bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Protein-Protein Interactions in the Alkanesulfonate Monooxygenase System from
Escherichia coli
Authors: Abdurachim Kholis , Ellis Holly R. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
The two-component alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system utilizes reduced flavin as a substrate to catalyze a unique desulfonation reaction during times of sulfur starvation. The importance of protein-protein interactions in the mechanism of flavin transfer was analyzed in these studies. The results from affinity chromatography and cross-linking experiments support the formation of a stable complex between the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase (SsuE) and monooxygenase (SsuD). Interactions between the two proteins do not lead to overall conformational changes in protein structure, as indicated by the results from circular dichroism spectroscopy in the far-UV region. However, subtle changes in the flavin environment of FMN-bound SsuE that occur in the presence of SsuD were identified by circular dichroism spectroscopy in the visible region. These data are supported by the results from fluorescent spectroscopy experiments, where a dissociation constant of 0.0022 ± 0.0010 μM was obtained for the binding of SsuE to SsuD. Based on these studies, the stoichiometry for protein-protein interactions is proposed to involve a 1:1 monomeric association of SsuE with SsuD.
HLA Class I Binding Promiscuity of the CD8 T-Cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Protein
Authors: Nakagawa Mayumi , Kim Kevin H. , Gillam Tiffany M. , Moscicki Anna-Barbara 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTOne of the critical steps in the progression to cervical cancer appears to be the establishment of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We have demonstrated that the lack of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to HPV type 16 (HPV 16) E6 protein was associated with persistence and that the potential presence of dominant CD8 T-cell epitopes was most frequently found (n= 4 of 23) in the E6 16-40 region by examining the pattern of CD8 T-cell epitopes within the E6 protein in women who had cleared their HPV 16 infections. The goal of this study was to define the minimal/optimal amino acid sequences and the HLA restricting molecules of these dominant CD8 T-cell epitopes as well as those of subdominant ones if present. Three dominant epitopes, E6 29-38 (TIHDIILECV; restricted by the HLA-A0201 molecule), E6 29-37 (TIHDIILEC; restricted by B48), and E6 31-38 (HDIILECV; restricted by B4002), and one subdominant epitope, E6 52-61 (FAFRDLCIVY; restricted by B35) were characterized. Taken together with a previously described dominant epitope, E6 52-61 (FAFRDLCIVY; restricted by B57), the CD8 T-cell epitopes demonstrated striking HLA class I binding promiscuity. All of these epitopes were endogenously processed, but the presence of only two of the five epitopes could have been predicted based on the known binding motifs. The HLA class I promiscuity which has been described for human immunodeficiency virus may be more common than previously recognized.
Variable Deficiencies in the Interferon Response Enhance Susceptibility to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Oncolytic Actions in Glioblastoma Cells but Not in Normal Human Glial Cells
Authors: Wollmann Guido , Robek Michael D. , van den Pol Anthony N. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
With little improvement in the poor prognosis for humans with high-grade glioma brain tumors, alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. As such, selective replication-competent oncolytic viruses may be useful as a potential treatment modality. Here we test the hypothesis that defects in the interferon (IFN) pathway could be exploited to enhance the selective oncolytic profile of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in glioblastoma cells. Two green fluorescent protein-expressing VSV strains, recombinant VSV and the glioma-adapted recombinant VSV-rp30a, were used to study infection of a variety of human glioblastoma cell lines compared to a panel of control cells, including normal human astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and primary explant cultures from human brain tissue. Infection rate, cell viability, viral replication, and IFN-α/β-related gene expression were compared in the absence and presence of IFN-α or polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a synthetic inducer of the IFN-α/β pathway. Both VSV strains caused rapid and total infection and death of all tumor cell lines tested. To a lesser degree, normal cells were also subject to VSV infection. In contrast, IFN-α or poly(I:C) completely attenuated the infection of all primary control brain cells, whereas most glioblastoma cell lines treated with IFN-α or poly(I:C) showed little or no sign of protection and were killed by VSV. Together, our results demonstrate that activation of the interferon pathway protects normal human brain cells from VSV infection while maintaining the vulnerability of human glioblastoma cells to viral destruction.
β3-Adrenergic eNOS stimulation in left ventricular murine myocardium
Authors: Brixius Klara , Bloch Wilhelm , Ziskoven Christoph , Bölck Birgit , Napp Andreas , Pott Christian , Steinritz Dirk , Jiminez Maria , Addicks Klaus , Giacobino Jean-Paul , Schwinger Robert H.G. 
Published: November 2006

This study investigates mechanisms underlying β3-adrenergic activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in myocardial tissue of wild-type (WT) and β3-adrenoceptor knockout (β3-KNO) mice, in the absence and presence of BRL 37344 (BRL), the preferential β3-adrenoceptor selective agonist. Nitric oxide (NO)-liberation was measured after the application of BRL (10 µmol/L), using fluorescence dye diaminofluorescein (DAF), in left ventricular cardiac preparations. Phosphorylation of eNOSSer1177, eNOSThr495, eNOSSer114, and eNOS translocation, and alterations of 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (a parameter for reactive oxygen radical generation), after application of BRL (10 µmol/L), were studied using immunohistochemical stainings in isolated, electrically stimulated (1 Hz) right atrial (RA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardium. An increased NO release after BRL application (10 µmol/L) was observed in the RA and LV myocardial tissue of WT mice, but not in β3-KNO mice. This NO liberation in WT mice was paralleled by an increased eNOSSer1177, but not eNOSThr495, phosphorylation. A cytosolic eNOS translocation was observed after the application of BRL (10 µmol/L) only in the RA myocardial tissue of WT mice. A BRL (10 µmol/L)-dependent increase in eNOSSer114 phosphorylation was observed only in the LV myocardial tissue of WT mice; this was paralleled by an increase in 8-isoprostaglandin F2α. In murine myocardium, 3 β3-adrenoceptor-dependent activation pathways for eNOS exist (i.e., a translocation and phosphorylation of eNOSSer1177 and eNOSSer114). These pathways are used in a regional-dependent manner. β3-adrenergic oxygen-derived free radical production might be important in situations of enhanced β3-adrenoceptor activation, as has been described in human heart failure.
Amygdala adenosine A1 receptors have no anticonvulsant effect on piriform cortex-kindled seizures in rat
Authors: Shahabi Parviz , Mirnajafi-Zadeh Javad , Fathollahi Yaghoub , Hoseinmardi Narges , Rezvani Mohammad Ebrahim , Eslami-far Ali 
Published: November 2006

Adenosine is an endogenous anticonvulsant that exerts its effects through A1 receptors. As the piriform/amygdala is a critical circuit for limbic seizure propagation, in this study, the role of basolateral amygdala A1 receptors on piriform cortex (PC)-kindled seizures was investigated. Rats were kindled by daily electrical stimulation of PC. In fully kindled animals, bilateral intra-amygdala N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA; 10–500 µmol/L, a selective A1 receptor agonist) had no effect on kindled-seizure parameters. However, bilateral intra-amygdala 2% lidocaine (reversal neuronal inhibitor) reduced the kindled seizure severity. There was significant increase in stage 4 latency and decrease in stage 5 duration. Bilateral lesion of basolateral amygdala of kindled animals (by electrical DC current) reduced the kindled seizure severity more dramatically. Our results showed afterdischarge duration, stage 5 duration, and seizure duration were decreased and stage 4 latency increased significantly. In addition, daily intra-amygdala CHA had no significant effect on PC kindling acquisition. Therefore, it may be concluded that although the basolateral amygdala neuronal activity has a critical role in the propagation of epileptic seizures from PC, the amygdala A1 receptors have no role in this regard. On the other hand, amygdala A1 receptors have no anticonvulsant or antiepileptogenic effect on PC-kindled seizures.
Phosphorylation by DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Is Critical for Apoptosis Induction by Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3
Authors: Cobb Laura J. , Liu Bingrong , Lee Kuk-Wha , Cohen Pinchas 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) promotes apoptosis of cancer cells by both IGF-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms. In vitro phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) has been reported but with unknown functional relevance. Using a chemical inhibitor for DNA-PK in prostate cancer cells and a paired system of glioblastoma cell lines that either lack or express DNA-PK, we show that the apoptosis-promoting and growth-inhibitory actions of IGFBP-3 are completely abrogated in the absence of catalytically active DNA-PK. In the absence of DNA-PK activity, IGFBP-3 has reduced nuclear accumulation and is unable to bind its nuclear binding partner retinoid X receptor (RXR) α. We assessed the importance of the three potential DNA-PK phosphorylation sites in IGFBP-3 using PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis. When transfected into 22RV1 cells, IGFBP-3-S165A and IGFBP-3-T170A functioned in an identical manner to wild-type IGFBP-3 to induce apoptosis. In contrast, IGFBP-3-S156A was unable to promote apoptosis and exhibited reduced nuclear accumulation, suggesting a key role for DNA-PK-dependent phosphorylation in the regulation of IGFBP-3 action. These studies reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for the actions of IGFBP-3 in prostate cancer and show phosphorylation of Ser156 to be functionally critical in its apoptosis-inducing actions. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10878-84)
Oncogenic Serine-Threonine Kinase Receptor-Associated Protein Modulates the Function of Ewing Sarcoma Protein through a Novel Mechanism
Authors: Anumanthan Govindaraj , Halder Sunil K. , Friedman David B. , Datta Pran K. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Although much is known about the oncogenic functions of chimeric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) fusion proteins that result from chromosomal translocations, the cellular role of the normal EWS protein is not well characterized. We have previously identified a WD domain–containing protein, serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), which inhibits transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling through interaction with receptors and Smad7 and promotes growth and enhances tumorigenicity. Here, we report the interaction between STRAP and EWS using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight and tandem mass spectrometry. Although STRAP is localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus, nuclear STRAP colocalizes and associates specifically with EWS in the nucleus through its NH2 and COOH termini. We have found that normal EWS protein is up-regulated in human cancers, which correlates with the up-regulation of STRAP in 71% of colorectal cancers and 54% of lung cancers, suggesting a cooperative role of these two proteins in human cancers. TGF-β has no effect on STRAP and EWS interaction. However, EWS, like STRAP, attenuates TGF-β-dependent transcription. STRAP inhibits EWS-dependent p300-mediated transactivation of EWS target genes, such as ApoCIII and c-fos, in a TGF-β-independent manner. Interestingly, we have shown that STRAP blocks the interaction between EWS and p300, whereas the complex formation between STRAP and EWS is not affected by p300. These results suggest that STRAP inhibits the transactivation function of EWS by displacing p300 from the functional transcriptional complex. Thus, this study provides a novel TGF-β-independent function of STRAP and describes a mechanism by which STRAP regulates the function of oncogenic EWS protein. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10824-32)
Comparison of PrASE and Pyrosequencing for SNP Genotyping
Authors: Käller Max , Hultin Emilie , Holmberg Kristina , Persson Marie-Louise , Odeberg Jacob , Lundeberg Joakim , Ahmadian Afshin 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
There is an imperative need for SNP genotyping technologies that are cost-effective per sample with retained high accuracy, throughput and flexibility. We have developed a microarray-based technique and compared it to Pyrosequencing. In the protease-mediated allele-specific extension (PrASE), the protease constrains the elongation reaction and thus prevents incorrect nucleotide incorporation to mismatched 3'-termini primers.

Results
The assay is automated for 48 genotyping reactions in parallel followed by a tag-microarray detection system. A script automatically visualizes the results in cluster diagrams and assigns the genotypes. Ten polymorphic positions suggested as prothrombotic genetic variations were analyzed with Pyrosequencing and PrASE technologies in 442 samples and 99.8 % concordance was achieved. In addition to accuracy, the robustness and reproducibility of the technique has been investigated.

Conclusion
The results of this study strongly indicate that the PrASE technology can offer significant improvements in terms of accuracy and robustness and thereof increased number of typeable SNPs.
Suppliers in the privatised UK wastewater market and their possible moves towards integrated solutions
Authors: Windahl Charlotta 
Published: November 2006

An increasing number of companies in the capital goods industry are turning towards new strategies where the focus is to add value for customers by providing integrated solutions (combining products and services), instead of selling components, spare parts and support services. These new strategies represent moves in the value chain and create a need for new business models as well as new competencies.
In this paper, the fairly new concept of integrated solutions is explored in the context of a privatised industry. The findings are based on empirical case studies carried out at two companies supplying products and services to the UK wastewater industry. In the UK, both water companies and their suppliers are influenced by economic and environmental regulations, an increased focus on cost, and outsourcing. On one hand, the two manufacturers have increased their competence with respect to system integration and operational services – competencies for supplying integrated solutions. On the other hand, a fragmented and vertically structured market with a multitude of different actors increases the distance between the water companies and the manufacturers. In addition, the division of the industry into a capital and operational side complicates the coordination between new sales and services.
Novel hydrolyzable and biodegradable cationic gemini surfactants: 1,3‐bis[(acyloxyalkyl)‐dimethylammonio]‐2‐hydroxypropane dichloride
Authors: Tatsumi Taiga , Zhang Wanbin , Kida Toshiyuki , Nakatsuji Yohji , Ono Daisuke , Takeda Tokuji , Ikeda Isao 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNovel cationic gemini surfactants, 1,3‐bis[(acyloxyalkyl)dimethylammonio]‐2‐hydroxypropane dichloride, which possess hydrolyzable oxycarbonyl moieties in the lipophilic portions, were prepared. These surfactants showed much better micelle‐forming ability, ability to lower surface tension, foaming ability, and foam stability than corresponding single‐chain surfactants. Their surface properties were largely influenced by changing the position of the oxycarbonyl group in the lipophilic moiety. The critical micelle concentration decreased with a decreasing number of methylene units in the linking moiety between the ammonio and the oxycarbonyl groups within the comparison of lipophilic chains of the same length. These cationic gemini surfactants also showed good biodegradability.
Phase behavior and detergency study of lauryl alcohol ethoxylates with high ethylene oxide content
Authors: Goel Satish K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNonionic surfactants such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates have been extensively used in many detergent applications, because of their high calcium ion tolerance, low critical micelle concentrations, and mildness. Although ethoxylates containing high ethylene oxide (EO) content (EO>10 moles) score higher than their low‐FO counterparts on many of these desired properties, they have not been studied adequately in the context of detergency, primarily because their cloud points (CP) are higher than normal wash temperatures, typically >100°C, and thus cannot be measured. However, once the CP are manipulated appropriately using salting‐out electrolytes, these surfactants can offer certain distinct advantages in terms of their molecular and phase structure. We have studied the phase structure and clouding behavior of tetradecyl ethylene‐oxide mono dodecyl alcohol (C12EO14), a broad‐range ethoxylate, as a function of the concentrations of various electrolytes. We found that, beyond a certain critical concentration, the CP decreases monotonically with increasing salt concentration. For sodium salts of various anions, the CP depression is inversely proportional to the lyotropic number of the anion. Similarly, for chloride salts of various cations, CP depression is inversely proporitional to the lyotropic number of the cation However, the effect of changing anion is stronger than that of changing cation. A micrograph of a water penetration scan at room temperature indicates the presence of isotropic L1; hexagonal, isotropic L2; and solid phases with increasing surfactant concentration. As is the case with low‐FO nonionics, a maximum in detergency of model oily soils was found to correlate well with the minimum in oil/water interfacial tension when plotted vs. temperature. Ross Miles foam height increases with increasing concentration of salt.
Kinetics of precipitation of surfactants. I. Anionic surfactants with calcium and with cationic surfactants
Authors: Rodriguez Cheryl H. , Lowery Lori H. , Scamehorn John F. , Harwell Jeffrey H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIsoperibol calorimetry was used to measure the rates of precipitation for aqueous solutions of several anionic surfactants with calcium and of anionic and cationic surfactants. A monomer concentration‐dependent supersaturation ratio was used to describe the relative rates of precipitation for the surfactant systems studied. This supersaturation ratio allows for the relative rates of precipitation of any surfactant solution to be compared whether micelles are present in solution or not. In general, as the supersaturation ratio increases, the rate of precipitation decreases and the induction time decreases, bot above and below the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The rate of precipitation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with dodecyl pyridinium chloride is much slower than the rate of precipitation of the anionic surfactants with calcium for similar supersaturation ratios. The rate of precipitation of SDS with calcium is slightly faster than the rate of precipitation of sodium octyl benzene sulfonate for similar supersaturation ratios. Studies of precipitate crystals, conducted using image analysis, showed that size and shape dependent on the initial supersaturation, the precipitating surfactant molecule, and the extent of aging (until an equilibrium size and shape was reached). Also, differences in the appearance of crystals formed from solutions above and below the CMC were observed. These were most likely due to the difference in supersaturation of these solutions. The crystals formed due to precipitation of SDS with calcium at a concentration above the CMC formed flat trapezoidal, rhombic and hexagonal shapes. These aged into clusters by 1 wk. For a solution that was precipitated at concentrations beginning below the CMC, the crystals began as elongated and rhombic flat plates and aged into trapezoidal, rhombic, and needle‐like structures.
Kinetics of precipitation of surfactants. II. Anionic surfactant mixtures
Authors: Rodriguez Cheryl H. , Scamehorn John F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPrecipitation kinetics were measured for calcium‐induced precipitation of mixtures of two anionic surfactants. The overall time required for precipitation to occur increased dramatically in specific ranges of compositions for the surfactant mixtures when compared to single components. Adsorption of the nonprecipitating surfactant onto the precipitate surface was shown to be responsible for this remarkable synergism. The higher the supersaturation of surfactant monomers, the more rapidly precipitation occurred. Under conditions where both surfactants were supersaturated, precipitation sometimes occurred in stepwise fashion, where crystals of different composition were formed with different induction times. Image analysis of the crystalline precipitate showed that crystal habit was affected when the two surfactants were mixed, indicating that processes such as adsorption and coprecipitation (most likely by inclusion) were occurring. When the crystals were allowed to age in solution for a period of 1 wk, the crystalline phase from the mixed surfactant solutions was found to separate into two types of crystals, which resembled week‐old crystals formed from single surfactant systems.
Synthesis and application of polymeric fluorescent whitening agents
Authors: Liu Yun , Guo Guangxun , Zhang Jun , Sun Yu E 
Published: November 2006

AbstractFrom p‐toluic acid, a series of polymeric fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) was synthesized. In the paper are given the details for the synthesis of the FWA and their intermediates. The products are water‐dispersible or water‐soluble, have good affinity with hydrophobic fabrics, affect the soil‐releasing effect on polyester, soiled or aged cotton fabrics, and can be incorporated into concentrated fabric conditioner, a product type using FWA that is being developed. Polymeric FWA add excellent brightness to polyester and soiled or aged cotton for which the usual anionic FWA have little effect.
Effects of various nutritional supplements on biosurfactant production by a strain of Bacillus subtilis at 45°C
Authors: Makkar R. S. , Cameotra S. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEffects of various factors on growth and biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis MTCC 2423 were studied. Sucrose (2%) and potassium nitrate (0.3%) were the best carbon and nitrogen sources. The addition of various metal supplements (magnesium, calcium, iron, and trace elements) greatly affected growth and biosurfactant production. The effect of the metal cations, used together, is greater than when they are used individually. The biosurfactant production increased considerably (almost double) by addition of metal supplements. Very high concentrations of metal supplements, however, inhibited biosurfactant production. Amino acids such as aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, valine, and lysine increased the final yield of biosurfactant by about 60%. The organism could produce biosurfactant at 45°C and within the pH range of 4.5–10.5. The biosurfactant was thermostable and pH stable (from 4.0 to 12.0). The capability of the organism to produce biosurfactant under thermophilic, alkaliphilic, and halophilic conditions makes it a suitable candidate for field applications. Infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy studies showed the surfactant to be identical to surfactin.