bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose metabolism and diabetogenic gene expression analysis of chloroform fraction of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) whole herb in diabetic albino mice
Authors: Chaurasia Anand , Kharya Murli Dhar , Sharma Bhavna , Roy Partha 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Exposure of rampant higher glucose level in diabetic condition could lead earlier and late diabetic complication eventually caused malign effect in body organs. The aim of the present work was to analyze the anti-diabetic potential of chloroform fraction of ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata (AP) and diabetes laden gene expression alteration. In streptozotocin (60 mg/kg bw, i.p.) induced Type 2 diabetes albino mice, two weeks consecutive repeated dose treatment of chloroform fraction of AP at dose of 200 mg/kg, orally was evaluated for antidiabetic screening. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, serum lipid profile, tissues glycogen content, glucose 6-phosphatase and hexokinase enzymes level in liver, in vitro and in vivo insulin estimation were measured on last day of treatment. Subsequently presence of responsible phytoconstituents for respective activity was observed by HPLC. In diabetic mice, the fraction reduced the level of harmful cholesterol, while increased the favorable cholesterol significantly. Biochemical enzymes like glycogen, glucose-6-phosphatase and hexokinase were evaluated in body tissues. Apart from this in vitro, in vivo insulin estimation and diabetogenic gene expression analysis like GK, PEPCK, G-6pase, Glut-4, AR, PPAR-α,γ and TNF-α were evaluated using RT-PCR technique. Antidiabetic screening of fraction of AP at molecular level revealed significant antidiabetic activity.
Poverty, Informality and the Optimal General Income Tax Policy
Authors: Arbex Marcelo , Mattos Enlinson , Trudeau Christian 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper investigates the optimal general income tax and audit policies when poverty is considered a public bad in an economy with two types of individuals whose income may not be observed. Our results depend on whether poverty is measured in absolute or in relative terms. For a relative poverty measure, it is possible to characterize conditions under which both rich and poor agents face either positive, negative or zero marginal tax rates. There is distortion at the top as long as the rich can influence the welfare of the whole society through a measure of poverty and a distortion might be optimum to reduce aggregate poverty. Those that declare to be rich can be audited randomly, similar to their counterpart poor ones. Lastly, honesty may be punished as well as rewarded. With an absolute poverty measure, we replicate the results in the optimum tax literature, i.e., "no distortion and no auditing at the top".
Who has Jurisdiction of The Air During an International Health Crisis?
Authors: Sierra Lorenzo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Despite the attacks of September 11th and other subsequent terrorist attacks, the world community, as a whole, seemingly fails to comprehend the high risk of a biological health incident. Not only can an infectious disease cause significantly more damage than any number of physical terrorist attacks combined, but the relative ease with which an outbreak can occur is frightening. Such biological health threats are compounded by the possibility that such outbreaks may result from the lack of malicious intent. Thus, the question becomes more of a matter of when, not if, a major outbreak will occur. The global population needs to be aware of the imminent threat that a biological outbreak poses, especially during international travel. Because of the imminent nature of a likely biological disaster, countries need to be well prepared to handle such situations. History has shown that even the most developed and technologically advanced countries have failed at controlling extreme biological situations. The increasing charge of international flight travel further magnifies the fragile nature of global health. A small incident with a single patient can snowball quickly into a world-wide pandemic, well before anyone is even aware of a problem. As a result, countries have a vital interest in regulating international flight patterns and follow various rules and regulations in order to promote safe and efficient air travel. This paper examines the different legal issues and authorities that would come into play and then provides recommendations to address biologically threatening situations.
A Legal Analysis of the Search Warrants of the Amerithrax Investigation
Authors: Grafft Courtney 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
One of the nation’s most complex investigations in its history stemmed from the 2001 anthrax attack letters. Filled with dead-ends, false leads, and flustered FBI and Postal Inspection officers trying to grapple with intricate scientific details, the Amerithrax investigation caused many to question the efforts of America's forefront investigative entity. The specialized American bioweapons community remained in a constant state of paranoia from late 2001 to 2008, and over 30,000 members of the American Society for Microbiology received a letter indicating the high probability “that one or more of you know” the anthrax killer. Finally, in 2007 the Amerithrax Task Force named Dr. Bruce Ivins, a civilian bioweapons specialist at the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), who only a few years before helped the officers sort through the complicated task of studying the weaponized anthrax, as the prime suspect. Investigative efforts ratcheted up in fall of 2007 when a series of warrants were issued to search Dr. Ivins’ home, office, and vehicles.Since the ratification of the Fourth Amendment in 1791, the United States has recognized the importance of a system with laws designed to prohibit unfettered investigations by the leaders of our country. This paper analyzes the search warrants utilized in the Dr. Ivins’ investigation and discusses the Fourth Amendment implications. First, a brief review of the state of America in September 2001 is detailed. Next, the paper discusses the facts of the Amerithrax investigation, including the mishap involving Steven Hatfill. Section III explains some Fourth Amendment search warrant basics before getting to the meat of this analysis: the actual search warrants of the Amerithrax investigation.
Orexin modulates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis
Authors: Madden Christopher J. , Tupone Domenico , Morrison Shaun F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNon-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in thermoregulation. In addition, activations of BAT have important implications for energy homeostasis due to the metabolic consumption of energy reserves entailed in the production of heat in this tissue. In this conceptual overview, we describe the role of orexins/hypocretins within the central nervous system in the modulation of thermogenesis in BAT under several physiological conditions. Within this framework, we consider potential neural mechanisms underlying the pathological conditions associated with the absence of the central orexinergic modulation of BAT thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Overall, the experimental basis for our understanding of the role of central orexin in regulating body temperature and energy homeostasis provides an illustrative example that highlights several general principles and caveats that should help guide future investigations of the neurochemical regulation of thermogenesis and metabolism.
Small GTPase Ran and Ran-binding proteins
Authors: Nagai Masahiro , Yoneda Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLike many other small GTPases, Ran functions in eukaryotic cells as a molecular switch that cycles between GTP- and GDP-bound forms. Through the proper modulation of the GTP/GDP cycle, Ran functions with a number of Ran-binding proteins to control a broad array of fundamental cellular functions, including nucleocytoplasmic transport, mitotic spindle assembly, and nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex formation. Recent studies have revealed that ‘Ran and Ran binding proteins’ are involved in a variety of functions involving cell fate determination, including cell death, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and malignant transformation. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the functional link between the Ran system and tumorigenesis, which give clues to the molecular understanding of cancer biology.
Long telomeres: too much of a good thing
Authors: Chang Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTelomeres, the physical ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, protect chromosome ends from end fusions and degradation. Telomere length is tightly regulated to ensure that telomeres are neither too short nor too long. Short telomeres are preferentially elongated by the enzyme telomerase. In the absence of telomerase, telomeres progressively shorten with each round of cell division. Critically shortened telomeres lose their ability to protect chromosome ends, inducing cell cycle arrest and senescence. While the consequences and cellular response to short telomeres are frequently explored, long telomeres also pose problems and cells have evolved mechanisms to shorten over-elongated telomeres. These aspects of long telomeres are discussed in this short conceptual overview.
Effect of heating and probiotic fermentation on the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of edible Irish brown seaweeds
Authors: Gupta Shilpi , Abu-Ghannam Nissreen , Rajauria Gaurav 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Probiotic fermentation was conducted on two species of edible Irish brown seaweeds, Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata as a sole source of nutrition for the bacteria. Seaweeds were heat treated followed by fermentation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Kinetics of cell growth, acid production, and sugar consumption were examined. The effects of heating and fermentation on the changes in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were also monitored. Lactobacillus rhamnosus grew well on both the seaweed species and reached nearly 10 log cfu ml-1 after 16–24 h of fermentation; however, the specific growth rate was 1.5 times higher on S. latissima. Lactic acid was the major product of the fermentation, followed by acetic acid. Heat treatment resulted in a 50–64.4% reduction in TPC and TFC for both the seaweeds concomitant with a leaching of phytochemicals into the water used for heating. Subsequently, fermentation resulted in 28% and 37.6% increases in the TPC and 1.18- and 2.04-fold increases in TFC for S. latissima and Lam. digitata, respectively, with a simultaneous increase in the antioxidant activity as well. Changes in the TPC and TFC were represented by zero-, first-, or second-order kinetic models. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the seaweeds as well as the broth revealed the presence of polyphenolic signals at different ranges.
Deep-water macroalgal-dominated coastal detritic assemblages on the continental shelf off Mallorca and Menorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Joher Sergi , Ballesteros Enric , Cebrian Emma , Sánchez Noemí , Rodríguez-Prieto Conxi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We present a quantitative physiognomic characterization of major macroalgal-dominated assemblages on coastal detritic bottoms of the continental shelf off Mallorca and Menorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean). In late spring of 2007 and 2008, 29 samples were collected by bottom trawling at depths between -52 and -93 m. These samples were then sorted and identified to their lowest taxonomic level. Statistical analyses distinguished six different assemblage types: shallower water environments (-52 to -65 m in depth) were characterized by Osmundaria volubilis and Phyllophora crispa meadows and two types of Peyssonnelia beds; two assemblage types, Laminaria rodriguezii beds and maërl beds, were only present in deep-water environments (-77 to -81 m); and an assemblage dominated by P. crispa and Halopteris filicina was found in both shallow and deep waters (-57 to -93 m). We assess the distribution of these six assemblage types through the studied area.
Molecular support for the establishment of the new genus Laurenciella within the Laurencia complex (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Cassano Valéria , Oliveira Mariana C. , Gil-Rodríguez María Candelaria , Sentíes Abel , Díaz-Larrea Jhoana , Fujii Mutue T. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Currently, five genera are assigned to red seaweeds of the Laurencia complex worldwide: Chondrophycus, Laurencia s.s., Osmundea, Palisada and Yuzurua. The genera are segregated on the basis of morphological characters, especially the reproductive traits, and molecular sequences of the plastid-encoded gene rbcL. Four of the genera have been resolved as monophyletic, but not Laurencia s.s. In this study based on an rbcL gene phylogeny we show the presence of a sixth lineage within the Laurencia complex, viz., Laurencia marilzae plus two unidentified species of Laurencia from Brazil. The phylogenetic position of this group, combined with the high genetic divergence from Laurencia s.s. (8.2–11%), strongly support the establishment of a sixth genus for the complex, proposed here as Laurenciella gen. nov. This new taxon differs from Laurencia s.s. and from the other genera of the complex by molecular sequence data, but is indistinguishable from Laurencia s.s. by the usual morphological features.
Laboratory approaches for predicting and managing the risk of cardiovascular disease: postanalytical opportunities of lipid and lipoprotein testing
Authors: Langlois Michel R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Lipoprotein-related risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be adequately predicted in subjects with elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-)cholesterol using the available guidelines. However, individuals with dyslipidemia can have normal total- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Many statin-treated patients remain at high residual risk of CVD despite achieving LDL goals. The small dense LDL phenotype, frequently presenting with hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL-)cholesterol (lipid triad), may contribute to failure to identify and treat high-risk individuals. Therefore, calculated non-HDL-cholesterol is recommended as secondary therapeutic target to LDL-cholesterol in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and mixed dyslipidemia. On-treatment apolipoprotein B adds prognostic information to LDL- and non-HDL-cholesterol by indicating the total number of atherogenic lipoproteins, regardless of their cholesterol content. Risk may be higher than indicated in the risk estimation systems in additional subjects with elevated lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine concentrations. To improve the (post-)post-analytical phase of lipid tests, aiming for maximal health outcome effectiveness of test interpretation and utilization, laboratory professionals should deliver clinical added value services by providing readily interpreted and guideline-adjusted test reports, interpretative commenting, proactive reflex testing or recommending additional tests, and joining multidisciplinary cooperations in guideline development and cost/benefit studies.
Identification of a novel in-frame deletion in BRCA2 and analysis of variants of BRCA1/2 in Italian patients affected with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Vietri Maria Teresa , Molinari Anna Maria , De Paola Maria Laura , Cantile Flavia , Fasano Morena , Cioffi Michele 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: An estimated 5%–10% of all breast cancers are due to an inherited predisposition and, out of these, about 30% are caused by germline mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The prevalence of germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes varies among ethnic groups. The aims of this study are to evaluate deleterious mutations and genomic rearrangements in BRCA1/2 genes and the CHEK2 1100delC mutation in a cohort of Italian women affected with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer. In addition we clarify the effect of the novel variants identified in BRCA2 gene by mRNA analysis and prediction software.

Methods: We enrolled 103 consecutive Italian patients affected with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer, aged 23–69 years.

Results: We found BRCA1/2 mutations in 15/103 probands (14.6%). Among these, a BRCA2 gene mutation has not been described previously. In addition, we identified five novel BRCA2 variants (S1341, IVS1-59t>c, IVS11-74insA, IVS12+74c>g and I1167V). No genomic BRCA1/2 rearrangements or CHEK2 1100delC mutation was found in our patients. The novel BRCA2 mutation NS1742del (p.N1742_S1743del) was an in-frame 6 bp deletion that results in loss of two amino acids.

Conclusions: In silico analysis conducted for S1341, IVS1-59t>c, IVS11-74insA and IVS12+74c>g of BRCA2 predicted the variants as neutral and benign, whereas the results for I1167V was inconclusive. mRNA analysis for the novel BRCA2 intronic variant IVS11-74insA and the already published BRCA1 variant C197 shows that they have no effect on the splicing. These results are in agreement with in silico analysis.
Synthesis of novel fluorescent 1,3,5-trisubstituted triazine derivatives and photophysical property evaluation of fluorophores and their BSA conjugates
Authors: Padalkar Vikas S , Patil Vikas S. , D. Telore Rahul , Sekar Nagaiyan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Cyanuric chloride was allowed to react with N,N-diethylaniline to obtain 4-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-N,N-diethylaniline, which was converted into six novel 1,3,5-trisubstituted triazine derivatives on reaction with different amino acids. These compounds had UV absorption in the range 352–379 nm, accompanied by intense single emission in the range 420–497 nm with fairly good quantum yield (0.106–0.383). The new compounds were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral, and elemental analyses. These fluorophores were conjugated with protein bovine serum albumin through carbodiimide chemistry between the negatively charged carboxylate groups (-COO-) of the fluorophore and the surface terminated positively charged amino groups (-NH3
+) of the protein. The interaction between functionalized amino acids with protein molecules was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy showing fluorescence enhancement or quenching of the fluorophore after conjugation.
Reductive amination of 6-acetylpteridine to 6-N-arylaminoethylpteridine
Authors: Kuroda Yasuhiro , Isarai Kazuhiro , Murata Shizuaki 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
6-Acetyl-7-methylpteridine derivatives 2 and 3 (lumazine and pterin) were converted to 6-[1-(arylamino)ethyl]pteridine derivatives 8 and 7, respectively, in good to moderate yields by stepwise reactions with p-substituted anilines via imine intermediates using a Lewis acid catalyst followed by treatment with sodium tetrahydroborate. The one-step reductive amination of the starting acetylpteridine also proceeded in the presence of 2-picoline-borane complex in satisfactory yield.
Chemical improvement of surfaces. Part 2: Permanent hydrophobization of wood by covalently bonded fluoroorganyl substituents
Authors: Drafz Martin H.H. , Dahle Sebastian , Maus-Friedrichs Wolfgang , Namyslo Jan C. , Kaufmann Dieter E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A recently developed esterification method in our laboratory was applied to permanent hydrophobization of wood surfaces. Specifically, the covalent attachment of fluoroorganyl substituents to wood hydroxy groups via benzotriazolyl-activated, substituted benzoic acids was in focus. Weight percent gain values from 10% to 28% were obtained on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood veneer chips. It proved feasible to lower the temperature for wood modification from 150°C to 120°C, or even to 70°C so that thermal decomposition of wood during modification can be neglected. The modified chips were analyzed by attenuated total reflection – infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Covalent attachment of the fluorobenzoic acids led to a very high, permanent hydrophobicity of the wood surface, documented by outstanding contact angles of up to 143°.
Fungal α-arabinofuranosidases of glycosyl hydrolase families 51 and 54 show a dual arabinofuranosyl- and galactofuranosyl-hydrolyzing activity
Authors: Tefsen Boris , Lagendijk Ellen L. , Park Joohae , Akeroyd Michiel , Schachtschabel Doreen , Winkler Robert , van Die Irma , Ram Arthur F.J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Aspergillus niger possesses a galactofuranosidase activity, however, the corresponding enzyme or gene encoding this enzyme has never been identified. As evidence is mounting that enzymes exist with affinity for both arabinofuranose and galactofuranose, we investigated the possibility that α-l-arabinofuranosidases, encoded by the abfA and abfB genes, are responsible for the galactofuranosidase activity of A. niger. Characterization of the recombinant AbfA and AbfB proteins revealed that both enzymes do not only hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside (pNp-α-Araf) but are also capable of hydrolyzing p-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactofuranoside (pNp-β-Galf). Molecular modeling of the AbfB protein with pNp-β-Galf confirmed the possibility for AbfB to interact with this substrate, similarly as with pNp-α-Araf. We also show that galactomannan, a cell wall compound of A. niger, containing β-linked terminal and internal galactofuranosyl moieties, can be degraded by an enzyme activity that is present in the supernatant of inulin-grown A. niger. Interestingly, purified AbfA and AbfB did not show this hydrolyzing activity toward A. nigergalactomannan. In summary, our studies demonstrate that AbfA and AbfB, α-l-arabinofuranosidases from different families, both contain a galactofuranose (Galf)-hydrolyzing activity. In addition, our data support the presence of a Galf-hydrolase activity expressed by A. niger that is capable of degrading fungal galactomannan.
The structure of the extracellular teichoic acids from the allergy-protective bacterium Lactococcus lactis G121
Authors: Fischer Kathleen , Vinogradov Evgueny , Lindner Buko , Heine Holger , Holst Otto 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Lactococcus lactis G121 is a farm isolate that protects mice from ovalbumin-induced asthma. To understand the molecular mechanisms of such allergy-protective properties, the isolation and characterization of cell envelope constituents is crucial. Here, structural analyses of the extracellular teichoic acid (EC TA) from L. lactis G121 are presented. Extraction with 0.9% saline afforded a crude TA fraction. Consecutive size exclusion chromatography on Biogel P60 and P10 matrix was performed to purify the sample. Chemical component analyses, high-resolution electrospray ionization Fourier-transformed ion cyclotron mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were conducted for structural elucidation. The EC TA was a poly(glycosylglycerol phosphate) molecule with a repeating unit of -6)-[β-d-Glcp-(1→3)-][α-d-GlcpNAc-(1→4)-]α-d-GalpNAc-(1→3)-β-d-GlcpNAc-(1→2)-glycerol-(1-P-).