bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fss/Tbx6 is required for central dermomyotome cell fate in zebrafish
Authors: Windner Stefanie Elisabeth , Bird Nathan Craig , Patterson Sara Elizabeth , Doris Rosemarie Anne , Devoto Stephen Henri 
Published: July 2012

Summary
The dermomyotome is a pool of progenitor cells on the surface of the myotome. In zebrafish, dermomyotome precursors (anterior border cells, ABCs) can be first identified in the anterior portion of recently formed somites. They must be prevented from undergoing terminal differentiation during segmentation, even while mesodermal cells around them respond to signaling cues and differentiate.
T-box containing transcription factors regulate many aspects of mesoderm fate including segmentation and somite patterning. The fused somites (fss) gene is the zebrafish ortholog of tbx6. We demonstrate that in addition to its requirement for segmentation, fss/tbx6 is also required for the specification of ABCs and subsequently the central dermomyotome. The absence of Tbx6-dependent central dermomyotome cells in fss/tbx6 mutants is spatially coincident with a patterning defect in the myotome.
Using transgenic fish with a heat-shock inducible tbx6 gene in the fss/tbx6 mutant background, we further demonstrate that ubiquitous fss/tbx6 expression has spatially distinct effects on recovery of the dermomyotome and segment boundaries, suggesting that the mechanism of Fss/Tbx6 action is distinct with respect to dermomyotome development and segmentation.
We propose that Fss/Tbx6 is required for preventing myogenic differentiation of central dermomyotome precursors before and after segmentation and that central dermomyotome cells represent a genetically and functionally distinct subpopulation within the zebrafish dermomyotome.
Regulation of behavioral circadian rhythms and clock protein PER1 by the deubiquitinating enzyme USP2
Authors: Yang Yaoming , Duguay David , Bédard Nathalie , Rachalski Adeline , Baquiran Gerardo , Na Chan Hyun , Fahrenkrug Jan , Storch Kai-Florian , Peng Junmin , Wing Simon S. , Cermakian Nicolas 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Endogenous 24-hour rhythms are generated by circadian clocks located in most tissues. The molecular clock mechanism is based on feedback loops involving clock genes and their protein products. Post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, are important for regulating the clock feedback mechanism. Previous work has focused on the role of ubiquitin ligases in the clock mechanism. Here we show a role for the rhythmically-expressed deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin specific peptidase 2 (USP2) in clock function. Mice with a deletion of the Usp2 gene (Usp2 KO) display a longer free-running period of locomotor activity rhythms and altered responses of the clock to light. This was associated with altered expression of clock genes in synchronized Usp2 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts and increased levels of clock protein PERIOD1 (PER1). USP2 can be coimmunoprecipitated with several clock proteins but directly interacts specifically with PER1 and deubiquitinates it. Interestingly, this deubiquitination does not alter PER1 stability. Taken together, our results identify USP2 as a new core component of the clock machinery and demonstrate a role for deubiquitination in the regulation of the circadian clock, both at the level of the core pacemaker and its response to external cues.
Accelerated renal disease is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome in a glucolipotoxic mouse model
Authors: Martínez-García Cristina , Izquierdo Adriana , Velagapudi Vidya , Vivas Yurena , Velasco Ismael , Campbell Mark , Burling Keith , Cava Fernando , Ros Manuel , Orešič Matej , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Medina-Gomez Gema 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) through unclear pathogenic mechanisms. Obesity and diabetes are known to induce glucolipotoxic effects in metabolically relevant organs. However, the pathogenic role of glucolipotoxicity in the aetiology of diabetic nephropathy is debated. We generated a murine model, the POKO mouse, obtained by crossing the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) knockout (KO) mouse into a genetically obese ob/ob background. We have previously shown that the POKO mice showed: hyperphagia, insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia as early as 4 weeks of age, and developed a complete loss of normal β-cell function by 16 weeks of age. Metabolic phenotyping of the POKO model has led to investigation of the structural and functional changes in the kidney and changes in blood pressure in these mice. Here we demonstrate that the POKO mouse is a model of renal disease that is accelerated by high levels of glucose and lipid accumulation. Similar to ob/ob mice, at 4 weeks of age these animals exhibited glomerulomegaly, an increased urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and significantly increased blood pressure, but in contrast showed a significant increase in the renal hypertrophy index and an associated increase in p27Kip1 expression compared with their obese littermates. Moreover, at 4 weeks of age POKO mice showed insulin resistance, an alteration of lipid metabolism and glomeruli damage associated with significantly increased transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) expression. At this age, levels of proinflammatory molecules, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and fibrotic factors were also increased at the glomerular level compared with levels in ob/ob mice. At 12 weeks of age, renal damage was fully established. These data suggest an accelerated lesion through glucolipotoxic effects in the renal pathogenesis in POKO mice.
Facial dysmorphism induced by bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A-mediated signaling reduction in neural crest-derived cells
Authors: Saito Hiromitsu , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Suzuki Noboru 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor type 1A (BMPR1A) mutations are associated with facial dysmorphism, which is one of the main clinical signs in both juvenile polyposis and chromosome 10q23 deletion syndromes. Craniofacial development requires reciprocal epithelial/neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchymal interactions mediated by signaling factors, such as Bmp, in both cell populations. To address the role of mesenchymal Bmp signaling in craniofacial development, we generated a conditional knockdown mouse by expressing the dominant-negative Bmpr1a in NC-derived cells expressing the Myelin protein zero (Mpz)-Cre transgene. At birth, 100% of the conditional mutant mice had wide-open anterior fontanelles, and 80% of them died because of cleft face and cleft palate soon after birth. The other 20% survived and developed short faces, hypertelorism, and calvarial foramina. Analysis of the NC-derived craniofacial mesenchyme of mutant embryos revealed an activation of P53 apoptosis pathway, and down-regulation of both c-Myc and Bcl-XL; a normal growth rate but an incomplete expansion of mesenchymal cells. These findings provide genetic evidence indicating that optimal Bmpr1a-mediated signaling is essential for NC-derived mesenchymal cell survival in both normal nasal and frontal bone development and suggest that our model is useful for studying some aspects of the molecular etiology of human craniofacial dysmorphism.
Zebrafish neurofibromatosis type 1 genes have redundant functions in tumorigenesis and embryonic development
Authors: Shin Jimann , Padmanabhan Arun , de Groh Eric D. , Lee Jeong-Soo , Haidar Sam , Dahlberg Suzanne , Guo Feng , He Shuning , Wolman Marc A. , Granato Michael , Lawson Nathan D. , Wolfe Scot A. , Kim Seok-Hyung , Solnica-Krezel Lilianna , Kanki John P. , Ligon Keith L. , Epstein Jonathan A. , Look A. Thomas 
Published: July 2012

SummaryNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common, dominantly inherited genetic disorder that results from mutations in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene. Affected individuals demonstrate abnormalities in neural crest-derived tissues that include hyperpigmented skin lesions and benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. NF1 patients also have a predisposition to malignancies including juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), optic glioma, glioblastoma, schwannoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). In an effort to better define the molecular and cellular determinants of NF1 disease pathogenesis in vivo, we employed targeted mutagenesis strategies to generate zebrafish harboring stable germline mutations in nf1a and nf1b, orthologues of NF1. Animals homozygous for loss-of-function alleles of nf1a or nf1b alone are phenotypically normal and viable. Homozygous loss of both alleles in combination generates larval phenotypes that resemble aspects of the human disease and results in larval lethality between 7 and 10 days post fertilization. nf1-null larvae demonstrate significant central and peripheral nervous system defects. These include aberrant proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), dysmorphic myelin sheaths, and hyperplasia of Schwann cells. Loss of nf1 contributes to tumorigenesis as demonstrated by an accelerated onset and increased penetrance of high-grade gliomas and MPNSTs in adult nf1a+/-; nf1b-/-; p53e7/e7 animals. nf1-null larvae also demonstrate significant motor and learning defects. Importantly, we identify and quantitatively analyze a novel melanophore phenotype in nf1-null larvae, providing the first animal model of the pathognomonic pigmentation lesions of NF1. Together, these findings support a role for nf1a and nf1b as potent tumor suppressor genes that also function in the development of both central and peripheral glial cells as well as melanophores in zebrafish.
Oxidative stress contributes to outcome severity in a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia
Authors: Jumbo-Lucioni Patricia P. , Hopson Marquise L. , Hang Darwin , Liang Yongliang , Jones Dean P. , Fridovich-Keil Judith L. 
Published: July 2012

Summary
Classic galactosemia is a genetic disorder that results from profound loss of galactose-1P-uridylyltransferase (GALT). Affected infants experience a rapid escalation of potentially lethal acute symptoms following exposure to milk. Dietary restriction of galactose prevents or resolves the acute sequelae; however, many patients experience profound long-term complications. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms that underlie pathophysiology in classic galactosemia remain unclear. Recently, we developed a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia and demonstrated that, like patients, GALT-null Drosophila succumb in development if exposed to galactose but live if maintained on a galactose-restricted diet. Prior models of experimental galactosemia have implicated a possible association between galactose exposure and oxidative stress. Here we describe application of our fly genetic model of galactosemia to the question of whether oxidative stress contributes to the acute galactose sensitivity of GALT-null animals. Our first approach tested the impact of pro- and antioxidant food supplements on the survival of GALT-null and control larvae. We observed a clear pattern: the oxidants paraquat and DMSO each had a negative impact on the survival of mutant but not control animals exposed to galactose, and the antioxidants vitamin C and α-mangostin each had the opposite effect. Biochemical markers also confirmed that galactose and paraquat synergistically increased oxidative stress on all cohorts tested but, interestingly, the mutant animals showed a decreased response relative to controls. Finally, we tested the expression levels of two transcripts responsive to oxidative stress, GSTD6 and GSTE7, in mutant and control larvae exposed to galactose and found that both genes were induced, one by more than 40-fold. Combined, these results implicate oxidative stress and response as contributing factors in the acute galactose sensitivity of GALT-null Drosophila and, by extension, suggest that reactive oxygen species might also contribute to the acute pathophysiology in classic galactosemia.
Retention Behavior of β-Cyclodextrin-bonded Stationary Phase Synthesized via Atom-transfer Radical Polymerization and Click Chemistry
Authors: Wang Huaisong , Xie Qiwei , Wang Haiyan , Zhu Diankui , Jiang An 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
A new chiral stationary phase was designed and synthesized via surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click chemistry. Poly(2-methyl-3-butyn-2-yl methacrylate-co-divinylbenzene), poly(MBMA-co-DVB), was grafted on silica surface via ATRP (“grafting-from” technique) first, and then azide-modified β-CD was immobilized on the alkyne of the polymer layer as chiral separation material. Different crosslinking degree of poly(MBMA-co-DVB) was selected to improve the hydrophobicity of silica surface. The materials were packed into a stainless-steel column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and evaluated by separation of aromatic and chiral compounds. The result demonstrated that the crosslinked benzene ring in poly(MBMA-co-DVB) can well improve the selectivity and retention time.
Grading of structural timber of Populus × euramericana clone I-214
Authors: Casado Milagros , Acuña Luis , Basterra Luis-Alfonso , Ramón-Cueto Gemma , Vecilla Daniel 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Grading tests were performed on 338 poplar wood samples (Populus × euramericana I-214) with dimensions of 150×50 mm2, 150×80 mm2, and 200×100 mm2 prepared for structural utilization. The non-destructive testing methods included ultrasound (Sylvatest) and induced vibrations (Portable Lumber Grader) combined with visual grading criteria. Additionally, screw withdrawal resistance was tested by the instrument Fakopp. These results were compared with those obtained by a four-point bending test according to the EN 408 (2004) standard. Ultrasound and induced vibrations overestimated the quality of this type of wood. Correlation equations are proposed to determine the true characteristics for each testing method. It can be concluded that poplar timber from clone I-214 has acceptable flexural strength, but a comparatively low elastic modulus, whereby it is not graded within a high strength class according to the EN 338 (2009) standard.
Isolation and characterization of β-cadinene synthase cDNA from Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsum
Authors: Kuo Pei-Min , Hsu Keng-Hao , Lee Yi-Ru , Chu Fang-Hua , Wang Sheng-Yang 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Chamaecyparis formosensis is a precious conifer endemic in Taiwan. To understand the sesquiterpene synthesis mechanism in this tree, full-length cDNA of a putative sesquiterpene synthase (sesqui-TPS), designated Cf-Cad, was obtained by rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends-polymerase chain reaction. Cf-Cad is 1812 bp in length. To identify its function, recombinant protein from Escherichia coli was incubated with farnesyl diphosphate, which produced one major product, the structure of which was elucidated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. GC/MS analysis, GC retention time and MS matching with authentic standards revealed that the major product was β-cadinene. This is the first report of the cloning, functional expression in E. coli and identification of a sesqui-TPS from a Cupressaceae conifer.
Fundamentals of Biobased and Biodegradable Lubricants: A Real World Perspective
Authors: Miller Mark 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Environmentally friendly lubricants, which are biodegradable and non-toxic, are essential in industrial applications. Significant quantities of petroleum fluids enter the environment every year through leaks, spills, line breakage, and fitting failures. The green alternative helps to decrease environmental impact, as well as clean up costs and fines.
Flow Visualization, Critical Heat Flux Enhancement, and Transient Characteristics in Pool Boiling Using Nanofluids
Authors: Hegde Ramakrishna N. , Rao Shrikantha S. , Reddy R. P. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This paper presents the experimental outcome of a study of the pool boiling heat transfer characteristics of alumina and CuO nanofluid in distilled water using a 0.19 mm diameter NiCr wire. A series of experiments were conducted in order to visualize the flow, critical heat flux (CHF) enhancement, and transient characteristics of nanofluid. The boiling phenomenon was visualized using a 0.1 g/l concentration of alumina nanofluid. The average bubble diameter was measured and was found to increase with increased heat flux. The average bubble contact angle decreased from 69° during the initial stages of boiling to 33° at CHF. Massive vapour bubbles were observed on the test heater surface near the CHF, inducing vapour blankets and forming hot/dry spots. The increase in the CHF could be well explained by the hot/dry spot theory. Pool boiling experiments conducted using low volume concentrations of CuO-water nanofluid at atmospheric pressure in distilled water showed an increase in the CHF by 30 % at a 0.3 g/l concentration. The transient behaviour of nanofluid, examined by exposing the heater surface at a constant heat flux of 700 kW/m2, indicated CHF enhancement of 5.21 % to 6.77 % for the two time durations. Based on the experimental investigations, it was concluded that the CHF enhancement is due to nanoparticle coating, which changes the thickness of the surface as a function of time and surface wettability and corroborates the hot/dry spot theory.
Fuel Quality Assessment of Ethyl Esters Produced from Vegetable Oils and Their Blends With Petroleum Diesel
Authors: Anastopoulos G. , Kalligeros S. , Zannikos F. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Ethanolysis of four different vegetable oils (sunflower, soybean, cotton seed, and used frying oil) was studied using sodium ethoxide as a catalyst. The ester preparation involved a two-step transesterification reaction, followed by purification. The effects of the mass ratio of catalyst to oil, the molar ratio of ethanol to oil, and the reaction temperature were studied on conversion of sunflower oil to optimize the reaction conditions in both stages. The rest of the vegetable oils were converted to ethyl esters under optimum reaction parameters. Ethyl esters of four different types of vegetable oils were blended with the diesel fuel at 2 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 20 %, on a volume basis. The experimental results showed that the densities and viscosities of the blends increased with the increase of biodiesel concentration in the fuel blend. Cold flow properties were negatively affected as ethyl ester content was increasing. Distillation characteristics and cetane indexes were not significantly altered. These results are promising, and ethyl esters can be seen as a viable fully renewable alternative to petroleum diesel.
Influence of Endodontic Treatment in the Post‐Surgical Healing of Human Class II Furcation Defects
Authors: de Miranda Jose Luis C. , Santana Carolina Miller M. , Santana Ronaldo B. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Treatment of molar furcation defects remains a considerable challenge in clinical practice. The degree of success in the management of furcation involvement is highly variable and related to the baseline clinical status of these defects. The identification of clinical parameters influential to the treatment outcomes is critical to optimize the results of surgical periodontal therapy. The impact of the endodontic treatment (ET) of the tooth on the healing potential of the periodontium is controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical response of buccal Class II furcation defects to open‐flap debridement (OFD) and to determine the influence of ET in the clinical outcomes of therapy.Methods: Sixty patients were divided into two treatment groups (n = 30): 1) OFD; and 2) OFD in endodontically treated teeth (OFD + ET). The clinical variables evaluated were plaque (full‐mouth plaque score), bleeding on probing, gingival recession, probing depth (PD), and vertical (VAL) and horizontal (HAL) attachment levels. Reevaluation was performed 12 months after the surgical procedures.Results: Both treatments resulted in improvements in all the clinical variables evaluated. Postoperative measurements from OFD‐treated and OFD + ET–treated sites showed, respectively, 1.2 ± 1.2 and 1.3 ± 1.3 mm reduction in PD, 0.6 ± 0.8 and 0.7 ± 0.6 mm VAL gains, and 0.7 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 1.6 mm HAL gains. No significant differences were found between the groups.Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that adequate endodontic therapy performed ≥6 months before surgical treatment does not significantly influence the clinical parameters of healing of human mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects.
Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY‐Induced Production of Interleukin‐6 and IL‐6 Polymorphism in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Trindade Soraya Castro , Olczak Teresa , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , de Moura‐Costa Lília Ferreira , Vale Vera Costa , Galdino‐Neto Milton , Alves dos Santos Heidiane , de Carvalho Filho Paulo Cirino , Stocker Andreas , Bendicho Maria Teresita , Xavier Márcia Tosta , de Moraes Marcílio Cerqueira Eneida , Meyer Roberto 
Published: July 2012

Background: In chronic periodontitis (CP), the gene polymorphism of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) to 174C/G has been associated with the altered production of this cytokine. The aim of this pilot study is to compare the allelic and genotypic frequencies in patients with CP with control individuals without periodontitis (NP) and to measure the production of IL‐6 by whole blood cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY protein.Methods: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells of 49 patients with CP and 60 control individuals classified as NP, and genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence‐specific primers. Whole blood cells from 29 patients with CP and 30 control individuals were stimulated for 48 hours with HmuY, and IL‐6 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The proportion of individuals carrying the G allele at position –174 of the IL‐6 gene was higher in the group with CP (85.7%) than in the normal control group (73.3%; P <0.03). P. gingivalis HmuY‐induced production of IL‐6 was higher in the group with CP (P <0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that P. gingivalis HmuY may be associated with increased IL‐6 production during CP. Furthermore, patients with periodontitis and individuals with higher HmuY‐induced production of IL‐6 show a high frequency of the G allele at position –174.