bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A high‐throughput assay for enzymatic polyester hydrolysis activity by fluorimetric detection
Authors: Wei Ren , Oeser Thorsten , Billig Susan , Zimmermann Wolfgang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA fluorimetric assay for the fast determination of the activity of polyester‐hydrolyzing enzymes in a large number of samples has been developed. Terephthalic acid (TPA) is a main product of the enzymatic hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a synthetic polyester. Terephthalate has been quantified following its conversion to the fluorescent 2‐hydroxyterephthalate by an iron autoxidation‐mediated generation of free hydroxyl radicals. The assay proved to be robust at different buffer concentrations, reaction times, pH values, and in the presence of proteins. A validation of the assay was performed by analyzing TPA formation from PET films and nanoparticles catalyzed by a polyester hydrolase from Thermobifida fusca KW3 in a 96‐well microplate format. The results showed a close correlation (R2 = 0.99) with those obtained by a considerably more tedious and time‐consuming HPLC method, suggesting the aptness of the fluorimetric assay for a high‐throughput screening for polyester hydrolases. The method described in this paper will facilitate the detection and development of biocatalysts for the modification and degradation of synthetic polymers. The fluorimetric assay can be used to quantify the amount of TPA obtained as the final degradation product of the enzymatic hydrolysis of PET. In a microplate format, this assay can be applied for the high‐throughput screening of polyester hydrolases.
Visualizing feasible operating ranges within tissue engineering systems using a “windows of operation” approach: A perfusion‐scaffold bioreactor case study
Authors: McCoy Ryan J. , O'Brien Fergal J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTissue engineering approaches to developing functional substitutes are often highly complex, multivariate systems where many aspects of the biomaterials, bio‐regulatory factors or cell sources may be controlled in an effort to enhance tissue formation. Furthermore, success is based on multiple performance criteria reflecting both the quantity and quality of the tissue produced. Managing the trade‐offs between different performance criteria is a challenge. A “windows of operation” tool that graphically represents feasible operating spaces to achieve user‐defined levels of performance has previously been described by researchers in the bio‐processing industry. This paper demonstrates the value of “windows of operation” to the tissue engineering field using a perfusion‐scaffold bioreactor system as a case study. In our laboratory, perfusion bioreactor systems are utilized in the context of bone tissue engineering to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of cell‐seeded scaffolds. A key challenge of such perfusion bioreactor systems is to maximize the induction of osteogenesis but minimize cell detachment from the scaffold. Two key operating variables that influence these performance criteria are the mean scaffold pore size and flow‐rate. Using cyclooxygenase‐2 and osteopontin gene expression levels as surrogate indicators of osteogenesis, we employed the “windows of operation” methodology to rapidly identify feasible operating ranges for the mean scaffold pore size and flow‐rate that achieved user‐defined levels of performance for cell detachment and differentiation. Incorporation of such tools into the tissue engineer's armory will hopefully yield a greater understanding of the highly complex systems used and help aid decision making in future translation of products from the bench top to the market place. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 3161–3171. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STD NMR Study of the Interactions between Antibody 2G12 and Synthetic Oligomannosides that Mimic Selected Branches of gp120 Glycans
Authors: Enríquez‐Navas Pedro M. , Chiodo Fabrizio , Marradi Marco , Angulo Jesús , Penadés Soledad 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) is able to shield immunogenic peptide epitopes on its envelope spike (a trimer of two glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41) by presenting numerous host‐derived N‐linked glycans. Nevertheless, broadly neutralizing antibodies against gp120 and gp41 have been isolated from HIV‐1‐infected patients and provide protection against viral challenge in animal models. Among these, the monoclonal antibody 2G12 binds to clusters of high‐mannose‐type glycans that are present on the surface of gp120. These types of glycans have thus been envisaged as target structures for the development of synthetic agents capable of eliciting 2G12‐like antibodies. High‐resolution structural studies of 2G12 and chemically defined glycan‐type ligands, including crystallographic data, have been performed to gain an insight into this interaction. Further studies are still required to design a carbohydrate‐based vaccine for HIV. Our previous NMR studies highlighted different recognition modes of two branched synthetic oligosaccharides, a penta‐ and a heptamannoside, by 2G12 in solution. In order to clarify the underlying structural reasons for such different behaviors, we have herein “dissected” the branches into the linear tri‐ and tetra‐ oligomannosides by chemical synthesis and studied their interactions with 2G12 in solution by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy. The results confirm the distinct preferences of 2G12 for the studied branches and afford explanations for the observed differences. This study provides important structural information for further ligand optimizations. Possible effects of structural modifications on the solvent‐exposed end of the ligands are also discussed.
Direct visualization of CaMKII at postsynaptic densities by electron microscopy tomography
Authors: Fera Andrea , Dosemeci Ayse , Sousa Alioscka A. , Yang Charlotte , Leapman Richard D. , Reese Thomas S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCa2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major component of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) involved in synaptic regulation. It has been previously shown that upon activity CaMKII from the spine reversibly aggregates at the cytoplasmic surfaces of PSDs, where it encounters various targets for phosphorylation. Targets for CaMKII are also present within the PSD, but there has been no reliable method to pinpoint whether, or where, CaMKII is located inside the PSD. Here we show that CaMKII can be mapped molecule‐by‐molecule within isolated PSDs using negative stain electron microscopy tomography. CaMKII molecules found in the core of the PSD may represent a pool distinct from the CaMKII residing at the cytoplasmic surface. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:4218–4225, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrinsic signal optical imaging evidence for dorsal V3 in the prosimian galago (Otolemur garnettii)
Authors: Fan Reuben H. , Baldwin Mary K.L. , Jermakowicz Walter J. , Casagrande Vivien A. , Kaas Jon H. , Roe Anna W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCurrently, we lack consensus regarding the organization along the anterior border of dorsomedial V2 in primates. Previous studies suggest that this region could be either the dorsomedial area, characterized by both an upper and a lower visual field representation, or the dorsal aspect of area V3, which only contains a lower visual field representation. We examined these proposals by using optical imaging of intrinsic signals to investigate this region in the prosimian galago (Otolemur garnettii). Galagos represent the prosimian radiation of surviving primates; cortical areas that bear strong resemblances across members of primates provide a strong argument for their early origin and conserved existence. Based on our mapping of horizontal and vertical meridian representations, visuotopy, and orientation preference, we find a clear lower field representation anterior to dorsal V2 but no evidence of any upper field representation. We also show statistical differences in orientation preference patches between V2 and V3. We additionally supplement our imaging results with electrode array data that reveal differences in the average spatial frequency preference, average temporal frequency preference, and sizes of the receptive fields between V1, V2, and V3. The lack of upper visual field representation along with the differences between the neighboring visual areas clearly distinguish the region anterior to dorsal V2 from earlier visual areas and argue against a DM that lies along the dorsomedial border of V2. We submit that the region of the cortex in question is the dorsal aspect of V3, thus strengthening the possibility that V3 is conserved among primates. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroanatomical organization of the cholinergic system in the central nervous system of a basal actinopterygian fish, the senegal bichirPolypterus senegalus
Authors: López Jesús M. , Perlado Jorge , Morona Ruth , Northcutt R. Glenn , González Agustín 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPolypterid bony fishes are believed to be basal to other living ray‐finned fishes, and their brain organization is therefore critical in providing information as to primitive neural characters that existed in the earliest ray‐finned fishes. The cholinergic system has been characterized in more advanced ray‐finned fishes, but not in polypterids. In order to establish which cholinergic neural centers characterized the earliest ray‐finned fishes, the distribution of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) is described inPolypterusand compared with the distribution of this molecule in other ray‐finned fishes. Cell groups immunoreactive for ChAT were observed in the hypothalamus, the habenula, the optic tectum, the isthmus, the cranial motor nuclei, and the spinal motor column. Cholinergic fibers were observed in both the telencephalic pallium and the subpallium, in the thalamus and pretectum, in the optic tectum and torus semicircularis, in the mesencephalic tegmentum, in the cerebellar crest, in the solitary nucleus, and in the dorsal column nuclei. Comparison of the data within a segmental neuromeric context indicates that the cholinergic system in polypterid fishes is generally similar to that in other ray‐finned fishes, but cholinergic‐positive neurons in the pallium and subpallium, and in the thalamus and cerebellum, of teleosts appear to have evolved following the separation of polypterids and other ray‐finned fishes. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:24–49, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alterations in sulfated chondroitin glycosaminoglycans following controlled cortical impact injury in mice
Authors: Yi Jae‐Hyuk , Katagiri Yasuhiro , Susarla Bala , Figge David , Symes Aviva J. , Geller Herbert M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractChondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) play a pivotal role in many neuronal growth mechanisms including axon guidance and the modulation of repair processes following injury to the spinal cord or brain. Many actions of CSPGs in the central nervous system (CNS) are governed by the specific sulfation pattern on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains attached to CSPG core proteins. To elucidate the role of CSPGs and sulfated GAG chains following traumatic brain injury (TBI), controlled cortical impact injury of mild to moderate severity was performed over the left sensory motor cortex in mice. Using immunoblotting and immunostaining, we found that TBI resulted in an increase in the CSPGs neurocan and NG2 expression in a tight band surrounding the injury core, which overlapped with the presence of 4‐sulfated CS GAGs but not with 6‐sulfated GAGs. This increase was observed as early as 7 days post injury (dpi), and persisted for up to 28 dpi. Labeling with markers against microglia/macrophages, NG2+ cells, fibroblasts, and astrocytes showed that these cells were all localized in the area, suggesting multiple origins of chondroitin‐4‐sulfate increase. TBI also caused a decrease in the expression of aggrecan and phosphacan in the pericontusional cortex with a concomitant reduction in the number of perineuronal nets. In summary, we describe a dual response in CSPGs whereby they may be actively involved in complex repair processes following TBI. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3295–3313, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On lateral septum‐like characteristics of outputs from the accumbal hedonic “hotspot” of Peciña and Berridge with commentary on the transitional nature of basal forebrain “boundaries”
Authors: Zahm Daniel S. , Parsley Kenneth P. , Schwartz Zachary M. , Cheng Anita Y. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPeciña and Berridge (2005; J Neurosci 25:11777–11786) observed that an injection of the μ‐opioid receptor agonist DAMGO (D‐ala2‐N‐Me‐Phe4‐Glycol5‐enkephalin) into the rostrodorsal part of the accumbens shell (rdAcbSh) enhances expression of hedonic “liking” responses to the taste of an appetitive sucrose solution. Insofar as the connections of this hedonic “hotspot” were not singled out for special attention in the earlier neuroanatomical literature, we undertook to examine them. We observed that the patterns of inputs and outputs of the rdAcbSh are not qualitatively different from those of the rest of the Acb, except that outputs from the rdAcbSh to the lateral preoptic area and anterior and lateral hypothalamic areas are anomalously robust and overlap extensively with those of the lateral septum. We also detected reciprocal interconnections between the rdAcbSh and lateral septum. Whether and how these connections subserve hedonic impact remains to be learned, but these observations lead us to hypothesize that the rdAcbSh represents a basal forebrain transition area, in the sense that it is invaded by neurons of the lateral septum, or possibly transitional neuronal forms sharing properties of both structures. We note that the proposed transition zone between lateral septum and rdAcbSh would be but one of many in the basal forebrain and conclude by reiterating the longstanding argument that the transitional nature of such boundary areas has functional importance, of which the precise nature will remain elusive until the neurophysiological and neuropharmacological implications of such zones of transition are more generally acknowledged and better addressed. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:50–68, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the relevance of morality in social psychology: An introduction to a virtual special issue
Authors: Pagliaro Stefano 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRecently, social psychology has become central in the study of morality. This turn to morality as a topic builds on social psychologists' long‐standing interest in issues closely related to morality, such as cooperation, empathy, fairness, social norms and deviance. The present paper introduces a (virtual) special issue on morality by highlighting some of the 41 articles on “moral” or “morality” that have appeared in the European Journal of Social Psychology from 1973 to the present. The nineteen highlighted papers are organized into the main topics covered in research on morality published in EJSP: Emotion, Impression Formation and Trait Inference, Norms and Deviance, Stereotypes, and Reasoning and Judgment. A description of the historical trends that characterized research on morality in EJSP is also provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of odour active compounds in strawberry vinegars
Authors: Ubeda C. , Callejón R. M. , Troncoso A. M. , Moreno‐Rojas J. M. , Peña F. , Morales M. L. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTOdour‐active compounds in strawberry vinegars were determined by gas chromatography equipped with an olfactometer using the modified frequency (MF) technique. The initial strawberry substrate was also analysed showing that ethyl 2‐methylbutyrate, mesifurane, β‐damascenone, furaneol and γ‐decalactone were preserved during the double fermentation process, presenting high MF values. The final aromatic profile of strawberry vinegars is formed both by compounds from the substrate and by those formed during alcoholic and acetous fermentation. Due to their high MF, a total of 12 odour zones, identified as acetic, butyric and isovaleric acids, methional, 3‐nonen‐2‐one, 2‐phenylethanol, pantolactone + furaneol, p‐vinylguaiacol, sotolon, phenylacetic acid and vanillin, were considered as possible impact odorants of strawberry vinegars. Finally, all potential impact odorants with similar sensory descriptors were grouped into eight categories, these being: fruity, sweet, grassy, spicy, butter–lactic–cheesy, chemical, empyreumatic and miscellaneous. According to the MF percentage of these categories, grassy, fruity, sweet and spicy aroma seem to have the highest influence on the overall impression of strawberry vinegars. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary supplement use is not associated with recurrence of colorectal adenomas: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Heine‐Bröring Renate C. , Winkels Renate M. , Botma Akke , Wahab Peter J. , Tan Adriaan C.I.T.L. , Nagengast Fokko M. , Witteman Ben J.M. , Kampman Ellen 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDiet and lifestyle influence colorectal adenoma recurrence. The role of dietary supplement use in colorectal adenoma recurrence remains controversial. In this prospective cohort study, we examined the association between dietary supplement use, total colorectal adenoma recurrence and advanced adenoma recurrence. Colorectal adenoma cases (n = 565) from a former case–control study, recruited between 1995 and 2002, were prospectively followed until 2008. Adenomas with a diameter of ≥1 cm and/or (tubulo)villous histology and/or with high grade dysplasia and/or ≥3 adenomas detected at the same colonic examination were considered advanced adenomas. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dietary supplement users (use of any supplement during the past year) compared to nonusers and colorectal adenoma recurrence were calculated using stratified Cox proportional hazard models for counting processes and were adjusted for age, sex, educational level and number of colonoscopies during follow‐up. Robust sandwich covariance estimation was used to adjust for the within subject correlation. A number of 165 out of 565 adenoma patients had at least one colorectal adenoma recurrence during a median person‐time of 5.4 years and of these, 37 patients had at least one advanced adenoma. One‐third of the total study population (n = 203) used a dietary supplement. Compared to no use, dietary supplement use was neither statistically significantly associated with total colorectal adenoma recurrence (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.79–1.34) nor with recurrent advanced adenomas (HR = 1.59; 95% CI 0.88–2.87). This prospective cohort study did not suggest an association between dietary supplement use and colorectal adenoma recurrence.
Comparability of stage data in cancer registries in six countries: Lessons from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership
Authors: Walters Sarah , Maringe Camille , Butler John , Brierley James D. , Rachet Bernard , Coleman Michel P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership is investigating cancer survival differences between six high‐income nations using population‐based cancer registry data. Differences in overall survival are often explained by differences in the stage at diagnosis and stage‐specific survival. Comparing stage at diagnosis using cancer registry data is challenging because of different regional practices in defining stage, despite the existence of international staging classifications such as TNM. This paper describes how stage data may be reconciled for international analysis. Population‐based cancer registry data were collected for 2.4 million adults diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast (women) or ovarian cancer during 1995–2007 in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The stage data received were coded to a variety of international systems, including the TNM classification, Dukes' for colorectal cancer, FIGO for ovarian cancer, and to national “localised, regional, distant” categorisations. To optimise comparability for analysis, a rigorous and repeatable process was defined to produce a final stage variable for each patient. An algorithm was also defined to map TNM, Dukes' and FIGO to a “localised, regional, distant” categorisation. We recommend how stage data should be recorded and processed to optimise comparability in population‐based international comparisons of stage‐specific cancer outcomes. The process we describe to produce comparable stage data forms a benchmark for future research. The algorithm to convert between TNM and a “localised, regional, distant” categorisation should be valuable for international studies, until global consensus is achieved to adhere to a single staging system like TNM.
Pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence and mortality: Results from a prospective cohort with a wide range of variation in alcohol intake
Authors: Holm Marianne , Olsen Anja , Christensen Jane , Kroman Niels T. , Bidstrup Pernille E. , Johansen Christoffer , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe association between pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer specific mortality was investigated in 1,052 women diagnosed with early breast cancer in a prospective cohort of 29,875 women. Known clinical, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors were evaluated and adjusted for in multivariate analysis. We found a modest but significant association between pre‐diagnostic alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence with a median follow‐up of six years after date of diagnosis, both when using baseline measures of alcohol intake (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.02–2.67; >2 units/day vs. ≤1 unit/day) and cumulated alcohol intake (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06–3.85; >40 drinking years vs. 0<drinking years≤10). Results for breast cancer specific mortality were also suggestive of a higher risk but were not statistically significant. In addition to being a risk factor for breast cancer, a high pre‐diagnostic alcohol intake also seems to have an effect on the course of the disease. We could not relate the finding to a specific tumor presentation.
Targeted delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms using a fibrinogen‐derived peptide
Authors: Hofmann Christopher M. , Anderson James M. , Marchant Roger E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study reports on the use of a fibrinogen‐derived peptide for the specific targeting and delivery of vancomycin to Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. One method by which S. epidermidis initially adheres to biomaterials uses the plasma protein fibrinogen as an intermediary, where the S. epidermidis surface protein SdrG binds to a short amino acid sequence near the amino terminus of the Bβ chain of fibrinogen. We mimicked this binding interaction and demonstrated the use of a synthetic fibrinogen‐based β6‐20 peptide to target and deliver vancomycin to S. epidermidis
in vitro. The β6‐20 peptide was synthesized and labeled with a Nanogold probe, and its targeting capabilities were examined through the use of scanning electron microscopy. The Nanogold component was then replaced by vancomycin, utilizing a flexible, variable length poly(ethylene glycol) linker between the peptide and antibiotic to create the targeted vancomycin products, β6‐20‐PEGx‐VAN. Initial binding to surface adherent S. epidermidis was increased in a concentration‐dependent manner relative to vancomycin for all equivalent concentrations ≥4 μg/mL, with targeted vancomycin content up to 22.9 times that of vancomycin alone. Retention of the targeted antibiotics was measured after an additional 24‐h incubation period, revealing levels 1.3 times that of vancomycin. The results demonstrate the improved targeting and retention of vancomycin within a biofilm due to the incorporation of a specific targeting motif. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2517–2525, 2012.