bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic characteristics of congenital diaphragmatic hernia among 2.5 million california births, 1989–1997
Authors: Yang Wei , Carmichael Suzan L. , Harris John A. , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect of unknown etiology. The aims of the current report were to extend the literature on the descriptive epidemiology of CDH and to determine whether its mortality rate decreased in California during the study period.METHODSUsing data from a large population‐based registry, we ascertained 631 CDH cases from 1989 to 1997. We also classified cases as isolated or nonisolated based on the presence and type of major accompanying malformations. Approximately 2.5 million live and stillbirths occurred during the ascertainment period. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was applied to examine the time trend and risk factors.RESULTSThe overall prevalence of CDH was 2.49 per 10,000 live and stillbirths and did not vary over the study period. Isolated cases, which accounted for 58% of cases, revealed a prevalence of 1.45 per 10,000. Heart malformations were the most frequent major anomalies accompanying CDH. We observed a lower risk of isolated CDH among blacks. Advanced maternal age groups had a higher risk for nonisolated CDH. Multiparous women tended to have a lower risk for nonisolated CDH. Male infants and multiple births had an increased risk for isolated and nonisolated CDH. Infant mortality was slightly decreased over the study period. CDH cases with additional anomalies had higher mortality rates than isolated cases.CONCLUSIONOur observations add to the relatively few population‐based descriptive epidemiologic studies of the prevalence and mortality, and maternal and infant characteristics of CDH. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of learning and hippocampal, neuronal plasticity by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Authors: Ahmed Zaghloul , Wieraszko Andrzej 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe influence of high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on learning process in mice and on neuronal excitability of the hippocampal tissue obtained from stimulated animals were investigated. While the stimulation with rTMS at higher frequency (15 Hz) improved animals' performance in novel object recognition test (NOR), lower frequency (1 and 8 Hz) impaired the memory. The effect was observed when evaluated immediately after rTMS exposure and declined with time. In parallel to the results of behavioral test, there was a significant enhancement of the synaptic efficiency expressed as of the long‐term potentiation (LTP) recorded from hippocampal slices prepared from the animals exposed to 15 Hz rTMS. The stimulation with 1 and 8 Hz had no influence on the magnitude of LTP. Our results demonstrate that rTMS modifies mechanisms involved in memory formation. The effects of rTMS in vivo are preserved and expressed in the hippocampus tested in vitro. Bioelectromagnetics 27:288–294, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The “Mainzer EMF‐Wachhund”: results from a watchdog project on self‐reported health complaints attributed to exposure to electromagnetic fields
Authors: Schüz Joachim , Petters Christian , Egle Ulrich Tiber , Jansen Bernd , Kimbel Renate , Letzel Stephan , Nix Wilfred , Schmidt Lutz G. , Vollrath Lutz 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe “Mainzer EMF‐Wachhund,” a watchdog project, offered a system of self‐notification of health complaints attributed to exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to a population of a part of Germany with about 4 million inhabitants. By using a self‐administered questionnaire, which was provided online and for download from the Internet, 192 persons reported such health complaints in the period from October 2003 to March 2005. Of these, 56% classified themselves as electromagnetic hypersensitive (EH). Predictors of this self classification were being affected by all kinds of EMF rather than single EMF sources and being female. On average, EH subjects reported a high degree of suffering, 77% of whom had already sought advice from physicians. An Internet‐based standardized questionnaire is an economic way of offering affected persons a direct link to scientific institutions to establish contact. However, the study base obtained by such an approach is not representative to estimate a population‐based prevalence. As a large number of subjects did not classify themselves as EH and reported very specific links between exposure and symptoms, they may provide a very distinct and interesting group for future research. Bioelectromagnetics 27:280–287, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐duration, DC electrical stimulation increases chick embryo DRG neurite outgrowth
Authors: Wood Matthew , Willits Rebecca Kuntz 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study aimed to reveal the influence of brief DC electric stimulation on neurite outgrowth and outgrowth rates after application. Chick embryo dorsal root ganglia neurite outgrowth, rates, and overall alignment to EF were measured before stimulation and at two time points after stimulation. The presence of a 25 V/m EF for 10 min increased overall neurite outgrowth over controls for up to 48 h after stimulation and all growth was symmetric. These results demonstrate that even 10 min of stimulation, which is approximately 80% shorter than previous studies, promotes enhanced nerve growth. Bioelectromagnetics 27:328–331, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure of rat brain to 915 MHz GSM microwaves induces changes in gene expression but not double stranded DNA breaks or effects on chromatin conformation
Authors: Belyaev Igor Y. , Koch Catrin Bauréus , Terenius Olle , Roxström‐Lindquist Katarina , Malmgren Lars O.G. , H. Sommer Wolfgang , Salford Leif G. , Persson Bertil R.R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe investigated whether exposure of rat brain to microwaves (MWs) of global system for mobile communication (GSM) induces DNA breaks, changes in chromatin conformation and in gene expression. An exposure installation was used based on a test mobile phone employing a GSM signal at 915 MHz, all standard modulations included, output power level in pulses 2 W, specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.4 mW/g. Rats were exposed or sham exposed to MWs during 2 h. After exposure, cell suspensions were prepared from brain samples, as well as from spleen and thymus. For analysis of gene expression patterns, total RNA was extracted from cerebellum. Changes in chromatin conformation, which are indicative of stress response and genotoxic effects, were measured by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD). DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) were analyzed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Effects of MW exposure were observed on neither conformation of chromatin nor DNA DSBs. Gene expression profiles were obtained by Affymetrix U34 GeneChips representing 8800 rat genes and analyzed with the Affymetrix Microarray Suite (MAS) 5.0 software. In cerebellum from all exposed animals, 11 genes were upregulated in a range of 1.34–2.74 fold and one gene was downregulated 0.48‐fold (P < .0025). The induced genes encode proteins with diverse functions including neurotransmitter regulation, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and melatonin production. The data shows that GSM MWs at 915 MHz did not induce PFGE‐detectable DNA double stranded breaks or changes in chromatin conformation, but affected expression of genes in rat brain cells. Bioelectromagnetics 27:295–306, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid specific detection and quantification of bacteria and archaea involved in mineral sulfide bioleaching using real‐time PCR
Authors: Liu Chun‐Qiang , Plumb Jason , Hendry Philip 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA SybrGreen real‐time PCR assay was developed to detect and quantify both total and selected 16S rDNA species of bacteria and archaea involved in the bioleaching of metals from sulfide ores. A set of specific and universal primers based on 16S rDNA sequences was designed and validated for specific detection and quantification of DNA isolated from representative strains of Acidianus brierleyi, Sulfolobus sp., Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans, Sulfobacillus acidophilus, Acidithiobacillus caldus, and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. An artificial sequence based on 16S rDNA was constructed to quantify total 16S rDNA in mixed DNA samples. The real‐time PCR assay was further validated using a mixture of 16S rDNA amplicons derived from the six different species, each added at a known amount. Finally, the real‐time PCR assay was used to monitor the change of 16S rDNA copies of four bioleaching strains inoculated into chalcopyrite airlift column reactors operated at different temperatures. The growth dynamics of these strains correlated well with the expected effects of temperature in the chalcopyrite‐leaching environment. The suitability of this method for monitoring microbial populations in industrial bioleaching environments is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of rpoS gene knockout on the metabolism of Escherichia coli during exponential growth phase and early stationary phase based on gene expressions, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations
Authors: Rahman Mahbuba , Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Oba Takahiro , Shimizu Kazuyuki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe RNA polymerase sigma factor, encoded by rpoS gene, controls the expression of a large number of genes in Escherichia coli under stress conditions. The present study investigated the growth characteristics and metabolic pathways of rpoS gene knockout mutant of E. coli growing in LB media under aerobic condition. The analyses were made based on gene expressions obtained by DNA microarray and RT‐PCR, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations at the exponential and early stationary phases of growth. Although the glucose utilization pattern of the mutant was similar to the parent strain, the mutant failed to utilize acetate throughout the cultivation period. Microarray data indicated that the expression levels of several important genes of acetate metabolism such as acs, aceAB, cysDEK, fadR, etc. were significantly altered in the absence of rpoS gene. Interestingly, there was an increased activity of TCA cycle during the exponential growth phase, which was gradually diminished at the onset of stationary phase. Moreover, rpoS mutation had profound effect on the expression of several other genes of E. coli metabolic pathways that were not described earlier. The changes in the gene expressions, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations of the rpoS mutant are discussed in details with reference to the major metabolic pathways of E. coli. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction and characterization of ack knock‐out mutants of Propionibacterium acidipropionici for enhanced propionic acid fermentation
Authors: Suwannakham Supaporn , Huang Yan , Yang Shang‐Tian 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPropionibacterium acidipropionici produces propionic acid from glucose with acetic acid, succinic acid, and CO2 as byproducts. In this work, inactivation of ack gene, encoding acetate kinase (AK), by gene disruption and integrational mutagenesis was studied as a method to reduce acetate formation in propionic acid fermentation. The partial ack gene of ∼750 bp in P. acidipropionici was cloned using a PCR‐based method with degenerate primers and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence had 88% similarity and 76% identity with the amino acid sequence of AK from Bacillus subtilis. The partial ack gene was used to construct a linear DNA fragment with an inserted tetracycline resistance cassette and a nonreplicative integrational plasmid containing a tetracycline resistance gene cassette. These DNA constructs were then introduced into P. acidipropionici by electroporation, resulting in two mutants, ACK‐Tet and TAT‐ACK‐Tet, respectively. Southern hybridization confirmed that the ack gene in the mutant ACK‐Tet was disrupted by the inserted tetracycline resistance gene. As compared to the wild‐type, the activities of AK were reduced by 26% and 43% in ACK‐Tet and TAT‐ACK‐Tet mutants, respectively. The specific growth rate of these mutants was reduced by ∼25% to 0.10/h (0.13/h for the wild‐type), probably because of reduced acetate and ATP production. Both mutants produced ∼14% less acetate from glucose. Although ack disruption alone did not completely eliminate acetate production, the propionate yield was increased by ∼13%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing and implementing an environmental performance index for the Portuguese military
Authors: Ramos Tomás B. , de Melo João Joanaz 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAt an international level, the implementation of environmental management practices in military facilities is now a growing reality, particularly with the implementation of environmental management programmes and/or systems. The main goal of this research was to assess the Portuguese military sector's environmental performance through an index – the MEPE index – in a simplified and useful manner. A second goal was to measure the units' self‐assessment against the environmental profile of the military sector as evaluated through the index, to determine how far they match. The index was deeloped on the basis of the data obtained in a national questionnaire, which was carried out to evaluate environmental practices adopted by military units. Results show that the Portuguese military's overall environmental performance is poor, reflecting that this is quite a new issue in military organizations. Among the military branches the Air Force reveals the best environmental results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Assessing environmental product declaration opportunities: a reference framework
Authors: Manzini Raffaella , Noci Giuliano , Ostinelli Massimiliano , Pizzurno Emanuele 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe growing awareness about environmental issues places greater responsibility on firms to transmit information about the environmental quality of their products. One of the most innovative ways to achieve this objective is through the ‘environmental product declaration’. Unfortunately, from an operating viewpoint, there is a very little evidence on the effects associated with the introduction of this label.In lieu of this context, the paper suggests operating guidelines and a methodological approach for managers who aim to understand under which conditions the EPD can represent a useful tool for the company's competitiveness. In particular, the paper will identify

the specific peculiarities and requirements of the EPD;
the EPD parameters of attractiveness, related to its potential costs and benefits;
an operational framework in order to assess the EPD target audience.

In this respect, an empirical analysis on 17 Italian firms will be carried out. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Deciphering the Biosynthetic Codes for the Potent Anti‐SARS‐CoV Cyclodepsipeptide Valinomycin in Streptomyces tsusimaensis ATCC 15141
Authors: Cheng Yi‐Qiang 
Published: March 2006

AbstractValinomycin was recently reported to be the most potent agent against severe acute respiratory‐syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) in infected Vero E6 cells. Aimed at generating analogues by metabolic engineering, the valinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster has been cloned from Streptomyces tsusimaensis ATCC 15141. Targeted disruption of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene abolishes valinomycin production, which confirms its predicted nonribosomal‐peptide origin. Sequence analysis of the NRPS system reveals four distinctive modules, two of which contain unusual domain organizations that are presumably involved in the generation of biosynthetic precursors D‐α‐hydroxyisovaleric acid and L‐lactic acid. The respective adenylation domains in these two modules contain novel substrate‐specificity‐conferring codes that might specify for a class of hydroxyl acids for the biosynthesis of the depsipeptide natural products.
Structure–Activity Studies in a Family of β‐Hairpin Protein Epitope Mimetic Inhibitors of the p53–HDM2 Protein–Protein Interaction
Authors: Fasan Rudi , Dias Ricardo L. A. , Moehle Kerstin , Zerbe Oliver , Obrecht Daniel , Mittl Peer R. E. , Grütter Markus G. , Robinson John A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractInhibitors of the interaction between the p53 tumor‐suppressor protein and its natural human inhibitor HDM2 are attractive as potential anticancer agents. In earlier work we explored designing β‐hairpin peptidomimetics of the α‐helical epitope on p53 that would bind tightly to the p53‐binding site on HDM2. The β‐hairpin is used as a scaffold to display energetically hot residues in an optimal array for interaction with HDM2. The initial lead β‐hairpin mimetic, with a weak inhibitory activity (IC50=125 μM), was optimized to afford cyclo‐(L‐Pro‐Phe‐Glu‐6ClTrp‐Leu‐Asp‐Trp‐Glu‐Phe‐D‐Pro) (where 6ClTrp=L‐6‐chlorotryptophan), which has an affinity almost 1000 times higher (IC50=140 nM). In this work, insights into the origins of this affinity maturation based on structure–activity studies and an X‐ray crystal structure of the inhibitor/HDM2(residues 17–125) complex at 1.4 Å resolution are described. The crystal structure confirms the β‐hairpin conformation of the bound ligand, and also reveals that a significant component of the affinity increase arises through new aromatic/aromatic stacking interactions between side chains around the hairpin and groups on the surface of HDM2.
Untersuchungen zur Morphogenese myzelbildender Mikroorganismen
Authors: Kelly S. , Grimm L. H. , Jonas R. , Krull R. , Hempel D. C. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractFür die Modellierung der Morphogenese myzelbildender Mikroorganismen ist eine genaue Beschreibung der Morphologie erforderlich. Die Morphogenese bei der Kultivierung des filamentösen Pilzes Aspergillus niger gliedert sich in mindestens drei morphologische Wachstumsphasen, beginnend mit einer sehr schnellen Sporenaggregation über einen zweiten Aggregationsschritt, bei dem das einsetzende Hyphenwachstum geschwindigkeitslimitierend ist. Die dritte Phase der Morphogenese stellt das Pelletwachstum dar. Die Entwicklung von Pellets kann durch Biomassewachstum und mechanische Beanspruchung sowie Zelllyse bilanziert werden. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine auf Einzelprozessen gestützte Modellierung nur zu unbefriedigenden Ergebnissen führt, da die Fluiddynamik einen wesentlichen Einfluss sowohl auf das Wachstum als auch auf die Struktur der Pellets hat.
Forschungsförderung der nachhaltigen Bioproduktion
Authors: Schladot J. D. , Straub R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDas Potenzial der Biotechnologie zur ökologischen Optimierung industrieller Prozesse (effizientere Energieausnutzung, verantwortungsvoller Einsatz von Ressourcen, Vermeidung bzw. Wiederverwertung von Abfällen) wird bis heute nicht vollständig ausgeschöpft. Biotechnologische Produktionsverfahren bieten gegenüber konventionellen chemischen Verfahren den Vorteil, dass sie unter milden Reaktionsbedingungen im wässrigen Milieu bei Raumtemperatur unter weitgehender Vermeidung von Neben‐ und Abfallprodukten arbeiten. Um sich gegenüber den etablierten Technologien der synthetischen Chemie durchsetzen zu können, muss die Biotechnologie den Markt und die Gesellschaft durch die Qualität und Originalität der Produkte sowie energie‐ und ressourcenschonende Prozesse überzeugen.
Elektrofiltration – Einsatzgebiet Enzymproduktion
Authors: Käppler T. , Hofmann R. , Posten C. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractUntersucht wird der Einsatz der Elektrofiltration im Dead‐End‐Verfahren für Anwendungen in der Enzymproduktion, vor allem die Applikationen Biomasseabtrennung und Enzymkonzentrierung. Für den Prozess ist die Filtrationsgeschwindigkeit von entscheidender Bedeutung. Auch die Ausbeuten an aktivem Wertprodukt werden ermittelt, wobei insbesondere die Einwirkung des elektrischen Feldes auf die Aktivität der Biopolymere überprüft wird. In einem Ausblick wird die Weiterentwicklung der Elektrofiltration durch ein Kerzenfiltersystem aufgezeigt, das die Effizienz hinsichtlich des Energieverbrauchs steigern soll.
Prozessmodellierung und Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung einer Ganzzellbiotransformation im zweiphasigen System ionische Flüssigkeit/Wasser
Authors: Abdul Kholiq M. , Heinzle E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractProzessvarianten der Biosynthese chiraler Alkohole mit einem Ganzzellbiokatalysator im zweiphasigen System ionische Flüssigkeit/Wasser werden modelliert und bezüglich ihrer ökonomischen und ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit bewertet. Die wichtigsten Resultate sind zunächst, dass die hohen Kosten von ionischen Flüssigkeiten unbedingt ein weitestgehendes Recycling derselben erfordern und dass in absehbarer Zukunft diese Art von Produktion nur für sehr teure Produkte einsetzbar erscheint. Ökologische Vorteile sind vor allem dann zu erwarten, wenn die ionische Flüssigkeit in einem sehr hohen Grad recycelt wird und keine weiteren Lösungsmittel im Zuge der Aufarbeitung eingesetzt werden müssen. Zu weiteren Einsparungen an ionischer Flüssigkeit und zur Reduktion der Umweltbelastung durch das abgeleitete Abwasser mit der gelösten ionischen Flüssigkeit und Phosphaten sollte eine möglichst weitgehende Rückführung von Wasser angestrebt werden.
Dynamische Untersuchungen zum Aminosäure‐Stoffwechsel von Bacillus megaterium mittels stabiler Isotope
Authors: Fürch T. , Hollmann R. , Wang W. , Wittmann C. , Deckwer W.‐D. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNeuere Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass Bacillus megaterium auch als Produktionsstamm bei der Expression von Fremd‐Genen vorteilhaft eingesetzt werden kann. Gegenstand dieses Beitrags sind Ergebnisse aus dynamischen Untersuchungen des Aminosäure‐Stoffwechsels von Bacillus megaterium. Vorgestellt wird eine dynamische Methode zur Markierung mit stabilen Isotopen (13C). Damit ist es möglich, kinetische Informationen über die Biosynthese von proteinogenen Aminosäuren zu erhalten und diese als Grundlage zum verbesserten Verständnis der für die Proteinproduktion wichtigen Stoffwechselwege zu nutzen.
Kohlenhydrate als Fermentationsrohstoff
Authors: Peters D. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDurch photosynthetische Fixierung von Kohlendioxid gebildete Biomasse ist die einzige erneuerbare Kohlenstoffquelle und somit die einzige nachwachsende Rohstoffquelle für die chemische Industrie. Kohlenhydrate sind der Hauptbestandteil der Biomasse und finden sich dort insbesondere als Gerüst‐ und Speicherkohlenhydrate, aber auch als Transportkohlenhydrate sowie in Glycokonjugaten wieder. Die mengenmäßig wichtigsten natürlichen Kohlenhydrate sind Cellulose, Hemicellulosen und Stärke sowie in geringerem Ausmaß Pektine, Inuline und Saccharose. Glucose ist das wichtigste Monosaccharid von natürlichen Kohlenhydraten und damit die am häufigsten vorkommende organische Verbindung auf der Erde. Im chemisch‐technischen Bereich sind die Gewinnung von Cellulose aus Holz, die Nutzung von Stärke bei der Papierherstellung sowie die Verwendung von Glucose und Saccharose für Fermentationen die wichtigsten industriellen Anwendungen von Kohlenhydraten. Für die chemische Industrie sind Kohlenhydrate als Fermentationsrohstoff unverzichtbar. Ihre Bedeutung hat in den letzten Jahren mit dem Aufschwung von biotechnologischen Verfahren stetig zugenommen. Aufgrund ihrer überragenden Bedeutung als Fermentationsrohstoff sollen in dieser Übersicht Kohlenhydrate aus agrarischen Rohstoffen näher betrachtet werden.