bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogeneous Human Complex‐Type Oligosaccharides in Correctly Folded Intact Glycoproteins: Evaluation of Oligosaccharide Influence On Protein Folding, Stability, and Conformational Properties
Authors: Kajihara Yasuhiro , Tanabe Yasutaka , Sasaoka Shun , Okamoto Ryo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe N‐glycosylation of proteins is generated at the consensus sequence NXS/T (where X is any amino acid except proline) by the biosynthetic process, and occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. In order to investigate the influence of human complex‐type oligosaccharides on counterpart protein conformation, crambin and ovomucoide, which consist of 46 and 56 amino acid residues, respectively, were selected for synthesis of model glycoproteins. These small glycoproteins were intentionally designed to be glycosylated at the α‐helix (crambin: 8 position), β‐sheet (crambin: 2 position) and loop position between the antiparallel β‐sheets (ovomucoide: 28 position), and were synthesized by using a peptide‐segment coupling strategy. After preparation of these glycosylated polypeptide chains, protein folding experiments were performed under redox conditions by using cysteine–cystine. Although the small glycoproteins bearing intentional glycosylation at the α‐helix and β‐sheet exhibited a suitable folding process, glycosylation at the loop position between the antiparallel β‐strands caused multiple products. The conformational differences in the isolated homogeneous glycoproteins compared with non‐glycosylated counterparts were evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopy. These analyses suggested that this intentional N‐glycosylation did not result in large conformational changes in the purified protein structures, including the case of glycosylation at the loop position between the antiparallel β‐strands. In addition to these experiments, the conformational properties of three glycoproteins were evaluated by CD spectroscopy under different temperatures. The oligosaccharides on the protein surface fluctuated considerably; this was dependent on the increase in the solution temperature and was thought to disrupt the protein tertiary structure. Based on the measurement of the CD spectra, however, the glycoproteins bearing three disulfide bonds did not exhibit any change in their protein tertiary structure. These results suggest that the oligosaccharide conformational fluctuations were not disruptive to protein tertiary structure, and the tertiary structure of glycoproteins might be stabilized by the disulfide bond network.
A Robust Porous Metal–Organic Framework with a New Topology That Demonstrates Pronounced Porosity and High‐Efficiency Sorption/Selectivity Properties of Small Molecules
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Shi Wei , Zhao Kaina , Niu Zheng , Chen Xitong , Cheng Peng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA robust porous metal–organic framework (MOF), [Co3(ndc)(HCOO)3(μ3‐OH)(H2O)]n (1) (H2ndc=5‐(4‐pyridyl)‐isophthalic acid), was synthesized with pronounced porosity. MOF 1 contained two different types of nanotubular channels, which exhibited a new topology with the Schlafli symbol of {42.65.83}{42.6}. MOF 1 showed high‐efficiency for the selective sorption of small molecules, including the energy‐correlated gases of H2, CH4, and CO2, and environment‐correlated steams of alcohols, acetone, and pyridine. Gas‐sorption experiments indicated that MOF 1 exhibited not only a high CO2‐uptake (25.1 wt % at 273 K/1 bar) but also the impressive selective sorption of CO2 over N2 and CH4. High H2‐uptake (2.04 wt % at 77 K/1 bar) was also observed. Moreover, systematic studies on the sorption of steams of organic molecules displayed excellent capacity for the sorption of the homologous series of alcohols (C1–C5), acetone, pyridine, as well as water.
Cholesteryl esters and ACAT
Authors: Pramfalk Camilla , Eriksson Mats , Parini Paolo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAcyl‐coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) 1 and 2 are both involved in intracellular cholesterol esterification. The expression of acyl‐coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1; (ACAT1) is ubiquitous, whereas, enterocytes and hepatocytes exclusively express acyl‐coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2). Studies in mice lacking ACAT1 showed extensive deposition of unesterified cholesterol in skin and brain, and larger atherosclerotic lesions compared to controls. ACAT2 deficiency in mice protected against atherosclerosis, diet‐induced hypercholesterolemia and cholesterol gallstone disease, and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and decreased serum cholesterol levels. Two unspecific ACAT inhibitors have been tested in humans. In the face of the results in ACAT1 deficient mice, strongly arguing against an ACAT1 inhibition, it was not surprising that none of these inhibitors showed beneficial effects on the predefined primary endpoints of the studies. However, and still to be proven, ACAT2 inhibition might be a therapeutic option for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we aim to outline some important aspects on the role of ACAT in cholesterol esterification and to reappraise ACAT2 as therapeutic target.
The interaction of elasticity and rocking in flexible structures allowed to uplift
Authors: Acikgoz Sinan , DeJong Matthew J. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYNumerous structures uplift under the influence of strong ground motion. Although many researchers have investigated the effects of base uplift on very stiff (ideally rigid) structures, the rocking response of flexible structures has received less attention. Related practical analysis methods treat these structures with simplified ‘equivalent’ oscillators without directly addressing the interaction between elasticity and rocking. This paper addresses the fundamental dynamics of flexible rocking structures. The nonlinear equations of motion, derived using a Lagrangian formulation for large rotations, are presented for an idealized structural model. Particular attention is devoted to the transition between successive phases; a physically consistent classical impact framework is utilized alongside an energy approach. The fundamental dynamic properties of the flexible rocking system are compared with those of similar linear elastic oscillators and rigid rocking structures, revealing the distinct characteristics of flexible rocking structures. In particular, parametric analysis is performed to quantify the effect of elasticity on uplift, overturning instability, and harmonic response, from which an uplifted resonance emerges. The contribution of stability and strength to the collapse of flexible rocking structures is discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of scouring process downstream of grade‐control structures under steady and unsteady flows
Authors: Lu Jau‐Yau , Hong Jian‐Hao , Chang Kai‐Po , Lu Tai‐Fang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFor many incised channels, one of the most common strategies is to install some hard structures, such as grade‐control structures (GCSs), in the riverbed to resist further incision. In this study, a series of experiments, including both steady and unsteady flow conditions, were conducted to investigate the scouring process downstream of a GCS. Three distinct phases, including the initial, developing and equilibrium phases, during the evolution of scour holes were identified. In addition, a semi‐empirical method was proposed to predict the equilibrium scour‐hole profile for the scour countermeasure design. In general, the comparisons between the experimental and simulated results are reasonably consistent. As the studies on temporal variation of the scour depth at GCSs caused by floods are limited, the effect of flood hydrograph shapes on the scour downstream of GCSs without upstream sediment supply was also investigated experimentally in this study. Based on the dimensional analysis and the concept of superposition, a methodology is proposed to simulate the time evolution of the maximum scour depth downstream of a GCS for steady flows. Moreover, the proposed scheme predicts reasonably well the temporal variations of the maximum scour depth for unsteady flows with both single and multiple peak. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of uncertainty in design water levels due to uncertain bed form roughness in the Dutch river Waal
Authors: Warmink J. J. , Booij M. J. , Van der Klis H. , Hulscher S. J. M. H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractHydrodynamic river models are applied to design and evaluate measures for purposes such as safety against flooding. The modelling of river processes involves numerous uncertainties, resulting in uncertain model results. Knowledge of the type and magnitude of these uncertainties is crucial for a meaningful interpretation of the model results. Uncertainty in the hydraulic roughness due to bed forms is one of the main contributors to the uncertainty in the modelled water levels. The aim of this study was to quantify the uncertainty in the bed form roughness under design conditions and quantify the effect on the design water levels in the Dutch river Waal. Five roughness models that predict bed form roughness based on measured bed form and flow characteristics were extrapolated to design conditions. The results show that the 95% confidence interval of the predicted Nikuradse roughness values under design conditions ranges from 0.32 to 1.03 m. This uncertainty was propagated through the two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model, WAQUA, by means of a Monte Carlo simulation for an idealized schematization of the Dutch river Waal. The uncertain bed form roughness results in an uncertainty in the design water levels, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.53 m, which is significant for Dutch river management practice. The uncertainty in the bed form roughness was mainly caused by a lack of knowledge about the physical process of bed form evolution that causes roughness. An improved estimation of bed form roughness can significantly reduce the uncertainty in the design water levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The metastatic microenvironment: Brain‐derived soluble factors alter the malignant phenotype of cutaneous and brain‐metastasizing melanoma cells
Authors: Klein Anat , Sagi‐Assif Orit , Izraely Sivan , Meshel Tsipi , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Nahmias Clara , Couraud Pierre‐Olivier , Erez Neta , Hoon Dave S.B. , Witz Isaac P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe working hypothesis of this study is that the interactions between the brain microenvironment and melanoma cells determine metastasis formation at this organ site. The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of such interactions to the formation of brain metastasis in nude mice xenografted with human melanoma cells. An insight into these interactions is an essential prerequisite for the development of effective targeted therapy for melanoma brain metastasis. We assessed the effects of soluble factors present in supernatants of short‐term cultures of normal mouse brain (referred here after as brain‐derived soluble factors) on several characteristics linked to melanoma brain metastasis. It was found that brain‐derived soluble factors affect differentially cutaneous and brain‐metastasizing melanoma cells variants in vitro. Such factors enhanced the viability of cutaneous melanoma cells but caused an S phase arrest followed by apoptosis of brain‐metastasizing cells. Brain‐derived soluble factors enhanced migration of melanoma cells metastasizing to the brain, but did not affect the migration of the cutaneous variants. Such factors upregulated the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR4 in both cutaneous and brain‐metastasizing melanoma cells. It is not unlikely that CCR4 ligands expressed in the brain interact with the CCR4‐expressing melanoma cells thereby directing them to the brain. Brain‐derived soluble factors enhanced the transmigration, across human brain endothelial cells of cutaneous but not of brain‐metastasizing melanoma variants. This activity could promote the capacity of the cutaneous cells to metastasize to the brain.
The effects of a low vitamin E diet on dichloroacetate‐ and trichloroacetate‐induced oxidative stress in the livers of mice
Authors: Cearfoss Jacquelyn , Hassoun Ezdihar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGroups of mice were fed either a standard (Std) diet or a diet not supplemented with vitamin E (Low‐E) and were divided into three subgroups that were treated subchronically by gavage, with water (control), dichloroacetate (DCA), or trichloroacetate (TCA). The livers of the animals were assayed for various biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS), antioxidant enzyme activities, and total glutathione (GSH). In general, livers from the low‐E diet group expressed lower levels of biomarkers of OS associated with greater increases in various antioxidant enzymes activities and GSH when compared with the corresponding treatments in the Std diet group. These results suggest that vitamin E supplementation to the diet, while essential to maintain certain body functions, can compromise the effectiveness of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes and GSH resulting in an increase in DCA‐ and TCA‐induced OS and a possible increase in the compounds‐induced hepatotoxic/hepatocarcinogenic effects in mice. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:147–154, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20421
Percutaneous transtracheal needle insufflation: A useful emergency airway adjunct simply constructed from common items found on your anesthesia cart
Authors: Gallagher Thomas Q. , Setlur Jennifer , Maturo Stephen , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractUsing material already available in the operating room, we describe the construction and application of a percutaneous transtracheal needle insufflation device to be used in pediatric airway emergencies. Our technique of percutaneous needle insufflation using common materials found in the operating room can be a helpful adjunct in a time of need. Quickly constructed and at a minimal cost, the device can be just one of the many useful tools found in the otolaryngologist's airway armamentarium.
Validation of an operating room immersive microlaryngoscopy simulator
Authors: Fleming Jason , Kapoor Karan , Sevdalis Nick , Harries Meredydd 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To assess the face and construct validity of two assessment tools for a microlaryngoscopy simulator—a Checklist Assessment for Microlaryngeal Surgery and Global Rating Assessment for Microlaryngeal Surgery.Study Design:Blinded experimental simulator‐based study.Methods:There were 15 candidates divided into a novice (≤50 procedures performed) or experienced (>50 procedures) group depending on their previous microlaryngoscopy experience. Each candidate undertook a 10‐minute simulation of a microlaryngoscopy and excision biopsy, and two blinded experts rated their performance live on each of the two assessment tools. To assess face validity, each candidate subsequently completed a questionnaire about the simulator.Results:The model demonstrated good face validity across all levels of experience. The global rating assessment demonstrated excellent interrater reliability (0.9) compared to the checklist assessment (0.7). The checklist assessment was able to differentiate experienced and novice candidates and therefore demonstrated construct validity. The global rating tool, however, was unable to differentiate candidates. There was a significant correlation between the two assessment tools (correlation coefficient = 0.624).Conclusions:This study is the first reported study of a high‐fidelity microlaryngoscopy simulator with task‐specific rating tools. Use of these tools is recommended within otolaryngology training programs, with the global rating assessment for use as a frequently used feedback tool, and the checklist assessment as a confirmatory evaluation of competency at transitions of professional training.
Minimally invasive surgery for parapharyngeal space tumors
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Vaezi Alec , Caicedo‐Granados Emiro , Duvvuri Umamaheswar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Parapharyngeal space (PS) tumors are surrounded by critical anatomical structures. Resection is often challenging due to limited surgical exposure. Herein, we report a novel transcervical, minimally invasive, video‐assisted technique that facilitates the resection of PS lesions.Study Design:Case series and review of literature.Methods:Description of surgical technique with analysis of four cases and literature review.Results:The technique combines a transcervical approach to the PS and skull base with video‐assisted and image‐guided dissection of tumor. Four cases of benign PS tumors resected with this technique are reported. The size of the tumor excised varied between 0.9 cm and 5 cm. Estimated blood losses were minimal. The average length of hospital stay was 1.5 days. No permanent complications were encountered.Conclusions:Excision of PS tumor abutting the skull base using a novel minimally invasive, video‐assisted, image‐guided, transcervical approach is feasible and safe. The short hospitalization stay and low morbidity makes it well suited for the resection of benign PS lesions.
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus skull base osteomyelitis with occipital condylar cerebrospinal fluid leak in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Tomovic Senja , Friedel Mark E. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCommunity acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) is emerging as an important pathogen in paranasal sinus disease. However, sinonasal CA‐MRSA has not been reported as a source of central skull base osteomyelitis. We report an unusual case of a previously healthy and immunocompetent adult who developed meningitis, central skull base osteomyelitis, and occipital condylar cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea from CA‐MRSA sphenoid sinusitis requiring endoscopic surgical repair. This case clearly demonstrates the expanding spectrum of severe infections caused by CA‐MRSA, which requires prompt diagnosis, a high level of suspicion, and appropriate medical and/or surgical management.
SOIL EROSION ASSOCIATED WITH AN UPLAND FARMING SYSTEM UNDER POPULATION PRESSURE IN NORTHEAST INDIA
Authors: Prokop P. , Poręba G. J. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTRapid increase in population and growing demand for agricultural products has generated changes in land use and upland farming systems and resulted in erosion and land degradation over large tracts of northeast India. The spatial variation of soil erosion rates was studied, in a small catchment under a modified form of shifting cultivation on the hilly Meghalaya Plateau, using the 137Cs technique. Soil erosion and deposition patterns are much influenced by land use. The estimated annual soil loss from cultivated fields ranged from 32 to 79 Mg ha−1 y−1 and reached only 0·5 Mg ha−1 y−1 from degraded grassland. Calculated soil erosion rates from cultivated fields exceed that which can be produced by weathering of new soil from parent materials. Observed intensification of agricultural production will lead to progressive conversion of cultivated fields into degraded grasslands and other changes to land use in the upper part of the Meghalaya Plateau. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energetic stability and electronic properties of exohedral derivatives of C20: C20Xn (X = H, F, Cl; n = 1–4)
Authors: Gomez Vivian B. , Beran Kyle A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractExohedral derivatives of the smallest fullerene, C20, with the general formula of C20Xn (X = H, F, Cl; n = 1–4) have been systematically investigated to evaluate the energetic stability of these molecular structures and determine their respective electronic properties. Analysis of the theoretical results indicate that the addition of exohedral atoms increase the stability of the caged‐structure to varying degrees according to the predicted HOMO‐LUMO gaps, ionization energies, and electron affinities. Further support for increasing stability is deduced from the calculated reaction and binding energies of the exohedral atoms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Composites: Intercalation of Naproxen into Mg‐Al Layered Double Hydroxides Coated on Fe3O4
Authors: Rezvani Zolfaghar , Sarkarat Maryam 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this work the synthesis and characterization of a magnetic composite is described. It was prepared by deposition of Nap‐Mg‐Al‐LDH on Fe3O4 by a coprecipitation method. The structures of the obtained products were studied by powder X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. From the X‐ray diffraction results, it was found that Fe3O4 was successfully distributed into the layered double hydroxide (LDH) phase. Furthermore, the increase in the basal spacing of LDHs from 0.881 nm to 2.157 nm shows that naproxen was successfully intercalated into the interlayer space. The particle size was estimated using transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric studies indicate that the thermal stability of naproxen was enhanced after intercalation. Moreover, in vitro drug release experiments in phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4) were investigated.
“Cage‐like” Carboxyl Bridged Octaphenyltetraantimony Compounds (SbPh2)4(μ‐O)4(μ‐OH)2(μ‐O2CR)2: Synthesis and Structural Characterization
Authors: Yin Handong , Wu Qingkun , Hong Min , Li Wenkuan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe metal‐directed self‐assembly of biphenylantimony trichloride and homocarboxylic acids LH [L = 2‐CHO‐C6H4COO– (1), 2, 3‐2F‐C6H4COO– (2), 4‐CF3–C6H4COO– (3)] provided three novel tetranuclear organoantimony(V) complexes, which were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as melting point, and X‐ray single crystal analysis. In the molecular structure, four hexacoordinate antimony atoms are linked into a [Sb2(μ‐O)2]2(μ‐O)2 “cage” architecture by oxo‐bridges which are terminally bridged by two carboxyl groups.
Impact of Participatory Forestry Program on Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Lessons From an Indian Province
Authors: Das Nimai 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper examines how rural livelihoods are improved owing to the impact of policy interventions through community‐driven forest management in West Bengal, India. As an instance of comparative analysis of a gender‐sensitive forestry program, this study employs the “sustainable rural livelihoods” framework to assess any enhancement of livelihood opportunities across various socioeconomic groups in forest fringe areas. In general, robust livelihoods sustainability is found for a pro‐poor section of rural households that participated in the forestry program. Amongst participants, however, especially the feminine units attain more favorable livelihoods outcome. Conversely, the program's eschewed households are behind sustainable livelihoods. It is therefore early need to expand the participatory forestry program for sustaining poor households' livelihood security in forest fringe areas of rural India.