bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of IQGAP3, a regulator of Ras/ERK‐related cascade, in hepatocyte proliferation in mouse liver regeneration and development
Authors: Kunimoto Koshi , Nojima Hisashi , Yamazaki Yuji , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Okanoue Takeshi , Tsukita Sachiko 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe spatio‐temporal regulation of hepatocyte proliferation is a critical issue in liver regeneration. Here, in normal and regenerating liver as well as in developing liver, we examined its expression/localization of IQGAP3, which was most recently reported as a Ras/Rac/Cdc42‐binding proliferation factor associated with cell–cell contacts in epithelial‐type cells. In parallel, the expression/localization of Rac/Cdc42‐binding IQGAP1/2 was examined. IQGAP3 showed a specific expression in proliferating hepatocytes positive for the proliferating marker Ki‐67, the levels of expressions of mRNAs and proteins were significantly increased in hepatocytes in liver regeneration and development. In immunofluorescence, IQGAP3 was highly enriched at cell–cell contacts of hepatocytes. IQGAP1 and IQGAP2 were exclusively expressed in Kupffer and sinusoidal endothelial cells, respectively, in normal, regenerating, and developing liver. The expression of IQGAP1, but not of IQGAP2, was increased in CCl4‐induced (but not in partial hepatectomy‐induced) liver regeneration. Exclusive expression/localization of IQGAP3 to hepatocytes in the liver likely reflects the specific involvement of the IQGAP3/Ras/ERK signaling cascade in hepatocyte proliferation in addition to the previously identified signaling pathways, possibly by integrating cell–cell contact‐related proliferating signaling events. On the other hand, the Rac/Cdc42‐binding properties of IQGAP1/2/3 may be related to the distinct modes of remodeling due to the different strategies which induced proliferation of liver cells; partial hepatectomy, CCl4injury, or embryonic development. Thus, the functional orchestration of Ras and the Ras homologous (Rho) family proteins Rac/Cdc42 likely plays a critical role in liver regeneration and development. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 621–631, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dehulling characteristics, sensory and functional properties of flours from selected cowpea varieties
Authors: Amonsou Eric O , Houssou Paul A , Sakyi‐Dawson Esther , Saalia Firibu K 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The knowledge of dehulling characteristics is very important in the selection of cowpeas for flour production. In this study the sensory and functional properties of cowpea flour as influenced by dehulling method (wet and dry/mechanical dehulling) and cowpea variety (white, maroon and mottled) were investigated.RESULTS:White cowpea showed a significantly different (P< 0.05) and higher dehulling rate (DR > 97%) for all dehulling methods. Maroon and mottled cowpeas were poorly dehulled (DR < 10%) when using the wet method (WD). Dry dehulling (DD) was effective on all three varieties (DR > 94%). The highest yield of flour was observed with white cowpea (80% for DD and 96% for WD). The beany odour intensity of flours was dependent on the method of dehulling used. Flour functionality was more significantly influenced by cowpea variety than by dehulling method.CONCLUSION:Dry dehulling could be recommended for cowpea flour production, as this method was found to be more effective on the selected cowpea varieties. Owing to the observed variation in flour functionality among cowpea varieties, the choice of a particular variety for flour production will depend on the intended use of the flour. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Locus of control and psychopathology in relation to levels of trauma and loss: Self‐reports of Peloponnesian wildfire survivors
Authors: Mellon Robert C. , Papanikolau Vasiliki , Prodromitis Gerasimos 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis study investigated whether relations between beliefs about
the personal controllability of reinforcing events and levels of psychopathology were differentiated with respect to levels of trauma and loss experienced in a series of devastating wildfires. In contrast with studies of combat veterans and professional firefighters, in wildfire survivors external locus of control beliefs and psychopathology were correlated only in respondents who experienced higher levels of trauma and loss; specifically, for residents of designated disaster areas (N = 409), but not for a demographically matched sample of residents of adjacent, non‐fire‐damaged areas (N = 391). The conflicting findings across studies are interpreted with respect to probable differences in contingencies of reinforcement for causal attributions in professionals and in novices in disaster management.
The influence of tin and silver as microstructure modifiers on the corrosion rate of Pb–Ca alloys in sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Čekerevac M. I. , Romhanji E. , Cvijović Z. , Bujanović L. N. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe effect of microstructure modifiers, Sn and Ag, on the corrosion rate of commercial Pb–Ca alloy in H2SO4 electrolyte was investigated by the potentiodynamic polarization and by the weight loss corrosion rate measurement at the open circuit potential. The effect of microstructure modification of the Pb–Ca alloy, provoked by the alloying with tin and silver as well as by the proper thermo‐mechanical treatment, is recorded by optical microscopy. The weight loss experiments have shown three‐ to five‐fold decreases in the corrosion rate of ternary Pb–Ca–Sn and quaternary Pb–Ca–Sn–Ag alloys, compared to the results for primary Pb–Ca alloy. It is largely in accordance with the results of potentiodynamic polarization measurements that showed comparable decrease in the passive current density of the modified alloys. The obtained results are discussed in terms of the synergetic effect of the addition of modifiers and the thermo‐mechanical treatment on to the Pb–Ca alloy microstructure refinement, and accordingly the increase in their corrosion resistance.
Impeding corrosion of sintered NdFeB magnets with titanium nitride coating
Authors: Ali A. , Ahmad A. , Deen K. M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSintered NdFeB magnets have poor corrosion resistance that renders them susceptible to corrosion in industrial and marine environments. This paper evaluates the properties of cathodic arc physical vapour deposited (CAPVD) titanium nitride coating for corrosion protection of sintered NdFeB permanent magnets. The performance of titanium nitride coating has been compared to the electrodeposited nickel–copper–nickel multilayer coating. The rates of coatings degradation in simulated marine environment were estimated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic polarization was carried out to assess the pitting potential. The surface chemistry and coating morphologies were studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used for qualitative phase analyses of coatings and the substrate. It was figured out that the charge transfer resistance of CAPVD titanium nitride coating increased with exposure time. The negative rate of Rp‐degradation for titanium nitride coating compared to the nickel–copper–nickel multilayer for equivalent exposure time is a unique and valuable result. Polarization results showed that ‘pits re‐passivation’ of titanium nitride coating could be responsible for the extended corrosion protection of the NdFeB substrate. The magnetic properties remained comparable for both types of coatings.
Study on physical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(phenylene sulfide) composites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Lanfeng , Zhou Weidong , Yang Tao , Zhang Ming 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe multiwalled carbon nanotubes were directly compounded with poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) via melt mixing. The morphology and physical properties, including viscoelasticity, electrical conductivity, and thermal and mechanical properties, of the obtained composites were investigated. The results show that the purified nanotubes can be fully dispersed in the PPS matrix especially at low loading levels because of their good affinity. The composites hence present relative low rheological and electrical percolation thresholds. The presence of nanotubes, on the one hand, shows good reinforcement effect because of the strong interfacial interactions with the PPS matrix, which is confirmed by the strain overshoot flow behavior, and, on the other hand, acts as a nucleation agent, promoting crystallization of the PPS matrix. Both contribute to evident improvement of tensile strength and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical properties of latex blends films from polystyrene particles with different sizes in a butyl acrylate‐co‐styrene copolymer matrix
Authors: Herrera‐Kao Wilberth , Aguilar‐Vega Manuel 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBlends of polystyrene (PSt) hard particle latex with three different particle sizes (96, 72, and 61 nm) and a n‐butyl acrylate‐co‐styrene (BA‐co‐St) copolymer soft latex with a 204 nm particle size were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Latexes were standardized at 25% solids and blended at different concentrations by wt% of PSt:BA‐co‐St for every hard particle size. Finally, films from each blend were obtained. Morphology of each film prepared was examined by transmission electron microscopy, and it was found that the hard particles are randomly distributed in the films inside the copolymer matrix. The effect on mechanical properties of different PSt concentrations and particle sizes was assessed by DMA as a function of temperature. The results indicate that rigidity of the blended latex increases as the particle size diminishes as determined by the reduction in damping in the tan δ peak. The storage modulus increases as the concentration of PSt increases in the blends and the values depend upon the size of PSt particles. Mechanical properties at tension indicate that decreasing the size of the PSt particles and increasing their concentration increase the Young's modulus and ultimate strength at tension because of an increase in the rigidity of the films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proposal of ultrasonic welding technique and weld performances applied to polymers
Authors: Qiu Jianhui , Zhang Guohong , Wu Yongbo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA novel ultrasonic welding technique is proposed and the apparatus based on it is produced accordingly. The effects of weld technology on the strength have been discussed when evaluating with identical kind of polymers. According to the results, the protruded length and the surface roughness give poor effects on the welding strength. The higher welding stress and shorter welding time are more effective. There is an optimal welding stress in this method because the welding strength can be lower when the stress turns too strong. Moreover, the non‐welded areas and the air bubble of the interface have given powerful effects to the strength. It is considered that the ultrasonic welding technique and the apparatus are quite effective to the weld process between polymer materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomic profiling of tandem affinity purified 14‐3‐3 protein complexes inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chang Ing‐Feng , Curran Amy , Woolsey Rebekah , Quilici David , Cushman John C. , Mittler Ron , Harmon Alice , Harper Jeffrey F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn eukaryotes, 14‐3‐3 dimers regulate hundreds of functionally diverse proteins (clients), typically in phosphorylation‐dependent interactions. To uncover new clients, 14‐3‐3 omega (At1g78300) from Arabidopsis was engineered with a “tandem affinity purification” tag and expressed in transgenic plants. Purified complexes were analyzed by tandem MS. Results indicate that 14‐3‐3 omega can dimerize with at least 10 of the 12 14‐3‐3 isoforms expressed in Arabidopsis. The identification here of 121 putative clients provides support forin vivo14‐3‐3 interactions with a diverse array of proteins, including those involved in: (i) Ion transport, such as a K+channel (GORK), a Cl−channel (CLCg), Ca2+channels belonging to the glutamate receptor family (1.2, 2.1, 2.9, 3.4, 3.7); (ii) hormone signaling, such as ACC synthase (isoforms ACS‐6, ‐7 and ‐8 involved in ethylene synthesis) and the brassinolide receptors BRI1 and BAK1; (iii) transcription, such as 7 WRKY family transcription factors; (iv) metabolism, such as phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase; and (v) lipid signaling, such as phospholipase D (β and γ). More than 80% (101) of these putative clients represent previously unidentified 14‐3‐3 interactors. These results raise the number of putative 14‐3‐3 clients identified in plants to over 300.
The development of retrosynthetic glycan libraries to profile and classify the human serum N‐linked glycome
Authors: Kronewitter Scott R. , An Hyun Joo , de Leoz Maria Lorna , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Miyamoto Suzanne , Leiserowitz Gary S. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAnnotation of the human serum N‐linked glycome is a formidable challenge but is necessary for disease marker discovery. A new theoretical glycan library was constructed and proposed to provide all possible glycan compositions in serum. It was developed based on established glycobiology and retrosynthetic state‐transition networks. We find that at least 331 compositions are possible in the serum N‐linked glycome. By pairing the theoretical glycan mass library with a high mass accuracy and high‐resolution MS, human serum glycans were effectively profiled. Correct isotopic envelope deconvolution to monoisotopic masses and the high mass accuracy instruments drastically reduced the amount of false composition assignments. The high throughput capacity enabled by this library permitted the rapid glycan profiling of large control populations. With the use of the library, a human serum glycan mass profile was developed from 46 healthy individuals. This paper presents a theoretical N‐linked glycan mass library that was used for accurate high‐throughput human serum glycan profiling. Rapid methods for evaluating a patient's glycome are instrumental for studying glycan‐based markers.
The 2.1 Å crystal structure of an acyl‐CoA synthetase from Methanosarcina acetivorans reveals an alternate acyl‐binding pocket for small branched acyl substrates
Authors: Shah Manish B. , Ingram‐Smith Cheryl , Cooper Leroy L. , Qu Jun , Meng Yu , Smith Kerry S. , Gulick Andrew M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe acyl‐AMP forming family of adenylating enzymes catalyze two‐step reactions to activate a carboxylate with the chemical energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. X‐ray crystal structures have been determined for multiple members of this family and, together with biochemical studies, provide insights into the active site and catalytic mechanisms used by these enzymes. These studies have shown that the enzymes use a domain rotation of 140° to reconfigure a single active site to catalyze the two partial reactions. We present here the crystal structure of a new medium chain acyl‐CoA synthetase from Methanosarcina acetivorans. The binding pocket for the three substrates is analyzed, with many conserved residues present in the AMP binding pocket. The CoA binding pocket is compared to the pockets of both acetyl‐CoA synthetase and 4‐chlorobenzoate:CoA ligase. Most interestingly, the acyl‐binding pocket of the new structure is compared with other acyl‐ and aryl‐CoA synthetases. A comparison of the acyl‐binding pocket of the acyl‐CoA synthetase from M. acetivorans with other structures identifies a shallow pocket that is used to bind the medium chain carboxylates. These insights emphasize the high sequence and structural diversity among this family in the area of the acyl‐binding pocket. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure and enhanced activity of a cutinase‐like enzyme from Cryptococcus sp. strain S‐2
Authors: Kodama Yuya , Masaki Kazuo , Kondo Hidemasa , Suzuki Mamoru , Tsuda Sakae , Nagura Tomohiro , Shimba Nobuhisa , Suzuki Ei‐ichiro , Iefuji Haruyuki 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe structural and enzymatic characteristics of a cutinase‐like enzyme (CLE) from Cryptococcus sp. strain S‐2, which exhibits remote homology to a lipolytic enzyme and a cutinase from the fungus Fusarium solani (FS cutinase), were compared to investigate the unique substrate specificity of CLE. The crystal structure of CLE was solved to a 1.05 Å resolution. Moreover, hydrolysis assays demonstrated the broad specificity of CLE for short and long‐chain substrates, as well as the preferred specificity of FS cutinase for short‐chain substrates. In addition, site‐directed mutagenesis was performed to increase the hydrolysis activity on long‐chain substrates, indicating that the hydrophobic aromatic residues are important for the specificity to the long‐chain substrate. These results indicate that hydrophobic residues, especially the aromatic ones exposed to solvent, are important for retaining lipase activity. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographies of faith: the differing residential patterns of the Indian‐Hindu, Indian‐Sikh and Indian‐Muslim populations of Dundee and Glasgow
Authors: Muñoz Sarah‐Anne 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper examines whether the largest faith groups (Sikh, Hindu and Muslim) within the Indian ethnic populations of Dundee and Glasgow (Scotland) form residential clusters based around their religious affiliations. The residential geographies of the Indian‐Hindu, Indian‐Sikh and Indian‐Muslim populations of each city are explored through a combination of location quotients (LQ), regression and principal components analysis (PCA). Conclusions can be drawn as to whether the mapping of ethnic categories homogenises segregated geographies based around faith affiliation. This allows the paper to explore whether residential trends identified in previous studies as being associated with an Indian ethnic population hold true for all of these faith groups. In particular, the trend for the Indian ethnic population to engage in processes of suburbanisation is investigated with an awareness of the potentially divergent experiences of Indian faith groups. Geographers have claimed that the Indian ethnic population is following a ‘different trajectory’ in comparison with other ethnic populations (Phillips, 1998) in terms of its level of engagement with suburbanisation. However, this paper will investigate whether all the Indian faith groups are following the same ‘trajectory’. Therefore, by providing an analysis that incorporates religion, and analysing the existence of ethnic‐faith geographies, the paper points towards new ways of understanding ethnic geographies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of hydrogen‐ and hydroxyl‐related pentacene defect formation in thin films prepared by Langmuir–Blodgett technique and thermal evaporation
Authors: Gmucová Katarína , Weis Martin , Pirriera Monica Della , Puigdollers Joaquim 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe process of pentacene defects formation in aqueous environment was studied. Pentacene thin films (∼10 nm) covered platinum electrodes were prepared either by the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique or by the standard thermal evaporation in high vacuum. Voltammograms were taken in various acidic and basic environments, results are discussed with the aim to extract the information about the dynamics of hydrogen‐ and hydroxyl‐related defects formation in the above‐mentioned thin films. Obtained data confirm that LB films immersed in aqueous environment are prone to more expressive defect formation (e.g., two orders higher for dihydropentacene) as obvious for thermally evaporated films. A possible explanation of this fact resides in a hypothetic existence of energetically more favourable sites for hydrogen bonding from aqueous environment on both the pentacene and pentacenequinone molecules comprised in films prepared by the LB technique. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical beam induced current measurements: principles and applications to SiC device characterization
Authors: Raynaud Christophe , Nguyen Duy‐Minh , Dheilly Nicolas , Tournier Dominique , Brosselard Pierre , Lazar Mihai , Planson Dominique 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper deals with the characterization of SiC devices by optical beam induced currents (OBIC). OBIC is a technique that measures a photocurrent in response to a fine UV laser beam that is scanned laterally over the surface of the device. In this way a number of important material and device parameters can be derived. We concentrate here on three aspects, the field profile in reverse biased diodes with particular emphasis on field terminating issues at the device edges under high reverse voltages; the minority carrier lifetimes in 6H‐SiC; and the determination of ionization coefficients for electrons and holes in 6H‐SiC. The latter are important material parameters for the modelling of high power devices and determine their break‐through voltage. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigating customer perceptions of refillable packaging and assessing business drivers and barriers to their use
Authors: Lofthouse V. A. , Bhamra T. A. , Trimingham R. L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA collaborative UK government‐funded research project drawing on the design and sustainability expertise of the Department of Design and Technology at Loughborough University and the sustainability and product bank functions at The Boots Company set out to investigate the potential that refillable packaging systems can offer the consumer and the environment. In the past, refills have generally been categorized under one general heading and often branded as a failure. However, early in the project, the team identified that by taking a creative approach to interpreting refills, there are actually a wide range of different types of refills that can be differentiated with respect to their delivery approach and level of consumer/business interaction. Once these had been identified, collated and categorized, the team set out to investigate the consumer perceptions, and the business barriers and drivers found to influence the adoption and success of a number of different types of refillable packaging. This paper reports on those findings. It concludes that differentiating between refill types holds the key to developing more suitable and more successful refillable packaging systems as positive and negative attributes can be more accurately identified and responded to. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.