bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of Rhodococcus sp. NB5 capable of degrading a high concentration of nitrobenzene
Authors: Lin Hui , Chen Xue‐jiao , Ding Hai‐tao , Jia Xiao‐ming , Zhao Yu‐hua 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAn efficient nitrobenzene degrading bacterium strain NB5, which was able to utilize nitrobenzene as a sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy under aerobic condition, was isolated from activated sludge in an oil refinery at Hangzhou, China. Based on phenotypic features, 16S rDNA gene sequencing and G + C content analysis, strain NB5 was identified as Rhodococcus sp. NB5. Nitrobenzene degradation experiments using high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) showed that strain NB5 could tolerate a high nitrobenzene concentration and completely degrade nitrobenzene with initial concentration ranging from 100 mg · l–1 to 1000 mg · l–1 within 144 h. The optimal degradation and cell growth were observed at 30 °C, pH 7.0. The addition of second nitrogen source (0.1%) such as urea, peptone, yeast extract and beef extract generally enhanced degradation of nitrobenzene. Rhodococcus sp. strain NB5 could be an excellent candidate for biotreatment of industrial wastewater containing high concentration of nitrobenzene. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of biofilms in different clinical M serotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Thenmozhi Ramalingam , Balaji Kannan , Kumar Rajesh , Rao Toleti Subba , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha 
Published: February 2011

AbstractStreptococcus pyogenes is a notorious human pathogen responsible for a wide array of infections. The ability of S. pyogenes to form biofilms is an innate property during the pathogenesis of invasive infections. From the eleven M serotypes tested: M56, M74, M100, M65, M89 and st38 formed dense biofilms in 48 h. The present study is the first of its kind to report about the biofilm formation in the serotypes M56, M65 M74 M100 and st38. XTT reduction assay of the biofilms showed decreased metabolic activity with increase in incubation time. The surface architecture of the biofilms when observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the microcolony formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to compare the surface topography and thickness of biofilms between the biofilm formers with and without the addition of glucose. Interestingly a non‐biofilm former (st2147) was induced to form biofilms with the addition of glucose. On correlating the drug (erythromycin) resistance of the various M serotypes with their biofilm forming ability we noticed that erythromycin sensitive strains were found to be good biofilm formers. We also noticed that biofilm formation in S. pyogenes is independent of sil gene. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Expression and characterization of a second L‐amino acid deaminase isolated from Proteus mirabilis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Baek Jin‐Oh , Seo Jeong‐Woo , Kwon Ohsuk , Seong Su‐Il , Kim Ik‐Hwan , Kim Chul Ho 
Published: February 2011

AbstractL‐amino acid deaminases catalyze the deamination of natural L‐amino acids. Two types of L‐amino acid deaminase have been identified in Proteus species. One exhibits high levels of activity toward a wide range of aliphatic and aromatic L‐amino acids, typically L‐phenylalanine, whereas the other acts on a relatively narrow range of basic L‐amino acids, typically L‐histidine. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and characterized a second amino acid deaminase, termed Pm1, from P. mirabilis KCTC 2566. Homology alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence of Pm1 demonstrated that the greatest similarity (96%) was with the L‐amino acid deaminase (LAD) of P. vulgaris, and that homology with Pma was relatively low (72%). Also, similar to LAD, Pm1 was most active on L‐histidine, indicating that Pm1 belongs to the second type of amino acid deaminase. In agreement with this conclusion, the Vmax and Km values of Pm1 were 119.7 (μg phenylpyruvic acid/mg/min) and 31.55 mM phenylalanine, respectively, values lower than those of Pma. The Pml deaminase will be very useful industrially in the preparation of commercially valuable materials including urocanic acid and α ‐oxoglutarate. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hexavalent chromium sorption by biomass of chromium tolerant Pythium sp.
Authors: Kavita B. , Limbachia Jayeshree , Keharia Haresh 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by live and pretreated fungal biomass of Pythium sp was investigated in a batch mode. The influence of biomass dose, solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature and pretreatment of biomass on biosorption efficiency was studied. The acid pretreated biomass adsorbed 1.7 times more hexavalent chromium in comparison to untreated biomass. The chromium removal rate increased with decrease in pH and increase in Cr(VI) concentration, biomass dose and temperature. The adsorption data was described well by Freundlich isotherm model. Evaluation of biosorption mechanism using infrared spectroscopy showed the involvement of positively charged amino groups in Cr(VI) biosorption. The biosorption of Cr(VI) by Pythium sp. followed second order kinetics, the biosorption process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic with high affinity of biomass for Cr(VI). (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The relationship between carotenoids and sunlight response in members of the family Micrococcaceae
Authors: Pezzoni Magdalena , Costa Cristina S. , Pizarro Ramón A. , Oppezzo Oscar J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the photoprotective effect of carotenoids in phylogentically related bacteria, which synthesize structurally different pigments. Two organisms were isolated from the same environment. Their 16S rDNA sequences and phenotypic characteristics identified them as members of the family Micrococcaceae. Reverse phase HPLC and absorption spectroscopy revealed that one of them, designated RMB40, synthesized 3 carotenoids with 9 conjugated double bonds, whilst the other, designated RMB42, synthesized a single and more hydrophobic pigment carrying 11 conjugated double bonds. Survival curves were obtained during sunlight exposure for both organisms and for carotenoid deficient mutants derived from them. Increased sunlight sensitivity was found in the carotenoidless mutant derived from RMB42. In contrast, pigment depletion had no appreciable effect on the sunlight response of RMB40. It is concluded that the structure of bacterial carotenoid probably exert an important influence on the effectiveness of these compounds to provide photoprotection in vivo. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evidence for a chromosomally determined mesenterocin, a bacteriocin produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides OZ
Authors: Osmanagaoglu Ozlem , Kiran Fadime 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMesenterocin, a small anti‐listerial peptide of 3.5 kDa produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides OZ at the end of exponential growth was inactivated by proteolytic enymes, stable to cold storage (4 °C for 3 d), heat, organic solvents and surfactants, and exhibited maximum bactericidal mode of activity in the pH range 3 to 10. Although Leu. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides OZ harboured plasmids ranging in size from 3.6 to 9.7 kbp, no evidence was obtained indicating that mesenterocin was under the control of extrachromosomal plasmids because loss of bacteriocin production following plasmid curing experiments could not be correlated with plasmid loss and the lack of detectable plasmids suggested a chromosomal location for the genetic determinants of mesenterocin. To determine its chromosomal location, genetic determinants of the bacteriocin of Leu. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides OZ were tested with previously described bacteriocins of the Leuconostocs through PCR and results of PCR indicated that the gene for mesenterocin activity is located on the chromosome. No papers have been published, to the best of our knowledge, on chromosomal location of bacteriocin of Leuconostoc species. Association of meat spoilage with bacteriocin producing heterofermentative Leu. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides OZ is also suggested. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chloride‐associated adaptive response in aerobic methylotrophic dichloromethane‐utilising bacteria
Authors: Torgonskaya Maria L. , Doronina Nina V. , Hourcade Edith , Trotsenko Yuri A. , Vuilleumier Stéphane 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAerobic methylotrophic bacteria able to grow with dichloromethane (DCM) as the sole carbon and energy source possess a specific glutathione S‐transferase, DCM dehalogenase, which transforms DCM to formaldehyde, used for biomass and energy production, and hydrochloric acid, which is excreted. Evidence is presented for chloride‐specific responses for three DCM‐degrading bacteria, Methylobacterium extorquens DM4, Methylopila helvetica DM6 and Albibacter methylovorans DM10. Chloride release into the medium was inhibited by sodium azide and m ‐chlorophenylhydrazone, suggesting an energy‐dependent process. In contrast, only nigericin affected chloride excretion in Mb. extorquens DM4 and Mp. helvetica DM6, while valinomycin had the same effect in A. methylovorans DM10 only. Chloride ions stimulated DCM‐dependent induction of DCM dehalogenase expression for Mp. helvetica DM6 and A. methylovorans DM10, and shortened the time for onset of chloride release into the medium. Striking chloride‐containing structures were observed by electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis on the cell surface of Mp. helvetica DM6 and A. methylovorans DM10 during growth with DCM, and with methanol in medium supplemented with sodium chloride. Taken together, these data suggest the existence of both general and specific chloride‐associated adaptations in aerobic DCM‐degrading bacteria. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Establishment of a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model for Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Durai Sellegounder , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractVibrio alginolyticus, a common bacterium in the marine environment, is a threat to marine animals and humans by causing serious infections. The present study reveals the establishment of a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model for Vibrio alginolyticus. The infection and colonization was localized in the animal by tagging V. alginolyticus with GFP and using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Chemotactic response of C. elegans to V. alginolyticus, pharyngeal distention and blockage of vulval region leading to internal hatching were analyzed. The time required for causing infection, and the bacterial loads in the intestine of C. elegans were determined. Regulation of innate immune related genes, lys‐7, clec‐60 and clec‐87, were also analyzed using real time PCR. The pathogen infected animals appeared to ward‐off infection by up‐regulating the candidate antimicrobial gene(s) for few hours, before succumbing to the pathogen. For the first time, the pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus at both physiological and molecular level has been studied in detail using the model organism C. elegans. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of a new molecular detection method for Taylorella equigenitalis
Authors: Tazumi Akihiro , Hirayama Junichi , Hayashi Kyohei , Petry Sandrine , Moore John E. , Millar B. Cherie , Matsuda Motoo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOn PCR amplification of the intervening sequences (IVSs) in the central (helix 45) region within 23S rRNA gene sequences with T. equigenitalis (n = 34), as well as T. asinigenitalis (n = 35) and Bordetella (n = 11) isolates by using the primer pair of f‐/r‐23STis2, approximately 0.8 kb of the amplicons were generated, sequenced and analyzed. One IVS of approximately 70 bp in length was identified in all the Taylorella organisms but not Bordetella. PCR amplification was further developed for the convenient and rapid molecular detection of T. equigenitalis organisms with the IVS in the helix 45 region within the 23S rRNA genes as target by using the primer pairs (f‐IVSde/r‐23de). Thus, these results clearly demonstrated that PCR amplification with the primer pair (f‐IVSde/r‐23de) can be reliable in order to differentiate the T. equigenitalis isolates from both the T. asinigenitalis and Bordetella organisms. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Schisandrin enhances dendrite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in primary cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yang Shih‐Hung , Jeng Chung‐Jiuan , Chen Chien‐Hsing , Chen Ying , Chen Yung‐Chia , Wang Seu‐Mei 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Schisandra chinensis, commonly used in Asia for tea material and traditional Chinese medicine, is presumed to enhance mental and intellectual functions. In this study, the effects and signalling mechanisms of a purified compound schisandrin, one of the lignan of Schisandra chinensis, on primary cultured hippocampal neurons were investigated.RESULTS: Schisandrin treatment enhanced total dendritic length and branching complexity, both of which were significantly suppressed in the presence of specific blockers for calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), and mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). Moreover, schisandrin induced calcium influx, and phosphorylation of CaMKII, PKCε, and MEK. Inhibition of CAMKII and PKCε attenuated the schisandrin‐induced phosphorylation of PKCε and MEK, and the phosphorylation of MEK, respectively. Moreover, schisandrin also stimulated the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP responsive‐element binding protein (CREB) at Ser‐133, an effect that was blocked by KN93. In addition to its neuritogenic effects, schisandrin increased the numbers of postsynaptic density‐95‐positive and FM1‐43‐positive puncta in dendrites and synaptic boutons, respectively.CONCLUSION: In hippocampal neurons, schisandrin exhibits neurotrophic properties that are mediated by the CaMKII‐PKCε‐MEK pathway. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on the antioxygenic activity of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and its fractions using various in vitro models
Authors: Padmashree Ananthan , Sharma Gopal K , Semwal Anil D , Bawa Amarinder S 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxygenic activity of bitter gourd pulp and seed powders as well as their various solvent extracts using different methods and to minimise the oxidative deterioration of lipids by natural antioxidants.RESULTS: Bitter gourd pulp and seed powders at 20 g kg−1 and their ethanol/water extracts exhibited stronger antioxygenic activity than other solvent extracts. Bitter gourd pulp and its extracts showed slightly higher antioxygenic activity than bitter gourd seed and its extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids, which have been reported as potential antioxidants. The seed portion of bitter gourd contained higher levels of total protein (188.3 g kg−1), total fat (238.9 g kg−1) and crude fibre (350.2 g kg−1) than the pulp portion. Fatty acid analysis of bitter gourd seed oil indicated the presence of α‐eleostearic acid, an isomer of conjugated linolenic acid, as a major fatty acid, but this acid was absent in the pulp.CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed the presence of antioxygenic compounds in both bitter gourd pulp and seed. In particular, their ethanol/water extracts showed great potential as natural antioxidants to inhibit lipid peroxidation in foods. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Femtosecond laser microstructuring: an enabling tool for optofluidic lab‐on‐chips
Authors: Osellame R. , Hoekstra H.J.W.M. , Cerullo G. , Pollnau M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the rather new field concerning the applications of femtosecond laser microstructuring of glass to optofluidics. Femtosecond lasers have recently emerged as a powerful microfabrication tool due to their unique characteristics. On the one hand, they enable to induce a permanent refractive index increase, in a micrometer‐sized volume of the material, allowing single‐step, three‐dimensional fabrication of optical waveguides. On the other hand, femtosecond‐laser irradiation of fused silica followed by chemical etching enables the manufacturing of directly buried microfluidic channels. This opens the intriguing possibility of using a single laser system for the fabrication and three‐dimensional integration of optofluidic devices. This paper will review the state of the art of femtosecond laser fabrication of optical waveguides and microfluidic channels, as well as their integration for high sensitivity detection of biomolecules and for cell manipulation.
Autotelic need for touch, haptics, and persuasion: The role of involvement
Authors: Peck Joann , Johnson Jennifer Wiggins 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPrevious research has shown that a touch or haptic element attached to a persuasive appeal can increase persuasion, particularly for individuals who have a clear preference for touch to enjoy its sensory feedback (high autotelics). This research extends previous work by including involvement in the context of an appeal by a nonprofit. We find, in an experiment where we manipulate involvement, that when a haptic element is present, high autotelics are more persuaded regardless of their involvement with the message. However, for low autotelics, a haptic element increases persuasion under conditions of low versus high involvement with the message. A second experiment measures involvement and finds that again, under low involvement conditions, both high and low autotelics are persuaded by a touch element. Finally, a field study with a local symphony orchestra is conducted in which involvement with the message is low but involvement with the company is high. In this case, a touch element is only persuasive for high autotelics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of the Morphology Exhibited by Linear Segmented Polyurethanes
Authors: Pereira Iaci Miranda , Oréfice Rodrigo Lambert 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFive series of segmented polyurethanes with different hard segment content were prepared by the prepolymer mixing method. The nano‐morphology of the obtained polyurethanes and their microphase separation were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Although highly hydrogen bonded segments were formed, high hard segment contents led to the presence of elevated degree of phase mixture and reduced the chain mobility, decreasing the hard domain precipitation and the soft segment crystallization. The applied techniques were able to show that the hard‐segment content and the hard‐segment interactions were the two controlling factors for determining the structure of segmented polyurethanes.
Synthesis and Chemical Characterization of a Polymeric Prodrug for Prolonged Release of Nitrofurazone
Authors: dos Santos Kátia S.C.R. , Matos Jivaldo R. , Ferreira Elizabeth I. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractChitosan, a natural polysaccharide obtained from partial or total deacetylation of chitin, is a linear copolymer composed of β(1→4) linked N‐acetyl glucosamine and glucosamine monomer residues. Owing to its biological properties (such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, antimicrobial activity and haemostatic effect) chitosan has been widely exploited in the pharmaceutical industry to produce tablets, gels, nanoparticles and films. The aim of this study was to develop a polymeric prodrug for prolonged drug release of nitrofurazone (NF) on the skin, with chitosan as the carrier. The drug is conjugated to chitosan by means of ester bonds and the cleavage of these bonds by non‐specific cutaneous esterases provides the prolonged release of NF. This prodrug could be formulated in films or gels to accelerate wound healing, by acting as a physical barrier that prevents both loss of natural skin humidity and secondary microbial contamination, as well as to treat skin injuries caused by microorganisms susceptible to NF, whose antimicrobial spectrum is added to that of chitosan.
Copper Hexacyanoferrate Formation on the Modified Silica Surface with DAB‐Am‐16 Dendrimer
Authors: Carmo Devaney R. do , Gabriel Suelino , Bicalho Urquisa O. , Picon Carlos A. , Paim Leonardo L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe third generation (G‐3) polypropylenimine hexadecaamine dendrimer (DAB‐Am‐16) was grafted onto the silica gel surface. The modified silica interacts easily with Cu2+ and then with potassium ferrocyanide to form copper hexacyanoferrate. The modified silica was characterized by the following techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), FTIR spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and Cyclic Voltammetry. The modified silica containing copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFSD) was tested for a voltammetric determination of nitrite using a modified graphite paste electrode.
Synthesis of Polyurethane from Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and Poly(p‐dioxanone): Molar Mass Reduction via Sodium Borohydrate
Authors: Bergamaschi Jonathan Melo , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Gozzo Fábio Cesar , Felisberti Maria Isabel 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPoly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) PHB and poly(p‐dioxanone) PPD are examples of promising polymers in tissue engineering. The purpose of this work is to synthesize polyurethanes which combine stereoregular and rigid blocks of PHB with stereoregular and flexible blocks of PPD. In order to guarantee stereoregularity, polyols from PHB and PPD were obtained from mass reduction via sodium borohydrate. This route allows us to obtain bifuncional polyols. The polymer molar mass reduction using this strategy was effective, however secondary and non reactive products with diisocyanate like insaturated acid were formed as shown by mass spectroscopy data. The products of mass reduction were characterized by H1 NMR, FT‐IR, DSC and MALDI‐TOF/MS. The PU's were synthesized reacting the polyols with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and they were characterized by FT‐IR, H1 NMR, DSC and XRD.The PU obtained from PHB and PPD polyols presents two crystalline phases, corresponding to both polyester blocks. The introduction of flexible segments of PPD in polyurethane, affected the characteristics of crystalline phase formation of PHB, increasing the melting point of this block in comparison with the pure PHB polyol, probably by increasing the crystallization rate.
Study of Microwave Absorbing Properties of Polyaniline/STF Conducting Composites Prepared by in Situ Polymerization
Authors: Schettini Anderson R. A. , Soares Bluma G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractConducting composites of polyaniline doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (PAni‐DBSA) and poly(styrene‐b‐styrene‐butadiene‐b‐styrene) (STF) as supporting matrix were prepared by in situ synthesis. The influence of composition and thickness on the electromagnetic properties and shielding effectiveness (SE) of the materials was evaluated using a microwave network analyzer and a standard rectangular waveguide from 8.2–12.4 GHz (X–band). It was found that the composition 49/51 exhibited the best SE and the higher values of reflected power (PR), ε′, ε″ and ε*. The compositions 12/88 and 17/83 presented the higher values of transmitted power (PT) and absorbed power (PA), respectively. The composition 25/75 presented the higher value of tan δ. The thickness of 5× showed the best SE and higher value of PR. The higher value of transmitted power (PT) was obtained for thickness of 1×. The values of PA were similar for all thicknesses. The thickness of 1x showed the higher values of ε′, ε″, ε* and tan δ.