bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drosophila Insulin Pathway Mutants Affect Visual Physiology and Brain Function Besides Growth, Lipid, and Carbohydrate Metabolism
Authors: Murillo-Maldonado Juan M. , Sánchez-Chávez Gustavo , Salgado Luis M. , Salceda Rocío , Riesgo-Escovar Juan R. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes worldwide. Some of its complications, such as retinopathy and neuropathy, are long-term and protracted, with an unclear etiology. Given this problem, genetic model systems, such as in flies where type 2 diabetes can be modeled and studied, offer distinct advantages.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We used individual flies in experiments: control and mutant individuals with partial loss-of-function insulin pathway genes. We measured wing size and tested body weight for growth phenotypes, the latter by means of a microbalance. We studied total lipid and carbohydrate content, lipids by a reaction in single fly homogenates with vanillin-phosphoric acid, and carbohydrates with an anthrone-sulfuric acid reaction. Cholinesterase activity was measured using the Ellman method in head homogenates from pooled fly heads, and electroretinograms with glass capillary microelectrodes to assess performance of central brain activity and retinal function.

RESULTS
Flies with partial loss-of-function of insulin pathway genes have significantly reduced body weight, higher total lipid content, and sometimes elevated carbohydrate levels. Brain function is impaired, as is retinal function, but no clear correlation can be drawn from nervous system function and metabolic state.

CONCLUSIONS
These studies show that flies can be models of type 2 diabetes. They weigh less but have significant lipid gains (obese); some also have carbohydrate gains and compromised brain and retinal functions. This is significant because flies have an open circulatory system without microvasculature and can be studied without the complications of vascular defects.
Ethnicity Modifies the Relationships of Insulin Resistance, Inflammation, and Adiponectin With Obesity in a Multiethnic Asian Population
Authors: Khoo Chin Meng , Sairazi Sarina , Taslim Siska , Gardner Daphne , Wu Yi , Lee Jeannette , van Dam Rob M. , Shyong Tai E. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
The development of obesity-related metabolic disorders varies with ethnicity. We examined whether ethnicity modifies the relationship between BMI and three metabolic pathways (insulin resistance, inflammation, and adiponectin) that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We analyzed data from 4,804 Chinese, Malay, and Asian-Indian residents of Singapore with complete data on insulin resistance (IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and total adiponectin levels. Linear regression models with an interaction term ethnicity*BMI were used to evaluate whether ethnicity modifies the association between BMI and IR, CRP, and adiponectin.

RESULTS
In both uni- and multivariate analyses, BMI was directly associated with IR and CRP and inversely with adiponectin across all ethnic groups. When compared with Chinese and Malays, Asian-Indians had higher IR and CRP and lower adiponectin levels. The associations between BMI and its metabolic pathways were significantly stronger in Chinese than in other ethnic groups. The increase in IR and CRP and the decrease in adiponectin for each unit increase in BMI were greater in Chinese than in other ethnic groups. The findings were similar when waist circumference was used in the analyses instead of BMI.

CONCLUSIONS
The impact of BMI on IR, CRP, and adiponectin appears greater in Chinese as compared with other major Asian ethnic groups. This may partly explain the rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes and CVD in Chinese populations and highlights the importance of weight management in Asian ethnic groups despite the apparently low levels of obesity.
Plexin-D1 Is a Novel Regulator of Germinal Centers and Humoral Immune Responses
Authors: Holl Eda K. , O’Connor Brian P. , Holl T. Matt , Roney Kelly E. , Zimmermann Albert G. , Jha Sushmita , Kelsoe Garnett , Ting Jenny P.-Y. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Long-lived humoral immune responses depend upon the generation of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells during the germinal center (GC) reaction. These memory compartments, characterized by class-switched IgG and high-affinity Abs, are the basis for successful vaccination. We report that a new member of the plexin family of molecules, plexin-D1, controls the GC reaction and is required for secondary humoral immune responses. Plexin-D1 was not required for B cell maturation, marginal zone precursor development, dark and light zone formation, Igλ+ and Igκ+ B cell skewing, B1/B2 development, and the initial extrafollicular response. Plexin-D1 expression was increased following B cell activation, and PlxnD1−/− mice exhibited defective GC reactions during T-dependent immune activation. PlxnD1−/− B cells showed a defect in migration toward the GC chemokines, CXCL12, CXCL13, and CCL19. Accordingly, PlxnD1−/− mice exhibited defective production of IgG1 and IgG2b, but not IgG3 serum Ab, accompanied by reductions in long-lived bone marrow plasmacytes and recall humoral memory responses. These data show a new role for immune plexins in the GC reaction and generation of immunologic memory.
Mice Lacking Endogenous IL-10–Producing Regulatory B Cells Develop Exacerbated Disease and Present with an Increased Frequency of Th1/Th17 but a Decrease in Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Carter Natalie A. , Vasconcellos Rita , Rosser Elizabeth C. , Tulone Calogero , Muñoz-Suano Alba , Kamanaka Masahito , Ehrenstein Michael R. , Flavell Richard A. , Mauri Claudia 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
IL-10–producing B cells, also known as regulatory B cells (Bregs), play a key role in controlling autoimmunity. In this study, we report that chimeric mice specifically lacking IL-10–producing B cells (IL-10−/−B cell) developed an exacerbated arthritis compared with chimeric wild-type (WT) B cell mice. A significant decrease in the absolute numbers of Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs), in their expression level of Foxp3, and a marked increase in inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells were detected in IL-10−/− B cell mice compared with WT B cell mice. Reconstitution of arthritic B cell deficient (μMT) mice with different B cell subsets revealed that the ability to modulate Treg frequencies in vivo is exclusively restricted to transitional 2 marginal zone precursor Bregs. Moreover, transfer of WT transitional 2 marginal zone precursor Bregs to arthritic IL-10−/− mice increased Foxp3+ Tregs and reduced Th1 and Th17 cell frequencies to levels measured in arthritic WT mice and inhibited inflammation. In vitro, IL-10+/+ B cells established longer contact times with arthritogenic CD4+CD25− T cells compared with IL-10−/− B cells in response to Ag stimulation, and using the same culture conditions, we observed upregulation of Foxp3 on CD4+ T cells. Thus, IL-10–producing B cells restrain inflammation by promoting differentiation of immunoregulatory over proinflammatory T cells.
Local Anaesthetic Wound Infiltration after Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial in 33 Patients
Authors: Bech Rune D. , Lauritsen Jens , Ovesen Ole , Emmeluth Claus , Lindholm Peter , Overgaard Søren 
Published: April 2011

Pain control may assist early mobilisation after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. Systemic opioids have significant side effects in elderly patients. We present an evaluation of the effect of local anaesthetic infiltration in such cases, the objective being to decrease the need for postoperative opioids and to improve pain control for patients after surgery. 33 patients undergoing internal fixation with 2 parallel hook pins were randomized into 2 groups in a double blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00529425). 33 patients received intraoperative infiltration followed by 6 postoperative injections through an intraarticular catheter in eight-hour intervals. 19 patients received ropivacaine and 14 received saline. The intervention period was 48 hours and the observation period was 5 days. In both groups there were no restrictions on the total daily dose of rescue analgesics. Pain was assessed at specific postoperative time-points and the daily consumption of opioid drugs needed for analgesia was registered. There was no significantly reduced consumption of standardized opioid rescue analgesics or pain in the study group receiving ropivacaine injections. Apart from a reduction in nausea in the study group on the second postoperative day, there were no significant differences in the occurrence of side effects between the groups. On day 2 the placebo group had less pain than the study group. Local anaesthetic infiltration after fixation of femoral neck fractures does not reduce opioid consumption or pain'.
Derivatization of Free Natural Glycans for Incorporation onto Glycan Arrays: Derivatizing Glycans on the Microscale for Microarray and Other Applications
Authors: Song Xuezheng , Heimburg‐Molinaro Jamie , Smith David F. , Cummings Richard D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNature possesses an unlimited number and source of biologically relevant natural glycans, many of which are too complicated to synthesize in the laboratory. To capitalize on the naturally occurring plethora of glycans, a method is presented here to fluorescently tag isolated free glycans while maintaining the closed‐ring structure. After purification of the labeled glycans, they can be printed on a glass surface to create a natural glycan microarray, suitable for interrogation with potential glycan‐binding proteins. The derivatization of these natural glycans has vastly expanded the number of glycans available for functional studies. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:53‐63 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Green‐Chemical Synthesis of Ultrathin β‐MnOOH Nanofibers for Separation Membranes
Authors: Peng Xinsheng , Ichinose Izumi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractUltrathin β‐MnOOH nanofibers can be produced on a large scale via a green‐chemical method using an aqueous solution of very dilute Mn(NO3)2 and aminoethanol at room temperature. High‐magnification electron microscopy demonstrates that the β‐MnOOH nanofibers are 3–5 nm thin and up to 1 micrometer long and the nanofibers are parallel assembled into bundles with an average diameter of 25 nm. By a filtration process, ultrathin mesoporous membranes with strong mechanical, thermal, and chemical stabilities are prepared from the β‐MnOOH nanofiber bundles. The membranes can separate 10‐nm nanoparticles from water at a flux of 15120 L m−2·h−1·bar−1, which was 2–3 times higher than that of commercial membranes with similar rejection properties. Based on the Young‐Laplace equation, β‐MnOOH nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane composite membranes are developed through a novel downstream‐side evaporation process. From nanoporous to dense separation membranes can be achieved by optimizing the experimental conditions. The membranes show desirable separation performance for proteins, ethanol/water mixtures, and gases. The synthesis method of β‐MnOOH nanofibers is simple and environmentally friendly, and it is easily scalable for industry and applicable to other metal oxide systems. These composite membranes constitute a significant contribution to advanced separation technology.
Direct chemiluminescence determination of penicillin G potassium and a chemometrical optimization approach
Authors: Sorouraddin Mohammad H. , Iranifam Mortaza , Naseri Abdolhossein , Fadakar‐Sardroud Mohammad , Gharari‐Alibabalou Hossein 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTA highly selective and simple chemiluminescence (CL) method for determination of penicillin G potassium (PGK) was developed. In the proposed method, CL was elicited from PGK upon its oxidation with H2O2. The light emission was enhanced in the presence of N‐cetyl‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB). An experimental design, central composite design (CCD), was used to realize the optimized variables, including pH, surfactant (CTMAB) and H2O2 concentrations. Under optimum condition, the calibration graph was linear in the range 3.3 × 10−3–3.3 × 10−1 mmol/L, with a detection limit of 8.8 × 10−4 mmol/L for PGK. The precision was calculated by analysing samples containing 1.6 × 10−1 mmol/L PGK (n = 5) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.40%. The utility of this method was demonstrated by determining PGK in pharmaceutical formulations for injection. The proposed method was validated by a reference method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resonance light scattering technique for determination of polychlorinated biphenyls with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Fengju , Wu Xia , Zhan Jinhua 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a simple and novel method for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a resonance light scattering (RLS) probe, is proposed. Under optimized conditions, there existed linear relationships between the enhancing RLS intensity of the system and the concentrations of PCBs in the range 8.0 × 10−8−1.0 × 10−6 g mL−1 for 2,4,4′‐trichlorbiphenyl (PCB28), 9.0 × 10−8−1.0 × 10−6 g mL−1 for 2,2′,5,5′‐tetrachlorbiphenyl (PCB52) and 4.0 × 10−8−1.0 × 10−6 g mL−1 for 3,3′,4,4′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77). The corresponding detection limits (S/N = 3) were 2.6 × 10−8 g mL−1 for PCB28, 3.3 × 10−8 g mL−1 for PCB52 and 6.3 × 10−9 g mL−1 for PCB77, respectively. Finally, the mechanism of RLS enhancement was also studied. The results indicated that PCBs were adsorbed on the surface of AgNPs to form larger AgNP–PCB aggregates, resulting in the RLS enhancement of the system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel in vivo Cell‐Wall Labeling Approach Sheds New Light on Peptidoglycan Synthesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Olrichs Nick K. , Aarsman Mirjam E. G. , Verheul Jolanda , Arnusch Christopher J. , Martin Nathaniel I. , Hervé Mireille , Vollmer Waldemar , de Kruijff Ben , Breukink Eefjan , den Blaauwen Tanneke 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPeptidoglycan synthesis and turnover in relation to cell growth and division has been studied by using a new labeling method. This method involves the incorporation of fluorescently labeled peptidoglycan precursors into the cell wall by means of the cell‐wall recycling pathway. We show that Escherichia coli is able to import exogenous added murein tripeptide labeled with N‐7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐yl (AeK–NBD) into the cytoplasm where it enters the peptidoglycan biosynthesis route, resulting in fluorescent labels specifically located in the cell wall. When wild‐type cells were grown in the presence of the fluorescent peptide, peptidoglycan was uniformly labeled in cells undergoing elongation. Cells in the process of division displayed a lack of labeled peptidoglycan at mid‐cell. Analysis of labeling patterns in cell division mutants showed that the occurrence of unlabeled peptidoglycan is dependent on the presence of FtsZ, but independent of FtsQ and FtsI. Accumulation of fluorescence at the division sites of a triple amidase mutant (ΔamiABC) revealed that AeK–NBD is incorporated into septal peptidoglycan. AmiC was shown to be involved in the rapid removal of labeled peptidoglycan side chains at division sites in wild‐type cells. Because septal localization of AmiC is dependent on FtsQ and FtsI, this points to the presence of another peptidoglycan hydrolase activity directly dependent on FtsZ.
DNA‐Based Peroxidation Catalyst—What Is the Exact Role of Topology on Catalysis and Is There a Special Binding Site for Catalysis?
Authors: Nakayama Shizuka , Wang Jingxin , Sintim Herman O. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the last decade, there has been growing interests in studies aimed at delineating the strategies used by various nucleic acid enzymes to facilitate catalysis. Insights gained from such studies would enable the design of better DNA/RNA catalysts for various applications such as biosensing. DNA and RNA catalysts have been shown to be able to catalyze myriads of reactions, including peroxidation reactions, which are catalyzed by G‐quadruplexes. In this report, we provide data that clarifies how G‐quadruplex peroxidases achieve catalysis. Firstly, we show that by covalently linking a hemin cofactor to DNAzymes, anti‐parallel G‐quadruplexes, which have been previously shown to be catalytically inefficient, can be “resurrected” to become good peroxidation catalysts. We also reveal that the relative rates of peroxidation by DNAzyme peroxidases depend on the nature of the organic reductant, arguing for a special binding site in the peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzymes for catalysis.
Kooperation Wirtschaft – Schule
Authors: Knispel Friedrich , Stahlhut Norbert , Wilhelmi Wilhelm 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDas Gymnasium Sulingen und die ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH (EMPG) haben ein Kooperationsmodell entwickelt um Schüler für technische Berufe zu interessieren. Als Plattform dient das Seminarfach in der Oberstufe. Zunächst wird der organisatorische Rahmen festgelegt. Im Betriebspraktikum erwerben die verantwortlichen Lehrer das fachliche Grundlagenwissen und besprechen mit dem Betrieb organisatorische Einzelheiten. Die gesamte Schülergruppe lernt den Betrieb kennen, ein Drittel der Schüler recherchiert mit Unterstützung eines Ansprechpartners im Betrieb, ein Fünftel arbeitet im Rahmen der Facharbeit im Betrieb. Die Ergebnisse werden als Text, digitale Präsentation und Poster vorgestellt. Die Kooperation wirkt sich positiv für viele Bereiche der Schule aus.
Analyse der Schüler‐Schüler‐Kommunikation im Chemieunterricht Entwicklung und Erprobung eines Kategoriensystems
Authors: Knobloch Rebecca , Sumfleth Elke , Walpuski Maik 
Published: April 2011

AbstractKommunikation im Unterricht hat als eigener Kompetenzbereich in den Nationalen Bildungsstandards einen besonderen Stellenwert erhalten. Die Fachkommunikation der Schülerinnen und Schüler untereinander sollte demnach gefördert werden. Im normalen Unterrichtsgeschehen dominiert jedoch meist die Lehrkraft die Unterrichtskommunikation. Der vorliegende Artikel bezieht sich auf eine Studie, deren Ziel es insbesondere ist, ein Analyseinstrument zu entwickeln, mit dem die Qualität inhaltsspezifischer Schüleräußerungen im Chemieunterricht beurteilt werden kann. Hierbei werden zunächst anhand von Fachwissenstests und Videodaten die fachinhaltlichen Kommunikationsmerkmale von Kleingruppen, die einen hohen Lernzuwachs aufweisen und Kleingruppen, die einen geringen Lernzuwachs haben, beschrieben. Aufgrund dieser Analyse werden Hinweise zur Optimierung der Schüler‐Schüler‐Kommunikation gegeben.
Electrochemical Treatment of Dye Solution by Oxalate Catalyzed Photoelectro‐Fenton Process Using a Carbon Nanotube‐PTFE Cathode: Optimization by Central Composite Design
Authors: Khataee Ali R. , Zarei Mahmoud , Khataee Amir R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDecolorization of C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) by oxalate catalyzed photoelectro‐Fenton process based on carbon nanotube‐polytetrafluoroethylene (CNT‐PTFE) electrode as cathode under visible light was studied. A comparison of electro‐Fenton, photoelectro‐Fenton, and photoelectro‐Fenton/oxalate processes for decolorization of the solution containing BB3 has been performed. The results showed that color removal follows the decreasing order: photoelectro‐Fenton/oxalate > photoelectro‐Fenton > electro‐Fenton. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to assess individual and interactive effects of the four main independent parameters on the decolorization efficiency. A central composite design (CCD) was employed for optimization of photoelectro‐Fenton/oxalate treatment of BB3. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.958) and satisfactory prediction second‐order regression. This study clearly showed that RSM was one of the suitable methods to optimize the operating conditions.
18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography as a prognostic predictor in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Kang Won Jun , Kim Ja Kyung , Seong Jinsil , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Lee Do Youn , Lee Kwang Hoon , Lee Jong Doo , Han Kwang‐Hyub 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Metabolic activity assessed by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglocuse‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) reflects biological aggressiveness and prognoses in various tumors. The authors present a correlation between tumor metabolic activity and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS:Over a 3‐year period (2005‐2008), 135 locally advanced HCC patients were treated with localized concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT; external beam radiotherapy at 45 grays for 5 weeks plus concurrent hepatic arterial infusion of 5‐fluorouracil during the first and fifth week) followed by repetitive hepatic arterial infusional chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin. Among them, the authors studied 107 who received 18F‐FDG‐PET before CCRT. Maximal standardized uptake values (SUVs) of tumors were calculated.RESULTS:The median maximal tumor SUV was 6.1 (range, 2.4‐∼19.2). Patients with low maximal tumor SUVs (<6.1) had a higher disease control rate than those with high maximal tumor SUVs (≥6.1) (86.8% vs 68.5%, respectively, P = .023). Both median progression‐free survival (PFS; 8.4 vs 5.2 months; P = .003) and overall survival (OS; 17.9 vs 11.3 months; P = .013) were significantly longer in the low maximal tumor SUV group than in the high maximal tumor SUV group, respectively. In multivariate analysis, low maximal tumor SUV and objective responses to CCRT remained significant for PFS and OS. The high maximal tumor SUV group was more likely to have extrahepatic metastasis within 6 months than the low maximal tumor SUV group (58.1% vs 26.8%, respectively; P < .001). Similar results were obtained for the maximal tumor SUV/normal liver maximal SUV ratio (<2 vs ≥2) concerning progression, death, and extrahepatic metastasis.CONCLUSIONS:Metabolic activity may be useful not only in predicting prognosis and treatment responses, but also in establishing optimal treatment plans in locally advanced HCC. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
On the Nature of the Long‐Lived “Dark” State of Isolated 1‐Methylthymine
Authors: Kunitski Maksim , Nosenko Yevgeniy , Brutschy Bernhard 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe photoinduced excited‐state relaxation dynamics of gaseous thymine and 1‐methylthymine are studied by both femtosecond and nanosecond pump–probe ionization spectroscopy on the sub‐picosecond to microsecond timescale. A threefold exponential decay is observed with time constants of 80±40 fs, 4.8±2 ps, and 280±30 ns for thymine and 70±40 fs, 3.4±1.1 ps, and 310±30 ns for 1‐methylthymine using a 267 nm excitation and subsequent 800 nm multiphoton ionization. In addition, a vibrational spectrum in the NH stretch region of the long‐lived “dark” electronic state of isolated 1‐methylthymine is reported for the first time. This spectrum, in combination with the dependence of the dark‐state ionization rate on the laser intensity, allows assignment of the dark state of 1‐methylthymine to the lowest triplet state of the keto tautomer, thus excluding enol tautomers as well as the nπ* excited state and a hot electronic ground state from the consideration. Very similar excited‐state relaxation dynamics of thymine and 1‐methylthymine justify the conclusion that the long‐lived dark state of isolated thymine is also of triplet nature.