bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteasomal degradation of β‐carotene metabolite—Modified proteins
Authors: Sommerburg Olaf , Karius Nicole , Siems Werner , Langhans Claus‐Dieter , Leichsenring Michael , Breusing Nicolle , Grune Tilman 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFree radical attack on β‐carotene results in the formation of high amounts of carotene breakdown products (CBPs) having biological activities. As several of the CBPs are reactive aldehydes, it has to be considered that these compounds are able to modify proteins. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether CBP‐modification of proteins is leading to damaged proteins recognized and degraded by the proteasomal system. We used the model proteins tau and ferritin to test whether CBPs will modify them and whether such modifications lead to enhanced proteasomal degradation. To modify proteins, we used crude CBPs as a mixture obtained after hypochloric acid derived BC degradation, as well as several single compounds, as apo8′‐carotenal, retinal, or β‐ionone. The majority of the CBPs found in our reaction mixture are well known metabolites as described earlier after BC degradation using different oxidants. CBPs are able to modify proteins, and in in vitro studies, we were able to demonstrate that the 20S proteasome is able to recognize and degrade CBP‐modified proteins preferentially. In testing the proteolytic response of HT22 cells toward CBPs, we could demonstrate an enhanced protein turnover, which is sensitive to lactacystin. Interestingly, the proteasomal activity is resistant to treatment with CBP. On the other hand, we were able to demonstrate that supraphysiological levels of CBPs might lead to the formation of protein‐CBP‐adducts that are able to inhibit the proteasome. Therefore, the removal of CBP‐modified proteins seems to be catalyzed by the proteasomal system and is effective, if the formation of CBPs is not overwhelming and leading to protein aggregates. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Probing nanostructures of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances versus culture time by Raman microspectroscopy and atomic force microscopy
Authors: McEwen Gerald D. , Wu Yangzhe , Zhou Anhong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe structure of a bacterial cell wall may alter during bacterial reproduction. Moreover, these cell wall variations, on a nanoscale resolution, have not yet fully been elucidated. In this work, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique are applied to evaluate the culture time‐dependent cell wall structure variations of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 at a quorum and single cell level. The Raman spectra indicate that the appearance of DNA/RNA, protein, lipid, and carbohydrates occurs till 6 h of cultivation time under our experimental conditions. AFM characterization reveals the changes of the cellular surface ultrastructures over the culture time period, which is a gradual increase in surface roughness during the time between the first two and eight hours cultivation time. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing a combined Raman spectroscopy and AFM technique to investigate the cultivation time dependence of bacterial cellular surface biopolymers at single cell level. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 171–177, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Effects from shear stress on morphology and growth of early stages of Norway spruce somatic embryos
Authors: Sun Hong , Aidun Cyrus K. , Egertsdotter Ulrika 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe shear stress effect on directional expansion of pro embryogenic masses (PEMs) and suspensor cell development of somatic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies) at the proliferation stage was studied by a direct and quantitative image analysis system. The experimental system allowed for detailed observations of the effect of hydrodynamic shear stress in rotating and deforming liquid cultures of proliferating Norway spruce somatic embryos. Briefly, somatic embryos at an early development stage comprised only of clusters of meristematic cells without suspensor cells were fixed on an alginate film. The alginate film was affixed on the bottom of a flow cell and the somatic embryos were subjected to laminar flow through the chamber of the flow cell. Magnified images of the cell clusters were collected every 24 h. The image data was processed based on a normalized cross‐correlation method, capable of measuring morphological and size features of individual cell clusters in both temporal and spatial domains. No suspensor cells developed in the cell clusters under shear stress of 140 s−1for the duration of the experiments. Cell clusters in the control cultured in stationary liquid conditions developed suspensor cells after 5–9 days in culture. Furthermore, the radial growth of meristematic cell clusters was inhibited by shear rates of 86 and 140 s−1, corresponding to shear stress of 0.086 and 0.14 N/m2, compared to growth under stationary conditions. The shear rate showed a significant negative correlation to growth rate. Control group showed no preference for direction during growth under static conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 105: 588–599. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and epigenetic classifications define clinical phenotypes and determine patient outcomes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sanchez J A , Krumroy L , Plummer S , Aung P , Merkulova A , Skacel M , DeJulius K L , Manilich E , Church J M , Casey G , Kalady M F 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
A molecular classification of colorectal cancer has been proposed based on microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and mutations in the KRAS and BRAF oncogenes. This study examined the prevalence of these molecular classes, and differences in clinical presentation and outcome.

Methods
Demographics, tumour characteristics and survival were recorded for 391 subjects with colorectal cancer. Tumour DNA was analysed for MSI (high (MSI-H) or microsatellite stable (MSS)), CIMP (high (CIMP-H) or no (CIMP-neg)) and BRAF and KRAS mutations. Clinical differences between four phenotypes were examined.

Results
Most tumours were MSS/CIMP-neg (69·8 per cent), with a nearly equal distribution of MSI-H/CIMP-H, MSI-H/CIMP-neg and MSS/CIMP-H types. MSS/CIMP-neg tumours were less likely to be poorly differentiated (P = 0·009). CIMP-H tumours were more common in older patients (P &lt; 0·001). MSI-H/CIMP-H tumours had a high frequency of BRAF mutation and a low rate of KRAS mutation; the opposite was true for MSS/CIMP-neg tumours (P &lt; 0·001). The four molecular phenotypes tended towards divergent survival (P = 0·067 for stages 1–III). MSI-H cancers were associated with better disease-free survival (hazard ratio 2·00 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·03 to 3·91); P = 0·040).

Conclusion
Colorectal cancers are molecularly and clinically heterogeneous. These different molecular phenotypes may reflect variable prognosis.
Locally recurrent rectal cancer in Norway
Authors: Hansen M H , Balteskard L , Dørum L M , Eriksen M T , Vonen B 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe management and outcome in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer based on data from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry.MethodsThis was a prospective national cohort study of 577 patients with local recurrence after major resection (R0/R1) for rectal cancer between November 1993 and December 2001 (initial cohort of 4504 patients).ResultsOf the 577 patients, 185 (32·1 per cent) had curative resections (R0/R1), 203 (35·2 per cent) had palliative radiotherapy with or without palliative surgery and chemotherapy, and 189 (32·8 per cent) received no treatment at all or only palliative surgery or chemotherapy. The overall 5-year survival rate was 14·9 per cent. Ninety-seven patients had an R0 resection, and 88 had an R1 resection, with 5-year overall survival of 55 and 20 per cent respectively. This outcome reflected surgical treatment in 33 different hospitals. Some 274 patients (47·5 per cent) had metastases. The 5-year survival rate after R0 resection was 62 per cent in patients without metastases.ConclusionObtaining an R0 resection is the most important prognostic factor in treating recurrent rectal cancer.
Therapeutic delay reduces survival of rectal cancer but not of colonic cancer
Authors: Iversen L H , Antonsen S , Laurberg S , Lautrup M D 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The relationship between therapeutic delay and long-term survival from colorectal cancer is unclear. This association was examined prospectively among patients with colorectal cancer in Denmark.

Methods
A total of 740 patients with colorectal cancer were included in a prospective, population-based study in three Danish counties from 1 January 2001 to 31 July 2002. Delay was determined by self-report during a standardized interview. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute the hazard ratio (HR) associated with delay, while adjusting for age, sex and co-morbidity, and also for urgency of surgery in patients with colonic cancer.

Results
For rectal cancer only, a time span of at least 60 days from the onset of symptoms until treatment (total therapeutic delay) was associated with a 69 per cent higher risk of mortality compared with a total therapeutic delay of less than 60 days (HR 1·69 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·01 to 2·83)). Provider delay (interval from first physician contact until treatment) and hospital delay (interval from referral to a hospital until treatment) of at least 60 days had no impact on survival from colorectal cancer.

Conclusion
A total therapeutic delay of at least 60 days was a negative prognostic factor for long-term survival from rectal cancer.
A novel tool to facilitate the learning of thermodynamic principles by undergraduate students of the biological area
Authors: Carvalho Eduardo O. , Araki Marcelo K. , Freitas Sérgio F. , de Godoy Carlos M. G. , Faljoni‐Alario Adelaide , Frare‐Junior Pedro L. , Nantes Iseli L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study describes the application and evaluation of a novel didactic tool (thermodynamic device) developed for students in the area of biology who have conceptual deficiencies that render the learning of thermodynamic principles difficult. Systems of communicant vessels with equal and different compartments were constructed to correlate the equilibrium constant of the reactions and reagent/product ratios with the concept of standard and nonstandard Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG° and ΔG, respectively). The communicating vessels were filled respectively with equal and different volumes of a dye aqueous solution followed by the opening of a faucet that coupled the vessels. This procedure allows liquid flux leading to the movement of internal propellers. The movement of the propellers turns on an electronic circuit that processes the information to exhibit the energy released by the movement of the solution toward equilibrium. The thermodynamic device was evaluated regarding the efficiency of content comprehension and retention of the gain by challenging students to answer five subjective questions 1 week after a regular teaching module about thermodynamics. The overall mean score obtained by the students who accessed the thermodynamic device (7.0) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the mean score of the control group (3.4). The thermodynamic device increased twofold the percentage of students who gave more than 50% correct answers. The efficiency of the didactic tool was also evaluated and corroborated by objective questions. In conclusion, the use of the thermodynamic device was highly effective in improving the understanding of thermodynamic principles by undergraduate biology students.
Teaching expression proteomics: From the wet‐lab to the laptop
Authors: Teixeira Miguel C. , Santos Pedro M. , Rodrigues Catarina , Sá‐Correia Isabel 
Published: September 2009

AbstractExpression proteomics has become, in recent years, a key genome‐wide expression approach in fundamental and applied life sciences. This postgenomic technology aims the quantitative analysis of all the proteins or protein forms (the so‐called proteome) of a given organism in a given environmental and genetic context. It is a challenge to provide effective training in this area due to its demanding laboratory procedures and laborious computational data analysis. However, the effective training of undergraduates and postgraduates in this field is highly recommended to prepare them for the challenges of postgenomic research and of medical, industrial and other economical activities. Since 2004, the area of Biological Sciences at the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering of Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) has been teaching Expression Proteomics to undergraduate and postgraduate students in three formats: 1) as modules of curricular units (CU), in particular of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics (FGB), offered as a mandatory CU to IST Biological Engineering or Biotechnology Master courses students, or as an elective CU to other MSc courses with a biological component and to the MSc in Information Systems and Computer Engineering; the topic is also part of the PhD program in Biotechnology; 2) as mentored coaching, in which IST students integrate ongoing research programs at the Biological Sciences Research Group of IBB at IST; and 3) as intensive thematic courses open to the external community. In this article, educational programs and teaching methodologies and tools that we have been using are outlined, from the wet‐lab to the laptop. The current role of quantitative proteomics in biological research, with emphasis on microbial stress response and on biomedical and biotechnological applications, is addressed, as a case‐study, anchored on our group research activities.
Problem‐solving test: In vitro protein kinase a reaction*
Authors: Szeberényi József 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTerms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test. Protein kinases, protein phosphorylation, protein kinase A, tyrosine‐ and serine/threonine‐specific kinases, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, Cyclin/Cdk complexes, SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, diacylglycerol, adrenaline, autophosphorylation.
Marginal relevance of disorder for pinning models
Authors: Giacomin Giambattista , Toninelli Fabio , Lacoin Hubert 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effect of disorder on pinning and wetting models has attracted much attention in theoretical physics. In particular, it has been predicted on the basis of the Harris criterion that disorder is relevant (annealed and quenched models have different critical points and critical exponents) if the return probability exponent α, a positive number that characterizes the model, is larger than ½. Weak disorder has been predicted to be irrelevant (i.e., coinciding critical points and exponents) if α < ½. Recent mathematical work has put these predictions on firm ground. In renormalization group terms, the case α = ½ is a marginal case, and there is no agreement in the literature as to whether one should expect disorder relevance or irrelevance at marginality. The question is also particularly intriguing because the case α = ½ includes the classical models of two‐dimensional wetting of a rough substrate, of pinning of directed polymers on a defect line in dimension (3 + 1) or (1 + 1), and of pinning of an heteropolymer by a point potential in three‐dimensional space. Here we prove disorder relevance both for the general α = ½ pinning model and for the hierarchical pinning model proposed by Derrida, Hakim, and Vannimenus, in the sense that we prove a shift of the quenched critical point with respect to the annealed one. In both cases we work with Gaussian disorder and we show that the shift is at least of order exp(−1/β4) for β small, if β2 is the disorder variance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Polynuclear Coordination Type for (Salicylaldoxime)copper(II) Complexes: Structure and Magnetic Properties of an (Oxime)Cu6 Cluster
Authors: Wenzel Marco , Forgan Ross S. , Faure Anaëlle , Mason Kevin , Tasker Peter A. , Piligkos Stergios , Brechin Euan K. , Plieger Paul G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA previously unseen coordination mode is reported for (salicylaldoxime)copper complexes utilising a linked zwitterionic NO22– donor set. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Insight into Unusual Downfield NMR Shifts in the Inclusion Complex of Acridine Orange with Cucurbit[7]uril (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 29/2009)
Authors: Liu Jinshui , Jiang Nan , Ma Jing , Du Xuezhong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe cover picture shows the formation of the inclusion complex of acridine orange (AO) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and the unusual downfield NMR shifts of the proton resonances. This shift is the net result of large downfield shifts arising from the deaggregation of AO aggregates followed by small upfield shifts resulting from the inclusion of AO into the CB[7] cavity. The background shows the color change of the aqueous AO solution from yellow to green in the absence and presence of CB[7]. Details are discussed in the article by J. Ma, X. Du et al. on p.4931 ff.
Influence of A‐Site Variation and B‐Site Substitution on the Physical Properties of (La,Sr)FeO3Based Perovskites
Authors: Vogt U. F. , Holtappels P. , Sfeir J. , Richter J. , Duval S. , Wiedenmann D. , Züttel A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPerovskite‐type materials have been synthesised and investigated with regards to their physical properties including specific surface area (BET), phase purity, sinter behaviour, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and electrical conductivity. We investigated the effect of Sr variation on La1–xSrxFeO3–δthe influence of A‐site stoichiometry on (La0.8Sr0.2)yFeO3–δand the impact of substitution of iron by nickel or copper up to 20 mol%. The over‐stoichiometric compositions indicate secondary phases independent of the calcination temperature. Stoichiometric and understoichiometric compositions become single phase perovskites after calcination at 1,200 °C. The substitution of Fe by Ni or Cu on the B‐site, (La0.2Sr0.8)0.95Ni/CuxFe1–xO3, is viable, but limited to 20 mol%. Cu substitution and under‐stoichiometry lower the melting point and thus consequently influence the sintering temperature.The diverse LSF composition as well as Ni/Cu substitutions affects the CTE. The CTE matches quite well with YSZ, by a 15% A‐site deficiency, as well as with Ni substitution on the B‐site. Compatibility tests at 1,000 °C prove that Ni increases the reactivity of LSF with YSZ. In case of the CGO, no indication of reactions or interdiffusion could be observed. The substitution of iron by 20 mol% nickel or copper significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of the basic composition (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95FeO3–δ.
The intercultural communication motivation scale: An instrument to assess motivational training needs of candidates for international assignments
Authors: Kupka Bernd , Everett André M. , Atkins Stephen G. , Mertesacker Marion , Walters Lynne , Walters Tim , Graf Andrea , Brooks Hill L. , Dodd Carley , Bolten Jürgen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe Intercultural Communication Motivation Scale (ICMS) is a tool to assess the intercultural communication motivation of candidates for international assignments. The ICMS performed well in four studies conducted with undergraduate students in New Zealand, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. Generally showing a stable fi ve‐factor structure, high test‐retest correlations, very high Cronbach's alphas, and almost no social desirability bias in self and peer evaluations, the ICMS is sensitive enough to detect test‐retest differences. Thus, socially responsible strategic international HR programs can use this scale to reliably evaluate employees and their families for specifi c international locations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental studies of rotating heat pipes
Authors: Shukla K.N. , Solomon A. Brusly , Pillai B.C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThermal characteristics of a rotating heat pipe were measured under steady state at moderate rotational speeds. Copper‐water rotating heat pipe with copper screen mesh wick was fabricated for testing at various heat loads. An experimental test rig with a water‐cooled condenser section was fabricated to study the heat transfer in the rotating heat pipe (RHP) for various heat loads and various rotational speeds ranging from 1000 rpm to 2000 rpm. A heat transfer correlation was developed for the condensing heat transfer coefficient and compared with the experimental results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20265
Heat transfer on tube bundles embedded vertically in liquid‐fluidized beds
Authors: Hashizume Kenichi , Shirai Akira , Fukai Koichi , Fukagawa Akihiro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBed voidage was measured in liquid‐fluidized beds having tube bundles embedded vertically in beds, and the heat transfer coefficient was measured on the outer surface of the tube. There were six kinds of test channels used, and a total of nine types of particles of glass and ceramics were tested. The measured bed voidage agreed well with those developed for in‐column fluidization, when the hydraulic equivalent diameter was used. Measured heat transfer coefficients on the vertically embedded tube bundles were higher than those on the vertically embedded single tubes, the calculated values for the in‐column fluidization, and the calculated values for the horizontally embedded tube bundles. Correlations for predicting the heat transfer coefficient were derived for the vertically embedded tube bundles and single tubes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20267
Numerical simulation of methane– air filtration combustion in porous media for hydrogen production
Authors: Xie Maozhao , Dong Ming , Lu Ning , Shi Junrui 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe conversion of methane to hydrogen by partial oxidation in a porous media reactor was investigated over a range of large fuel– air equivalence by numerical simulation. A one‐dimensional two‐temperature model was presented and the detailed GRI 1.2 mechanism was used for methane oxidation. The simulation predicted distributions of peak combustion temperatures, flame structure, and main chemical species as well as the percent conversion of CH4 to H2. The influences of parameters affecting combustion characteristics, i.e., the inlet gas velocity and equivalence ratio of the porous media, were examined. The computational results were validated against the experimental data of Kennedy et al., and reasonable agreement was observed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20273