‐dependence of the threshold voltage VT and determined the effective mobility μeff and the field effect mobility μFE. Based on Hall effect measurements, we determined independently the free electron areal density ns, the Hall mobility μH and the differential Hall mobility μH,diff. The density of interface states Dit is obtained from the Hall effect, the temperature‐dependent VT and the conductance method. The stability of both types of MOSFETs is tested under stress (VG = ±25 V) at T = 295 K and T = 375 K. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pure ferromagnetism vs. re‐entrant spin glass behaviour in epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 on SrTiO3(001) and LaAlO3(001): the role of the substrate structural transition
Authors: Lehmann A. Geddo , Sanna C. , Congiu F. , Concas G. , Maritato L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThin films of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on ferroelastic SrTiO3(001) and LaAlO3(001) substrates, with ferroelastic transition at 105 K and 813 K respectively. High resolution X‐ray diffraction analysis proves the presence of twins at room temperature in the films grown onto LaAlO3, while films on SrTiO3 are untwinned. Low field dc magnetization measurements of films onto LaAlO3 are discussed in terms of coexisting ferromagnetic and spin disordered regions, connected to twin cores and twin boundaries respectively; the freezing temperature of the spin glass subsystem scales as H2/3 in the de Almeida–Thouless relation. Spin‐glass‐like features are absent in films on SrTiO3, in which the ferroelastic transition of the substrate is only marked by a small bump in the low field dc magnetization. The different magnetic behaviour depends on being the ferroelastic transition above or below the film Curie point. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transport characteristics of indium nitride (InN) films grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE)
Authors: Knübel Andreas , Aidam Rolf , Cimalla Volker , Kirste Lutz , Baeumler Martina , Leancu Crenguta‐Columbina , Lebedev Vadim , Wallauer Jan , Walther Markus , Wagner Joachim 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe cover picture of this issue of Phys. Status Solidi C has been taken from the article [1] (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of a Library of Artificial Receptors Formed by Self‐Organization of N‐Lipidated Peptides Immobilized on Cellulose for Preliminary Studies of Binding of N‐Phenylpiperazines
Authors: Fraczyk Justyna , Kolesinska Beata , Czarnecka Aleksandra , Malawska Barbara , Wieckowska Anna , Bajda Marek , Kaminski Zbigniew J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA library of artificial receptors formed by self‐organization of N‐lipidated peptides attached to cellulose via aminophenylamino‐1,3,5‐triazine was synthesized and used for docking small, colorless guests. Interactions of colorless guest with receptors were visualized by using competitive adsorption‐desorption of appropriate reporter dye. Analysis of binding pattern of N‐phenylpiperazine derivatives with gradually increased lipophilicity was found diagnostic for structural changes of guest molecules. Several library members demonstrated attributes characteristic for detection of alteration of lipophilicity of the guest structure.
Reduced‐order impulsive control for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Yan‐Wu , Wen Changyun , Soh Yeng Chai , Xiao Jiang‐Wen 
Published: June 2009

AbstractImpulsive control of nonlinear systems is an attractive topic and a number of interesting results have been obtained in the recent years. However, most of the available results need to employ full information of the system states to achieve the desired objectives. In this paper, a reduced‐order impulsive control strategy that needs only part of state components is studied for a general class of nonlinear system, which is feasible for the case when some of the system states are not available or controllable. Typical chaotic systems, such as Lorenz system, Chua's oscillator, and Chen's system, are taken as examples. A systematic design scheme is proposed to select the impulsive intervals. After some theoretical analysis, simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hip psychometrics
Authors: Baldwin Peter , Bernstein Joseph , Wainer Howard 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWhen data are abundant relative to the number of questions asked of them, answers can be formulated using little more than those data. But when data grow more sparse, so too does our tendency to lean on strong models to help us draw inferences. In this research we show how a strong item response model embedded within a fully Bayesian framework allows us to answer two important questions about the reliability and consistency of the clinical diagnosis of hip fractures from very limited data. We also show how the model automatically adjusts diagnoses for biases among the surgeons judging the radiographs. This research illustrates how a Bayesian approach expands the range of problems on which item response models can profitably be used. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pasting Properties of Potato Starch and Waxy Maize Starch Mixtures
Authors: Park Eun Young , Kim Hyun‐Na , Kim Jong‐Yea , Lim Seung‐Taik 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe pasting viscosity, morphological properties, and swelling properties of potato starch and waxy maize starch mixtures at different ratios were investigated. Pasting analysis of the starch mixtures (7% solids in water, w/w) using a Rapid Visco Analyser showed linear changes in peak viscosity and pasting temperature according to the mixing ratios of both starches, but not in breakdown and setback. The pasting profile revealed that the starches rendered mutual effects during pasting, more significantly when the amounts of potato and waxy maize starches were similar. The volume fraction of swollen granules and the presence of amylose appeared to be important parameters in the mutual effects of both starched during pasting. Under a light microscope, the swelling of potato starch granules was delayed by the presence of waxy maize starch. Overall results indicate that new pasting properties can be generated by mixing starches of different botanical sources.
Residence Time Distribution and Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Extruded Nanocomposite Foams Using Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Lee Siew Yoong , Weber Robert , Hanna Milford A. , Jones David D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEffects of two screw configurations (compression and mixing screws) and two barrel temperatures (150 and 160ºC) on residence time distribution (RTD) and modeling of mechanical properties of nanocomposite foams were studied. Multiple inputs single output (MISO) models were developed using Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System Modeling (ANFIS) to predict radial expansion ratio (RER), unit density (UD), bulk spring index (BSI) and bulk compressibility (BC) of the nanocomposite foams. An individual ANFIS model was developed for each mechanical property using torque (Nm), pressure (psi) and melt temperature (°C) as input parameters. Models were evaluated by the R2 of prediction and root mean squared error (RMSE) for training and testing. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) results showed that the diffraction peaks for the mixing screws at 150ºC were narrow and had higher intensity indicating a strong intercalation in the nanocomposites. Screw configuration and temperature had significant effects (P<0.05) on the mean residence time (MTR) which affected the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.
Alteration of synaptic transmission in the hippocampal‐mPFC pathway during extinction trials of context‐dependent fear memory in juvenile rat stress models
Authors: Koseki Hiroyo , Matsumoto Machiko , Togashi Hiroko , Miura Yoshihide , Fukushima Kazuaki , Yoshioka Mitsuhiro 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been proposed to be essential for extinction of fear memory, but its neural mechanism has been poorly understood. The present study examined whether synaptic transmission in the hippocampal‐mPFC pathway is related to extinction of context‐dependent fear memory in freely moving rats using electrophysiological approaches combined with behavioral analysis. Population spike amplitude in the mPFC was decreased during the first extinction trial by exposure to contextual fear conditioning. This synaptic inhibition was reversed by repeated extinction trials, accompanied by decreases in fear‐related freezing behavior. These results suggest that alteration of synaptic transmission in the hippocampal‐mPFC pathway is associated with the extinction processes of context‐dependent fear memory. Further experiments were performed to elucidate whether early postnatal stress alters the synaptic response in the mPFC during extinction trials using a juvenile stress model, based on our previous findings that early postnatal stress affects the behavioral response to emotional stress. Adult rats that previously were exposed to five footshocks (FS) (shock intensity, 0.5 mA; intershock interval, 28 seconds; shock duration, 2 seconds) at postnatal day 21 to 25 (week 3; 3W‐FS) exhibited impaired reversal of both inhibitory synaptic transmission and freezing behavior induced by repeated extinction trials. The neuronal and behavioral deficits observed in the 3W‐FS group were prevented by pretreatment with the serotonin1A receptor agonist tandospirone (1 mg/kg, i.p.). These results indicate the possiblity that aversive stress exposure during the third postnatal week impaired extinction processes of context‐dependent fear memory. The deficits in extinction observed in the 3W‐FS group might be attributable to dysfunction of hippocampal‐mPFC neural circuits involving 5‐HT1A receptor mechanisms. Synapse 63:805–813, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement error for ultrasound fetal biometry performed by paramedics in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Neufeld L. M. , Wagatsuma Y. , Hussain R. , Begum M. , Frongillo E. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo document the accuracy and precision of sonographic fetal biometry performed by nine paramedics from rural Bangladesh.MethodsParamedics underwent intensive training (6 weeks) including hands‐on practice then underwent a series of standardization exercises. Measurements of each fetus were taken by a highly‐trained medical doctor (study supervisor) and the nine paramedics. Crown–rump length (CRL) in fetuses of less than 10 weeks' gestation, and biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter, head and abdominal circumference (AC) and femur diaphysis length (FL) were measured twice using standard procedures by each paramedic and the medical doctor for each fetus, with at least 20 min between them. Precision was quantified using variance components analysis; the intraobserver error for each of the paramedics was calculated by comparing repeat measurements taken on the same participant, and the measurements obtained by each individual paramedic were also compared with those taken by the others (interobserver error). Accuracy was estimated by comparing the mean of the two measures taken by each paramedic to those taken by the study supervisor using paired t‐tests. Bland–Altman plots were used to visually assess the relationship between precision of repeat measurements (intraobserver error) and fetal size.ResultsA total of 180 women, at 7 to 31 weeks' gestation, participated in the study. Intraobserver error of the measurements obtained by the paramedics, expressed as the mean SD, ranged from 0.97 mm for BPD in the first trimester to 7.25 mm for AC in the third trimester, and was larger than the interobserver error (i.e. accounting for a greater proportion of total variance) for most measurements. Interobserver error ranged from 0.00 mm for FL to 3.36 mm for AC, both in the third trimester. For all measurements except CRL, intraobserver error increased with increasing fetal size. The measurements obtained by the paramedics did show some statistically significant differences from those obtained by the study supervisor, but these were relatively small in magnitude.ConclusionsBoth inter‐ and intraobserver measurement errors were within the range reported in the literature for studies conducted by technical staff and medical doctors. With intense training, paramedics with no prior exposure to ultrasonography can provide accurate and precise measures of fetal biometry. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome analysis of the xylose‐fermenting mutant yeast strain TMB 3400
Authors: Karhumaa Kaisa , Påhlman Anna‐Karin , Hahn‐Hägerdal Bärbel , Levander Fredrik , Gorwa‐Grauslund Marie‐F. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractXylose fermentation in yeast has been a target of research for years, yet not all the factors that may affect xylose fermentation perfomance of yeast strains are known. In this study, the mutant S. cerevisiae strain TMB 3400, which has good xylose fermentation properties, was compared with its parental strain to examine the factors behind the improved xylose utilization at protein level. The proteome of the parental and the mutant strains were characterized by difference in gel electrophoresis (DiGE) to quantitatively identify proteins that are expressed at altered levels in the mutant. The most significant changes detected by proteome analysis were the 6–10‐fold increased levels of xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and transketolase (Tkl1) in the mutant, which is in accordance with previous knowledge about xylose metabolism in yeast. The level of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (Ald6) was also significantly increased. In addition, several proteins homologous to proteins from yeast species other than S. cerevisiae were identified in both strains, demonstrating the genetic heterogeneity of industrial yeast strains. The results were also compared with a previously reported transcription analysis performed with identical experimental set‐up; however, very little correlation between the two datasets was observed. The results of the proteome analysis were in good agreement with a parallel study in which rationally designed overexpression of XR, XDH and the non‐oxidative pentose phosphate pathway resulted in similar improvement in xylose utilization, which demonstrates the usefulness of proteome analysis for the identification of target genes for further metabolic engineering strategies in industrial yeast strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional cassettes for epitope and fluorescent fusion proteins in Candida albicans
Authors: Gerami‐Nejad Maryam , Dulmage Keely , Berman Judith 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEpitope tags that confer specific properties, including affinity for resins or antibodies or detection by fluorescence microscopy, are highly useful for biochemical and cell biological investigations. In Candida albicans and several other related yeasts, the CUG codon specifies serine instead of leucine, requiring that molecular tools be customized for use in this important human fungal pathogen. Here we report the construction of a set of plasmids containing 13‐Myc, 3HA, GST, V5 or His9 epitope cassettes that facilitate PCR‐mediated construction of epitope‐tagged proteins. Common primer sets amplify the different tags with two different selectable markers. In addition, we report construction of a codon‐optimized Discosoma red fluorescent protein (DsRFP) gene. Like mCherryRFP, this DsRFP signal is detectable in transformants at the colony level and is useful in double‐labelling experiments with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Finally, we describe a construct that directs PCR‐mediated two‐step insertion of GFP internal to a coding sequence, which facilitates tagging of secreted proteins, including GPI‐anchor cell wall proteins that require endogenous N‐ and C‐termini for function. These reagents expand the repertoire of molecular tools available for working with C. albicans and other members of the CUG clade of pathogenic yeasts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baker's yeast expressing the Japanese encephalitis virus envelope protein on its cell surface: induction of an antigen‐specific but non‐neutralizing antibody response
Authors: Upadhyaya Bhaskar , Manjunath Ramanathapuram 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLive recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast expressing the envelope antigen of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) on the outer mannoprotein layer of the cell wall were examined for their ability to induce antigen‐specific antibody responses in mice. When used as a model antigen, parenteral immunization of mice with surface‐expressing GFP yeast induced a strong anti‐GFP antibody response in the absence of adjuvants. This antigen delivery approach was then used for a more stringent system, such as the envelope protein of JEV, which is a neurotropic virus requiring neutralizing antibodies for protection. Although 70% of cells were detected to express the total envelope protein on the surface by antibodies raised to the bacterially expressed protein, polyclonal anti‐JEV antibodies failed to react with them. In marked contrast, yeast expressing the envelope fragments 238–398, 373–399 and 373–500 in front of a Gly–Ser linker were detected by anti‐JEV antibodies as well as a monoclonal antibody but not by antibodies raised to the bacterially expressed protein. Immunization of mice with these surface‐expressing recombinants resulted in a strong antibody response. However, the antibodies failed to neutralize the virus, although the fragments were selected based on neutralizing determinants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Routine Dissection of Level II‐B and V‐A Necessary in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer Undergoing Lateral Neck Dissection for FNA‐Confirmed Metastases in Other Levels
Authors: Farrag Tarik , Lin Frank , Brownlee Noel , Kim Matthew , Sheth Sheila , Tufano Ralph P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to determine the utility of routine dissection of level II‐B and level V‐A in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) undergoing lateral neck dissection for ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)‐confirmed lateral nodal metastasis in at least one neck nodal level.MethodsIn a retrospective review, we studied the charts of 53 consecutive patients (February 2002–December 2007) with PTC who had undergone therapeutic lateral neck dissection that included at least level II‐(A and B) and/or level V‐(A and B). The levels were designated as such in situ prior to surgical pathology specimen processing. Reports of the preoperative FNA cytopathologic findings, the extent of lateral neck dissection by levels, and the postoperative final histopathologic examination were reviewed.ResultsA total of 53 patients underwent therapeutic lateral neck dissection for FNA‐confirmed nodal metastasis of PTC at a minimum of one lateral neck level. All 53 patients had preoperative ultrasonography and FNA confirmation of lateral neck disease: 46 patients had PTC, 5 had the tall cell variant of PTC, and 2 had the follicular variant of PTC on final surgical pathology. Ten patients underwent neck dissection at the time of thyroidectomy, and 43 patients underwent neck dissection for lateral neck recurrence/persistence of PTC following a previous thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ± previous neck dissection. A total of 46 patients underwent unilateral neck dissection and 7 patients underwent bilateral neck dissection; thus 60 neck dissection specimens were evaluated. Level II (A and B) was excised in 59/60 neck dissections, with 33 of 59 specimens (33/59 = 60%) positive for metastasis. Level II‐B was positive 5 times (5/59; 8.5–95% CI: 2.4, 20.4), and each time level II‐B was positive, level II‐A was also grossly (and histopathologically—seen at the time of surgery) positive for metastasis. Level III was excised 58 times and was positive in 38 specimens (38/58 = 66%). Level IV was excised 58 times and was positive in 29 specimens (29/58 = 50%). Level V (A and B) was excised 40 times and was positive in 16 specimens (16–40 = 40%). Level V‐A did not account for any of the positive level V results (0%).ConclusionsCervical lateral neck metastases in PTC occur in a predictable pattern, with levels III, II‐A, and IV most commonly involved. Patients with PTC who undergo lateral neck dissection for FNA‐confirmed nodal metastases might harbor disease in level II‐B, especially if level II‐A is involved. We recommend elective dissection of level II‐B only when level II‐A is involved, based on FNA confirmation, or when it is grossly involved on intraoperative evaluation. Routine dissection of level V‐B is recommended in this patient population, while elective dissection of level V‐A is not necessary.