bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising African cassava production, diseases due to high cyanide intake and control measures
Authors: Nhassico Dulce , Muquingue Humberto , Cliff Julie , Cumbana Arnaldo , Bradbury J Howard 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCassava is the staple food of tropical Africa and its production, averaged over 24 countries, has increased more than threefold from 1980 to 2005, and the population has more than doubled over that time compared with a 1.5 times increase worldwide. Agriculturally, cassava performs very well but the roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glucosides that are dangerous to human health. These cyanogens sometimes produce acute intoxication leading to death, they exacerbate goitre and cretinism in iodine‐deficient regions, cause konzo and are implicated in the occurrence of tropical ataxic neuropathy and stunting of children. Konzo is an irreversible paralysis of the legs with many thousands of cases, mainly amongst children, in Mozambique, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic and probably other tropical African countries. Attempts to alleviate cassava cyanide toxicity have included the development of an information network and distribution in developing countries of picrate kits, which measure total cyanide in cassava and urinary thiocyanate. A simple wetting method that reduces total cyanide in cassava flour three‐ to sixfold has been successfully field tested and is being introduced in Mozambique. Transgenic technology shows promise in increasing the rate of loss of cyanide from roots during processing. World health and agricultural bodies should pay more attention to emerging health problems associated with toxicity of cyanogens in cassava. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative Analysis of Protein Adsorption via Atomic Force Microscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Servoli Eva , Maniglio Devid , Aguilar Maria Rosa , Motta Antonella , Roman Julio San , Belfiore Laurence A. , Migliaresi Claudio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSurface properties have a significant influence on the performance of biomedical devices. The influence of surface chemistry on the amount and distribution of adsorbed proteins has been evaluated by a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Adsorption of albumin, fibrinogen, and fibronectin was analyzed under static and dynamic conditions, employing self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) as model surfaces. AFM was performed in tapping mode with antibody‐modified tips. Phase‐contrast images showed protein distribution on SAMs and phase‐shift entity provided information on protein conformation. SPR analysis revealed substrate‐specific dynamics in each system investigated. When multi‐protein solutions and diluted human plasma interacted with SAMs, SPR data suggested that surface chemistry governs the equilibrium composition of the protein layer.magnified image
Highly Efficient Surface Relief Formation via Photoembossing of a Supramolecular Polymer
Authors: Hermans Ko , Tomatsu Itsuro , Matecki Michael , Sijbesma Rint P. , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. , Broer Dirk J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA new highly efficient photopolymer based on a supramolecular polymer was developed for creating surface relief structures in polymer thin films via a reaction/diffusion mechanism known as photoembossing. The effect of the photoinitiator content, the exposure dose, and developing temperature were investigated and the optimal settings were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and confocal microscopy. It was found that a surface relief structure of 2.1 µm could be obtained in a 3 µm thin film, which is more than 2.5 times higher than can be achieved in the conventional polymer/monomer based photopolymer systems.magnified image
Artgleiche und artverschiedene reibrührgeschweißte Verbindungen aus AA2124+25 % SiC und AA2024
Authors: Fuchs U. , Zimmermann K. , Sauer H. W. , Trautmann K.‐H. , Biallas G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEin Aluminiummatrixverbundwerkstoff (AMC), der aus einer mit 25 Vol.‐% SiC Partikeln verstärkten AA2124 Matrix bestand, wurde in Extrusionsrichtung zu artgleichen AMC+AMC und artverschiedenen AMC+2024‐T3 Verbindungen reibrührgeschweißt. Wenn das partikelverstärkte Aluminium bei artverschiedenen Verbindungen auf der „retreating side”︁ positioniert wurde, war der Materialaustausch weniger intensiv. Aufgrund eines Verhakungseffekts waren Festigkeit und Duktilität trotzdem höher als bei der umgekehrten Anordnung der Fügepartner. Das Verhalten bei monotoner und zyklischer Belastung wurde sowohl für den partikelverstärkten Grundwerkstoff als auch für die Schweißverbindungen von einer ausgeprägten Richtungsabhängigkeit bestimmt. Ursache ist die Orientierung von SiC‐Partikelzeilen in Extrusionsrichtung. Bei artverschiedenen Verbindungen sind die longitudinalen Zugeigenspannungen auf der partikelverstärkten Seite der Schweißnaht geringer als auf der Seite des unverstärkten Materials, was wahrscheinlich mit der Ausbildung von SiC‐Partikelclustern an der Grenzfläche zwischen den beiden Materialien zusammenhängt. Die für artgleiche Verbindungen ermittelten da/dN‐ΔK Kurven wurden mit den gemessenen Eigenspannungen korreliert.
13C NMR study of the ion‐binding selectivity of a new ammonium ionophore
Authors: McGimpsey W. Grant , Soto Ernesto , Driscoll Peter F. , Nowak Cheryl , Benco John S. , Cooper Christopher G. F. , Lambert Christopher R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA bicyclic peptide, cyclo (L‐Glu1—D‐Leu2—Aib3—L‐Lys4—D‐Leu5—D‐Ala6)‐cyclo‐(1γ‐4ε) (I), was designed and synthesized to provide an ammonium ion complexation site in a tetrahedral geometry. Molecular modeling, dynamics and electrostatic studies for I indicated that it exhibits some selectivity for ammonium ions over potassium and sodium ions. NMR measurements in CDCl3/CD3OD (1:1) show that for those carbonyl groups involved in cation binding, 13C resonances shifted downfield with increasing cation concentration. The resonance that exhibited the largest change in chemical shift between uncomplexed and complexed forms was used to determine the selectivity. Selectivity values obtained were logK = − 2.4 and logK = − 0.6. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminance and brightness field distribution of light guiding plate for backlight panel (BLP) by micro molding
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Fang , Shen Yung‐Kang , Lin Yi , Yang Jen‐Chang , Wu Chih‐Wei 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis research investigates the luminance and the brightness field distribution of the microstructure of a light guiding plate (LGP) by micro injection molding (MIM) and micro injection‐compression molding (MICM). The process of manufacturing a LGP includes photo‐etching, MIM, MICM, and optical field measurement. The results show that the luminance of microstructure of LGPs produced using MICM is better than those made using MIM. The results also indicate that the most important processing parameter is the mold temperature for the luminance distribution of the LGP whether made by MIM or MICM. The maximum luminance of the LGP is 80 Nit (cd/m2) on micro molding. The brightness field distribution of the LGP made using MICM is more uniform than those made using MIM for the same processing parameters. MICM is a more suitable process than MIM for the fabrication of a LGP on a backlight panel (BLP). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stack system of PECVD amorphous silicon and PECVD silicon oxide for silicon solar cell rear side passivation
Authors: Hofmann M. , Schmidt C. , Kohn N. , Rentsch J. , Glunz S. W. , Preu R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA stack of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si) and PECVD‐silicon oxide (SiOx) has been used as surface passivation layer for silicon wafer surfaces. Very good surface passivation could be reached leading to a surface recombination velocity (SRV) below 10 cm/s on 1 Ω cm p‐type Si wafers. By using the passivation layer system at a solar cell's rear side and applying the laser‐fired contacts (LFC) process, pointwise local rear contacts have been formed and an energy conversion efficiency of 21·7% has been obtained on p‐type FZ substrates (0·5 Ω cm). Simulations show that the effective rear SRV is in the range of 180 cm/s for the combination of metallised and passivated areas, 120 ± 30 cm/s were calculated for the passivated areas. Rear reflectivity is comparable to thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2). a‐Si rear passivation appears more stable under different bias light intensities compared to thermally grown SiO2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase III expression is regulated by cell‐cell adhesion via the E‐cadherin–catenin–actin complex
Authors: Akama Ryota , Sato Yuya , Kariya Yoshinobu , Isaji Tomoya , Fukuda Tomohiko , Lu Lianghao , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Ozawa Masayuki , Gu Jianguo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecently, our research group investigated the effects of cell–cell interactions on N‐linked oligosaccharides (N‐glycans). We found that N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT‐III) activity, and thus, the enzyme product‐bisected N‐glycans were induced in cells cultured under dense condition in an E‐cadherin‐dependent manner [26]. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanism, we examined the effects of α‐catenin, which is a component of the E‐cadherin–catenin complex that can bind to actin cytoskeleton, on the regulation of GnT‐III expression in the human colon carcinoma DLD‐1 cells. GnT‐III activity was not substantially increased in cells cultured under dense conditions, compared with those cultured under sparse conditions. However, restoration of α‐catenin gene to DLD‐1 cells resulted in a significant increase in GnT‐III activity and in production of the bisected N‐glycans, which were detected by E4‐PHA, suggesting that the E‐cadherin–catenin complex is required for the induction. Moreover, treatment with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of F‐actin polymerization, completely blocked the upregulation of GnT‐III expression in the dense culture. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that GnT‐III expression is tightly regulated by cell–cell adhesion via the E‐cadherin–catenin complex and actin cytoskeleton formation.
Mucin‐induced apoptosis of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells during maturation
Authors: Ishida Akiko , Ohta Mariko , Toda Munetoyo , Murata Takeomi , Usui Taichi , Akita Kaoru , Inoue Mizue , Nakada Hiroshi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMany tumors arising from epithelial tissues produce mucins, which readily come into contact with infiltrating cells in cancer tissues. MUC2 mucins were purified from the conditioned medium of a colorectal cancer cell line, LS180 cells. It is known that in cancer patients, the number of dendritic cells (DCs) is reduced and their function is impaired. Mature DCs were generated from human peripheral blood monocytes through successive treatments with GM‐CSF and IL‐4, and then with proinflammatory mediators. When monocytes were cultured in the presence of MUC2 mucins in addition to GM‐CSF and IL‐4 at an early stage of development, mature DCs expressing CD83 decreased and apoptotic cells increased in a dose‐dependent manner. During the development of DCs, sialic acid‐binding Ig‐like lectin (Siglec)‐3 was constantly expressed. We prepared recombinant soluble Siglec‐3 corresponding to the ectodomain of Siglec‐3 and confirmed the binding of soluble Siglec‐3 to the MUC2 mucins, probably through α2,6‐sialic acid‐containing O‐glycans including a sialyl Tn antigen, which is known to bind to Siglec‐3. Apoptosis was partially inhibited by anti‐Siglec‐3 mAb or recombinant soluble Siglec‐3. These results suggest that apoptosis was partially induced through the ligation of the MUC2 mucins with Siglec‐3.
Clinical application of functional glycoproteomics – dissection of glycotopes carried by soluble CD44 variants in sera of patients with cancers
Authors: Lim Khe‐Ti , Miyazaki Keiko , Kimura Naoko , Izawa Mineko , Kannagi Reiji 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe provide here an example of clinical application of functional glycoproteomics for cancer diagnosis. Sialyl Lewis a and sialyl Lewis x glycotopes, which are the specific ligands for selectins, and variant forms of CD44, which are the adhesion molecules recognizing hyaluronate, are both implicated in cancer metastasis. The CD44 variants modified by the sialyl Lewis a and sialyl Lewis x glycotopes are expected to have dual functions, serving as ligands for vascular selectins, and simultaneously having binding activity to vascular bed hyaluronate, and are expected to figure heavily in cancer metastasis. We developed a heterogeneous sandwich assay system to detect soluble CD44v specifically modified by the cancer‐associated sialyl Lewis a/x glycotopes, using the extracellular domain of CD44v cleaved by the metalloproteinase ADAM10 as standard molecules. We also developed the assay system for CD44v modified by normal epithelial glycotopes including disialyl Lewis a and sialyl 6‐sulfo Lewis x. The results indicated that serum levels of soluble CD44v modified by cancer‐associated glycotopes were frequently increased in patients with cancers, while those of CD44v modified by the nonmalignant glycotopes tended to be elevated in patients with benign disorders.
Disialoganglioside GD3 synthase expression recruits membrane transglutaminase 2 during erythroid differentiation of the human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Kang Sung‐Koo , Kim Yong‐Sam , Kong Yun‐Jeong , Song Kwon‐Ho , Chang Young‐Chae , Park Young‐Guk , Ko Jeong‐Heon , Lee Young‐Choon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBy employing proteomics analysis tool, we examined the effects of GD3 synthase expression on the differentiation properties of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)‐derived leukemia cells K562. Forced expression of GD3 synthase induced erythroid differentiation as determined by an increase in glycophorin A expression and synthesis of hemoglobins. The proteomic analysis revealed that 15 proteins were increased by GD3 synthase. In contrast, we observed three protein gel spots decreased in contents in the cell membranes of GD3 synthase‐transfected K562 cells. Among the increased proteins, membrane transglutaminase 2 (TG2) was specifically increased in the cell membrane of GD3 synthase‐transfected K562 cells. Then, we generated the GD3 synthase‐transfected cells in the K562 cells. Interestingly, the TG2 level was increased in GD3 synthase‐transfected cells compared with vector‐ and plasma membrane‐associated ganglioside sialidase (Neu3)‐transfected cells. In addition, its ability to be photoaffinity‐labeled with [α‐32P]GTP was also increased in the GD3 synthase‐ and TG2‐transfected cells. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) analysis for the GD3 synthase showed the decrease or abolishment of the membrane TG2. Finally, GD3 synthase‐transfected cells accelerated the erythroid differentiation. Therefore, we propose that the recruitment of TG2 into membranes by GD3 might play an important role in the erythroid differentiation in K562 cells.
Molecules in the signaling pathway activated by gangliosides can be targets of therapeutics for malignant melanomas
Authors: Furukawa Koichi , Hamamura Kazunori , Nakashima Hideyuki , Furukawa Keiko 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThere have been a number of studies on tumor‐specific glycolipid antigens. In particular, neuroectoderm‐derived cancers express characteristic ganglioside antigens, some of them have been used as tumor markers and/or target of immunotherapy. Molecules in the signaling pathway activated by gangliosides have been analyzed. Here, we reported results on the functions of molecules involved in the signaling pathway to enhance malignant properties of human melanomas under GD3 expression, and emphasized that those molecules including tumor‐associated antigens can be targets of therapeutics for malignant melanomas.
Covalent Attachment and Bioactivity of Horseradish Peroxidase on Plasma‐Polymerized Hexane Coatings
Authors: Kondyurin Alexey , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Nosworthy Neil , Matousek Jindrich , Hlidek Pavel , Biederman Hynek , Bilek Marcela M. M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA plasma polymer coating from a hexane/argon mixture is deposited on PE. Protein attachment is investigated after incubation in a HRP‐containing buffer solution. Covalent bonding of the attached HRP is demonstrated by means of ATR FT‐IR, which shows that the protein peaks persist after washing in heated SDS solution. An enzyme activity assay demonstrates high levels of bioactivity of the attached protein over several days after washing. The retention of the protein's bioactivity depends on the coating's structure, which in turn depends on the potential between the plasma and the surface during deposition. Covalent coupling is less sensitive to polymerization parameters and occurred on polymer layers deposited both on grounded and negatively self‐biased electrodes.magnified image
In vitro antileishmanial and antimalarial activities of tetrahydrofuran lignans isolated from Nectandra megapotamica (Lauraceae)
Authors: da Silva Filho Ademar A. , Costa Eveline S. , Cunha Wilson R. , Silva Márcio L. A. e , Nanayakkara N. P. Dhammika , Bastos Jairo K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSeven tetrahydrofuran lignans, isolated from Nectandra megapotamica (Lauraceae), were evaluated for their in vitro antileishmanial and antimalarial activities. Among the evaluated compounds, machilin‐G (1a) and veraguensin (2a) showed the highest antileishmanial activities, displaying for both compounds an IC50 value of 18 µg/mL and an IC90 value of 36 µg/mL, while galgravin (1b), nectandrin‐A (1c), nectandrin‐B (1d), calopeptin (2b) and ganshisandrine (3) were inactive against Leishmania donovani. In the antimalarial assay against Plasmodium falciparum, it was observed that calopeptin (2b) displayed moderate activity, with IC50 values of 3800 ng/mL (D6 clone) and 3900 ng/mL (W2 clone), while the lignans 1a–1d, 2a and 3 were inactive. In order to compare the effect on the parasites with toxicity to mammalian cells, the cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds were evaluated against the Vero cells, showing that all evaluated tetrahydrofuran lignans exhibited no cytotoxicity at the maximum dose tested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trypanocidal activity of pimarane diterpenes from Viguiera arenaria (Asteraceae)
Authors: Ambrósio Sérgio R. , Arakawa Nilton S. , Esperandim Viviane R. , de Albuquerque Sérgio , Da Costa Fernando B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFive structurally related pimarane diterpenes isolated from the roots of Viguiera arenaria and a further compound obtained by chemical derivatization were evaluated in vitro against the trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The natural compound ent‐15‐pimarene‐8β,19‐diol and the derivative ent‐8(14),15‐pimaradiene‐3β‐acetoxy showed the highest trypanocidal activity, displaying IC50 values of 116.5 ± 1.21 and 149.3 ± 1.07 µM, respectively, while the positive control, violet gentian, showed an IC50 of 76 µM. Based on the results, it can be concluded that minor structural differences among the tested diterpenes influence significantly the trypanocidal activity, thus bringing new perspectives to the establishment of structure‐activity relationships among this type of metabolites to the treatment of Chagas' disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory effect of the ethanol extract of Berberis koreana in a gerbil model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Hwang In Koo , Kim Jong Dai , Kang Il‐Jun , Park Jinseu , Yi Jae‐Seon , Kim Jin‐Kyu , Bae Young‐Soo , Won Moo‐Ho 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBerberis koreana extract (BE) has a strong neuroprotective effect after ischemic stroke in gerbils, which is associated with the inhibition of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor. The present study examined the antiinflammatory mechanism of BE after ischemic damage in vitro and in vivo. The BE used contained on average 7.39 ± 0.78 mg/g of berberine. In PC12 cells with inflammation, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was significantly reduced by BE. About 75% of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of gerbils exposed to 5 min of transient ischemia were protected from ischemic damage by BE. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) immunoreactivity and its protein level in the CA1 region of vehicle‐treated animals exposed to an ischemic insult increased with time post‐ischemia, whereas no such changes were observed in BE‐treated animals exposed to ischemia. PGE2 production in BE‐treated ischemic animals was significantly lower than that observed in vehicle‐treated ischemic animals. Summarizing, the potent neuroprotective effect of BE was found to be due to the inhibitions of COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production and its antiinflammatory activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of ginsenoside‐Rg1 in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies following intravenous administration of ‘Shenmai’ injection
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Shun‐jun , Wu Zhi‐feng , Liu Yi‐Ming , Zeng Xing 
Published: August 2008

Abstract‘Shenmai’ injection is derived from traditional Chinese medicine ‘Shenmaisan’ and made from Radix ginseng Rubra and Radix Ophiopogonis. Ginsenoside‐Rg1, as a major constituent of Radix ginseng Rubra, is considered responsible for the efficacy of this injection. A rapid, simple and accurate method has been established for determination of ginsenoside‐Rg1 in Shenmai injection and human plasma using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, and to study the pharmacokinetics of Rg1 in ten healthy volunteers after intravenous single dosing of 60 mL of Shenmai injection. Following solid‐phase extraction (SPE), samples were separated on a C18 column coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The protonated analyte was quantified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with a quadruple mass spectrometer in positive mode. Linearity was confirmed in the concentration range of 1 to 1000 ng/mL for Rg1, and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ, S/N > 10) was 1 ng/mL. The intraday and interday RSDs were within 15% and mean extraction recoveries ranged from 98.6% to 104.9%. The pharmacokinetics of Rg1 in healthy volunteers conforms to the two‐compartment open model. The main pharmacokinetics parameters were as follows: t1/2β, 2.09 ± 1.89 h; CL, 0.03 ± 0.01 L kg−1 h−1; AUC (0 ∼ ∞), 124.4 ± 35.9 2 ng mL−1 h and AUC (0 ∼ ∞), 127.9 ± 37.2 ng mL−1 h, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effect of (‐)‐saucerneol on osteoclast differentiation and bone pit formation
Authors: Kim Soon Nam , Kim Myung Hee , Kim Young Sup , Ryu Shi Yong , Min Yong Ki , Kim Seong Hwan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this study, the effect of (‐)‐saucerneol, one of the lignans isolated from Saururus chinensis, on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption was evaluated in two in vitro models for osteoclast differentiation, the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL)‐treated RAW264.7 cells and mouse BMMs treated with both RANKL and macrophage‐colony stimulating factor. (‐)‐Saucerneol significantly inhibited the RANKL‐induced activity of tartrate‐resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP, an early marker of osteoclast formation) and formation of osteoclasts in a dose‐dependent manner. Interestingly, (‐)‐saucerneol was shown to inhibit the RANKL‐induced activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase in both in vitro models. In addition, (‐)‐saucerneol inhibited the bone resorptive activity and the expression of transcription factors and genes essential for osteoclast formation and bone resorption as well. In conclusion, (‐)‐saucerneol has a potential to inhibit the osteoclast differentiation via preventing the activation of ERK signaling pathway. In addition, its activity to inhibit the bone resorption activities of osteoclasts could result from its potential to inhibit RANKL‐induced expression levels of transcription factors and genes essential for bone resorption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.