bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation and roles for claudin‐family tight junction proteins
Authors: Findley Mary K. , Koval Michael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTransmembrane proteins known as claudins play a critical role in tight junctions by regulating paracellular barrier permeability. The control of claudin assembly into tight junctions requires a complex interplay between several classes of claudins, other transmembrane proteins and scaffold proteins. Claudins are also subject to regulation by post‐translational modifications including phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Several human diseases have been linked to claudin mutations, underscoring the physiologic function of these proteins. Roles for claudins in regulating cell phenotype and growth control also are beginning to emerge, suggesting a multifaceted role for claudins in regulation of cells beyond serving as a simple structural element of tight junctions. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(4):431–437, 2009
Prolonged osteogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells implanted in immunodeficient mice by using coralline hydroxyapatite incorporating rhBMP2 microspheres
Authors: Fu Kun , Xu Qingguo , Czernuszka Jan , McKenna Charles E. , Ebetino Frank H. , Russell R. Graham G. , Triffitt James T. , Xia Zhidao 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe local environment plays an important role in osteogenic tissue regeneration. Our previous studies have shown that xenogenic transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) alone into immunodeficient mice did not result in long‐term bone formation. This study investigates whether bone formation can be prolonged by incorporating human mesenchymal stem cells in mineralized scaffolds together with controlled delivery of a growth factor, BMP2. A composite of coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA) with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐encapsulated rhBMP2 was incorporated with hMSCs in vitro. After 2 weeks in vitro culture the constructs were implanted subcutaneously in CB17 scid beige mice and harvested 10 weeks after implantation. The mineralized tissues were stained by using a fluorescent marker, 5FAM‐risedronate, followed by observation with fluorescence microscopy, histology, histomorphometry, mouse‐anti‐human vimentin immunohistochemistry, and scanning microscopy. The results showed that compared with control materials in which only fibrous tissue formed following implantation of coralline scaffolds, bone‐like tissue formed within the CHA composite containing PLGA encapsulated rhBMP2 and hMSCs for up to 10 weeks after implantation. Human cells, identified by the human vimentin‐specific monoclonal antibody were seen within the bone‐like tissue. In conclusion, incorporation of hMSCs into CHA with controlled delivery of BMP showed prolonged bone formation in immunodeficient mice. Further research is required to optimize the growth factor delivery system and to understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Effect of hyaluronic acid amide derivative on equine synovial fluid viscoelasticity
Authors: Borzacchiello A. , Mayol L. , Schiavinato A. , Ambrosio L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAn amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative has been obtained by the amidation of the carboxylic group of the glucuronic acid. This derivative, HYADD4®‐G (HY4), is the hexadecylamide of 500–730 kDa hyaluronic acid, derived from Streptococcus equi at about 2% degree of substitution (2 mol hexadecylamine per 100 mol hexuronic acid). Its viscoelastic properties, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL in phosphate buffer saline, have been compared with those solutions of native HA, having the same molecular weight. Changes in the viscoelastic properties of equine synovial fluid (SF) when mixed with HY4 over a series of volume ratios—viz 1:2, 1:1, 3:1, and 7:1—have been evaluated. HY4 is able to associate into aqueous solution, and its rheological behavior is typical of a weak gel. Throughout the frequency range investigated (0.1–10 Hz), the elastic modulus G′ is higher than the viscous modulus G″, and both moduli are frequency independent, and G′ value is about two orders of magnitude higher than that of a comparable solution of native HA. The addition of HY4 to equine synovial fluid (SF) increased its viscoelasticity at all the SF:HY4 ratios tested. These results demonstrate that HY4 is able to integrate with SF, increasing the synovial fluid rheology, and could be an interesting new option in viscosupplement therapy of osteoarthritis, particularly considering its low degree of chemical modification from native HA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Techniques for oxygen transfer measurement in bioreactors: a review
Authors: Suresh S , Srivastava VC , Mishra IM 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOxygen is the most essential requirement for aerobic bioprocesses. The microbial growth in a bioreactor depends upon the oxygen transfer rate (OTR). The OTR is widely used to study the growth behavior of microbial and plant cell cultures. The mass transfer coefficient (kLa) determines the magnitude of the OTR. There are many techniques for measuring oxygen concentration and OTR in bioreactors. Zirconia, electrochemical, infrared, ultrasonic and laser cells are used to measure oxygen concentration in the liquid medium. Optical sensors are better alternatives to measure oxygen concentration in small bioreactors. Sulfite oxidation and gassing‐out methods with a Clark‐type electrode have been used for OTR measurements in bioreactors. Many new novel techniques have evolved recently for intermittent and continuous online measurement of OTR/kLa in various types of bioreactors. The present paper gives an overview of various measurement techniques and their limitations and/or suitability for measurement of OTR/kLa in various kinds of bioreactors, especially small bioreactors. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
How to visualize the spider mite silk?
Authors: Clotuche G. , Goff G. Le , Mailleux A‐C , Deneubourg J‐L , Detrain C. , Hance T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a phytophagous mite that forms colonies of several thousand individuals. Like spiders, every individual produces abundant silk strands and is able to construct a common web for the entire colony. Despite the importance of this silk for the biology of this worldwide species, only one previous study suggested how to visualize it. To analyze the web structuration, we developed a simple technique to dye T. urticae'silk on both inert and living substrates. Fluorescent brightener 28 (FB) (Sigma F3543) diluted in different solvents at different concentrations regarding the substrate was used to observe single strands of silk. On glass lenses, a 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide solution was used and on bean leaves, a 0.1% aqueous solution. A difference of silk deposit was observed depending the substrate: rectilinear threads on glass lenses and more sinuous ones on bean leaves. This visualizing technique will help to carry out future studies about the web architecture and silk used by T. urticae. It might also be useful for the study of other silk‐spinning arthropods. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex influences the effect of a lifelong increase in serotonin transporter function on cerebral metabolism
Authors: Dawson Neil , Ferrington Linda , Olverman Henry J. , Harmar Anthony J. , Kelly Paul A. T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPolymorphic variation in the human serotonin transporter (SERT; 5‐HTT) gene resulting in a lifelong increase in SERT expression is associated with reduced anxiety and a reduced risk of affective disorder. Evidence also suggests that sex influences the effect of this polymorphism on affective functioning. Here we use novel transgenic mice overexpressing human SERT (hSERT OVR) to investigate the possible influence of sex on the alterations in SERT protein expression and cerebral function that occur in response to increased SERT gene transcription. SERT binding levels were significantly increased in the brain of hSERT OVR mice in a region‐dependent manner. The increased SERT binding in hSERT OVR mice was more pronounced in female than in male mice. Cerebral metabolism, as reflected by a quantitative index of local cerebral glucose utilization (iLCMRglu), was significantly decreased in many brain regions in hSERT OVR female as compared with wild‐type female mice, whereas there was no evidence for a significant effect in any region in males. The ability of hSERT overexpression to modify cerebral metabolism was significantly greater in females than in males. This effect was particularly pronounced in the medial striatum, globus pallidus, somatosensory cortex, mamillary body, and ventrolateral thalamus. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the influence of a lifelong increase in SERT gene transcription on cerebral function is greater in females than in males and may relate, in part, to the influence of sex on genetically driven increases in SERT protein expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the function of the glutamate‐nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway increases the ability to learn a Y‐maze task
Authors: Llansola Marta , Hernandez‐Viadel Mariluz , Erceg Slaven , Montoliu Carmina , Felipo Vicente 
Published: March 2009

AbstractN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a crucial role in learning. However, the molecular mechanisms by which NMDA receptors contribute to learning processes are not known in detail. Activation of NMDA receptors leads to increased calcium in the postsynaptic neuron. Calcium binds to calmodulin and activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase, increasing nitric oxide (NO), which activates soluble guanylate cyclase, increasing cGMP. Part of this cGMP is released to the extracellular space. Several reports indicate that impairment of this glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway reduces the ability to learn a Y‐maze conditional discrimination task by rats. The aim of this work was to assess whether enhancing the function of this pathway increases the ability to learn this task. Prenatal exposure to the polybrominated diphenylether PBDE‐99 during embryonic days 2–9 or 11–19 enhances the function of the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP pathway in cerebellum in vivo as assessed by microdialysis in freely moving rats. This was associated with an increase in the ability to learn the Y‐maze task. Rats prenatally exposed to PBDE need fewer trials than control rats to learn the Y‐maze task. These results show that the function of the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP modulates the ability of rats to learn the Y‐maze task, that the function of the pathway under physiological conditions is not optimal for learning, and that performance in the Y‐maze task may be improved by enhancing slightly the function of the pathway and cGMP formation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradation of hazardous triphenylmethane dye methyl violet by Rhizobium radiobacter (MTCC 8161)
Authors: Parshetti Ganesh , Saratale Ganesh , Telke Amar , Govindwar Sanjay 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRhizobium radiobacter MTCC 8161 completely decolorized methyl violet (10 mg l–1) within 8 h both at static and shaking conditions. The decolorization time increased with increasing dye concentration. The effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the decolorization of methyl violet was studied. The maximum decolorization was observed in the presence of sucrose (1%) and urea (1%). UV‐Visible, HPLC and FTIR analysis of extracted products confirmed biodegradation of methyl violet. The significant increase in the activities of lignin peroxidase and aminopyrine N‐demethylase in the cells obtained after decolorization indicated involvement of these enzymes in the decolorization process. In addition to methyl violet, this strain also shows an ability to decolorize various industrial dyes, (red HE7B, yellow 4G, blue 2B, navy blue HE22, red M5B and red HE3B). (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Responses of Candida fukuyamaensis RCL‐3 and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa RCL‐11 to copper stress
Authors: Villegas Liliana B. , Amoroso María J. , de Figueroa Lucía I. C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe effect of high Cu(II) concentrations on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in Candida fukuyamaensis RCL‐3 and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa RCL‐11, previously isolated from a copper filter at a mine plant in Argentina, was studied. Addition of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mM Cu(II) to the culture medium increased total SOD and CAT activity in both strains. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed two bands with SOD activity for C. fukuyamaensis RCL‐3 and only one for R. mucilaginosa RCL‐11; the three bands corresponded to MnSOD.Intracellular accumulation of copper and morphological changes was observed using electron microscopy. Dark bodies examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after 48 h of incubation probably corresponded to copper deposits. The number of dark bodies in R. mucilaginosa RCL‐11 grew with increasing incubation time, whereas in C. fukuyamaensis RCL‐3 the amount decreased. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of C. fukuyamaensis RCL‐3 did not reveal any differences compared with the control, but R. mucilaginosa RCL‐11 cells were bigger than control ones. TEM confirmed absence of compartmentalization mechanisms in Cu(II) detoxification since electron‐dense bodies were mainly found in the cytoplasm. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evidence of methanesulfonate utilizers in the Sargasso Sea metagenome
Authors: Leitão Elsa , Moradas‐Ferreira Pedro , De Marco Paolo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMethanesulfonate (MSA) is one of the products of the photo‐oxidation of dimethylsulfide in the atmosphere. The genes responsible for the import of MSA into the cell (msm EFGH) and for its oxidation to formaldehyde (msm ABCD) have been previously sequenced from the soil bacterium Methylosulfonomonas methylovora str. M2 while genes for an MSA monooxygenase have been sequenced from marine bacterium Marinosulfonomonas methylotropha str. TR3. We performed a sequence‐based screening of the Sargasso Sea metagenome for homologues of the MSA monooxygenase (MSAMO) and MSA import genes. Our search retrieved one scaffold bearing genes with high identity to the msm ABCD cluster plus two scaffolds bearing genes highly identical to the msm EFGH operon. We increased the available data by sequencing two metagenome plasmids, which revealed more msm genes. In these three cases synteny with the original msm operons was revealed. We also retrieved several singletons showing high identity to shorter segments of the msm clusters or individual msm genes. Furthermore, a characteristic 26‐aa internal spacer of the MsmA Rieske‐type motif was conserved. Our findings support the case for a significant role of MSA degraders in the marine sulfur cycle and seem to suggest that they may be prominent members of the methylotrophic community in surface ocean waters. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Demonstration of the absence of intervening sequences within 23S rRNA genes from Campylobacter lari
Authors: Tazumi Akihiro , Kakinuma Yuki , Moore John E. , Millar Cherie B. , Taneike Ikue , Matsuda Motoo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCloning, sequencing and characterization of nearly full‐length 23S rRNA genes in 12 urease‐positive thermophilic Campylobacter (UPTC) isolates were carried out using two novel PCR primer pairs. Nucleotide sequences of the 23S rRNA genes from the 12 isolates were first shown not to carry any intervening sequences (IVSs) in both the 25 and 45 helix regions. Then, two PCR primer sets were designed in silico for amplification of the helix 25 and 45 regions within 23S rRNA gene sequences from Campylobacter lari. No IVSs were identified within the 23S rRNA genes among a total of 53 isolates of C. lari, following PCR amplification, TA cloning and sequencing procedures. Intact 23S rRNA was identified in all 65 C. lari isolates, resulting in no production of the fragmented 23S rRNA. These data suggest that C. lari may not have any opportunity to interact with any other source of IVSs until now, or has been unable to integrate IVSs into their own genomes. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Direct analysis of sulfate reducing bacterial communities in gas hydrate‐impacted marine sediments by PCR–DGGE
Authors: Bagwell Christopher E. , Formolo Michael , Ye Qi , Yeager Chris M. , Lyons Timothy W. , Zhang Chuanlun L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMolecular investigations of the sulfate reducing bacteria that target the dissimilatory sulfite‐reductase subunit A gene (dsr A) are plagued by the nonspecific performance of conventional PCR primers. Here we describe the incorporation of the FailSafe™ PCR System to optimize environmental analysis of dsr A by PCR amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. PCR–DGGE analysis of dsr A composition revealed that SRB diversity was greater and more variable throughout the vertical profile of a marine sediment core obtained from a gas hydrate site (GC234) in the Gulf of Mexico than in a sediment core collected from a nearby site devoid of gas hydrates (NBP). Depth profiled dsr B abundance corresponded with sulfate reduction rates at both sites, though measurements were higher at GC234. This study exemplifies the numerical and functional importance of sulfate reducing bacteria in deep‐sea sedimentary environments, and incremental methodological advancements, as described herein, will continue to streamline the analysis of sulfate reducer communities in situ. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A calcium binding protein from cell wall of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Sowjanya Thommandru Naga , Mohan Pamarthi Maruthi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIsolated cell wall preparations of N. crassa bind significant levels of Ca, Mg and other divalent cations. Enzymatic treatment of the cell wall with β‐(1,3)‐glucanase, but not with chitinase, resulted in solubilization of only the calcium‐binding protein fraction. A calcium‐binding protein (CaBP) was purified by metal‐chelate affinity chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. CaBP has an Mr of around 6 kDa on SDS‐PAGE and mass spectrometry showed that it has a molecular mass of 5744 Da. One mole of CaBP binds 2 moles of calcium and is partially inhibited (15–50%) by other divalent cations (Mg, Ni and Cu). Quenching of tryptophan fluorescence was observed upon copper binding but not calcium binding. This is a first report of a calcium binding protein from the cell wall of fungi. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Carbon dioxide enrichment by composting in greenhouses and its effect on vegetable production
Authors: Jin Chongwei , Du Shaoting , Wang Yue , Condon Jason , Lin Xianyong , Zhang Yongsong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractConcentrations of CO2 are commonly suboptimal for plant production in greenhouses. Here, a new strategy using crop‐residues and animal‐manure composting (CRAM) was developed to increase CO2 concentration throughout the day. During the whole cultivation period, CRAM‐treated greenhouses had CO2 concentrations that were more than twice that of the control greenhouses. This resulted in yields of celery (Apium graveolens L.), leaf lettuce (Lactuca virosa L.), stem lettuce (Lactuca saiva L.), oily sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) that were 270%, 257%, 87%, 140%, and 227% higher than those in control greenhouses, respectively. The effect of CRAM on vegetable‐quality parameters was also examined. Nitrate concentrations deceased in celery, leaf lettuce, oily sowthistle, and Chinese cabbage by 8%, 36%, 30%, and 20%, respectively. The concentrations of soluble sugars in oily sowthistle and Chinese cabbage were significantly increased by the composting procedure. In addition, the ascorbic acid concentrations increased in all five species, with average increases of 13%, 39%, 25%, 72%, and 37% for celery, leaf lettuce, stem lettuce, oily sowthistle, and Chinese cabbage, respectively. It is concluded that CO2 fertilization using CRAM in greenhouses increases yields and improves quality of common vegetables.
Direct dynamic study on the hydrogen abstraction reaction of H2CO with NCO
Authors: Sun Hao , Huang Xu‐Ri , Pan Xiu‐Mei , Wang Rong‐Shun , Sun Chia‐Chung 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA direct ab initio dynamics method is used to investigate the hydrogen‐abstraction reaction of H2CO with NCO. The potential energy surface information is obtained at the MP2/6‐311G(d,p) level. More accurate single‐point energy is refined at the G3(MP2)//MP2/6‐311G(d,p) level. Furthermore, the rate constants of reaction H2CO + NCO are evaluated by using the canonical variational transition state theory with small‐curvature tunneling contributions over a wide temperature range of 200–2000 K. The calculated reaction enthalpy and rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 394–400, 2009
Modulation of invasive properties of CD133(+) glioblastoma stem cells: A role for MT1‐MMP in bioactive lysophospholipid signaling
Authors: Annabi Borhane , Lachambre Marie‐Paule , Plouffe Karine , Sartelet Hervé , Béliveau Richard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFuture breakthroughs in cancer therapy must accompany targeted agents that will neutralize cancer stem cells response to circulating growth factors. Since the brain tissue microenvironmental niche is a prerequisite for expression of the stem cell marker CD133 antigen in brain tumors, we investigated the invasion mechanisms specific to CD133(+) U87 glioblastoma cells in response to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), two circulating bioactive lysophospholipids and potent inducers of cancer. A CD133(+) U87 glioma cell population was isolated from parental U87 glioblastoma cells using magnetic cell sorting technology. The CD133(+)‐enriched cell population grew as neurospheres and showed enhanced maximal response to both LPA (∼5.0‐fold) and S1P (∼2.5‐fold) at 1 µM when compared to parental U87 cells. The increased response to LPA in CD133(+) cells, reflected by increased levels of phosphorylated ERK, was found independent of the cooperative functions of the membrane‐type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP), while this cooperativity was essential to the S1P response. Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed and we found higher gene expression levels of the S1P receptors S1P1 and S1P2, and of the LPA receptor LPA1 in CD133(+) cells than in their parental U87 cells. These increased levels reflected those observed from in vivo experimental U87 tumor implants. Our data suggest that the CD133(+) cell subpopulation evokes most of the lysophospholipid response within brain tumors through a combined regulation of S1P/LPA cell surface receptors signaling and by MT1‐MMP. The emergence of lead compounds targeting the stem cell niche and S1P/LPA signaling in CD133(+) cancer cells is warranted. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of feeding strategies of mixed microbial cultures on the chemical composition and microstructure of copolyesters P(3HB‐co‐3HV) analyzed by NMR and statistical analysis
Authors: Ivanova G. , Serafim L. S. , Lemos P. C. , Ramos A. M. , Reis M. A. M. , Cabrita E. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNMR spectroscopy was applied for quantitative and qualitative characterization of the chemical composition and microstructure of a series of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydoxyvalerate) copolymers, P(3HB‐co‐3HV), synthesized by mixed microbial cultures at several different feeding strategies. The monomer sequence distribution of the bacterially synthesized P(3HB‐co‐3HV) was defined by analysis of their high‐resolution 1D 13C NMR and 2D 1H/13C HSQC and 1H/13C HMBC NMR spectra. The results were verified by employment of statistical methods and suggest a block copolymer microstructure of the P(3HB‐co‐3HV) copolymers studied. Definitive distinction between block copolymers or a mixture of random copolymers could not be achieved. NMR spectral analysis indicates that the chemical composition and microstructure of the copolymers can be tuned by choosing a correct feeding strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.