bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the Transcription Factor Sox4 in Insulin Secretion and Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Goldsworthy Michelle , Hugill Alison , Freeman Helen , Horner Emma , Shimomura Kenju , Bogani Debora , Pieles Guido , Mijat Vesna , Arkell Ruth , Bhattacharya Shoumo , Ashcroft Frances M. , Cox Roger D. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES— To identify, map, clone, and functionally validate a novel mouse model for impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Haploinsufficiency of the insulin receptor and associated mild insulin resistance has been used to sensitize an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) screen to identify novel mutations resulting in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. The new impaired glucose tolerance 4 (IGT4) model was selected using an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and inheritance of the phenotype confirmed by generation of backcross progeny. Segregation of the phenotype was correlated with genotype information to map the location of the gene and candidates sequenced for mutations. The function of the SRY-related high mobility group (HMG)-box 4 (Sox4) gene in insulin secretion was tested using another ENU allele and by small interfering RNA silencing in insulinoma cells.
RESULTS— We describe two allelic autosomal dominant mutations in the highly conserved HMG box of the transcription factor Sox4. Previously associated with pancreas development, Sox4 mutations in the adult mouse result in an insulin secretory defect, which exhibits impaired glucose tolerance in association with insulin receptor+/−–induced insulin resistance. Elimination of the Sox4 transcript in INS1 and Min6 cells resulted in the abolition of glucose-stimulated insulin release similar to that observed for silencing of the key metabolic enzyme glucokinase. Intracellular calcium measurements in treated cells indicate that this defect lies downstream of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) and calcium influx.
CONCLUSIONS— IGT4 represents a novel digenic model of insulin resistance coupled with an insulin secretory defect. The Sox4 gene has a role in insulin secretion in the adult β-cell downstream of the KATP channel.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin–Conditioned Dendritic Cells Induce Regulatory T-Cell Differentiation and Protection of NOD Mice Against Diabetes
Authors: Besin Gilles , Gaudreau Simon , Ménard Michaël , Guindi Chantal , Dupuis Gilles , Amrani Abdelaziz 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Autoimmune diabetes in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model results from a breakdown of T-cell tolerance caused by impaired tolerogenic dendritic cell development and regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation. Re-establishment of the Treg pool has been shown to confer T-cell tolerance and protection against diabetes. Here, we have investigated whether murine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) re-established tolerogenic function of dendritic cells and induced differentiation and/or expansion of Tregs in NOD mice and protection against diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We examined the phenotype of TSLP-conditioned bone marrow dendritic cells (TSLP-DCs) of NOD mice and their functions to induce noninflammatory Th2 response and differentiation of Tregs. The functional relevance of TSLP and TSLP-DCs to development of diabetes was also tested.RESULTS—Our results showed that bone marrow dendritic cells of NOD mice cultured in the presence of TSLP acquired signatures of tolerogenic dendritic cells, such as an absence of production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decreased expression of dendritic cell costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II) compared with LPS-treated dendritic cells. Furthermore, TSLP-DCs promoted noninflammatory Th2 response and induced the conversion of naïve T-cells into functional CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. We further showed that subcutaneous injections of TSLP for 6 days or a single intravenous injection of TSLP-DCs protected NOD mice against diabetes.CONCLUSIONS—Our study demonstrates that TSLP re-established a tolerogenic immune response in NOD mice and protects from diabetes, suggesting that TSLP may have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Migration of faceted high-angle grain boundaries in Zn
Authors: Gottstein G. , Shvindlerman L. S. , Sursaeva V. G. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The migration of a faceted high angle tilt grain boundary 85° in Zn was investigated. The migration behavior complies with theoretical predictions of a recently proposed model on the joint motion of curved and faceted boundary segments. The results are compared to data published for a 30° boundary. It is shown that the observed dynamic facet length corresponds to a maximum dissipation rate of free energy.
Ultrasonic study of short-range hydrogen ordering in Pd-hydride
Authors: Safarik D. J. , Schwarz R. B. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We used resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to measure the three independent elastic constants of PdH0.71 and PdH0.65 in the temperature range 1.4 K < T < 296 K. Measurements were performed as the crystals were rapidly cooled (∼10 K min− 1) and then slowly heated (∼0.1 K min− 1). During slow heating, the temperature dependence of the shear modulus C′ = (C11 – C12)/2 shows a small peak at ∼55 K, but this peak is absent during fast cooling. We associate the peak with the so-called “50 K anomaly” in palladium hydride. In contrast, the other shear modulus, C44, shows no peak during slow heating. We propose that the 50 K anomaly observed in the elastic constants, and in other thermodynamic and transport properties of Pd-hydride, is a kinetic effect arising from changes in the hydrogen atom short-range order as the alloy is heated.
eCorner: Propulsion by Hub Motors
Authors: Gombert B. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe requirements of motor vehicles are constantly increasing, both in terms of consumption and emissions, as well as comfort and safety. Through the integration of sensors, the replacement and the intelligent processing of data and information, a lot of driver assistance functions have emerged. The evolving trend towards intelligent driver assistance systems and self autonomous driving is feasible nowadays. The vision of the car of the future could lie in the realisation of the eCorner. Here, every one of the four wheels can be controlled, steered and braked individually, through "by‐wire" commands.
A Simple Template‐Free Strategy to Synthesize Nanoporous Manganese and Nickel Oxides with Narrow Pore Size Distribution, and Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Yu Chichao , Zhang Lingxia , Shi Jianlin , Zhao Jinjin , Gao Jianhua , Yan Dongsheng 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA facile method has been developed to synthesize nanoporous manganese and nickel oxides with polyhedron particle morphologies, high surface areas and narrow pore distributions by controlled thermal decomposition of the oxalate precursors. This method can be extended to using other kinds of salt precursors to prepare a series of nanoporous metal oxides. The heating rate, calcination temperature and controlled particle size of the oxalate precursors are important factors to get well‐defined pore structures. XRD, TG‐DTA, TEM, SEM, XPS, wet chemical titration and N2 sorption isotherm techniques are employed for morphology and structure characterizations. High surface area microporous manganese oxide (283 m2 g−1) and mesoporous nickel oxide (179 m2 g−1) with narrow pore distribution at around 1.0 nm and 6.0 nm, respectively, are obtained. Especially, we can tune the pore size of manganese oxides from microscope to mesoscope by controlling the thermal procedure. Electrochemical properties of manganese and nickel oxides are studied by cyclic voltammetry measurements in a mild aqueous electrolyte, which shows a high specific capacitance of 309 F g−1 of microporous manganese oxide and a moderately high specific capacitance of 165 F g−1 of mesoporous NiO due to their nanoporous structure, presenting the promising candidates for super capacitors (SC).
Temperature‐Induced Size‐Control of Bioactive Surface Patterns
Authors: Ionov Leonid , Synytska Alla , Diez Stefan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe present a novel method to produce bioactive surface patterns whose size can be changed in response to a variation of the environmental conditions, rather than local treatment. Our approach is based on the structured surface‐immobilization of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) polymer chains with different transition temperatures. We experimentally demonstrate how the size of an area in which a particular polymer is collapsed or swollen can be controlled by ambient temperature. We show the temperature‐induced size‐control of a bioactive surface pattern by embedding functional motor proteins into the switchable polymer layers.
The role of steroid hormones in the NF1 phenotype: Focus on pregnancy
Authors: Roth Therese M. , Petty Elizabeth M. , Barald Kate F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) gene functions as a tumor suppressor gene. Loss of its protein, neurofibromin, in the autosomal dominant disorder NF1 is associated with peripheral nervous system tumors, particularly neurofibromas, benign lesions in which the major cell type is the Schwann Cell (SC). Benign and malignant human tumors found in NF1 patients are heterogeneous with respect to their cellular composition. The number and size of neurofibromas in NF1 patients has been shown to increase during pregnancy, with, in some cases, post‐partum regression, which suggests hormonal involvement in this increase. However, in this review, we consider evidence from the literature that both direct hormonal influence on tumor growth and on angiogenesis may contribute to these effects. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of diabetes and aminoguanidine treatment on endothelial function in a primate model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Brooks Belinda A. , Heffernan Scott , Thomson Sally , McLennan Susan V. , Twigg Stephen M. , Yue Dennis K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAbnormalities of endothelial function have been demonstrated in diabetes and are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The aims of this study were to determine whether aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of glycation, can prevent endothelial and microcirculation abnormalities in a primate model of type 1 diabetes. Male baboons (Papio hamadryas) were assigned to one of the four groups: control, diabetes, control treated with aminoguanidine or diabetes treated with aminoguanidine. Diabetes was induced by streptozocin (60 mg/kg) and treated with once daily injection of insulin. Aminoguanidine was given subcutaneously (10 mg/kg), once a day. Diabetic animals had a mean duration of diabetes of 8.9±3.4 years and HbA1c of 8.9±1.1%. Microvascular function was measured by laser Doppler velocimetry, with examination of endothelium‐dependent increase in skin blood flow (SkBF) following iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and endothelium‐independent increase in SkBF in response to the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Multiple regression analysis identified diabetes (P=0.049) and aminioguanidine treatment (P=0.026) as significant determinants of ACh response. The diabetic baboons treated with aminoguanidine had less Ach‐mediated SkBF response compared with controls (1.39±0.32 vs. 2.26±0.61, F=3.3, P=0.04), but there was no difference between groups in SkBF response to SNP. We conclude that endothelial dysfunction can be demonstrated in this primate model of type 1 diabetes at a stage when overt diabetic complications are not present. This occurred in the absence of insulin resistance or significant hypercholesterolemia. Administration of aminoguanidine from the onset of diabetes was not able to prevent this abnormality and in fact aggravated the endothelial response. Effects of aminoguanidine on NO synthase may contribute to this phenomenon. Am. J. Primatol. 70:796–802, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The peopling of America: Craniofacial shape variation on a continental scale and its interpretation from an interdisciplinary view
Authors: González‐José Rolando , Bortolini Maria Cátira , Santos Fabrício R. , Bonatto Sandro L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTwenty‐two years ago, Greenberg, Turner and Zegura (Curr. Anthropol. 27,477–495, 1986) suggested a multidisciplinary model for the human settlement of the New World. Since their synthesis, several studies based mainly on partial evidence such as skull morphology and molecular genetics have presented competing, apparently mutually exclusive, settlement hypotheses. These contradictory views are represented by the genetic‐based Single Wave or Out of Beringia models and the cranial morphology‐based Two Components/Stocks model. Here, we present a geometric morphometric analysis of 576 late Pleistocene/early Holocene and modern skulls suggesting that the classical Paleoamerican and Mongoloid craniofacial patterns should be viewed as extremes of a continuous morphological variation. Our results also suggest that recent contact among Asian and American circumarctic populations took place during the Holocene. These results along with data from other fields are synthesized in a model for the settlement of the New World that considers, in an integrative and parsimonious way, evidence coming from genetics and physical anthropology. This model takes into account a founder population occupying Beringia during the last glaciation characterized by high craniofacial diversity, founder mtDNA and Y‐chromosome lineages and some private autosomal alleles. After a Beringian population expansion, which could have occurred concomitant with their entry into America, more recent circumarctic gene flow would have enabled the dispersion of northeast Asian‐derived characters and some particular genetic lineages from East Asia to America and vice versa. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognition 6 years after surgical or medical therapy for coronary artery disease
Authors: Selnes Ola A. , Grega Maura A. , Bailey Maryanne M. , Pham Luu D. , Zeger Scott L. , Baumgartner William A. , McKhann Guy M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe choice of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as an intervention for coronary artery disease has been clouded by concerns about postoperative cognitive decline. Long‐term cognitive decline after CABG has been reported, but without appropriate control subjects, it is not known whether this decline is specific to CABG or related to other factors such as cerebrovascular disease.MethodsThis prospective, observational study of patients with diagnosed coronary artery disease included 152 CABG and 92 nonsurgical cardiac comparison patients from one institution. The main outcome measure was within‐patient change in cognitive performance for eight cognitive domains from baseline to 12‐ and 72‐month follow‐up.ResultsMild late cognitive decline was observed for both study groups, but despite greater than 80% power to detect a 0.2 standard deviation difference, there were no statistically significant differences between the surgical and nonsurgical patients in the degree of change from 12 to 72 months for any cognitive domain. There was also no difference between groups in the degree of change from baseline to 72 months or in the number of patients with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score in the clinically impaired range at 72 months.InterpretationLate cognitive decline does occur in patients who have undergone CABG surgery, but the degree of this decline does not differ from that observed in patients of similar age with coronary artery disease who have not undergone CABG. Therefore, late cognitive decline after CABG is not specific to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Ann Neurol 2008;63:581–590
Repairing the human brain after stroke. II. Restorative therapies
Authors: Cramer Steven C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSpontaneous behavioral recovery is usually limited after stroke, making stroke a leading source of disability. A number of therapies in development aim to improve patient outcomes not by acutely salvaging threatened tissue, but instead by promoting repair and restoration of function in the subacute or chronic phase after stroke. Examples include small molecules, growth factors, cell‐based therapies, electromagnetic stimulation, device‐based strategies, and task‐oriented and repetitive training‐based interventions. Stage of development across therapies varies widely, from preclinical to late‐phase clinical trials. The optimal methods to prescribe such therapies require further studies, for example, to best identify appropriate patients or to guide features of dosing. Likely, anatomic, functional, and behavioral measures of brain state, as well as measures of injury, will each be useful in this regard. Considerations for clinical trials of restorative therapies are provided, emphasizing both similarities and points of divergence with acute stroke clinical trial design. Ann Neurol 2008;63:549–560
PPgMA/APTS compound coupling compatabilizer in PP/clay hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Liaw Wen‐Chang , Huang Po‐Chen , Chen Chee‐Shan , Lo Chi‐Lang , Chang Ju‐Liang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA compound coupling compatibilizer employing coupled use of γ‐(aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTS) and maleic anhydride‐graft‐polypropylene (PPgMA) was synthesized for the preparation of polypropylene (PP)/clay hybrid nanocomposites. The designed PPgMA/APTS compound coupling compatabilizer, through condensation of the amino groups of APTS with the anhydride groups of MA moieties in PPgMA, is capable of forming chemical bonding with the organo clay (org‐clay) while maintaining compatibility with the organic PP compartment. Various PPgMA to APTS ratios of these compound coupling compatibilizers were first reacted with clay to form PPgMA/clay masterbatches. The obtained masterbatches were then compounded with PP to produce PP/clay hybrid nanocomposites possessing different characteristics. The composition effects were studied. For org‐clay content of 5 wt %, intercalated‐exfoliated structure of the nanocomposite could be maintained for better reinforcement. Td of 484°C was achieved, indicating significant improvement over neat PP (Td was 386°C) in thermal property. The ultimate tensile strength (30% higher than control) and Young's modulus (57% higher than control) measurements also justified the application of the PPgMA/APTS compound coupling compatibilizer in the incorporation of org‐clay in PP matrix. The use of the PPgMA/APTS compound coupling compatibilizer can provide design flexibility in manufacturing PP/clay hybrid nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Diet factors responsible for the change of the glucose oxidase activity in labial salivary glands of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Hu Yong‐Hong , Leung David W.M. , Kang Le , Wang Chen‐Zhu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe investigated the change of the glucose oxidase (GOX) activity in labial salivary glands of Helicoverpa armigera larvae fed with the artificial diet or host plant tobacco and the major factors responsible for such a change. Throughout larval development, the labial salivary GOX activities in caterpillars reared on the artificial diet were remarkably higher than those fed with the plant. After fifth‐instar plant‐fed caterpillars were transferred to the artificial diet, their labial salivary GOX activity increased quickly, which was closely correlated with the time spent feeding on the artificial diet. The total sugar content of the artificial diet was 68 times higher than that of the tobacco leaves. We hypothesized that sugars and secondary metabolites are the possible causes of induction of GOX activity. When fifth‐instar caterpillars were fed with tobacco leaves coated with glucose or sucrose, their labial salivary GOX activity was significantly higher than those fed with leaves without sugar coating. Following native PAGE, 1 single band of the labial salivary GOX was observed in all the caterpillars fed with different diets, implying that only the activity of the isoenzyme was changed in response to different diets. Furthermore, the labial salivary GOX activity was determined after caterpillars were fed with artificial diets containing chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin. The results showed that all these phenolic compounds had no effect on the GOX activity. We conclude that sugar in diets was a major factor influencing the labial salivary GOX activity of the larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cloning and expression profiles of the acyl‐CoA‐binding protein gene from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wang Jia‐Lin , Wang Jin‐Xing , Zhao Xiao‐Fan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAcyl‐CoA‐binding protein (ACBP), also known as the diazepam‐binding inhibitor (DBI), has been identified in diverse species and is evolutionarily conserved in plants and animals. In a recent study, an ACBP cDNA (HaACBP) encoding 85 amino acids was isolated from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. The isolated protein is highly homologous to the ACBP present in the Bombyx mori midgut, where it is highly expressed. Northern and Western blot analyses revealed that HaACBP is expressed predominantly in the midgut. Moreover, Northern blotting revealed that HaACBP was probably stimulated by a high juvenile hormone titer at ecdysis and increased along with feeding at 12 h post‐ecdysis. Immunohistochemistry of the midgut revealed that HaACBP is localized in columnar cells. Data from the Northern blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that HaACBP was expressed during the larval period and is probably responsible for nutrition absorption. However, Western blot analysis of the midgut at different developmental stages indicated that HaACBP was upregulated during larval molting and metamorphosis, which suggested that HaACBP expression was posttranscriptionally regulated. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 68:79–88, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Starvation influences allatotropin gene expression and juvenile hormone titer in the female adult oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Zhang Lei , Luo Lizhi , Jiang Xingfu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe first day of adult life is the sensitive stage for shifting migrants into the resident morphs of the oriental armyworm (OAW), Mythimna separata (Walker). The juvenile hormone (JH) titer, expression of the allatotropin (AT) gene, and their relationship were investigated in adult female migrants starved in the sensitive stage, to understand the underlying mechanism of changing migrants into resident OAWs. Haemolymph JH titers of the starved female adults were mostly elevated earlier than in controls, although not all differences were statistically significant. JH I titers in the starved moths were significantly higher than those in the controls on 1, 2, and 5 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. JH II titers in the starved moths were significantly higher than the controls through the period tested except on 5 DAT. JH II is the most likely regulator in changing migrants into resident morphs. The relative quantities of AT expression in the starved moths were higher through the period tested except on 5 DAT. AT expression and JH titers appear to be positively correlated, especially for those in earlier days of the adult life. We infer that AT is the important regulator of JH levels. A model for the shifting of migrants into resident morphs in the OAW is proposed. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 68:63–70, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.