bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial responses to organic and inorganic amendments in eroded soil
Authors: Mabuhay J. A. , Nakagoshi N. , Isagi Y. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the changes in microbial biomass carbon, litter decomposition, microbial abundance and the soil's physical and chemical properties after poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer application in soil‐eroded areas. Four plots measuring 10 m × 10 m, located on approximately the same slope, were established in the study area. Plot 1 (P1) was an eroded plot without any treatment; Plot 2 (P2) was treated with poultry manure (N:P:K ratio of 1:0.8:0·39); Plot 3 (P3) was treated with inorganic mineral fertilizer (NPK 10:10:10); and Plot 4 (P4) was an undisturbed area (no erosion occurred). The one‐time amendments used in this study significantly increased the soil's water‐holding capacity, pH, and the total carbon and nitrogen content, but soil moisture content was not influenced by any amendment. The biomass carbon was increased 3·2‐ and 2·9‐times by the poultry manure and the NPK fertilizer amendments respectively, but the values did not reach the same level as the undisturbed area. The Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, cellulase‐producers and amylase‐producers responded positively to the additives, which was shown by an abrupt increase in their abundance. Microbial biomass carbon and abundance were shown to be closely correlated with the soil's carbon and nitrogen content. None of the amendments, on the other hand, affected the rate of litter decomposition. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the “L‐DOPA test” for diagnosis of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Stiasny‐Kolster Karin , Kohnen Ralf , Carsten Möller Jens , Trenkwalder Claudia , Oertel Wolfgang H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe developed and validated a standardized test procedure to evaluate the accuracy of the supportive diagnostic criterion “response to dopaminergic treatment” in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Forty‐eight patients who fulfilled at least three of the four essential criteria for RLS, thus including uncertain clinical cases for a nonexpert, were recruited. Patients received a preliminary diagnosis of RLS or non‐RLS. All patients underwent a polysomnography (PSG) and were then asked to perform the diagnostic L‐DOPA test at home, which consisted in the application of one single dose of 100/25 mg L‐DOPA/benserazide and a subsequent observational period of 2 hours. Before, and in 15‐minute intervals after, drug intake, the patients rated the severity of the “symptoms in the legs” and the “urge to move the legs” using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Considering a 50% improvement as a positive test result, we found a sensitivity of 88% (“symptoms in the legs”) and 80% (“urge to move the legs”) with a specificity of 100% for both test items. A rate of 90% or 83% of all patients could be correctly diagnosed by the L‐DOPA test. Both scales were able to predict the response to dopaminergic agents in the subsequent course of the treatment by 100%. The periodic leg movements arousal index as assessed by polysomnography was less appropriate for the prediction of the correct diagnosis. We recommend the L‐DOPA test for diagnostic decision making in all patients with an unclear RLS diagnosis according to the essential diagnostic criteria of the International RLS Study Group. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Improved resolution in two‐dimensional 1H NMR spectra of peptides by band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling during both the evolution and acquisition periods: application to characterization of the binding of peptides by heparin
Authors: Wang Jing , Borchardt Dan , Rabenstein Dallas L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTwo‐dimensional 1H NMR experiments that achieve band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling in both the indirectly detected F1 and directly detected F2 dimensions were used to assign the highly overlapped 1H NMR spectrum of the peptide Ac‐SRGKARVRAKVKDQTK‐NH2, both free in solution and bound to heparin. Band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling during the evolution period was achieved using a double pulsed field gradient spin‐echo (DPFGSE) with semi‐selective shaped pulses; band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling during the acquisition period was achieved by time‐shared semi‐selective shaped pulse decoupling. Regular TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra and TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra measured with band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling in the evolution (F1) dimension (BASHD‐TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra) and with band‐selective, homonuclear decoupling in both the F1 and F2 dimensions (D‐(or Double)‐BASHD‐TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra) are reported and compared for the peptide and its heparin complex. Complete assignment of the 1H‐NMR spectra of the free and heparin‐complexed peptide was achieved with the high resolution of the D‐BASHD‐TOCSY, ROESY and NOESY spectra. Characterization of the heparin‐complexed peptide is of interest because of the ability of the peptide to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of two simplified 15N‐NMR methods for determining µs–ms dynamics of proteins
Authors: Hass Mathias A. S. , Led Jens J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTwo methods for estimating the microsecond–millisecond dynamics in proteins from only two 15N relaxation parameters at one magnetic field strength are investigated. Thus, the chemical exchange contribution, Rex, to the transversal relaxation rate, which contains the dynamics information, is evaluated by two methods: (i) one in which the Rex term is derived from the 15N R1 and R2 relaxation rates alone, and (ii) one in which it is obtained from the transversal dipole‐chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) cross‐correlation rate, ηxy, and the R2 rate. Since the R1, R2, and ηxy experiments are fast and sensitive, both methods are attractive in studies where large amounts of dynamical information are required. However, both methods are liable to effects that can compromise the estimation of the Rex terms. In the R2/R1 method, internal ps‐ns dynamics and rotational anisotropy can interfere with the determination of Rex, while in the R2/ηxy method it can be affected by variations in the 15N chemical shift anisotropy. Here, the applicability of the two methods is investigated using plastocyanin from Anabaena variabilis as an example, and the quality of the obtained Rex terms is evaluated both theoretically and experimentally. It is found that the R2/R1 method gives reliable Rex terms if the protein is relatively rigid and tumbles fast and nearly isotropically in solution, as for instance plastocyanin, and is preferable in such cases. In contrast, the R2/ηxy method gives better results if the protein is flexible or highly non‐spherical and can be used for such proteins, if the sequential variation in the 15N chemical shift anisotropy is negligible. For exchange terms <1 s−1 neither method is reliable. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled growth of poly (2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) brushes via atom transfer radical polymerisation on planar silicon surfaces
Authors: Topham Paul D , Howse Jonathan R , Crook Colin J , Parnell Andrew J , Geoghegan Mark , Jones Richard AL , Ryan Anthony J 
Published: May 2006

AbstractProgress in making pH‐responsive polyelectrolyte brushes with a range of different grafting densities is reported. Polymer brushes of poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) were synthesised via atom transfer radical polymerisation on silicon wafers using a ‘grafted from’ approach. The [11‐(2‐bromo‐2‐methyl) propionyloxy]undecyl trichlorosilane initiator was covalently attached to the silicon via silylation, from which the brushes were grown using a catalytic system of copper(I) chloride and pentamethyldiethylenetriamine in tetrahydrofuran at 80 °C. X‐ray reflectivity was used to assess the initiator surfaces and an upper limit on the grafting density of the polymer was determined. The quality of the brushes produced was analysed using ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy, which is also discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
PV pumping systems: a useful tool to check operational performance
Authors: Brito A. U. , Fedrizzi M. C. , Zilles R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFrom the daily water demand, total head and the daily average irradiation, is possible to determine the size of the PV generator for pumping systems. However, once the equipment is acquired, some tests are recommended, specially to verify its performance. One of the most relevant parameters to qualify a pumping system is the daily water delivered (m3/day) as a function of daily irradiation (Wh/m2). Facilities that fit different boundaries conditions, as for example constant total head (m) are not easily available, and just few laboratories have this capability. In this way, a simple instrumentation with the capability to determine the daily performance of PV pumping systems is presented. The proposed test tools use a hydraulic circuit with two motopumps, one connected to the PV system and the other to the electric grid. The total head is maintained constant by the variable‐speed drive connected to the grid. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The monolithic multicell: a tool for testing material components in dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pettersson Henrik , Gruszecki Tadeusz , Bernhard Roman , Häggman Leif , Gorlov Mikhail , Boschloo Gerrit , Edvinsson Tomas , Kloo Lars , Hagfeldt Anders 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA multicell is presented as a tool for testing material components in encapsulated dye‐sensitized solar cells. The multicell is based on a four‐layer monolithic cell structure and an industrial process technology. Each multicell plate includes 24 individual well‐encapsulated cells. A sulfur lamp corrected to the solar spectrum has been used to characterize the cells. Efficiencies up to 6·8% at a light‐intensity of 1000 W/msu2 (up to 7·5% at 250 W/m2) have been obtained with an electrolyte solution based on γ‐butyrolactone. Additionally, a promising long‐term stability at cell efficiencies close to 5% at 1000 W/m2 has been obtained with an electrolyte based on glutaronitrile. The reproducibility of the cell performance before and after exposure to accelerated testing has been high. This means that the multicell can be used as an efficient tool for comparative performance and stability tests. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of lysine versus arginine in enzyme cold‐adaptation: Modifying lysine to homo‐arginine stabilizes the cold‐adapted α‐amylase from Pseudoalteramonas haloplanktis
Authors: Siddiqui Khawar Sohail , Poljak Anne , Guilhaus Michael , De Francisci Davide , Curmi Paul M. G. , Feller Georges , D'Amico Salvino , Gerday Charles , Uversky Vladimir N. , Cavicchioli Ricardo 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe cold‐adapted α‐amylase from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis (AHA) is a multidomain enzyme capable of reversible unfolding. Cold‐adapted proteins, including AHA, have been predicted to be structurally flexible and conformationally unstable as a consequence of a high lysine‐to‐arginine ratio. In order to examine the role of low arginine content in structural flexibility of AHA, the amino groups of lysine were guanidinated to form homo‐arginine (hR), and the structure–function–stability properties of the modified enzyme were analyzed by transverse urea gradient‐gel electrophoresis. The extent of modification was monitored by MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and correlated to changes in activity and stability. Modifying lysine to hR produced a conformationally more stable and less active α‐amylase. The kcat of the modified enzyme decreased with a concomitant increase in ΔH# and decrease in Km. To interpret the structural basis of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties, the hR residues were modeled in the AHA X‐ray structure and compared to the X‐ray structure of a thermostable homolog. The experimental properties of the modified AHA were consistent with K106hR forming an intra‐Domain B salt bridge to stabilize the active site and decrease the cooperativity of unfolding. Homo‐Arg modification also appeared to alter Ca2+ and Cl− binding in the active site. Our results indicate that replacing lysine with hR generates mesophilic‐like characteristics in AHA, and provides support for the importance of lysine residues in promoting enzyme cold adaptation. These data were consistent with computational analyses that show that AHA possesses a compositional bias that favors decreased conformational stability and increased flexibility. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate with human serum albumin: Fluorescence, fourier transform infrared, circular dichroism, and docking studies
Authors: Maiti Tushar Kanti , Ghosh Kalyan Sundar , Dasgupta Swagata 
Published: May 2006

Abstract(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the major constituent of green tea has been reported to prevent many diseases by virtue of its antioxidant properties. The binding of EGCG with human serum albumin (HSA) has been investigated for the first time by using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and protein‐ligand docking. We observed a quenching of fluorescence of HSA in the presence of EGCG. The binding parameters were determined by a Scatchard plot and the results were found to be consistent with those obtained from a modified Stern‐Volmer equation. From the thermodynamic parameters calculated according to the van't Hoff equation, the enthalpy change ΔH° and entropy change ΔS° were found to be −22.59 and 16.23 J/mol K, respectively. These values suggest that apart from an initial hydrophobic association, the complex is held together by van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding. Data obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, and FTIR experiments along with the docking studies suggest that EGCG binds to residues located in subdomains IIa and IIIa of HSA. Specific interactions are observed with residues Trp 214, Arg 218, Gln 221, Asn 295 and Asp 451. We have also looked at changes in the accessible surface area of the interacting residues on binding EGCG for a better understanding of the interaction. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methods for assessing the toxicity of herbicides to submersed aquatic plants
Authors: Knauer Katja , Vervliet‐Scheebaum Marco , Dark Roberta J , Maund Stephen J 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA new test design for the non‐axenic submergent aquatic macrophytesElodea canadensisMichx. andMyriophyllum spicatumL. has been developed for potential use in herbicide toxicity testing. For the non‐axenic cultures, the best growth conditions were observed in the Elendt‐M4 medium in which no growth of algae or bacteria was observed. Cuttings were placed in beakers containing only the artificial M4 medium or were planted in small beakers containing OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) sediment (5% peat, 75% sand, 20% kaolinite), which were then placed in larger vessels with the M4 medium. The plants were observed for main and secondary shoot length, biomass and root formation within 2–3 weeks of planting. Growth rates were calculated for total plant length and biomass. The variance between the replicates was low throughout the experiment [coefficient of variation (CV) < 26% for total plant length, and between 16 and 40% for biomass]. Relative growth rates based on total plant length were determined as 0.028 and 0.050 per day forM. spicatumin the systems containing M4 medium only and medium plus sediment respectively. Similar results were observed forE. canadensis, with relative growth rates of 0.26 and 0.073 per day in the two test systems. The root‐shoot ratio at harvest was greater by a factor of 2–3 forE. canadensisin the M4 medium than in the system containing sediment. However, comparable ratios were observed forM. spicatumin the two test systems. Both growth in total plant length and growth in biomass of the two species have potential as measures of toxicity. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Reach‐scale interactions between aquatic plants and physical habitat: River Frome, Dorset
Authors: Gurnell A. M. , van Oosterhout M. P. , de Vlieger B. , Goodson J. M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSubstrate and flow velocity are two key physical factors influencing the distribution of aquatic plants. These two controls are closely related and reflect interactions between flow regime, quantity and calibre of sediment supplied to and bounding river channels, and channel dimensions. Seasonal growth of aquatic plants has important impacts upon flow resistance, flow velocities and sediment dynamics.This paper focuses upon the reach scale and the aggregate impact of the seasonal growth of aquatic plants on the meso‐habitat characteristics of chalk rivers. It provides a contribution to the broader literature by illustrating how submerged and emergent macrophytes interact with one another at the reach scale to control flow patterns and the retention of fine sediment.The research was conducted within the River Frome, Dorset, UK. Four sets of observations from 2004 of the seasonal growth of aquatic plants, flow velocity behaviour and the storage of fine sediment are presented. Aggregate velocity behaviour over the four observation periods is classified using agglomerative, hierarchical cluster analysis. The spatial arrangement of patches exhibiting different aggregate velocity behaviour are explored and the degree to which velocity behaviour can be attributed to physical characteristics of patches and the growth of aquatic plants is discussed.Conclusions include: (i) patterns of aggregate velocity behaviour within reaches are strongly influenced by macrophyte growth; (ii) average fine sediment deposition is higher around emergents such as Sparganium erectum than submerged plants such as Ranunculus penicillatus subsp. pseudofluitans; (iii) complementary flow patterns evolve across the river channel as aquatic macrophytes grow and it appears that this allows marginal emergents to scavenge fine sediment from faster flow velocity threads that become diverted towards the channel edges. (iv) These processes are important for mesohabitat evolution and maintenance, and they also contribute to patterns of bank erosion and aggradation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time mandibular movement analysis system using four‐dimensional cranial bone model
Authors: Otake Yoshito , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki , Shigeta Yuko , Ogawa Takumi , Fukushima Shunji , Kobayashi Kaoru , Uchiyama Akihiko 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe analysis of jaw movement has long been used as a measure for clinical diagnosis and treatment of prosthodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. However, prior analysis methods focus on the trajectory of the mandible or nearby points, and involve analysis which assumes a standard human bone shape or analysis which takes into consideration a portion of the shape of the mandible or other bones. Anatomically accurate assessment of the shape and motion of the bones overall for each patient is problematic. The authors have combined the morphological information for the bones of each subject obtained from CTs and the information on the movement of the mandible obtained from infrared markers set up on the teeth, and developed a system that can visualize and analyze in real time the state of the temporomandibular joint using real‐time imaging technology. As a result, the three‐dimensional shape of the mandible overall and its movements over time can be analyzed in real time quantitatively; in other words, analysis of jaw movement in four dimensions is possible. This system can be used to clarify the cause of bone deformations thought to result in jaw movement abnormalities, to assess treatment options for patients with temporomandibular joint illness, and to provide explanations to patients. Moreover, through further validation of its precision, the system may also be used clinically as a navigation system for dental therapy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(8): 1–12, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20582
Chemical and thermo‐responsive characterisation of surfaces formed by plasma polymerisation of N‐isopropyl acrylamide
Authors: Bullett Nial A. , Talib Rosnita A. , Short Robert D. , McArthur Sally L. , Shard Alexander G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPlasma polymerisation of N ‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) presents an exciting route for the production of thermally responsive coatings on a wide variety of substrates for applications in tissue culture and microfluidics. One issue associated with the polymerisation of NIPAAm via plasma polymerisation is the limited volatility of the monomer and the subsequent requirement for monomer and reactor heating to create and maintain the vapour. It is already well established that power is critical in the balance between polymer functionality and coating stability in plasma polymers. However, little is known of how reactor and substrate temperatures may be used to influence the physico‐chemical characteristics of polymers produced from such low‐volatility monomers. In this paper, we examine the effects of a range of plasma deposition parameters on the functionality and stability of plasma‐polymerised NIPAAm surfaces. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), ellipsometry and contact angle goniometry have been used to examine coating chemistry, stability in aqueous environments, deposition rates and thermo‐responsive behaviour. Our results indicate that plasma polymerisation at low powers and low temperatures enhances the ability of plasma‐polymerised NIPAAm to display a wettability phase transition, but also contributes to instability of the coating to dissolution or delamination in water. Our spectroscopic measurements confirm that retention of the monomer structure is facilitated by low power and temperature deposition and reveal that conversion of the amide groups to amine and nitrile groups occurs during the polymerisation process, particularly at high discharge powers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of surface energetic heterogeneity of pure and poly (acrylic acid)‐adsorbed carbon nanotubes by deconvoluting the nitrogen adsorption isotherm
Authors: Juqing Cui , Haitao Shan , Baixing Hu , Jian Shen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe surface energetic heterogeneity of pure and poly (acrylic acid) (PAA)‐adsorbed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied by a nitrogen probe adsorption technique in a wide range of pressures. The adsorption energy distributions (AEDs) were calculated from the low‐pressure data of isotherms by deconvoluting the low‐pressure experimental nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The surface of pure CNTs is heterogeneous as its AED presents four peaks at 42, 52, 57 and 78 K. It is observed that the AED of CNTs can be evidently modified by PAA adsorption. While the PAA adsorption amount increases, the high‐energy peaks at 52, 57 and 78 K gradually weaken and diminish at last, whereas the low ones such as at 42 K strengthen and new peaks arise at 27 and 32 K. It is proposed that PAA molecules prefer interacting with and screening the higher energetic sites to the lower ones. It will facilitate the understanding of the polymer adsorption on energetic heterogeneity surfaces. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.