bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Genetic Screen in Drosophila for Identifying Novel Components of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Authors: Collins Russell T , Cohen Stephen M 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway plays an essential role in the pattern formation and development of metazoan animals. Misregulation of Hedgehog signaling has also been associated with the formation of multiple types of cancer. For these reasons, the Hedgehog pathway has attracted considerable interest. Many proteins required in the Hedgehog pathway have been identified, and while much has been learned about their function in signal transduction, it is clear that this complement of proteins does not comprise the full set necessary for Hedgehog signal transduction. Because significant gaps remain in our knowledge of the molecules required for Hedgehog signaling, we performed an enhancer/suppressor screen in Drosophila melanogaster to identify novel components of the pathway. In addition to the isolation of new alleles of the known pathway components patched and smoothened, this screen identified 14 novel complementation groups and a larger number of loci represented by single alleles. These groups include mutations in the genes encoding the translation factors eRF1 and eIF1A and the kinesin-like protein Pavarotti. It also identified mutations in a gene whose product is necessary for the movement of Hedgehog protein through tissues.
Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion at the Mouse Om Locus Results From Meiotic Drive at the Second Meiotic Division
Authors: Wu Guangming , Hao Lanping , Han Zhiming , Gao Shaorong , Latham Keith E , de Villena Fernando Pardo-Manuel , Sapienza Carmen 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
We have observed maternal transmission ratio distortion (TRD) in favor of DDK alleles at the Ovum mutant (Om) locus on mouse chromosome 11 among the offspring of (C57BL/6 × DDK) F1 females and C57BL/6 males. Although significant lethality occurs in this backcross (∼50%), differences in the level of TRD found in recombinant vs. nonrecombinant chromosomes among offspring argue that TRD is due to nonrandom segregation of chromatids at the second meiotic division, i.e., true meiotic drive. We tested this hypothesis directly, by determining the centromere and Om genotypes of individual chromatids in zygote stage embryos. We found similar levels of TRD in favor of DDK alleles at Om in the female pronucleus and TRD in favor of C57BL/6 alleles at Om in the second polar body. In those embryos for which complete dyads have been reconstructed, TRD was present only in those inheriting heteromorphic dyads. These results demonstrate that meiotic drive occurs at MII and that preferential death of one genotypic class of embryo does not play a large role in the TRD.
Preliminary 1H NMR Study on Archaeological Waterlogged Wood
Authors: Maccotta Antonella , Fantazzini Paola , Garavaglia Carla , Donato Ines D. , Perzia Patrizia , Brai Maria , Morreale Filippa 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMagnetic Resonance Relaxation (MRR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful tools to obtain detailed information on the pore space structure that one is unlikely to obtain in other ways. These techniques are particularly suitable for Cultural Heritage materials, because they use water 1H nuclei as a probe. Interaction with water is one of the main causes of deterioration of materials. Porous structure in wood, for example, favours the penetration of water, which can carry polluting substances and promote mould growth. A particular case is waterlogged wood from underwater discoveries and moist sites; in fact, these finds are very fragile because of chemical, physical and biological decay from the long contact with the water. When wood artefacts are brought to the surface and directly dried in air, there is the collapse of the cellular structures, and wood loses its original form and dimensions and cannot be used for study and museum exhibits. In this work we have undertaken the study of some wood finds coming from Ercolano's harbour by MRR and MRI under different conditions, and we have obtained a characterization of pore space in wood and images of the spatial distribution of the confined water in the wood.
Further Applications of a New Biosensor Method for Dating Cellulosic Finds
Authors: Campanella L. , Chicco F. , Favero G. , Gatta T. , Tomassetti M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractUsing a cellulosic material dating method recently proposed by three of the authors of the present article further applications to real samples are discussed. In the first instance, to wood samples, that is, to a type of sample for which the method was specifically developed but with the samples differing widely in age, and then to textile or paper samples. Of course in the latter two cases the results obtained are still quite preliminary, above all because of the difficulty of procuring certainly dated samples of this type.
Environmental Accounting for the Lagoon of Venice and the Case of Fishing
Authors: Bastianoni Simone , Marchettini Nadia , Niccolucci Valentina , Pulselli Federico M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper presents the application of the eMergy evaluation, introduced by H.T. Odum as an efficient methodology of environmental accounting. The results of this analysis are a part of a wider sustainability assessment for the Province of Venice realized in 2003. Within a territorial sustainability analysis, it is necessary to implement an environmental accounting method, which is able: to precisely consider the boundaries of the investigated system (spatial scale); to arbitrarily separate the life of the investigated system into periods (temporal scale); to account for both economic and natural support to a given territorial system in order to implement a sustainable management of resources; to assess all the items supporting the system on the basis of a physical unit that is objective (while the traditional economic evaluation method is based on individual preferences, hence it is subjective). The Province of Venice is a very complex system due, on one hand, to the heavy and consolidated presence of industrial activity since the beginning of the 20th century and, on the other hand, to the principal natural ecosystem which characterizes it: the lagoon, the largest wetland in the Mediterranean Sea. The role of the lagoon, as a provider of resources and services is represented by the analysis of two aspects: the lagoon as an ecosystem on the basis of the evaluation of all flows that cyclically support its biotic activity and the lagoon as a productive system on the basis of the contribution of both natural and “economic” inputs that support human activity. In particular, the case of clam fishing will be presented to put on evidence the importance of natural inputs that are systematically neglected by the traditional accounting methodologies.
Penetration of Solar Radiation into the Waters of Messina Strait (Italy)
Authors: Dattilo Arduino Massimo , Decembrini Franco , Bracchini Luca , Focardi Silvia , Mazzuoli Stefania , Rossi Claudio 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe optical properties of the waters of five different stations, three located in the Messina Strait and two near the Strait (open sea), were analysed. Direct spectral measurements of the downward solar irradiance (290 — 800 nm) at different depths (0.5 m, 7 m, 10 m, 13 m, 20 m) were made using a cosine sensor connected to a spectroradiometer. Water samples were collected in the surface layer and their absorption spectra were analysed. The natural fluorescence profiles, along the water column, were determined using a fluorometer (SBE 911plus — Sea Teach). The spectral attenuation coefficient (Kλ), the variation of Kλ in different wavelength ranges (ΔKΔλ), the wavelength corresponding to minimum value of Kλ, the spectral depths of penetration of both 1 % and 10 % of the sub‐surface irradiance values (Pλ), the depths of 1 % of penetration of UVB, UVA and PAR, the depth ranges of the maxim concentration of Chl a and superficial CDOM were measured at each station. The maximum solar UVB penetration was about 65 % of the photic zone and the maximum UVA penetration was nearly 100 % (data of the Ionic sea station). Thus, a large part of the photic zone was exposed to UV radiation sufficient to cause a possible reduction in the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. The spectral penetration of solar radiation, especially UVB radiation, was significantly different in the three stations of the Strait with respect to the two stations studied in the open sea. This shows that variations in the spectral attenuation along the water column can be used as an indicator of properties of the water body.
Optimisation of a Photochemical Sensor for Total Organic Carbon Measurement
Authors: Visco Giovanni , Bellanti Francesco , Campanella Luigi , Mazzella Tommaso , Nobili Valentina 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA new tool for the measurement of TOC based on the heterogeneous photocatalysis activated by two different light sources has been planned. The instrument is constituted by a cell where the degradation occurs thanks to both the UV irradiation and the presence of a powered catalyst and by a measurement cell lodging CO2 gas permeable membrane electrode (detector), thermometer, inlet and outlet ways for the samples. One of the sources has a maximum emission at 254nm, while the other simulates the solar spectrum. A suspension (1 g/L) of titanium dioxide (Degussa P25) has been used to catalyse the process. A magnetic stirrer and a circulating pump avoid the deposition of the catalyst on the bottom of the reactor. The online measurement of produced CO2 was performed on 11 molecules (commercial names: Parachlorophenol, D‐Glucose, Acid Blue 29, Atraton, Aspirin, Dimethoate, Aldicarb sulfone, Hydroquinone, (R)‐Propranolol, Citric acid, Atrazine) to test the system efficiency. The experimental CO2 value was compared with the theoretical TOC value calculated by means of the structure's formula.
Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction by Carbon Dioxide with Organic Modifiers of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Urban Particulate Matter
Authors: Librando Vito , Tomaselli Gaetano , Tringali Giuseppe 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe main advantages of using supercritical fluids for the extractions of organic pollutants from environmental matrix is that they are inexpensive, contaminant free, and less costly to dispose safely than organic solvents. In this work, a series of extraction experiments were carried out using CO2 as supercritical fluid on a certified sample of “Urban dust” (NIST S.R.M. 1649a) to optimize the analytical parameters with the aim of investigating the extraction limit of organic pollutant by using an almost “organic solvent‐free” technique. The certified sample contains small concentrations of several organic pollutants, as PAH and PCB. The initial tests of extraction were carried out with only CO2 in supercritical phase, by maintaining the temperature at 50 °C and 80 °C and by making the pressure vary between 230 bar and 600 bar. The effect of three organic modifiers (methanol, nhexane and toluene), added at 5 % in volume, has been considered. The yield of recovery has been estimated for anthracene, fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1, 2, 3‐cd]pyrene by GC‐MS according to the increasing molecular weight.
The Raman Spectrum of Hematite: Possible Indicator for a Compositional or Firing Distinction among Terra Sigillata Wares
Authors: Zoppi Angela , Lofrumento Cristiana , Castellucci Emilio Mario , Migliorini Maria Grazia 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe Raman spectrum of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) is here discussed as a distinctive feature for Terra Sigillata sample wares. The broadening of the Raman lines and the appearance and increasing of the disorder band at 660 cm‐1, while moving from the external slip to the inner body, are proposed as valuation parameters for the study of the mineralogical composition and firing process of pottery productions.
Heavy Metal Contamination in Compost. A Possible Solution
Authors: Zennaro Mariachiara , Cristofori Fabrizio , Formigoni Daniele , Frignani Franco , Pavoni Bruno 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWith the objective of improving qualitative characteristics of compost, an analytical survey was carried out in a composting plant in Lombardy (Italy) in all process of production, with particular reference to heavy metals (HM) Zn and Pb. The investigation was principally aimed to study the contents and the accumulation of HM during composting process and to identify a technological solution for reducing HM content in the final product. A merceological analysis of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) input to the composting plant, a chemical analysis of the organic fraction of MSW after mechanical separation, and a comparison with values reported by some authors, showed that Zn and Pb are significant contaminants, even though concentrations have recently decreased in comparison to previous years. On the basis of Zn and Pb content in raw material input to the plant, an estimate of the theoretical value of Zn and Pb in produced compost was made. The comparison of theoretical values with the real ones, experimentally determined, confirmed that at the end of composting process the concentration is 2.6 times the initial value for Zn and 1.6 times the initial value for Pb, as suggested by some authors. Finally, the analytical investigation of Zn and Pb contents in the compost refining line, carried out by means of sieving tests, showed that by eliminating a fraction of compost < 1 mm, both Zn and Pb, which is the more critical one, can be largely removed, without a substantial yield loss (only 10 % of the final product is eliminated).
Display of lipase on the cell surface of Escherichia coli using OprF as an anchor and its application to enantioselective resolution in organic solvent
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Choi Jong‐il , Han Mee‐Jung , Choi Jong Hyun , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe have developed a new cell surface display system using a major outer membrane protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OprF as an anchoring motif. Pseudomonas fluorescens SIK W1 lipase gene was fused to the truncated oprF gene by C‐terminal deletion fusion strategy. The truncated OprF‐lipase fusion protein was successfully displayed on the surface of Escherichia coli. Localization of the truncated OprF‐lipase fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, and whole‐cell lipase activity. To examine the enzymatic characteristics of the cell surface displayed lipase, the whole‐cell enzyme activity and stability were determined under various conditions. Cell surface displayed lipase showed the highest activity at 37°C and pH 8.0. It retained over 80% of initial activity after incubation for a week in both aqueous solution and organic solvent. When the E. coli cells displaying lipases were used for enantioselective resolution of racemic 1‐phenylethanol in hexane, (R)‐phenyl ethyl acetate was successfully obtained with the enantiomeric excess of greater than 96% in 36 h of reaction. These results suggest that E. coli cells displaying lipases using OprF as an anchoring motif can be employed for various biotechnological applications both in aqueous and nonaqueous phases. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐scale production of pharmaceuticals by marine sponges: Sea, cell, or synthesis?
Authors: Sipkema Detmer , Osinga Ronald , Schatton Wolfgang , Mendola Dominick , Tramper Johannes , Wijffels René H. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMarine sponges are known to produce an overwhelming array of secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical potential. The technical and economical potential of using marine sponges for large‐scale production of these compounds was assessed for two cases: the anticancer molecule halichondrin B from a Lissodendoryx sp., and avarol from Dysidea avara for its antipsoriasis activity. An economic and technical analysis was done for three potential production methods: mariculture, ex situ culture (in tanks), and cell culture. We concluded that avarol produced by mariculture or ex situ culture could become a viable alternative to currently used pharmaceuticals for the treatment of psoriasis. Production of halichondrin B from sponge biomass was found to not be a feasible process, mainly due to the extremely low concentration of the compound in the sponge. Technical feasibility was also analyzed for five alternatives: chemical synthesis, wild harvest, primmorph culture, genetic modification and semi‐synthesis. It was concluded that the latter two approaches could prove to be valuable methods for the production of pharmaceuticals, based on chemical structures of secondary metabolites present in trace amounts in marine sponges. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solubility and proteolysis of the Zb‐MalE and Zb‐MalE31 proteins during overproduction in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sandén Anna Maria , Boström Maria , Markland Katrin , Larsson Gen 
Published: March 2005

AbstractFrom the hypothesis that the rate of expression of a nascent polypeptide controls the accumulation of soluble full‐length protein, accumulation of the model fusion proteins Zb‐MalE and Zb‐MalE31, were studied. MalE and MalE31 are two isoforms of the maltose binding protein, differing only in two consecutive amino acids. Parameters controlling the expression rate were the transcription rate, which was controlled by IPTG induction of the lacUV5 promoter and the substrate addition levels during fed‐batch cultivation.Results show that the two product proteins appear in both soluble and insoluble fractions during cultivation and are both subjected to proteolysis. However, the accumulation of the soluble form of Zb‐MalE31 protein is radically lower, at all conditions, due to the small difference in primary structure.It was shown that both proteolysis and inclusion body formation could be influenced by the selected parameters although a change in feed rate had a considerably higher effect. A high concentration of inducer and a “high” feed rate result in a low accumulation of soluble product, due to a high proteolysis. The concentration of inducer leading to different levels of transcription is, however, an efficient tool to influence inclusion body formation. At low IPTG concentrations (≤5 μM), this formation is almost abolished while at a comparatively high concentration (≥300 μM) 50% of the total product accumulated was in the form of inclusion bodies. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How can domestic households become part of the solution to England's recycling problems?
Authors: Smallbone Teresa 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA waste disposal problem of looming proportions, coupled with a lack of sufficient public engagement in the preferred alternative to disposal, which is recycling, continues to perplex English policy‐makers. Based on both a literature review across a wide range of disciplines and a national survey of consumer attitudes towards their own participation in recycling, this paper finds that past efforts at increasing recycling have been based on an implied model of consumer recycling behaviour that is not supported by what happens in practice. By disentangling thinking about recycling behaviour from academic thinking about green consumerism, the paper considers the waste and recycling problem from a different angle. It suggests that research on the personal values of people who recycle could be utilized in marketing communications that show these values being fulfilled by recycling. Focusing greater marketing attention on people who already claim to recycle, and helping them through better communication and improved practical help, could achieve much higher levels of reclaimed materials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The carboxyl terminus of the chemokine receptor CCR3 contains distinct domains which regulate chemotactic signaling and receptor down‐regulation in a ligand‐dependent manner
Authors: Sabroe Ian , Jorritsma Annelies , Stubbs Victoria E. L. , Xanthou Georgina , Jopling Louise A. , Ponath Paul D. , Williams Timothy J. , Murphy Philip M. , Pease James E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe chemokine receptor CCR3 regulates the chemotaxis of leukocytes implicated in allergic disease, such as eosinophils. Incubation of eosinophils with CCL11, CCL13 or CCL5 resulted in a rapid decrease of cell‐surface CCR3 which was replicated using CCR3 transfectants. Progressive truncation of the CCR3 C terminus by 15 amino acids produced three constructs, Δ340, Δ325 and Δ310. Δ340 and Δ325 were able to bind CCL11 with affinities similar to wild‐type CCR3. Δ340 transfectants exhibited enhanced migration and reduced receptor down‐regulation in response to CCL11 and CCL13. Δ325 transfectants displayed chemotactic responses to CCL11 and CCL13 similar to wild‐type CCR3, and had impaired down‐regulation when stimulated with CCL13 but not CCL11. In contrast, neither the Δ325 nor Δ340 truncation affected chemotaxis or receptor down‐regulation induced by CCL5. Δ310 transfectants bound CCL11 poorly and were biologically inactive. Inhibitors of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and PI3‐kinase antagonized eosinophil shape change responses and chemotaxis of transfectants to CCL11 and CCL13. In contrast, shape change but not chemotaxis was sensitive to inhibition of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase pathway suggesting differential regulation of the two responses. Thus, the CCR3 C terminus contains distinct domains responsible for the regulation of receptor desensitization and for coupling to chemotactic responses.
Protection against tetanus toxin using a plant‐based vaccine
Authors: Tregoning John S. , Clare Simon , Bowe Frances , Edwards Lorna , Fairweather Neil , Qazi Omar , Nixon Peter J. , Maliga Pal , Dougan Gordon , Hussell Tracy 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPlant‐expressed vaccines may provide a unique opportunity for generating anti‐pathogen immunity, especially in countries where cold storage is lacking. In the following study, we show that soluble protein from tobacco leaves expressing fragment C of tetanus toxin protected mice against a lethal tetanus toxin challenge. More importantly, we show that a single intranasal (i.n.) vaccination was as efficient as oral delivery, inducing high levels of activated CD4+ T cells and anti‐toxin antibody. Unlike the oral route, i.n. delivery did not require the presence of adjuvant (cholera toxin). Indeed, addition of cholera toxin induced bystander immune responses to plant proteins as well. This is the first study documenting protective immunity by a single i.n. dose of plant vaccine. Plant‐based vaccines are promising because they are more heat stable, are easy to produce, cheap and do not require needles.
Scant activation of CD8 T cells by antigen loaded on heat shock protein
Authors: Winau Florian , Sponaas Anne‐Marit , Weber Stephan , Schwierzeck Vera , Winter Ralf , Hurwitz Robert , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractHeat shock proteins (HSP) not only function as chaperones for denatured proteins but also for antigenic peptides, thus inducing protective T cell responses. Here we show that vaccination with peptide‐loaded HSP70 causes initial interferon‐γ production by murine CD8 T cells but no T cell expansion. These CD8 T cells lacked cytotoxic activity in vitro and in vivo, which was not due to apoptosis. Restimulation with peptide‐pulsed dendritic cells both bypassed the proliferative block and suspended the non‐protective state of CD8 T lymphocytes in an infection model with the bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Cotransfer of antigen‐specific CD4 T cells circumvented the proliferative arrest of CD8 T cells. Our data suggest that HSP vaccines induce CD8 T cell unresponsiveness unless proficient help is provided. Assuming that this model reflects the antigenically experienced human condition where immunological space is restricted and any T cell response possibly leads to suppression of heterologous reactions, our findings bear implications for rational vaccination protocols including those for immunocompromised patients.