bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental determination of Anammox decay coefficient
Authors: Scaglione D. , Caffaz S. , Bettazzi E. , Lubello C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper describes an experimental method used to evaluate the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) decay coefficient by means of a batch test. The test was carried out using an experimental procedure based on manometric measurements of the dinitrogen gas that is produced by the Anammox process. The accuracy of the procedure had previously been assessed, and the method was used to determine the specific Anammox activity (SAA mg N2‐N g VSS−1 d−1,) and the maximum nitrogen production rate (MNPR, NmL N2 L−1 d−1) under several different conditions. A specific batch test, which lasted for 148 days, was performed to assess the decay coefficient. The activity decrease was monitored and the estimated value of the decay coefficient was found to be 0.0048 d−1 at 35 °C, for which the corresponding half‐life time of the Anammox biomass was 145 days. This value is higher than other values reported in the literature, but in accordance with the slow growth rate of the Anammox bacteria. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Mesoionic carbenes: Reactions of 1,3‐diphenyltetrazol‐5‐ylidene with electron‐deficient alkenes, and synthesis and catalytic activities of the (tetrazol‐5‐ylidene)rhodium(I) complexes
Authors: Araki Shuki , Yokoi Keisaku , Sato Ryosuke , Hirashita Tsunehisa , Setsune Jun‐Ichiro 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
magnified imageThe reactions of 1,3‐diphenyltetrazol‐5‐ylidene, a rare example of mesoionic carbenes, with electron‐deficient unsaturated compounds were studied. The carbene reacted with dimethyl 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine‐3,6‐dicarboxylate to give a 5‐tetrazoliomethylide, together with hydrazine derivatives. The reaction with tetracyanoethylene gave another methylide in low yield. On the contrary, the reactions with weaker electrophiles, such as 3,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine, fumalonitrile, N‐phenylmaleimide, and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, did not give any coupling products, but gave phenylated products and/or Michael addition products via the degradation of the 1,3‐diphenyltetrazole ring. Novel mesoionic mono‐ and bis(carbene)‐rhodium(I) complexes were synthesized and the structures were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Their catalytic activities for the decarbonylative addition reaction of benzoyl chloride to ethynylbenzene were investigated. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Predictors of smoking cessation and relapse after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Holtrop Jodi Summers , Stommel Manfred , Corser William , Holmes‐Rovner Margaret 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:A hospital admission for a serious cardiac event offers a unique opportunity for smoking cessation. Understanding the factors that predict and enhance cessation among smoking cardiac inpatients is important for hospital physicians and clinical staff.STUDY OBJECTIVE:To determine factors that predict smoking cessation, relapse, or continued smoking among posthospitalized cardiac patients who were smoking at the time of admission.SAMPLE:Patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were recruited from 5 hospitals in Michigan to participate in a study assessing hospital quality improvement plus at‐home health behavior change counseling.MEASUREMENTS:Patient interview data were collected shortly after discharge and 3 and 8 months later to describe patient demographics, clinical characteristics, tobacco use, and other behaviors. Multinomial logit regression was used to predict smoking cessation, relapse, and continued smoking.RESULTS:Of patients smoking at hospitalization who completed both follow‐up interviews, 56.8% (n = 111) were not smoking at 8 months. A significant predictor of successful cessation was higher household income (odds ratio [OR] = 4.72; P = 0.003), while having other smokers in the household decreased the odds of cessation (OR = 0.20; P = 0.001). History of depression increased the odds of relapse (OR = 6.38; P = 0.002) and being a lighter smoker decreased the odds (OR = 0.16; P = 0.026).CONCLUSIONS:Although approximately one‐half of the smokers in this study reported successful cessation, interventions are still needed to assist all smokers to successfully quit smoking after an ACS hospitalization. Our data suggest targeting follow‐up programs to include other family members and using specialized methods for heavy smokers. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E3–E9. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Biochemical analysis of oligomerization of expanded polyalanine repeat proteins
Authors: Nojima Jun , Oma Yoko , Futai Eugene , Sasagawa Noboru , Kuroda Reiko , Turk Boris , Ishiura Shoichi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMany human proteins contain amino acid repeats that can form homopolymeric amino acid (HPAA) tracts. HPAA tract proteins that contain polyalanine sequences promote diseases, including oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. The pathological properties of these proteins develop when the repeats match or exceed ∼20 residues. We analyzed the oligomerization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and GST fusion proteins containing >20 alanine repeats by using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. YFP and GST fusion proteins having 23 polyalanine residues sedimented readily in sucrose density gradients, suggesting instability and oligomerization of proteins with an excess of 20 alanine repeats. Moreover, GST fusion proteins were resistant to trypsin digestion after oligomerization. Oligomerized artificial proteins with long polyalanine repeats may be suitable models for studying polyalanine‐related diseases. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supracricoid laryngectomy: Age influence on long‐term functional results
Authors: Schindler Antonio , Favero Elena , Capaccio Pasquale , Albera Roberto , Cavalot Andrea L. , Ottaviani Francesco 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Supracricoid laryngectomies (SCL) are conservative surgical techniques for the treatment of selected laryngeal carcinomas, currently adopted also in old patients. Long‐term functional results have not been reported in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to compare voice and swallowing in elderly and younger patients following SCL.Study Design:Cross‐sectional study.Methods:Twenty male patients who underwent SCL were recruited in the study; 10 were younger than 65 years at the time of surgery and 10 were older. Video‐endoscopic ratings were taken of neoglottic vibration patterns and bolus transit. Voices were perceptually rated using the GIRBAS scale. The maximum phonation time (MPT) and the syllables diadochokinesis were measured. Spectrograms were recorded. All of the patients completed a self‐assessment questionnaire for both voice and swallowing. The data obtained from the two groups were compared through the Mann‐Whitney test.Results:Video‐endoscopic ratings of neoglottal vibration and bolus transit showed no difference between the two groups. The perceptual assessment showed a harsh voice in both groups. No significant difference was found for mean syllable diadochokinesis and the mean MPT was 6.3 seconds and 8.8 seconds, respectively in the younger and older group. The mean value of the Yanagihara scale of voice spectrogram was 3.8 and 3.7. Voice and swallowing quality‐of‐life questionnaires revealed satisfied patients in both age groups.Conclusions:Age by itself does not have a significant impact on long‐term functional results following SCL. Meticulous selection of the candidate to SCL allows the application of this surgical technique with adequate long‐term functional results. Laryngoscope, 2009
Nutritionally optimized ice cream fats
Authors: Persson Marcus 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFats (triacylglycerols) can crystallize in different forms each with its own unique packing of the molecules. This influences the density, melting point, the way the crystals grow, and the way they respond to cooling and shearing etc. In this work we have studied several different ice cream fats in healthier ice creams containing less saturated fatty acids (SFA). Where the amount of SFA has been greatly reduced it is necessary to design ice cream fats that crystallize and grow crystals in a specific way. The fat systems form crystals within the emulsion drops during cooling and freezing of the mix. In this part of the process we also see a destabilization of droplets creating an opportunity for the fat crystals to continue to grow and form a network in the bulk phase and lock the ice crystals. This is important since ice melts as the temperature fluctuates even at temperatures well below zero degrees because of sugars and salts from milk solids. By having a system where the crystals grow more as plates the crystals span a much greater volume. This facilitates the formation of agglomerated fat that encompasses small ice crystals giving ice creams with greater form stability and storage stability. Furthermore designing fat mixtures that crystallize in the beta form gives a higher melting point. This, together with the fact that these crystals have lower solubility than beta prime crystals gives a higher solid fat content which is beneficial when working with low SFA systems. In AAK's new generation of low SFA fats we have used this knowledge and this is why our Akomix LS range performs so well in application.
Almost sure central limit theorem for partial sums and maxima
Authors: Zuoxiang Peng , Lili Wang , Nadarajah Saralees 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLet X, X1, X2, … be i.i.d. random variables with nondegenerate common distribution function F, satisfying EX = 0, EX2 = 1. Let Xi and Mn = max{Xi, 1 ≤ i ≤ n }. Suppose there exists constants an > 0, bn ∈ R and a nondegenrate distribution G (y) such that
equation image
Then, we have
equation image
almost surely, where f (x, y) denotes the bounded Lipschitz 1 function and Φ(x) is the standard normal distribution function (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sural perforator flap: Assessment of the posterior calf region as donor site for a free fasciocutaneous flap
Authors: Shimizu Fumiaki , Kato Aiko , Sato Haruaki , Taneda Hiroko 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThree kinds of free fasciocutaneous flap from the posterior calf region have been described in the literature: the medial sural perforator flap, the lateral sural perforator flap, and the traditional posterior calf fasciocutaneous flap that is supplied by superficial cutaneous vessels. Moreover, it has been reported that superficial cutaneous vessels are of a suitable size for microanastomosis when deep musclocutaneous perforators are absent or relatively tiny. To establish a safe technique for free fasciocutaneous flap elevation from the posterior calf region, we examined the number and location of the musculocutaneous perforators and the size of superficial cutaneous vessels at their origin from the popliteal artery in six formalinized cadavers. We found that all legs had at least one perforator either from the medial sural artery or the lateral sural artery. By contrast, we failed to find superficial cutaneous vessels of suitable size for microanastomosis in three legs, and there was no significant inverse relationship between the diameter of the superficial cutaneous artery and the number of musculocutaneous perforators. Our results suggest that the medial sural perforator flap and the lateral sural perforator flap might be the surgeon's first and second choice, respectively. The traditional posterior calf fasciocutaneous flap should be the third choice because our study suggests that its availability is doubtful. Another site is recommended, when preoperative Doppler study suggests that the existence of musculocutaneous perforator is in doubt. Two clinical cases, with a medial sural perforator flap and a lateral sural perforator flap, respectively, are presented. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Sarcoplasmic–endoplasmic–reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase and calsequestrin are overexpressed in spared intrinsic laryngeal muscles of dystrophin‐deficient mdx mice
Authors: Ferretti Renato , Marques Maria Julia , Pertille Adriana , Santo Neto Humberto 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the lack of dystrophin is associated with increased calcium levels and skeletal muscle myonecrosis. The intrinsic laryngeal muscles (ILM) are protected and do not undergo myonecrosis. We investigated whether this protection is related to an increased expression of calcium‐binding proteins, which may protect against the elevated calcium levels seen in dystrophic fibers. The expression of sarcoplasmic–endoplasmic–reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase and calsequestrin was examined in ILM and in nonspared limb muscles of control and mdx mice using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Dystrophic ILM presented a significant increase in the proteins studied when compared to controls. The increase of Ca2+‐handling proteins in dystrophic ILM may permit better maintenance of calcium homeostasis, with the consequent absence of myonecrosis. The results further support the concept that abnormal Ca2+‐handling is involved in dystrophinopathies. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Complexity science of multiscale materials via stochastic computations
Authors: Liu Wing Kam , Siad Larbi , Tian Rong , Lee Sanghoon , Lee Dockjin , Yin Xiaolei , Chen Wei , Chan Stephanie , Olson Gregory B. , Lindgen Lars‐Erik , Horstemeyer Mark F. , Chang Yoon‐Suk , Choi Jae‐Boong , Kim Young Jin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNew technological advances today allow for a range of advanced composite materials, including multilayer materials and nanofiber‐matrix composites. In this context, the key to developing advanced materials is the understanding of the interplay between the various physical scales present, from the atomic level interactions to the microstructural composition and the macroscale behavior. Using the developing ‘multiresolution data sets mechanics’, the ‘predictive science‐based governing laws of the materials microstructure evolutions’ are derived and melted into a ‘stochastic multiresolution design framework.’ Under such a framework, the governing laws of the materials microstructure evolution will be essential to assess, across multiple scales, the impact of multiscale material design, geometry design of a structure, and the manufacturing process conditions, by following the cause–effect relationships from structure to property and then to performance.The future integrated multiscale analysis system will be constructed based on a probabilistic complexity science‐based mathematical framework. Its verification, validation and uncertainty quantification are done through carefully designed experiments, and the life‐cycled materials design for products design and manufacturing is performed through the use of petascale computing. The various techniques of microstructure reconstruction result in the generation of model microstructures that, at some level, has the same statistical properties as the real heterogeneous media. Having reconstructed the heterogeneous medium, one can then evaluate its effective properties via direct numerical simulation and compare these values with experimentally measured properties of the actual medium. The proposed analysis will be dynamic in nature to capture the multi‐stage historical evolvement of material/structure performance over the life span of a product. In addition to providing more accurate assessment of structure performance with stochastic multiscale analysis, our development will provide the capability of predicting structure failures and system reliability to enable more reliable design and manufacturing decisions in product development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adapting surveys for nonprofit research
Authors: Ritchie William J. , Sherlock John J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMany useful survey instruments have been developed in the for‐profit management arena, but they often require varying levels of adaptation for relevant application in the nonprofit context. This research note first explains key steps in the process for adapting and testing a survey instrument. It then illustrates how each step should be applied and reported using a case study adaptation of Hodgkinson's (1992) strategic locus of control instrument for nonprofit use.
Oxygen isotope analysis in a land of environmental extremes: the complexities of isotopic work in the Andes
Authors: Knudson K. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe Andes, which have a wide variety of diverse and distinct environmental zones ranging from the hyperarid coast to the high‐altitude altiplano, are an ideal region in which to explore the use of oxygen isotope analyses to elucidate archaeological residential mobility. However, some questions remain, including the mobility of water through the environment, the seasonal and annual variability of precipitation in the past, and the role of water storage and beverage preparation techniques. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of oxygen isotope analysis in the Andes, and beyond, will be explored using oxygen isotope data from archaeological human enamel and bone from Peru, Bolivia and Chile (c. AD 1–1500). Although strontium isotope values from this region vary according to regional geology, oxygen isotope data do not always follow expected patterns based on known environmental variables, and probably reflect the movement of water throughout the Andes, complicating its use as a tool to identify human migration in the past. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A contribution to the study of diet of formative societies in northwestern Argentina: isotopic and archaeological evidence
Authors: Calo C. Marilin , Cortés Leticia I. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe present paper is aimed at presenting and discussing currently available isotopic values (δ13C) of human samples dated to the Formative Period in the Santa María Valley, adjacent to the Yungas and Puna regions of northwestern Argentina. Results show that the expected tendency of increasingly positive C4 isotopic values consistent with the hypothesis of maize agriculture consolidation during Formative times was only partially corroborated. A fuller understanding of this trend is limited by the scant number of samples as well as by the lack of local reference values. Notwithstanding, the revision of this evidence in light of relevant archaeobotanical data allows us to start building a more accurate reconstruction of the lifestyles of early agricultural societies settled in northwestern Argentina. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of target antigens of self‐reactive IgG in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations
Authors: Bussone Guillaume , Dib Hanadi , Dimitrov Jordan D. , Camoin Luc , Broussard Cédric , Tamas Nicolas , Guillevin Loïc , Kaveri Srini V. , Mouthon Luc 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) contains a wide range of self‐reactive immunoglobulins (Ig) G. Acidic pH is known to increase the reactivity of purified IgG with self‐antigens. We describe here the target antigens of IgG autoantibodies in IVIg and analyze the influence of acidic pH on IgG reactivities. We used 2‐DE and immunoblotting with protein extracts of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and HEp‐2 cells. Two IVIg preparations obtained by ethanol fractionation [one with an acidic pH step (acidic‐IVIg) and one with β‐propiolactone (propiolactone‐IVIg)] and a pool of sera from 12 healthy individuals were tested. Serum IgG of 3 healthy individuals and IgG purified from the same sera with elution at pH 2.8 were also tested individually. Finally, propiolactone‐IVIg was acidified at pH 2.8. IgG obtained with a step at low pH recognized many more target spots than IgG obtained without acidic pH. Our findings demonstrate that an acidic pH step artificially enlarges the repertoire of self‐reactive IgG. Thus, protein spots recognized by IgG in propiolactone‐IVIg represent the core set of self‐antigens targeted by IVIg. Overall, 96 proteins were identified by MS. Fourteen were recognized in both extracts including glycolysis proteins such as α‐enolase, RNA processing and cytoskeletal proteins such as lamin‐A/C.
Determining protein stability in cell lysates by pulse proteolysis and Western blotting
Authors: Kim Moon‐Soo , Song Jiao , Park Chiwook 
Published: March 2009

AbstractProteins require proper conformational energetics to fold and to function correctly. Despite the importance of having information on conformational energetics, the investigation of thermodynamic stability has been limited to proteins, which can be easily expressed and purified. Many biologically important proteins are not suitable for conventional biophysical investigation because of the difficulty of expression and purification. As an effort to overcome this limitation, we have developed a method to determine the thermodynamic stability of low abundant proteins in cell lysates. Previously, it was demonstrated that protein stability can be determined quantitatively by measuring the fraction of folded proteins with a pulse of proteolysis (Pulse proteolysis). Here, we show that thermodynamic stability of low abundant proteins can be determined reliably in cell lysates by combining pulse proteolysis with quantitative Western blotting (Pulse and Western). To demonstrate the reliability of this method, we determined the thermodynamic stability of recombinant human H‐ras added to lysates of E. coli and human Jurkat T cells. Comparison with the thermodynamic stability determined with pure H‐ras revealed that Pulse and Western is a reliable way to monitor protein stability in cell lysates and the stability of H‐ras is not affected by other proteins present in cell lysates. This method allows the investigation of conformational energetics of proteins in cell lysates without cloning, purification, or labeling.
Thermodynamic characterization of two homologous protein complexes: Associations of the semaphorin receptor plexin‐B1 RhoGTPase binding domain with Rnd1 and active Rac1
Authors: Hota Prasanta K. , Buck Matthias 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPlexin receptors function in response to semaphorin guidance cues in a variety of developmental processes involving cell motility. Interactions with Rho, as well as Ras family small GTPases are critical events in the cell signaling mechanism. We have recently determined the structure of a cytoplasmic domain (RBD) of plexin‐B1 and mapped its binding interface with several Rho‐GTPases, Rac1, Rnd1, and RhoD. All three GTPases associate with a similar region of this plexin domain, but show different functional behavior in cells. To understand whether thermodynamic properties of the GTPase–RBD interaction contribute to such different behavior, we have examined the interaction at different temperatures, buffer, and pH conditions. Although the binding affinity of both Rnd1 and Rac1 with the plexin‐B1 RBD is similar, the detailed thermodynamic properties of the interactions are considerably different. These data suggest that on Rac1 binding to the plexin‐B1 RBD, the proteins become more rigid in the complex. By contrast, Rnd1 binding is consistent with unchanged or slightly increased flexibility in one or both proteins. Both GTPases show an appreciable reduction in affinity for the dimeric plexin‐B1 RBD indicating that GTPase binding is not cooperative with dimer formation, but that a partial steric hindrance destabilizes the dimer. However, a reduced affinity binding mode to a disulphide stabilized model for the dimeric RBD is also possible. Consistent with cellular studies, the interaction thermodynamics imply that further levels of regulation involving additional binding partners and/or regions outside of the RhoGTPase binding domain are required for receptor activation.