bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromatographic performance of monodisperse–macroporous particles produced by “modified seeded polymerization.” I: Effect of monomer/seed latex ratio
Authors: Unsal E. , Camli S. T. , Senel S. , Tuncel A. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this study, the monodisperse–macroporous particles produced by a relatively new polymerization protocol, the so‐called, “modified seeded polymerization,” were used as column‐packing material in the reversed phase chromatography (RPC) of proteins. The particles were synthesized in the form of styrene‐divinylbenzene copolymer approximately 7.5 μm in size. In the first stage of the synthesis, the monodisperse polystyrene particles 4.4 μm in size were obtained by dispersion polymerization and used as the “seed latex.” The seed particles were swollen by a low‐molecular‐weight organic agent and then by a monomer mixture. The monodisperse–macroporous particles were obtained by the polymerization of monomer mixture in the seed particles. In the proposed polymerization protocol, the number of successive swelling stages was reduced with respect to the present techniques by the use of sufficiently large particles with an appropriate average molecular weight as the seed latex. A series of particles with different porosity properties was obtained by varying the monomer/seed latex ratio. The separation behavior of HPLC columns including the produced particles as packing material was investigated in the RPC mode using a protein mixture including albumin, lysozyme, cytochrome c, and ribonuclease A. The chromatograms were obtained with different flow rates under an acetonitrile–water gradient. The theoretical plate number increased and chromatograms with higher resolutions were obtained with the particles produced by using a lower monomer/seed latex ratio. The separation ability of the column could be protected over a wide range of flow rates (i.e., 0.5–3 mL/min) with most of the materials tested. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 607–618, 2004
Low electromagnetic field (50 Hz) induces differentiation on primary human oral keratinocytes (HOK)
Authors: Manni Vanessa , Lisi Antonella , Rieti Sabrina , Serafino Annalucia , Ledda Mario , Giuliani Livio , Sacco Donatella , D'Emilia Enrico , Grimaldi Settimio 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThis work concerns the effect of low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) on biochemical properties of human oral keratinocytes (HOK). Cells exposed to a 2 mT, 50 Hz, magnetic field, showed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) modification in shape and morphology; these modifications were also associated with different actin distribution, revealed by phalloidin fluorescence analysis. Moreover, exposed cells had a smaller clonogenic capacity, and decreased cellular growth. Indirect immunofluorescence with fluorescent antibodies against involucrin and β‐catenin, both differentiation and adhesion markers, revealed an increase in involucrin and β‐catenin expression. The advance in differentiation was confirmed by a decrease of expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in exposed cells, supporting the idea that exposure to electromagnetic field carries keratinocytes to higher differentiation level. These observations support the hypothesis that 50 Hz electromagnetic fields may modify cell morphology and interfere in differentiation and cellular adhesion of normal keratinocytes. Bioelectromagnetics 25:118–126, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apparent biological effect of strong magnetic field on mosquito egg hatching
Authors: Pan Hongjun , Liu Xianghong 
Published: January 2004

AbstractApparent biological effects of strong magnetic fields were observed in the hatching behavior of fresh mosquito eggs in the center of 9.4 and 14.1 T magnets. In the first experiment performed at 20 ± 1 °C, the hatching was delayed 32 h by a 9.4 T magnetic field and 71 h by a 14.1 T magnetic field. In the second experiment performed at 22 ± 1 °C, the hatching was delayed 14 h by a 9.4 T magnetic field and 27 h by a 14.1 T magnetic field. In the magnetic field range of this study, the hatching delay increases nonlinearly with the intensity of the magnetic field. The experimental results also suggest that the biological effects of magnetic fields could be reversible or partially reversible to some extent. Bioelectromagnetics 25:84–91, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corona discharge influences ozone concentrations near rats
Authors: Goheen Steven C. , Gaither Kari , Anantatmula Shantha M. , Mong Gary M. , Sasser Lyle B. , Lessor Delbert 
Published: January 2004

AbstractOzone can be produced by corona discharge either in dry air or when one electrode is submerged in water. Since ozone is toxic, we examined whether ozone production by corona near laboratory animals could reach levels of concern. Male rats were exposed to a corona discharge and the concentration of ozone produced was measured. The resulting concentration of ozone ranged from ambient levels to 250 ppb when animals were located 1 cm from a 10 kV source. Similar ozone concentrations were observed when a grounded water source was present. Possible explanations for, as well as concerns regarding, ozone production under these conditions are discussed. Bioelectromagnetics 25:107–113, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apoptosis induced by ultraviolet radiation is enhanced by amplitude modulated radiofrequency radiation in mutant yeast cells
Authors: Markkanen Ari , Penttinen Piia , Naarala Jonne , Pelkonen Jukka , Sihvonen Ari‐Pekka , Juutilainen Jukka 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure affects cell death processes of yeast cells. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells of the strains KFy417 (wild‐type) and KFy437 (cdc48‐mutant) were exposed to 900 or 872 MHz RF fields, with or without exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and incubated simultaneously with elevated temperature (+37°C) to induce apoptosis in the cdc48‐mutated strain. The RF exposure was carried out in a special waveguide exposure chamber where the temperature of the cell cultures can be precisely controlled. Apoptosis was analyzed using the annexin V–FITC method utilizing flow cytometry. Amplitude modulated (217 pulses per second) RF exposure significantly enhanced UV induced apoptosis in cdc48‐mutated cells, but no effect was observed in cells exposed to unmodulated fields at identical time‐average specfic absorption rates (SAR, 0.4 or 3.0 W/kg). The findings suggest that amplitude modulated RF fields, together with known damaging agents, can affect the cell death process in mutated yeast cells. Bioelectromagnetics 25:127–133, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Threose Nucleoside Units on the Catalytic Activity of a Hammerhead Ribozyme
Authors: Kempeneers Veerle , Froeyen Mattheus , Vastmans Karen , Herdewijn Piet 
Published: February 2004

AbstractTNA (α‐L‐threose nucleic acids) is potentially a natural nucleic acid, that might have acted as an evolutionary alternative of RNA. We determined the catalytic activity of hammerhead ribozymes containing a threofuranosyl‐modified nucleoside at position U4 and U7, and compared these results with those obtained from HNA (hexitol nucleic acids) insertion into the same ribozyme. Our experiments showed that, although the threofuranosyl‐modified ribozymes still cleave the substrate strand, cleavage activity is highly decreased. It, therefore, seems that TNA can play a functional role in the RNA world, but only to a limited extent.
A Novel Type of Membranes Based on Cholesteryl Phosphate
Authors: Sedaghat Soheila , Désaubry Laurent , Streiff Stéphane , Ribeiro Nigel , Michels Bernard , Nakatani Yoichi , Ourisson Guy 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMixtures of the rigid amphiphile disodium cholesteryl phosphate (DCP) with the non‐phosphorylated diacyl amphiphile dimyristoylglycerol (DMG) give self‐organized systems in a wide range of pH, as demonstrated by differential microcalorimetry. These systems can be closed bilayer vesicles, as shown by optical microscopy (Nomarski and confocal). Neither DMG nor DCP, taken alone, give vesicles in these conditions but 10% DMG is enough to lead to the formation of vesicles from pH 5.8 to 9.3. These novel self‐organized systems are akin to the classical eucaryotic ones, built on a phosphorylated diacylglycerol and free cholesterol (or analogues), the only difference being the site of the phosphate head‐group.
The First Chemical Synthesis of a Cyclodextrin Heteroduplex
Authors: Bistri Olivia , Lecourt Thomas , Mallet Jean‐Maurice , Sollogoub Matthieu , Sinaÿ Pierre 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe synthesis of the first heteroduplex of cyclodextrin (CD) 11, i.e., a compound in which the two primary rims of α‐ and β‐CDs are doubly connected, was achieved. The selected strategy involved a Sonogashira coupling of propargylated β‐CD 6 and iodo‐alkenyl α‐CD 4 to singly connect the two CDs. A ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of the heterodimer 9 afforded the second bridge, final deprotection and reductions giving acces to 11.
An Inorganic Double Helix Sheathing Alkali Metal Cations: ANb2P2S12 (A=K, Rb, Cs), A Series of Thiophosphates Close to the Metal–Nonmetal Boundary—Chalcogenide Analogues of Transition‐Metal Phosphate Bronzes?
Authors: Gieck Christine , Derstroff Volkmar , Block Thomas , Felser Claudia , Regelsky Guido , Jepsen Ove , Ksenofontov Vadim , Gütlich Philipp , Eckert Hellmut , Tremel Wolfgang 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe new quaternary niobium thiophosphates ANb2P2S12 (A=K, Rb, Cs) have been prepared and characterized. The title compounds were synthesized by reacting Nb metal, A2S, P2S5, and S at 600–700 °C in evacuated silica tubes. They crystallize as “stuffed” variants of the tetragonal TaPS6 structure type in the tetragonal space group I$\bar 4$2d with eight formula units per unit cell and lattice constants a=15.923(2) and c=13.238(3) Å for CsNb2P2S12, a=15.887(3) and c=13.132(3) Å for RbNb2P2S12, and a=15.850(2) and c=13.119(3) Å for KNb2P2S12. Their structures are based on double helices formed from interpenetrating, noninteracting spiral chains of binuclear [Nb2S12] cluster units and [PS4] thiophosphate groups. The cavities and tunnels, which are formed by the helical chains, are filled with A+ ions. Temperature‐dependent conductivity studies reveal thermally activated electrical transport behavior. This result is consistent with the observation of a temperature‐dependent contribution to the 31P MAS‐NMR shift, suggesting that the delocalized s‐electron spin density increases with increasing temperature. These findings are supported by the results of tight‐binding band structure calculations which reveal that the unusual electrical transport behavior of ANb2P2S12 is a consequence of the structure symmetry. Therefore, CsNb2P2S12 may be considered a chalcogenide analogue of metal phosphate bronzes.
Dendronized Perylenetetracarboxdiimides with Peripheral Triphenylamines for Intramolecular Energy and Electron Transfer
Authors: Qu Jianqiang , Pschirer Neil G. , Liu Daojun , Stefan Alina , De Schryver Frans C. , Müllen Klaus 
Published: January 2004

AbstractNovel perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxdiimides (PDI) dyes functionalized with polyphenylene dendrimers attached at the bay region are reported. Derivatives of PDI bearing polyphenylene dendrimers up to the second generation, substituted with an increasing number of triphenylamine (TPA) moieties at the periphery, as well as a related nondendronized model compound were prepared. Intramolecular energy transfer was demonstrated by the observation of PDI emission on excitation of the triphenylamines, and electron transfer was detected by comparing photoluminescence quenching in solvents of different polarity.
From D‐Glucose to Biologically Potent L‐Hexose Derivatives: Synthesis of α‐L‐Iduronidase Fluorogenic Detector and the Disaccharide Moieties of Bleomycin A2 and Heparan Sulfate
Authors: Lee Jinq‐Chyi , Chang Shu‐Wen , Liao Chih‐Cheng , Chi Fa‐Chen , Chen Chien‐Sheng , Wen Yuh‐Sheng , Wang Cheng‐Chung , Kulkarni Suvarn S. , Puranik Ramachandra , Liu Yi‐Hung , Hung Shang‐Cheng 
Published: January 2004

AbstractA novel and convenient route for the synthesis of biologically potent and rare L‐hexose derivatives from D‐glucose is described. Conversion of diacetone‐α‐D‐glucose (14) into 1,2:3,5‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐β‐L‐idofuranose (19) was efficiently carried out in two steps. Orthogonal isopropylidene rearrangement of compound 19 led to 1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐β‐L‐idofuranose (27), which underwent regioselective epimerization at the C3 position to give the L‐talo‐ and 3‐functionalized L‐idofuranosyl derivatives. Hydrolysis of compound 19 under acidic conditions furnished 1,6‐anhydro‐β‐L‐idopyranose (35) in excellent yield, which was successfully transformed into the corresponding L‐allo, L‐altro, L‐gulo, and L‐ido derivatives via regioselective benzylation, benzoylation, triflation and nucleophilic substitution as the key steps. Applications of these 1,6‐anhydro‐β‐L‐hexopyranoses as valuable building blocks to the syntheses of 4‐methylcoumarin‐7‐yl‐α‐L‐iduronic acid and the disaccharide moieties of bleomycin A2 as well as heparan sulfate are highlighted.
Syntheses and Reactivities of Stable Halosilylenoids, (Tsi)X2SiLi (Tsi=C(SiMe3)3, X=Br, Cl)
Authors: Lee Myong Euy , Cho Hyeon Mo , Lim Young Mook , Choi Jin Kyong , Park Chang Hee , Jeong Seong Eun , Lee Uk 
Published: January 2004

AbstractHalosilylenoids, stable at room temperature (Tsi)X2SiLi (Tsi=C(SiMe3)3, X=Br, Cl), were synthesized from the reaction of TsiSiX3 with lithium naphthalenide. Bromosilylenoid reacted with tBuOH and MeI both at −78 °C and at room temperature to give (Tsi)HSiBr2 and (Tsi)MeSiBr2, respectively, in high yields; this clearly shows its nucleophilicity. In the reaction of bromosilylenoid with methanol, 2‐propanol, and 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene, the corresponding products, (Tsi)HSi(OMe)2, (Tsi)HSi(OiPr)Br, and bromo(Tsi)silacyclopent‐3‐ene, were obtained in high yields; this demonstrates its amphiphilic property, as if bromosilylene would be trapped. Chlorosilylenoid also exhibited both nucleophilic and amphiphilic properties. The 29Si chemical shifts for (Tsi)Br2SiLi, (Tsi)Br2SiK, and (Tsi)Cl2SiLi were 106, 70, and 87 ppm, respectively.
New Chiral Ruthenium(II) Catalysts Containing 2,6‐Bis(4′‐(R)‐phenyloxazolin‐2′‐yl)pyridine (Ph‐pybox) Ligands for Highly Enantioselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Cuervo Darío , Gamasa M. Pilar , Gimeno José 
Published: January 2004

AbstractTreatment of complex trans‐[RuCl2(η2‐C2H4){κ3‐N,N,N‐(R,R)‐Ph‐pybox}] [(R,R)‐Ph‐pybox = 2,6‐bis{4′‐(R)‐phenyloxazolin‐2′‐yl}pyridine] with phosphines or phosphites in dichloromethane at 50 °C leads to the formation of novel ruthenium(II)‐pybox complexes trans‐[RuCl2(L){κ3‐N,N,N‐(R,R)‐Ph‐pybox}] [L = PPh3 (1 a), PPh2Me (2 a), PPh2(C3H5) (3 a), PPh2(C4H7) (4 a), PMe3 (5 a), PiPr3 (6 a), P(OMe)3 (7 a) and P(OPh)3 (8 a)]. Likewise, reaction of trans‐[RuCl2(η2‐C2H4){κ3‐N,N,N‐(R,R)‐Ph‐pybox}] with PPh3 or PiPr3 in refluxing methanol leads to the complexes cis‐[RuCl2(L)(κ3‐N,N,N‐(R,R)‐Ph‐pybox] [L = PPh3 (1 b), PiPr3 (6 b)]. No trans–cis isomerisation of complexes 1 a–8 a has been observed. Complexes 1 a–8 a, 1 b, 6 b together with the analogous trans‐[RuCl2{P(OMe)3}{κ3‐N,N,N‐(S,S)‐iPr‐pybox}] (10 a) and the previously reported trans‐ and cis‐[RuCl2(PPh3){κ3‐N,N,N‐(S,S)‐iPr‐pybox}] (9 a and 9 b, respectively) are active catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in 2‐propanol in the presence of NaOH (ketone/cat/NaOH 500:1:6). cis‐Ph‐pybox derivatives are the most active catalysts. In particular, cis complexes 1 b and 6 b led to almost quantitative conversions in less than 5 min with a high enantioselectivity (up to 95 %). A variety of aromatic ketones have also been reduced to the corresponding secondary alcohols with very high TOF and ee up to 94 %. The overall catalytic performance seems to be a subtle combination of the steric and/or electronic properties both the phosphines and the ketones. A high TOF (27 300 h−1) and excellent ee (94 %) have been found for the reduction of 3‐bromoacetophenone with catalyst 6 b. Reductions of alkyl ketones also proceed with high and rapid conversions but low enantioselectivities are achieved.
Uniform Micro‐Sized α‐ and β‐Si3N4 Thin Ribbons Grown by a High‐Temperature Thermal‐Decomposition/Nitridation Route
Authors: Hu Junqing , Bando Yoshio , Liu Zongwen , Xu Fangfang , Sekiguchi Takashi , Zhan Jinhua 
Published: January 2004

AbstractUniform micro‐sized α‐ and β‐Si3N4 thin ribbons have been achieved by a high‐temperature thermal‐decomposition/nitridation route. As‐grown ribbons were characterized by using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence. These α‐ and β‐Si3N4 ribbons are structurally uniform micro‐sized single crystals, and have a width of ∼2–3 microns, a thickness of ∼20–60 nm, and a length, that ranges from several hundreds of microns to the order of millimeters. A room‐temperature cathodoluminescence spectrum recorded from these ribbons shows one intensive blue emission peak at ∼433 nm. The growth for the new ribbon form of this material is believed to be dominated by a vapor–solid process.
Self‐Organized Glycoclusters Along DNA: Effect of the Spatial Arrangement of Galactoside Residues on Cooperative Lectin Recognition
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori , Hibino Miki , Ikeda Takayasu , Yamada Yoshinao , Kobayashi Kazukiyo 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWe describe herein the relationship between the spatial arrangement of self‐organized galactose clusters and lectin recognition. β‐Galactose‐modified deoxyuridine phosphoramidite was synthesized and applied to solid‐phase synthesis to provide 18‐, 20‐, and 22‐mers of site‐specifically galactosylated oligodeoxynucleotides (Gal‐ODNs). These Gal‐ODNs were self‐organized through hybridization with the corresponding 18‐, 20‐, and 22‐mers of half‐sliding complementary ODNs (hsc‐ODNs) to give periodic galactoside clusters. The self‐organization of ODNs was confirmed by size exclusion chromatography and gel electrophoresis. The binding of the Gal‐clusters to the FITC‐labeled RCA120lectin was analyzed by monitoring the change in fluorescence intensity. The assembly of 20‐mer Gal‐ODN with the 20‐mer hsc‐ODN was strongly and cooperatively recognized by the lectin. The 18‐mer assembly was bound more weakly and less cooperatively, and the 22‐mer assembly was minimally bound to the lectin. RCA120lectin recognized not only the density of galactoside residues, but also the spatial arrangement. The size of the Gal cluster was estimated from the association constant of Gal‐ODN with hsc‐ODN. The relationship between lectin‐recognition and Gal‐cluster size is also discussed.
Hepatic dendritic cell subsets in the mouse
Authors: Jomantaitė Ieva , Dikopoulos Nektarios , Kröger Andrea , Leithäuser Frank , Hauser Hansjörg , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Reimann Jörg 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe CD11c+ cell population in the non‐parenchymal cell population of the mouse liver contains dendritic cells (DC), NK cells, B cells and T cells. In the hepatic CD11c+ DC population from immunocompetent or immunodeficient [recombinase‐activating gene‐1 (RAG1)–/–] C57BL/6 mice (rigorously depleted of T cells, B cells and NK cells), we identified a B220+ CD11cint subset of ‘plasmacytoid’ DC, and a B220– CD11c+ DC subset. The latter DC population could be subdivided into a major, immature (CD40lo CD80lo CD86lo MHC class IIlo) CD11cint subset, and a minor, mature (CD40hi CD80hi CD86hi MHC class IIhi) CD11chi subset. Stimulated B220+ but not B220– DC produced type I interferon. NKT cell activation in vivo increased the number of liver B220– DC three‐ to fourfold within 18 h post‐injection, and up‐regulated their surface expression of activation marker, while it contracted the B220+ DC population. Early in virus infection, the hepatic B220+ DC subset expanded, and both, the B220+ as well as B220– DC populations in the liver matured. In vitro, B220– but not B220+ DC primed CD4+ or CD8+T cells. Expression of distinct marker profiles and functions, and distinct early reaction to activation signals hence identify two distinct B220+ and B220– subsets in CD11c+ DC populations freshly isolated from the mouse liver.
The regulation of the cis‐trans isomerase of unsaturated fatty acids in Pseudomonas putida: correlation between cti activity and K+‐uptake systems
Authors: Neumann Grit , Kabelitz Nadja , Heipieper Hermann J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe regulation of an urgent stress adaptive mechanism of Pseudomonas putida, the isomerization of cis‐ to trans‐unsaturated fatty acids, was investigated. By comparing the responses of the cells to a series of stress factors, a direct correlation between the activation of this unique mechanism and the well‐investigated K+‐uptake pumps was observed. Only those stress conditions (osmotic stress caused by glycerol, cold shock, high pH) that are well known not to activate cellular K+‐uptake, showed no effect on the cis‐trans isomerase (cti). On the other hand, organic solvents, osmotic stress caused by NaCl and sucrose, heavy metals, heat shock and membrane‐active antibiotics activated both K+‐uptake and the cti system. This seems to be another indication for an activation of the constitutively present cti by increasing membrane fluidity. The enzyme, which is located in the periplasma, can only reach its substrate, the double bond in the hydrophobic zone of the membrane bilayer, when the membrane fluidity is disturbed by an environmental factor.
Conjugated α‐linolenic acid production from α‐linolenic acid by Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a
Authors: Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Ando Akinori , Shimizu Sakayu 
Published: January 2004

AbstractConjugated α‐linolenic acid (CALA) was produced by incubation of α‐linolenic acid with the washed cells of Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a. The washed cells expressing high levels of CALA productivity were obtained by cultivation in a nutrient medium supplemented with 0.01% (wt/vol) α‐linolenic acid as an inducer. Under the optimum reaction conditions with 63 mg/ml α‐linolenic acid as substrate, the washed cells produced 25 mg CALA/ml reaction mixture (40 mol‐% yield) in 72 h. The produced CALA were a mixture of the two isomers, i.e., cis‐9, trans‐11, cis‐15‐octadecatrienoic acid (CALA1, 67% of total CALA) and trans‐9, trans‐11, cis‐15‐octadecatrienoic acid (CALA2, 33% of total CALA), and accounted for 48% of total fatty acid obtained. Almost stoichiometric conversion was attained with 12 mg/ml α‐linolenic acid as the substrate in 48 h reaction time. It resulted in 12 mg CALA/ml reaction mixture consisting of 43% CALA1 and 57% CALA2 accounting for 66% of total fatty acid obtained. The CALA produced was obtained as the free fatty acid.
An assay system for the detection of phospholipase C activity
Authors: Durban Markus , Bornscheuer Uwe 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPhospholipase C (PLC, EC 3.1.4.3) enzymes specifically hydrolyze the C‐O‐P‐bond in phospholipids, yielding sn‐1, 2(2, 3)‐diglycerides and a phosphate residue bearing the corresponding head group. Biochemical characterization of PLC requires methods for determination of activity. During characterization and purification, proteins are separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). For direct identification and visualization of PLC, a new assay for activity staining in native and renatured SDS‐PAGE is described. Incubation of a gel containing an active PLC in the presence of α‐naphthylphosphorylcholine leads to α‐naphthol formation. This reacts with the diazonium salt Fast Red, forming a red dye which allows clear determination of PLC purity, molecular weight and substrate specificity. The assay was verified using commercially available PC‐PLC and new PC‐PLC‐producing Bacillus cereus strains. The substrate α‐NPC was prepared by chemical synthesis at an overall yield of 12%.