bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenite binding to synthetic peptides: The effect of increasing length between two cysteines
Authors: Kitchin Kirk T. , Wallace Kathleen 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe utilized radioactive 73As‐labeled arsenite and vacuum filtration methodology to determine the binding affinity of arsenite to eight synthetic peptides ranging from 13 to 24 amino acids long and containing one or two cysteines separated by 0–17 intervening amino acids. Six of the eight peptides were highly similar in amino acid sequence and were based on cysteine containing regions of the hormone‐binding site of the human estrogen receptor‐alpha (e.g., the sequence of peptide 28 is LEGAWCGKGVEGTEHLYSMKCKNV). The peptides with 0–14 intervening amino acids between two cysteines bound arsenite with Kd values of 2.7–20.1 uM and with Bmax values from 36 to 103 nmol/mg protein (from 0.083 to 0.19 nmol/nmol of protein). Thus, increasing the number of intervening amino acids from 0 to 14 made very little difference in the observed Kd values for arsenite, a surprising finding. Therefore, these peptides are flexible in solution and effectively contain a dithiol high affinity binding site for arsenite. Peptide 17 with two C separated by 19 amino acids bound arsenite with a Kd of 123 uM and a Bmax of 41.8 nmol/mg. The monothiol peptide 19 bound arsenite with a Kd of 124 uM and a Bmax of 26 nmol/mg protein. All experi‐ mental binding curves fit well to a one site binding model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. *This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:35–38, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20112
Metabolic effects of p‐coumaric acid in the perfused rat liver
Authors: Lima Leonardo C.N. , Buss Gisele D. , Ishii‐Iwamoto Emy L. , Salgueiro‐Pagadigorria Clairce , Comar Jurandir Fernando , Bracht Adelar , Constantin Jorgete 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe p‐coumaric acid, a phenolic acid, occurs in several plant species and, consequently, in many foods and beverages of vegetable origin. Its antioxidant activity is well documented, but there is also a single report about an inhibitory action on the monocarboxylate carrier, which operates in the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. The latter observation suggests that p‐coumaric acid could be able to inhibit gluconeogenesis and related parameters. The present investigation was planned to test this hypothesis in the isolated and hemoglobin‐free perfused rat liver. Transformation of lactate and alanine into glucose (gluconeogenesis) in the liver was inhibited by p‐coumaric acid (IC50 values of 92.5 and 75.6 μM, respectively). Transformation of fructose into glucose was inhibited to a considerably lower degree (maximally 28%). The oxygen uptake increase accompanying gluconeogenesis from lactate was also inhibited. Pyruvate carboxylation in isolated intact mitochondria was inhibited (IC50 = 160.1 μM); no such effect was observed in freeze–thawing disrupted mitochondria. Glucose 6‐phosphatase and fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase were not inhibited. In isolated intact mitochondria, p‐coumaric acid inhibited respiration dependent on pyruvate oxidation but was ineffective on respiration driven by succinate and β‐hydroxybutyrate. It can be concluded that inhibition of pyruvate transport into the mitochondria is the most prominent primary effect of p‐coumaric acid and also the main cause for gluconeogenesis inhibition. The existence of additional actions of p‐coumaric acid, such as enzyme inhibitions and interference with regulatory mechanisms, cannot be excluded. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:18–26, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20114
Pilot‐scale demonstration of pre‐fermentation for enhancement of food‐processing wastewater biodegradability
Authors: Xu Zhongda , Nakhla George 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA pilot‐scale anaerobic/aerobic ultrafiltration system was tested to treat high‐strength tomato‐processing wastewater, to achieve stringent dry‐ditch discharge criteria of soluble biochemical oxygen demand (SBOD) <10 mg dm−3, total suspended solids <10 mg dm−3, ammonia nitrogen <3 mg dm−3 and soluble phosphorus <0.5 mg dm−3. The anaerobic/aerobic system achieved 99.4% SBOD removal, 91.9% NH3 N removal and 100% phosphorus removal at an overall hydraulic retention time of 1.5 days and solids retention time of 5 days during the tomato canning season. Respirometric studies confirmed that the pretreatment of tomato‐processing wastewater in the anaerobic reactor increased the readily biodegradable fraction, improved kinetics, and eliminated nutrient deficiency problem. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of high‐quality chitin and chitosan from preconditioned shrimp shells
Authors: Toan Nguyen Van , Ng Chuen‐How , Aye Kyaw Nyein , Trang Trung Si , Stevens Willem F. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractChitin and chitosan with improved characteristics were produced from shrimp shell waste preconditioned by limited decay or by treatment with 0.016 mol L−1 benzoic acid. Preconditioned shrimp shells were transparent, had a clean surface and were susceptible to demineralization and deproteinization using 0.68 mol L−1 HCl and 0.62 mol L−1 NaOH, respectively. The ash and protein residues in the final chitosan were about 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, the viscosity was up to 7000 cps, and the solubility and transparency nearly 100%. In comparison with treatment at ambient temperature (30 °C) without preconditioning, the chemical consumption, the duration of the treatment, ash and protein residues was reduced to 75–25%, whereas viscosity and absence of insolubles improved by a factor of 2–3. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology of the lower jaw and suspensorium in the Texas blindsnake, Leptotyphlops dulcis (Scolecophidia: Leptotyphlopidae)
Authors: Kley Nathan J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSlender blindsnakes (Leptotyphlopidae) are known to use a unique feeding mechanism that involves rapid flexions of the tooth‐bearing lower jaw. However, the morphology of the leptotyphlopid jaw apparatus has remained poorly studied due to the extremely small size of these snakes. Here I present a detailed description of the bones, cartilages, and ligaments of the lower jaw and suspensorium in a representative leptotyphlopid, Leptotyphlops dulcis, based on microanatomical studies of nearly 30 specimens prepared and examined in a variety of ways. The leptotyphlopid mandible is found to exhibit a complex mixture of symplesiomorphies shared with nonophidian squamates (“lizards”), synapomorphies shared with other snakes, and autapomorphies unique to Leptotyphlopidae. Most autapomorphies are functional correlates of the mandibular raking mechanism used by Leptotyphlops, primarily involving specializations of the intramandibular joint and the linkage between the suspensorium and the skull. Most notably, the quadrates are suspended via sliding articulations with the stapedes and do not articulate directly with the braincase. Posterior translation of the suspensorium at this loose, sliding articulation during jaw retraction may account for approximately one‐third of the distance that prey are transported during each cycle of jaw flexion. This primary quadratostapedial articulation is believed to be unique among gnathostomes. Several anatomical features of the jaw apparatus suggest that Leptotyphlops evolved from more typical snake‐like ancestors that: 1) had already lost the firm symphysis between the distal tips of the mandibular rami; and 2) had already evolved a high degree of upper jaw mobility. J. Morphol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation on the possible role of melatonin in melanogenesis
Authors: Rizzi Andrea , Comai Stefano , Bertazzo Antonella , Costa Carlo V. L. , Allegri Graziella , Traldi Pietro 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe possible role of melatonin in melanogenesis was investigated by performing reactions of melatonin with peroxidase + H2O2 or H2O2 only, in the presence or absence of UV irradiation. Samples of the reaction mixtures were drawn at different times (from 15 to 480 min), the enzyme (when present) was removed by ultrafiltration and the samples so obtained were analyzed by MALDI/MS.The results show that melatonin undergoes oligomerization reaction with peroxidase + H2O2, leading to heptameric species. For high reaction times the MALDI/MS data do not show the formation of larger oligomers, but UV–vis spectroscopy indicates that the oligomerization processes proceed. The failure of MALDI‐TOF in the identification of larger oligomers was related to the chemical–physical and morphological behavior of melanins.In the case of UV irradiation, the formation of species originating from the O‐ and O2 addition to melatonin, which activate new oligomerization channels, has been observed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of cation adduction on the separation characteristics of flavonoid diglycoside isomers using dual gate‐ion mobility‐quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Clowers Brian H. , Hill Herbert H. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAn electrospray ionization‐dual gate‐ion mobility‐quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer was used to evaluate the separation characteristics of isomeric flavonoid diglycosides adducted with sodium, potassium, and silver. This instrumental configuration allows ions to be selectively accumulated within the ion trap on the basis of their gas phase conformation prior to mass analysis. For the metal cations examined, silver produced the most compact adducts with flavonoid diglycosides. Listed in order of increasing size, the trend of flavonoid diglycoside ion‐neutral cross sections adducted with Na+, K+, and Ag+ was narirutin < naringin < hesperidin < neohesperidin < rutin. To examine the separation contribution of the carbohydrate group, hesperetin, the aglycone of hesperidin, and neohesperin were compared to quercetin, the aglycone of rutin. Separation of the flavonoid diglycosides indicated that quercetin‐derived diglycosides drifted longer than their hesperetin‐derived isomers. Combined with the observed collision assisted dissociation (CAD) data, these findings suggest that carbohydrate moiety plays a significant role in both the separation and metal chelating characteristics of flavonoid diglycosides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and migration of human and rat olfactory ensheathing cells in intact and injured spinal cord
Authors: Deng Chao , Gorrie Catherine , Hayward Ian , Elston Bryan , Venn Melinda , Mackay‐Sim Alan , Waite Phil 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIncreasing evidence indicates the potential of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) for treating spinal cord injuries. The present study compared proliferation and migration of adult rat and human OECs transplanted into the spinal cord of athymic (immunodeficient) rats. OECs were purified from the nasal lamina propria and prelabeled with a cytoplasmic dye. After OEC injection into the thoracic spinal cord, animals were perfused 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days later. Both rat and human OECs showed similar migration. Cells were seen leaving the injection site after 4 hr, and by 7 days both rat and human OECs had migrated approximately 1 mm rostrally and caudally within the cord (rat: 1,400 ± 241 μm rostral, 1,134 ± 262 μm caudal, n = 5; human: 1,337 ± 192 μm rostral, 1,205 ± 148 μm caudal, n = 6). Proliferation of transplanted OECs was evident at 4 hr, but most had ceased dividing by 24 hr. In 10 animals, the spinal cord was injured by a contralateral hemisection made 5 mm rostral to the transplantation site at the time of OEC transplantation. After 7 days, macrophages were numerous both around the injury and at the transplantation site. In the injured cord, rat and human OECs migrated for shorter distances, in both rostral and caudal directions (rat: 762 ± 118 μm rostral, 554 ± 142 μm caudal, n = 4; human: 430 ± 55 μm rostral, 399 ± 161 μm caudal, n = 3). The results show that rat and human OECs rapidly stop dividing after transplantation and have a similar ability to survive and migrate within the spinal cord of immunocompromised hosts. OECs migrated less in animals with a concomitant contralateral hemisection. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental and kinetic study of shock initiated ignition in homogeneous methane–hydrogen–air mixtures at engine‐relevant conditions
Authors: Huang J. , Bushe W. K. , Hill P. G. , Munshi S. R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe ignition delay time of two stoichiometric methane/hydrogen/air mixtures has been measured in a shock tube facility at pressures from 16 to 40 atm and temperatures from 1000 to 1300 K. Overall, the observed reduction in ignition delay with some methane replaced by hydrogen is relatively small given the large concentration of hydrogen involved in the current study. With a high hydrogen mole fraction (35% of the total fuel), a reduction of the ignition‐promoting effect was observed with reduced temperature. A detailed chemical kinetic mechanism was used to simulate ignitions of test mixtures behind reflected shocks. An analysis of the mechanism indicates that at higher temperatures, the rapid decomposition of hydrogen molecules leads to a quick formation of H radical pools, which promote the chain branching through H + O2 ⇌ O + OH. At lower temperatures, the branching efficiency of hydrogen is low; a weak effect of hydrogen on methane ignition could be result from the reaction between H2 and methylperoxy CH3O2, which contributes extra H radicals to the reaction system. The effects of hydrogen also decrease with increasing pressure; this is related to the negative pressure dependence of hydrogen at the second ignition limit. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 221–233, 2006
Neuroproteomics in neurotrauma
Authors: Ottens Andrew K. , Kobeissy Firas H. , Golden Erin C. , Zhang Zhiqun , Haskins William E. , Chen Su‐Shing , Hayes Ronald L. , Wang Kevin K.W. , Denslow Nancy D. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractNeurotrauma in the form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) afflicts more Americans annually than Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease combined, yet few researchers have used neuroproteomics to investigate the underlying complex molecular events that exacerbate TBI. Discussed in this review is the methodology needed to explore the neurotrauma proteome—from the types of samples used to the mass spectrometry identification and quantification techniques available. This neuroproteomics survey presents a framework for large‐scale protein research in neurotrauma, as applied for immediate TBI biomarker discovery and the far‐reaching systems biology understanding of how the brain responds to trauma. Ultimately, knowledge attained through neuroproteomics could lead to clinical diagnostics and therapeutics to lessen the burden of neurotrauma on society. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:380–408, 2006
Health‐related quality of life in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Schrag Anette , Geser Felix , Stampfer‐Kountchev Michaela , Seppi Klaus , Sawires Martin , Köllensperger Martin , Scherfler Christoph , Quinn Niall , Pellecchia Maria T. , Barone Paolo , del Sorbo Francesca , Albanese Alberto , Ostergaard Karen , Dupont Erik , Cardozo Adriana , Tolosa Eduardo , Nilsson Christer F. , Widner Håkan , Lindvall Olle , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya , Daniels Christine , Deuschl Günther , Coelho Miguel , Sampaio Cristina , Abele Michael , Klockgether Thomas , Schimke Nicole , Eggert Karla M. , Oertel Wolfgang , Djaldetti Ruth , Colosimo Carlo , Meco Giuseppe , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. ,   European MSA‐Study Group
Published: February 2006

AbstractAlthough multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to progressive disability and decreased life expectancy, little is known about patients' own evaluation of their illness and factors associated with poor health‐related quality of life (Hr‐QoL). We, therefore, assessed Hr‐QoL and its determinants in MSA. The following scales were applied to 115 patients in the European MSA‐Study Group (EMSA‐SG) Natural History Study: Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF‐36), EQ‐5D, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini‐Mental state examination (MMSE), Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS), Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Parkinson's disease staging scale, Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS), and Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS). Forty‐six percent of patients had moderate to severe depression (BDI ≥ 17); Hr‐QoL scores on the SF‐36 and EQ‐5D were significantly impaired. Pain, the only domain with similar scores in MSA and published PD patients, was reported more frequently in patients with MSA‐P (predominantly parkinsonian motor subtype) than MSA‐C (predominantly cerebellar motor subtype; 76% vs. 50%; P = 0.005). Hr‐QoL scores correlated most strongly with UMSARS motor, COMPASS, and BDI scores but not with MMSE scores, age at onset, or disease duration. The COMPASS and UMSARS activities of daily living scores were moderate‐to‐strong predictors for the SF‐36 physical summary score and the BDI and UMSARS motor scores for the SF‐36 mental summary score. This report is the first study to show that Hr‐QoL is significantly impaired in MSA. Although not all possible factors related to impaired Hr‐QoL in MSA could be assessed, autonomic dysfunction, motor impairment, and depression were most closely associated with poor Hr‐QoL, and therapeutic management, therefore, should concentrate upon these aspects of the disease. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Expression of cell‐cycle regulator CDK2‐associating protein 1 (p12CDK2AP1) in transgenic mice induces testicular and ovarian atrophy in vivo
Authors: Figueiredo M.L. , Dayan S. , Kim Y. , McBride J. , Kupper T.S. , Wong D.T.W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe novel cell‐cycle regulator p12CDK2AP1 (p12) gene encodes a cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) partner that participates in cell‐cycle regulation, apoptosis, and proliferation. CDK2 has been implicated in maintenance of gonadal homeostasis, as knockout mice display reproductive abnormalities. To investigate the role of p12 in homeostasis of gonadal tissues in vivo, we generated a transgenic mouse model driven by the human keratin 14 promoter, reported to target transgene expression to gonadal tissues and also stratified epithelia. Overexpression of the transgene was associated with a gonadal atrophy phenotype in mice of both sexes, yet fertility was not impaired. Histological evaluation of testes showed seminiferous tubule degeneration and decreased tubule diameter. Female transgenic mice had small ovaries, with a higher number of atretic follicles/mm2 as compared to control nontransgenic mice. Also observed was increased germ cell apoptosis in both sexes (TUNEL). These results suggest that overexpression of p12 leads to testicular and ovarian abnormalities, a phenotype closely related to that of cdk2−/− mice. In combination, these observations suggest that the p12/CDK2 signaling pathways are carefully orchestrated to maintain proper gonadal tissue homeostasis. We suggest that the mechanisms of this regulation may be through p12‐mediated altered expression of gonadal‐specific genes and apoptotic pathways. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 987–997, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TIMP‐1 as candidate gene for embryo survival in two divergent lines selected for uterine capacity in rabbits
Authors: Estellé Jordi , Sastre Yolanda , Merchán Maribel , Peiró Rosa , Santacreu Maria A. , Folch Josep M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSelection on uterine capacity has been used in animal breeding as a way to improve the litter size. A divergent selection experiment for uterine capacity was performed in rabbits during ten generations. After the first generations of selection, large differences in number of implanted embryos were obtained between high and low lines. The major part of the differences between lines was due to embryo survival. A segregation analysis suggested the presence of a major gene affecting the reproductive traits. The objective of this work was to test the TIMP‐1 gene as a candidate gene for embryo survival in rabbits since it stands up as a target for the investigation of reproductive problems in humans. We have analyzed the parental generation of a F2 cross which consists of 8 and 14 animals from the high and low uterine capacity lines, respectively. The rabbit TIMP‐1 gene structure and sequence has been determined, including the proximal promoter region. Despite of the absence of polymorphism between lines in the screened regions (CDS, proximal promoter, exon 1, intron 1, and exon 2), a real‐time RT‐PCR quantification of the TIMP‐1 mRNA in oviduct has shown significant differences between high and low lines at 62 hr of gestation, just when rabbit embryos are located in the oviduct, postulating TIMP‐1 as an interesting candidate gene to be involved in the phenotypic differences between the two rabbit lines. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flame retarded polymer layered silicate nanocomposites: a review of commercial and open literature systems
Authors: Morgan Alexander B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis paper is a review of polymer nanocomposites used for flame retardancy applications, including commercial materials and open literature examples. Where possible, details on how the nanocomposite and flame retardant work together will be discussed. The key lesson from this review is that while the polymer nanocomposite can be considered to be flame retarded (or a flame retardant) by definition, these materials by themselves are unable to pass regulatory fire safety tests such as UL‐94 V. Therefore, additional flame retardants are needed in combination with the polymer nanocomposite to pass these tests. In multiple examples, the nanocomposite works with other flame retardants in a synergistic or cooperative manner to lower the polymer flammability (heat release rate). Finally, a discussion on research needs and outlook for polymer nanocomposite flammability research is included. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential bias in pharmacoepidemiological studies due to the length of the drug free period: a study on antidepressant drug use in adults in the Netherlands
Authors: Gardarsdottir Helga , Heerdink Eibert R. , Egberts Antoine C. G. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the length of the drug free period on incidence measurements as well as on cohort characteristics in users of antidepressants.MethodsThe study population consisted of patients aged 18 years or older who filled a prescription for an antidepressant drug in the Netherlands, between October 2001 and September 2002. One‐year incidence of antidepressant drug use was estimated using drug free periods varying in length from 1 month to 9 years. In addition, we evaluated what effect the drug free period has on cohort characteristics by comparing a cohort of first time antidepressant drug users defined using a 9‐year drug free period with cohorts using 6, 12 and 24 months drug free period.ResultsWhen using a 6‐month drug free period the measured incidence was about 32 per 1000 individuals (95%CI: 31.3, 32.6) while the measured incidence was 27.5 (95%CI: 26.9, 28.1), 23.5 (95%CI: 22.9, 24.0) and 17.2 (95%CI: 16.7, 17.7) per 1000 individuals when using a 12‐month, 24 month respectively a 9‐year drug free period. Furthermore, the prevalence of characteristics in inception cohort studies changes when using different drug free periods.ConclusionAltering the drug free period from a short to a longer one results in decreased incidence. Furthermore, for inception cohorts where first time drug use is an inclusion criterion the drug free period can influence the prevalence of cohort characteristics and for short drug free periods give biased estimates. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.