bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetics and developmental plasticity across species
Authors: Champagne Frances A.
Published: June 2012

Plasticity is a typical feature of development and can lead to divergent phenotypes. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, are present across species, are modifiable by the environment, and are involved in developmental plasticity. Thus, in the context of the concept of developmental homology, epigenetic mechanisms may serve to create a process homology between species by providing a common molecular pathway through which environmental experiences shape development, ultimately leading to phenotypic diversity. This article will highlight evidence derived from across‐species investigations of epigenetics, development, and plasticity which may contribute to our understanding of the homology that exists between species and between ancestors and descendants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 33–41, 2013.
The concept of homology as a basis for evaluating developmental mechanisms: Exploring selective attention across the life‐span
Authors: Lickliter Robert , Bahrick Lorraine E.
Published: June 2012

Research with human infants as well as non‐human animal embryos and infants has consistently demonstrated the benefits of intersensory redundancy for perceptual learning and memory for redundantly specified information during early development. Studies of infant affect discrimination, face discrimination, numerical discrimination, sequence detection, abstract rule learning, and word comprehension and segmentation have all shown that intersensory redundancy promotes earlier detection of these properties when compared to unimodal exposure to the same properties. Here we explore the idea that such intersensory facilitation is evident across the life‐span and that this continuity is an example of a developmental behavioral homology. We present evidence that intersensory facilitation is most apparent during early phases of learning for a variety of tasks, regardless of developmental level, including domains that are novel or tasks that require discrimination of fine detail or speeded responses. Under these conditions, infants, children, and adults all show intersensory facilitation, suggesting a developmental homology. We discuss the challenge and propose strategies for establishing appropriate guidelines for identifying developmental behavioral homologies. We conclude that evaluating the extent to which continuities observed across development are homologous can contribute to a better understanding of the processes of development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 76–83, 2013.
Genome‐scale study of transcription factor expression in the branching mouse lung
Authors: Herriges John C. , Yi Lan , Hines Elizabeth A. , Harvey Julie F. , Xu Guoliang , Gray Paul A. , Ma Qiufu , Sun Xin
Published: June 2012

Background: Mammalian lung development consists of a series of precisely choreographed events that drive the progression from simple lung buds to the elaborately branched organ that fulfills the vital function of gas exchange. Strict transcriptional control is essential for lung development. Among the large number of transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, only a small portion of them are known to be expressed and function in the developing lung. Thus a systematic investigation of transcription factors expressed in the lung is warranted. Results: To enrich for genes that may be responsible for regional growth and patterning, we performed a screen using RNA in situ hybridization to identify genes that show restricted expression patterns in the embryonic lung. We focused on the pseudoglandular stage during which the lung underergoes branching morphogenesis, a cardinal event of lung development. Using a genome‐scale probe set that represents over 90% of the transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, we identified 62 transcription factor genes with localized expression in the epithelium, mesenchyme, or both. Many of these genes have not been previously implicated in lung development. Conclusions: Our findings provide new starting points for the elucidation of the transcriptional circuitry that controls lung development. Developmental Dynamics 241:1432–1453, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of type 2 immunity and allergic airway inflammation by secreted products of the helminthHeligmosomoides polygyrus
Authors: McSorley Henry J. , O'Gorman Mary T. , Blair Natalie , Sutherland Tara E. , Filbey Kara J. , Maizels Rick M.
Published: June 2012

Allergic asthma is less prevalent in countries with parasitic helminth infections, and mice infected with parasites such asHeligmosomoides polygyrusare protected from allergic airway inflammation. To establish whether suppression of allergy could be mediated by soluble products of this helminth, we testedH. polygyrusexcretory‐secretory (HES) material for its ability to impair allergic inflammation. WhenHESwas added to sensitising doses of ovalbumin, the subsequent allergic airway response was suppressed, with ablated cell infiltration, a lower ratio of effector (CD4+CD25+Foxp3−) to regulatory (CD4+Foxp3+)T(Treg) cells, and reducedTh1,Th2 andTh17 cytokine production.HESexposure reducedIL‐5 responses and eosinophilia, abolishedIgEproduction and inhibited the type 2 innate molecules arginase‐1 andRELM‐α (resistin‐like molecule‐α). AlthoughHEScontains aTGF‐β‐like activity, similar effects in modulating allergy were not observed when administering mammalianTGF‐β alone. HES also protected previously sensitised mice, suppressing recruitment of eosinophils to the airways when given at challenge, but no change inTh orTreg cell populations was apparent. Because heat‐treatment ofHESdid not impair suppression at sensitisation, but compromised its ability to suppress at challenge, we propose thatHEScontains distinct heat‐stable and heat‐labile immunomodulatory molecules, which modulate pro‐allergic adaptive and innate cell populations.
Incomplete TCR‐β allelic exclusion accelerates spontaneous autoimmune arthritis in K/BxN TCR transgenic mice
Authors: Auger Jennifer L. , Haasken Stefanie , Steinert Elizabeth M. , Binstadt Bryce A.
Published: June 2012

Allelic exclusion of antigen receptor loci is a fundamental mechanism of immunological self‐tolerance. Incomplete allelic exclusion leads to dual T‐cell receptor (TCR) expression and can allow developing autoreactive αβ T lymphocytes to escape clonal deletion. Because allelic exclusion at the TCR‐β locus is more stringent than at the TCR‐α locus, dual TCR‐β expression has not been considered a likely contributor to autoimmunity. We show here that incomplete TCR‐β allelic exclusion permits developing thymocytes bearing the autoreactive, transgene‐encoded KRN TCR to be positively selected more efficiently, thereby accelerating the onset of spontaneous autoimmune arthritis. Our findings highlight dual TCR‐β expression as a mechanism that can enhance the maturation of autoreactive pathogenic T cells and lead to more rapid development of autoimmune disease.
Regulation and dysregulation of innate immunity by NFAT signaling downstream of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
Authors: Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca
Published: June 2012

Innate immunity is the most ancient form of response to pathogens and it relies on evolutionary conserved signaling pathways, i.e. those involving the NF‐κB pathway. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests that factors that have appeared more recently in evolution, such as the nuclear factor of activated T‐cell transcription factor family (NFATc), also contribute to innate immune‐response regulation in vertebrates. Exposure to inflammatory stimuli induces the activation of NFATc factors in innate immune cells, including conventional dendritic cells (DCs), granulocytes, mast cells and under pathological circumstances, also macrophages. While the evolutionary conserved functions of innate immunity, such as direct microbial killing and interferon production, are expected to be NFATc independent, other aspects of innate immunity, including collaboration with adaptive immunity and mechanisms to limit the tissue damage generated by the inflammatory process, are presumably controlled by NFATc members in collaboration with other transcription factors. In this article, we discuss the recent advances regarding the role of the NFATc signaling pathway in regulating DC, neutrophil and macrophage responses to specific inflammatory stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide and β‐glucan‐bearing microorganisms. We also discuss how NFATc signaling influences the interactions of myeloid cells with lymphocytes.
Enzymatic preparation of L‐α‐glycerylphosphorylcholine in an aqueous medium
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Liu Yuanfa , Wang Xingguo
Published: June 2012

L‐α‐Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L‐α‐GPC) was successfully prepared from phosphatidylcholine (PC) of food‐grade soy lecithin powder using a novel enzymatic reaction in an aqueous medium. 94.5% yield of L‐α‐GPC was obtained under the optimal conditions of 55°C, 6.67 mg/mL substrate, 2 mM CaCl2, and 33.4 U/mL phospholipase A1 (Lecitase Ultra). L‐α‐GPC at 98% purity, 73.4% (wt%) recovery, and specific rotation ($[{\rm \alpha }]_{{\rm D}}^{{\rm 20}} $) of −2.5° was achieved by silica gel column chromatography. Owing to its excellent catalytic efficiency, low cost, and ready availability, phospholipase A1 (Lecitase Ultra) provides a very satisfactory option for converting PC to L‐α‐GPC.

Practical applications: L‐α‐Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L‐α‐GPC) has been studied recently for its potential use as a supplement that may support neurological functions, but it is only found in trace amounts in nature. The present results indicate that Lecitase Ultra can be used for producing L‐α‐GPC from aqueous PC and suggest encouraging prospects for practical or industrial applications utilizing its notable catalytic performance, economy, and convenience.
Structured phosphatidylcholine with elevated content of conjugated linoleic acid: Optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Baeza‐Jiménez Ramiro , Noriega‐Rodríguez Juan A. , García Hugo S. , Otero Cristina
Published: June 2012

Structured phosphatidylcholine was successfully produced by immobilized phospholipase A1 catalyzed acidolysis of phosphatidylcholine and CLA. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the reaction system using three process parameters: enzyme load, temperature, and substrates molar ratio. Optimal conditions obtained from the model were 15% enzyme load at 55°C for a 1:4 (PC/CLA) substrates molar ratio, which produced a yield of 85.8% of CLA incorporation. The total correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.92 and no lack of fit was detected. This suggests the fitness of the model obtained and it suggests that the model is sufficiently accurate to estimate the incorporation of CLA into PC.

Practical applications: This study could contribute to process development for enzyme catalyzed phospholipid modification. By changing the fatty acid composition of lecithin, delivery of desired (beneficial) fatty acids could be better achieved. Additionally, emulsification properties of the phospholipids could open a wide area of applications in the food and cosmetic industries.
Generation of 3‐monochloro‐1,2‐propanediol and related materials from tri‐, di‐, and monoolein at deodorization temperature
Authors: Shimizu Masao , Vosmann Klaus , Matthäus Bertrand
Published: June 2012

Heating tests of pure tri‐, di‐, and monoolein (TO, DO, and MO, respectively) with and without the addition of tetrabutylammonium chloride as a chloride source at 240°C revealed the characteristic reactions that generate 3‐monochloro‐1,2‐propanediol‐related materials (3‐MCPD‐RM) in each acylglycerol. 3‐MCPD‐RM were formed mainly from DO and MO, with only a small amount from TO. Glycidyl ester was the predominant class of 3‐MCPD‐RM generated from both DO and MO, and was increased continuously throughout the heating period with comparable rates in both DO and MO, which also generated 3‐MCPD esters with chloride in a short completion time with an achieved level that was fourfold higher for MO than for DO. The production of free glycidol and 3‐MCPD was confirmed only in heated MO, but not from TO and DO, in a closed heating system, although these compounds were never detected in oils heated under simulated distillation conditions using a gas stream. In a closed system, both free glycidol and 3‐MCPD were increased throughout the heating period, which differed from the esters. Since an interesterification reaction, which produced free glycerol, was observed only in heated MO, free glycerol might be one of the precursors for those free forms. For clarification, further investigation is required.
Comparison of analytical and sensory lipid oxidation parameters in conventional and high‐oleic rapeseed oil
Authors: Petersen Katharina Domitila , Kleeberg Kim Karen , Jahreis Gerhard , Busch‐Stockfisch Mechthild , Fritsche Jan
Published: June 2012

Headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography was used to identify in total 55 volatile lipid oxidation compounds in thermally stressed conventional and high‐oleic rapeseed oil samples. Out of this profile, 17 volatile compounds with low odor threshold values were selected as target compounds for the assessment of lipid oxidation in rapeseed and high‐oleic rapeseed oils. Additionally, other lipid oxidation parameters such as fatty acid composition, peroxide value, anisidine value, and induction time (Rancimat analysis) were determined. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis in combination with agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis) were applied to identify sensitive volatile lipid oxidation indicators enabling the differentiation of rapeseed oil samples of different varieties (high‐oleic versus conventional). Moreover, these statistical methods were capable of differentiating rapeseed oils of different oxidative properties. Octanal and 3‐octanone showed the highest ability to differentiate between samples of different rapeseed varieties, whereas propanal, E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal, and E‐2‐heptenal were most suitable in differentiating rapeseed oil samples with different oxidative properties from each other. Clustering of rapeseed oil samples according to their volatile compound composition was comparable with results of sensory duo‐trio and paired comparison tests, but the analytical approach of the volatile compound analysis in combination with chemometric methods detected changes sooner in relation to the flavor composition of rapeseed oils and high‐oleic rapeseed oil samples.

Practical applications:The combination of volatile compound analysis by HS‐SPME‐GC with multivariate statistical methods and complementary sensory duo‐trio and one‐sided paired comparison tests are sensitive tools in differentiating conventional and high‐oleic rapeseed oil samples with different lipid oxidation properties. The presented methods are suitable techniques for the detection of initial changes of lipid oxidation progress in edible oils.
A transcriptional network underlies susceptibility to kidney disease progression
Authors: Laouari Denise , Burtin Martine , Phelep Aurélie , Bienaime Frank , Noel Laure‐Hélène , Lee David C. , Legendre Christophe , Friedlander Gérard , Pontoglio Marco , Terzi Fabiola
Published: June 2012

The molecular networks that control the progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are poorly defined. We have recently shown that the susceptibility to development of renal lesions after nephron reduction is controlled by a locus on mouse chromosome 6 and requires epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation. Here, we identified microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor A (MITF‐A), a bHLH‐Zip transcription factor, as a modifier of CKD progression. Sequence analysis revealed a strain‐specific mutation in the 5′ UTR that decreases MITF‐A protein synthesis in lesion‐prone friend virus B NIH (FVB/N) mice. More importantly, we dissected the molecular pathway by which MITF‐A modulates CKD progression. MITF‐A interacts with histone deacetylases to repress the transcription of TGF‐α, a ligand of EGFR, and antagonizes transactivation by its related partner, transcription factor E3 (TFE3). Consistent with the key role of this network in CKD, Tgfa gene inactivation protected FVB/N mice from renal deterioration after nephron reduction. These data are relevant to human CKD, as we found that the TFE3/MITF‐A ratio was increased in patients with damaged kidneys. Our study uncovers a novel transcriptional network and unveils novel potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for preventing human CKD progression.
Communication between host organism and cancer cells is transduced by systemic sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine 1‐phosphate signalling to regulate tumour metastasis
Authors: Ponnusamy Suriyan , Selvam Shanmugam Panneer , Mehrotra Shikhar , Kawamori Toshihiko , Snider Ashley J. , Obeid Lina M. , Shao Yuan , Sabbadini Roger , Ogretmen Besim
Published: June 2012

Mechanisms by which cancer cells communicate with the host organism to regulate lung colonization/metastasis are unclear. We show that this communication occurs via sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) generated systemically by sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), rather than via tumour‐derived S1P. Modulation of systemic, but not tumour SK1, prevented S1P elevation, and inhibited TRAMP‐induced prostate cancer growth in TRAMP+/+SK1−/− mice, or lung metastasis of multiple cancer cells in SK1−/− animals. Genetic loss of SK1 activated a master metastasis suppressor, Brms1 (breast carcinoma metastasis suppressor 1), via modulation of S1P receptor 2 (S1PR2) in cancer cells. Alterations of S1PR2 using pharmacologic and genetic tools enhanced Brms1. Moreover, Brms1 in S1PR2−/− MEFs was modulated by serum S1P alterations. Accordingly, ectopic Brms1 in MB49 bladder cancer cells suppressed lung metastasis, and stable knockdown of Brms1 prevented this process. Importantly, inhibition of systemic S1P signalling using a novel anti‐S1P monoclonal antibody (mAb), Sphingomab, attenuated lung metastasis, which was prevented by Brms1 knockdown in MB49 cells. Thus, these data suggest that systemic SK1/S1P regulates metastatic potential via regulation of tumour S1PR2/Brms1 axis.
A spatial cross‐correlation model of spectral accelerations at multiple periods
Authors: Loth Christophe , Baker Jack W.
Published: June 2012

Many seismic loss problems (such as disruption of distributed infrastructure and losses to portfolios of structures) are dependent upon the regional distribution of ground‐motion intensity, rather than intensity at only a single site. Quantifying ground‐motion over a spatially‐distributed region therefore requires information on the correlation between the ground‐motion intensities at different sites during a single event. The focus of the present study is to assess the spatial correlation between ground‐motion spectral accelerations at different periods. Ground motions from eight well‐recorded earthquakes were used to study the spatial correlations. On the basis of obtained empirical correlation estimates, we propose a geostatistics‐based method to formulate a predictive model that is suitable for simulation of spectral accelerations at multiple sites and multiple periods, in the case of crustal earthquakes in active seismic regions. While the calibration of this model and investigation of its implications were somewhat complex, the model itself is very simple to use for making correlation predictions. A user only needs to evaluate a simple equation relying on three sets of coefficients provided here to compute a correlation coefficient for spectral values at two periods and at a specified separation distance. These results may then be used in evaluating the seismic risk of portfolios of structures with differing fundamental periods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of fragility curves using high‐dimensional model representation
Authors: Unnikrishnan V. U. , Prasad A. M. , Rao B. N.
Published: June 2012

Fragility curves represent the conditional probability that a structure's response may exceed the performance limit for a given ground motion intensity. Conventional methods for computing building fragilities are either based on statistical extrapolation of detailed analyses on one or two specific buildings or make use of Monte Carlo simulation with these models. However, the Monte Carlo technique usually requires a relatively large number of simulations to obtain a sufficiently reliable estimate of the fragilities, and it is computationally expensive and time consuming to simulate the required thousands of time history analyses. In this paper, high‐dimensional model representation based response surface method together with the Monte Carlo simulation is used to develop the fragility curve, which is then compared with that obtained by using Latin hypercube sampling. It is used to replace the algorithmic performance‐function with an explicit functional relationship, fitting a functional approximation, thereby reducing the number of expensive numerical analyses. After the functional approximation has been made, Monte Carlo simulation is used to obtain the fragility curve of the system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of bedrock structures on the spatial pattern of erosional landforms in small alpine catchments
Authors: Loye Alexandre , Pedrazzini Andrea , Theule Joshua I. , Jaboyedoff Michel , Liébault Frédéric , Metzger Richard
Published: June 2012

Structural settings and lithological characteristics are traditionally assumed to influence the development of erosional landforms, such as gully networks and rock couloirs, in steep mountain rock basins. The structural control of erosion of two small alpine catchments of distinctive rock types is evaluated by comparing the correspondences between the orientations of their gullies and rock couloirs with (1) the sliding orientations of potential slope failures mechanisms, and (2) the orientation of the maximum joint frequency, this latter being considered as the direction exploited primarily by erosion and mass wasting processes. These characteristic orientations can be interpreted as structural weaknesses contributing to the initiation and propagation of erosion. The morphostructural analysis was performed using digital elevation models and field observations. The catchment comprised of magmatic intrusive rocks shows a clear structural control, mostly expressed through potential wedges failure. Such joint configurations have a particular geometry that encourages the development of gullies in hard rock, e.g. through enhanced gravitational and hydrological erosional processes. In the catchment underlain by sedimentary rocks, penetrative joints that act as structural weaknesses seem to be exploited by gullies and rock couloirs. However, the lithological setting and bedding configuration prominently control the development of erosional landforms, and influence not only the local pattern of geomorphic features, but the general morphology of the catchment. The orientations of the maximum joint frequency are clearly associated with the gully network, suggesting that its development is governed by anisotropy in rock strength. These two catchments are typical of bedrock‐dominated basins prone to intense processes of debris supply. This study suggests a quantitative approach for describing the relationship between bedrock jointing and geomorphic features geometry. Incorporation of bedrock structure can be relevant when studying processes governing the transfer of clastic material, for the assessment of sediment yields and in landforms evolution models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HNF1B deficiency causes ciliary defects in human cholangiocytes
Authors: Roelandt Philip , Antoniou Aline , Libbrecht Louis , Van Steenbergen Werner , Laleman Wim , Verslype Chris , Van der Merwe Schalk , Nevens Frederik , De Vos Rita , Fischer Evelyne , Pontoglio Marco , Lemaigre Frédéric , Cassiman David
Published: June 2012

Heterozygous deletion or mutation in hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B/transcription factor 2 (
HNF1B/TCF2
) causes renal cyst and diabetes syndrome (OMIM #137920). Mice with homozygous liver-specific deletion of

Hnf1
β revealed that a complete lack of this factor leads to ductopenia and bile duct dysplasia, in addition to mild hepatocyte defects. However, little is known about the hepatic consequences of deficient HNF1B function in humans. Three patients with heterozygous

HNF1B

deficiency were found to have normal bile duct formation on radiology and routine liver pathology. Electron microscopy revealed a paucity or absence of normal primary cilia. Therefore, heterozygous

HNF1B

deficiency is associated with ciliary anomalies in cholangiocytes, and this may cause cholestasis.
Sustained hippocampal neurogenesis in females is amplified in P66Shc−/− mice: An animal model of healthy aging
Authors: Berry Alessandra , Amrein Irmgard , Nötzli Sarah , Lazic Stan E. , Bellisario Veronica , Giorgio Marco , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Alleva Enrico , Lipp Hans‐Peter , Cirulli Francesca
Published: June 2012

Aging is accompanied by poor learning and memory abilities and by decreased hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is also modulated by oxidative stress (OS). P66Shc has recently emerged as a novel mammalian gerontogene able to affect healthspan during aging. Deletion of this gene in mice leads to reduced OS accompanied by decreased incidence of age‐related pathologies and reduced signs of behavioral aging. We hypothesized that p66Shc−/− mutants might show increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory processes. To this aim, granule cell number, proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and cell death were assessed in the hippocampus in senescent p66Shc−/− [knock out (KO)] and p66Shc+/+ [wild type (WT)] male and female mice. Spatial learning abilities and spontaneous activity were also investigated in a multifunctional behavioral system—IntelliCages. The behavioral analysis revealed that females in general perform better in spatial learning tasks, with genotype effects being apparent in the activity pattern only. Likewise, all females showed increased neuronal differentiation, whereas increased proliferation was found only in those belonging to the p66Shc−/− genotype, indicating that they might be protected from precursor cell loss. The number of dying cells was not affected by genotype or sex; however, all KO mice showed less granule cells than WT. Overall, our data suggest that hippocampal function is protected in the female gender at older age, an effect amplified by reduced OS in the p66Shc−/− mutant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxytocin interference in the effects induced by inhalation of 7.5% CO2 in healthy volunteers
Authors: de Oliveira Danielle Chaves Gomes , Chagas Marcos Hortes N. , Garcia Luis Vicente , Crippa José Alexandre S. , Zuardi Antonio W
Published: June 2012

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the acute effect of intranasally administered oxytocin (OT) on subjective states, cardiovascular, and endocrine parameters in healthy volunteers who inhaled 7.5% CO2.

Methods

Forty‐five subjects were allocated into three matched groups of subjects who received 24 international units (IU) of OT, 2 mg of lorazepam (LZP), or placebo (PL). The challenge consisted of medical air inhalation for 20 min, 10 min of rest, and CO2 7.5% inhalation for 20 min. Subjective effects were evaluated by self‐assessment scales; heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and salivary cortisol were also measured. Assessments were performed at four time points: (i) baseline (−15 min); (ii) post‐air inhalation (90 min); (iii) post‐CO2 inhalation (120 min), and (iv) post‐test (160 min).

Results

CO2 inhalation significantly increased the anxiety score in the PL group compared with the post‐air measurement but not in the OT or LZP groups. The LZP reduced anxiety after medical air inhalation. Other parameters evaluated were not affected by OT.

Conclusion

OT, as well as LZP, prevented CO2‐induced anxiety, suggesting that this hormone has anxiolytic properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paternal dietary restriction affects progeny fat content in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Miersch Claudia , Döring Frank
Published: June 2012

Epidemiological data from human populations and few reports in rodents suggested that the paternal diet affects offspring adiposity and its related diseases. We tested whether this nongenetic and intergenerational inheritance depends on paternal treatment dose. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, males undergoing several dietary restriction regimes were crossed with ad libitum fed females. We found an inverted U‐shaped relationship between the extent of paternal dietary restriction and the level of fat content of progeny. The relationship was evident in both sexes. Body proportions were not affected in offspring. Overall, our findings extent the concept of developmental and adaptive plasticity to include the extent of paternal food consumption in the origin of phenotypic alterations. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(7): 644–648, 2012
Three‐dimensional multiphoton/optical coherence tomography for diagnostic applications in dermatology
Authors: Alex Aneesh , Weingast Jessika , Weinigel Martin , Kellner‐Höfer Marcel , Nemecek Romina , Binder Michael , Pehamberger Hubert , König Karsten , Drexler Wolfgang
Published: June 2012

A preliminary clinical trial using state‐of‐the‐art multiphoton tomography (MPT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for three‐dimensional (3D) multimodal in vivo imaging of normal skin, nevi, scars and pathologic skin lesions has been conducted. MPT enabled visualization of sub‐cellular details with axial and transverse resolutions of <2 μm and <0.5 μm, respectively, from a volume of 0.35 × 0.35 × 0.2 mm3 at a frame rate of 0.14 Hz (512 × 512 pixels). State‐of‐the‐art OCT, operating at a center wavelength of 1300 nm, was capable of acquiring 3D images depicting the layered architecture of skin with axial and transverse resolutions ∼8 μm and ∼20 μm, respectively, from a volume of 7 × 3.5 × 1.5 mm3 at a frame rate of 46 Hz (1024 × 1024 pixels). This study demonstrates the clinical diagnostic potential of MPT/OCT for pre‐screening relatively large areas of skin using 3D OCT to identify suspicious regions at microscopic level and subsequently using high resolution MPT to obtain zoomed in, sub‐cellular level information of the respective regions (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Activation of ras‐dependent signaling pathways by G14‐coupled receptors requires the adaptor protein TPR1
Authors: Kwan Dawna H.T. , Yung Lisa Y. , Ye Richard D. , Wong Yung H.
Published: June 2012

Many Gq‐coupled receptors mediate mitogenic signals by stimulating extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERKs) that are typically regulated by the small GTPase Ras. Recent studies have revealed that members of the Gαq family may possess the ability to activate Ras/ERK by interacting with the adaptor protein tetratricopeptide repeat 1 (TPR1). Within the Gαq family, the highly promiscuous Gα14 can relay signals from numerous receptors. Here, we examined if Gα14 interacts with TPR1 to stimulate Ras signaling pathways. Expression of the constitutively active Gα14QL mutant in HEK293 cells led to the formation of GTP‐bound Ras as well as increased phosphorylations of downstream signaling molecules including ERK and IκB kinase. Stimulation of endogenous G14‐coupled somatostatin type 2 and α2‐adrenergic receptors produced similar responses in human hepatocellular HepG2 carcinoma cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays using HEK293 cells demonstrated a stronger association of TPR1 for Gα14QL than Gα14, suggesting that TPR1 preferentially binds to the GTP‐bound form of Gα14. Activated Gα14 also interacted with the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factors SOS1 and SOS2. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of TPR1 or siRNA‐mediated knockdown of TPR1 effectively abolished the ability of Gα14 to induce Ras signaling in native HepG2 or transfected HEK293 cells. Although expression of the dominant negative mutant of TPR1 suppressed Gα14QL‐induced phosphorylations of ERK and IκB kinase, it did not affect Gα14QL‐induced stimulation of phospholipase Cβ or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. Our results suggest that TPR1 is required for Gα14 to stimulate Ras‐dependent signaling pathways, but not for the propagation of signals along Ras‐independent pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3486–3497, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a motif in BMRP required for interaction with Bcl‐2 by site‐directed mutagenesis studies
Authors: Conde Juan A. , Claunch Cheryl J. , Romo Hannah E. , Benito‐Martín Ana , Ballestero Rafael P. , González‐García Maribel
Published: June 2012

Bcl‐2 is an anti‐apoptotic protein that inhibits apoptosis elicited by multiple stimuli in a large variety of cell types. BMRP (also known as MRPL41) was identified as a Bcl‐2 binding protein and shown to promote apoptosis. Previous studies indicated that the amino‐terminal two‐thirds of BMRP contain the domain(s) required for its interaction with Bcl‐2, and that this region of the protein is responsible for the majority of the apoptosis‐inducing activity of BMRP. We have performed site‐directed mutagenesis analyses to further characterize the BMRP/Bcl‐2 interaction and the pro‐apoptotic activity of BMRP. The results obtained indicate that the 13–17 amino acid region of BMRP is necessary for its binding to Bcl‐2. Further mutagenesis of this motif shows that amino acid residue aspartic acid (D) 16 of BMRP is essential for the BMRP/Bcl‐2 interaction. Functional analyses conducted in mammalian cells with BMRP site‐directed mutants BMRP(13Ala17) and BMRP(D16A) indicate that these mutants induce apoptosis through a caspase‐mediated pathway, and that they kill cells slightly more potently than wild‐type BMRP. Bcl‐2 is still able to counteract BMRP(D16A)‐induced cell death significantly, but not as completely as when tested against wild‐type BMRP. These results suggest that the apoptosis‐inducing ability of wild‐type BMRP is blocked by Bcl‐2 through several mechanisms. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3498–3508, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 is mediated in TNF‐α‐induced CCL2 expression in human synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Tsou Hsi‐Kai , Chen Hsien‐Te , Chang Chia‐Hao , Yang Wan‐Yu , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: June 2012

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine with a critical role in osteoarthritis (OA), was primarily produced by monocytes/macrophages and plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response. Here, we investigated the intracellular signaling pathways involved in TNF‐α‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1)/CCL2 expression in human synovial fibroblast cells. Stimulation of synovial fibroblasts (OASF) with TNF‐α induced concentration‐ and time‐dependent increases in CCL2 expression. TNF‐α‐mediated CCL2 production was attenuated by TNFR1 monoclonal antibody (Ab). Pretreatment with an apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitor (thioredoxin), JNK inhibitor (SP600125), p38 inhibitor (SB203580), or AP‐1 inhibitor (curcumin or tanshinone IIA) also blocked the potentiating action of TNF‐α. Stimulation of cells with TNF‐α enhanced ASK1, JNK, and p38 activation. Treatment of OASF with TNF‐α also increased the accumulation of phosphorylated c‐Jun in the nucleus, AP‐1‐luciferase activity, and c‐Jun binding to the AP‐1 element on the CCL2 promoter. TNF‐α‐mediated AP‐1‐luciferase activity and c‐Jun binding to the AP‐1 element were inhibited by TNFR1 Ab, thioredoxin, SP600125, and SB203580. Our results suggest that the interaction between TNF‐α and TNFR1 increases CCL2 expression in human synovial fibroblasts via the ASK1, JNK/p38, c‐Jun, and AP‐1 signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3509–3519, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hierarchical algorithm for fast debye summation with applications to small angle scattering
Authors: Gumerov Nail A. , Berlin Konstantin , Fushman David , Duraiswami Ramani
Published: June 2012

Debye summation, which involves the summation of sinc functions of distances between all pair of atoms in three‐dimensional space, arises in computations performed in crystallography, small/wide angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Direct evaluation of Debye summation has quadratic complexity, which results in computational bottleneck when determining crystal properties, or running structure refinement protocols that involve SAXS or SANS, even for moderately sized molecules. We present a fast approximation algorithm that efficiently computes the summation to any prescribed accuracy ϵ in linear time. The algorithm is similar to the fast multipole method (FMM), and is based on a hierarchical spatial decomposition of the molecule coupled with local harmonic expansions and translation of these expansions. An even more efficient implementation is possible when the scattering profile is all that is required, as in small angle scattering reconstruction (SAS) of macromolecules. We examine the relationship of the proposed algorithm to existing approximate methods for profile computations, and show that these methods may result in inaccurate profile computations, unless an error‐bound derived in this article is used. Our theoretical and computational results show orders of magnitude improvement in computation complexity over existing methods, while maintaining prescribed accuracy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of Chitosan‐Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite Containing Ferri/Ferrocyanide: Application for Simultaneous Detection of D‐Penicillamine and Tryptophan
Authors: Chekin Fereshteh , Raoof Jahan‐Bakhsh , Bagheri Samira , Hamid Sharifah Bee Abd
Published: June 2012

We report a simple and effective strategy for fabrication of the nanocomposite containing chitosan (CS) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The characterization of the modified electrode (CS‐MWNT/GC) was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of CS‐MWNT/GC electrode was investigated and compared with the electrochemical behavior of chitosan modified GC (CS/GC), multiwalled carbon nanotube modified GC (MWNT/GC) and unmodified GC using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The chitosan films are electrochemically inactive; similar background charging currents are observed at bare GC. The chitosan films are permeable to anionic Fe(CN)63−/4− (FC) redox couple. Electrochemical parameters, including apparent diffusion coefficient for the Fe(CN)63−/4− redox probe at FC/CS‐MWNT/GC electrode is comparable to values reported for cast chitosan films. This modified electrode also showed electrocatalytic effect for the simultaneous determination of D‐penicillamine (D‐PA) and tryptophan (Trp). The detection limit of 0.9 μM and 4.0 μM for D‐PA and Trp, respectively, makes this nanocomposite very suitable for determination of them with good sensitivity.
New Quantum Caps in PG(4, 4)
Authors: Bartoli Daniele , Faina Giorgio , Marcugini Stefano , Pambianco Fernanda
Published: June 2012

Calderbank, Rains, Shor, and Sloane (see [10]) showed that quantum stabilizer codes correspond to additive quaternary codes in binary projective spaces, which are self‐orthogonal with respect to the symplectic form. A geometric description is given in [8, 19]. In [8] the notion of a quantum cap is introduced. Quantum caps are equivalent to quantum stabilizer codes of minimum distance when the code is linear over . In this paper, we determine the values k such that there exists a quantum k‐cap in , corresponding to pure linear quantum codes, proving, by exhaustive search, that no 11, 37, 39‐quantum caps exist. Moreover we give examples of quantum caps in not already known in the literature.
Sequential Expression of Osteoblast Phenotypic Genes During Medullary Bone Formation and Resorption in Estrogen‐Treated Male Japanese Quails
Authors: HIYAMA SHINJI , SUGIYAMA TOSHIE , KUSUHARA SEIJI , UCHIDA TAKASHI
Published: June 2012

Medullary bone is formed reticularly in the bone marrow cavity of the long bones of female birds. Although this bone matrix contains fewer collagen fibers and more acid mucopolysaccharides than cortical bone, it is not clear that the expression pattern of osteoblast phenotypic genes during bone remodeling. Therefore, 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐treated male Japanese quails were used to examine the temporal expression patterns of osteoblast phenotypic genes, and to simultaneously confirm the morphological changes occurring in the bone marrow cavity during medullary bone formation and resorption. After E2 treatment, bone lining cells proliferated and developed into mature osteoblasts that had intense alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. These cells began to form medullary bone that contained acid mucopolysaccharides and tartrate‐resistantacid phosphatase. Runt‐related gene 2 (Runx2) mRNA was stably expressed throughout the process. The expression of both ALP and type I collagen mRNAs increased initially, and then rapidly decreased after day 7, while osteoclasts began to resorb medullary bone at day 5. The expression of bone matrix‐related genes peaked at day 5, and suddenly decreased at day 7, except for osteopontin. Taken together with these results, the expression patterns of bone matrix‐related genes during the later stages might be related to osteoclast activity. Additionally, the constant expression of Runx2 during bone formation and resorption suggested that osteoprogenitor cells always exist in the bone marrow cavity. Therefore, the expression patterns of these genes and the characteristics of bone matrix might extremely be related to the quick remodeling of medullary bone. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:344‐352, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of Specific Keratin‐Associated Beta‐Proteins (Beta‐Keratins) in the Epidermis of the Lizard Anolis carolinensis Helps to Clarify the Process of Cornification in Lepidosaurians
Authors: ALIBARDI L. , SEGALLA A. , DALLA VALLE L.
Published: June 2012

The epidermis of different scales in the lizard Anolis carolinensis expresses specific keratin‐associated beta‐proteins (beta‐keratins). In order to localize the sites of accumulation of different beta‐proteins, we have utilized antibodies directed against representative members of the main families of beta‐proteins, the glycine‐rich (HgG5), glycine–cysteine rich (HgGC3), glycine–cysteine medium‐rich (HgGC10), and cysteine‐rich (HgC1) beta‐proteins. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemical controls confirm the specificity of the antibodies made against these proteins. Light and ultrastructural immunocytochemistry shows that the glycine‐rich protein HgG5 is present in beta‐layers of different body scales but is scarce in the oberhautchen and claws, and is absent in alpha‐layers and adhesive setae. The cysteine–glycine‐rich protein HgGC3 is low to absent in the oberhautchen, beta‐layer, and mesos‐layer but increases in alpha‐layers. This beta‐protein is low in claws where it is likely associated with the hard alpha‐keratins previously studied in this lizard. The glycine–cysteine medium‐rich HgGC10 protein is low in the beta‐layer, higher in alpha‐layers, and in the oberhautchen. This protein forms a major component of setal proteins including those of the adhesive spatula that allow this lizard to stick on vertical surfaces. HgC1 is poorly localized in most epidermis analyzed including adhesive setae and claws and appears as a minor component of the alpha‐layers. In conclusion, the present study suggests that beta‐ and alpha‐layers of lizard epidermis represent regions with different accumulation of glycine‐rich proteins (mainly for mechanical resistance and hydrophobicity in the beta‐layer) or cysteine–glycine‐rich proteins (for both resistance and elasticity in both alpha‐ and beta‐layers). J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:388‐403, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lower Bounds on the Size of Maximum Independent Sets and Matchings in Hypergraphs of Rank Three
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Yeo Anders
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we study lower bounds on the size of a maximum independent set and a maximum matching in a hypergraph of rank three. The rank in a hypergraph is the size of a maximum edge in the hypergraph. A hypergraph is simple if no two edges contain exactly the same vertices. Let H be a hypergraph and let and be the size of a maximum independent set and a maximum matching, respectively, in H, where a set of vertices in H is independent (also called strongly independent in the literature) if no two vertices in the set belong to a common edge. Let H be a hypergraph of rank at most three and maximum degree at most three. We show that with equality if and only if H is the Fano plane. In fact, we show that if H is connected and different from the Fano plane, then and we characterize the hypergraphs achieving equality in this bound. Using this result, we show that that if H is a simple connected 3‐uniform hypergraph of order at least 8 and with maximum degree at most three, then and there is a connected 3‐uniform hypergraph H of order 19 achieving this lower bound. Finally, we show that if H is a connected hypergraph of rank at most three that is not a complete hypergraph on vertices, where denotes the maximum degree in H, then and this bound is asymptotically best possible. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Graph Theory
Unusual pattern of embryogenesis of Caryophyllia inornata (scleractinia, caryophylliidae) in the mediterranean sea: Maybe agamic reproduction?
Authors: Goffredo Stefano , Marchini Chiara , Rocchi Marta , Airi Valentina , Caroselli Erik , Falini Giuseppe , Levy Oren , Dubinsky Zvy , Zaccanti Francesco
Published: June 2012

While knowledge of the reproductive biology of tropical scleractinian corals is extensive, information from temperate zones is limited. The aim of this study is to describe the reproductive biology of Caryophyllia inornata, a temperate species, and to increase the understanding of the reproductive strategies of Mediterranean corals. Samples of C. inornata were collected during SCUBA surveys at Elba island. Sexually active individuals displayed either male or female germ cells, showing a gonochoric sexuality. C. inornata exhibited an unusual pattern of embryogenesis. Embryos appeared throughout the whole year in males and in sexually inactive individuals, and they did not show a seasonal pattern of development, as usually expected for sexual reproduction. This observation suggests the possibility of asexual origin. These embryogenetic sexually inactive individuals were larger in size than the embryogenetic sexually active ones, and they might be senile polyps that preserve the ability to produce embryos only by agamic reproduction. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.