bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription of Genes in the Biosynthetic Pathway for Fumonisin Mycotoxins Is Epigenetically and Differentially Regulated in the Fungal Maize Pathogen Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Visentin I. , Montis V. , Döll K. , Alabouvette C. , Tamietti G. , Karlovsky P. , Cardinale F. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

When the fungal pathogen
Gibberella moniliformis
(anamorph,
Fusarium verticillioides
) colonizes maize and maize-based products, it produces class B fumonisin (FB) mycotoxins, which are a significant threat to human and animal health. FB biosynthetic enzymes and accessory proteins are encoded by a set of clustered and cotranscribed genes collectively named FUM, whose molecular regulation is beginning to be unraveled by researchers. FB accumulation correlates with the amount of transcripts from the key FUM genes,
FUM1
,
FUM21
, and
FUM8
. In fungi in general, gene expression is often partially controlled at the chromatin level in secondary metabolism; when this is the case, the deacetylation and acetylation (and other posttranslational modifications) of histones are usually crucial in the regulation of transcription. To assess whether epigenetic factors regulate the FB pathway, we monitored FB production and
FUM1
,
FUM21
, and
FUM8
expression in the presence of a histone deacetylase inhibitor and verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation the relative degree of histone acetylation in the promoter regions of
FUM1
,
FUM21
, and
FUM8
under FB-inducing and noninducing conditions. Moreover, we generated transgenic
F. verticillioides
strains expressing
GFP
under the control of the
FUM1
promoter to determine whether its strength under FB-inducing and noninducing conditions was influenced by its location in the genome. Our results indicate a clear and differential role for chromatin remodeling in the regulation of FUM genes. This epigenetic regulation can be attained through the modulation of histone acetylation at the level of the promoter regions of the key biosynthetic genes
FUM1
and
FUM21
, but less so for
FUM8
.
RING Domain Mutations Uncouple TRIM5α Restriction of HIV-1 from Inhibition of Reverse Transcription and Acceleration of Uncoating
Authors: Roa Amanda , Hayashi Fumiaki , Yang Yang , Lienlaf Maritza , Zhou Jing , Shi Jiong , Watanabe Satoru , Kigawa Takanori , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Aiken Christopher , Diaz-Griffero Felipe 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Rhesus TRIM5α (TRIM5α
rh
) is a cytosolic protein that potently restricts HIV-1 at an early postentry stage, prior to reverse transcription. The ability of TRIM5α
rh
to block HIV-1 infection has been correlated with a decrease of pelletable HIV-1 capsid during infection. To genetically dissect the ability of TRIM5α to block reverse transcription, we studied a set of TRIM5α
rh
RING domain mutants that potently restrict HIV-1 but allow the occurrence of reverse transcription. These TRIM5α
rh
RING variants blocked HIV-1 infection after reverse transcription but prior to integration, as suggested by the routing of nuclear viral DNA to circularization in the form of 2-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) circles. The folding of RING domain variants was similar to that of the wild type, as evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance. RING domain changes that allowed the occurrence of reverse transcription were impaired in their ability to decrease the amount of pelletable capsid compared with wild-type TRIM5α. Similar effects of this particular group of mutations were observed with human TRIM5α inhibition of N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV). Interestingly, TRIM5α
rh
RING domain variants also prevented the degradation of TRIM5α
rh
that occurs following cell entry of HIV-1. These data correlated the block of reverse transcription with the ability of TRIM5α to accelerate uncoating. Collectively, these results suggest that TRIM5α
rh
blocks HIV-1 reverse transcription by inducing premature viral uncoating in target cells.
Use of UKCAT scores in student selection by UK medical schools, 2006-2010
Authors: Adam Jane , Dowell Jon , Greatrix Rachel 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is a set of cognitive tests introduced in 2006, taken annually before application to medical school. The UKCAT is a test of aptitude and not acquired knowledge and as such the results give medical schools a standardised and objective tool that all schools could use to assist their decision making in selection, and so provide a fairer means of choosing future medical students.
Selection of students for UK medical schools is usually in three stages: assessment of academic qualifications, assessment of further qualities from the application form submitted via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) leading to invitation to interview, and then selection for offer of a place. Medical schools were informed of the psychometric qualities of the UKCAT subtests and given some guidance regarding the interpretation of results. Each school then decided how to use the results within its own selection system.

Methods
Annual retrospective key informant telephone interviews were conducted with every UKCAT Consortium medical school, using a pre-circulated structured questionnaire. The key points of the interview were transcribed, 'member checked' and a content analysis was undertaken.

Results
Four equally popular ways of using the test results have emerged, described as Borderline, Factor, Threshold and Rescue methods. Many schools use more than one method, at different stages in their selection process. Schools have used the scores in ways that have sought to improve the fairness of selection and support widening participation. Initially great care was taken not to exclude any applicant on the basis of low UKCAT scores alone but it has been used more as confidence has grown.

Conclusions
There is considerable variation in how medical schools use UKCAT, so it is important that they clearly inform applicants how the test will be used so they can make best use of their limited number of applications.
Differential regional expression patterns of α-synuclein, TNF-α, and IL-1β; and variable status of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mouse brain after Paraquat treatment
Authors: Mitra Soham , Chakrabarti Nilkanta , Bhattacharyya Arindam 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundParaquat (1, 1-dimethyl-4, 4-bipyridium dichloride; PQ) causes neurotoxicity, especially dopaminergic neurotoxicity, and is a supposed risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PQ-induced neurodegeneration are far from clear. Previous studies have shown that PQ induces neuroinflammation and dopaminergic cell loss, but the prime cause of those events is still in debate.MethodsWe examined the neuropathological effects of PQ not only in substantia nigra (SN) but also in frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus of the progressive mouse (adult Swiss albino) model of PD-like neurodegeneration, using immunohistochemistry, western blots, and histological and biochemical analyses.ResultsPQ caused differential patterns of changes in cellular morphology and expression of proteins related to PD and neuroinflammation in the three regions examined (SN, FC and hippocampus). Coincident with behavioral impairment and brain-specific ROS generation, there was differential immunolocalization and decreased expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the three regions, whereas α-synuclein immunopositivity increased in hippocampus, increased in FC and decreased in SN. PQ-induced neuroinflammation was characterized by area-specific changes in localization and appearances of microglial cells with or without activation and increment in expression patterns of tumor necrosis factor-α in the three regions of mouse brain. Expression of interleukin-1β was increased in FC and hippocampus but not significantly changed in SN.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that PQ induces ROS production and differential α-synuclein expression that promotes neuroinflammation in microglia-dependent or -independent manners, and produces different patterns of dopaminergic neurotoxicity in three different regions of mouse brain.
Thick beryllium coatings by ion-assisted magnetron sputtering
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Alford Craig , Chason Eric , Detor Andrew J. , Fuller Tim , Hamza Alex V. , Hayes Jeff , Moreno Kari A. , Nikroo Abbas , van Buuren Tony , Wang Yinmin , Wu Jun-jim , Wilkens Heather , Youngblood Kelly P. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Contradictory Evidence for the Role of Temperature and Particle Size in Nanofluid Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Christianson Rebecca J. , Townsend Jessica 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe prospects for increased cooling capacity from the use of nanofluid coolants has created a tremendous amount of interest. However, in the years since the initial thermal conductivity measurements of nanoparticle suspensions were reported, there has been much inconsistency in data published in the literature. The International Nanofluids Benchmarking Exercise was a significant step towards creating a reliable set of data on the thermal conductivity enhancement of stable nanofluids, however there remain many unanswered questions. Most significant, perhaps, is the contradictory results on the effects of particle size and temperature. In the past year alone it is possible to find published reports on nominally identical samples claiming precisely opposing trends in thermal conductivity with decreasing particle size at room temperature. Some studies also claim an increasing enhancement at higher temperatures, sometimes linking this to small particle sizes. In this work we review the literature claims for particle size and temperature results, the theories used to support those claims, as well as presenting new data with the aim of resolving the dispute and identifying the origins of the evidence for contradictory claims.
Electronic Thermal Conductivity Effects of Nanoscale Conductors in a Gaseous Flow Environment
Authors: Garrity Patrick L. , Stokes Kevin L. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe surrounding ambient introduces a gaseous boundary to many nanotechnology applications such as nanosensors, nanoelectromechanical systems and nanocoatings. Despite the large surface area to volume ratio of nanostructures, a formal study of the surface scattering effects induced by a gaseous boundary has received little attention. In this work, we consider the perturbing effects to the electron cloud or jellium of conducting nanostructures when submitted to a gaseous interface of varying interaction energies. Specifically, we incorporate the novel experimental method of Dynamic Electron Scattering (DES) to measure electronic thermal conductivity of 30 nm thick Au and Cu metal films in He and Ar atmospheres. The gas particle impact energy is varied by changing the flow speed from stationary (non-moving gas field) to high speed flow over the metal films. The scattering effects of each gas are clearly observable through electronic thermal conductivity reductions as the gas impact energy increases. We find the high collision density of He to induce greater reductions in thermal conductivity than the much heavier Ar with lower collision density. The perturbed transport properties of the Au and Cu thin films are explained by kinetic surface scattering mechanisms that dominate the scattering landscape of high surface area to volume ratio materials as suggested by comparative measurements on bulk Cu.
Association of Urinary Sodium/Potassium Ratio with Blood Pressure
Authors: Hedayati S. Susan , Minhajuddin Abu T. , Ijaz Adeel , Moe Orson W. , Elsayed Essam F. , Reilly Robert F. , Huang Chou-Long 
Published: November 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Previous studies reporting an association between high BP and high sodium and low potassium intake or urinary sodium/potassium ratio (U[Na+]/[K+]) primarily included white men and did not control for cardiovascular risk factors.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This cross-sectional study investigated the association of U[Na+]/[K+] with BP in 3303 participants using robust linear regression.

Results
Mean age was 43±10 years, 56% of participants were women, and 52% were African American. BP was higher in African Americans than in non–African Americans, 131/81±20/11 versus 120/76±16/9 mmHg (P<0.001). Mean U[Na+]/[K+] was 4.4±3.0 in African Americans and 4.1±2.5 in non–African Americans (P=0.002), with medians (interquartile ranges) of 3.7 (3.2) and 3.6 (2.8). Systolic BP increased by 1.6 mmHg (95% confidence interval, 1.0, 2.2) and diastolic BP by 1.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval, 0.6, 1.4) for each 3-unit increase in U[Na+]/[K+] (P<0.001 for both). This association remained significant after adjusting for diabetes mellitus, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, GFR, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio. There was no interaction between African-American race and U[Na+]/[K+], but for any given value of U[Na+]/[K+], both systolic BP and diastolic BP were higher in African Americans than in non–African Americans. The diastolic BP increase was higher in men than in women per 3-unit increase in U[Na+]/[K+] (1.6 versus 0.9 mmHg, interaction P=0.03).

Conclusions
Dietary Na+ excess and K+ deficiency may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension independent of cardiovascular risk factors. This association may be more pronounced in men than in women.
Zweihundert Jahre Iodforschung: ein interdisziplinärer Überblick über die derzeitige Forschung
Authors: Küpper Frithjof C. , Feiters Martin C. , Olofsson Berit , Kaiho Tatsuo , Yanagida Shozo , Zimmermann Michael B. , Carpenter Lucy J. , Luther George W. , Lu Zunli , Jonsson Mats , Kloo Lars 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIod als neues Element wurde im Zusammenhang mit den Napoleonischen Kriegen 1811 entdeckt. Zum Anlass dieses zweihundertjährigen Jubiläums möchten wir auf die Geschichte der Erforschung und Nutzung dieses Elements zurückblicken und die vielen Facetten der Iodforschung beleuchten, die sich seit der Entdeckung herausgebildet haben. Iod beeinflusst viele Aspekte des Lebens auf der Erde und der menschlichen Zivilisation. Es wird in hohen Konzentrationen von marinen Algen akkumuliert, die die Ursache für einen bedeutenden Eintrag von Iod in die Küstenatmosphäre sind und dabei klimatische Prozesse beeinflussen. In marinen Sedimenten wird Iod als biophiles Element angesehen. Iod ist entscheidend für die Schilddrüsenfunktion von Wirbeltieren und damit von großer Bedeutung für die menschliche Gesundheit. Iod kommt in einer großen Zahl von Oxidationszuständen vor und zeichnet sich durch eine vielfältige supramolekulare Chemie aus. Iod ist einer Reihe analytischer Techniken zugänglich, und Iodverbindungen werden vielfach in organischen Synthesen eingesetzt. Elementares Iod wird in industriellen Größenordnungen produziert und findet ein breites Spektrum industrieller Anwendungen, insbesondere bei innovativen Werkstoffen wie Halbleitern – besonders auch in Solarzellen.
Synthesis of monodisperse crosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres by precipitation polymerization in acetic acid
Authors: Tan Zhi , Ma Jing , Chen Hou , Ji Naiyi , Zong Guangxi 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPoly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres with size ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 μm were prepared in acetic acid by precipitation polymerization. The particle size and particle size distribution were determined by laser diffraction particle size analyzer, and the morphology of the particles was observed with scanning electron microscope. Besides, effects of various polymerization parameters such as initiator and total monomer concentration, divinylbenzene (DVB) content, polymerization time and polymerization temperature on the morphology and particle size were investigated in this article. In addition, the yield of microspheres increased with the increasing total monomer concentration, initiator loading, DVB concentration and polymerization time. In addition, the optimum polymerization conditions for synthesis of monodisperse crosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres by precipitation polymerization in acetic acid were obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Mechanical, thermal properties, and flame retardancy of PC/ultrafine octaphenyl‐POSS composites
Authors: Li Lamei , Li Xiangmei , Yang Rongjie 
Published: November 2011

AbstractComposites of ultrafine polyhedral oligomeric octaphenyl silsesquioxane (OPS) and polycarbonate (PC) were prepared by melt blending. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were characterized by tensile and flexural tests, impact test, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Rheological properties of these melts were tested by torque rheometer. The flame retardancy of the composites was tested by limiting oxygen index (LOI), the vertical burning (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter test. The char residue was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ATR‐FTIR spectrum. Furthermore, the dispersion of OPS particles in the PC matrix was evidenced by SEM. The results indicate that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and torque of the composites decrease with increasing OPS loading. The onset decomposition temperatures of composites are lower than that of PC. The LOI value and UL‐94 rating of the PC/OPS composites increase with increasing loading of OPS. When OPS loading reaches 6 wt %, the LOI value is 33.8%, UL‐94 (1.6 mm) V‐0 rating is obtained, and peak heat release rate (PHRR) decreases from 570 to 292 kJ m−2. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Underwater video analysis as a non‐destructive alternative to electrofishing for sampling imperilled headwater stream fishes
Authors: Ellender B. R. , Becker A. , Weyl O. L. F. , Swartz E. R. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Traditionally headwater streams are surveyed using electrofishing, a potentially harmful sampling method. Increasingly scientists are seeking out the least destructive stream sampling methods, especially when sampling imperilled fishes. It is therefore imperative that the efficacy of alternative, non‐destructive sampling methods be investigated.
This study investigated the potential for using underwater video analysis (UWVA) as an alternative to electrofishing for assessing the diversity and relative abundance of imperilled fishes in clear, relatively shallow (<1.5 m) headwater streams.
Detection rates using UWVA were higher than with electrofishing, relative abundance estimates between the two methods were significantly correlated, the attractive effect of the camera was negligible and UWVA was logistically feasible for sampling small headwater streams.
These results have clear conservation implications as it was demonstrated that UWVA is a suitable sampling method for estimating relative abundance of fishes in small, clear headwater streams. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linker histone H1 stimulates DNA strand exchange between short oligonucleotides retaining high sensitivity to heterology
Authors: Bocharova Tatiana N. , Smirnova Elena A. , Volodin Alexander A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe interaction of human linker histone H1(0) with short oligonucleotides was characterized. The capability of the histone to promote DNA strand exchange in this system has been demonstrated. The reaction is reversible at saturating amounts of H1 corresponding to complete binding of the oligonucleotide substrates with the histone. In our conditions the complete saturation of DNA with the histone occurs at a ratio of one protein molecule per about 60 nucleotides irrespectively of DNA strandedness. In contrast to the DNA strand exchange promoted by RecA‐like enzymes of homologous recombination the H1 promoted reaction exhibits low tolerance to interruptions of homology between oligonucleotide substrates comparable to those for the case of spontaneous strand exchange between free DNA molecules at elevated temperatures and the exchange promoted by some synthetic polycations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 229–239, 2012.
Organizational Legitimacy and the Strategic Bridging Ability of Green Alliances
Authors: Shah Kalim U. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAlliances with environmental non‐governmental organizations may benefit multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in developing countries where uncertain socio‐cultural and institutional conditions present higher investment risks. Such ‘green alliances’ can provide strategic bridging services by interceding between MNCs and distant, yet important, stakeholders. From an institutional perspective, strategic bridging success may depend on stakeholder perceptions of alliance legitimacy. In this study the relationship between alliance legitimacy and strategic bridging ability is explored through the case of the Turtle Village Trust in Trinidad and Tobago. Findings suggest that bridging success occurs when organizational legitimacy peaks; that new alliance partners temporarily weaken legitimacy; and bridging with every new targeted stakeholder requires continued acquisition of legitimacy based on their respective values. MNC decisions to form alliances that bridge targeted stakeholders on their behalf should therefore consider the potential of the alliance to acquire and accumulate organizational legitimacy without which strategic bridging efforts may be futile. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Adoption of Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in the Caribbean
Authors: Millar Harvey H. , Russell Suzana N. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe Caribbean region is awakening to the reality that environmental sustainability is fast becoming a major business performance dimension that is shaping the competitive landscape for manufacturers. This research attempts to gain a picture of the current level of emphasis on environmental sustainability among manufacturers in five Caribbean countries. This paper reports on the level of awareness of the concept of sustainable manufacturing, the sustainability practices Caribbean manufacturers are currently engaged in, and the barriers preventing the adoption of sustainability practices. The findings from our survey show that the majority of Caribbean manufacturers have little knowledge of the concept of sustainable manufacturing and the adoption of sustainability practices is low. In light of these findings, the paper discusses potential roles for Caribbean governments, manufacturing associations, and educational institutions in addressing the need for greater emphasis on sustainable manufacturing in the region. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.