bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the protein gp1 from bacteriophage φIN93
Authors: Matsushita Isao , Yanase Hideshi 
Published: December 2011

Characterization of the protein gp1 from bacteriophage φIN93
The protein gp1, encoded by the ORF1 gene in the genome of the Thermus phage φIN93, is similar to the replication protein encoded by repA in the Thermus sp. plasmid. To confirm that gp1 functions as a replication protein, we constructed the recombinant plasmid pIA1, by inserting ORF1 and the kanamycin acetyltransferase (kat) gene into pBluescriptII SK(+), which enabled replication of pIA1 in Thermus thermophilus HB27. By contrast, plasmid pIA1-del, which contained only a part of ORF1 (the other part deleted using KpnI), was not replicated. These results show that gp1 functions as a replication protein and that pIA1 can be used as a shuttle vector between Thermus thermophilus HB27 and Escherichia coli.
Importance of tree hollows for biodiversity of mites (Acari) in the forest reserve "Śrubita" (Carpathian Mountains, south Poland)
Authors: SKubała Piotr , Gurgul Beata 
Published: December 2011

Importance of tree hollows for biodiversity of mites (Acari) in the forest reserve "Śrubita" (Carpathian Mountains, south Poland)
Tree hollows harbour a specialized fauna, and mites usually are the most numerous arthropods in this microhabitat. Mite fauna in 3 types of tree hollows was studied in the forest reserve "Śrubita" near Żywiec, at an altitude of about 850 m. In total, 2037 individuals of Acari and 1414 of Oribatida, representing 72 species, were collected. Over 1200 individuals per 100 g dry weight of wood dust were collected from tree hollows. The total number of oribatid species in tree hollows was higher than in the forest floor. Most species (also dominants) were obligate members of communities of a certain type of tree hollows.
New microsatellite markers for garlic, Allium sativum (Alliaceae)
Authors: Cunha Camila P. , Hoogerheide Eulália S. S. , Zucchi Maria I. , Monteiro Mariza , Pinheiro José B. 
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: A new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for garlic, an important medicinal spice, was developed to aid studies of genetic diversity and to define efficient strategies for germplasm conservation.• Methods and Results: Using a (CT)8‐ and (GT)8‐enriched library, a total of 16 SSR loci were developed and optimized in garlic. Ten loci were found to be polymorphic after screening 75 accessions. The parameters used to characterize the loci were observed and expected heterozygosity, number of alleles, Shannon Index, and polymorphism information content (PIC). A total of 44 alleles were identified, with an average of 4.4 alleles per loci. The vast majority of loci were moderate to highly informative according to PIC and the Shannon Index.• Conclusion: The new SSR markers have the potential to be informative tools for genetic diversity, allele mining, mapping and associative studies, and in the management and conservation of garlic collections.
Morphology and tensile properties of high‐density polyethylene/natural rubber/thermoplastic tapioca starch blends: The effect of citric acid‐modified tapioca starch
Authors: Kahar A. W. M. , Ismail H. , Othman N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effect of citric acid on the tensile properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) blends was investigated. The ratio between HDPE/NR was fixed at 70/30 and used as the matrix system. TPS loadings, after modification with citric acid (TPSCA) and without modification (TPS), were varied from 0 to 30 wt %. The morphologies and tensile properties of HDPE/NR blends were evaluated as a function of TPS loadings. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break were found to decrease with increasing TPS loading. However, a slight improvement in the tensile strength of HDPE/NR/TPSCA blends at 5 and 10 wt % TPS loadings were observed. TPS can be partly depolymerised to produce a low viscosity product when processed with citric acid. TPS with low viscosity can easily disperse in the thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) system and reduce the surface tension at the interphase of TPS‐HDPE/NR as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐containing amino acid‐based poly(ether ester amide)s
Authors: Guo Kai , Chu C. C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA new family of biodegradable amino acid‐based poly(ether ester amide)s (AA‐PEEAs) consisting of three building blocks [poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), L‐phenylalanine (Phe), and aliphatic acid dichloride] were synthesized by a solution polycondensation. Using DMA as the solvent, these PCL‐containing Phe‐PEEA polymers were obtained with fair to very good yields with weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 6.9 kg/mol to 31.0 kg/mol, depending on the original molecular weight of PCL. The chemical structures of the PCL‐containing Phe‐PEEA polymers were confirmed by IR and NMR spectra. These PCL‐containing Phe‐PEEAs had lower Tg than most of the oligoethylene glycol (OEG) based AA‐PEEAs due to the more molecular flexibility of the PCL block in the backbones, but had higher Tg than non‐amino acid based PEEA. The solubility of the PCL‐containing Phe‐PEEA polymers in a wide range of common organic solvents, such as THF and chloroform, was significantly improved when comparing with aliphatic diol based poly(ester amide)s and OEG based AA‐PEEAs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Epoxy—Polyester IPNs modified with aromatic amines
Authors: Pandit Jyoti A. , Athawale Anjali A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSemi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (Semi‐IPNs) based on epoxy and unsaturated polyester resin (UPR; added in 5.9 and 11.1 wt %) have been prepared by chemical route. Room temperature curing was attempted using triethylene tetramine as a hardener. Blend with 11.1% UPR is found to exhibit best mechanical properties. Further, blends were also prepared by adding aromatic amines such as diphenylamine (DPA, secondary amine) and benzidine (Bz, primary amine). Structural elucidation of the samples through identification of functional groups was carried out with the help of Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy. Absence of peak at 915 cm−1 (characteristic of epoxy ring) confirmed complete curing in all the blends. The mechanical properties such as hardness, izod impact and tensile strength of blends were compared. The co‐cured blends show decrease in shore hardness (≈ 1–6%), while, the izod impact exhibits an opposite trend. Blends with 10% DPA and Bz show an increase in izod impact by 268.6% and 38.8% respectively. Further, the tensile strength is observed to be enhanced by 45% in case of DPA while addition of Bz reduces it by 32.8%. Thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis. TGA shows no significant change in onset and decomposition temperature but temperature at which it melts is lowered almost by 100–150°C together with the onset temperature (by ≈ 200°C) observed in DSC. Scanning electron micrographs reveal granular nature of the samples. The homogeneity of blends appears to be good. The blends co‐cured with DPA are relatively crystalline compared with others. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Conductivity and atmospheric aging studies of polypyrrole‐coated cotton fabrics
Authors: Patil Amol J. , Deogaonkar Smita C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPolypyrrole (PPy) is one of the preferred alternatives among the intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs). In this study, PPy‐coated cotton (PPy‐CT) fabrics were synthesized by two step in situ chemical polymerization. The reaction parameters, such as monomer concentration and temperature, were studied in detail. The surface resistivity of PPy‐CT fabrics ranged ∼ 15–5000 Ω−2. To assess long‐term usage potential, the atmospheric aging of conductivity characteristics of treated fabrics was monitored over a period of 6 months. It was found that the synthesis temperature had a significant impact on conductivity and atmospheric aging of PPy‐CT fabrics. Furthermore, various sulfonic acid sodium salts added as external doping agents during polymerization also had a positive effect. The scanning electron microscopy revealed smoother morphology of sulfonic acid salt doped PPy coatings. The overall study addresses the durability aspect of PPy‐CT fabrics in potential applications areas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Facile preparation of cationic P (St‐BA‐METAC) copolymer nanoparticles and the investigation of their interaction with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Li Penghui , Hu Xiaoxi , Song Gongwu , Chu Paul K. , Xu Zushun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCationic copolymer nanoparticles were prepared by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization of styrene and n‐butyl acrylate, using [2‐(methacryoyloxy ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride as the cationic functional comonomer and 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methypropionamidine) as the cationic initiator. FTIR spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, and GPC were applied to characterize the chemical structure and molecular weight of the obtained copolymer. The size and size distribution of the nanoparticles were characterized through photon correlation spectroscopy. The interaction of nanoparticles with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by the means of transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that the copolymer nanoparticles were monodisperse spheres with the diameter less than 90 nm and can complex well with BSA through electrostatic interaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Using Simcyp to project human oral pharmacokinetic variability in early drug research to mitigate mechanism‐based adverse events
Authors: Shaffer Christopher L. , Scialis Renato J. , Rong Haojing , Obach R. Scott 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPositive allosteric modulators (‘potentiators’) of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) have been shown to display a mechanism‐based exposure–response continuum in preclinical species with procognitive electrophysiological and behavioral effects (‘efficacy’) at low exposures and motor coordination disruptions at progressively higher exposures. Due to the dose‐capping nature of such motor coordination deficits, an exposure threshold‐mediated adverse event (CAE), the adequacy of separation between the maximal total plasma compound concentration (Cmax) at a predicted clinically efficacious oral dose and this adverse event (AE) was explored in early drug research with three AMPAR potentiators considered potential candidates for clinical trials. In vitro metabolism studies in human liver microsomes and human hepatocytes demonstrated the metabolic clearance for each compound was predominately due to cytochromes P450 (CYP). Thus, for each compound's anticipated clinically efficacious dose, human Cmax variability following oral administration was assessed using Simcyp software, which combines its virtual human populations database using extensive demographic, physiological and genomic information with routinely collected compound‐specific in vitro biochemical data to simulate and predict drug disposition. Using a combination of experimentally determined recombinant human CYP intrinsic clearances for CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, human binding factors, expected fraction absorbed and estimated steady‐state volume of distribution, Simcyp simulations demonstrated that two of the three potentiators had acceptable projected Cmax variability (i.e. the 95th percentile Cmax did not breach CAE). This evaluation aided in the selection of compounds for preclinical progression, and represents a novel application of pharmacologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) software approaches to predict interpatient variability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated biofabrication for electro‐addressed in‐film bioprocessing
Authors: Terrell Jessica L. , Gordonov Tanya , Cheng Yi , Wu Hsuan‐Chen , Sampey Darryl , Luo Xiaolong , Tsao Chen‐Yu , Ghodssi Reza , Rubloff Gary W. , Payne Gregory F. , Bentley William E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMany recent advances in bioprocessing have been enabled by developments in miniaturization and microfluidics. A continuing challenge, however, is integrating multiple unit operations that require distinct spatial boundaries, especially with included labile biological components. We have suggested “biofabrication” as a means for organizing cells and biomolecules in complex configurations while preserving function of individual components. Polysaccharide films of chitosan and alginate that are assembled on‐chip by electrodeposition are “smart” configurable interfaces that mediate communication between the biological systems and microfabricated devices. Here, we demonstrate the scalable performance of a production address, where incubated cells secrete antibodies, and a capture address, where secreted antibody is retained with specificity and subsequently assayed. The antibody exchange from one electro‐address to another exemplifies integrated in‐film bioprocessing, facilitated by the integrated biofabrication techniques used. This in‐film approach enables complex processes without need for microfluidics and valving. Finally, we have shown scalability by reducing electrode sizes to a 1 mm scale without compromising film biofabrication or bioprocessing performance. The in situ reversible deposition of viable cells, productivity characterization, and capture of secreted antibodies could find use in bioprocessing applications such as clonal selection, run‐to‐run monitoring, initial scale‐up, and areas including drug screening and biopsy analysis.
Light‐Harvesting in Multichromophoric Rotaxanes
Authors: Gallina Maria E. , Baytekin Bilge , Schalley Christoph , Ceroni Paola 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTwo rotaxanes with benzyl ether axles and tetralactam wheels were synthesized through an anion template effect. They carry naphthalene chromophores attached to the stopper groups and a pyrene chromophore attached to the wheel. The difference between the two rotaxanes is represented by the connecting unit of the naphthyl chromophore to the rotaxane axle: a triazole or an alkynyl group. Both rotaxanes exhibit excellent light‐harvesting properties: excitation of the naphthalene chromophores is followed by energy transfer to the pyrene unit with efficiency higher than 90 % in both cases. This represents an example of light‐harvesting function among chromophores belonging to mechanically interlocked components, that is, the axle and the wheel of the rotaxanes.
Orientation of newborn mice to lactating females: Identifying biological substrates of semiochemical interest
Authors: Al Aïn Syrina , Chraïti Amal , Schaal Benoist , Patris Bruno 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAmong mammals, odor‐based communication between females and infants is decisive for neonatal survival. So far, the nature of odor substrates involved in the localization of the mother and their nipples is unknown in mice. The present study aims: (1) to evaluate the specific attractive value of lactating females to newborn mice, (2) to localize the abdominal region that is most attractive to pups, and (3) to identify odor substrates that support such attraction. Results showed that 5–6‐day‐old mice roam preferentially over the abdomen of lactating females than the abdomen of non‐lactating females. In lactating females, pups are more attracted to abdominal areas comprising nipples. The blend of odor substrates from nipples, as well as separate sources presumed to compose it, viz. milk, maternal saliva and pup saliva, were detectable and equivalently attractive to pups. The equivalent attraction of these different odor substrates may derive either from overlap in chemical constituents, or from associative learning during nursing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 113–124, 2013
Synthesis, Characterisation, and Preliminary In Vitro Studies of Vanadium(IV) Complexes with a Schiff Base and Thiosemicarbazones as Mixed Ligands
Authors: Lewis Nerissa A. , Liu Fange , Seymour Luke , Magnusen Anthony , Erves Travis R. , Arca Jessa Faye , Beckford Floyd A. , Venkatraman Ramaiyer , González‐Sarrías Antonio , Fronczek Frank R. , VanDerveer Don G. , Seeram Navindra P. , Liu Aimin , Jarrett William L. , Holder Alvin A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract[VO(sal‐L‐tryp)(H2O)] (1, sal‐L‐tryp = N‐salicylidene‐L‐tryptophanate) was used as a precursor to produce the new complexes [VO(sal‐L‐tryp)(MeATSC)]·1.5C2H5OH [2, MeATSC = 9‐Anthraldehyde‐N(4)‐methylthiosemicarbazone], [VO(sal‐L‐tryp)(N‐ethhymethohcarbthio)]·H2O [3, N‐ethhymethohcarbthio = (E)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide] and [VO(sal‐L‐tryp)(acetylethTSC)]·C2H5OH {4, acetylethTSC = (E)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐[1‐(thiazol‐2‐yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide} by reaction with the respective thiosemicarbazone. The chemical and structural properties of these ligands and complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, ESI‐MS, FTIR, UV/Vis, ESR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and [D6]DMSO solutions of 1–4 were oxidised in air to produce vanadium(V) species, which were verified by ESI‐MS and 51V NMR spectroscopy. The anticancer properties of 2–4 were examined with three colon cancer cell lines, HTC‐116, Caco‐2 and HT‐29, and noncancerous colonic myofibroblasts, CCD18‐Co. Compounds 2–3 exhibited less inhibitory effects in the CCD‐18Co cells, which indicates a possible cytotoxic selectivity towards colon cancer cells. In general, compounds that exhibit antiproliferative activity to cancer cells but do not affect noncancerous cells may have a potential in chemotherapy.
Towards constraining the magnitude of global agricultural sediment and soil organic carbon fluxes
Authors: Doetterl Sebastian , Van Oost Kristof , Six Johan 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTReliable quantitative data on the extent and rates of soil erosion are needed to understand the global significance of soil‐erosion induced carbon exchange and to underpin the development of science‐based mitigation strategies, but large uncertainties remain. Existing estimates of agricultural soil and soil organic carbon (SOC) erosion are very divergent and span two orders of magnitude. The main objective of this study was to test the assumptions underlying existing assessments and to reduce the uncertainty associated with global estimates of agricultural soil and SOC erosion. We parameterized a simplified erosion model driven by coarse global databases using an empirical database that covers the conterminous USA. The good agreement between our model results and empirical estimates indicate that the approach presented here captures the essence of agricultural erosion at the scales of continents and that it may be used to predict the significance of erosion for the global carbon cycle and its impact on soil functions. We obtained a global soil erosion rate of 10.5 Mg ha‐1 y‐1 for cropland and 1.7 Mg ha‐1 y‐1 for pastures. This corresponds to SOC erosion rates of 193 kg C ha‐1 y‐1 for cropland and 40.4 kg C ha‐1 y‐1 for eroding pastures and results in a global flux of 20.5 (±10.3) Pg y‐1 of soil and 403.5 (±201.8) Tg C y‐1. Although it is difficult to accurately assess the uncertainty associated with our estimates of global agricultural erosion, mainly due to the lack of model testing in (sub‐)tropical regions, our estimates are significantly lower than former assessments based on the extrapolation of plot experiments or global application of erosion models. Our approach has the potential to quantify the rate and spatial signature of the erosion‐induced disturbance at continental and global scales: by linking our model with a global soil profile database, we estimated soil profile modifications induced by agriculture. This showed that erosion‐induced changes in topsoil SOC content are significant at a global scale (an average SOC loss of 22% in 50 years) and agricultural soils should therefore be considered as dynamic systems that can change rapidly. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convective‐radiative fins with simultaneous variation of thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficient, and surface emissivity with temperature
Authors: Aziz A. , Torabi Mohsen 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper is a numerical study of thermal performance of a convective‐radiative fin with simultaneous variation of thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficient, and surface emissivity with temperature. The convective heat transfer is assumed to be a power function of the local temperature between the fin and the ambient which allows simulation of different convection mechanisms such as natural convection (laminar and turbulent), boiling, etc. The thermal conductivity and the surface emissivity are treated as linear functions of the local temperature between the fin and the ambient which provide a satisfactory representation of the thermal property variations of most fin materials. The thermal performance is governed by seven parameters, namely, convection–conduction parameter Nc, radiation–conduction parameter Nr, thermal conductivity parameter A, emissivity parameter B, the exponent n associated with convective heat transfer coefficient, and the two temperature ratios, θa and θs, that characterize the temperatures of convection and radiation sinks. The effect of these parameters on the temperature distribution and fin heat transfer rate are illustrated and the results interpreted in physical terms. Compared with the constant properties model, the fin heat transfer rate can be underestimated or overestimated considerably depending on the values of the governing parameters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20408
Effects of indoxyl sulfate on adherens junctions of endothelial cells and the underlying signaling mechanism
Authors: Peng Yu‐Sen , Lin Yen‐Tung , Chen Ying , Hung Kuan‐Yu , Wang Seu‐Mei 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUremic patients have a much higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and death. Uremic toxins are probably involved in the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin that accumulates with deterioration of renal function. This study explored the effects of IS on the adherens junctions of vascular endothelial cells and revealed the underlying mechanism. Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs) were treated with IS, and the distribution of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE‐cadherin), p120‐catenin, β‐catenin, and stress fibers was examined by immunofluorescence. IS treatment resulted in disruption of intercellular contacts between BPAECs with prominent parallel‐oriented intracellular stress fiber formation. Intracellular free radical levels which measured by flow cytometry increased after IS treatment. The antioxidant, MnTMPyP, and an ERK pathway inhibitor, U0126, both significantly prevented IS‐induced disruption of intercellular contacts. Western blotting analyses demonstrated that IS‐induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chains (MLC) as well as activation of extracellular‐signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK1/ERK2). Pretreatment with MnTMPyP prevented ERK1/2 phosphorylation. U0126 prevented the IS‐induced MLCK and MLC phosphorylation. MEK‐ERK acted as the upstream regulator of the MLCK‐MLC pathway. These findings suggest that the superoxide anion‐MEK‐ERK‐MLCK‐MLC signaling mediates IS‐induced junctional dispersal of BPAECs. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1034–1043, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.