bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade Required for Regulation of Development and Secondary Metabolism in
Neurospora crassa
Authors: Park Gyungsoon , Pan Songqin , Borkovich Katherine A. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades are composed of MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs), MAPK kinases (MAPKKs), and MAPKs. In this study, we characterize components of a MAPK cascade in
Neurospora crassa
(
mik-1
, MAPKKK;
mek-1
, MAPKK; and
mak-1
, MAPK) homologous to that controlling cell wall integrity in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Growth of basal hyphae is significantly reduced in
mik-1, mek-1
, and
mak-1
deletion mutants on solid medium. All three mutants formed short aerial hyphae and the formation of asexual macroconidia was reduced in Δ
mik-1
mutants and almost abolished in Δ
mek-1
and Δ
mak-1
strains. In contrast, the normally rare asexual spores, arthroconidia, were abundant in cultures of the three mutants. Δ
mik-1
, Δ
mek-1
, and Δ
mak-1
mutants were unable to form protoperithecia or perithecia when used as females in a sexual cross. The MAK-1 MAPK was not phosphorylated in Δ
mik-1
and Δ
mek-1
mutants, consistent with the involvement of MIK-1, MEK-1, and MAK-1 in the same signaling cascade. Interestingly, we observed increased levels of mRNA and protein for tyrosinase in the mutants under nitrogen starvation, a condition favoring sexual differentiation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes production of the secondary metabolite
l
-DOPA melanin. These results implicate the MAK-1 pathway in regulation of development and secondary metabolism in filamentous fungi.
Mutational Analysis of the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement-Encoded Regulator (Ler) of EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Yerushalmi Gal , Nadler Chen , Berdichevski Tatiana , Rosenshine Ilan 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThe locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island of enterohemorrhagic and enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EHEC and EPEC, respectively) comprises a cluster of operons encoding a type III secretion system and related proteins, all of which are essential for bacterial colonization of the host intestines. TheLEE1operon encodes Ler, which positively regulates many EPEC and EHEC virulence genes located in the LEE region and elsewhere in the chromosome. In addition, Ler is a specific autorepressor ofLEE1transcription. To better understand the function of Ler, we screened for Ler mutants defective in autorepression. We isolated 18 different point mutations in Ler, rendering it defective in autorepression and in DNA binding. Among these mutants were those defective in positive regulation as well as in autorepression, dominant-negative mutants, and a mutant deficient in oligomerization. Importantly, a group of Ler autorepression mutants complemented an EPEClerdeletion mutant for transcription activation in a dosage-dependent manner, suggesting that Ler and possibly other autorepressors have an intrinsic compensatory mechanism that enables them to sustain mutations. In addition, the phenotypes of the different mutants identified by the screen define a novel domain in Ler that is required for oligomerization.
In Vivo DNA Protection by Relaxed-Specificity SinI DNA Methyltransferase Variants
Authors: Tímár Edit , Venetianer Pál , Kiss Antal 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

The SinI DNA methyltransferase, a component of the SinI restriction-modification system, recognizes the sequence GG(A/T)CC and methylates the inner cytosine to produce 5-methylcytosine. Previously isolated relaxed-specificity mutants of the enzyme also methylate, at a lower rate, GG(G/C)CC sites. In this work we tested the capacity of the mutant enzymes to function in vivo as the counterpart of a restriction endonuclease, which can cleave either site. The viability of
Escherichia coli
cells carrying recombinant plasmids with the mutant methyltransferase genes and expressing the GGNCC-specific Sau96I restriction endonuclease from a compatible plasmid was investigated. The
sau96IR
gene on the latter plasmid was transcribed from the
araBAD
promoter, allowing tightly controlled expression of the endonuclease. In the presence of low concentrations of the inducer arabinose, cells synthesizing the N172S or the V173L mutant enzyme displayed increased plating efficiency relative to cells producing the wild-type methyltransferase, indicating enhanced protection of the cell DNA against the Sau96I endonuclease. Nevertheless, this protection was not sufficient to support long-term survival in the presence of the inducer, which is consistent with incomplete methylation of GG(G/C)CC sites in plasmid DNA purified from the N172S and V173L mutants. Elevated DNA ligase activity was shown to further increase viability of cells producing the V173L variant and Sau96I endonuclease.
Children can't fly: a program to prevent childhood morbidity and mortality from window falls
Authors: Spiegel Charlotte N , Lindaman Francis C 
Published: October 2008

`Children Can't Fly' is a health education program developed by the New York City Department of Health to combat the high incidence of child mortality and morbidity due to falls from windows. The success of the program, begun in 1972, in drastically reducing death and injury persuaded the New York City Board of Health to amend the Health Code in 1976 to require that landlords provide window guards in apartments where children 10 years old and younger reside. The law is the first and only one of its kind in the nation.The program has four major components: (1) reporting of falls by hospital emergency rooms and police precincts, followed up by counseling, referral and data collecting by public health nurses; (2) a media campaign to inform the public and elevate their awareness of the hazards; (3) community education for prevention through door-to-door hazard identification, counseling by outreach workers, community organization efforts with schools, tenant groups, clinics, churches, health care providers, etc; (4) provision of free, easily installed window guards to families with young children living in high-risk areas.Significant reduction in falls resulted, particularly in the Bronx, where reported falls declined 50% from 1973 to 1975. The program is one solution to an urgent urban problem which other cities might consider to avert the loss of life and limb, and the corollary financial burden for hospitalization, rehabilitation and maintenance of the injured and permanently disabled.
Relative harm of snus and cigarettes: what do Norwegian adolescents say?
Authors: Øverland S , Hetland J , Aarø L E 
Published: October 2008

Background:The public receives mixed messages about the harmfulness of alternative tobacco products to cigarettes, and little is known about what present and potential users of these products actually think about their relative harmfulness.Methods:In a nationally representative survey of 2415 Norwegian adolescents aged 16–20 years, participants were asked to rate the harmfulness of various available tobacco products and their own use of snus and cigarettes. A study was undertaken to examine how adolescents rate the relative harm of tobacco products in general, and snus and cigarettes in particular, and how this varies with age, gender and their own use of snus and smoking.Results:Cigarettes were generally rated as more harmful than snus, but 41% still rated snus as equally or more harmful than cigarettes. Male participants reported lower harm from all products than females. Being a snus user was associated with lower ratings of harm for snus, but being a smoker was not associated with reporting of harm for cigarettes.Conclusions:Compared with the current scientific consensus, the participants overrated the harmfulness of snus and, as such, our results suggest a potential for changing peoples’ perceptions of the relative health risks of various tobacco products. To the extent that health information affects consumption, accurate information on relative risks may lead more people to choose snus over cigarettes.
The Use and Abuse of Painkillers in International Soccer
Authors: Tscholl Philippe , Feddermann Nina , Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri 
Published: October 2008

Background It is known that in professional men's soccer the consumption of prescription medication is high. Purpose The intake of medication in female and adolescent male soccer players has not yet been investigated. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Material Team physicians reported 10 456 uses of medication 72 hours before each match in 2488 soccer players participating in 6 international soccer tournaments. Results The use of a total of 6577 medical substances was reported, leading to an average intake of 0.63 substances per player per match (under-17s, 0.51; under-20s, 0.51; women, 1.0; P ≤. 001 [without contraceptive medication, 0.85; P <. 001]). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly prescribed type of medication in all tournaments. Women's soccer had the highest percentage of players using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs per match (under-17s, 17.3%; under-20s, 21.4%; women, 30.7%; P ≤. 001). Relatively few players were taking β2-agonists for the treatment of asthma (under-17s, 1.3%; under-20s, 1.3%; women, 4.3%; P ≤. 001). Conclusion These findings highlight the existing problem of excessive medication use in international top-level women's and male youth soccer nearly to the same extent as in men's soccer. Further steps need to be taken to understand the rationale underlying the sports physicians’ practice and to plan educational programs to avoid the abuse of prescription medication. Clinical Relevance Continued abuse of medication may otherwise not only negatively influence the quality of the game but also the health status of the players.
Cracking in dissimilar Mg alloy friction stir spot welds
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Gerlich A. , North T. H. , Shinozaki K. 
Published: October 2008

Cracking during dissimilar friction stir spot welding of thixomoulded AM60 and AZ91 sheet materials is investigated. Liquation cracking occurs in the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) region during friction stir spot welding when AZ91 material is the lower sheet in the dissimilar AM60/AZ91 sandwich. A TMAZ microstructure comprising elongated α-Mg grains and aligned Mg17Al12 is created during the tool penetration stage in spot welding and melted eutectic film formation is facilitated since the temperature in the stir zone (504°C) is much higher than the α-Mg+Mg17Al12 eutectic temperature (437°C). There is no evidence of liquation cracking in the stir zone or the TMAZ region of AM60 sheet when it is the lower sheet in the dissimilar sandwich. However, liquation cracking is observed in the upper sheet material (AZ91) in the location beneath the tool shoulder close to its periphery.
AT-101 induces apoptosis in CLL B cells and overcomes stromal cell–mediated Mcl-1 induction and drug resistance
Authors: Balakrishnan Kumudha , Burger Jan A. , Wierda William G. , Gandhi Varsha 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Resistance to apoptosis in CLL B cells is associated with overexpression of Bcl-2 family antiapoptotic proteins. Their expression is endogenous, but is also induced by signals from the microenvironment resulting in intrinsic and extrinsic drug resistance. Because AT-101 binds to the BH3 motif of all Bcl-2–family antiapoptotic proteins, we hypothesized that this molecule could overcome resistance. AT-101 treatment (20 μM for 24 hours) resulted in a median 72% apoptosis in CLL cells (patients; n = 32, P < .001). Stromal cells protected CLL B cells from spontaneous and fludarabine-induced apoptosis (P = .003) by increasing the Mcl-1 protein levels. However, AT-101 induced similar extent of down-regulation of Mcl-1 and apoptosis in CLL lymphocytes cultured in suspension or on stroma (P = .999). Stromal cells expressed undetectable levels of antiapoptotic but high levels of activated ERK and AKT proteins and had low or no apoptosis with AT-101. Collectively, these data demonstrate that AT-101 induces apoptosis in CLL B cells and overcomes microenvironment-mediated resistance while sparing normal stromal cells.
Toll-like receptor homolog RP105 modulates the antigen-presenting cell function and regulates the development of collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Tada Yoshifumi , Koarada Syuichi , Morito Fumitaka , Mitamura Mio , Inoue Hisako , Suematsu Rie , Ohta Akihide , Miyake Kensuke , Nagasawa Kohei 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Introduction
RP105 is a Toll-like receptor homolog expressed on B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages. We investigated the role of RP105 in the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods
CIA was induced in RP105-deficient DBA/1 mice and the incidence and arthritis index were analyzed. The cytokine production by spleen cells was determined. The functions of the DCs and regulatory T cells (Tregs) from RP105-deficient or control mice were determined by adding these cells to the lymph node cell culture. Arthritis was also induced by incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) plus collagen or by injecting anti-collagen antibody and lipopolysaccharide.

Results
RP105-deficient mice showed accelerated onset of arthritis and increased severity. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by spleen cells from RP105-deficient mice was increased in comparison with that from wild-type mice. The DCs from RP105-deficient mice induced more IFN-γ production, whereas Tregs from those mice showed less inhibitory effect against IFN-γ production. RP105-deficient mice also showed more severe arthritis induced by collagen with IFA.

Conclusions
These results indicate that RP105 regulates the antigen-presenting cell function and Treg development, which induced the attenuation of the cell-mediated immune responses and, as a result, suppressed the development of CIA.
Substance P (SP) enhances CCL5-induced chemotaxis and intracellular signaling in human monocytes, which express the truncated neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)
Authors: Chernova Irene , Lai Jian-Ping , Li Haiying , Schwartz Lynnae , Tuluc Florin , Korchak Helen M , Douglas Steven D , Kilpatrick Laurie E 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSubstance P (SP) is a potent modulator of monocyte/macrophage function. The SP-preferring receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) has two forms: a full-length NK1R (NK1R-F) isoform and a truncated NK1R (NK1R-T) isoform, which lacks the terminal cytoplasmic 96-aa residues. The distribution of these receptor isoforms in human monocytes is not known. We previously identified an interaction among SP, NK1R, and HIV viral strains that use the chemokine receptor CCR5 as a coreceptor, suggesting crosstalk between NK1R and CCR5. The purpose of this study was to determine which form(s) of NK1R are expressed in human peripheral blood monocytes and to determine whether SP affects proinflammatory cellular responses mediated through the CCR5 receptor. Human peripheral blood monocytes were found to express NK1R-T but not NK1R-F. SP interactions with NK1R-T did not mobilize calcium (Ca2+), but SP mobilized Ca2+ when the NK1R-F was transfected into monocytes. However, the NK1R-T was functional in monocytes, as SP enhanced the CCR5 ligand CCL5-elicited Ca2+ mobilization, a response inhibited by the NK1R antagonist aprepitant. SP interactions with the NK1R-T also enhanced CCL5-mediated chemotaxis, which was ERK1/2-dependent. NK1R-T selectively activated ERK2 but increased ERK1 and ERK2 activation by CCL5. Activation of NK1R-T elicited serine phosphorylation of CCR5, indicating that crosstalk between CCL5 and SP may occur at the level of the receptor. Thus, NK1R-T is functional in human monocytes and activates select signaling pathways, and the NK1R-T-mediated enhancement of CCL5 responses does not require the NK1R terminal cytoplasmic domain.
Determination of Hansen Solubility Parameters by Means of Gas-Solid Inverse Gas Chromatography
Authors: Voelkel Adam , Batko Kalina , Adamska Katarzyna , Strzemiecka Beata 
Published: October 2008

The determination of Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) from inverse gas chromatographic (IGC) data for a group of nano-materials and modified nano-materials is presented and discussed. The solubility parameter concept is applied in many industries to explain the different properties of the various components in a formulation. Knowledge of the solubility parameter data for different components is important for predicting the magnitude of the interaction between the formulation components and the future stability of the product. Solubility parameter data are also useful in the description and interpretation of different phenomena occurring between materials such as their miscibility, compatibility or adsorption. The inverse gas chromatography method is widely used for the characterization of polymers and polymer blends, surfactants, biopolymers, solid food and petroleum pitches. The method involves placing the investigated material (stationary phase) in a column and then characterizing it using volatile probes with known properties (test solutes) which are carried by a mobile phase. The solubility parameter called the Hildebrand solubility parameter or the Hildebrand parameter is only applied for regular solutions. The so-called Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is an extension of the Hildebrand solubility parameter to polar and hydrogen-bonding systems. Hansen assumed that the cohesive energy can be considered as the sum of the contributions from dispersive (Ed), polar (Ep) and hydrogen-bonding (Eh) interactions: –Ecoh = –Ed – Ep – Eh; and that the total solubility parameter (δT) may be expressed as δT2 = δd2 + δp2 + δ2h, where δp, δp and δh denote the dispersive, polar and hydrogen-bonding contribution, respectively. The estimation of HSP from IGC data for a group of nano-materials and modified nano-materials is presented and discussed here.
Adsorption–Desorption Cycles for the Separation of Vapour-Phase Ethanol/Water Mixtures
Authors: Kupiec Krzysztof , Rakoczy Jan , Zieliński Lukasz , Georgiou Andreas 
Published: October 2008

A theoretical analysis and the results of the experimental verification of the adsorption–desorption process for ethanol dehydration are presented. This adsorption–desorption process is applied in industrial installations for the production of dehydrated ethanol as a fuel additive. In the present work, the experiments were performed using a small-scale experimental setup. The sequence of operations consisted of adsorption, vacuum desorption and purge. The adsorption column, filled with zeolite 3A pellets, was fed with a vapour-phase ethanol/water mixture containing 25 mol% water. The water vapour content at the column outlet was determined using gas chromatography. During the vacuum desorption step, the upper outlet of the column was connected to a vacuum pump. During the purge step, the lower outlet of the column was connected to a vessel containing pure ethanol while the upper outlet was connected to the vacuum pump. The process simulation results using the developed model have been compared with the experimental results in order to verify accuracy of the model. The agreement between the experimental and theoretical results demonstrated that the mathematical model adequately described the process.
Adsorption and Movement of Endosulfan in Soils: A Verification of the Co-Solvent Theory and a Comparison of Batch Equilibrium and Soil Thin Layer Chromatography Results
Authors: Singh R.P. , Singh Sujata 
Published: October 2008

Batch equilibrium and soil thin-layer chromatography (soil TLC) techniques were used to investigate the influence of different volume fractions (fs = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0) of organic co-solvents (acetone and methanol) on the adsorption and movement of endosulfan in three different types of Indian soils (silt loam, loam and sandy loam). The measured equilibrium adsorption isotherms for all three soils studied were L-shaped for both co-solvent/water mixtures at all fs values. All isotherms were in close agreement with the Freundlich equation. Higher adsorption of endosulfan was observed on silt loam soil followed by loam and sandy loam soils at all fs values for both co-solvent systems, as was anticipated from the values of the Freundlich constants, K, and the partition coefficients, KD. The order of the K and KD values also confirmed that endosulfan adsorption was higher in methanol/water mixtures than in acetone/water mixtures and decreased with increasing fs values. The Rf values obtained from soil TLC studies were inversely proportional to the K and KD values for both co-solvent systems. The higher K and KD values and lower Rf values in methanol/water mixtures relative to acetone/water mixtures for all the three soils studied indicated that acetone had a greater potential for ground water contamination through leaching from potential sites than methanol. The affinity of endosulfan towards the organic carbon and clay content of the soils was evaluated by calculating the KOC and KC values. The data obtained indicated that, although the affinity of endosulfan was better correlated with the organic carbon content, the contribution of the clay content of soils towards endosulfan adsorption cannot be ignored. The adsorption data were used to evaluate the co-solvent theory for describing the adsorption of endosulfan in acetone/water and methanol/water mixtures. The aqueous-phase partition coefficients, KDW (mol/g), normalized with respect to foc for endosulfan were evaluated via the extrapolation fs → 0.
Design of Reactive Muffler for Study on the Noise Level and Performance of a Two Cylinder Four Stroke 16 h.p Diesel Engine
Authors: Bhattacharya Paritosh , Panua Rajsekhar , Bose Prabir Kumar , Ghosh Bankim Bihari 
Published: October 2008

Exhaust noise from internal combustion engine is most harmful. However this noise can be reduced sufficiently by means of a well designed muffler. Suitable design and development will help to reduce the noise level, but at the same time the performance of the engine should not be hampered by the back pressure caused by the muffler. The authors designed and fabricated a reactive muffler and afterward compared the noise level, Brake thermal efficiency and Brake Specific Fuel Consumptions with the existing muffler and the modified designed and fabricated muffler.
Management of Graves' hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: focus on both maternal and foetal thyroid function, and caution against surgical thyroidectomy in pregnancy
Authors: Laurberg Peter , Bournaud Claire , Karmisholt Jesper , Orgiazzi Jacques 
Published: October 2008

Graves' disease is a common autoimmune disorder in women in fertile ages. The hyperthyroidism is causedby generation of TSH-receptor activating antibodies. In pregnancy both the antibodies and the antithyroid medication given to the mother pass the placenta and affect the foetal thyroid gland. Thyroid function should be controlled not only in the mother with Graves' hyperthyroidism but also in her foetus.The review includes two cases illustrating some of the problems in managing Graves' disease in pregnancy.Major threats to optimal foetal thyroid function are inadequate or over aggressive antithyroid drug therapy of the mother. It should be taken into account that antithyroid drugs tend to block the foetal thyroid function more effectively than the maternal thyroid function, and that levothyroxin (l-T4) given to the mother will have only a limited effect in the foetus.Surgical thyroidectomy of patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism does not lead to immediate remission of the autoimmune abnormality, and the combination thyroidectomy+withdrawal of antithyroid medication+l-T4 replacement of the mother involves a high risk of foetal hyperthyroidism.ConclusionAntithyroid drug therapy of pregnant women with Graves' hyperthyroidism should be balanced to control both maternal and foetal thyroid function. Surgical thyroidectomy of a pregnant woman with active disease may lead to isolated foetal hyperthyroidism.