bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PKC and cAMP positively modulate alkaline‐induced exocytosis in the human mast cell line HMC‐1
Authors: Pernas‐Sueiras Octavio , Alfonso Amapro , Vieytes Mercedes R. , Botana Luis M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe study in HMC‐1 the activation process, measured as histamine release. We know that ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and ionomycin release histamine, and the modulatory role of drugs targeting protein kinase C (PKC), adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), tyrosine kinase (TyrK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) on this effect. We used Gö6976 (100 nM) and low concentration of GF 109203X (GF) (50 nM) to inhibit Ca2+‐dependent PKC isozymes. For Ca2+‐independent isozymes, we used 500 nM GF and 10 µM rottlerin (specifically inhibits PKCδ). Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) (100 ng/ml) was used to stimulate PKC, and genistein (10 µM) and lavendustin A (1 µM) as unspecific TyrK inhibitors. STI571 10 µM was used to specifically inhibit the activity of Kit, the receptor for stem cell factor, and 10 nM wortmannin as a PI3K inhibitor. Activation of PKC with PMA enhances histamine release in response to NH4Cl and ionomycin. PMA increases NH4Cl‐induced alkalinization and ionomycin‐induced Ca2+ entry. Inhibition of PKCδ strongly inhibits Ca2+ entry elicited by ionomycin, but failed to modify histamine release. The effect of cAMP‐active drugs was explored with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (30 µM), the inhibitor SQ22,536 (1 µM), the cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP (200 µM), and the PKA blocker H89 (1 µM). Forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP do increase NH4Cl‐induced alkalinization, and potentiate histamine release elicited by this compound. Our data indicates that alkaline‐induced exocytosis is modulated by PKC and cAMP, suggesting that pH could be a modulatory signal itself. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1651–1663, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafoods and their processing environments as detected by duplex PCR
Authors: Vongxay Khamphouth , He Xiaolong , Cheng Suyun , Zhou Xiangyang , Shen Biao , Zhang Guizhi , Zhang Junyan , Fang Weihuan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure targeting the genes gyrB and tl was established for specific identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from seafoods and processing environments. It could detect as few as 2.5 × 102 colony‐forming units mL−1 in pure cultures. Direct detection of V. parahaemolyticus was also possible from artificially contaminated shrimp samples if combined with proteinase treatment. The homogeneous colonies on thiosulfate/citrate/bile salts/sucrose agar suspected to be V. parahaemolyticus or closely related species (n = 37) out of 259 samples of seafoods and processing environments were identified using the conventional method and duplex PCR. Both methods identified 17 isolates as V. parahaemolyticus from among the suspected isolates. Only one of the 17 V. parahaemolyticus isolates possessed the thermostable direct haemolysin gene (tdh) fragment as detected by different primer pairs in single PCR. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of tert‐butylbenzoylated tartardiamide chiral stationary phase for the enantiomeric resolution of acidic compounds by nano‐liquid chromatography
Authors: Fanali Salvatore , D'Orazio Giovanni , Rocco Anna 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSeveral racemic acidic compounds of pharmaceutical and environmental interest have been separated into their enantiomers by nano‐liquid chromatography (nano‐LC) employing a tert‐butylbenzoylated tartardiamide chiral stationary phase (CHI‐TBB). CHI‐TBB was packed into a fused silica capillary of 100 μm id and retained by two frits made with a heated wire; detection was on‐column at a window (about 0.5 cm) prepared by removing the polyimide layer. The normal phase mode was selected for eluting the studied acidic compounds and therefore n‐hexane/2‐propanol/acetic acid (89/10/1, v/v/v) was used as mobile phase. Working at a flow rate of 220 nL/min a good resolution was obtained for mecoprop, dichlorprop, diclofop, fenoxaprop (herbicides) and for DF 1738Y, DF 1770Y, DF 2008Y (drugs under evaluation). In order to optimize the chiral resolution we modified the polarity of the mobile phase by adding several polar additives such as ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, tert‐butyl methyl ether. Better results were obtained for some herbicides on working with 2‐propanol/CH2Cl2/n‐hexane/acetic acid (8/4/87/1, v/v/v/v). The influence of the capillary temperature on chiral resolution was studied for two herbicides with different chemical structures, namely mecoprop and haloxyfop in the temperature range between 10 and 40°C and with n‐hexane/2‐propanol/1% acetic acid (89/10/1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. Linear correlation of ln k vs 1/T and ln α vs 1/T was observed; ΔH° values were negative, demonstrating that retention of analytes was an exothermic process. A decrease in resolution was observed with rising temperature, showing that enantioresolution was mainly influenced by selectivity factors.
Vegetation regrowth after a differential intensity forest fire in a Mediterranean environment, northeast Spain
Authors: Úbeda X. , Outeiro L. R. , Sala M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInventories of vegetation were collected in a burnt area located in Cadiretes massif, Catalan Coastal Ranges, northeast Spain. The burnt forest primarily consisted of pine plantation (Pinus pinaster) with a large number of cork trees (Quercus suber). The burnt area was divided into three zones based on fire intensity. Data from three different periods after the fire (six, ten and twenty‐four months) showed differences between the recovering vegetation and that in a control forest area. Numbers and types of resurgent vegetation species following the fire were different in each area. Regeneration of vegetation is important not only in terms of plant regrowth but also for protecting the soil surface from rainfall impact. During the research period the burnt area was managed homogeneously by the forestry authorities. Management operations, among others, involved tree felling, construction of terraces, with dead trees to control erosion, and reforestation of some species. Some of these operations, such as tree felling and the creation of terraces which were carried out one year after the fire, were implemented too late, since the most serious erosion had already taken place. Some operations, such as reforestation in some low intensity burnt areas, are unnecessary due to the profuse recovery of Pinus and Quercus suber. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of track rope damage in serious incident on Schilthorn aerial ropeway
Authors: Zgraggen M. , Piskoty G. , Faller M. , Kovacs G. , Rössler G. , Michel S. , Oplatka G. , v. Trzebiatowski O. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDamage analysis of the serious incident that took place on 29 December 2004 on the Mürren‐Birg section of the Schilthorn aerial ropeway identified the cause of failure as hydrogen‐induced stress corrosion cracking. The necessary preconditions for this damage mechanism, which was previously unknown in the aerial ropeway industry, were established by the complex interaction of various ancillary conditions. During periodic rope relocation in 1977, galling occurred between the track rope and a deflection saddle as a result of inadequate lubrication. The friction or galling processes resulted in changes in the grain structure (friction‐induced martensite) as well as scale‐like smearing on the wire surfaces. The formation of friction‐induced martensite results in local stress changes (peak tensile stresses on the surface). Over time, corrosion processes took place in the area of the surface defects under dissociating conditions (absence of air), producing diffusible hydrogen. The hydrogen diffuses preferentially to points of peak stresses and gives rise to embrittlement of the material and intergranular cracks. The results of the investigation were immediately distributed to the licensing authorities and aerial ropeway operators in the form of specially designed training materials to enable appropriate inspections of systems of similar design. Detailed evaluation of this preventive measure is still in progress.
Resistance monitoring of aluminum plates to microbiologically influenced corrosion using FFT impedance spectroscopy methods
Authors: Norouzi P. , Hamedi J. , Ganjali M. R. , Ahmadi A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt is well know that formation of a passive oxide film on aluminum can enhance its corrosion resistance. However, microbiologically species are able to damage this film. Microbial adhesion is widely accepted as important stage prior to the induction or initiation of biocorrosion. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Cladosprioum sp. have been commonly associated with the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of aluminum and its alloys. In this study, the effect of an organic dye (Quinizarin), on the resistance of aluminum plates to MIC has been investigated by some corrosion monitoring methods such as FFT impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). In this work, the surface of aluminum plates were changed after exposing them (five types: only polished, anodized, anodized and colored, anodized and colored and sealed) to Pseudomonas aeuroginosa in ASW (artificial sea water) as a microbial culture. The results showed that, the mentioned color caused a decrease in the growth of bacteria, because the color acts a protected layer on the surface of aluminum. This characteristic can reduce intensity of biocorrosion on aluminum plates, so the anodized and colored and sealed plates have the most resistance to MIC, and it can be shown and proven by these techniques which are mentioned above.
Low‐Temperature Restructuring Processes in Polyhydrosilanes
Authors: Sacarescu Liviu , Siokou Angeliki , Ardeleanu Rodinel , Sacarescu Gabriela , Simionescu Mihaela 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSummary: This paper presents the structural influence of the SiH functionality on the physicochemical properties of polysilanes. New low‐temperature restructuring processes were discovered using thermal analysis (TGA, DSC). Photoluminescent (FL) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed the optoelectronic properties‐chemical structure relationship of the synthesized polymers.Highly reactive SiH groups lead to restructuring of the main polysilane chain.magnified imageHighly reactive SiH groups lead to restructuring of the main polysilane chain.
WebAIM: an online aspiration‐level interactive method
Authors: Wang Jingguo , Zionts Stanley 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe aspiration‐level interactive method (AIM) is a useful decision tool that takes advantage of the idea of satisficing as well as other concepts of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). In this paper we describe a web version of AIM: WebAIM. It is a logical extension of earlier versions of AIM and was developed using Visual Studio.NET. WebAIM enables accessing our method easily and efficiently on the Internet. It promotes the use and applications of our method. By exploring the relationship with Simon's satisficing, we provide further insight into AIM. We introduce the features of WebAIM, and demonstrate the usage of the program through a house selection problem. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure elucidation of an unexpected product from dehydration of a β‐hydroxyketone
Authors: Minter David E. , Winslow Christopher D. , Watson William H. , Bodige Satish 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe structure of an unexpected compound from the dehydration of an aldol addition product has been determined using 1‐D and 2‐D NMR techniques. This reaction is the last step in a new synthetic approach to the galanthan ring system. Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments for two synthetic precursors are also reported. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct parallel image reconstructions for spiral trajectories using GRAPPA
Authors: Heidemann Robin M. , Griswold Mark A. , Seiberlich Nicole , Krüger Gunnar , Kannengiesser Stephan A.R. , Kiefer Berthold , Wiggins Graham , Wald Lawrence L. , Jakob Peter M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe use of spiral trajectories is an efficient way to cover a desired k‐space partition in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compared to conventional Cartesian k‐space sampling, it allows faster acquisitions and results in a slight reduction of the high gradient demand in fast dynamic scans, such as in functional MRI (fMRI). However, spiral images are more susceptible to off‐resonance effects that cause blurring artifacts and distortions of the point‐spread function (PSF), and thereby degrade the image quality. Since off‐resonance effects scale with the readout duration, the respective artifacts can be reduced by shortening the readout trajectory. Multishot experiments represent one approach to reduce these artifacts in spiral imaging, but result in longer scan times and potentially increased flow and motion artifacts. Parallel imaging methods are another promising approach to improve image quality through an increase in the acquisition speed. However, non‐Cartesian parallel image reconstructions are known to be computationally time‐consuming, which is prohibitive for clinical applications. In this study a new and fast approach for parallel image reconstructions for spiral imaging based on the generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) methodology is presented. With this approach the computational burden is reduced such that it becomes comparable to that needed in accelerated Cartesian procedures. The respective spiral images with two‐ to eightfold acceleration clearly benefit from the advantages of parallel imaging, such as enabling parallel MRI single‐shot spiral imaging with the off‐resonance behavior of multishot acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An absolute procedure to test the growth potential of medium and the influence of decreased oxygen tension in primary amniotic fluid cell cultures
Authors: Sikkema‐Raddatz Birgit , Suijkerbuijk Ron , van der Vlag Jakob , Stoepker Marian , Buys Charles H. C. M. , te Meerman Gerard J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveFor prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis, cell cultures should be maximally successful. When introducing a change in conditions, e.g. a new batch of medium, the growth potential of a culture is usually compared under both the new condition and the one already in use. Such a relative test is in principle subject to drift and may over time increasingly lead to rejection of new adequate conditions, c.q. good batches of medium. We therefore wanted to design an absolute test to assess the quality of a new condition for amniotic fluid (AF) in situ cell culturing.MethodsWe tested batches of medium under sub‐optimal (stress) conditions, expecting that differences in growth potential would thereby be more readily observed. In our stress test, we diluted the culture medium to the extent of achieving a 50% growth reduction. Thresholds for rejecting a new condition were empirically determined, based on the acceptance of a less than 1% probability of false rejection of a good condition.ResultsTesting three cultures per patient for ten patients, i.e. 30 cultures in total, in a medium diluted to 30% of the original concentration, showed that a minimal number of 23 successful cultures and an average number of three or more colonies per culture appeared as thresholds meeting our rejection criteria. Testing five different media resulted in the rejection of one. Using the same stress test to evaluate the effect of culturing under decreased oxygen tension showed that 2.5 and 5% oxygen tension caused a larger colony size.ConclusionWe designed a sensitive absolute test to assess the quality of culturing conditions for cells to be used in prenatal diagnosis in general and in particular to test the growth potential of different batches of culture medium. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of risk management plans: a case study of pemoline using pharmacy claims data
Authors: Morrato Elaine H. , Staffa Judy A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPurposeTo assess the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical risk management plan using pemoline as a case study and pharmacy claims as the data source.MethodsPrescription claims from a continuously enrolled US population (September 1, 2000–September 30, 2002) from Caremark, a pharmacy benefit manager, were evaluated for patients with one or more pemoline claims. Patients were categorized using pemoline as second‐line or first‐line therapy depending on presence or absence of other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants prescriptions 90 days prior to the first pemoline claim. Logistic regression was performed to compare second‐line and first‐line usage with regard to patient age, gender and prescribing physician specialty and region of practice.ResultsOf 1 279 296 prescription claims for CNS stimulants, 17 256 (1.3%) were for pemoline. Nine hundred thirteen patients received pemoline and had 90 days or more prior enrollment. Overall, 10% of patients receiving pemoline received it as second‐line therapy (95%CI: 8–12%). After adjusting for age, gender, specialty, and region, the odds of receiving pemoline as second‐line therapy were significantly greater in pediatrics relative to adults (OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.58–5.03), and among those whose prescribers were psychiatrists versus primary care physicians (OR = 2.48, 95%CI: 1.37–4.50). Children treated by a psychiatrist had the greatest likelihood for use as second‐line therapy (36%, 95%CI: 19–56%).ConclusionsAmong patients who received pemoline, concordance with second‐line therapy recommendations was low, even among the primary target audience of children. These results in a large geographically diverse patient population are consistent with an earlier regional study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An infrared method to assess organoclay delamination and orientation in organoclay polymer nanocomposites
Authors: IJdo Wouter L. , Kemnetz Steven , Benderly Daphne 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAssessing the degree of organoclay delamination and layer alignment is crucial to deliver consistent properties of nanocomposite materials. A simple infrared technique is discussed that permits quantitative determination of these organoclay dispersion parameters in a nanocomposite. This technique complements other existing methods to optimize process conditions to fully achieve the advantages that high purity hectorite nanoclays can bring to plastic nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1031–1039, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thickness dependence of optical properties of amorphous indium oxide thin films deposited by reactive evaporation
Authors: Ulutaş K. , Değer D. , Skarlatos Y. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe electrical conductivity and absorption coefficient of amorphous indium oxide thin films, thermally evaporated on glass substrates at room temperature, were evaluated. For direct transitions the variation of the optical band gap with thickness was determined and this variation was supposed to appear due to the variation of localized gap states, whereas the variation of conductivity with thickness was supposed to be due to the variation of carrier concentration. We attribute the variation of absorption coefficient with thickness to the variation of optical band gap energy rather than optical interference. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical and low frequency noise properties of 4H‐SiC p+–n–n+ junction diodes
Authors: Arpatzanis N. , Tsormpatzoglou A. , Dimitriadis C. A. , Zekentes K. , Camara N. , Godlewski M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe electrical and low frequency noise properties of 4H‐SiC p+–n–n+ junctions have been investigated at different temperatures. The forward current–voltage characteristics are described as the sum of a recombination current originating from carrier recombination on the sidewall of the circular mesa of the diodes and a diffusion volume current. In the current region where the recombination mechanism is dominant, the main noise sources are attributed to carrier recombination at the perimeter surface of the diode and to a generation‐recombination noise related to a local trap level. In the current region where the diffusion current becomes important, the noise originates from mobility and diffusivity fluctuations in the space charge region of the p+–n junction. Analysis of the current and noise data allowed us to determine the density of surface states and the Hooge factor, characterizing the surface and the bulk quality of the diode. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron transport through single alkane molecules with different contact geometries on gold
Authors: Lee Myeong H. , Speyer Gil , Sankey Otto F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe report theoretical simulations of the effects of different binding sites and metal contact geometries on the conductance through single alkanedithiol molecules on gold. Examined are the current–voltage (I –V ) characteristics and the projected density of states when a one‐atom‐thick filament is formed at the molecule‐metal interface. Filaments similar to these are believed to be formed in gold STM break‐junction experiments. I –V characteristics with these contacts are compared to those of planar gold contacts at hollow or on‐top sites. The results reveal that a gold filament contact produces a large change in the Fermi level lineup which significantly affects its I –V curve. The conductance decreases by a factor of 4 ∼ 6 when gold atoms are placed between the molecule and the gold surface to form a filament, and non‐linearities develop. The hollow and on‐top planar contacts show similar conductivities to each other and produce linear I –V curve. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An accurate and efficient procedure of fitting electric field potential by point charges for QM/MM calculations
Authors: Makhov D. V. , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAn accurate and efficient computational procedure of fitting an electric field potential given on the grid in a finite QM cavity of arbitrary shape by point charges is described. The charges are located on the surface of the sphere that encloses the QM cavity, and also inside the sphere, but outside the QM cavity. The procedure is based on the use of spherical harmonics and singular value decomposition. An example of application of the procedure in QM/MM calculations of pKa values in proteins is discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computer simulations of protein translocation
Authors: Kirmizialtin Serdal , Huang Lei , Makarov Dmitrii E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMany biological processes, e.g. protein degradation by ATP dependent proteases and mitochondrial protein import, involve protein translocation through nanometer‐sized pores. In this paper, we report on computer simulations of two models of protein translocation. In the first model, a protein domain is pulled mechanically through a narrow neutral pore. We compare the free energy cost of squeezing an initially folded protein into the pore with that for a random‐coil‐like homopolymer and show that the former case involves several partially folded intermediates. The second model involves electrophoretically driven translocation of a β‐hairpin forming peptide across the α‐hemolysin protein pore. The distribution of the time the peptide spends inside the pore is exponential at low forces, suggesting a single rate limiting barrier crossing step for the translocation process, while at higher forces this distribution tends to be a bell shaped curve. The dependence of the average translocation time 〈t 〉 on the applied force f is well described by the exponential relationship: 〈t 〉 = af + b at low forces, while at high forces the inverse translocation time is a linear function of the force, 〈t 〉–1 = Af – B . (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)