bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Pulsed Magnetic Field and of First Cold-Pressure Sunflower Oil on Mice
Authors: Bellossi André , Rocher Chantal , Ruelloux Michel 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In previous studies it has been shown that exposure of mice to a 12-Hz 6 mT unipolar square pulsed magnetic field (PMF) suppressed the excess of weight due to application of 1st cold-pressure sunflower oil. This time we considered the effect of oil and/or PMF on the growing curves lifespans of mice. The exposure took place for 30 min 5 days a week, from the 7th week of life to death. The results are 1) a broken slope in the growing curves from the 125th day of aging: the exposed mice were lighter than the controls, keeping the differences between the growing curves needed a repeated exposure all life long; 2) a significant increase in the lifespan of the controls which received oil versus the controls which received water; 3) an increase in the lifespan of the exposed mice versus the non-exposed control batches. On one hand it has been reported that essential polyunsaturated fatty acids found in first cold-pressure sunflower oil played a prominent role in membrane structures and in immune equilibrium. On the other hand, it was shown that oscillating electric fields could activate Na+,K+-ATPase.
Two Antinematodal Phenolics from Knema hookeriana, a Sumatran Rainforest Plant
Authors: Alen Yohannes , Nakajima Shuhei , Nitoda Teruhiko , Baba Naomichi , Kanzaki Hiroshi , Kawazu Kazuyoshi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The activity-guided chromatographic purification of the methanol extract of Knema hookeriana, using pine wood nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has successfully led to the isolation and characterization of two phenolic antinematodal compounds with minimun effective dose (MED) of 4.5 and 20 μg/cotton ball (μg/ bl.) or 0.018 and 0.073 μᴍ/cotton ball (μᴍ/bl.), respectively. Based on their chemical and spectral properties, these compounds were determined to be 3-undecylphenol (1) and 3-(8Z-tridecenyl)-phenol (2). These compounds were isolated for the first time from this species, and 2 seems to be a novel compound.
Occurrence and Characterization of a UDP-glucose:hydroxamic Acid Glucosyltransferase Isolated from Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Seedlings
Authors: Sue Masayuki , Ishihara Atsushi , Iwamura Hajime 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Cyclic hydroxamic acid glucosides are present at high concentrations immediately after germination in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Changes in the activity of UDP-Glucose:cyclic hydroxamic acid glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.-) in wheat were investigated using the cyclic hydroxamic acids 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and its 7-methoxy derivative (DIMBOA) as sugar acceptors. Glucosyltransferase activity on both substrates was detected in dry seeds, with activity increasing after imbibition, peaking in shoots and roots 36-48 hours after imbibition and decreasing thereafter. The transience of glucosyltransferase activity was concurrent with the transient occurrence of the hydroxamic acid glucosides [Nakagawa E., Amano T., Hirai N , and Iwamura H. (1995) Phytochemistry 38. 1349-1354], suggesting that glucosyltransferases regulate the accumulation of hydroxamic acid glucosides in wheat seedlings. Two peaks in activity of UDP-Glucose:DIMBOA glucosyltransferase were detected using a Mono Q column, indicating the presence of at least two isozymes of this glucosyltransferase. The enzyme in the major peak was purified about 1500-fold and shown to be in a monomeric form with a molecular mass of 47 or 49 kDa. The enzyme reacted strongly with DIMBOA, less so with DIBOA. The enzyme of the minor peak on the Mono Q chromatogram, which was also a monomeric enzyme with a molecular mass of 47 kDa, showed similar substrate specificity to that of the major peak enzyme.
Complexation of Membrane-Bound Enzyme Systems
Authors: Müller-Enoch Dieter , Gruler Hans 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The effect of changes in the N-terminal membrane-binding domain of cytochrome P450 forms and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase types on the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activities, has been examined. The nifedipine oxidase activity of two human P450 forms (CYP3A4, CYP3A4NF14) which differ only in their primary structure by ten amino acid residues in the N-terminal membrane-binding domain, yields nearly the same catalytic cycle time τ =2.65 ± 0.15 s, due to their identical cytosolic catalytic protein structure. In contrast, the complex formation process ([P450]+[reductase]↔[complex]) described by the dissociation constant KD at high substrate concentration ([S]>>KS) and low product concentration ( [ P ]<<Kp ) is determined to be KD/[P450]ᴏ = 0.3 and 2.0, respectively. These values reflect large differences in the affinity of both P450 forms for the same type of reductase which is only due to their modified membrane-binding domains. In the present work, it has been shown for the first time, that the membrane-binding domain of cytochrome P450 enzymes determines the complexation process of the binary P450:reductase system. Furthermore, the nifedipine oxidase activity of the human CYP3A4 form reconstituted with two different types of reductase from human and rabbit also has the same catalytic cycle time τ = 2.65 ± 0.15 s. This result is based on the similarity of the primary structure of the cytosolic catalytic domain of both reductase types. However, the complex was formed with different dissociation constants of KD/[P450]ᴏ = 0.3 and 4.7, respectively. This different affinity of both reductase types to the same P450 form is interpreted as a consequence of the substantial alteration of the amino acids in the N-terminal primary structure of their membrane-binding domains. 7-Ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity of two rat P450 forms (CYP2B1 and CYP1A1) were reconstituted with the same rat reductase. The catalytic cycle time for each P450 form is τ = 1.8 and 0.6 s, respectively. Correspondingly, the complex formation process controlled by the dissociation constant KD has changed from KD/[P450]ᴏ = 2.3 to 1.7, respectively. This is because both forms differ in their cytosolic as well as in their membranebinding domains.
Influence of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Halides on Thermotropic Phase Behaviour of Phosphatidylcholine/Cholesterol Bilayers
Authors: Różycka-Roszak Bożenna , Pruchnik Hanna 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Effects of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium iodide (DTAI) on thermotropic phase behaviour of phosphatidylcholine bilayers containing cholesterol as well as on 1H NMR spectra were studied. Two series of experiments were performed. In the first one the surfactants were added to the water phase while in the other directly to the lipid phase (a mixed film from cholesterol, surfactant and phosphatidylcholine was formed). The effects of particular surfactants on the main phase transition temperature, Tm, were more pronounced when added to the lipid phase (2nd method) than to the water phase ( 1st method); the opposite happened when cholesterol was absent (Różycka-Roszak and Pruchnik 2000, Z. Naturforsch. 55c, 240-244). Furthermore, in the case of the first method the transitions were asymmetrical while in the second method nearly symmetrical. It is suggested that surfactant poor and surfactant rich domains are formed when surfactants are added to the water phase.
Kinetic Attributes of Na+, K+ ATPase and Lipid / Phospholipid Profiles of Rat and Human Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Patel Hetal G. , Aras Radha V. , Katyare Surendra S. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Kinetic properties of Na+, K+ ATPase of membranes from rat and human erythrocytes were examined. The enzyme stability decreased with incubation time. The Vmax of the human enzyme was about 4 times lower than the values of the rat enzyme. However the energies of activation were higher. Phase transition temperature for the rat and the human enzyme was 24 °C and 17 °C, respectively. The human erythrocyte membranes were characterized by lower total phospholipid and cholesterol contents and were relatively more fluid. The human membranes contained lower proportions of acidic phospholipids which correlated well with the lower Vmax of the enzyme; the proportion of lysophosphoglyceride and sphingomyelin was higher in the human membrane.
Study on Propolis Quality from China and Uruguay
Authors: Bonvehí Josep Serra , Coll Francesc Ventura 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The composition, bacteriostatic and ROO• -scavenging potential activities of fifteen propolis samples from various botanic and geographic origins were determined to obtain objective information related to propolis quality. Variance analysis showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and active components between fresh and aged propolis. The state of the product (fresh or aged) could be differentiate by using flavonoid pattern and biological activities. A minimum propolis concentration of 80 μg/ml was required inhibit Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus while 800 μg/ml was required to inhibit Escherichia coli using fresh propolis. Aged propolis inhibit B. subtilis and S. aureus at concentration of 100 μg/ml and E. coli at 1000 μg/ml. A minimum flavonoids percentage of 18 g/100 g and a maximum ROO• -scavenging potential activity of 4.3 μg/ml were determined in fresh propolis. Flavonoids levels in aged propolis were approximately 20% lower than in fresh propolis. A maximum flavonoids percentage of 19.8 g/100 g and a ROO•-scavenging potential activity between 5.7 to 6.4 μg/ml in aged propolis were quantified. Another objective was to assess the use of ROO•-scavenging potential activity in propolis quality.
Superoxide Production by Phagocytes in Myeloid Graffi Tumor-Bearing Hamsters
Authors: Dimitrova Petia A. , Toshkova Reneta A , Ivanova Emilia H. , Stefanova Zvetanka H. , Angelova Maria B. , Dolashka Pavlina A. , Voelter W. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
A progressive suppression of the phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages and polymorphonuclears (PMNs) in hamsters with transplanted myeloid tumors was previously established. The i.p. application of Cu/Zn SOD, isolated from the fungal strain Humicola lutea (HLSOD) (2 injections before and 5 injections after tumor transplantation) induced the mean survival time of the animals as well as a temporally stimulating action on the macrophage and PMNs phagocyting indices. In the present work, the superoxide production of peritoneal macrophages and PMNs during 30 days of tumor progression was followed. Effects of the application of HLSOD in an optimal protective dose on the superoxide production in peritoneal macrophages and blood PMNs were examined. The spontaneous and phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA)-inducible O2
- production in both types of phagocytes was 4-5- fold increased in tumor-bearing hamsters (TBH), as compared to the controls, at day 14 after tumor transplantation (the day of tumor appearance in transplanted animals). Furthermore, O2
- production was also similar to the control values for the following days of observation.HLSOD treatment of TBH induced a normalization of superoxide production in macrophages and PMNs. Therefore, the established decrease of superoxide anions in phagocyting cells of TBH indicates possible effects of HLSOD on the host antioxidant defense.
Terpenoids from Achillea setacea
Authors: Todorova Milka , Vogler Bernhard , Tsankova Elena 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The aerial parts of Achillea setacea afforded, in addition of a rare monoterpene triol and 12 known sesquiterpene lactones, a new guaianolide containing an endoperoxide ring. Its structure was elucidated by spectral methods.
Production and Secretion of 5-n-Alkylresorcinols by Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Zarnowski Robert , Lewicka Teresa , Pietr Stanislaw J. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Fusarium culmorum F1 was found to produce and secrete into the culture medium several of 5-n-alkylresorcinols. The amount of resorcinolic lipids was 5.3 μg/g and 0.9 μg/l in mycelium and in post-culture liquid, respectively. First of all F. culmorum F1 produces saturated homologues with C15 to C25 side chains. The extract from the medium contained only homologues with shorter carbon chains (C13 to C17).
The Effect of Galactose Metabolic Disorders on Rat Brain Acetylcholinesterase Activity
Authors: Tsakiris Stylianos , Schulpis Kleopatra H. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
To evaluate whether in classical galactosemia galactose (Gal), galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) and galactitol (Galtol) affect brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, various concentrations (1-16 mм) of these compounds were preincubated with brain homogenates of suckling rats as well as with pure eel Electroforus electricus AChE at 37 °C for 1 h. Initially, Galtol (up to 2.0 mм) increased (25%) AChE activity which decreased, thereafter, reaching the control value in high Galtol concentrations. Gal-1-P decreased gradually the enzyme activity reaching a plateau (38%), when incubated with 8-16 mM. However, when the usually found 2 mм of Galtol and 2 mм of Gal-1-P. concentrations in galactosemia were added in the incubation mixture simultaneously, brain AChE was stimulated (16%). Galtol or Gal-1-P modulated brain AChE as well as enzyme activity of E.electricus in the same way. Gal, Glucose (Glu) and glucose-1-phosphate (Glu-1-P) had no effect on AChE activity. It is suggested that Galtol as well as Gal-1-P can affect acetylcholine degradation acting directly on AChE molecule. Consequently the direct action of these substances on the enzyme might explain the brain cholinergic dysfunction in untreated galactosemia patients.
Antioxidative Properties Of Pyrrolidinium And Piperidinium Salts
Authors: Kleszczyńska Halina , Oświęcimska Małgorzata , Bonarska Dorota , Sarapuk Janusz 
Published: February 2015

Two series of pyrrolidinium (PYA-n) and piperidinium (PPPA-n) bromides with incorporated antioxidant function were synthesized. Both have hydrocarbon chains with odd number of the carbon atoms (n) ranging between 7 and 15. Pig erythrocytes (RBC) were used to study antioxidant activity of these compounds. They were incorporated into RBC membranes in sublytic (micromolar) concentrations and RBC were then subjected to UV radiation. It was found that all the salts used protected erythrocyte membranes against oxidation of membrane lipids. This protection increased with hydrocarbon chain length. Such effect may be the result of an incorporation of particular compounds to different depths into the lipid phase of RBC membrane depending on their chain length. Such possibility was checked by studies on fluidity changes induced by the compounds studied in ghost membranes by fluorimetric measurements.
The measurements showed that pyrrolidinium bromides were slightly more effective in a protection of erythrocytes than the corresponding piperidinium ones. The possible reason of such behaviour may be the difference in lipophilicity between piperidine and pyrrolidine rings
Essential Oil Constituents of Valeriana italica and Valeriana tuberosa. Stereochemical and Conformational Study of 15-Acetoxyvaleranone
Authors: Fokialakis Nikolas , Prokopios Magias , Mitaku Sofia 
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of roots, stems with leaves and inflorescences of Valeriana italica Lam. and Valeriana tuberosa L. were studied by GC/MS. Seventy-three and fourty-one constituents were identified from each plant, respectively. The major constituent of the oil obtained from the roots of V. italica was isolated and identified as 15-acetoxyvaleranone. Its stereochemistry and conformation has been studied using NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The oils obtained from V. tuberosa completely lacked the characteristic valerane or kessane sesquiterpenes.
Running title: Essential oils of Valeriana italica and V. tuberosa
Heritable Variation in Courtship Patterns in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gaertner Bryn E , Ruedi Elizabeth A , McCoy Lenovia J , Moore Jamie M , Wolfner Mariana F , Mackay Trudy F C 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Little is known about the genetic basis of naturally occurring variation for sexually selected behavioral traits. Drosophila melanogaster, with its rich repertoire of courtship behavior and genomic and genetic resources, is an excellent model organism for addressing this question. We assayed a genetically diverse panel of lines with full genome sequences, the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, to assess the heritability of variation in courtship behavior and mating progression. We subsequently used these data to quantify natural variation in transition probabilities between courtship behaviors. We found heritable variation along the expected trajectory for courtship behaviors, including the tendency to initiate courtship and rate of progression through courtship, suggesting a genetic basis to male modulation of courtship behavior based on feedback from unrelated, outbred, and genetically identical females. We assessed the genetic basis of variation of the transition with the greatest heritability—from copulation to no engagement with the female—and identified variants in Serrate and Furin 1 as well as many other polymorphisms on the chromosome 3R associated with this transition. Our findings suggest that courtship is a highly dynamic behavior with both social and genetic inputs, and that males may play an important role in courtship initiation and duration.
Combined QTL and Selective Sweep Mappings with Coding SNP Annotation andcis-eQTL Analysis RevealedPARK2andJAG2as New Candidate Genes for Adiposity Regulation
Authors: Roux Pierre-François , Boitard Simon , Blum Yuna , Parks Brian , Montagner Alexandra , Mouisel Etienne , Djari Anis , Esquerré Diane , Désert Colette , Boutin Morgane , Leroux Sophie , Lecerf Frédéric , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Klopp Christophe , Servin Bertrand , Pitel Frédérique , Duclos Michel Jean , Guillou Hervé , Lusis Aldons J , Demeure Olivier , Lagarrigue Sandrine 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVery few causal genes have been identified by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping because of the large size of QTL, and most of them were identified thanks to functional links already known with the targeted phenotype. Here, we propose to combine selection signature detection, coding SNP annotation, and cis-expression QTL analyses to identify potential causal genes underlying QTL identified in divergent line designs. As a model, we chose experimental chicken lines divergently selected for only one trait, the abdominal fat weight, in which several QTL were previously mapped. Using new haplotype-based statistics exploiting the very high SNP density generated through whole-genome resequencing, we found 129 significant selective sweeps. Most of the QTL colocalized with at least one sweep, which markedly narrowed candidate region size. Some of those sweeps contained only one gene, therefore making them strong positional causal candidates with no presupposed function. We then focused on two of these QTL/sweeps. The absence of nonsynonymous SNPs in their coding regions strongly suggests the existence of causal mutations acting in cis on their expression, confirmed by cis-eQTL identification using either allele-specific expression or genetic mapping analyses. Additional expression analyses of those two genes in the chicken and mice contrasted for adiposity reinforces their link with this phenotype. This study shows for the first time the interest of combining selective sweeps mapping, coding SNP annotation and cis-eQTL analyses for identifying causative genes for a complex trait, in the context of divergent lines selected for this specific trait. Moreover, it highlights two genes, JAG2 and PARK2, as new potential negative and positive key regulators of adiposity in chicken and mice.
Nascent Transcription Affected by RNA Polymerase IV inZea mays
Authors: Erhard Karl F , Talbot Joy-El R B , Deans Natalie C , McClish Allison E , Hollick Jay B 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAll eukaryotes use three DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RNAPs) to create cellular RNAs from DNA templates. Plants have additional RNAPs related to Pol II, but their evolutionary role(s) remain largely unknown. Zea mays (maize) RNA polymerase D1 (RPD1), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), is required for normal plant development, paramutation, transcriptional repression of certain transposable elements (TEs), and transcriptional regulation of specific alleles. Here, we define the nascent transcriptomes of rpd1 mutant and wild-type (WT) seedlings using global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) to identify the broader targets of RPD1-based regulation. Comparisons of WT and rpd1 mutant GRO-seq profiles indicate that Pol IV globally affects transcription at both transcriptional start sites and immediately downstream of polyadenylation addition sites. We found no evidence of divergent transcription from gene promoters as seen in mammalian GRO-seq profiles. Statistical comparisons identify genes and TEs whose transcription is affected by RPD1. Most examples of significant increases in genic antisense transcription appear to be initiated by 3ʹ-proximal long terminal repeat retrotransposons. These results indicate that maize Pol IV specifies Pol II-based transcriptional regulation for specific regions of the maize genome including genes having developmental significance.
Chemistry and pharmacology of some plants mentioned in the letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha
Authors: Alves Lucio Ferreira , Ming Lin Chau 
Published: February 2015

Brazil has a long tradition in the study of medicinal plants. When the Portuguese arrived to the new colony, Pero Vaz de Caminha, the scriber of the fleet, left the first impressions of the local and the inhabitants. He clearly mentions how the Indians use natural dye as tincture to paint their bodies. This article reviews the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of these colorants and other medicinal plants recently identified mentioned in this letter.
A Comparison of Chemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of PEDOT:Dextran Sulphate for Bio-Application
Authors: Stevens Leo R. , Harman David G. , Gilmore Kerry J. , in het Panhuis Marc , Wallace Gordon G. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is an organic conducting polymer that has been the focus of significant research over the last decade, in both energy and biological applications. Most commonly, PEDOT is doped by the artificial polymer polystyrene sulfonate due to the excellent electrical characteristics yielded by this pairing. The biopolymer dextran sulphate (DS) has been recently reported as a promising alternative to PEDOT:PSS for biological application, having electrical properties rivaling PEDOT:PSS, complimented by the potential bioactivity of the polysaccharide. In this work we compared chemical and electrochemical polymerisations of PEDOT:DS in terms of their impact on the electrical, morphological and biological properties of the resultant PEDOT:DS films. Post-growth cyclic voltammograms and UV-Vis analyses revealed comparable redox behaviour and absorbance profiles for the two synthesis approaches. Despite good intrinsic conductivity of particles, the addition of chemically produced PEDOT:DS did not markedly enhance the bulk conductivity of aqueous solutions due to the lack of interconnectivity between adjacent PEDOT:DS particles at achievable concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significantly greater roughness in films cast from chemically produced PEDOT:DS compared to electropolymerised samples, attributable to the formation of solution phase nanoparticles prior to casting. In cell studies with the L929 cell line, electrochemical polymerisation of PEDOT:DS afforded better integrity of resultant films for surface seeding, whilst chemically polymerised PEDOT:DS appeared to localised at the proliferating cells, suggesting possible applications in drug delivery.