bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The HhH domain of the human DNA repair protein XPF forms stable homodimers
Authors: Das Devashish , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Jaspers Nicolaas G. J. , Hoeijmakers Jan H. J. , Kaptein Robert , Boelens Rolf , Folkers Gert E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe human XPF‐ERCC1 protein complex plays an essential role in nucleotide excision repair by catalysing positioned nicking of a DNA strand at the 5′ side of the damage. We have recently solved the structure of the heterodimeric complex of the C‐terminal domains of XPF and ERCC1 (Tripsianes et al., Structure 2005;13:1849–1858). We found that this complex comprises a pseudo twofold symmetry axis and that the helix–hairpin–helix motif of ERCC1 is required for DNA binding, whereas the corresponding domain of XPF is functioning as a scaffold for complex formation with ERCC1. Despite the functional importance of heterodimerization, the C‐terminal domain of XPF can also form homodimers in vitro. We here compare the stabilities of homodimeric and heterodimeric complexes of the C‐terminal domains of XPF and ERCC1. The higher stability of the XPF HhH complexes under various experimental conditions, determined using CD and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, is well explained by the structural differences that exist between the HhH domains of the two complexes. The XPF HhH homodimer has a larger interaction interface, aromatic stacking interactions, and additional hydrogen bond contacts as compared to the XPF/ERCC1 HhH complex, which accounts for its higher stability. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mn/Fe superoxide dismutase interaction fingerprints and prediction of oligomerization and metal cofactor from sequence
Authors: Wintjens René , Gilis Dimitri , Rooman Marianne 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFe‐ and Mn‐containing superoxide dismutase (sod) enzymes are closely related and similar in both amino acid sequence and structure, but differ in their mode of oligomerization and in their specificity for the Fe or Mn cofactor. The goal of the present work is to identify and analyze the sequence and structure characteristics that ensure the cofactor specificities and the oligomerization modes. For that purpose, 374 sod sequences and 17 sod crystal structures were collected and aligned. These alignments were searched for residues and inter‐residue interactions that are conserved within the whole sod family, or alternatively, that are specific to a given sod subfamily sharing common characteristics. This led us to define key residues and inter‐residue interaction fingerprints in each subfamily. The comparison of these fingerprints allows, on a rational basis, the design of mutants likely to modulate the activity and/or specificity of the target sod, in good agreement with the available experimental results on known mutants. The key residues and interaction fingerprints are furthermore used to predict if a novel sequence corresponds to a sod enzyme, and if so, what type of sod it is. The predictions of this fingerprint method reach much higher scores and present much more discriminative power than the commonly used method that uses pairwise sequence comparisons. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential native state ruggedness of the two Ca2+‐binding domains in a Ca2+ sensor protein
Authors: Krishna Mohan P. M. , Mukherjee Sulakshana , Chary Kandala V. R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCharacterization of near‐native excited states of a protein provides insights into various biological functions such as co‐operativity, protein–ligand, and protein–protein interactions. In the present study, we investigated the ruggedness of the native state of EhCaBP using nonlinear temperature dependence of backbone amide‐proton chemical shifts. EhCaBP is a two‐domain EF‐hand calcium sensor protein consisting of two EF‐hands in each domain and binds four Ca2+ ions. It has been observed that ∼30% of the residues in the protein access alternative conformations. Theoretical modeling suggested that these low‐energy excited states are within 2–3 kcal/mol from the native state. Further, it is interesting to note that the residues accessing alternative conformations are more dominated in the C‐terminal domain compared with its N‐terminal counterpart suggesting that the former is more rugged in its native state. These distinct characteristics of N‐ and C‐ terminal domains of a calcium sensor protein belonging to the super family of calmodulin would have implications for domain dependent Ca2+ signaling pathways. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response of the subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to soil treated with microencapsulated fenobucarb
Authors: Kubota Shunichi , Shono Yoshinori , Matsunaga Tadahiro , Tsunoda Kunio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Treating soil with insecticides is thought to be an effective method for termite control. Speed of action and repellency of insecticides are important factors for discussing their barrier effects as soil‐treatment termiticides. The chemical barrier effect of microencapsulated fenobucarb against Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was examined in the laboratory.RESULTS: Fenobucarb had a significantly faster lethal effect when applied to the mouthparts than to the tergites of worker termites. Soil that had been treated with ≥ 50 mg kg−1 of microencapsulated fenobucarb had a barrier effect within a single day, and could stop or retard the penetration of termites for 7 days. Microencapsulated fenobucarb did not act as a repellent, as indicated by a gradual increase in mortality at ≥ 50 mg kg−1 with slight penetration into the treated soil during the 7 day test.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that microencapsulated fenobucarb is a fast‐acting termiticide, with a good barrier effect as a soil treatment, that also acts as a reduced repellent, retarding entry of termites into treated soil. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Antiphytoviral activity of bruceine‐D from Brucea javanica seeds
Authors: Shen Jian‐Guo , Zhang Zheng‐Kun , Wu Zu‐Jian , Ouyang Ming‐An , Xie Lian‐Hui , Lin Qi‐Ying 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. is widely distributed throughout the southern parts of China and has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. The objective of the present study was to identify the active antiphytoviral compound in the seeds of B. javanica and evaluate the inhibitory activity of the compound against plant virus.RESULTS: Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the most active extract from the seeds led to the isolation of an antiphytoviral compound which was identified as bruceine‐D by conventional spectroscopy methods. The compound exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the infection and replication of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), with IC50 values of 13.98 and 7.13 mg L−1 respectively. The compound also showed a strong inhibitory effect on the infectivity of potato virus Y (PVY) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Furthermore, the compound could effectively inhibit systemic TMV infection in the host tobacco plant under glasshouse conditions.CONCLUSION: The results suggested that bruceine‐D from Brucea javanica may have the potential to be used as a natural viricide, or a lead compound for new viricides. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of methyl group on the cooperativity between three types of hydrogen bond: OH···O, CH···O, and OH···π
Authors: Li Qingzhong , An Xiulin , Luan Feng , Li Wenzou , Gong Baoan , Cheng Jianbo , Sun Jiazhong 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of the methyl group on the cooperativity between three types of hydrogen bond (OH···O, CH···O, and OH···π) in cyclic complex involving an acetylene and two waters has been studied on the basis of high‐level ab initio calculations. The total interaction energy of three hydrogen bonds increases as the number of methyl group in the complex increases. The binding distances of OH···π and OH···O hydrogen bonds shorten, while that of CH···O hydrogen bond elongates with increasing methyl group. This indicates that addition of methyl group leads to enhancement of OH···π and OH···O hydrogen bonds, and weakening of CH···O hydrogen bond, as also shown in frequency shift, chemical shifts, charge populations, and stabilization energies of orbital interactions. Although the presence of methyl group has a complicated effect on different type of hydrogen bond, the cooperativity of three hydrogen bonds increases in general with the addition of methyl group. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Hypermetabolism in Gaucher disease type I is not associated with altered thyroid hormone levels
Authors: Langeveld M. , Endert E. , Wiersinga W. M. , Aerts J. M. F. G. , Hollak C. E. M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryType I Gaucher disease (OMIM 231000) is an inherited storage disorder in which deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (EC 32145) leads to accumulation of glucocerebroside in lysosomes of macrophages. These storage cells are present in liver, spleen and bone marrow resulting in hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia and bone complications. Metabolic abnormalities in Gaucher patients include hypermetabolism, possibly caused by elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Nonthyroidal illness (NTI) is a combination of changes in circulating thyroid hormone levels (decreased T3, elevated rT3, normal or mildly depressed TSH) present in different illnesses and might be an adaptation to protect the organism from harmful catabolic effects of hypermetabolism. The hypermetabolism and the elevated cytokine levels in Gaucher disease led us to hypothesize that the alterations in thyroid hormone levels as seen in NTI might also occur in Gaucher patients. We studied thyroid hormone levels before and during treatment in 22 adult type I Gaucher patients and resting energy expenditure (REE) and correlations with thyroid hormone levels in 12 patients. Baseline thyroid hormone levels were normal in the majority (17) of patients. No cases of nonthyroidal illness were detected. Baseline REE (kcal/kg per 24 h) was not correlated with circulating levels of T3, rT3 or fT4. Treatment of Gaucher disease with enzyme replacement therapy for several years resulted in a decrease in circulating fT4 levels. After several months of treatment most patients showed a decrease in REE. There was no correlation between the changes in REE and changes in fT4 and T3.
Soy‐Based Infant Formula Supplemented with DHA and ARA Supports Growth and Increases Circulating Levels of these Fatty Acids in Infants
Authors: Hoffman Dennis , Ziegler Ekhard , Mitmesser Susan H. , Harris Cheryl L. , Diersen‐Schade Deborah A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHealthy term infants (n = 244) were randomized to receive: (1) control, soy‐based formula without supplementation or (2) docosahexaenoic acid−arachidonic acid (DHA + ARA), soy‐based formula supplemented with at least 17 mg DHA/100 kcal (from algal oil) and 34 mg ARA/100 kcal (from fungal oil) in a double‐blind, parallel group trial to evaluate safety, benefits, and growth from 14 to 120 days of age. Anthropometric measurements were taken at 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age and 24‐h dietary and tolerance recall were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study. Blood samples were drawn from subsets of 25 infants in each group. Capillary column gas chromatography was used to analyze the percentages of fatty acids in red blood cell (RBC) lipids and plasma phospholipids. Compared with the control group, percentages of fatty acids such as DHA and ARA in total RBC and plasma phospholipids were significantly higher in infants in the DHA + ARA group at 120 days of age (P < 0.001). Growth rates did not differ significantly between feeding groups at any assessed time point. Supplementation did not affect the tolerance of formula or the incidence of adverse events. Feeding healthy term infants soy‐based formula supplemented with DHA and ARA from single cell oil sources at concentrations similar to human milk significantly increased circulating levels of DHA and ARA when compared with the control group. Both formulas supported normal growth and were well tolerated.
Visualization of maturation of the corpus callosum during childhood and adolescence using T2 relaxometry
Authors: Kim Eung Y. , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Yoo Eunhye , Park Hae‐Jeong , Golay Xavier , Lee Seung‐Koo , Kim Dong J. , Kim Jinna , Kim Dong I. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that maturation of the white matter in terms of its relative signal intensity changes on MRI is almost complete at 2–3 years of age. We hypothesized that quantitative analysis may show maturation of the white matter during childhood and adolescence. In the present study we performed multi‐echo T2 relaxometry in 33 healthy subjects (girls, 15; boys, 18) aged 3–15 years. T2 relaxation times of the genu and splenium were measured. In healthy subjects, the T2 relaxation times were significantly correlated with age in both girls (r = 0.611, p = .016) and boys (r = 0.721, p = .001) in the splenium, but not in the genu (p > .05). To further confirm genu‐to‐splenium signal intensity ratio changes, a total of 389 brain MRIs were retrospectively selected from the patients who had normal results (189 girls/women, 200 boys/men; age range, 3–20 years). The genu‐to‐splenium signal intensity ratio was obtained from the T2‐weighted images. In patients with normal MRI, the genu‐to‐splenium signal intensity ratio was significantly decreased with age (p < .001) by 16 years. The T2 relaxation times gradually increase in the splenium during childhood and adolescence, suggestive of maturation.
Social deficits in BTBR T + tf/J mice are unchanged by cross‐fostering with C57BL/6J mothers
Authors: Yang Mu , Zhodzishsky Vladimir , Crawley Jacqueline N. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractInbred strains of mice are useful model systems for studying the interactions of genetic and environmental contributions during neurodevelopmental stages. We recently reported an inbred strain, BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR), which, as compared to the commonly used C57BL/6J (B6) strain, displays lower social interactions as juveniles, lower social approach in adult ages, and higher levels of repetitive self‐grooming throughout developmental stages. The present study investigated whether the early postnatal maternal environment contributes substantially to the unusually low expression of social behaviors and high self‐grooming in BTBR as compared to B6. Within 24 h of birth, entire litters of pups were cross‐fostered to either a dam of the same strain or a dam of the opposite strain. Control litters were left with their own mothers. Offspring were tested for juvenile play at postnatal day 21 ± 1, for sociability at 8 weeks of age in an automated three‐chambered social approach test, and for self‐grooming at 9–11 weeks of age. Results indicate that deficits in play behaviors in juvenile BTBR pups were not rescued by a B6 maternal environment. Similarly, a BTBR maternal environment did not induce play deficits in B6 pups. Cross‐fostering had no effect on sociability scores in adults. The high self‐grooming in BTBR and low self‐grooming in B6 were not affected by maternal environment. These findings favor a genetic interpretation of the unusual social behaviors and self‐grooming traits of BTBR, and support the use of the BTBR inbred strain as a mouse model to study genetic mechanism of autism.
Expression of Concern: Long‐term outcomes of two different surgical techniques for cesarean
Authors: Nabhan A.F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the rate of adhesions and other long‐term outcomes of two cesarean delivery techniques.MethodsA total of 600 women were randomly assigned to either a standard (Pfannenstiel–Kerr) or modified (Joel‐Cohen–Stark) technique for first‐time cesarean delivery. A total of 124 women were assessed at repeat cesarean delivery. The primary outcome measure was the presence of adhesions.ResultsAt repeat cesarean delivery, anesthesia‐to‐delivery time, total duration of surgery, change in hemoglobin level, time to mobilization and oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly less with the modified technique. Adhesions were found in 7 (11.3%) and 22 (35.5%) of the cases using the modified and standard techniques, respectively (P = 0.0026; relative risk 3.14 [95% CI, 1.45–6.82]).ConclusionA modified cesarean delivery technique, including Joel‐Cohen incision, exteriorized full thickness suturing of the uterine incision, and non‐closure of the peritoneum may reduce long‐term morbidities of the procedure.
Alkaline gabbroids of the Chirii outcrop (North Minusa depression): mineralogy and melt evolution
Authors: Timina T.Yu. , Sharygin V.V. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We studied the chemical composition of rock-forming minerals in gabbroids from the Chirii outcrop and the evolutionary features of parental basic melt during the crystallization of these rocks. Results were compared with data for basanites from pipes of the North Minusa depression. The mineralogical composition and thermobarogeochemical data of the gabbroids were examined in detail, and chemical analyses of rock-forming minerals (clinopyroxene, plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, titanomagnetite, and apatite) were carried out. Based on the homogenization temperatures of primary melt inclusions, we established the minimum temperatures and sequence of mineral crystallization in the gabbroids: clinopyroxene (&gt;1160 °C), plagioclase, magnetite → amphibole (&gt;950 °C) → biotite. The rock crystallization proceeded at shallow depths. Thermometric data are confirmed by results of modeling of equilibrium gabbroid crystallization. The crystallization of parental basic melt was accompanied by the accumulation of SiO2, Al2O3, alkalies, and Cl and depletion in femic components. The melt evolved to granodiorite and alkali-syenite compositions. Compared with basanites from pipes, the parental melt had a longer evolution. The geochemical features of the gabbroids indicate that they, like basanites, crystallized from intraplate alkali-basaltoid magmas. But in petrochemistry and mineralogy the Chirii gabbroids differ considerably from the pipe basanites.
Phase relationship and surface water mass change in the Northeast Atlantic during Marine Isotope Stage 11 (MIS 11)
Authors: Kandiano Evgeniya S. , Bauch Henning A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPlanktic foraminiferal census data, faunal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and oxygen isotopic and lithic records from a site in the northeast Atlantic were analyzed to study the interglacial dynamics of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11, a period thought to closely resemble the Holocene on the basis of orbital forcing. Interglacial conditions during MIS 11 persisted for approximately 26 ka. After the main deglacial meltwater processes ceased, a 10- to 12-ka-long transitional period marked by significant water mass circulation changes occurred before surface waters finally reached their thermal maximum. This SST peak occurred between 400 and 397 ka, inferred from the abundance of the most thermophilic foraminiferal species and was coincident with lowest sea level according to benthic isotope values. The ensuing stepwise SST decrease characterizes the overall climate deterioration preceding the increase in global ice volume by ∼ 3 ka. This cooling trend was followed by a more pronounced cold event that began at 388 ka, and that terminated in the recurrence of icebergs at the site around 382 ka. Because the water mass configuration of early MIS 11 evolved quite differently from that of the early Holocene, there is little evidence that MIS 11 can serve as an appropriate analogue for a future Holocene climate, despite the similarity in some orbital parameters.
Silicon supplementation and osteochondrotic lesions in 2-year-old Standardbreds: a preliminary study
Authors: Turner K K , Nielsen B D , O'Connor C I , Rosenstein D S 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSilicon appears to be an essential element for proper endochondral ossification and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Osteochondrosis (OC) is characterized by disturbed endochondral ossification, and glycosaminoglycan loss has been reported in OC lesions. Therefore, silicon may be effective in reducing OC lesions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental silicon on OC lesion size. Initial radiographs were taken on 2-year-old Standardbreds (n = 44) on private facilities to identify OC defects in the distal third metacarpus/tarsus or osteochondral fragments at the dorsal aspect of the joint and defects/fragments at the distal tibia and on the trochlear ridges of the talus. Only clinically sound horses were included. Follow-up radiographs were taken at 120 days. Radiographs were digitized and the length and height of the OC defects/fragments were measured. Horses meeting study-inclusion requirements (n = 8) were pair-matched by facility and affected joint(s) and assigned to a group: control (receiving 200 g whole grain flour) and silicon supplemented (receiving 200 g bioavailable silicon source). Treatments were top-dressed on the feed for 120 days. Due to the onset of lameness, four horses did not complete the 120-day study duration. There was no effect (P>0.22) of treatment, time or treatment × time on lesion length, height or area. Silicon supplementation did not alter the radiographic appearance of OC lesions. Future research should focus on the effects of a silicon supplement on the prevention of OC lesions.
Two-dimensional kinematics of the jog and lope of the stock breed western pleasure horse
Authors: Nicodemus M C , Booker J E 
Published: October 2007

AbstractKinematic studies of western pleasure horses are limited and were performed before current changes in the stock breed association judging standards on the western pleasure gaits. The objective was to measure the kinematics of the jog and lope of the stock breed western pleasure horse. Reflective markers attached along palpation points of the joint centres of the left forelimb and hind limb of four stock breed western pleasure horses were tracked for five strides for each gait for each horse. Both the jog and lope were determined to be four-beat stepping gaits. During the jogging stance, the elbow (159.7 ± 6.6°), carpal (179.9 ± 1.1°), fore (227.6 ± 2.7°) and hind fetlocks (227.4 ± 6.9°), stifle (159.5 ± 6.5°) and tarsal (166.5 ± 6.5°) joints demonstrated peak extension. The same joints demonstrated during swing peak flexion with the hind fetlock joint having double peaks of flexion (195.7 ± 3.2°, 182.3 ± 2.1°). During loping stance, the elbow (153.4 ± 4.2°), carpal (179.7+0.4°), and fore (228.3 ± 9.7°, 229.8 ± 10.0°) and hind fetlock (232.1 ± 2.6°) joints of the leading limbs demonstrated peak extension with tarsal peak extension (157.0 ± 9.6°) occurring at lift-off. Peak flexion occurred during swing for the elbow (105.1 ± 3.1°), carpus (119.8 ± 6.1°), hip (83.5 ± 5.4°), stifle (129.8 ± 9.6°) and tarsus (127.5 ± 6.1°). Kinematic measurements will assist in objectively defining the stock breed western pleasure gaits.