bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Action of Acetogenin Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitors
Authors: González-Coloma Azucena , Guadaño Ana , Inés Concepción de , Martínez-Díaz Rafael , Cortes Diego
Published: February 2015

Five annonaceous acetogenins, rolliniastatin-1 (1), rolliniastatin-2 (2), laherradurin (3), squamocin (4), annonacin (5), and rotenone as a reference, differing in their NADH oxidase inhibition activity, have been evaluated for antifeedant, insecticidal, trypanocidal and cytotoxic effects on insect, mammalian and tumor cells. All the test compounds were toxic to Leptinotarsa decemlineata, demonstrated selective cytotoxicity to insect Sf9 cells and a panel of tumor cell lines with the multidrug-resistant SW480 (P-glycoprotein+, Pgp+) being the most sensitive one. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and rotenone had post-ingestive effects against Spodoptera littoralis larvae while 1, 4, 5, and rotenone were active against Trypanosoma cruzi. Based on their biochemical properties (inhibition of the mitochondrial NADH oxidase activity), the in vivo effects of these compounds on S. littoralis and their cytotoxic effects on Sf9 and tumor cells were more predictable than their effect on T. cruzi and mammalian cells.
Quick Preparative Separation of Natural Naphthopyranones with Antioxidant Activity by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Leitão Gilda G. , Leitão Suzana G. , Vilegas Wagner
Published: February 2015

The natural naphthopyranones paepalantine (1), paepalantine-9O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (2) and paepalantine-9-O-β-ᴅ-allopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (3) were separated in a preparative scale from the ethanolic extract of the capitula of Paepalanthus bromelioides by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The solvent system used was composed of water-ethanol-ethyl acetate-hexane (10:4 : 10:4, v/v/v/v). This technique led to the separation of the three different naphthopyranone glycosides in pure form in approximately 7 hours. Paepalantine showed a good antioxidant activity when assayed by the DPPH radical spectrophotometric assay.
Enzymatic Activity and Inhibition of the Neurotoxic Complex Vipoxin from the Venom of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis
Authors: Noetzel Corinna , Chandra Vikas , Perbandt Markus , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta , Singh Tej , Aleksiev Boris , Kalkura Narayana , Genov Nicolay , Betzel Christian
Published: February 2015

Vipoxin from the venom of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis is an unique neurotoxic complex between a toxic phospholipase A2 and a highly homologous non-toxic protein inhibitor. It is an example of evolution of a catalytic and toxic function into inhibitory and non-toxic one. The activity of the V. ammodytes meridionalis toxin is 1.7 times higher than that of the closely related (92% sequence identity) neurotoxic complex RV4/RV7 from the venom of Vipera russelli formosensis. The enhanced enzymatic activity of vipoxin is attributed to limited structural changes, in particular to the substitutions G54R and Q78K in the PLA2 subunit of the complex and to the T54R substitution in the inhibitor.

Oleyloxyethylphosphocholine, aristolochic acid and vitamin E suppressed the enzymatic activity of vipoxin and its isolated PLA2 subunit. These compounds influence inflammatory processes in which PLA2 is implicated. The peptide Lys-Ala-Ile-Tyr-Ser, which is an integral part of the PLA2 components of the two neurotoxic complexes from V. ammodytes meridionalis and V. russelli formosensis (sequence 70-74) activated vipoxin increasing its PLA2 activity by 23%. This is in contrast to the inhibitory effect of the respective pentapeptides with 70Ð-74 sequences on other group II PLA2s. Surprisingly, the same peptide inhibited 46% of the V. russelli formosensis PLA2 activity. The limited changes in the structure of the two highly homologous neurotoxins lead to considerable differences in their interaction with native peptides.
Pyridine Alkaloids From A Parthenium Hybrid
Authors: Maatooq Galal T. , Hoffmann Joseph J.
Published: February 2015

Two pyridine alkaloids were isolated from the derubberized resin of the hybrid Parthenium argentatum x P. tomentosa. These alkaloids are (±)-N-[4-(1-aminoethyl) phenyl]-4-[3-methylbutenylidine]- 1, 4-dihydropyridine (guayulamine A) and (±)-N-[4-(1-aminoethyl) phenyl]-4- [4-methylpentenylidine]-1, 4-dihydropyridine (guayulamine B). The structures were established by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
Gc-Ms Of Crinum Latifolium L. Alkaloids
Authors: Tram Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Mitova Maya , Bankova Vassya , Handjieva Nedyalka , Popov Simeon S.
Published: February 2015

A GC-MS analysis of underivatized alkaloids from leaves of Crinum latifolium was performed. From the identified 15 alkaloids, 9 were found for the first time in this plant. Almost all alkaloids belonged to the crinane type. Substantial changes in the methylation and oxidation pattern of the alkaloids at and after flowering were observed
Distribution Of Hydrolysable Tannins In The Foliage Of Finnish Birch Species
Authors: Salminen Juha-Pekka , Ossipov Vladimir , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: February 2015

On the basis of qualitative and quantitative analysis with liquid chromatography - electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, the foliage of dwarf birch (Betula nana L.), silver birch (B. pendula Roth) and mountain birch (B. pubescens ssp. czerepanovii (Orlova) Hamet- Ahti) were found, for the first time, to contain the same individual HTs that were described earlier for white birch (B. pubescens Ehrh.). In addition, one previously unidentified ellagitannin was preliminarily identified from the leaves of white and mountain birches, being totally absent from the foliage of the other two species. There were large variations in the contents of HTs between species. Seasonal variation affected significantly the contents of some individual HTs within species, and these changes were mainly in accordance with the biosynthetic pathway of HTs. All species converted galloylglucoses (GGs) into ellagitannins (ETs), dwarf birch being the only one that’s efficient ET synthesis resulted in seasonally increased contents of ETs and thereof total HTs as well. The presence of insoluble ETs as well as the absence of insoluble GGs was confirmed in all four birch species for the first time. Furthermore, the amounts of insoluble ETs per one birch leaf were found to accumulate during the growing season. These findings complemented our knowledge of the biosynthetic pathway of birch leaf HTs: from soluble GGs via soluble ETs into insoluble ETs. The possible role of HTs in the herbivore defence of these species is discussed
Biotransformation Of (–)-α-Pinene By Botrytis Cinerea
Authors: Farooq Afgan , Tahara Satoshi , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Rahman Atta-ur , Ahmed Zafar , Başer K. Hüsnü Can , Demirci Fatih
Published: February 2015

(-)-α-Pinene (1), a major constituent of many aromatic plants was biotransformed by the plant pathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea to afford three new metabolites, characterized as 3 β-hydroxy-(-)- β-pinene (10%) (3), 9-hydroxy-(-)-α-pinene (12%) (4), 4 β-hydroxy-(-)-α- pinene-6-one (16%) (5) by physical and spectroscopic methods. A known metabolite verbenone (2) was also obtained
Superoxide Dismutase During Glucose Repression Of Hansenula Polymorpha CBS 4732
Authors: Hristozova Tsonka , Rasheva Tanya , Nedeva Trayana , Kujumdzieva Anna
Published: February 2015

Hansenula polymorpha CBS 4732 was studied during cultivation on methanol and different glucose concentrations. Activities of Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase, catalase and methanol oxidase were investigated. During cultivation on methanol, increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and an induced methanol oxidase were achieved. Transfer of a methanol grown culture to medium with a high glucose concentration caused growth inhibition, low consumption of carbon, nitrogen and phosphate substrates, methanol oxidase inactivation as well as decrease of catalase activity (21.8 ± 0.61 ΔE240 × min -1 × mg protein -1). At the same time, a high value for superoxide dismutase enzyme was found (42.9 ± 0.98 U × mg protein-1, 25% of which was represented by Mn superoxide dismutase and 75% - by the Cu/Zn type). During derepression methanol oxidase was negligible (0.005 ± 0.0001 U × mg protein -1), catalase tended to be the same as in the repressed culture, while superoxide dismutase activity increased considerably (63.67 ± 1.72 U × mg protein -1, 69% belonging to the Cu/Zn containing enzyme). Apparently, the cycle of growth inhibition and reactivation of Hansenula polymorpha CBS 4732 cells is strongly connected with the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase
A Novel Binding Assay For Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Using [3H] ʟ-Quisqualic Acid And Recombinant Receptors
Authors: Ohashi Hiroshi , Maruyama Takaharu , Higashi-Matsumoto Hidemi , Nomoto Takashi , Takeuchi Yutaka
Published: February 2015

We established a methodology to analyze radioligand binding to the recombinant type 1a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1a). A full-length ᴄDNA encoding mGluR1a, which was isolated from a λ gt 11 ᴄDNA library of human cerebellar origin, was expressed in a baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system. Membrane fractions with recombinant receptor expression were analyzed for the binding of [3H]L-quisqualic acid (ʟ-QA), which is known to be a potent agonist of mGluR1a. Efficient binding of the radioligand to the human receptor was observed in a saturable manner, giving an apparent Kd= 0.091 μᴍ. [3H]ʟ-QA bound to the human mGluR1a was displaced by known ligands such as ʟ-QA, ʟ-Glu, t-ACPD(( ±)-1- aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid) with IC50s = 0.056, 0.97 and 4.0 μᴍ, respectively. MCPG (α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine) displaced the radioligand binding with lower potency. Using this binding protocol, we then evaluated the ligand ability of synthetic dipeptides. Among peptides tested, only Glu-containing dipeptides inhibited the radioligand binding, e.g. IC50 of ʟ-Met-ʟ-Glu was 4.3 μᴍ. When phosphatidyl inositol turnover was assayed in mGluR1a-expressing CHO cells, ʟ-Met-ʟ-Glu was partially agonistic. We further expanded this [3H]ʟ-QA binding protocol to type 5a mGluR, another member of group I mGluRs, as well as to AMPA receptor, a member of ionotropic glutamate receptors, since ʟ-QA is also known to be a potent ligand for these receptors. Data shown here will provide a novel system not only to search for ligands for the glutamate receptors, but also to biochemically analyze the interaction modes between glutamate receptors and their ligands
Prophylactic Effect Of Aqueous Propolis Extract Against Acute Experimental Hepatotoxicity In Vivo
Authors: El-Khatib Aiman S. , Agha Azza M. , Mahran Laila G. , Khayyal Mohamed T.
Published: February 2015

Propolis has been extensively used in folk medicine for the management of a wide spectrum of disorders. In a previous study, we demonstrated the protective effect of the aqueous propolis extract (APE) against the injurious effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on hepatocytes in vitro. The present investigation was carried out to show whether the hepatoprotective effect of the extract could also be manifested in vivo. Rats were given APE orally for 14 consecutive days, before being subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. One day after the CCl4 injection, the animals were sacrificed, hepatocytes were isolated and liver homogenates were prepared for the assessment of liver injury. In isolated hepatocytes, APE afforded protection against CCl4-induced injury as manifested by a decrease in the leakage of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), decreased generation of lipid peroxide and maintenance of cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content. In principle, similar findings were observed in liver homogenates. The present findings show that APE has in vivo hepatoprotective potential which could be attributed at least in part to the maintenance of cellular GSH content. The latter effect seems to play an important role in conserving the integrity of biomembranes as it was associated with a decrease in lipid peroxidation and reduced leakage of cytosolic LDH
Egyptian Propolis: 2. Chemical Composition, Antiviral And Antimicrobial Activities Of East Nile Delta Propolis
Authors: El Hady Faten K. Abd , Hegazi Ahmed G.
Published: February 2015

Three propolis samples from East Nile Delta, Egypt were collected. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS,103 compounds were identified, 20 being new for propolis. Dakahlia propolis was a typical poplar propolis but it contained two new caffeate esters and two new triterpenoids. Ismailia propolis was characterized by the presence of new triterpenic acid methyl esters and it did not contain any aromatic acids, esters and flavonoids. Sharkia propolis was characterized by the presence of caffeate esters only, some di- and triterpenoids. The antiviral (Infectious Bursal Disease Virus and Reo-Virus) and antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) activities of propolis samples were investigated. Dakahlia propolis showed the highest antiviral activity against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While Ismailia propolis had the highest antiviral activity against Reo-virus. Sharkia propolis showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and moderate antiviral activity against infectious bursal disease virus and reovirus
Egyptian Propolis: 3. Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activities And Chemical Composition Of Propolis From Reclaimed Lands
Authors: Hegazi Ahmed G. , El Hady Faten K. Abd
Published: February 2015

The free radical scavenging effect of two propolis samples collected from reclaimed land, Egypt as well as of vitamin C and caffeic acid in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical system was determined. The antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) activity was also investigated. The results of the free radical scavenging effect of El-Saff and Ismailia propolis showed a concentration-dependent activity. The antioxidant activity was varied according to the examined material. It was obvious that caffeic acid and vitamin C showed the highest activity if compared with the propolis samples. El- Saff propolis had a higher antioxidant activity than Ismailia propolis, it showed a higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and a higher anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans. While the Ismailia propolis had a higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, than El-Saff propolis.

The chemical composition of propolis samples was investigated by GC/MS, where 75 compounds were identified, 22 being new for propolis. The Ismailia propolis was characterized by the presence of a highly significant amount of aromatic acid esters (47.3%) and triterpenoids (17.3%), while El-Saff propolis contained 3% and 1.9% respectively. The new esters belonged to 4-methoxyhydrocinnamic acid, hydroferulic acid and ferulic acid. El-Saff propolis had a very high significant amount (27%) of 2,6-bis-(pentanyloxy)-4-pentanylphenethanol, which is also a new compound for propolis
Constituents of Acacia cedilloi and Acacia gaumeri. Revised Structure and Complete NMR Assignments of Resinone
Authors: Pecha Gwendoli G. , Brito Wendy F. , Mena Gonzalo J. , Quijano Leovigildo
Published: February 2015

The rare lupene derivative named resinone has only been isolated before from Fluorensia resinosa. We now report the isolation of this compound from the bark of the new recently described Acacia cedilloi (Fabaceae), and the revision of its structure to 16β-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-one, based on NMR and MS spectral data. The detailed 1H and 13C NMR assignments of resinone and its acetate achieved by 1D and 2D NMR experiments (including DEPT, COSY, HMQC and HMBC) are reported. In addition, the study of A. cedilloi and A. gaumeri afforded the known related lupenes lupeol and lupenone, the acyclic squalene, the sterols β-sitosterol, stigmasta-7,22-dien-3β-ol (spinasterol) and stigmasta-5,22,25-trien-3β-ol (22-dehydroclerosterol) as well as α-tocopherol and β-carotene.
Elevated Temperature Treatment Induced Alteration in Thylakoid Membrane Organization and Energy Distribution between the Two Photosystems in Pisum sativum
Authors: Mohanty Prasanna , Vani Bagawatula , S. Prakash Jogadhenu S.
Published: February 2015

Two-week-old pea (Pisum sativum var. Arkal) plants were subjected to elevated temperature (38 °C/42 °C) in dark for 14−15 h. The effect of heat treatment on light- induced phosphorylation of LHCII and LHCII migration in the thylakoid membranes were investigated. The heat treatment did cause a substantial (more than two fold) increase in the extent of LHCII phosphorylation as compared to the control. Upon separation of appressed and nonappressed thylakoid fractions by digitonin treatment, the heat-treated samples showed a decrease in LHCII-related polypeptides from the grana stack (appressed region) over the control. Further, a small increase in the intensity of these (LHCII-related) bands was detected in stromal thylakoid fraction (non-appressed membranes). This suggests an enhanced extent of migration of phosphorylated LHCII from appressed to non-appressed regions due to in vivo heat treatment of pea plants. We also isolated the LHCII from control and heat treated (42 °C) pea seedlings. Analysis of CD spectra revealed a 5D6 nm blue shift in the 638 nm negative peak in heat treated samples suggesting alteration in the organization of Chl b in the LHCII macro-aggregates. These results suggest that in vivo heat stress not only alters the extent of migration of LHCII to stromal region, but also affects the light harvesting mechanism by LHCII associated with the grana region.
Detoxification of Terpinolene by Plant Pathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Farooq Afgan , Choudhary Iqbal , Rahman Atta-ur- , Tahara Satoshi , Hüsnü Can Başer K. , Demirci Fatih
Published: February 2015

Detoxification of an antifungal monoterpene terpinolene (1) by the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea afforded hydroxlyated metabolites 2,3-dihydro-3β,6β-dihydroxy-terpinolene (2) (39%) and 2,3-dihydro-1α,3α-dihydroxy-terpinolene (3) (20%), respectively. Terpinolene showed good levels of antifungal activity while both the metabolites were inactive against another plant pathogenic fungus Cladosporium herbarum.
Glycoproteins from Russian Wheat Aphid Infested Wheat Induce Defence Responses
Authors: Lintle Mohase , Westhuizen Amie J. van der
Published: February 2015

Elicitors are molecules which can induce the activation of plant defence responses. Elicitor activity of intercellular wash fluid from Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) infested resistant (cv Tugela DN), and susceptible (cv Tugela), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was investigated. Known Russian wheat aphid resistance related responses such as peroxidase and β-1,3-glucanase activities were used as parameters of elicitor activity. The intercellular wash fluid from infested resistant plants contains high elicitor activity while that from infested susceptible plants contains no or very little elicitor activity. After applying C-18 reverse phase and concanavalin A Sepharose chromatography, elicitor active glycoproteins were isolated from the intercellular wash fluid of Russian wheat aphid infested resistant wheat. The elicitor-active glycoproteins separated into three polypeptides during sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isolated glycoproteins elicited peroxidase activity to higher levels in resistant than in susceptible cultivars. It was evident that the glycoproteins were probably a general elicitor of plant origin. Information gained from these studies is valuable for the development of plant activators to enhance the defence responses of plants.
Zoosporicidal Activities of Anacardic Acids against Aphanomyces cochlioides
Authors: Begum Parvin , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Tofazzal Islam Md. , Ogawa Yuko , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

The EtOAc soluble constituents of the unripe fruits of Ginkgo biloba showed motility inhibition followed by lysis of zoospores of the phytopathogenic Aphanomyces cochlioides. We purified 22:1-ω7-anacardic acid (1), 24:1-ω9-anacardic acid (2) and 22:0-anacardic acid (3), together with other related compounds, 21:1-ω7-cardol (4) and 21:1-ω7-cardanol (5) from the crude extracts of Ginkgo fruits. Amongst them, compound 1 was a major active agent in quality and quantity, and showed potent motility inhibition (98% in 30 min) followed by lysis (55% in 3 h) of the zoospores at 1 × 10−7 m. The 2-O-methyl derivative (1−c) of 1 displayed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, but practically inactive to Escherichia coli. A brief study on structure-activity relationships revealed that a carboxyl group on the aromatic ring and an unsaturated side chain in the anacardic acid derivative are important for strong motility inhibitory and lytic activities against the zoospore
An Amperometric Xanthine Oxidase Enzyme Electrode Based on Hydrogen Peroxide Electroreduction
Authors: Dimcheva Nina , Horozova Elena , Jordanova Zinaida
Published: February 2015

A xanthine oxidase enzyme electrode (xanthine oxidase immobilized on electrochemically modified graphite and conveniently coated with gelatine electrode working surface) for quantitative analysis of xanthine is proposed. The detection of thus developed electrochemical system is based on the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide generated in enzyme layer and offered l-ascorbic and uric acid reducing interference effect on the substrate determination. At a working potential −50 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) the detection limit of 4.5 μm and the linearity of the amperometric signal up to substrate concentration of about 40 μm were found. At that working potential, the electrode is practically inert towards l-ascorbic- and uric acid present. The response time did not exceed 2 min.
The Mouse Ribosomal DNA Amplification Promoting Sequence 1 is Highly Methylated and Repeated in the Genome
Authors: Grozdanov Petar N. , Karagyozov Luchezar
Published: February 2015

Upstream of the mouse 45S pre-ribosomal RNA promoter there are regions that are involved in enhancement of pre-rRNA transcription, origin of replication and promotion of amplification. We report that in different mouse strains and cell lines the enhancer region, which overlaps with the origin of replication, is hypo-methylated. Contrary to that the amplification- promoting sequences 1 and 2, identified upstream in the intergenic spacer, are hypermethylated. Hybridization results also suggest that amplification-promoting sequence 1 is repeated in the genome.
Phenol − Another Cockchafer Attractant Shared by Melolontha hippocastani Fabr. and M. melolontha L.
Authors: Ruther Joachim , Reinecke Andreas , Tolasch Till , Hilker Monika
Published: February 2015

The response of the two most abundant cockchafer species in central Europe, Melolontha hippocastani and M. melolontha, towards phenol, mixtures of phenol with the leaf alcohol (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and the known cockchafer pheromones, 1,4-benzoquinone (M. hippocastani) and toluquinone (M. melolontha), was investigated in the field. During the swarming period at dusk, phenol attracted males of both species, and enhanced the known attraction of cockchafer males towards (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. A mixture of phenol plus (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol was less attractive for M. hippocastani males than a mixture of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol plus 1,4- benzoquinone, whereas phenol plus (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol attracted as many M. melolontha males as a mixture of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol plus toluquinone. In both species three component mixtures containing phenol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and the respective benzoquinone did not capture more males than two component mixtures consisting of only (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and the benzoquinone. A possible role of phenol as another cockchafer sex pheromone component is discussed.
Travellers' tales and science-based archaeology: ex oriente lux revisited
Authors: Knapp A. Bernard
Published: February 2015

Ling and Stos-Gale (above, p. 206) end their study on a safe, if rather vague, note: “[w]e could, perhaps, consider the maritime-themed rock art depictions [of ships and copper oxide ingots] as records of travellers’ tales, where representations of reality mingle with myths, magic and sailors' stories”. Yes, perhaps we could, since at least two of the ingot depictions (Kville 156:1 at Torsbo, Norrköping) look strikingly similar—as the authors note—to the ‘pillow ingots’ (Kissenbarren) known from the Mediterranean world. Or, perhaps, we could remain more cautious before even broaching the idea of interconnectedness between Late Bronze Age Scandinavia and the eastern Mediterranean. Such a suggestion requires a lot more faith in the basic arguments of Kristiansen and Larsson (2005)—namely, that Europe and the Mediterranean formed a massive, open network through which warrior elites and others travelled at will—than I am able to muster. For Kristiansen and Larsson, cultural contact and cultural change ultimately still flow ex oriente—thus, they return whence Childe began. Yet whereas their work is an attempt at synthesis, not analysis, Ling and Stos-Gale have a stab at analysis, of the lead isotope variety. The question is how well they succeed.
Dual melanocortin‐4 receptor and GLP‐1 receptor agonism amplifies metabolic benefits in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Clemmensen Christoffer , Finan Brian , Fischer Katrin , Tom Robby Zachariah , Legutko Beata , Sehrer Laura , Heine Daniela , Grassl Niklas , Meyer Carola W , Henderson Bart , Hofmann Susanna M , Tschöp Matthias H , Van der Ploeg Lex HT , Müller Timo D
Published: February 2015

We assessed the efficacy of simultaneous agonism at the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) and the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) for the treatment of obesity and diabetes in rodents. Diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice were chronically treated with either the long‐acting GLP‐1R agonist liraglutide, the MC4R agonist RM‐493 or a combination of RM‐493 and liraglutide. Co‐treatment of DIO mice with RM‐493 and liraglutide improves body weight loss and enhances glycemic control and cholesterol metabolism beyond what can be achieved with either mono‐therapy. The superior metabolic efficacy of this combination therapy is attributed to the anorectic and glycemic actions of both drugs, along with the ability of RM‐493 to increase energy expenditure. Interestingly, compared to mice treated with liraglutide alone, hypothalamic Glp‐1r expression was higher in mice treated with the combination therapy after both acute and chronic treatment. Further, RM‐493 enhanced hypothalamic Mc4r expression. Hence, co‐dosing with MC4R and GLP‐1R agonists increases expression of each receptor, indicative of minimized receptor desensitization. Together, these findings suggest potential opportunities for employing combination treatments that comprise parallel MC4R and GLP‐1R agonism for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Comparison of Larval and Adult Drosophila Astrocytes Reveals Stage-Specific Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Huang Yanmei , Ng Fanny S , Jackson F Rob
Published: February 2015

The analysis of adult astrocyte glial cells has revealed a remarkable heterogeneity with regard to morphology, molecular signature, and physiology. A key question in glial biology is how such heterogeneity arises during brain development. One approach to this question is to identify genes with differential astrocyte expression during development; certain genes expressed later in neural development may contribute to astrocyte differentiation. We have utilized the Drosophila model and Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP)-RNA-seq methods to derive the genome-wide expression profile of Drosophila larval astrocyte-like cells (hereafter referred to as astrocytes) for the first time. These studies identified hundreds of larval astrocyte-enriched genes that encode proteins important for metabolism, energy production, and protein synthesis, consistent with the known role of astrocytes in the metabolic support of neurons. Comparison of the larval profile with that observed for adults has identified genes with astrocyte-enriched expression specific to adulthood. These include genes important for metabolism and energy production, translation, chromatin modification, protein glycosylation, neuropeptide signaling, immune responses, vesicle-mediated trafficking or secretion, and the regulation of behavior. Among these functional classes, the expression of genes important for chromatin modification and vesicle-mediated trafficking or secretion is overrepresented in adult astrocytes based on Gene Ontology analysis. Certain genes with selective adult enrichment may mediate functions specific to this stage or may be important for the differentiation or maintenance of adult astrocytes, with the latter perhaps contributing to population heterogeneity.
Actin and Endocytosis in Budding Yeast
Authors: Goode Bruce L , Eskin Julian A , Wendland Beverly
Published: February 2015

Endocytosis, the process whereby the plasma membrane invaginates to form vesicles, is essential for bringing many substances into the cell and for membrane turnover. The mechanism driving clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) involves > 50 different protein components assembling at a single location on the plasma membrane in a temporally ordered and hierarchal pathway. These proteins perform precisely choreographed steps that promote receptor recognition and clustering, membrane remodeling, and force-generating actin-filament assembly and turnover to drive membrane invagination and vesicle scission. Many critical aspects of the CME mechanism are conserved from yeast to mammals and were first elucidated in yeast, demonstrating that it is a powerful system for studying endocytosis. In this review, we describe our current mechanistic understanding of each step in the process of yeast CME, and the essential roles played by actin polymerization at these sites, while providing a historical perspective of how the landscape has changed since the preceding version of the YeastBook was published 17 years ago (1997). Finally, we discuss the key unresolved issues and where future studies might be headed.
Brainbow: New Resources and Emerging Biological Applications for Multicolor Genetic Labeling and Analysis
Authors: Weissman Tamily A , Pan Y Albert
Published: February 2015

Brainbow is a genetic cell-labeling technique where hundreds of different hues can be generated by stochastic and combinatorial expression of a few spectrally distinct fluorescent proteins. Unique color profiles can be used as cellular identification tags for multiple applications such as tracing axons through the nervous system, following individual cells during development, or analyzing cell lineage. In recent years, Brainbow and other combinatorial expression strategies have expanded from the mouse nervous system to other model organisms and a wide variety of tissues. Particularly exciting is the application of Brainbow in lineage tracing, where this technique has been instrumental in parsing out complex cellular relationships during organogenesis. Here we review recent findings, new technical improvements, and exciting potential genetic and genomic applications for harnessing this colorful technique in anatomical, developmental, and genetic studies.
Genetic Characterization of Human Populations: From ABO to a Genetic Map of the British People
Authors: Bodmer Walter
Published: February 2015

From 1900, when Landsteiner first described the ABO blood groups, to the present, the methods used to characterize the genetics of human populations have undergone a remarkable development. Concomitantly, our understanding of the history and spread of human populations across the earth has become much more detailed. As has often been said, a better understanding of the genetic relationships among the peoples of the world is one of the best antidotes to racial prejudices. Such an understanding provides us with a fascinating, improved insight into our origins as well as with valuable information about population differences that are of medical relevance. The study of genetic polymorphisms has been essential to the analysis of the relationships between human populations. The evolution of methods used to study human polymorphisms and the resulting contributions to our understanding of human health and history is the subject of this Perspectives.
Genomic Insights into the Saccharomyces sensu stricto Complex
Authors: Borneman Anthony R , Pretorius Isak S
Published: February 2015

The Saccharomyces sensu stricto group encompasses species ranging from the industrially ubiquitous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to those that are confined to geographically limited environmental niches. The wealth of genomic data that are now available for the Saccharomyces genus is providing unprecedented insights into the genomic processes that can drive speciation and evolution, both in the natural environment and in response to human-driven selective forces during the historical “domestication” of these yeasts for baking, brewing, and winemaking.
First survey of the amphibians and reptiles of the Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Authors: Rovito Sean Michael , Devitt Thomas James , Devitt Susan Cameron
Published: February 2015

We conducted a first survey of the amphibians and reptiles of the Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve in June 2010, during the rainy season in Costa Rica. We found a total of 30 species of amphibians and reptiles in 15 families during our weeklong survey, including 15 frogs, 2 salamanders, 7 lizards, and 6 snakes. We compare our results to those of a previous survey of the nearby San Ramón Reserve.
Control of Iron Disilicide Crystal Structure by Using Liquid Phase Obtained by Au-Si Eutectic Reaction
Authors: Akiyama Kensuke , Motoizumi Yuu , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

The Au-Si liquid phase was obtained by melting the Si surface via Au-Si eutectic reaction, which contributed to the formation of semiconducting iron disilicide (β-FeSi2), on Au-coated Si(100) substrates. By coating a substrate with an Au layer of 60 nm or more, the Au-Si liquid phase covered the entire Si substrate surface, and single-phase β-FeSi2 was grown on Si(100) substrates. A clear photoluminescence spectrum of β-FeSi2 indicated the formation of high-quality crystals with a low density of the non-radiative recombination center in the grains.
Behaviour of an embedded footing on geotextile-reinforced sand
Authors: Kazi Monir , Shukla Sanjay Kumar , Habibi Daryoush
Published: February 2015

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the load–settlement behaviour of a model strip footing resting on a reinforced homogeneous sand bed for several embedment depths at medium-dense to very dense states of sand. The reinforcement is a single-layer woven geotextile layer without and with wraparound ends at a depth of 0·3B from the base of the footing of width B. A particular focus of this study is the effect of wraparound ends of the reinforcement on the load-bearing capacity. The experimental results of the study are compared with numerical findings from a finite-element analysis carried out using the Plaxis 2D software. The study shows there is a significant improvement in both the load-bearing capacity and the stiffness of the sand bed with increasing footing embedment depth as well as with the provision of wraparound ends of the reinforcement. The numerical results follow the experimental results closely for the lower settlement values. The results presented in graphical form in this paper can be used as general guidelines for practical conditions similar to those considered in the present study.
Regresión Lineal con Errores no Normales: Secante Hiperbólica Generalizada
Authors: Burbano Moreno Álvaro Alexander , Melo Martinez Oscar Orlano
Published: February 2015

En este trabajo se presenta un estudio del modelo de regresión lineal del tipo y = Θx+e, donde el error tiene distribución Secante Hiperbólica Generalizada (SHG). El método para estimar los parámetros se obtienen mediante una configuración de máxima verosimilitud expresando las ecuaciones no lineales en forma lineal (Verosimilitud Modificada). Los estimadores resultantes son expresiones analíticas en términos de valores de la muestra y, por lo tanto, son fácilmente calculables. Mediante la aplicación de varios tipos de datos, se muestra la metodología descrita anterior, y se obtienen modelos plausibles frente a las verdaderas distribuciones subyacentes de los datos.
O USO DE INDICADORES PARA O DIAGNÓSTICO DA PRESTAÇÃO DE SERVIÇO DE COLETA E TRATAMENTO DO ESGOTO DOMÉSTICO NA CIDADE DE AQUIDAUANA/MS
Authors: Santos Ricardo Miranda dos
Published: February 2015

A finalidade dos indicadores é fornecer informações que permitam auxiliar os gerenciadores e administradores públicos na elaboração do planejamento e execução das políticas públicas, visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida. O uso de indicadores ambientais empregados por setores censitários possibilita a interação das mais diversas informações em um mesmo ambiente, ampliando as ações estratégias na tomada de decisão. As ações baseadas nas informações obtidas por meio dos Indicadores Ambientais, considerando as variáveis ambientais e antrópicas são capazes de demonstrar seu desempenho ao longo do tempo, e de realizar previsões. A presente pesquisa foi realizada na área urbana do município de Aquidauana/MS/BRASIL visando avaliar e conhecer com maior detalhe o conjunto das condições propícias à saúde pública e os problemas de cada área da cidade. Para alcançar os objetivos da pesquisa utilizou-se o Indicador de Esgotamento Sanitário-Ies, que é composto pelas variáveis: Indicador de Cobertura em Coleta de Esgotos e Tanques Sépticos-Ice; Tratamento de Esgotos e Tanques Sépticos-Ite e Saturação do Tratamento-Ise, adaptado do modelo Indicador de Salubridade Ambiental-ISA que foi desenvolvido pelo Conselho Estadual de Saneamento do Estado de São Paulo, em 1999. Assim o objetivo da pesquisa é demonstrar como a utilização dos Indicadores Ambientais pode auxiliar o planejamento na obtenção de informações necessárias para orientar os administradores públicos a tomarem decisões e a diagnosticar a salubridade ambiental da área urbana.
O PAPEL DA MICROACESSIBILIDADE NA MOBILIDADE URBANA NAS CIDADES SUSTENTÁVEIS: CASO DA ESTAÇÃO SANTO AMARO NA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Baiardi Yara Cristina Labronici , Benini Sandra Medina
Published: February 2015

Entender a mobilidade urbana na metrópole contemporânea requer uma análise que vá além da visão da engenharia de tráfego e da circulação de veículos nas vias. O deslocar nas grandes cidades deve envolver relações complexas entre as características pessoais e econômicas do cidadão, dos sistemas de transportes disponíveis - sejam eles individuais ou coletivos -, assim como entre o uso e a ocupação do solo urbano e a configuração do território existente. Frente ao aumento crescente dos desafios de circulação na metrópole paulista, o tema da mobilidade urbana vem sendo amplamente debatido na sociedade. Nesse sentido, a partir do estudo de caso da estação Santo Amaro da Linha 9 (localizada paralelamente ao Rio Pinheiros)  da Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos - CPTM, procura-se estudar a microacessibilidade dessa estação de trem articulada com os diferentes modos de transporte entre si por meio da análise da configuração espacial do território no entorno da estação. Parte-se hipótese de que, apesar da modernização recente dos equipamentos da linha do trem e da integração tarifária entre ônibus e metrô/trem, a microacessibilidade é ainda ineficaz, reduzindo tanto o potencial de atração das estações (que representam um nó diante da rede metropolitana), como da qualidade do percurso do pedestre e da intermodalidade, bem como da construção de equipamentos públicos de referência e de qualidade. Isso ocorre principalmente devido à ausência de uma política integrada e contínua do setor de transportes e do planejamento urbano das últimas décadas, à má concepção e gestão dos espaços públicos e consequentemente à falta de clareza no entorno do ambiente construído das estações. O modelo teórico proposto no trabalho tem caráter exploratório, com abordagens qualitativas, baseada em estudo de caso. O método para atingir o objetivo consiste no levantamento em campo de variáveis pré-estabelecidas cujos resultados foram sintetizados numa matriz conceitual para posterior indicação de possíveis melhorias sob o ponto de vista dos diferentes papéis que o cidadão desempenha durante o seu locomover pela cidade, ora pedestre, ora ciclista, ora usuário do sistema público, ora motorista. Com este estudo busca então contribuir para discussão da melhoria da microacessibilidade do entorno de equipamentos públicos de referência na mobilidade urbana a fim de que ocorra a articulação entre os sistemas de transporte e o território urbano de modo a ampliar a qualidade do direito de ir e vir dos cidadãos nas cidades brasileiras.
Effect and mechanisms of zinc supplementation in protecting against diabetic cardiomyopathy in a rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lu Ying , Liu Ya , Li Hongyan , Wang Xue , Wu Wenjie , Gao Lichao
Published: February 2015

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a prominent cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes mellitus. Currently, there is no specific treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of Zinc (Zn) supplementation in the protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM-like lesions in male Wistar rats were induced by introducing the high-fat diet and by administration of streptozocin (STZ). After STZ induction, animals with fasting plasma glucose level ≥16.7 mM were considered as diabetic, and randomly assigned to the group receiving physiological saline (control) or ZnSO4 for 56 days. On days 0, 7, 28 and 56 of treatment, animals were weighed, and their blood samples were analyzed. On day 56, hemodynamic assessment was performed right before the sacrifice of animals. Cardiac tissue specimens were collected and subjected to pathologic assessment, metallothionein (MT) concentration measurement and Western blot analysis of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), the marker of autophagy, and glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78), an oxidative stress marker. High-fat diet feeding followed by STZ administration resulted in weight loss, hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, hemodynamic anomalies and a significant increase in the myocardial content of LC3 and GRP78 proteins, but not in MT protein. Zn supplementation effectively attenuated all these aberrations induced by high-fat diet and STZ. These findings suggest that Zn might be a protective factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy, acting in two ways: at least partially, through inhibiting autophagy and by endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Закономірності формування рухової функції у дітей дошкільного віку
Authors: Худолій О. М. , Касьян А. В.
Published: February 2015

На основі комп’ютерного моделювання умов навчання точнісним рухам кисті дошкільників 4—6 років встановлено, що на ефективність навчання точнісним рухам хлопчиків 4 років впливає кількість повторень на 33,5% і перерви в повторенні на 52,8%. Тривала перерва в повторенні збільшує час виконання завдання. З віком зменшується вплив перерви в повторенні на формування навички виконання точнісних рухів. У цьому разі спостерігається достатньо сильний вплив взаємодії кількості повторень і перерви в повторенні. Так, у хлопчиків 5 років на ефективність навчання на 61,7%, а у хлопчиків 6 років на 34,4% впливають взаємодія кількості повторень і перерви між повтореннями (Х1Х2). У дівчаток 4—6 років спостерігаються з віком збільшення впливу кількості повторень на ефективність навчання. Чим молодше дівчатка, тим більше впливає перерва в повторенні (Х2) і його взаємодія з кількістю повторень (Х1Х2) на результат навчання.
Педагогічна практика в школі. Повідомлення ІІ
Authors: Худолій О. М. , Іващенко О. В.
Published: February 2015

У статті розглядається програма педагогічної практики в середніх класах загальноосвітньої школи. Конкретизуються: мета і завдання практики, тривалість і строки проведення, обов’язки практикантів, зміст роботи, перелік звітної документації. Наводяться зразки оформлення звітної документації та пояснення до її упорядкування
Особливості методики розвитку сили у дівчаток молодшого шкільного віку
Authors: Худолій О. М. , Тітаренко А. А.
Published: February 2015

У статті розглядається методика розвитку сили у дівчаток молодшого шкільного віку. Встановлено, що комбінований метод розвитку сили позитивно впливає на розвиток силових здібностей у школярів. Покращення результатів тестування можливе за умови коли силове навантаження приводить до значних змін після роботи на кожному місці, після заняття (ТТЕ) і через двадцять чотири години після навантаження (ВТЕ). Чим більша динаміка ТТЕ і ВТЕ, тим значніші поліпшення результатів силових тестів спостерігаються вже через три заняття.
Anisotropic Dispersion and Upscaling for Miscible Displacement
Authors: Adepoju Olaoluwa O. , Lake Larry W. , Johns Russell T.
Published: February 2015

Dispersion is the irreversible mixing that occurs during miscible displacements. Dispersion can reduce local displacement efficiency by lessening solvent peak concentration or increase volumetric sweep efficiency by spreading of the injected solvent to more of the reservoir. Dispersion is therefore an important parameter in predicting and simulating miscible displacements. The difficulty of simulating miscible displacement and understanding the effect of dispersion is also compounded by numerical dispersion, which increases the apparent dispersion in finite-difference simulation models.

This paper presents an approach to estimate the total longitudinal and transverse dispersion in large-scale media by use of continuous solvent injection in a medium of finite thickness. The simulations are based on the experimental arrangement of Blackwell (1962) to estimate transverse dispersion, with experiments consisting of coinjecting two miscible fluids into different sections of the medium at similar rates. This model arrangement, coupled with analytical solutions for the 2D convection/dispersion equation for a continuously injected solvent, allows us to determine longitudinal and transverse dispersivity simultaneously for the flow medium. In this manner, we investigate the effects of stochastic permeability distributions and other scaling groups affecting first-contact-miscible simulations on dispersion.

Sensitivity analysis of dispersion in stochastic permeability fields confirms that both longitudinal and transverse dispersion are scale dependent. Results also show that the effect of increasing autocorrelation of cell permeability in the longitudinal direction (parallel to flow) is to increase longitudinal dispersion, as solvent travels through more continuous layers, while reducing transverse dispersion. Increasing autocorrelation in the transverse direction reduces dispersion in both directions. This reduction is caused by equilibration of solvent concentrations in continuous sections of the reservoir, resulting in reduced solute fingering and channeling.

Finally, we developed a simple procedure to use the estimated dispersivities to determine a priori the maximum gridblock size that will maintain an equivalent level of dispersion between fine-scale models and upscaled coarse models. Large gridblock sizes can be used for highly heterogeneous and layered reservoir models. Nonuniform coarsening (upscaling) methods were also recommended and validated for reservoir models with sets of sequential but different permeability distributions. The procedure was extended to multicontact miscible simulations. The sweep and recovery from upscaled multicontact miscible simulations were comparable with those of fine-scale models.