bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on the role of Hsp104 and trehalose in barotolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Iwahashi Hitoshi , Obuchi Kaoru , Fujii Shinsuke , Komatsu Yasuhiko
Published: July 2002

We have studied the effect of temperature on the contribution of Hsp104 and trehalose to barotolerance using mutants deficient in Hsp104 and trehalose synthesis. When compared with a corresponding wild type strain, mutants of Hsp104 did not show temperature dependent barotolerance when the incubation temperature during the hydrostatic pressure treatment was increased. However, a mutant deficient in trehalose synthesis showed features similar to a wild type strain. Furthermore, the Hsp104 level was low in the insoluble fraction of the wild type strain after pressure treatment at 35°C but not at 4°C, and the protein profiles in the insoluble fraction were different between 35°C and 4°C. In contrast to the Hsp104 deficient mutants, the protein profile of the wild type after pressure treatment at 35°C favors the role of Hsp104 as a disaggregator of proteins during hydrostatic pressure stress. These results suggest that the role of Hsp104 in barotolerance is temperature dependent in contrast to trehalose.
Chloramine T‐induced structural and biochemical changes in echistatin
Authors: Chandra Kumar C. , Nie Huiming , Armstrong Lydia , Zhang Rumin , Vijay-Kumar Senadhi , Tsarbopoulos Anthony
Published: July 2002

Echistatin is a member of the disintegrin family of peptides and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and cell adhesion. Echistatin binds to integrin αvβ3 and αIIbβ3 receptors with high affinity. Binding is mediated by an RGD‐containing loop maintained in an appropriate conformation by disulfide bridges. In this study, we have compared the binding characteristics of echistatin iodinated by either lactoperoxidase or chloramine T method. We show that echistatin labeled by lactoperoxidase method binds to integrin αvβ3 receptor with high affinity and in a non‐dissociable manner very similar to native echistatin. In contrast, chloramine T‐labeled echistatin can rapidly dissociate from the receptor. We demonstrate that chloramine T reaction results in the addition of an extra oxygen to the methionine residue adjacent to the RGD motif in echistatin. Modeling studies and molecular dynamic simulation studies show that the extra oxygen atom on the methionine residue can form hydrogen bonds with the glycine and aspartic acid residues of the RGD motif. These structural changes in echistatin help explain the changes in the binding characteristics of the molecule following chloramine T reaction.
Modification of pigment composition in the isolated reaction center of photosystem II
Authors: Gall Bernhard , Zehetner Andrea , Scherz Avigdor , Scheer Hugo
Published: July 2002

The pigment content of isolated reaction centers of photosystem II was modified using an exchange protocol similar to that used for purple bacterial reaction centers. With this method, which is based on incubation of reaction centers at elevated temperature with an excess of chemically modified pigments, it was possible to incorporate [3‐acetyl]‐chlorophyll a and [Zn]‐chlorophyll a into photosystem II reaction centers. Pigment exchange has been verified by absorption, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, and quantitated by HPLC analysis of pigment extracts.
Further complexity of the human SOX gene family revealed by the combined use of highly degenerate primers and nested PCR
Authors: Cremazy Frederic , Soullier Stephan , Berta Philippe , Jay Philippe
Published: July 2002

SOX proteins contain a conserved HMG‐related DNA‐binding domain. They fulfil essential functions during the development of animals. Mutations in several SOX genes have been implicated in human diseases. We present here a new set of PCR primers designed to amplify a broad range of SOX HMG‐box sequences. These primers facilitated the cloning of several new SOX HMG boxes from human genomic DNA, revealing unexpected complexity of the SOX gene family.
Cloning and functional characterisation of the mouse P2X7 receptor
Authors: Chessell I.P , Simon J , Hibell A.D , Michel A.D , Barnard E.A , Humphrey P.P.A
Published: July 2002

We have isolated a 1785‐bp complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the murine P2X7 receptor subunit from NTW8 mouse microglial cells. The encoded protein has 80% and 85% homology to the human and rat P2X7 subunits, respectively. Functional properties of the heterologously expressed murine P2X7 homomeric receptor broadly resembled those of the P2X7 receptor in the native cell line. However, marked phenotypic differences were observed between the mouse receptor, and the other P2X7 receptor orthologues isolated with respect to agonist and antagonist potencies, and the kinetics of formation of the large aqueous pore.
Downregulation of fibronectin transcription in highly metastatic adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Werbajh Santiago E , Urtreger Alejandro J , Puricelli Lydia I , de Lustig Eugenia S , Bal de Kier Joffé Elisa , Kornblihtt Alberto R
Published: July 2002

Silencing of fibronectin (FN) expression seems to be one of the key mechanisms underlying metastatic behaviour. An inverse correlation exists between FN expression levels and the metastatic potential of two related murine mammary adenocarcinomas, M3 and MM3. Primary cultures of M3 tumour, which is moderately metastatic to lung (40% incidence), show a conspicuous FN extracellular matrix (ECM) and high levels of FN mRNA, while primary cultures of the highly metastatic MM3 tumour (95% lung incidence) are negative for FN in immunofluorescence and show at least 40‐fold lower levels of FN mRNA, only detectable by RT‐PCR, with a different pattern of alternatively spliced EDI isoforms compared to M3 cells. We show that the FN promoter sequence is not altered in MM3 cells. Transfection experiments with CAT constructs indicate that silencing occurs at the transcriptional level, involving the 220‐bp proximal promoter region.
A Plasmodium falciparum novel gene encoding a coronin‐like protein which associates with actin filaments
Authors: Tardieux Isabelle , Liu Xuan , Poupel Olivier , Parzy Daniel , Dehoux Pierre , Langsley Gordon
Published: July 2002

Plasmodium falciparum, the major causative agent of human malaria, is an Apicomplexa protozoan parasite which invades in its intermediate host hepatocytes and erythrocytes. The driving force underlying internalization into the host cell is thought to involve both polymerization of parasite actin, as entry is inhibited by the cytochalasins, and an actin motor‐associated protein. In the related Apicomplexa parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, the involvement of parasite actin during both processes of motility and host cell entry has been genetically established. In a search for molecules that can regulate actin dynamics within Apicomplexa parasites, we have identified a P. falciparum homologue of the actin associated protein called coronin originally described in the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. The single copy gene displays a strong homology with the amoeba sequence and with the bovine and human coronin homologues recently cloned. This homology lies not only within the N‐terminus containing the five WD repeats that characterize coronin but also extends in the C‐terminal part. Furthermore, using an affinity‐purified mouse monoclonal antibody against D. discoideum coronin, we have detected in extracts of P. falciparum young and mature schizonts a 42‐kDa polypeptide which binds this antibody and is present in a Triton insoluble fraction that also contains parasite actin filaments. In addition, the recombinant protein encoded by the homologue nucleotidic sequence of P. falciparum coronin is indeed recognized by the antibody against D. discoideum coronin. Finally, the cross‐reactive polypeptide displays the ability to cosediment with exogenous F‐actin, a property which fits with its involvement in actin dynamics.
Cell‐free production and stable‐isotope labeling of milligram quantities of proteins
Authors: Kigawa Takanori , Yabuki Takashi , Yoshida Yasuhiko , Tsutsui Michio , Ito Yutaka , Shibata Takehiko , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: July 2002

We have improved the productivity of an Escherichia coli cell‐free protein synthesis system. First, creatine phosphate and creatine kinase were used as the energy source regeneration system, and the other components of the reaction mixture were optimized. Second, the E. coli S30 cell extract was condensed by dialysis against a polyethylene glycol solution to increase the rate of synthesis. Third, during the protein synthesis, the reaction mixture was dialyzed against a low‐molecular‐weight substrate solution to prolong the reaction. Thus, the yield of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase was raised to 6 mg/ml of reaction mixture. Stable‐isotope labeling of a protein with 13C/15N‐labeled amino acids for NMR spectroscopy was achieved by this method.
Proton gradient‐induced changes of the interaction between CF0 and CF1 related to activation of the chloroplast ATP synthase
Authors: Ponomarenko Sophia , Volfson Irina , Strotmann Heinrich
Published: July 2002

Thylakoid energization by light causes destabilization of CF0CF1 so that the peripheral CF1 sector is more readily detached from the membrane by intermediate concentrations of the chaotropic salt NaSCN. Here we have investigated the correlation between the proton gradient‐induced change of CF0CF1 interaction and CF0CF1 activation. The results indicate a close relationship between the two phenomena. The effect is most probably due to reduction of the electrostatic interaction between the two subcomplexes CF0 and CF1 as a consequence of protonations in the interface region.
Isolation of a highly active PSII‐LHCII supercomplex from thylakoid membranes by a direct method
Authors: Eshaghi Said , Andersson Bertil , Barber James
Published: July 2002

We have developed a simple and novel method to isolate a highly pure and active photosystem (PS) II complex, directly from thylakoid membranes. This complex is a discrete particle and contains all the proteins of the oxygen evolving complex and a set of chlorophyll a/b binding proteins. The intactness of both the donor side and the acceptor side has resulted in a very high oxygen evolution activity and therefore offers a superior experimental system to that of PSII enriched membrane fragments in which there is heterogeneity in activities and biochemical composition.
The structure of the antimicrobial active center of lactoferricin B bound to sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles
Authors: Schibli David J. , Hwang Peter M. , Vogel Hans J.
Published: July 2002

Lactoferricin B (LfcinB) is a 25‐residue antimicrobial peptide released from bovine lactoferrin upon pepsin digestion. The antimicrobial center of LfcinB consists of six residues (RRWQWR‐NH2), and it possesses similar bactericidal activity to LfcinB. The structure of the six‐residue peptide bound to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles has been determined by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics refinement. The peptide adopts a well defined amphipathic structure when bound to SDS micelles with the Trp sidechains separated from the Arg residues. Additional evidence demonstrates that the peptide is oriented in the micelle such that the Trp residues are more deeply buried in the micelle than the Arg and Gln residues.
Release of adenylate kinase 2 from the mitochondrial intermembrane space during apoptosis
Authors: Köhler Camilla , Gahm Annie , Noma Takafumi , Nakazawa Atsushi , Orrenius Sten , Zhivotovsky Boris
Published: July 2002

The release of two mitochondrial proteins, cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), into the soluble cytoplasm of cells undergoing apoptosis is well established. Using spectrophotometric determination of enzyme activity, the accumulation of adenylate kinase (AK) activity in the cytosolic fraction of apoptotic cells has also been observed recently. However, three isozymes, AK1, AK2 and AK3, have been characterized in mammalian cells and shown to be localized in the cytosol, mitochondrial intermembrane space and mitochondrial matrix, respectively, and it is unknown which one of these isozymes accumulates in the cytosol during apoptosis. We now demonstrate that in apoptotic cells only AK2 was translocated into the cytosol concomitantly with cytochrome c. The amount of AK1 in cytosol, as well as the amount of matrix‐associated AK3, remained unchanged during the apoptotic process. Thus, our data suggest that only intermembrane proteins are released from mitochondria during the early phase of the apoptotic process.
Exchange of conductance and gating properties between gap junction hemichannels
Authors: Hu Xinge , Dahl Gerhard
Published: July 2002

Gap junction channels span the membranes of two adjacent cells and allow the gated transit of molecules as large as second messengers from cell to cell. The structure of the gap junction channel pore is not resolved. For identification of pore determinants we used a chimera of two connexins, cx46 and cx32E143, that form membrane channels with distinct unit conductances and channel kinetics. Exchange of the first transmembrane segment (M1) between these connexins resulted in a chimera that exhibited most of the channel properties of the M1 donor, including single channel conductance, channel kinetics, and the preference to dwell at a subconductance level. The M1 segment thus appears to be an important determinant of conductance and gating properties of connexin channels.
Functional roles of the two cyclic AMP‐dependent forms of cyclic AMP receptor protein from Escherichia coli
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Jayanta , Sur Runa , Parrack Pradeep
Published: July 2002

The cyclic AMP receptor protein activates transcription in Escherichia coli, only when complexed with cyclic AMP. The cyclic AMP receptor protein‐cyclic AMP complex formed at low concentrations of cyclic AMP has a different conformation from either cyclic AMP receptor protein alone or its complex with cyclic AMP formed at high cyclic AMP concentrations. Various biophysical data suggest that the latter complex resembles free cyclic AMP receptor protein. We have examined the conformational and biological properties of cyclic AMP receptor protein as a function of cyclic AMP concentrations, using the gal operon of E. coli. A biphasic behavior is observed. It is shown that only the complex formed at lower concentrations of cyclic AMP is the transcriptionally active form. This difference between the complexes at different levels of cyclic AMP arises from a decreased ability of the cyclic AMP receptor protein‐cyclic AMP complex at high cyclic AMP concentrations to bind to DNA at specific sites.
Inhibition of HIV‐1 replication by a two‐strand system (FTFOs) targeted to the polypurine tract
Authors: Hiratou Takashi , Tsukahara Satoru , Miyano-Kurosaki Naoko , Takai Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Naoki , Takaku Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

Reverse transcription of HIV‐1 vRNA into the double‐stranded DNA provirus involves initiation of plus‐strand DNA synthesis at the polypurine tract (PPT) by reverse transcriptase (RT). The PPT is highly conserved among the known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1) strains and is a possible target for triplex formation. We show the effects of triple‐helix formation by assays of primer extension inhibition in vitro, using a two‐strand system (foldback triplex‐forming oligonucleotides (FTFOs)) targeted to the PPT of HIV‐1. The two‐stranded composition of a triple‐helix is thermodynamically and kinetically superior to the three‐strand system. The FTFOs inhibited the RT activity in a sequence‐specific manner, i.e. the triplex actually formed at the PPT and blocked the RT. The FTFOs containing the phosphorothioate groups at the antisense sequences showed greater 3′‐exonuclease resistance. In HIV‐1‐infected MOLT‐4 cells, the FTFOs containing the phosphorothioate groups at the antisense sequence sites and guanosine rich parts within the third Hoogsteen base‐pairing sequence inhibit the replication of HIV‐1 more effectively than the antisense oligonucleotides, indicating sequence‐specific inhibition of HIV‐1 replication.
Synthesis of plasmalogens in eye lens epithelial cells
Authors: Thai Thanh-Phuong , Rodemer Claus , Worsch Jutta , Hunziker Andreas , Gorgas Karin , Just Wilhelm W.
Published: July 2002

The present paper describes cloning and sequencing of the mouse cDNA encoding dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase (DAPAT), the peroxisomal key enzyme of plasmalogen (PM) biosynthesis. Using monospecific antibodies, we localized DAPAT and alkyl dihydroxyacetonephosphate synthase to peroxisomes of mouse lens epithelial cells (LECs) and determined their enzymatic activity. By electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of mouse lens lipid extracts, we identified phosphatidyl ethanolamine including plasmenyl ethanolamine species as major constituents. Our data demonstrate the capacity of LECs to synthesize PMs and the high coincidence between deficiency of PM and early manifestation of cataract in patients with peroxisomal disorders suggests that ether‐bonded lipids may play an important role in maintaining lens transparency.
Astrocyte differentiation mediated by LIF in cooperation with BMP2
Authors: Nakashima Kinichi , Yanagisawa Makoto , Arakawa Hirokazu , Taga Tetsuya
Published: July 2002

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 signal via different receptor systems. We have recently demonstrated that simultaneous stimulation of fetal mouse neuroepithelial cells with these distinct types of cytokines synergistically induces astrocyte differentiation in a 2‐day culture. Here we show that astrocytes spontaneously emerge in vitro without exogenously added LIF and BMP2 in the culture of neuroepithelial cells for a much longer period. This spontaneous astrocyte differentiation is completely impaired when neuroepithelial cells deficient for gp130, a signal transducing receptor component for LIF, are used. We also show that LIF and BMP2 as well as related cytokines and respective receptor molecules are expressed in fetal mouse brain and cultured neuroepithelial cells. Taken together with our previous finding that prenatal mouse brain deficient for gp130 exhibits a severe reduction of astrocytes, it is suggested that LIF acts cooperatively with BMP2 in vivo to induce astrocyte differentiation in mouse developing brain.
Conserved extracellular cysteine residues in the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.3 are required for function but not expression in the membrane
Authors: Bannister J.P.A , Young B.A , Sivaprasadarao A , Wray D
Published: July 2002

The mouse potassium channel Kir2.3 possesses conserved extracellular cysteine residues at positions 113 and 145. We have investigated the role of these cysteines in structure/function and membrane trafficking. Cysteine to serine mutations resulted in the absence of potassium currents in oocytes and co‐expression of these mutants with wild‐type channel showed a dominant negative inhibition of wild‐type currents. FLAG‐tagged channels expressed in oocytes were detected in the cell membrane by anti‐FLAG antibody for wild‐type and mutant channels. In vitro translation using the reticulocyte lysate system showed that mutation of these residues did not affect processing nor insertion into membranes. Cysteine residues at 113 and 145 are therefore required for function of the Kir2.3 channel but not for processing into the cell membrane; disulfide bonds between subunits are unlikely.
Secondary structure of a calcium binding protein (CaBP) from Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Sahu Sarata C. , Bhattacharya A. , Chary Kandala V.R. , Govil Girjesh
Published: July 2002

A calcium binding protein from Entamoeba histolytica, (EhCaBP, M
r∼15 kDa) is the causative agent for amoebiosis and has a very low sequence homology (∼30%) with other known CaBPs. Almost complete sequence specific resonance assignments for 1H, 13C and 15N spins in EhCaBP were obtained using double and triple resonance NMR experiments. Qualitative interpretation of the nuclear Overhauser enhancements, chemical shift indices and of hydrogen exchange rates threw valuable light upon the secondary structure of this protein. CaBP is found to have two globular domains each of which consists of two pairs of helix‐loop‐helix motifs. Though this protein has a very small sequence homology with calmodulins, the topological arrangement of the α‐helices and β‐strands in EhCaBP resemble them.
The mammalian Fizzy and Fizzy‐related genes are regulated at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels
Authors: Inbal Nurit , Listovsky Tamar , Brandeis Michael
Published: July 2002

The cyclosome pathway of ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis plays an essential role in cell cycle control. The multisubunit cyclosome is regulated by transient interactions with Fizzy (Fzy) and Fizzy‐related (Fzr) genes. We report here that both Fzy and Fzr are transcribed in a cell cycle specific but distinct manner. Fzy transcription starts after the restriction point in late G1 and ceases upon cell division. Fzr transcription also ceases upon cell division but resumes already in mid G1, before the restriction point, and takes place also in G0. Fzr has further a striking cell cycle specific pattern of mRNA stability. During most of the cell cycle its message is fairly stable, however upon exit from mitosis it is rapidly degraded. This result is puzzling because Fzr is essential for cyclosome activity in G1, and points to a complex pattern of Fzr regulation.
Specific hydroxylations determine selective corticosteroid recognition by human glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors
Authors: Hellal-Levy Chantal , Couette Brigitte , Fagart Jérôme , Souque Anny , Gomez-Sanchez Celso , Rafestin-Oblin Marie-Edith
Published: July 2002

The ligand binding domains of the human mineralocorticoid receptor (hMR) and glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) display a high sequence homology. Aldosterone and cortisol, the major mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid hormones, are very closely related, leading to the cross‐binding of these hormones to both receptors. The present study reports on the mechanism by which hMR and hGR are activated preferentially by their cognate hormones. We found that the ability of corticosteroids to stimulate the receptor's transactivation function is depending on the stability of the steroid‐receptor complexes. In the light of a hMR structural model we propose that contacts through the corticosteroid C21 hydroxyl group are sufficient to stabilize hMR but not hGR and that additional contacts through the C11‐ and C17‐hydroxyl groups are required for hGR.
Identification of a cDNA encoding an active asparaginyl endopeptidase of Schistosoma mansoni and its expression in Pichia pastoris1
Authors: Caffrey Conor R. , Mathieu Mary A. , Gaffney Alan M. , Salter Jason P. , Sajid Mohammed , Lucas Kimberley D. , Franklin Christopher , Bogyo Matthew , McKerrow James H.
Published: July 2002

Asparaginyl endopeptidases, or legumains, are a recently identified family of cysteine‐class endopeptidases. A single gene encoding a Schistosoma mansoni asparaginyl endopeptidase (a.k.a. Sm32 or schistosome legumain) has been reported, but by sequence homology it would be expected to yield an inactive product as the active site C197 had been replaced by N. We now describe a new S. mansoni gene in which C197 is present. Both gene products were expressed in Pichia pastoris. Autocatalytic processing to fully active C197 Sm32 occurred at acid pH. In contrast, N197 Sm32 was not processed and this is consistent with the hypothesis that C197 is essential for catalysis. This was confirmed by mutation of N197 to C and re‐expression in Pichia. The availability of recombinant active Sm32 allows detailed analysis of its catalytic mechanism and its function(s) in the biology of this important human parasite.
Myomectomy during cesarean section
Authors: Ehigiegba A.E. , Ande A.B. , Ojobo S.I.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To assess the intra‐ and post‐operative complications of cesarean myomectomy. Methods: The study design was descriptive, and the setting was the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital and two private consultant units, all in Benin City. The subjects were 25 pregnant women undergoing elective or emergency cesarean section at these units. The outcome measures were blood loss and need for blood transfusion, intra‐ and post‐operative complications and duration of hospital stay. Results: Eighty‐four fibroids of various sizes (2–10 cm) were removed from the 25 women. The fibroids were on the anterior uterine wall with most (94.8%) being sub‐serous or intramural, and only few (five) sub‐mucous. The mean blood loss was 876±312 ml, range 400–1700 ml. Five patients (20%) had two units of whole blood transfusion. There was no case of severe hemorrhage necessitating hysterectomy. Eighteen patients (72%) had post‐operative morbidities mainly of anemia [15 (60%); hematocrit 26±2.9%). The average duration of post‐operative hospital stay was 7.4±2.2 days (range 3–12 days). Three (12%) patients have subsequently become pregnant, two (66.7%) of whom had normal vaginal deliveries, while the third had a repeat elective cesarean section. Conclusions: With adequate experience and the use of high dose oxytocin infusion (intra‐ and post‐operatively), myomectomy at cesarean section is not as hazardous as many now believe.
Comparison of labor induction with misoprostol vs. oxytocin/prostaglandin E2 in term pregnancy
Authors: Kadanali S. , Küçüközkan T. , Zor N. , Kumtepe Y.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravaginal and oral misoprostol vs. oxytocin/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel for third trimester labor induction. Methods: Two hundred twenty‐four pregnant women were randomized to induction of labor either with misoprostol or oxytocin and PGE2 gel. Patients in the misoprostol group (n = 112) received 100 μg intravaginal misoprostol followed by 100 μg p.o. every 2 h. The oxytocin/PGE2 group consisted of 112 patients who underwent PGE2 cervical instillation 6 h before continuous oxytocin infusion. The perinatal, intrapartum and neonatal characteristics of both groups were determined. Results: Induction to active phase of labor was successfully achieved in 96 women (85.7%) in the misoprostol group vs. 86 women (76.8%) in the oxytocin/PGE2 group, but the drug initiation‐delivery interval was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (9.2 ± 2.4 h) than in the oxytocin/PGE2 group (15.2 ± 3.2 h, P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse intrapartum outcomes was similar for both methods. Intravaginal misoprostol 100 μg followed by a single oral dose of 100 μg misoprostol safely produced labor and a vaginal delivery in 70% of patients. More than three tablets were required in only 10% of patients. There was a higher prevalence of cesarean section for failed induction in the oxytocin/PGE2 group than in the misoprostol group (13.4 vs. 6.3%, P < 0.001). The neonatal outcomes of both groups were also similar. Conclusion: Misoprostol is significantly more effective for labor induction than oxytocin/PGE2 gel. The maternal intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were the same for both induction regimens. From a clinical and perinatal perspective, misoprostol is an acceptable choice for labor induction.
Maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement in the early intrapartum period
Authors: Chittacharoen A. , Srijhantuik K. , Suthutvoravut S. , Herabutya Y.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement in the early intrapartum period and perinatal outcome. Method: 739 singleton pregnant women of at least 32 weeks gestation who were admitted to the labor ward, underwent the maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement test. All were in the latent phase of labor with singleton cephalic presentation. The result of maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement was compared with the perinatal outcome using sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy. Results: When 739 pregnant women were compared to the perinatal outcome, maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement had sensitivity 100%, specificity 98.9%, positive predictive value 15.1%, negative predictive value 100%, and accuracy 90.1%. Conclusion: The finding suggested the usefulness of maternal perception of sound‐provoked fetal movement as an effective screening test to identify fetuses at risk in the early intrapartum period because of its high sensitivity and specificity. This is a simple and inexpensive test for evaluating fetal well‐being in a primary health care setting.
Relationship between left ventricular wall stress and ANP gene expression during the evolution of rapid ventricular pacing‐induced heart failure in the dog
Authors: Luchner Andreas , Borgeson Daniel D. , Grantham James A. , Friedrich Erik , Riegger Günter A.J. , Burnett John C. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: July 2002

We have recently described a modified model of progressive rapid ventricular pacing‐induced heart failure which evolves over a period of 38 days. To further characterize left ventricular remodeling during the progression of heart failure, we assessed left ventricular geometry, wall stress, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression and protein content during control conditions, asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, and overt congestive heart failure (CHF). Although asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction was characterized by a significant increase in systolic and diastolic left ventricular dimension (+30% and +6%, respectively, P<0.05 each) and a marked increase in left ventricular systolic wall stress (+68%, P<0.01), left ventricular ANP gene expression was unchanged as compared to control. In contrast, strong left ventricular ANP gene expression (+449%, P<0.05) was observed during overt CHF in the absence of further significant increases in left ventricular systolic wall stress. The onset of strong left ventricular ANP gene expression was associated with increased ANP content (+88%, P<0.05) and left ventricular mass index (+13%, P<0.05). In contrast, left atrial ANP gene expression and left ventricular diastolic wall stress increased progressively during asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (+39%, P=n.s. and +131%, P<0.01) and overt CHF (+76% and +336% vs. control, P<0.01 each). Progressive rapid ventricular pacing is associated with the induction of left ventricular ANP gene expression and protein synthesis exclusively during overt CHF. The current studies provide new insight into the temporal pattern of ANP‐activation and the disparity between left ventricular systolic wall stress and ANP‐activation in a large animal model of progressive CHF.
Ultrasonic Interfacial Engineering of Red Phosphorous–Metal for Eradicating MRSA Infection Effectively
Authors: Guan Wei , Tan Lei , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Zheng Dong , Liang Yanqin , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Shengli , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: December 2020

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is considered to be a potential treatment for various diseases including cancers and bacterial infections due to its deep penetration ability and biosafety, but its SDT efficiency is limited by the hypoxia environment of deep tissues. This study proposes creating a potential solution, sonothermal therapy, by developing the ultrasonic interfacial engineering of metal–red phosphorus (RP), which has an obviously improved sonothermal ability of more than 20 °C elevation under 25 min of continuous ultrasound (US) excitation as compared to metal alone. The underlying mechanism is that the mechanical energy of the US activates the motion of the interfacial electrons. US‐induced electron motion in the RP can efficiently transfer the US energy into phonons in the forms of heat and lattice vibrations, resulting in a stronger US absorption of metal–RP. Unlike the nonspecific heating of the cavitation effect induced by US, titanium–RP can be heated in situ when the US penetrates through 2.5 cm of pork tissue. In addition, through a sonothermal treatment in vivo, bone infection induced by multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is successfully eliminated in under 20 min of US without tissue damage. This work provides a new strategy for combating MRSA by strong sonothermal therapy through US interfacial engineering.
Locally projective graphs and their densely embedded subgraphs
Authors: Ivanov Alexander A.
Published: December 2020

The article contributes to the classification project of locally projective graphs and their locally projective groups of automorphisms outlined in Chapter 10 of Ivanov (The Mathieu Groups, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2018). We prove that a simply connected locally projective graph $$\Gamma $$
Γ
of type (n, 3) for $$n \ge 3$$

n
≥
3

contains a densely embedded subtree provided (a) it contains a (simply connected) geometric subgraph at level 2 whose stabiliser acts on this subgraph as the universal completion of the Goldschmidt amalgam $$G_3^1\cong \{S_4 \times 2,S_4 \times 2\}$$

G
3
1

≅

{

S
4

×
2
,

S
4

×
2
}

having $$S_6$$

S
6

as another completion, (b) for a vertex x of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
the group $$G_{\frac{1}{2}}(x)$$

G

1
2

(
x
)

which stabilizes every line passing through x induces on the neighbourhood $$\Gamma (x)$$

Γ
(
x
)

of x the (dual) natural module $$2^n$$

2
n

of $$G(x)/G_{\frac{1}{2}}(x) \cong L_n(2)$$

G

(
x
)

/

G

1
2

(
x
)

≅

L
n

(
2
)

, (c) G(x) splits over $$G_{\frac{1}{2}}(x)$$

G

1
2

(
x
)

, (d) the vertex-wise stabilizer $$G_1(x)$$

G
1

(
x
)

of the neighbourhood of x is a non-trivial group, and (e) $$n \ne 4$$

n
≠
4

.
Nanofriction characteristics of h-BN with electric field induced electrostatic interaction
Authors: Yu Kemeng , Zou Kun , Lang Haojie , Peng Yitian
Published: December 2020

The nanofriction properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are vital for its application as a substrate for graphene devices and solid lubricants in micro- and nano-electromechanical devices. In this work, the nanofriction characteristics of h-BN on Si/SiO2 substrates with a bias voltage are explored using a conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip sliding on the h-BN surface under different substrate bias voltages. The results show that the nanofriction on h-BN increases with an increase in the applied bias difference (Vt−s) between the conductive tip and the substrate. The nanofriction under negative Vt−s is larger than that under positive Vt−s. The variation in nanofriction is relevant to the electrostatic interaction caused by the charging effect. The electrostatic force between opposite charges localized on the conductive tip and at the SiO2/Si interface increases with an increase in Vt−s. Owing to the characteristics of p-type silicon, a positive Vt−s will first cause depletion of majority carriers, which results in a difference of nanofriction under positive and negative Vt−s. Our findings provide an approach for manipulating the nanofriction of 2D insulating material surfaces through an applied electric field, and are helpful for designing a substrate for graphene devices.
Profile Analysis in High Dimensions
Authors: Cengiz Cigdem , von Rosen Dietrich , Singull Martin
Published: December 2020

The three tests in profile analysis: test of parallelism, test of level and test of flatness are modified so that high-dimensional data can be analysed. Using specific scores, dimension reduction is performed and the exact null distributions are derived for the three hypotheses.
Comparison of milk production, mastitis, lameness and days to conception of Brown Swiss, Holstein and Holstein cross Brown Swiss dairy cattle
Authors: Wellwood G , Margerison J K
Published: December 2020

Mastitis is a complex disease causing inflammation of the udder, which has been estimated to cost the dairy farmer between £40-£117/cow per year (Stott et al., 2002). Economic loss occurs as a result of discarded milk, reduced milk yield and milk quality, increased vet costs and an increase in replacement costs. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of breed on the incidence of mastitis and somatic cell counts and milk production capabilities of Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss and Brown Swiss crossbred cows.
Generalized laws of refraction and reflection at interfaces between different photonic artificial gauge fields
Authors: Cohen Moshe-Ishay , Jörg Christina , Lumer Yaakov , Plotnik Yonatan , Waller Erik H. , Schulz Julian , von Freymann Georg , Segev Mordechai
Published: December 2020

Artificial gauge fields the control over the dynamics of uncharged particles by engineering the potential landscape such that the particles behave as if effective external fields are acting on them. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in artificial gauge fields generated either by the geometry or by time-dependent modulation, as they have been enablers of topological phenomena and synthetic dimensions in many physical settings, e.g., photonics, cold atoms, and acoustic waves. Here, we formulate and experimentally demonstrate the generalized laws of refraction and reflection at an interface between two regions with different artificial gauge fields. We use the symmetries in the system to obtain the generalized Snell law for such a gauge interface and solve for reflection and transmission. We identify total internal reflection (TIR) and complete transmission and demonstrate the concept in experiments. In addition, we calculate the artificial magnetic flux at the interface of two regions with different artificial gauge fields and present a method to concatenate several gauge interfaces. As an example, we propose a scheme to make a gauge imaging system—a device that can reconstruct (image) the shape of an arbitrary wavepacket launched from a certain position to a predesigned location.
Advances of hydrogel dressings in diabetic wounds
Authors: Wang Heni , Xu Zejun , Zhao Meng , Liu Guiting , Wu Jun
Published: December 2020

The hydrogel dressings with various functions for diabetic wound treatment.
Effect of naringenin and its combination with cisplatin in cell death, proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer spheroids
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Oswaldo Pablo , González-Torres Alejandro , Álvarez-Salas Luis Marat , Hernández-Sánchez Humberto , García-Pérez Blanca Estela , Thompson-Bonilla María del Rocío , Jaramillo-Flores María Eugenia
Published: December 2020

The combination of naringenin–cis-platin prevents the invasion of cancer, at a lower concentration of cis-platin.
Lipidomics investigations into the tissue phospholipidomic landscape of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Taware Ravindra , More Tushar H. , Bagadi Muralidhararao , Taunk Khushman , Mane Anupama , Rapole Srikanth
Published: December 2020

Identification of tissue phospholipid alternations associated with invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.
Enhancement of air-stability, π-stacking ability, and charge transport properties of fluoroalkyl side chain engineered n-type naphthalene tetracarboxylic diimide compounds
Authors: Gogoi Gautomi , Bhattacharya Labanya , Sahoo Smruti R. , Sahu Sridhar , Sarma Neelotpal Sen , Sharma Sagar
Published: December 2020

In this study, the impact of fluoroalkyl side chain substitution on the air-stability, π-stacking ability, and charge transport properties of the versatile acceptor moiety naphthalene tetracarboxylic diimide (NDI) has been explored.
Mechanism of the feedback-inhibition resistance in aspartate kinase of Corynebacterium pekinense: from experiment to MD simulations
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Han Caijing , Fang Li , Fan Zhanqing , Wang Yanan , Gao Xin , Shi Junhua , Min Weihong
Published: December 2020

Corynebacterium pekinense AK was successfully modified and two mutants A380C and T379N/A380C with high enzyme activity were constructed. The mechanism of their feedback-inhibition resistance was thoroughly studied from experiment to MD simulations.
Integrated Cr and S poisoning of a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) cathode for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Wang Cheng Cheng , Gholizadeh Mortaza , Hou Bingxue , Fan Xincan
Published: December 2020

Strontium segregation in a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) electrode reacts with Cr and S in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), which can cause cell performance deterioration.
Al-doping enables high stability of single-crystalline LiNi0.7Co0.1Mn0.2O2 lithium-ion cathodes at high voltage
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhang Bao , Su Shi-Lin , Ming Lei , Zhao Yi , Tan Xin-Xin
Published: December 2020

In this work, the single-crystalline LiNi0.7Co0.1Mn0.2O2 materials with stable and ordered crystal structure have been synthesized by Al-doping, which display the advanced Li+-ion storage property.
Improved H2 utilization by Pd doping in cobalt catalysts for reductive amination of polypropylene glycol
Authors: Kim Kyungjun , Kang Dong Woo , Choi Youngheon , Kim Wanggyu , Lee Hyunjoo , Lee Jae W.
Published: December 2020

Addition of Pd into Co helped remarkably to reduce cobalt oxide and nitride to cobalt metal by enhanced hydrogen dissociation and desorption.
Engineering bidirectional CMC-foam-supported HKUST-1@graphdiyne with enhanced heat/mass transfer for the highly efficient adsorption and regeneration of acetaldehyde
Authors: Zhang Hanzhuo , Muhammad Yaseen , Cui Xinfang , Zhang Zhengsheng , Liu Long , Chu Zhe , Li Jing , Zhang Yanjuan , Shah Syed Jalil , Zhao Zhenxia
Published: December 2020

Carboxymethyl cellulose-foam-supported HKUST-1@graphdiyne (HK@GDY/CMC-B) was constructed with high thermal conductivity and directional channels to enhance the ad-/de-sorption efficiency of acetaldehyde.
A general strategy for embedding ultrasmall CoMx nanocrystals (M = S, O, Se, and Te) in hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers for high-performance potassium storage
Authors: Lai Chenling , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Xu Yifan , Liao Jiaying , Xu Zhenhua , Yi Zuyue , Xu Jingyi , Bao Jianchun , Zhou Xiaosi
Published: December 2020

Hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with intimately coupled Co-based ultrasmall nanoparticles and a carbon substrate are prepared by a universal strategy, exhibiting improved potassium storage properties.
Defect engineered nanostructured LaFeO3 photoanodes for improved activity in solar water oxidation
Authors: Liu Yongpeng , Quiñonero Javier , Yao Liang , Da Costa Xavier , Mensi Mounir , Gómez Roberto , Sivula Kevin , Guijarro Néstor
Published: December 2020

Nanostructuring, oxygen vacancy engineering and surface passivation set a new record performance LaFeO3 photoanode for water oxidation.
Development of a light activatable lignin nanosphere based spray coating for bioimaging and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Authors: Paul Shatabdi , Thakur Neeraj S. , Chandna Sanjam , Reddy Y. Nikhileshwar , Bhaumik Jayeeta
Published: December 2020

A simple fabrication method to develop a lignin nanosphere based spray coating which exhibited light assisted diagnostic and antimicrobial potential for the first time.
Atomistic prediction on the configuration- and temperature-dependent dielectric constant of Be0.25Mg0.75O superlattice as a high-κdielectric layer
Authors: Han Gyuseung , Yeu In Won , Ye Kun Hee , Lee Seung-Cheol , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Jung-Hae
Published: December 2020

Through DFT calculations, a Be0.25Mg0.75O superlattice having long apical Be–O bond length is proposed to have a high bandgap (>7.3 eV) and high dielectric constant (∼18) at room temperature and above.
Corporate accounting policy as a formation tool for integrated reporting in agribusiness enterprises
Authors: Khakhonova Natalia , Kirkach Yulia , Ayubov Narman , Kuznetsova Liliya , Yemelyanova Irina
Published: December 2020

The paper deals with the issue of insufficient elaboration of methodological tools for the development of integrated reporting in Russian enterprises of the agro-industrial complex (hereinafter referred to as the AIC). Large businesses have branches that specialize in different types of activities, which forces the parent company to unify the methodology for composing integrated reporting. For implementation of this action, it is suggested to create a set of indicators for resource potential disclosure of integrated reporting capitals, which should be formed through certain types of accounting, the methods of maintaining which should be reflected in the corporate accounting policy. Reports of Russian companies of the agro-industrial complex were analyzed in the course of the research. As a consequence, groups of indicators were found revealing the resource potential of the integrated reporting capital. Considering the peculiarity of the studied type of reporting, which is a high level of data content due to the disclosure of financial and non-financial indicators in it, the structure of corporate accounting policy for the formation of integrated reporting is suggested. It offers data disclosing the types of accounting to create indicators of the resource potential of integrated reporting capitals.
Short-term Effects of Metformin on Cardiac and Peripheral Blood Cells Following Cecal Ligation and Puncture-induced Sepsis
Authors: Didari Tina , Hassani Shokoufeh , Baeeri Maryam , Navaei-Nigjeh Mona , Rahimifard Mahban , Haghi-Aminjan Hamed , Gholami Mahdi , Nejad Solmaz Mohammadi , Hassan Fatima Ismail , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Aim of the study Sepsis has well-documented inflammatory effects on cardiovascular and blood cells. This study is designed to investigate potential anti-inflammatory effects of metformin on cardiac and blood cells 12 and 24 h following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis.

Methods For the purpose of this study, 36 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: two groups underwent CLP, two groups underwent CLP and received metformin, and two groups only received sham operations. 12 h later, 18 rats (half of rats in each of the three aforementioned groups) were sacrificed and cardiac and blood cells were harvested. Subsequently, 12 h later, the rest of the rats were euthanatized. In all harvested blood and cardiac cells, oxidative stress indicators, antioxidant properties, count of blood cells, neutrophil infiltration, percentage of weight loss and pathological assessment were conducted.

Results In our experiment, metformin elevated antioxidant levels, improved function of blood cells and percentage of weight loss. Moreover, in the groups which received metformin, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration markers were decreased significantly. Moreover, pathological investigations of cardiac cell injury were reduced in the metformin group.

Conclusions Our findings suggest that in CLP induced sepsis model, metformin can improve the function of blood and cardiac cells through alleviating inflammation, improvement of anti-inflammation properties, and enhancement of blood profile, and all these effects are more pronounced after 24 h in comparison with 12 h after induction of sepsis.
The final particle like in Northern
English
Authors: Hancil Sylvie
Published: December 2020

The study of the use of quotative
like has been the object of increasing interest
from linguists over the last two decades (see Romaine & Lange 1991; Buchstaller 2002, among
others) as it is a recent and global phenomenon. By contrast, final
like is more established and restricted to
varieties in the British Isles. It is possible to further this
research by relying on the NECTE corpus (Newcastle Electronic Corpus
of Tyneside English), since in Northern English, especially in
Newcastle English, the particle is developing a new function of
discourse marker; it is associated with semantic values of anaphor,
cataphor, intensifier and filler. The final position of the marker
can be held responsible for the development of a significant number
of interactional forces between speaker and co-speaker, which reveal
the discursive strategy of the speaker towards the co-speaker (Pomerantz 1984). The study
will be complemented by the analysis of the final particle
like in the light of Brown & Levinson (1987)’s politeness
theory and it will be shown that its use is a combination of
negative and positive politeness within the utterance.