bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raw Mediates Antagonism of AP-1 Activity in Drosophila
Authors: Bates Katherine L , Higley Matthew , Letsou Anthea 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
High baselines of transcription factor activities represent fundamental obstacles to regulated signaling. Here we show that in Drosophila, quenching of basal activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor activity serves as a prerequisite to its tight spatial and temporal control by the JNK (Jun N-terminal kinase) signaling cascade. Our studies indicate that the novel raw gene product is required to limit AP-1 activity to leading edge epidermal cells during embryonic dorsal closure. In addition, we provide the first evidence that the epidermis has a Basket JNK-independent capacity to activate AP-1 targets and that raw function is required broadly throughout the epidermis to antagonize this activity. Finally, our mechanistic studies of the three dorsal-open group genes [raw, ribbon (rib), and puckered (puc)] indicate that these gene products provide at least two tiers of JNK/AP-1 regulation. In addition to Puckered phosphatase function in leading edge epidermal cells as a negative-feedback regulator of JNK signaling, the three dorsal-open group gene products (Raw, Ribbon, and Puckered) are required more broadly in the dorsolateral epidermis to quench a basal, signaling-independent activity of the AP-1 transcription factor.
Regulation of Glia Number in Drosophila by Rap/Fzr, an Activator of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex, and Loco, an RGS Protein
Authors: Kaplow Margarita E , Korayem Adam H , Venkatesh Tadmiri R 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Glia mediate a vast array of cellular processes and are critical for nervous system development and function. Despite their immense importance in neurobiology, glia remain understudied and the molecular mechanisms that direct their differentiation are poorly understood. Rap/Fzr is the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian Cdh1, a regulatory subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). APC/C is an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex well characterized for its role in cell cycle progression. In this study, we have uncovered a novel cellular role for Rap/Fzr. Loss of rap/fzr function leads to a marked increase in the number of glia in the nervous system of third instar larvae. Conversely, ectopic expression of UAS-rap/fzr, driven by repo-GAL4, results in the drastic reduction of glia. Data from clonal analyses using the MARCM technique show that Rap/Fzr regulates the differentiation of surface glia in the developing larval nervous system. Our genetic and biochemical data further indicate that Rap/Fzr regulates glial differentiation through its interaction with Loco, a regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein and a known effector of glia specification. We propose that Rap/Fzr targets Loco for ubiquitination, thereby regulating glial differentiation in the developing nervous system.
Multiple Rescue Factors Within a Wolbachia Strain
Authors: Zabalou Sofia , Apostolaki Angeliki , Pattas Savvas , Veneti Zoe , Paraskevopoulos Charalampos , Livadaras Ioannis , Markakis George , Brissac Terry , Merçot Hervé , Bourtzis Kostas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is expressed when infected males are crossed with either uninfected females or females infected with Wolbachia of different CI specificity. In diploid insects, CI results in embryonic mortality, apparently due to the the loss of the paternal set of chromosomes, usually during the first mitotic division. The molecular basis of CI has not been determined yet; however, several lines of evidence suggest that Wolbachia exhibits two distinct sex-dependent functions: in males, Wolbachia somehow “imprints” the paternal chromosomes during spermatogenesis (mod function), whereas in females, the presence of the same Wolbachia strain(s) is able to restore embryonic viability (resc function). On the basis of the ability of Wolbachia to induce the modification and/or rescue functions in a given host, each bacterial strain can be classified as belonging in one of the four following categories: mod+ resc+, mod− resc+, mod− resc−, and mod+ resc−. A so-called “suicide” mod+ resc− strain has not been found in nature yet. Here, a combination of embryonic cytoplasmic injections and introgression experiments was used to transfer nine evolutionary, distantly related Wolbachia strains (wYak, wTei, wSan, wRi, wMel, wHa, wAu, wNo, and wMa) into the same host background, that of Drosophila simulans (STCP strain), a highly permissive host for CI expression. We initially characterized the modification and rescue properties of the Wolbachia strains wYak, wTei, and wSan, naturally present in the yakuba complex, upon their transfer into D. simulans. Confocal microscopy and multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) analysis were also employed for the evaluation of the CI properties. We also tested the compatibility relationships of wYak, wTei, and wSan with all other Wolbachia infections. So far, the cytoplasmic incompatibility properties of different Wolbachia variants are explained assuming a single pair of modification and rescue factors specific to each variant. This study shows that a given Wolbachia variant can possess multiple rescue determinants corresponding to different CI systems. In addition, our results: (a) suggest that wTei appears to behave in D. simulans as a suicide mod+ resc− strain, (b) unravel unique CI properties, and (c) provide a framework to understand the diversity and the evolution of new CI-compatibility types.
Epigenetic Control May Explain Large Within-Plant Heterogeneity of Meiotic Behavior in Telocentric Trisomics of Rye
Authors: Sybenga J , Verhaar H , Botje D G A 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In telocentric trisomics (telotrisomics) of organisms in which the chromosomes normally have two distinct arms, a single chromosome arm with a centromere is present in addition to a complete diploid set of chromosomes. It is the simplest form of polysomy and suitable for analyzing meiotic pairing and recombination patterns in situations where chromosomes compete for pairing. When no suitable meiotic chromosome markers are available, four metaphase I configurations can be distinguished. Their relative frequencies are indicative of the pairing and recombination patterns. In short arm (1RS) telotrisomics of chromosome 1R of rye (Secale cereale) we observed great differences in pairing and recombination patterns among spikes from different tillers and clones of the same plants. Anthers within spikes were only very rarely different. We analyzed a large number of genotypes, including inbreds as well as hybrids. The effects of genetic and environmental conditions on heterogeneity, if any, were limited. Considering that the reproductive tissue of a spike is derived from one primordial cell, it seems that at the start of sexual differentiation there was variation among cells in chromosomal control, which at meiosis determines pairing and crossing-over competence. We suggest that it is an epigenetic system that rigidly maintains this pattern through generative differentiation. In competitive situations the combination most competent for pairing will pair preferentially, forming specific meiotic configurations with different frequencies for different spikes of the same plant. This would explain the heterogeneity between spikes and the homogeneity within spikes. The epigenetic system could involve chromatin conformation or DNA methylation. There were no signs of heterochromatinization.
Erythroid Apoptosis in Idiopathic Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Özkan Hasan , Ören Hale , Tatlı Mansur , Ateş Halil , Kumral Abdullah , Duman Nuray 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the contribution of erythroid apoptosis to neonatal idiopathic pathologic jaundice and to determine whether a measurement of the erythroid apoptosis value at birth could predict the development of hyperbilirubinemia during the first 15 days of life.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. Three groups were defined: group 1 (n = 101), healthy newborns whose erythroid apoptosis value and serum total bilirubin levels were detected from birth to day 15; group 2 (n = 24), newborns who were hospitalized for jaundice (serum total bilirubin level: &gt;12.9 mg/dL) without any identifiable pathologic cause; and group 3 (control group, n = 24), healthy newborns whose serum total bilirubin levels were ≤12.9 mg/dL. Erythroid apoptosis value was assessed by flow cytometry using an annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate kit.
RESULTS. In group 1, there was no correlation between the erythroid apoptosis value and serum total bilirubin levels obtained at birth and at the fourth and 15th days of life; the erythrocyte apoptosis value obtained at birth was not significantly different between the neonates whose serum total bilirubin levels were &gt;12.9 and ≤12.9 mg/dL and who had prolonged and nonprolonged jaundice during follow-up. The erythroid apoptosis value differed significantly between the newborns in groups 2 and 3. There was no significant correlation between the erythroid apoptosis value and serum total bilirubin levels of the infants in groups 2 and 3.
CONCLUSIONS. The erythroid apoptosis value obtained at birth could not predict the development of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, but it was increased significantly in jaundiced neonates whose serum total bilirubin levels were &gt;12.9 mg/dL. In these infants, increase in the erythroid apoptosis value may be a result of the toxic effect of bilirubin or of a protective mechanism of neonates to increase heme turnover and bilirubin production to diminish oxidative stress.
Embryonic Stem Cells as a Platform for Analyzing Neural Gene Transcription
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Horrell Scott A. , Delaney Deany , Gottlieb David I. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
There is a need for improved methods to analyze transcriptional control of mammalian stem cell genes. We propose that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) will have broad utility as a model system, because they can be manipulated genetically and then differentiated into many cell types in vitro, avoiding the need to make mice. Results are presented demonstrating the utility of ESCs for analyzing cis-acting sequences using Olig2 as a model gene. Olig2 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in the development of a ventral compartment of the nervous system and the oligodendrocyte lineage. The functional role of an upstream region (USR) of the Olig2 gene was investigated in ESCs engineered at the undifferentiated stage and then differentiated into ventral neural cells with sonic hedgehog and retinoic acid. Deletion of the USR from the native gene via gene targeting eliminates expression in ventral neural cells differentiated in cell culture. The USR is also essential for regulated expression of an Olig2 transgene inserted at a defined foreign chromosomal site. A subregion of the USR has nonspecific promoter activity in transient transfection assays in cells that do not express Olig2. Taken together, the data demonstrate that the USR contains a promoter for the Olig2 gene and suggest that repression contributes to specific expression. The technology used in this study can be applied to a wide range of genes and cell types and will facilitate research on cis-acting DNA elements of mammalian genes.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Circulating Retinol-Binding Protein-4 Concentration Might Reflect Insulin Resistance–Associated Iron Overload
Authors: Fernández-Real José Manuel , Moreno José María , Ricart Wifredo 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES—The mechanisms behind the association between retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) and insulin resistance are not well understood. An interaction between iron and vitamin A status, of which RBP4 is a surrogate, has long been recognized. We hypothesized that iron-associated insulin resistance could be behind the impaired insulin action caused by RBP4.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Serum ferritin and RBP4 concentration and insulin resistance were evaluated in a sample of middle-aged men (n = 132) and in a replication independent study. Serum RBP4 was also studied before and after iron depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Finally, the effect of iron on RBP4 release was evaluated in vitro in adipose tissue.
RESULTS—A positive correlation between circulating RBP4 and log serum ferritin (r = 0.35 and r = 0.61, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001) was observed in both independent studies. Serum RBP4 concentration was higher in men than women in parallel to increased ferritin levels. On multiple regression analyses to predict serum RBP4, log serum ferritin contributed significantly to RBP4 variance after controlling for BMI, age, and homeostasis model assessment value. Serum RBP4 concentration decreased after iron depletion in type 2 diabetic patients (percent mean difference −13.7 [95% CI −25.4 to −2.04]; P = 0.024). The iron donor lactoferrin led to increased dose-dependent adipose tissue release of RBP4 (2.4-fold, P = 0.005) and increased RBP4 expression, while apotransferrin and deferoxamine led to decreased RBP4 release.
CONCLUSIONS—The relationship between circulating RBP4 and iron stores, both cross-sectional and after iron depletion, and in vitro findings suggest that iron could play a role in the RBP4–insulin resistance relationship.
Association Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes Loci in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Qu Hui-Qi , Grant Struan F.A. , Bradfield Jonathan P. , Kim Cecilia , Frackelton Edward , Hakonarson Hakon , Polychronakos Constantin 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—To search for a possible association of type 1 diabetes with 10 validated type 2 diabetes loci, i.e., PPARG, KCNJ11, WFS1, HNF1B, IDE/HHEX, SLC30A8, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B, IGF2BP2, and FTO/RPGRIP1L.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Two European population samples were studied: 1) one case-control cohort of 514 type 1 diabetic subjects and 2,027 control subjects and 2) one family cohort of 483 complete type 1 diabetic case-parent trios (total 997 affected). A total of 13 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the 10 type 2 diabetes loci were analyzed for type 1 diabetes association.RESULTS—No association of type 1 diabetes was found with any of the 10 type 2 diabetes loci, and no age-at-onset effect was detected. By combined analysis using the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium type 1 diabetes data, SNP rs1412829 in the CDKN2A/B locus bordered on significance (P = 0.039) (odds ratio 0.929 [95% CI 0.867–0.995]), which did not reach the statistical significance threshold adjusted for 13 tests (α = 0.00385).CONCLUSIONS—This study suggests that the type 2 diabetes loci do not play any obvious role in type 1 diabetes genetic susceptibility. The distinct molecular mechanisms of the two diseases highlighted the importance of differentiation diagnosis and different treatment principles.
Effectiveness of Biocontrol Based IPM Modules Against Lipaphis Erysimi Kaltenbach (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Pandey Rakesh , Singh Narendra 
Published: April 2008

Effectiveness of Biocontrol Based IPM Modules Against Lipaphis Erysimi Kaltenbach (Hemiptera: Aphididae)Rapessed and mustard are important oilseed crops in India. The vulnerability of the crop to mustard aphid,Lipaphis erysimiKaltenbach is the main bottleneck in successful cultivation of this crop. In order to use insecticides at a minimum level, effectiveness of different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) modules were tested under field conditions. The module (NSKE +Chrysoperla carnea) proved most effective in reducing the aphid population in terms of socio-economic and environmental values.
The Problems of Weed Management by Herbicide Systems Applied in Maize
Authors: Gołebiowska Hanna 
Published: April 2008

The Problems of Weed Management by Herbicide Systems Applied in Maize
Detailed recognition of weed infestation state and degree in south-western region of Poland provided the basis for starting field experiment on three types of soils aiming at the assessment of weed control effectiveness by means of suitably selected herbicide systems. High efficiency of weed elimination on alluvial soils was obtained due to herbicide mixture mesotrione + nicosulfuron in split doses. In the experiment established on brown soils the mentioned weed species were most satisfactorily controlled by herbicide mixture applied according to infestation degree: mesotrione + nicosulfuron i rimsulfuron + adjuvant + dicamba applied once in full doses. The mixture rimsulfuron + adjuvant + dicamba showed to be the most efficient regarding the weeds typical for alluvial soils, except for Elymus repens, numerously occurring in the experiment, which exhibited medium sesitivity, as well as winter forms of Anthemis arvensis. Mixture of rimsulfuron + adjuvant + florasulam + 2,4- D allowed to eliminate undesired plants on that soil stand in the most efficient way and to achieve the highest grain yield.
Helper‐Dependent Adenoviral Vectors
Authors: Oka Kazuhiro , Chan Lawrence 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe helper‐dependent adenovirus (HDAd) is a recently developed adenovirus‐based vector with an improved safety profile and long‐term transgene expression. In this unit, a basic procedure for HDAd production using the Cre‐loxP system is presented. Amplification and large‐scale production of the vector can be done in both adherent and suspension cell culture systems. Included are protocols for Southern blot analysis to monitor vector amplification, slot blot assay to determine the infectious titer of the purified HDAd, and real‐time PCR to detect helper virus contamination in the preparation.
Mass transport enhancement in the DMFC using an externally applied oscillatory flow
Authors: Schonewill Philip P. , Leighton David T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe direct methanol fuel cell experiences performance decay at high current densities due to mass transfer limitations. The dominant mass transfer limiting mechanism at high methanol/water feed rates and low methanol feed concentrations has been attributed to the slow diffusion of methanol through the porous diffusion layer of the anode. In this study, fluid oscillations were induced in the feed to the anode of a DMFC and significant performance improvements were observed at high current densities. It was found that the improvement in measured limiting current densities over steady flow operation was as large as twofold and the peak power density increased by as much as 30%. A model is presented which predicts the experimental values of limiting current density as a function of the Peclet number in the porous diffusion layer of the DMFC anode. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Gas permeation through DDR‐type zeolite membranes at high temperatures
Authors: Kanezashi Masakoto , O'Brien‐Abraham Jessica , Lin Y. S. , Suzuki Kenji 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDDR‐type zeolite membranes were prepared by the secondary growth method on porous α‐alumina disk, followed by on‐stream counter diffusion chemical vapor deposition modification to eliminate the intercrystalline micropores. Single gas permeation of He, H2, CO2, and CO through this zeolite membrane before and after CVD modification was measured in 25–500°C. Intracrystalline diffusivities for these four gases in DDR‐type zeolite were obtained from the permeation data above 300°C to examine the effects of the size and molecular weight of permeating gases on diffusion and permeation rate for this zeolite membrane. For the unmodified DDR‐type zeolite membrane with presence of a small amount intercrystalline micropores the diffusivity (or permeance) with a low activation energy depends on both the size and molecular weight of permeating gases. For the CVD‐modified DDR‐type zeolite membrane with intercrystalline micropores eliminated, the activation energy for diffusion and diffusivity increases with increasing molecular size of the permeating gases. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008.
Two Diammonium Copper Azides with Similar Layerlike Magnetic Substructures Made of Chains of Serially Connected Cu6 Rings Show Cation‐Modulated Magnetism
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Yan‐Fei , Wang Zhe‐Ming , Gao Song 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe present here the first examples of Cu–azide compounds synthesized by using protonated diamine ions as cationic templates: (dmenH2)[Cu6(N3)14] and (trimenH2)[Cu6(N3)14] (dmenH22+: N,N′‐dimethylethylenediammonium; trimenH22+: N,N,N′‐trimethylethylenediammonium). Both compounds possess a similar, rarely observed anionic Cu–azide layer, which consists of [Cu6(N3)142−]n anionic chains linked by asymmetric end‐to‐end azido bridges. The chain, in turn, is made up of elongated Cu6 rings, with double and single end‐on azido linkages between the square‐planar Cu2+ sites within the ring and double end‐on azido bridges serially connecting the rings. The molecular geometry results in ferromagnetic interactions within the Cu–azide layer in both compounds. The interlayer separations are determined by the cations, with the shortest interlayer Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu separations being 8.016 Å for the dmenH22+ compound and 9.106 Å for the trimenH22+ compound. These different interlayer separations tune the magnetic properties of the two materials. The dmenH22+ compound displays long‐range antiferromagnetic ordering at lowtemperature and short‐range ferromagnetic interaction at high temperature, while only short‐range ferromagnetism was observed in the trimenH22+compound at 2–300 K.
Effects of weak mobile Phone—Electromagnetic fields (GSM, UMTS) on well‐being and resting EEG
Authors: Kleinlogel H. , Dierks T. , Koenig T. , Lehmann H. , Minder A. , Berz R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractModern mobile phones emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) ranging from 900 to 2000 MHz which are suggested to have an influence on well‐being, attention and neurological parameters in mobile phone users. To date most studies have investigated Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)‐EMF and only very few studies were concerned with Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)‐EMF. Consequently, we tested the effects of both types of EMF, 1950 MHz UMTS (SAR 0.1 and 1 W/kg) and pulsed 900 MHz GSM (1 W/kg), on well‐being and vigilance‐controlled resting electroencephalogram (eyes closed) in 15 healthy, right‐handed subjects. A double‐blind, randomised, crossover application of the test procedure was used. Neither the UMTS‐ nor the GSM‐EMF produced any significant changes in the measured parameters compared to sham exposure. The results do not give any evidence for a deleterious effect of the EMF on normal healthy mobile phone users. Bioelectromagnetics 29:479–487, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive and selective immuno‐nanogold resonance‐scattering spectral method for the determination of trace penicillin G
Authors: Jiang Zhiliang , Li Yan , Liang Aihui , Qin Aimiao 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA sensitive and selective immuno‐nanogold resonance scattering spectral assay was developed for the determination of trace hapten penicillin G, based on the resonance scattering (RS) effect of the nanogold at 560 nm, and the nanogold‐labelled immunoreaction took place in pH 5.4 phosphate citric acid buffer solutions and in the presence of polythylene glycol (PEG). The nanogold‐labelled immunocomplex formed more and more with addition of penicillin G. The enhanced RS intensity at 560 nm ΔIRS was linear to the penicillin G concentration in the range 7.5–1700 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 0.78 ng/mL. The results indicate that the immunonanogold‐labelled RS spectral assay has a high specificity and sensitivity for quantitative determination of penicillin G in raw milk samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.