bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three infrared satellite techniques to estimate accumulated rainfall over the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Tarruella R. , Jorge J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe potential of three infrared satellite‐based techniques to estimate accumulated rainfall is tested, and the techniques are compared and contrasted. The tests are conducted in the western Mediterranean area and for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula. The well‐known Arkin and the Negri–Adler–Wesley techniques are applied, as well as the Autoestimator technique during the autumn of 1994. Because the aim of this work is to automate the process of extracting the data inferred in a large number of satellite images for as long as possible (only 4368 images have been analysed in this paper), no assisted preselection is recommended. The correlation coefficients obtained for the three methods in comparisons at specific points are near 0.6; and even better results were obtained for wide areas. The Iberian Peninsula is divided into three zones, which present different climatic characteristics. Tests conducted in the north and northwest yielded the worst results, probably due to the predominance of stratiform rain and the associated orographic effects. Tests conducted in Mediterranean coastal areas gave the best results, probably due to the convective nature of precipitation predominant in this zone. Various modifications are introduced in the methods, in order to adapt them to the target area. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Conserved structural elements in glutathione transferase homologues encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli
Authors: Rife Chris L. , Parsons James F. , Xiao Gaoyi , Gilliland Gary L. , Armstrong Richard N. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMultiple sequence alignments of the eight glutathione (GSH) transferase homologues encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli were used to define a consensus sequence for the proteins. The consensus sequence was analyzed in the context of the three‐dimensional structure of the gst gene product (EGST) obtained from two different crystal forms of the enzyme. The enzyme consists of two domains. The N‐terminal region (domain I) has a thioredoxin‐like α/β‐fold, while the C‐terminal domain (domain II) is all α‐helical. The majority of the consensus residues (12/17) reside in the N‐terminal domain. Fifteen of the 17 residues are involved in hydrophobic core interactions, turns, or electrostatic interactions between the two domains. The results suggest that all of the homologues retain a well‐defined group of structural elements both in and between the N‐terminal α/β domain and the C‐terminal domain. The conservation of two key residues for the recognition motif for the γ‐glutamyl‐portion of GSH indicates that the homologues may interact with GSH or GSH analogues such as glutathionylspermidine or α‐amino acids. The genome context of two of the homologues forms the basis for a hypothesis that the b2989 and yibF gene products are involved in glutathionylspermidine and selenium biochemistry, respectively. Proteins 2003;53:777–782. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The C‐terminal module of Chi1 from Aeromonas caviae CB101 has a function in substrate binding and hydrolysis
Authors: Wang F.P. , Li Q. , Zhou Y. , Li M.G. , Xiao X. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe chitinase gene chi1 of Aeromonas caviae CB101 encodes an 865‐amino‐acid protein (with signal peptide) composed of four domains named from the N‐terminal as an all‐β‐sheet domain ChiN, a triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) catalytic domain, a function‐unknown A region, and a putative chitin‐binding domain (ChBD) composed of two repeated sequences. The N‐terminal 563‐amino‐acid segment of Chi1 (Chi1ΔAΔChBD) shares 74% identity with ChiA of Serratia marcescens. By the homology modeling method, the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of Chi1ΔAΔChBD was constructed. It fit the structure of ChiA very well. To understand fully the function of the C‐terminal module of Chi1 (from 564 to 865 amino acids), two different C‐terminal truncates, Chi1ΔChBD and Chi1ΔAΔChBD, were constructed, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Comparison studies of the substrate binding, hydrolysis capacity, and specificity among Chi1 and its two truncates showed that the C‐terminal putative ChBD contributed to the insoluble substrate–protein binding and hydrolysis; the A region did not have any function in the insoluble substrate–protein binding, but it did have a role in the chitin hydrolysis: Deletion of the A region caused the enzyme to lose 30–40% of its activity toward amorphous colloidal chitin and soluble chitin, and around 50% toward p‐nitrophenyl (pNP)‐chitobiose pNP‐chitotriose, and its activity toward low‐molecular‐weight chitooligomers (GlcNAc)3–6 also dropped, as shown by analysis of its digestion processes. This is the first clear demonstration that a domain or segment without a function in insoluble substrate–chitinase binding has a role in the digestion of a broad range of chitin substrates, including low‐molecular‐weight chitin oligomers. The reaction mode of Chi1 is also described and discussed. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biosynthetic uniform 13C,15N‐labelling of zervamicin IIB. Complete 13C and 15N NMR assignment
Authors: Ovchinnikova Tatyana V. , Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Yakimenko Zoya A. , Svishcheva Natalia V. , Tagaev Andrey A. , Skladnev Dmitry A. , Arseniev Alexander S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractZervamicin IIB is a member of the α‐aminoisobutyric acid containing peptaibol antibiotics. A new procedure for the biosynthetic preparation of the uniformly 13C‐ and 15N‐enriched peptaibol is described. This compound was isolated from the biomass of the fungus‐producer Emericellopsis salmosynnemata strain 336 IMI 58330 obtained upon cultivation in the totally 13C,15N‐labelled complete medium. To prepare such a medium the autolysed biomass and the exopolysaccharides of the obligate methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacillus flagellatus KT were used. This microorganism was grown in totally 13C,15N‐labelled minimal medium containing 13C‐methanol and 15N‐ammonium chloride as the only carbon and nitrogen sources. Preliminary NMR spectroscopic analysis indicated a high extent of isotope incorporation (>90%) and led to the complete 13C‐ and 15N‐NMR assignment including the stereospecific assignment of Aib residues methyl groups. The observed pattern of the structurally important secondary chemical shifts of 1Hα, 13CO and 13Cα agrees well with the previously determined structure of zervamicin IIB in methanol solution. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The peptaibol antiamoebin as a model ion channel: similarities to bacterial potassium channels
Authors: O'Reilly Andrias O. , Wallace B. A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAntiamoebin (AAM) is a polypeptide antibiotic that is capable of forming ion channels in phospholipid membranes; planar bilayer studies have suggested the channels are octamers. The crystal structure of a monomeric form of AAM has provided the basis for molecular modelling of an octameric helical bundle channel. The channel model is funnel‐shaped due to a substantial bend in the middle of the polypeptide chain caused by the presence of several imino acids. Inter‐monomer hydrogen bonds orientate a ring of glutamine side chains to form a constriction in the pore lumen. The channel lumen is lined both by side chains of Gln11 and by polypeptide backbone carbonyl groups. Electrostatic calculations on the model are compatible with a channel that transports cations across membranes.The AAM channel model is compared with the crystal structures of two bacterial (KcsA and MthK) potassium channels. AAM and the potassium channels exhibit common functional features, such as cation‐selectivity and similar single channel conductances. Common structural features include being multimers, each formed from a bundle of eight transmembrane helices, with lengths roughly comparable to the thickness of lipid bilayers. In addition, they all have aromatic amino acids that lie at the bilayer interfaces and which may aid in the stabilization of the transmembrane helices, as well as narrower constrictions that define the ion binding sites or selectivity filters in the pore lumen. The commonality of structural and functional features in these channels thus suggests that antiamoebin is a good, simple model for more complex bacterial and eukaryotic ion channels, capable of providing insight into details of the mechanisms of ion transport and multimeric channel stability. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of the protected 6–16 segment of zervamicin II‐2, an application of the azirine/oxazolone method
Authors: Pradeille Nicolas , Heimgartner Heinz 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe protected 11 amino acid segment (6–16) of the peptaibol zervamicin II‐2 was synthesized by using the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’ for the introduction of all Aib residues. Whereas a 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirin‐3‐amine was used as the building block for Aib(7), methyl 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirine‐3‐prolinate and ‐3‐(3‐hydroxyprolinate) proved to be ideally suited as dipeptide synthons for the introduction of Aib‐Pro and Aib‐Hyp, respectively. The coupling of Z‐protected amino acids or peptide acids with the 2H‐azirin‐3‐amines were performed in 75% to quantitative yield. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Template‐free self‐assembling fullerene and lipopeptide conjugates of alamethicin form voltage‐dependent ion channels of remarkable stability and activity
Authors: Jung Günther , Redemann Thomas , Kroll Karsten , Meder Sabine , Hirsch Andreas , Boheim Günther 
Published: November 2003

AbstractN‐ and C‐terminally modified with fullerene or lipopeptide alamethicin molecules were designed for the formation of template‐free, self‐assembling, voltage‐dependent ion conducting channels. The automated solid phase synthesis of the alamethicin‐F30 sequence was performed by in situ fluoride activation on 2‐chlorotritylchloride‐polystyrene resin and the conjugation with fullerenes‐C60 and ‐C70 was carried out in solution. Voltage‐dependent bilayer experiments revealed preferred channel sizes for C‐terminal alamethicin F30‐fullerene‐C60 and ‐C70 conjugates and higher activity compared with native alamethicin, whereas N‐terminally linked fullerene balls destabilize pore formation. C‐terminal alamethicin F30‐fullerene‐C70 conjugates show pore states with remarkably long lifetimes of seconds. C‐terminal lipopeptide conjugates of alamethicin were prepared by coupling via short peptide spacers with synthetic tripalmitoyl‐S‐glyceryl‐cysteine, which represents the strong membrane anchoring N‐terminus of bacterial lipoprotein. Alamethicin‐lipopeptide conjugates exhibit high channel forming activities, whereby they self‐assemble and adopt preferred pore states with extremely long lifetimes. The novel membrane modifying peptaibol constructs are valuable lead compounds for developments in sensorics related to transmembrane ion conductance. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the parameters of multidimension vibration Hamiltonian of CH3NH2 from quantum chemical data
Authors: Irgibaeva I. S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe two large‐amplitude motions—NH2 wagging and CH3 internal rotation—take place in methylamine, CH3NH2. The complete set of potential and kinematic coupling constants, characterizing the Hamiltonian of a nonrigid molecule CH3NH2 with two large‐amplitude coordinates, is derived from standard quantum chemical data for the equilibrium geometries, normal frequencies, and eigenvectors in the ground and transition states. The reconstruction of the Hamiltonian is made via the following steps: classification of the generalized coordinates according to the irreducible representations of the group of the nonrigid molecular model; linear transformation of the ground‐state normal coordinates into the frame of the transition state taking into account the Eckart conditions; and perturbative solution of the inverse vibrational problem. It is shown that the consideration of interactions of large‐amplitude vibrations with transfer ones significantly affects the parameters of 2‐D potential. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Molecular dynamics of strained retinal in various electronic states
Authors: Egorova K. B. , Shaitan K. V. , Ermilov A. Y. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractInternal rotation barriers in retinal and its protonated analog in the ground and first excited states were investigated. The Hartree–Fock method followed by Moeller–Plesset perturbation theory and molecular dynamic methods were applied. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Mixed quantum–classic intramolecular dynamics at light transformation by molecules
Authors: Morozov V. A. , Dubina Y. M. , Shorygin P. P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe time‐dependent population probability of the excited electronic state in a two‐level electronic subsystem of a molecular model in the monochromatic light field is investigated by a mixed quantum–classic method. The dynamics of the electronic subsystem of the molecule, radiation field, and their interaction are described using the decay theory of closely coupled unstable states of quantum systems. The classic field‐free dynamics of nuclei are defined by Born–Oppenheimer quadratic potentials. Radiative coupling between “dressed” states and radiative decay of the excited electronic state of the molecule are taken into account. The differential equation of the second order by time for the probability amplitude of the excited electronic‐state population is obtained with the consistent description of the adiabatic dynamics of nuclei. The results of numerical computation of this equation were used to describe the time‐dependent population probability of the excited electronic state of the molecule in terms of “vertical” transitions between dressed states of a common system: the molecule and radiation field. On the basis of a few obtained examples of adiabatic modulation of the population of the excited electronic state, conclusions were made on corresponding intensity and spectrum of scattered radiation. The partial agreement and discrepancy of these conclusions in the frameworks of mixed quantum–classic theory with corresponding conclusions in the frameworks of rigorous quantum theory were pinpointed. The comparison severed as grounds for new conclusions concerning a degree of fitness of classic treatment of the nuclear dynamics of molecule under various conditions of light transformation by molecules. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Structure of the nitrosomethane molecule (CH3NO) in the ground electronic state: Testing of ab initio methods for the description of potential energy surface
Authors: Dolgov Eugeniy K. , Bataev Vadim A. , Godunov Igor A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe equilibrium geometry, barrier to internal rotation, and harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies of the CH3NO molecule in the ground electronic state were calculated by different modern quantum chemical techniques. Special attention was given to the problem of torsional motion. The dependence of the results of calculations on the atomic orbital and molecular orbital basis sets and correlated methods was examined. The results of calculations were compared with experimental data. Some methods provided excellent agreement with the experiment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Paired comparisons of sensory pain adjectives
Authors: van Wijk Arjen J , Hoogstraten Johan 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground: Language is an important tool in the communication of pain. The most widely known verbal pain assessment tool is the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). The MPQ scoring procedure implies equal weights for different pain describing adjectives with the same rank value.Aim: In the present study the relative intensity of the most severe sensory pain adjectives of the MPQ was examined by means of Thurstone's method of paired comparison.Method: A questionnaire was constructed to run a balanced pairwise comparison experiment with pain describing adjectives obtained from the Dutch version of the MPQ. The questionnaire was filled out by psychology freshmen (N=528).Results: Subjects were highly consistent in their choices regarding the paired comparisons but showed substantial individual differences with respect to agreement about the relative intensity of the adjectives. However, some adjectives were clearly rated as more painful than others, these were lancinating, bursting and tearing. Adjectives seen as relatively least painful were clasping, shooting and freezing.Conclusions: The results suggest that the MPQ scoring procedure is not entirely consistent with the relative ranking obtained in the present study. The authors do not consider the extent of this deviation to be a violation of one of the MPQ's underlying assumptions.
Long-Term Enhanced Expression of Heat Shock Proteins and Decelerated Apoptosis in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes from Major Burn Patients
Authors: Ogura Hiroshi , Hashiguchi Naoyuki , Tanaka Hiroshi , Koh Taichin , Noborio Mitsuhiro , Nakamori Yasushi , Nishino Masato , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Sugimoto Hisashi 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs), as molecular chaperones, have been reported to protect cells against a variety of environmental stresses. The objective of this study was to clarify the serial changes in expression of HSPs, oxidative activity, and apoptosis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) from burn patients. Eight patients with severe burns (mean burn index 24.0 ± 6.1) were included. Blood samples were serially obtained at five time points: days 0 to 1, days 2 to 7, days 8 to 14, days 15 to 21, and days 22 to 28. We measured expressions of HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in permeabilized PMNLs by flow cytometry with the use of a monoclonal antibody against each HSP. The oxidative activity and apoptosis in PMNLs were also measured by flow cytometry. During all five time periods, expressions of HSP27, HSP60, and HSP70 in PMNLs from burn patients were significantly greater than those in PMNLs from healthy volunteers. The expression of HSP90 in PMNLs of burn patients increased between days 2 and 21. Oxidative activity in their PMNLs was significantly enhanced between days 2 and 28, and PMNL apoptosis was markedly inhibited for as long as 4 weeks after thermal injury. In conclusion, major burn causes long-term, enhanced expression of HSPs in PMNLs along with increased oxidative activity and decelerated apoptosis. The enhanced expression of HSPs may regulate the oxidative stress response and life-span of PMNLs in burn patients.
Endogenous Production of Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor During Murine Partial-Thickness Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Cribbs Randolph K. , Harding Paul A. , Luquette Mark H. , Besner Gail E. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a potent epithelial cell mitogen, has been identified in human burn blister fluid and excised human burn wounds. Topical application of HB-EGF to murine partial-thickness scald burns accelerated reepithelialization, increased keratinocyte proliferation, and enhanced production of endogenous transforming growth factor-α in the healing wounds. The goal of the present study was to examine the production of endogenous HB-EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) in a murine partial-thickness scald burn model. Keratinocyte proliferation was assessed by 5-bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation, and tissue sections were examined by in situ hybridization for HB-EGF mRNA expression and by immunohistochemistry for HB-EGF and TGF-α production. HB-EGF mRNA expression and production of HB-EGF and TGF-α proteins by both marginal surface keratinocytes and hair follicle epithelial cells reached a maximum by postburn day five and decreased thereafter. This corresponded to the peak period of keratinocyte proliferation. We conclude that HB-EGF and TGF-α act in conjunction to stimulate wound healing following thermal injury.
Use of a Token Reinforcement System to Promote Appropriate Behavior at a Pediatric Burn Summer Camp
Authors: Adams C. D. , Girolami P. A. , Joseph K. E. , Sauvageot S. A. , Slater H. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Child behavior management can be an important concern in conducting summer camps for pediatric burn patients, because many of these patients have a history of significant behavioral difficulties. To be efficient, a flexible camp-wide behavior management system, such as a token economy, would be ideal. In this article we discuss the concept and principles of a token reinforcement system and outline how this intervention was applied to our pediatric burn summer camp across 2 consecutive years. We also provide a description of modifications made for the second camp, based on counselor ratings of and our experience with the token system during the first camp. Results from counselor assessments indicated that after using the token system, counselors' perceptions of its utility (eg, effective in decreasing problem behavior in campers, useful in making behavior management easier) increased significantly across both years.
Long-Term Trends in Mortality According to Age Among Adult Burn Patients
Authors: McGwin Gerald , Cross James M. , Ford Jeremy W. , Rue Loring W. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in mortality among adult burn patients over a 25-year period according to age. All patients admitted to a regional burn center between 1973 and 1997 were divided into three age groups (18–34, 35–54, and 55 and older), and mortality rates were compared over time. Between 1973 and 1997, the proportion of patients in each age group remained consistent, as did the type of burns. The average total body surface area burned declined steadily from 31.6% in the 1970s to 18.2% in the late 1990s. The absolute change in mortality was small (7.7%), moderate (16.3%), and large (30.2%) in the young, middle-aged, and old, respectively. However, the relative change demonstrated the opposite pattern. The results of this study suggest that declines in mortality among adult burn patients have occurred across the age spectrum over the past 25 years.