bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of Peptidic Fusion Inhibitors Derived from HIV‐1 gp41 with Partial D‐Amino Acid Substitutions
Authors: Gaston Fabrice , Granados Giovana C. , Madurga Sergio , Rabanal Francesc , Lakhdar‐Ghazal Faouzi , Giralt Ernest , Bahraoui Elmostafa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractInteractions between C34 and N36: Synthetic peptides with D‐amino acid substitutions that mimic the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp41 HR2 region may lead to new peptidic anti‐HIV‐1 drugs that retain potent antiviral activity while being more resistant to proteolytic degradation.magnified imageThe aim of this study was to design synthetic peptides with D‐amino acid substitutions that mimic the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp41 HR2 region. The objective was to develop new and active C34 analogue peptides by introducing D‐amino acid point substitutions at nonessential sites for HR1–HR2 interaction without disrupting the structure of the peptide. Herein we report a study with C34L peptide analogues, including the enantiomer peptide C34D, the retro‐inverso analogue (RI), and two peptides with D‐amino acid point substitutions (C34M2 and C34M3). Our results show that, with the exception of RI, these peptides adopt an α‐helical structure and are, like C34L, able to interact with HR1, mimicked by the N36 peptide. Furthermore, we show that modifications introduced in C34M2, but not in C34M3, enhance its resistance to trypsin‐mediated hydrolysis and increase the stability of C34M2 in physiological medium. Interestingly, our results show that C34 peptide analogues C34M2 and C34M3, but not C34D and its RI analogue, retain their ability to inhibit HIV‐1 replication with an efficiency similar to that of the C34L peptide. These data underscore the interest in using D‐amino acids at specific sites in the C34 peptide sequence and may lead to a new strategy for the development of more stable and active anti‐HIV‐1 peptidic drugs.
Socioeconomic variation, number competence, and mathematics learning difficulties in young children
Authors: Jordan Nancy C. , Levine Susan C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAs a group, children from disadvantaged, low‐income families perform substantially worse in mathematics than their counterparts from higher‐income families. Minority children are disproportionately represented in low‐income populations, resulting in significant racial and social‐class disparities in mathematics learning linked to diminished learning opportunities. The consequences of poor mathematics achievement are serious for daily functioning and for career advancement. This article provides an overview of children's mathematics difficulties in relation to socioeconomic status (SES). We review foundations for early mathematics learning and key characteristics of mathematics learning difficulties. A particular focus is the delays or deficiencies in number competencies exhibited by low‐income children entering school. Weaknesses in number competence can be reliably identified in early childhood, and there is good evidence that most children have the capacity to develop number competence that lays the foundation for later learning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:60–68.
Longitudinal analysis of mammogenesis using a novel tetracycline‐inducible mouse model and in vivo imaging
Authors: Creamer Bradley A. , Triplett Aleata A. , Wagner Kay‐Uwe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe generated a novel mouse model, which expresses the tetracycline‐inducible transactivator under the regulation of the endogenous whey acidic protein gene. Using a tet‐responsive luciferase reporter transgene, we demonstrated that the Wap‐rtTA knockin allele allows a tightly controlled temporal and spatial expression of transgenes in the mammary gland in a ligand‐inducible manner. The longitudinal analysis of individual females throughout their reproductive cycles using in vivo bioluminescence imaging confirmed that the expression of the Wap‐rtTA knockin allele is highly upregulated during lactation. However, the extent of the transcriptional activation of the targeted Wap locus is dependent on the suckling stimulus and milk retrieval. In addition, we used WAP‐rtTA/TetO‐H2B–GFP double‐transgenic females to monitor the presence of GFP‐labeled parity‐induced mammary epithelial cells (PI‐MECs) during the postlactational involution period. The study shows that, unlike their progeny in mammary epithelial transplants as reported previously, PI‐MECs themselves may not belong to the long‐term label‐retaining epithelial subtype. genesis 47:234–245, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrated Enzyme‐Based Biofuel Cells–A Review
Authors: Willner I. , Yan Y.‐M. , Willner B. , Tel‐Vered R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEnzyme‐based biofuel cells provide versatile means to generate electrical power from biomass or biofuel substrates, and to use biological fluids as fuel‐sources for the electrical activation of implantable electronic medical devices, or prosthetic aids. This review addresses recent advances for assembling biofuel cells based on integrated, electrically contacted thin film‐modified enzyme electrodes. Different methods to electrically communicate the enzymes associated with the anodes/cathodes of the biofuel cell elements are presented. These include: (i) The reconstitution of apo‐enzymes on relay‐cofactor monolayers assembled on electrodes, or the crosslinking of cofactor‐enzyme affinity complexes assembled on electrodes. (ii) The immobilisation of enzymes in redox‐active hydrogels associated with electrodes. (iii) The use of nano‐elements, such as carbon nanotubes, for the electrical contacting of the enzyme electrodes comprising the biofuel cells. All three methods are implemented for the electrical contacting of oxidases and dehydrogenases with electrodes acting as anodes of biofuel cells, and for the electrical wiring of bilirubin oxidase, cytochrome oxidase, and laccase with electrodes, that yield the cathode units of the biofuel cells. Different methods to control the biofuel cells, operation by external stimuli are discussed, including the application of external magnetic fields, and the electrochemical switching of the biofuel cell operation.
Using the Barnes Language Assessment with older ethnic minority groups
Authors: Ramsey Victoria , Stevens Susan , Bryan Karen , Binder Julia , Cockle‐Hearne Jane 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveThere are many issues concerning the assessment of older people from ethnic minority groups, the most significant being the language barrier experienced by those whose English is an additional language (EAL). This study aimed to test the hypothesis that EAL participants would score less well than those with English as a first language (EFL) on the sub‐tests of the Barnes Language Assessment (BLA), elucidate the reasons for any such differences and discuss the implications.MethodsThe Barnes Language Assessment (BLA) is an accurate tool providing information about expected patterns of language in different dementia syndromes. This study compares the performance of EAL participants with EFL participants. The BLA was administered to 144 participants, divided into sub‐groups with respect to age, gender and educational background, none of whom had a working diagnosis of dementia.ResultsResults suggest that EAL speakers performed less well compared to EFL speakers when other variables were matched. Significantly better BLA scores, at the one percent level, were found in both EAL and EFL groups with higher educational achievement for eight of the 15 sub‐tests.ConclusionDifferences were found in performance on the BLA between EAL and EFL participants. The degree of difference between EAL and EFL speakers decreased as educational achievement rose. The consequences of these findings for service delivery and the problems of recruitment of older EAL participants are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiepitope peptide-loaded virus-like particles as a vaccine against hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma #
Authors: Ding Fei-Xiang , Wang Fang , Lu Yi-Ming , Li Ka , Wang Kai-Hui , He Xiao-Wen , Sun Shu-Han 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
To develop a hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapeutic vaccine that can induce a broad but specific immune response and significant antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro, we inserted HBV X protein (HBx)-derived epitopes HBx(52-60), HBx(92-100), and HBx(115-123); a novel subdominant cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope HBx(140-148); and the universal T helper epitope pan human leukocyte antigen DR-binding epitope into HBV core protein to form multiepitope peptide-loaded virus-like particles (VLPs). CTL responses against epitope-loaded VLPs were elicited by priming with VLP-pulsed dendritic cells in both HLA-A*0201 transgenic (Tg) mice and peripheral blood lymphocytes from HLA-A2+/HBx+ HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The multiepitope peptide-loaded VLPs demonstrated significantly higher immunogenicity in Tg mice than any single responsive epitope. Significant antitumor effects were demonstrated both with primary cultured autologous HCC cells in vitro and tumor-bearing Tg mice in vivo in an HLA-A2–restricted and epitope-specific fashion. Conclusion: The significant antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro demonstrate the potential of multiepitope peptide-loaded VLPs as a vaccine against HCC. (Hepatology 2009.)
Mechanical force induces type I collagen expression in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts through activation of ERK/JNK and AP‐1
Authors: Kook Sung‐Ho , Hwang Jung‐Min , Park Jong‐Sun , Kim Eun‐Mi , Heo Jung‐Sun , Jeon Young‐Mi , Lee Jeong‐Chae 
Published: February 2009

AbstractType I collagen (COL I) is the predominant collagen in the extracellular matrix of periodontal ligament (PDL), and its expression in PDL fibroblasts (PLF) is sensitive to mechanical force. However, the mechanism by which PLF induces COL I to respond to mechanical force is unclear. This study examined the nature of human PLF in mediating COL I expression in response to centrifugal force. Signal transduction pathways in the early stages of mechanotransduction involved in the force‐driven regulation of COL I expression were also investigated. Centrifugal force up‐regulated COL I without cytotoxicity and activated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase. ERK and JNK inhibitor blocked the expression of COL I but p38 kinase inhibitor had no effect. Centrifugal force activated activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) through dimerization between c‐Fos and c‐Jun transcription factors. ERK and JNK inhibitors also inhibited AP‐1‐DNA binding, c‐Fos nuclear translocation, and c‐Jun phosphorylation that were increased in the force‐exposed PLF. Further, transfecting the cells with c‐Jun antisense oligonucleotides almost completely abolished the force‐induced increase of c‐Jun phosphorylation and COL I induction. Our findings suggest that mechanical signals are transmitted into the nucleus by ERK/JNK signaling pathways and then stimulate COL I expression through AP‐1 activation in force‐exposed human PLF. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1060–1067, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new construction of perfect nonlinear functions using Galois rings
Authors: Feng Tao 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFor a prime p, we give a construction of perfect nonlinear functions from ℤ to ℤ when either of the following conditions holds: (1) n≥p; (2) n<p, and n is a composite number or is the sum of positive composite numbers. It follows that when n≥12, there is a perfect nonlinear function from ℤ to ℤ for any prime p. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 229‐239, 2009
Nanostructural analysis by atomic force microscopy followed by light microscopy on the same archival slide
Authors: Wagner Mathias , Kaehler Dirk , Anhenn Olaf , Betz Thomas , Awad Sally , Shamaa Ali , Theegarten Dirk , Linder Roland 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIntegrated information on ultrastructural surface texture and chemistry increasingly plays a role in the biomedical sciences. Light microscopy provides access to biochemical data by the application of dyes. Ultrastructural representation of the surface structure of tissues, cells, or macromolecules can be obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, SEM often requires gold or coal coating of biological samples, which makes a combined examination by light microscopy and SEM difficult. Conventional histochemical staining methods are not easily applicable to biological material subsequent to such treatment. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) gives access to surface textures down to ultrastructural dimensions without previous coating of the sample. A combination of AFM with conventional histochemical staining protocols for light microscopy on a single slide is therefore presented. Unstained cores were examined using AFM (tapping mode) and subsequently stained histochemically. The images obtained by AFM were compared with the results of histochemistry. AFM technology did not interfere with any of the histochemical staining protocols. Ultrastructurally analyzed regions could be identified in light microscopy and histochemical properties of ultrastructurally determined regions could be seen. AFM‐generated ultrastructural information with subsequent staining gives way to novel findings in the biomedical sciences. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Authentication of the 31 species of toxic and potent Chinese Materia Medica by light microscopy, part 3: Two species of T/PCMM from flowers and their common adulterants
Authors: Chu Chu , Xia Li , Bai Li‐Ping , Li Qin , Li Ping , Chen Hu‐Biao , Zhao Zhong‐Zhen 
Published: February 2009

AbstractToxic and potent Chinese Materia Medica (T/PCMM) has become a hot and sensitive topic as more and more people around the world are interested in the safety of herbal medicines. T/PCMM is irreplaceable in treating some diseases; but it can easily cause serious problems if confused with other herbal medicines. Accurate identification is essential to ensure their safe use, but up to now, the literature on the authentication of T/PCMM is scant. Thus, we are undertaking a study of 31 T/PCMM originating from plants, animals, minerals, and secreta. Our previous study established microscopic observation as a simple, fast, accurate, and convenient method for identifying and authenticating animal and seed T/PCMM. This study focused on the authentication of flower T/PCMM as a part of the whole study. The flower T/PCMM studies were derived from two species, Datura metel L. (Flos Daturae) and Rhododendron molle G. Don (Flos Rhododendri Mollis). Other species easily confused with these two were also examined and characterized. Using the microscope camera, normal light and polarized light microscopy, we determined the macroscopic and microscopic features of the flowers; in addition, the oil immersion lens was used to study the pollen grain characteristics. The results demonstrated that flower T/PCMM can be identified and authenticated using a light microscope equipped with an oil immersion lens. This same equipment can be easily used to characterize other herbal flower medicines. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Independent sets of maximal size in tensor powers of vertex‐transitive graphs
Authors: Ku Cheng Yeaw , McMillan Benjamin B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractLet G be a connected, nonbipartite vertex‐transitive graph. We prove that if the only independent sets of maximal cardinality in the tensor product G × G are the preimages of the independent sets of maximal cardinality in G under projections, then the same holds for all finite tensor powers of G, thus providing an affirmative answer to a question raised by Larose and Tardif (J Graph Theory 40(3) (2002), 162–171). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 60: 295‐301, 2009
Jaw mechanism and dental function in the late cretaceous basal eusuchian Iharkutosuchus
Authors: Ősi Attila , Weishampel David B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIharkutosuchus makadii is a basal eusuchian crocodylian with multicusped teeth discovered from the Upper Cretaceous of Hungary. Skull and dentition morphology indicates an active food processing for this crocodylian. First among crocodylians, a combination of different analyses, including cranial adductor muscle reconstruction, tooth wear pattern, and enamel microstructure studies, is applied here to support this hypothesis. Data provide unambiguous evidence for significant dental occlusion that was a result of a unique, transverse mandibular movement. Reconstruction of the jaw adductors demonstrates strong muscles responsible for slow but active jaw closure as the motor of transverse jaw movement; nevertheless muscles producing rapid jaw closure were reduced. Macrowear orientations show a dominantly transverse movement of the mandibles completed by a slight anteroposterior component. Along with quadrate morphology, macrowear further indicates that this motion was accomplished by alternate rotation of the mandibles about the quadrate condyles. Dental morphology and wear patterns suggest two types of power stroke: a slicing–crushing stroke associated dominantly with anterior tooth–food–tooth contact (with a low degree of transverse mandibular movement) during in the early stage of mastication, and a grinding stroke with significant posterior tooth–tooth contact and a dynamic transverse movement occurring later. The patterns of microwear show a diverse diet for Iharkutosuchus including both soft and hard items. This is also supported by the microstructure of the thick, wrinkled enamel built up mostly by poorly developed columnar units. Based on wear patterns, ontogenetic variation in feeding habits of Iharkutosuchus is also recognized. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular distribution of the reductive and oxidative pentose phosphate pathways in two diatoms
Authors: Gruber Ansgar , Weber Till , Bártulos Carolina Río , Vugrinec Sascha , Kroth Peter G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDiatoms contribute a large proportion to the worldwide primary production and are particularly effective in fixing carbon dioxide. Possibly because diatom plastids originate from a secondary endocytobiosis, their cellular structure is more complex and metabolic pathways are rearranged within diatom cells compared to cells containing primary plastids. We annotated genes encoding isozymes of the reductive and oxidative pentose phosphate pathways in the genomes of the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana and the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and bioinformatically inferred their intracellular distribution. Prediction results were confirmed by fusion of selected presequences to Green Fluorescent Protein and expression of these constructs in P. tricornutum. Calvin cycle enzymes for the carbon fixation and reduction of 3‐phosphoglycerate are present in single isoforms, while we found multiple isoenzymes involved in the regeneration of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate. We only identified one cytosolic sedoheptulose‐1,7‐bisphosphatase in both investigated diatoms. The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway seems to be restricted to the cytosol in diatoms, since we did not find stromal glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 6‐phosphogluconolactone dehydrogenase isoforms. However, the two species apparently possess a plastidic phosphogluconolactonase. A 6‐phosphogluconolactone dehydrogenase is apparently plastid associated in P. tricornutum and might be active in the periplastidic compartment, suggesting that this compartment might be involved in metabolic processes in diatoms.Abbreviations: AL: aldolase, ATP: adenosine triphosphate, Chl: Chlorophyll, DIC: Normanski differential interference contrast, ER: endoplasmic reticulum, EST: expressed sequence tag, FBA: fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase, FBPase: fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase, GAPDH: glycerinaldehyd‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, GFP: enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein, GPDH: glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, GPI: glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase, HMM: Hidden Markov Models, JGI: Joint Genome Institute, NADPH: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, NN: Neuronal networks, OPP: oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction, PGDH: 6‐phosphogluconolactone dehydrogenase, PGK: phosphoglycerate kinase, PGL: phosphogluconolactonase, Phatr2: version 2.0 of the Phaeodactylum tricornutum genome, PRK: phosphoribulokinase, RPE: ribulose‐phosphate epimerase, RPI: ribose‐5‐phosphate isomerase, RuBisCO: ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, SBPase: sedoheptulose‐1,7‐bisphosphatase, TAL: transaldolase, Thaps3: version 3.0 of the Thalassiosira pseudonana genome, TKL: transketolase, TPI: triosephosphate isomerase, UGGtransferase: UDP glucose‐starch glycosyl transferase. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
FGF23 is a putative marker for bone healing and regeneration
Authors: Goebel Sascha , Lienau Jasmin , Rammoser Ulrich , Seefried Lothar , Wintgens Karl Florian , Seufert Jochen , Duda Georg , Jakob Franz , Ebert Regina 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBesides numerous other factors, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling is involved in fracture healing and bone remodeling. FGF23 is a phosphatonin produced by osteoblastic cells, which signals via FGFR1, thereby exerting effects in bone and kidney. We analyzed if serum FGF23 levels might be an indicator to predict fracture healing and union. FGF23 (C‐Term) was elevated on day 3 postoperatively in 55 patients sustaining an exchange of total hip implants due to aseptic loosening. A prospective study of 40 patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty also showed elevated FGF23 (C‐Term) but no change in FGF23 (intact) levels on days 1, 4, and 10 postoperatively. Serum phosphate and phosphate clearance stayed within normal ranges. FGF23 mRNA expression in ovine callus was compared between a standard and delayed course of osteotomy healing. In the standard model, a marked increase in FGF23 mRNA expression compared to the delayed healing situation was observed. Immunohistochemical analysis showed FGF23 production of osteoblasts and granulation tissue in the fracture callus during bone healing. In conclusion, FGF23 is involved in bone healing, can be measured by a sensitive assay in peripheral blood, and is a promising candidate as an indicator for healing processes prone to reunion versus nonunion. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Effects of Light‐Induced Regularity on the Physical Properties of Multiphase Polymers
Authors: Murata Kosuke , Murata Tasuku , Nakanishi Hideyuki , Norisuye Tomohisa , Tran‐Cong‐Miyata Qui 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA method that combines UV irradiation and pausing was developed to manipulate the regularity and the length scales of the morphology generated by phase separation in full‐interpenetrating polymer networks of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate). Upon increasing the pause time of photopolymerization and photo‐crosslink processes, the morphology gradually changes from hexagonal‐like packing to random structures. The width of the loss tan δ obtained for these phase‐separated materials changes with the morphological regularity, suggesting a potential technique for fabrication of mechanical bandgap materials.magnified image