bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peak width‐mass correlation in CID MS/MS of isomeric oligosaccharides using traveling‐wave ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Yamagaki Tohru , Sato Akihiro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIsomeric oligosaccharides γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD), glucosyl‐βCD (Glc1‐βCD) and maltosyl‐αCD (Glc2‐αCD) were analyzed by traveling‐wave ion mobility (twIM) mass spectrometry (MS). Their formation of multicharged multimers differed from each other. The ion mobility‐mass spectrometry was useful in the self‐assembling and complex formation analyses of CD isomers. The drift times of the isomers and their product ions with the same mass were almost the same in collision‐induced dissociation (CID) MS/MS. In contrast, the ion mobility peak widths were sensitive to structural differences of the isomeric product ions. The twIM peak width (ms ‐ µs) of the product ions [M − Glcn + H]+ (n = 0 ∼ 6) of γ‐CD correlated linearly with their masses (Da); the large and/or long chain product ions had wider peak widths, which were much wider than those from the general diffusion effect. This was a novel and useful ‘trend line’ to discriminate between the three isomers. Plots of [M − Glc2 ∼ 6 + H]+ of Glc1‐βCD and [M − Glc3 ∼ 6 + H]+ of Glc2‐αCD product ions' plots were on the same trend line as γ‐CD. The plots of [M − Glc1 + H]+ of Glc1‐βCD and [M − Glc1, 2 + H]+ of Glc2‐αCD strayed from the γ‐CD line; their peak widths were narrower than those of γ‐CD. These results indicated that product ions from the chemical species of Glc1‐β CD and Glc2‐αCD retained their CD structure. Analyses of the IM peak widths enable us to elucidate the structures of the product ions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of basic residues on dissociation kinetics and dynamics of singly protonated peptides: time‐resolved photodissociation study
Authors: Yoon So Hee , Moon Jeong Hee , Chung Yeon Ji , Kim Myung Soo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractProduct ion yields in postsource decay and time‐resolved photodissociation at 193 and 266 nm were measured for some peptide ions with lysine ([KF6 + H]+, [F6K + H]+, and [F3KF3 + H]+) formed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization. The critical energy (E0) and entropy (ΔS‡) were determined by RRKM fitting of the data. The results were similar to those found previously for peptide ions with histidine. To summarize, the presence of a basic residue, histidine or lysine, inside a peptide ion retarded its dissociation by lowering ΔS‡. On the basis of highly negative ΔS‡, presence of intramolecular interaction involving a basic group in the transition structure was proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of apple polyphenols on GSTT2 gene expression, subsequent protection of DNA and modulation of proliferation using LT97 human colon adenoma cells
Authors: Miene Claudia , Klenow Stefanie , Veeriah Selvaraju , Richling Elke , Glei Michael 
Published: September 2009

AbstractApple extract (AE) enhances expression of glutathione S‐transferases (e.g., GSTT2) in human colon cells (LT97). Therefore, aim of the present study was to identify functional consequences of GSTT2 induction by AE and to determine the relation of AE effects to isolated compounds. Polyphenol composition of AE was analyzed. LT97 cells were treated with AE or synthetic polyphenol mixture (SPM) under conditions that induced GSTT2, and challenged with GSTT2‐2 substrate cumene hydroperoxide (CumOOH) to determine DNA damage using comet assay. Modulation of GSTT2 expression (real‐time PCR) was reassessed, and the influence on cell proliferation and pro‐oxidative potential of AE and SPM were assessed to understand additional mechanisms. Induction of GSTT2 by AE was accompanied by protection of LT97 cells from CumOOH‐induced genotoxicity. Although SPM was unable to reflect AE‐specific bioactivity related to GSTT2 modulation and anti‐genotoxicity, inhibition of LT97 cell proliferation by SPM was comparable. Storage of AE caused changes in phenolic composition along with loss of activity regarding GSTT2 induction and amplified growth inhibition. At the applied concentrations, no H2O2 formation was detectable with any of the substances. AE can protect against oxidatively induced DNA damage. Nevertheless, chemopreventive effects of AE strongly depend on the specific composition, which is modified by storage.
Optimized electron propagation on a quantum chain by a topological phase
Authors: Paganelli S. , Giorgi G.L. , de Pasquale F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe study the quantum diffusion of an electron in a quantum chain starting from an initial state localized around a given site. As the wavepacket diffuses, the probability of reconstructing the initial state on another site diminishes drastically with the distance. In order to optimize the state transmission we find that a topological quantum phase can be introduced. The effect of this phase is the reduction of wavepacket spreading together with almost coherent group propagation. In this regime, the electron has a quasi‐linear dispersion and high fidelity can be achieved also over large distances in terms of lattice spacing.
Color tunable light‐emitting diodes with modified pulse‐width modulation
Authors: Cho Jaehee , Shan Qifeng , Kim Jong Kyu , Schubert E. Fred 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this study, a color tunable light source, operated by a modified pulse width modulation method, is investigated. By utilizing this method along with anti‐parallel connected discrete light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and two electrical terminals, a wide range of the chromaticity coordinates is attained and varied by electrical control. Using the combination of a blue LED and a phosphor‐converted yellow LED (blue LED plus yellow phosphor), the chromaticity range is varied by electrical control from pure blue to pure yellow. In addition, using the modified pulse‐width modulation method and a combination of white and red LEDs, white light with correlated color temperatures ranging from 5000 K to 2000 K is demonstrated. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First‐principle investigation of strain effects on the electronic properties of germanium nanowires
Authors: Kong Yifan , Shiri Daryoush , Buin Andrei 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUsing the GGA functional in density functional theory, the effects of axial strain on the band structure and effective mass of narrow [110] and [100] germanium nanowires are investigated. It is observed that both compressive and tensile strain cause indirect‐to‐direct bandgap transitions. One percent of tensile strain can cause a 40 meV change in the bandgap of [110] nanowires. Effective masses of electrons and holes are subject to a change of 3–4 times in the strain‐induced transition point. This change translates into a density of state modulation which opens new possibilities for the construction of Ge nanowire‐based sensors. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of dendritic cells in alphaherpesvirus infections: archetypes and paradigms
Authors: Van de Walle Gerlinde R. , Cox Eric , Nauwynck Hans , Favoreel Herman W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in orchestrating both innate and adaptive components of the immune system and are therefore of pivotal importance in the initiation of immune responses to control and eliminate viral infections. A major focus of this review is to give an overview on the recent findings that point out the importance of DCs in controlling alphaherpesvirus infections, but also indicate that these viruses have evolved several strategies to inhibit and/or exploit DC functions to delay or escape elimination by the immune system. In addition, we point out the common features and interspecies differences between DCs from man and animal, and discuss the potential use of animal alphaherpesvirus homologues to gain further insights into the interaction between alphaherpesviruses and DCs in their natural virus–host environment. Finally, recent knowledge on the potential of alphaherpesviruses as vectors for DC stimulation and their use for immunotherapy is presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genistein inhibits glucose and sulphate transport in isolated rat liver lysosomes
Authors: Chou Hsu-Fang , Chuang Kun-Hung , Tsai Yi-Shan , Chen Yi-Ju 
Published: September 2009

Genistein and daidzein are known to have both beneficial and adverse effects on human health due to their many biological actions at the cellular level. Both isoflavones have been shown to inhibit GLUT-mediated glucose transport across the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. Since lysosomal membrane transport is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, the present study examined the effects of genistein and daidzein on glucose and sulphate transport in isolated rat liver lysosomes. Both genistein and daidzein significantly inhibited lysosomal glucose uptake. Genistein was a more potent glucose transport inhibitor than daidzein, with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 45 μmol/l compared with 71 μmol/l for daidzein. Uptake kinetics ofd-glucose showed a significant decrease inVmax(control:genistein treat = 1489 (sem91):507 (sem76) pmol/unit of β-hexosaminidase per 15 s) without a change inKm. The presence of 50 μm-genistein in the medium also reduced glucose efflux from lysosomes preloaded with 100 mm-d-glucose. Genistein also inhibited lysosomal sulphate transport. Similar to its effects on glucose uptake kinetics, genistein treatment caused a significant decrease in sulphate uptakeVmax(control:genistein treat = 87 (sem4):59 (sem5) pmol/unit of β-hexosaminidase per 30 s), while theKmwas not affected. The evidence provided by the present study suggests that the most likely mechanism of lysosomal glucose transport inhibition by genistein is via direct interaction between genistein and the transporter, rather than mediation by tyrosine kinase inactivation. Genistein likely has a similar mechanism of directly inhibiting sulphate transporter.
Genotype × nutrient association of common polymorphisms in obesity-related genes with food preferences and time structure of energy intake
Authors: Bienertová-Vašků Julie , Bienert Petr , Forejt Martin , Tomandl Josef , Brázdová Zuzana , Vašků Anna 
Published: September 2009

Personal food preferences can either enhance or suppress the development of obesity and the selection and proportion of macronutrients in the diet seem to have a heritable component. In the present study, we therefore focused on dietary composition as a specific trait related to obesity and we determined whether genetic variations in leptin (LEP), LEP receptor (LEPR), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), IL-6 and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) underlie specific native food preferences and obesity-related anthropometric parameters. The total of 409 individuals of Czech Caucasian origin were enrolled into the present study and 7 d food records were obtained from the study subjects along with selected anthropometric measurements. In a subset of study subjects, plasma levels of ADIPOQ, LEP and soluble LEPR were measured. Independently of the BMI of the individuals, common variations in LEP and LEPR genes were associated with specific eating patterns, mainly with respect to timing of eating. The LEP+19A/G polymorphism served as an independent predictor for BMI, percentage of body fat and skinfold thickness and significantly affected the time structure of the daily energy intake. The POMC RsaI polymorphism was associated with percentage of body fat. The ADIPOQ 45 T/G polymorphism was associated with the thickness of the subscapular skinfold. The LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism was associated with multiple parameters, including diastolic blood pressure, meal sizes during the day and plasma ADIPOQ levels. In a separate analysis, soluble leptin receptor (sObR) plasma levels and LEP:sObR ratio were significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure (β = − 0·66, P = 0·002; β = − 1·23, P = 0·02) and sObR plasma levels also served as an independent predictor for diastolic blood pressure (β = − 0·50; P = 0·04). To conclude, we report common allelic variants associated with specific feeding behaviour and obesity-related anthropometric traits. Moreover, we identified allelic variants that significantly influence the time structure of food intake during the day.
Dynamics of Gaussian spikes on Gaussian laser beam in relativistic plasma
Authors: Singh A. , Aggarwal M. , Gill T.S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn the present paper, we have investigated the growth of a Gaussian perturbation superimposed on a Gaussian laser beam. The nonlinearity we have considered is of relativistic type. We have setup the nonlinear differential equations for beam width parameter of the main beam, growth and width of the laser spike by using the WKB and paraxial ray approximation. These are coupled ordinary differential equations and therefore these are simultaneously solved numerically using the Runge Kutta method. It has been observed from the analysis that self-focusing/defocusing of the main beam and the spike determine the growth dynamic of the spike.
Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in the institutionalized older patient
Authors: Eveillard M , Joly-Guillou ML 
Published: September 2009

SummaryNursing homes and long-term care facilities are usually considered as reservoirs for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) carriers. Actually, there are major differences in MRSA carriage between institutions, with variations from 1% to more than 30%. Overall there is a low incidence of MRSA infection in these institutions, even though carriage is associated with a higher risk of subsequent MRSA infection, with high mortality rates. The main risk factors for carriage are well known: recent hospitalization in an acute-care ward, skin wounds and recent antimicrobial therapy. Age over 75 years is also a risk factor. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities pose a risk of MRSA transfer to acute-care wards, with potential consequences in terms of infection control strategy or surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. No well-designed study has identified the best strategy for MRSA control in institutions for older people and strategies that have been proposed are controversial. Studies to elucidate this would be useful, as well as studies specifically designed to identify the relative importance of different ways of MRSA transmission in these institutions (cross-transmission via healthcare workers or the environment, or direct transmission from one resident to another). Finally, a first important step towards MRSA control is a strict application of standard precautions, particularly good compliance with hand hygiene.
Prevention of Bloodstream Infections by Use of Daily Chlorhexidine Baths for Patients at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Munoz-Price L. Silvia , Hota Bala , Stemer Alexander , Weinstein Robert A. 
Published: September 2009

Objective.To evaluate the effect of bathing patients with 2% chlorhexidine on the rates of central vascular catheter (CVC)–associated bloodstream infection (BSI) at a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH).Design.Quasi-experimental study.Setting.A 70-bed LTACH in the greater Chicago area.Patients.All consecutive patients admitted to the LTACH during the period from February 2006 to February 2008.Methods.For patients at the LTACH, daily 2% chlorhexidine baths were instituted during the period from September 2006 until May 2007 (ie, the intervention period). A preintervention period (in which patients were given daily soap-and-water baths) and a postintervention period (in which patients were given daily nonmedicated baths and weekly 2% chlorhexidine baths) were also observed. The rates of CVC-associated BSI and ventilator-associated pneumonia were analyzed for the intervention period and for the pre- and postintervention periods.Results.The rates of CVC-associated BSI were 9.5, 3.8, and 6.4 cases per 1,000 CVC-days during the preintervention, intervention, and postintervention periods, respectively. By the end of the intervention period, there was a net reduction of 99% in the CVC-associated BSI rate. No changes were seen in the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia during the preintervention and intervention periods.Conclusion.Daily chlorhexidine baths appeared to be an effective intervention to reduce rates of CVC-associated BSI in an LTACH.
Documentation and Evaluation of Fevers in Hospital-Based and Community-Based Nursing Homes
Authors: Franson Timothy R. , Schicker Jeffrey M. , LeClair Susan M. , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Duthie Edmund H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe reviewed clinical evaluation practices and documentation of fever (>100.2°F) in all febrile patients over a two-month period in a hospital-based nursing home (HBNH) compared with a community-based nursing home (CBNH). Results showed 38 febrile (mean 101.9°F) HBNH patients and 26 febrile (mean 101.5°F) CBNH patients. Median time from fever onset to physician contact was 4 hours in HBNH and 12.5 hours in CBNH episodes (P<0.01). Laboratory studies were initially performed in 68% of HBNH and 31% of CBNH episodes (P<0.005), and diagnosis of fever source was documented in 76% of HBNH and 16% of CBNH episodes (P<0.005). Overall assessment stratification showed 81% febrile HBNH patients had both evaluation and therapy performed compared with 38% in CBNH (P<0.0001); 39% of febrile CBNH patients had no evaluation or therapy performed. Results indicate lack of documentation, and fever evaluation in CBNHs may preclude complete detection of nursing home-acquired infections and thereby hamper preventive responses to potential infection problems.
Analysis of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in Japanese glioma patients
Authors: Sonoda Yukihiko , Kumabe Toshihiro , Nakamura Taigen , Saito Ryuta , Kanamori Masayuki , Yamashita Yoji , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Tominaga Teiji 
Published: September 2009

A recent study reported on mutations in the active site of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene in several types of gliomas. All mutations detected resulted in an amino acid exchange at position 132. We analyzed the genomic region spanning wild‐type R132 of IDH1 by direct sequencing in 125 glial tumors. A total of 39 IDH1 mutations were observed. Mutations of the IDH2 gene, homologous to IDH1, were often detected in gliomas without IDH1 mutations. In the present study, R172 mutation of the IDH2 gene was detected in one anaplastic astrocytoma. IDH1 or IDH2 mutations were frequently in oligodendrogliomas (67%), anaplastic astrocytomas (62%), anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (75%), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (50%), secondary glioblastomas (67%), gangliogliomas (38%), and anaplastic gangliogliomas (60%). Primary glioblastomas were characterized by a low frequency of mutations (5%) at amino acid position 132 of IDH1. Mutations of the IDH1 or IDH2 genes were significantly associated with improved outcome in patients with anaplastic astrocytomas. Our data suggest that IDH1 or IDH2 mutation plays a role in early tumor progression of several types of glioma and might arise from a common glial precursor. The infrequency of IDH1 mutation in primary glioblastomas revealed that these subtypes are genetically distinct entities from other glial tumors. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1996–1998)
Effects of human–livestock–wildlife interactions on habitat in an eastern Kenya rangeland
Authors: Otuoma John , Kinyamario Jenesio , Ekaya Wellington , Kshatriya Mrigesh , Nyabenge Meshak 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHuman–livestock–wildlife interactions have increased in Kenyan rangelands in recent years, but few attempts have been made to evaluate their impact on the rangeland habitat. This study identified drivers of increased human–livestock–wildlife interactions in the Meru Conservation Area between 1980 and 2000 and their effects on the vegetation community structure. The drivers were habitat fragmentation, decline in pastoral grazing range, loss of wildlife dispersal areas and increase in livestock population density. Agricultural encroachment increased by over 76% in the western zone adjoining Nyambene ranges and the southern Tharaka area, substantially reducing the pastoral grazing range and wildlife dispersal areas. Livestock population increased by 41%, subjecting areas left for pastoral grazing in the northern dispersal area to prolonged heavy grazing that gave woody plant species a competitive edge over herbaceous life‐forms. Consequently, open wooded grassland, which was the dominant vegetation community in 1980, decreased by c. 40% as bushland vegetation increased by 42%. A substantial proportion of agro pastoralists were encountered around Kinna and Rapsu, areas that were predominantly occupied by pastoralists three decades ago, indicating a possible shift in land use in order to spread risks associated with habitat alterations.
Heard but not seen: an acoustic survey of the African forest elephant population at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana
Authors: Thompson Mya E. , Schwager Steven J. , Payne Katharine B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study, designed to survey forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) at Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana, is the first to apply acoustic methods to elephant abundance estimation and to compare results with independent survey estimates. Nine acoustic sensors gathered sound continuously for 38 days. Low‐frequency calling rates have been established as useful elephant abundance indices at a Namibian watering hole and a central African forest clearing. In this study, we estimated elephant population size by applying an abundance index model and detection function developed in central Africa to data from simultaneous sampling periods on Kakum sensors. The sensor array recorded an average of 1.81 calls per 20‐min sampling period from an effective detection area averaging 10.27 km2. The resulting estimate of 294 elephants (95% CI: 259–329) falls within confidence bounds of recent dung‐based surveys. An extended acoustic model, estimating the frequency with which elephants are silent when present, yields an estimate of 350 elephants (95% CI: 315–384). Acoustic survey confidence intervals are at least half as wide as those from dung‐based surveys. This study demonstrates that acoustic surveying is a valuable tool for estimating elephant abundance, as well as for detecting other vocal species and anthropogenic noises that may be associated with poaching.
Impact of cocoa farming on vegetation in an agricultural landscape in Ghana
Authors: Asase Alex , Ofori‐Frimpong Kwasi , Ekpe Patrick K. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCocoa production occurs almost wholly within areas identified as biodiversity hotspots in West Africa and it has been noted as a major contributor to deforestation at the forest‐agriculture interface. This study investigated the impact of cocoa farming on vegetation in relation to three land‐use types of increasing cocoa production intensity from remnant native forest through shaded to unshaded cocoa farmlands in Ghana. The study used transects and forty‐two 25 m × 25 m vegetation plots. The overall noncocoa plant species richness decreased significantly (95% CI) from the remnant native forest through shaded to the unshaded cocoa farmlands. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were also found in the mean density and basal area of noncocoa plants per hectare with the remnant native forest recording the highest values and the unshaded cocoa farmlands the lowest. The relative density of about 44.7% out of the 41 most abundant plant species declined in cocoa farmlands. The results of this study showed that cocoa farming could result in a drastic forest plant species loss with subsequent recruitment of nonforest species, forest plant species population decline as well as changes in the structural characteristics of the vegetation. This impact increases with increasing cocoa production intensity.