bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a mouse clonal early proximal tubule cell line and outer medullary collecting duct cells expressing P2 purinoceptors
Authors: Takeda Michio , Kobayashi Mami , Endou Hitoshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to establish tubule cells expressing P2 purinoceptors. Use of the polymerase chain reaction coupled with reverse transcription showed that mouse clonal early proximal tubule (S1) cell line (NF‐5) and outer medullary collecting tubule (OMCT) cells expressed mRNA for P2X4, P2Y1 and P2Y2 purinoceptors. ATP and its analogues induced a dose‐dependent increase in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+i] in both NF‐5 and OMCT cells. ATP enhanced [3H]‐thymidine uptake by both NF‐5 and OMCT cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, NF‐5 and OMCT cells can be used in the further analysis of the function and regulation of activity and expression of P2 purinoceptors in the renal tubule.
The effects of lifelong ubiquinone Q10 supplementation on the Q9 and Q10 tissue concentrations and life span of male rats and mice
Authors: Lönnrot Kimmo , Alho Hannu , Holm Päivi , Lagerstedt Anssi , Huhtala Heini 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe effect of lifelong oral supplementation with ubiquinone Q10 (10 mg/kg/day) was examined in Sprague‐Dawley rats and C57/B17 mice. There were no significant differences in survival or life‐span found in either rats or mice. Histopathologic examination of different rat tissues showed no differences between the groups. In Q10 supplemented rats, plasma and liver Q10 levels were 2.6 to 8.4 times higher at all age points than in control rats. Interestingly, in supplemented rats the Q9 levels also were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plasma and liver at ages 18 and 24 months. Neither Q9 nor Q10 levels were affected by supplementation in kidney, heart, or brain tissues. In spite of the significant changes in plasma and liver ubiquinone concentrations, lifelong Q10 supplementation did not prolong or shorten the lifespan of either rats or mice.
Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride in the rat
Authors: Torres‐Durán P. V. , Miranda‐Zamora R. , Paredes‐Carbajal M. C. , Mascher D. , Díaz‐Zagoya J. C. , Juárez‐Oropeza M. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present work was to assess the capacity of Spirulina maxima to prevent fatty liver development induced in rats by an intraperitoneal single dose (1ml/kg) of carbon tetrachloride. Liver and serum lipids were quantified two or four days after treatment with this agent. Liver lipid concentration did not differ in rats fed on a purified diet with or without Spirulina. However, after carbon tetrachloride treatment, liver triacylglycerols were significantly lower in rats fed on a diet with Spirulina 5% than in rats without Spirulina in their diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the increased liver cholesterol values, induced by carbon tetrachloride treatment, were not observed in rats that received Spirulina. These results support the potential hepatoprotective role of Spirulina.
Cecropin a ‐ magainin 2 hybrid peptides having potent antimicrobial activity with low hemolytic effect
Authors: Shin Song Yub , Kang Joo Hyun , Lee Myung Kyu , Kim Sun Young , Kim Yangmee , Hahm Kyung‐Soo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn order to obtain peptides having improved antimicrobial activity with low hemolytic effect, a hybrid peptide (CA‐MA) composed from cecropin A (1‐8) and magainin 2(1‐12), and its analogues with amino acid substitutions were designed and synthesized. The antimicrobial activities against bacterial cells and hemolytic activities against human red blood cells were analyzed for each peptide. Secondary structures of the peptides in aqueous solution, 50% trifluoroethanol, and sodium dodecylsulfate micelles were estimated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The increase in hydrophobicity or α‐helicity of the peptides correlated with an increase in hemolytic activity rather than antimicrobial activity. The substitution of Leu for Ser at position 16 in CA‐MA resulted in a remarkable increase in antimicrobial activity without a significant change in hemolytic activity. Furthermore, the increase in antimicrobial activity of the peptides was not always accompanied by the increase in hemolytic activity.
Inhibition of mitochondrial gene expression by antisense RNA of mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA)
Authors: Inagaki Hidetoshi , Kitano Shigetomo , Lin Kong Hua , Maeda Sumio , Saito Takao 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) plays an important role in regulating the expression of mitochondrial genes. To gain a better understanding of the relationships between mitochondrial gene expression and mtTFA, the mtTFA gene was inserted into a mammalian expression vector, both in the sense orientation and in the antisense orientation. After construction, these plasmids were transfected into COS‐7 cells. In antisense‐transformed cells, the expression of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and subunit III genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA was inhibited and there was an accompanying reduction of the level of mtTFA protein. These results provide direct evidence that the expression of mitochondrial genes is under the control of mtTFA.
Removal of polyphenolic compounds from aqueous plant extracts using polyamide minicolumns
Authors: Collins R. A. , Ng T. B. , Fong W. P. , Wan C. C. , Yeung H. W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn improved method for the removal of polyphenolic compounds from aqueous extracts of plants is presented. The method removes 〉99% polyphenolic compounds from 5mg of extract. The method is simple, robust and reproducible. We examined the removal of polyphenolics from 5 different aqueous extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs.
An NMR study of the structural basis of the wide range of pharmacological functions of acetylsalicylic acid
Authors: Li Jingzhi , Huang He , Zhou Ming , Ning Shunbin , Jiang Xinnong , Peng Yinxiang , Zhao Kaihong 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe interaction between acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and membrane was studied by NMR spectra. (1) NMR spectra showed acetylsalicylic acid did not insert into membrane; (2) 1H NMR spectrum recorded by spin‐echo pulse sequence showed protons of the aromatic ring interacted with membrane; (3) the change of spin‐lattice relaxation (T1) of 31P was ascribed to the association of acetylsalicylic acid to the polar head of lecithin; (4) the self‐diffusion coefficient measured by pulsed field gradients NMR showed the mobility of acetylsalicylic acid was restricted by membrane and that acetylsalicylic acid changed membrane viscosity. Based on the results, the relationship between the interaction and the mechanism of the wide pharmacological functions of acetylsalicylic acid is discussed.
The Schio killings: a case study of partisan violence in post-war Italy
Authors: Morgan Sarah 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe incidence of partisans killing Fascists after the Liberation of Italy is a difficult and contested subject in the historiography of that period. This article addresses one particular case—the Schio killings which took place on the night of 6 July 1945—and examines different narratives of the event in the light of the ways in which the struggle for power played out between the Communists, the Allies and the centre-right has dictated the significance and commemoration of this incident and, by extension, of the Resistance itself. This discussion of narratives and the rhetorical struggle that has taken place to assert different forms of legality underlines the need to problematize categories such as ‘Fascist’, ‘Communist’, ‘victim’, ‘criminal’ and ‘justice’ in understanding the incident.
Involvement of Histone Phosphorylation in Thymocyte Apoptosis by Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors
Authors: Lee Eibai , Nakatsuma Akira , Hiraoka Rikako , Ishikawa Eriko , Enomoto Riyo , Yamauchi Aiko 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIncubation of rat thymocytes with the inhibitors of protein phosphatase such as calyculin A and okadaic acid resulted in an increase in DNA fragmentation. These effects were dependent on the concentration of the inhibitors and the incubation time. Analyses of the fragmented DNA revealed the production of 50 kbp of DNA and a 180 bp DNA ladder. In addition, a laser scanning microscopic analysis showed that these compounds caused nuclear condensation. Thus, these results demonstrated that protein phosphatase inhibitors induced thymocyte apoptosis. The inhibitors of protein phosphatase increased the phosphorylation of proteins of 15 kDa. The phosphorylation of proteins preceded the DNA fragmentation induced by these inhibitors. Judging from acetic acid urea Triton X‐100 gel electrophoresis, the phosphorylated proteins were histone H1 and H2A/H3. Therefore, these results suggest that phosphorylation of histones triggers the DNA fragmentation of thymocytes undergoing apoptosis.
Production of Superoxide and Nitric Oxide by Granulocytes in Non‐Insulin‐Dependent Diabetic Patients With and Without Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kedziora‐Kornatowska K. Z. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractProduction of the superoxide radical anion O2‐. and the nitric oxide radical NO‐. by granulocytes was studied in 14 patients with type 2 diabetes without nephropathy, 21 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, and 19 healthy subjects, both without and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan. O2‐. production by both resting and stimulated granulocytes was increased in type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy but decreased in type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy, compared with healthy subjects. NO. generation was highly augmented in type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy by both resting and stimulated cells; values for type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy were intermediate between the type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy and the healthy subjects. These data point to granulocytes as one of possible sources of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.
Hypothetical Double‐Helical Poly(A) Formation in a Cell and Its Possible Biological Significance
Authors: Zarudnaya Margarita I. , Hovorun Dmytro M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractArguments are presented in favor of capability of poly(A)‐tracts of cellular RNA to form double helices in vivo. It is suggested that formation of the double helix in the mRNA poly(A) tail provides the basis for such processes as polyadenylation termination, PAB I synthesis autoregulation, and stabilization of ARE‐containing mRNA by ELAV‐like proteins.
The Two Faces of Mutation: Extinction and Adaptation in RNA Viruses
Authors: Elena Santiago F. , Miralles Rosario , Cuevas Jose M. , Turner Paul E. , Moya Andres 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFrom a population standpoint, two main features characterize the replication of RNA viruses and viruses that use RNA as a replicative intermediate: high genetic variability, and enormous fluctuations in population size. Their genetic variability mainly reflects a lack of the proof‐reading and post‐replicative error correction mechanisms that operate during cellular DNA replication, but recombination and segment exchange can also play an important role. Viral population size can change tremendously as a consequence of transmission between hosts or between different tissues within an infected host. A new infection can be initiated with very few particles that subsequently expand many trillion‐fold. Repeated bottleneck events can lead to drastic fitness losses or even to viral extinction, whereas continuously large population sizes result in fitness gains and adaptation. Here we review experimental evidence for the effects of mutation, selection, and genetic drift on the adaptation and extinction of RNA viruses.
Specific Sequence Motifs of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins
Authors: Jezek Petr , Urbankova Eva 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have searched for the exclusivity of common sequence motifs of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2, UCP3, UCP4, BMCP1, and plant UCP [PUMP]) within the gene family of mitochondrial anion carrier proteins. The UCP‐specific sequences, “UCP signatures”, were found in the first, second, and fourth alpha helices. First: Ala/Ser‐Cys/Thr/n‐n/Phe‐Ala/Gly‐n/Phe‐n/Cys‐ Thr‐Phe/n; second: Gly/Ala‐Ile/Leu‐Gln/X‐NH‐n/Cys‐Ser/n‐ phi/X‐n/Ser‐OH/Gly‐n‐Ile/Met‐Gly/Val‐n/Thr; fourth: Pro‐Asn/ n‐n/Thr/Pro‐OH/Val (n, nonpolar; phi, aromatic; (charged residue). The second and part of the third signature are also present in the yeast dicarboxylate transporter. The UCP signature excluding BMCP1 was also found in the second matrix segment: ‐(Pro/ del‐Leu/del)‐phi‐X‐Gly/Ser‐Thr/n‐X‐NH/‐Ala‐phi. These UCP signatures are thought to be involved in fatty acid anion binding and translocation.
The NADPH Oxidase of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Babior Bernard M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe best known NADPH oxidase is that of phagocytes‐ neutrophils and monocytes. In these cells, the enzyme manufactures large quantities of O2 ‐ and other reactive oxidants that are used for the purpose of killing invading microorganisms. Recent studies, however, have suggested that a number of other tissues contain NADPH oxidases. In contrast to the very vigorous production of oxidants by phagocytes, rates of oxidant production by these other cell types are quite low. Oxidant production by these cells is generally thought to serve a signaling function.
LPS‐Induced Protein Oxidation and Proteolysis in BV‐2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Mehlhase Jana , Gieche Jeanette , Ullrich Oliver , Sitte Nicolle , Grune Tilman 
Published: July 2007

AbstractExposure of proteins to oxidants leads to increased oxidation followed by preferential degradation by the proteasomal system. The role of the biological oxidant production in microglial BV‐2 cells in the oxidation and turnover of endogenous proteins was measured. It could be demonstrated, that BV‐2 cells are relatively resistant to fluxes of oxidants, but nevertheless protein oxidation occurs due to activation by LPS. This protein oxidation is followed by an enhanced degradation of endogenous proteins. Using PBN, a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, we could demonstrate the involvement of free radicals in the increased proteolysis in BV‐2 cells after LPS‐treatment. A slight but significant up‐regulation of the proteasomal system after LPS activation takes place, indicating the importance of his proteolytic system in the maintenance of the protein pool of microglial cells.
TheTORMOZGene Encodes a Nucleolar Protein Required for Regulated Division Planes and Embryo Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Griffith Megan E. , Mayer Ulrike , Capron Arnaud , Ngo Quy A. , Surendrarao Anandkumar , McClinton Regina , Jürgens Gerd , Sundaresan Venkatesan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEmbryogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana is marked by a predictable sequence of oriented cell divisions, which precede cell fate determination. We show that mutation of the TORMOZ (TOZ) gene yields embryos with aberrant cell division planes and arrested embryos that appear not to have established normal patterning. The defects in toz mutants differ from previously described mutations that affect embryonic cell division patterns. Longitudinal division planes of the proembryo are frequently replaced by transverse divisions and less frequently by oblique divisions, while divisions of the suspensor cells, which divide only transversely, appear generally unaffected. Expression patterns of selected embryo patterning genes are altered in the mutant embryos, implying that the positional cues required for their proper expression are perturbed by the misoriented divisions. The TOZ gene encodes a nucleolar protein containing WD repeats. Putative TOZ orthologs exist in other eukaryotes including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the protein is predicted to function in 18S rRNA biogenesis. We find that disruption of the Sp TOZ gene results in cell division defects in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Previous studies in yeast and animal cells have identified nucleolar proteins that regulate the exit from M phase and cytokinesis, including factors involved in pre-rRNA processing. Our study suggests that in plant cells, nucleolar functions might interact with the processes of regulated cell divisions and influence the selection of longitudinal division planes during embryogenesis.
A Functional Link between Rhythmic Changes in Chromatin Structure and theArabidopsisBiological Clock
Authors: Perales Mariano , Más Paloma 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCircadian clocks rhythmically coordinate biological processes in resonance with the environmental cycle. The clock function relies on negative feedback loops that generate 24-h rhythms in multiple outputs. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the clock component TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (TOC1) integrates the environmental information to coordinate circadian responses. Here, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation as well as physiological and luminescence assays to demonstrate that proper photoperiodic phase of TOC1 expression is important for clock synchronization of plant development with the environment. Our studies show that TOC1 circadian induction is accompanied by clock-controlled cycles of histone acetylation that favor transcriptionally permissive chromatin structures at the TOC1 locus. At dawn, TOC1 repression relies on the in vivo circadian binding of the clock component CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), while histone deacetylase activities facilitate the switch to repressive chromatin structures and contribute to the declining phase of TOC1 waveform around dusk. The use of cca1 late elongated hypocotyl double mutant and CCA1-overexpressing plants suggests a highly repressing function of CCA1, antagonizing H3 acetylation to regulate TOC1 mRNA abundance. The chromatin remodeling activities relevant at the TOC1 locus are distinctively modulated by photoperiod, suggesting a mechanism by which the clock sets the phase of physiological and developmental outputs.
Multiple roles for branding in international marketing
Authors: Yin Wong Ho , Merrilees Bill 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically examine the inter‐related relationships among various branding issues such as brand orientation, brand re‐positioning, brand performance and international marketing issues in terms of international marketing strategy, financial performance, control of international marketing activities, international commitment and macro‐marketing environment.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey with 315 useful samples drawn from the Austrade database was conducted. The steps suggested by Churchill, Cheng and Andersen and Gerbing were rigorously followed to purify the constructs and measurement models. Finally, structural equation modelling using partial disaggregation method was performed to test the whole structured model.FindingsThe results from structural equation modelling method confirm significant relationships between the constructs in the model. All major fit indices from structural equation modelling analysis show satisfactory results for both the measurement models and the structural model.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide insight to international marketers with regard to deploying resources, establishing strategy and adapting the strategy to the culture within overseas markets. Judicious investments in finance and personnel are required for overseas expansion. International branding strategy can be used to enhance a firm's brand and financial performances abroad.Originality/valueThe major values of this study are the establishment of the role of branding in international business. Both brand orientation and brand repositioning have significant impacts on international marketing strategy, which in turn positively affects a firm's performance. Developments of new constructs such as brand orientation, brand repositioning, brand performance and cultural aspects are statistically validated.
Managers as lazy, stupid careerists?
Authors: Jemielniak Dariusz 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a qualitative study of software engineers' perception of dress code, career, organizations, and of managers.Design/methodology/approachThe software engineers interviewed work in three European and two US companies. The research is based on ethnographic data, gathered in two longitudinal studies during the period 2001‐2006. The methods used in the study include open‐ended unstructured interviews, participant observation, collection of stories, and shadowing.FindingsIt was found that the majority of software engineers denounce formal dress‐codes. The notion of career was defined by them mostly in terms of occupational development. They perceived their own managers as very incompetent. Their view on corporations was also univocally negative. The findings confirm that software engineers form a very distinctive occupation, defining itself in opposition to the organization. However, their distinctiveness may be perceived not only as a manifestation of independence but also contrarily, as simply fulfilling the organizational role they are assigned by management.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the organizational literature by responding to the call for more research on high‐tech workplace practices, and on non‐managerial occupational roles.
When is alcohol just another drug? Some thoughts on research and policy
Authors: Cook Philip J. , Reuter Peter 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAim To reflect on the divergence and overlap between alcohol and illicit drugs with respect to both current policies and policy research.Results For demand reduction, there is considerable overlap in programs and services for prevention and even more clearly for treatment. For supply controls there is mostly divergence, reflecting the difference in legal status. Research generally follows the same pattern. However, a cross‐cutting research agenda on the supply side has merit.Conclusion Even in a prohibition regime, law‐enforcement agencies have considerable discretion. A systematic, pragmatic, ‘evidence‐based’ use of that discretion to reduce harm is possible. It can be accomplished only by a continuing program of policy research that measures the harms of drug use and drug enforcement, assesses the effects of current policies on both these sources of social cost and explores alternative strategies. There is a similarly important project for alcohol and tobacco control policy. The goal for research on alcohol and tobacco is to document the extent to which supply controls can be effective in reducing harm; the additional goal for illicit drugs is to document just how much the current ideologically driven approach is costing the public.