bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The context of embryonic development and its ethical relevance
Authors: Camporesi Silvia 
Published: August 2007

AbstractResearch on human stem cells and embryos creates ethical issues. Here I discuss ten frequently used arguments against research and point out their weaknesses. These arguments include the possessed potentiality of the embryo per se and, in contrast to other cell systems, the “slippery slope” argument, the right of disposal of parents, totipotency versus pluripotency, the burden of proof for research, natural versus artificial, and three arguments based on the precaution principle (the open biological questions, uncertainty regarding clinically applicable therapies, and the problem solving rule). I finally suggest a different answer to the ethical questions concerning research on human embryos and embryonic stem cells, which takes into consideration their biological context.
Talking biotech with the public
Authors: Brauerhoch Frank‐Olaf , Ewen Christoph , Sinemus Kristina 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn the estimation of risks involved in complex technical applications, such as, for example, gene technology or nanotechnology, the problem of communication between science and the wider society becomes evident. The path towards transparent, authentic and credible communication must be built upon the reconciliation of the risk perceptions of the scientist – and of his or her institution – with the corresponding ideas of risk and communication existing in the society. Additionally, to accomplish goal‐oriented discourse within the public sphere and to realistically assess his or her effective options when addressing this public, the scientist is faced with the necessity of reflecting upon his or her own determining assumptions on the condition, constitution and functionalities of this “public”. Combined with the use of modern tools – and supported with supplementary coaching and organizational consultation – such a foundation allows the establishment of targeted communication with specific groups.
Portals, blogs and co.: the role of the Internet as a medium of science communication
Authors: Minol Klaus , Spelsberg Gerd , Schulte Elisabeth , Morris Nicholas 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWhile the use of the Internet for the exchange of scientific data was characterised by exclusivity during its pioneer era, the active employment of the medium today, by a broad social spectrum of users in the exchange of information, for dialogue and in the accumulation of knowledge, displays an almost unbounded inclusion. Blo and online encyclopaedias based on the 'Wikipedia' model have contributed to the formation of a marketplace in which the free expression of opinions and the relaying of information occur. Counted among the ideas which have been popularised in the wake of this phenomenon, “lay journalism” and the “wisdom of the masses” are seen to be integral to the new 'web 2.0'. Consequently, the ever‐increasing information disseminated in the web has been diluted in quality and authenticity, resulting in the presentation of new challenges to online science journalism. In reference to the public debate surrounding green gene technology, the communications platform bioSicherheit.de, which receives more than one million visitors per year, will be examined as an example of an agent that retrieves and mobilises information on biological safety research and that successfully has established itself as an intermediary between the scientific community and the broader public.
Production of plant sesquiterpenes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Effect of ERG9 repression on sesquiterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Asadollahi Mohammad A. , Maury Jérôme , Møller Kasper , Nielsen Kristian Fog , Schalk Michel , Clark Anthony , Nielsen Jens 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was chosen as a microbial host for heterologous biosynthesis of three different plant sesquiterpenes, namely valencene, cubebol, and patchoulol. The volatility and low solubility of the sesquiterpenes were major practical problems for quantification of the excreted sesquiterpenes. In situ separation of sesquiterpenes in a two‐phase fermentation using dodecane as the secondary phase was therefore performed in order to enable quantitative evaluation of different strains. In order to enhance the availability of the precursor for synthesis of sesquiterpenes, farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), the ERG9 gene which is responsible for conversion of FPP to squalene was downregulated by replacing the native ERG9 promoter with the regulatable MET3 promoter combined with addition of 2 mM methionine to the medium. This strategy led to a reduced ergosterol content of the cells and accumulation of FPP derived compounds like target sesquiterpenes and farnesol. Adjustment of the methionine level during fermentations prevented relieving MET3 promoter repression and resulted in further improved sesquiterpene production. Thus, the final titer of patchoulol and farnesol in the ERG9 downregulated strain reached 16.9 and 20.2 mg/L, respectively. The results obtained in this study revealed the great potential of yeast as a cell factory for production of sesquiterpenes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 666–677. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bismuth dimercaptopropanol (BisBAL) inhibits the expression of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins by Brevundimonas diminuta: Implications for membrane microfiltration
Authors: Badireddy Appala Raju , Chellam Shankararaman , Yanina Svetlana , Gassman Paul , Rosso Kevin M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA 2:1 molar ratio preparation of bismuth with a lipophilic dithiol (3‐dimercapto‐1‐propanol, BAL) significantly reduced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) expression by Brevundimonas diminuta in suspended cultures at levels just below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Total polysaccharides and proteins secreted by B. diminuta decreased by approximately 95% over a 5‐day period when exposed to the bismuth‐BAL chelate (BisBAL) at near MIC (12 µM). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested that a possible mechanism of biofilm disruption by BisBAL is the inhibition of carbohydrate O‐acetylation. FTIR also revealed extensive homology between EPS samples with and without BisBAL treatment, with proteins, polysaccharides, and peptides varying predominantly only in the amount expressed. EPS secretion decreased following BisBAL treatment as verified by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Without BisBAL treatment, a slime‐like EPS matrix secreted by B. diminuta resulted in biofouling and inefficient hydrodynamic backwashing of microfiltration membranes. Bioeng. 2008;99: 634–643. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lentiviruses inefficiently incorporate human parainfluenza type 3 envelope proteins
Authors: Jung Cindy , Le Doux Joseph M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe have previously shown that the envelope glycoproteins of human parainfluenza type 3 (HPIV3), F and HN, are able to pseudotype lentiviruses, but the titers of these viruses are too low for use in clinical gene transfer. In this study we investigated the cause of these low titers. We compared the mRNA and protein expression levels of HN and F in transfected cells and in cells infected with wild‐type HPIV3. Transfected cells contained similar levels of HN and F cytosolic mRNA, but fewer cell‐surface HN and F proteins (3.8‐ and 1.3‐fold less, respectively), than cells infected with wild‐type HPIV3. To increase expression of HN in transfected cells, we codon‐optimized HN and used it to transfect lentivirus producer cells. Cell surface expression of HN, as well as the amount of HN incorporated into virus particles, increased two‐ to threefold. Virus titers increased 1.2‐ to 6.4‐fold, and the transduction efficiency of polarized MDCK cells via their apical surfaces increased 1.4‐fold. Interestingly, even though codon optimization improved the expression levels of HN and virus titers, we found that HPIV3 pseudotyped viruses contained about 14‐fold fewer envelope proteins than lentiviruses pseudotyped with the amphotropic envelope protein. Taken together, our findings suggest that titers are low, not because virus producer cells express levels of HPIV3 envelope proteins that are too low, but because too few of these proteins are incorporated by the lentiviruses for them to be able to efficiently transduce cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008; 99; 1016–1027. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of cell‐enclosing hollow‐core agarose microcapsules via jetting in water‐immiscible liquid paraffin and formation of embryoid body‐like spherical tissues from mouse ES cells enclosed within these microcapsules
Authors: Sakai Shinji , Hashimoto Ichiro , Kawakami Koei 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe developed agarose microcapsules with a single hollow core templated by alginate microparticles using a jet‐technique. We extruded an agarose aqueous solution containing suspended alginate microparticles into a coflowing stream of liquid paraffin and controlled the diameter of the agarose microparticles by changing the flow rate of the liquid paraffin. Subsequent degradation of the inner alginate microparticles using alginate lyase resulted in the hollow‐core structure. We successfully obtained agarose microcapsules with 20–50 µm of agarose gel layer thickness and hollow cores ranging in diameter from ca. 50 to 450 µm. Using alginate microparticles of ca. 150 µm in diameter and enclosing feline kidney cells, we were able to create cell‐enclosing agarose microcapsules with a hollow core of ca. 150 µm in diameter. The cells in these microcapsules grew much faster than those in alginate microparticles. In addition, we enclosed mouse embryonic stem cells in agarose microcapsules. The embryonic stem cells began to self‐aggregate in the core just after encapsulation, and subsequently grew and formed embryoid body‐like spherical tissues in the hollow core of the microcapsules. These results show that our novel microcapsule production technique and the resultant microcapsules have potential for tissue engineering, cell therapy and biopharmaceutical applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 235–243. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐native protein aggregation kinetics
Authors: Roberts Christopher J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractExperimental kinetics of non‐native protein aggregation are of practical importance in that they help dictate viable processing, formulation, and storage conditions for biotechnology products, and appear to play a role in determining the onset of a number of diseases. Fundamentally, aggregation kinetics provide insights into the identity of key intermediates in the process, and quantitative tests of available models of aggregation. Although aggregation kinetics often display seemingly disparate behaviors across different proteins and sample conditions, this review illustrates how many of these can be understood within a general framework that treats aggregation as a multi‐stage process, and how most available kinetic models of aggregation can be grouped hierarchically in terms of which stage(s) they include. This provides an aid for workers seeking a mechanistic interpretation of in vitro aggregation kinetics, for discriminating among competing models, and in designing experiments to assess in vitro protein stability. Limitations and the utility of purely kinetic approaches to studying aggregation, clarifications of common misperceptions regarding experimental aggregation kinetics, and some outstanding challenges in the field are briefly discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 927–938. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical prognostic scoring system to aid decision-making in gastro-oesophageal cancer
Authors: Deans D A C , Wigmore S J , de Beaux A C , Paterson-Brown S , Garden O J , Fearon K C H 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackgroundAccurate prediction of prognosis in gastro-oesophageal cancer remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a robust model for outcome prediction.MethodsThe study included 220 patients with gastric or oesophageal cancer newly diagnosed over a 2-year period. Patients were staged and underwent treatment following discussion at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. Clinical and investigative variables were collected, including performance and nutritional status, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Primary endpoints were death within 12 and 24 months.ResultsOverall median survival was 13 months. Advanced clinical stage (P &lt; 0·001), reduced performance score (P &lt; 0·001), weight loss exceeding 2·75 per cent per month (P = 0·026) and serum CRP concentration above 5 mg/l (P = 0·031) were identified as independent prognostic indicators in multivariable analysis. A prognostic score was constructed using these four variables to estimate a probability of death. Applying the model gave an area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve of 0·84 and 0·85 for prediction of death at 12 and 24 months respectively (both P &lt; 0·001).ConclusionThis model accurately estimated the probability of death within 12 and 24 months. This may aid the MDT decision-making process.
Effects of thyroxine replacement on lipid profile and endothelial function after thyroidectomy
Authors: Erbil Y , Özbey N , Giriş M , Salmaslıoğlu A , Özarmağan S , Tezelman S 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effects of l-thyroxine replacement therapy on lipid profile and endothelial function after thyroidectomy in patients with overt transient non-autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Methods
Twenty-two patients with non-toxic multinodular goitre treated by total or near-total thyroidectomy and 22 healthy individuals matched for age, sex and body mass index were studied. Lipid profile and endothelial function were determined in each patient at the euthyroid phase before thyroidectomy (stage 1), the hypothyroid phase 3 weeks after surgery (stage 2), and the euthyroid phase 3 months (stage 3) and 6 months (stage 4) after the start of thyroxine treatment.

Results
The lipid profile and endothelial function deteriorated between stage 1 and stages 2 and 3. Findings at stage 4 were similar to those at stage 1. There was a positive correlation between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total cholesterol (rs = 0·588, P &lt; 0·001), and a negative correlation between serum TSH and flow-mediated arterial dilatation (rs = 0·506, P &lt; 0·001). Total cholesterol and TSH were independent determinants of endothelial function.

Conclusion
A 3-week hypothyroid period after thyroidectomy led to a more atherogenic lipid profile and impaired endothelial function that persisted for at least 3 months.
Liquid‐Phase Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Catalyzed by Pt/ZrO2
Authors: Ilyas M. , Sadiq M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe oxidation of benzyl alcohol by molecular oxygen in the liquid phase and catalyzed by Pt/ZrO2 using n‐heptane as the solvent was studied. Pt/ZrO2 was very active and 100 % selective for benzyl alcohol conversion to benzaldehyde. The catalyst can be separated by filtration and reused. No leaching of Pt or Zr into the solution was observed. Typical batch reactor kinetic data were obtained and fitted to the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood, Eley‐Rideal and Mars‐van Krevelen models of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. The Langmuir‐Hinshelwood model was found to give a better fit. The rate‐determining step was proposed to involve direct interaction of an adsorbed oxidizing species with the adsorbed reactant or an intermediate product of the reactant. H2O2 was also proposed to be an intermediate product. n‐Heptane was found to be an appropriate solvent in this reaction system.
Bedeutung der Dynamik der Rektifikation und deren Einbindung in die Ingenieurausbildung
Authors: Landwehr B. , Trägner U. K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractStetige Rektifikationsprozesse werden meist nur auf der Basis stationärer Modelle ausgelegt. Zur Verbesserung der Regelung, einer Optimierung des Anfahrens oder für das Verständnis des Betriebsverhaltens gekoppelter Anlagenstrukturen ist jedoch die Untersuchung des dynamischen Verhaltens meist unverzichtbar. Damit kann der Energieeinsatz reduziert und die Produktqualität sowie die Betriebsstabilität gesichert werden. Der folgende Artikel stellt die Modelle der dynamischen Kolonnensimulation, deren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und eine Einbindung dieses wichtigen Themas in eine praxisnahe Lehre dar.
Novel structural and functional findings of the ehFLN protein from Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Díaz‐Valencia Juan Daniel , Almaraz‐Barrera Ma de Jesús , Jay David , Hernández‐Cuevas Nora Adriana , García Elizabeth , González‐De la Rosa Claudia H , Arias‐Romero Luis Enrique , Hernandez‐Rivas Rosaura , Rojo‐Domínguez Arturo , Guillén Nancy , Vargas Miguel 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe ehFLN protein (previously known as EhABP‐120) is the first filamin to be identified in the parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Filamins are a family of cross‐linking actin‐binding proteins that organize filamentous actin in networks and stress fibers. It has been reported that filamins of different organisms directly interact with more than 30 cellular proteins and some PPIs. The biochemical consequences of such interactions may have either positive or negative effects on the cross‐linking function. Besides, filamins form a link between cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. In this work, the ehFLN protein was biochemically characterized; amoebae filamin was found to associate with both PA and PI(3)P in vitro, new lipid targets for a member of the filamins. By molecular modeling analysis and protein‐lipid overlay assays, K‐609, 709, and 710 were determined to be essential for the PA‐ehFLN1 complex stability. Also, the integrity of the 4th repeat of ehFLN is essential to keep interaction with the PI(3)P. Transfected trophozoites that overexpressed the d100, d50NH2, and d50COOH regions of ehFLN1 displayed both increased motility and chemotactic response to TYI‐S‐33 media. Together, these results suggest that short regions of ehFLN are involved in signaling events that, in cooperation with phosphatidic acid, EhPLD2 and EhPI3K, could promote cell motility. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
G protein βγ subunits interact with αβ‐ and γ‐tubulin and play a role in microtubule assembly in PC12 cells
Authors: Montoya Valentina , Gutierrez Christina , Najera Omar , Leony Denisse , Varela‐Ramirez Armando , Popova Juliana , Rasenick Mark M. , Das Siddhartha , Roychowdhury Sukla 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe βγ subunit of G proteins (Gβγ) is known to transfer signals from cell surface receptors to intracellular effector molecules. Recent results suggest that Gβγ also interacts with microtubules and is involved in the regulation of the mitotic spindle. In the current study, the anti‐microtubular drug nocodazole was employed to investigate the mechanism by which Gβγ interacts with tubulin and its possible implications in microtubule assembly in cultured PC12 cells. Nocodazole‐induced depolymerization of microtubules drastically inhibited the interaction between Gβγ and tubulin. Gβγ was preferentially bound to microtubules and treatment with nocodazole suggested that the dissociation of Gβγ from microtubules is an early step in the depolymerization process. When microtubules were allowed to recover after removal of nocodazole, the tubulin‐Gβγ interaction was restored. Unlike Gβγ, however, the interaction between tubulin and the α subunit of the Gs protein (Gsα) was not inhibited by nocodazole, indicating that the inhibition of tubulin‐Gβγ interactions during microtubule depolymerization is selective. We found that Gβγ also interacts with γ‐tubulin, colocalizes with γ‐tubulin in centrosomes, and co‐sediments in centrosomal fractions. The interaction between Gβγ and γ‐tubulin was unaffected by nocodazole, suggesting that the Gβγ‐γ‐tubulin interaction is not dependent on assembled microtubules. Taken together, our results suggest that Gβγ may play an important and definitive role in microtubule assembly and/or stability. We propose that βγ‐microtubule interaction is an important step for G protein‐mediated cell activation. These results may also provide new insights into the mechanism of action of anti‐microtubule drugs. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dehydrogenation Reaction for NaOH System: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Bo , Shi Si‐Qi , Ke Xue‐Zhi , Han Song , Shioyama Hiroshi , Kuriyama Nobuhiro , Kobayashi Tetsuhiko , Xu Qiang 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe crystal structures, electronic, dielectric, and vibrational properties of NaH, Na2O and NaOH are systematically investigated by first‐principles calculations and the quasiharmonic approximation. The phonon dispersion relations and the phonon density of states of the phases and their thermodynamic functions including the heat capacity, the vibrational enthalpy, and the vibrational entropy are calculated using a direct force‐constant method. Based on these results, the dehydrogenation reaction, NaH+NaOH→H2+Na2O, is predicted to take place at 528 K, which is in agreement with the experimental observed value.
Protein kinase C δ is a critical regulator of CD1d‐mediated antigen presentation
Authors: Brutkiewicz Randy R. , Willard Claire A. , Gillett‐Heacock Kristin K. , Pawlak M. Robert , Bailey Jennifer C. , Khan Masood A. , Nagala Manjula , Du Wenjun , Gervay‐Hague Jacquelyn , Renukaradhya Gourapura J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe have recently demonstrated that the p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases play reciprocal roles in the control of CD1d‐mediated antigen presentation. Although the use of specific inhibitors for these pathways clearly had an effect, the effects were not complete, leading to speculations that additional pathways were involved. Here, we show that inhibiting protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) substantially impairs antigen presentation by murine CD1d1 to NKT cells. This effect was accompanied by marked changes in the intracellular localization of CD1d. Expression of a dominant‐negative mutant of PKCδ in CD1d+ cells resulted in nearly undetectable endogenous antigen presentation, substantially impaired CD1d recycling, a decrease in MAPK activation, and a decrease in the ability to present low (but not high) concentrations of α‐galactosylceramide at the cell surface. These data strongly suggest that PKCδ is a critical regulator of CD1d‐mediated antigen presentation and is involved in multiple steps of the process.
Identification and isolation of murine antigen‐reactive T cells according to CD154 expression
Authors: Kirchhoff Dennis , Frentsch Marco , Leclerk Patrick , Bumann Dirk , Rausch Sebastian , Hartmann Susanne , Thiel Andreas , Scheffold Alexander 
Published: August 2007

AbstractT helper (Th) cells are central regulators of adaptive immune responses. However, the detection of the small number of Th cells specific for a particular antigen or pathogen is still a major challenge. CD154 was recently introduced as a marker for antigen‐specific Th cells. To date, this technology was not applicable for mice – arguably the most important immunological model system. CD154 is difficult to detect due to its rapid removal from the cell surface upon binding to CD40 during antigen‐specific activation by APC. We present an efficient strategy to block the degradation of murine CD154 by combined use of antibodies against CD40 and CD154. This strategy makes CD154 easily accessible for surface staining, which allows isolation and expansion of rare antigen specific T cells. Importantly, CD154 identified all specific T cells in strongly Th1‐ or Th2‐polarized immune responses against pathogens like Salmonella typhimurium and Heligmosomoides polygyrus, independent of their potential to produce cytokines. We demonstrate that CD154 can in fact be used as a reliable marker for antigen‐specific CD4 T cells in mice, offering a unique option to analyze, isolate and rapidly expand the entire pool of Th‐cells generated during a physiological T cell response in vivo.