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B3
Terms modified by B3 Selected AbstractsFrom Red Lists to Species of Conservation ConcernCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004VERENA KELLER aves; conservación de especies; listas rojas; prioridades de conservación; Suiza Abstract:,National red lists of threatened animal and plant species prepared according to the criteria of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) adequately reflect the extinction risk of species within a country but cannot be used directly to set conservation priorities. In particular, the significance of national populations for the conservation of the species as a whole is not taken into account. We present a procedure that can be used to assess national responsibility based on the national red-list status of a species, the international importance of the national population, and the species' "historical rarity" status. We distinguished five responsibility classes for breeding birds: B1, threatened species with internationally important populations in Switzerland; B2, threatened species with internationally less important populations; B3, nonthreatened species with internationally important populations; B4, nonthreatened species with internationally less important populations; and B5, species that have never been common in Switzerland. Two responsibility classes were distinguished for birds occurring in Switzerland as visitors: G1, species with large concentrations in Switzerland and an unfavorable conservation status in Europe, and G2, species with large concentrations in Switzerland and a favorable conservation status in Europe. Two additional classes (G3 and G4) for visiting species occurring in internationally less important numbers are possible but were not analyzed in detail. Responsibility classes B1, B2, B3, G1, and G2 were defined as species of national conservation concern. We developed the method for birds in Switzerland, but it can be used in other countries and for other taxonomic groups as well. It is particularly suitable where national red lists are established according to IUCN guidelines. Resumen:,Las listas rojas nacionales de especies de animales y plantas amenazadas que siguen los criterios de la World Conservation Union (IUCN) reflejan adecuadamente el riesgo de extinción de especies en un país pero no pueden ser utilizadas directamente para definir prioridades de conservación. En particular, no se toma en cuenta el significado de poblaciones nacionales para la conservación de especies como tales. Presentamos un procedimiento que se puede utilizar para evaluar la responsabilidad nacional con base en el estatus de lista roja de una especie en un país, la importancia internacional de la población nacional y el estatus de "rareza histórica" de la especie. Distinguimos cinco clases de responsabilidad para aves residentes: B1, especies amenazadas con poblaciones internacionalmente importantes en Suiza; B2, especies amenazadas con poblaciones internacionalmente menos importantes; B3, especies no amenazadas con poblaciones internacionalmente importantes; B4, especies no amenazadas con poblaciones internacionalmente menos importantes; y B5, especies que nunca han sido comunes en Suiza. Se distinguieron dos clases de responsabilidad para aves que ocurren como visitantes en Suiza: G1, especies con grandes concentraciones en Suiza y un estatus de conservación desfavorable en Europa y G2, especies con grandes concentraciones en Suiza y un estatus de conservación favorable en Europa. Son posibles dos clases más, (G3 y G4) para especies visitantes que ocurren en números menos importantes internacionalmente, pero no fueron analizados en detalle. Las clases de responsabilidad B1, B2, B3, G1 y G2 fueron definidas como especies de interés nacional para la conservación. Desarrollamos el método para aves en Suiza, pero también se puede utilizar en otros países y con otros grupos taxonómicos, Es particularmente adecuado donde las listas rojas nacionales se establecen de acuerdo con lineamientos de IUCN. [source] Rotational and Vibrational Temperature Measurements in a High-Pressure Cylindrical Dielectric Barrier Discharge (C-DBD)CONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 1 2005N. Masoud Abstract The rotational (TR) and vibrational (Tv) temperatures of N2 molecules were measured in a high-pressure cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (C-DBD) source in Ne with trace amounts (0.02 %) of N2 and dry air excited by radio-frequency (rf) power. Both TR and Tv of the N2 molecules in the C 3,u state were determined from an emission spectroscopic analysis the 2nd positive system (C 3,u , B3,g). Gas temperatures were inferred from the measured rotational temperatures. As a function of pressure, the rotational temperature is essentially constant at about 360 K in the range from 200 Torr to 600 Torr (at 30W rf power) and increases slightly with increasing rf power at constant pressure. As one would expect, vibrational temperature measurements revealed significantly higher temperatures. The vibrational temperature decreases with pressure from 3030 K at 200 Torr to 2270 K at 600 Torr (at 30 W rf power). As a function of rf power, the vibrational temperature increases from 2520 K at 20 W to 2940 K at 60 W (at 400 Torr). Both TR and Tv also show a dependence on the excitation frequency at the two frequencies that we studied, 400 kHz and 13.56 MHz. Adding trace amounts of air instead of N2 to the Ne in the discharge resulted in higher TR and Tv values and in a different pressure dependence of the rotational and vibrational temperatures. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Glutamylated tubulin: Diversity of expression and distribution of isoformsCYTOSKELETON, Issue 1 2003Marie-Louise Kann Abstract Glutamylation of , and , tubulin isotypes is a major posttranslational modification giving rise to diversified isoforms occurring mainly in neurotubules, centrioles, and axonemes. Monoglutamylated tubulin isoforms can be differentially recognized by two mAbs, B3 and GT335, which both recognize either polyglutamylated isoforms. In the present study, immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence analyses were performed with these two mAbs to determine the expression and distribution of glutamylated tubulin isoforms in selected biological models whose tubulin isotypes are characterized. In mouse spermatozoa, microtubules of the flagellum contain polyglutamylated isoforms except in the tip where only monoglutamylated isoforms are detected. In spermatids, only a subset of manchette microtubules contain monoglutamylated tubulin isoforms. Cytoplasmic microtubules of Sertoli cells are monoglutamylated. Mitotic and meiotic spindles of germ cells are monoglutamylated whereas the HeLa cell mitotic spindle is polyglutamylated. Three models of axonemes are demonstrated as a function of the degree and extent of tubulin glutamylation. In lung ciliated cells, axonemes are uniformly polyglutamylated. In sea urchin sperm and Chlamydomonas, flagellar microtubules are polyglutamylated in their proximal part and monoglutamylated in their distal part. In Paramecium, cilia are bi- or monoglutamylated only at their base. In all cells, centrioles or basal bodies are polyglutamylated. These new data emphasize the importance of glutamylation in all types of microtubules and strengthen the hypothesis of its role in the regulation of the intracellular traffic and flagellar motility. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 55:14,25, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Coxsackie B virus serology and Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of published case-control studiesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2004J. Green Abstract Background Enteroviruses, in particular Coxsackie B4, have been implicated in the aetiology of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, but the epidemiological evidence has not been systematically evaluated. Methods Systematic review of evidence from published controlled studies of the relationship between Coxsackie B virus serology and incident or prevalent Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Studies were identified through a Medline search (1966 to 2002), supplemented by references from identified papers and hand search of relevant journals. All studies (full papers, abstracts or letters) with data adequate for calculation of unadjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for Type 1 diabetes mellitus in relation to Coxsackie B virus serology were included. Results The review included 26 case-control studies; no cohort study met the inclusion criteria. Odds ratios for Type 1 diabetes mellitus in serology-positive vs. serology-negative subjects ranged from 0.2 to 22.3. For Coxsackie B (any serotype) 7/13 studies had point estimates significantly greater than 1.0 (P < 0.05). For Coxsackie B3, Coxsackie B4 and Coxsackie B5-specific assays, 1/11, 6/17 and 1/11 studies, respectively, had point estimates significantly greater than 1.0. Summary odds ratios were not calculated because of doubts about the validity of individual study estimates, heterogeneity between studies, and the possibility of publication bias. Conclusions The results of these studies are inconsistent and do not provide convincing evidence for or against an association between Coxsackie B virus infection and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Better designed studies using effective assays are needed to resolve this important issue. [source] An Improved Synthesis of Procyanidin Dimers: Regio- and Stereocontrol of the Interflavan BondEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 23 2006Isabelle Tarascou Abstract A direct and general synthesis of procyanidin dimers B1, B2, B3 and B4 (10a,d) is presented. The approach is based on the stoichiometric coupling of two protected monomeric units (the nucleophilic 2a,b and electrophilic 4a,b partners) and deals with the regio- and stereocontrol of the C4,C8 interflavan bond as well as the control of the degree of oligomerization. The synthesis involves a five-step pathway starting from the native catechin (1a) or epicatechin (1b) to the fully deprotected dimers 10a,d. Furthermore, the process appears to be iterative as the coupling intermediates 9a,d themselves can be readily used in further selective syntheses of trimers or higher oligomers. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Effective inhibition of melanosome transfer to keratinocytes by lectins and niacinamide is reversibleEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Amanda Greatens Abstract:, Skin pigmentation results in part from the transfer of melanized melanosomes synthesized by melanocytes to neighboring keratinocytes. Plasma membrane lectins and their glycoconjugates expressed by these epidermal cells are critical molecules involved in this transfer process. In addition, the derivative of vitamin B3, niacinamide, can inhibit melanosome transfer and induce skin lightening. We investigated the effects of these molecules on the viability of melanocytes and keratinocytes and on the reversibility of melanosome-transfer inhibition induced by these agents using an in vitro melanocyte,keratinocyte coculture model system. While lectins and neoglycoproteins could induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner to melanocytes or keratinocytes in monoculture, similar dosages of the lectins, as opposed to neoglycoproteins, did not induce apoptosis to either cell type when treated in coculture. The dosages of lectins and niacinamide not affecting cell viability produced an inhibitory effect on melanosome transfer, when used either alone or together in cocultures of melanocytes,keratinocytes. Cocultures treated with lectins or niacinamide resumed normal melanosome transfer in 3 days after removal of the inhibitor, while cocultures treated with a combination of lectins and niacinamide demonstrated a lag in this recovery. Subsequently, we assessed the effect of niacinamide on facial hyperpigmented spots using a vehicle-controlled, split-faced design human clinical trial. Topical application of niacinamide resulted in a dose-dependent and reversible reduction in hyperpigmented lesions. These results suggest that lectins and niacinamide at concentrations that do not affect cell viability are reversible inhibitors of melanosome transfer. [source] A spline strip kernel particle method and its application to two-dimensional elasticity problemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2003K. M. Liew Abstract In this paper we present a novel spline strip kernel particle method (SSKPM) that has been developed for solving a class of two-dimensional (2D) elasticity problems. This new approach combines the concepts of the mesh-free methods and the spline strip method. For the interpolation of the assumed displacement field, we employed the kernel particle shape functions in the transverse direction, and the B3 -spline function in the longitudinal direction. The formulation is validated on several beam and semi-infinite plate problems. The numerical results of these test problems are then compared with the existing solutions obtained by the exact or numerical methods. From this study we conclude that the SSKPM is a potential alternative to the classical finite strip method (FSM). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 5 2004D. L. Bissett Synopsis Previous clinical testing of topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has revealed a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin. The study reported here was done to confirm some of those previous observations and to evaluate additional end points such as skin anti-yellowing. Caucasian female subjects (n = 50, aged 40,60 years) participated in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face, left,right randomized clinical study assessing two topical products: moisturizer control product versus the same moisturizer product containing 5% niacinamide. Niacinamide was well tolerated by the skin and provided significant improvements versus control in end points evaluated previously: fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, texture, and red blotchiness. In addition, skin yellowing (sallowness) versus control was significantly improved. The mechanism by which this array of benefits is achieved with niacinamide is discussed. Résumé Un précédent test clinique portant sur l'application topique de Niacinamide (Vitamine B3) a révélé le large potentiel de cette matière première pour améliorer l'aspect du visage. La présente étude a pour but de confirmer quelques-unes des observations déjà réalisées ainsi que d'évaluer d,autres propriétés comme l'anti-jaunissement de la peau. Des femmes de type caucasien (n = 50, d'âge compris entre 40 et 60 ans) ont participé pendant 12 semaines à une étude clinique contrôlée, portant sur l'application de deux produits en double aveugle, par demi-visage, aléatoirement répartis à droite ou à gauche. Le premier produit, ou témoin, était un soin hydratant, le second était le même produit, contenant 5% de Niacinamide. Le niacinamide n'a provoqué aucune intolérance cutanée et des améliorations significatives par rapport au témoin ont été observées sur les paramètres évalués: rides, ridules, tâches pigmentaires, texture de la peau, rougeur cutanée. De plus, le jaunissement de la peau par rapport au témoin a été significativement amélioré. Le mécanisme par lequel la Niacinamide agit sur ces différents paramètres est discuté. [source] Biogeographical patterns of Chinese spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) based on a parsimony analysis of endemicityJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2008Kaibaryer Meng Abstract Aim, The distributions of Chinese spiders are used to form biotic regions and to infer biogeographical patterns. Location, China. Methods, China was initially divided into 294 quadrats of 2° latitude by 2° longitude. The distributions of 958 species of spiders were summarized for each quadrat. Subsequently, these quadrats were pooled into 28 areas based on topographical characteristics and to a lesser extent on the distributions of spiders. Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to classify the 28 areas based on the shared distributional patterns of spiders. Results, China was found to have seven major biogeographical regions based on the distributional patterns of spiders: Western Northern region (clade B2: Tibetan Plateau and Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang subregions), Central Northern region (clade B3), Eastern Northern region (clade B4), Central region (clade C2), Eastern Southern region (clade C3), Western Southern region (clade C4), and Central Southern region (clade C5). Main conclusions, The distributional patterns of Chinese spiders correspond broadly to geological provinces. A comparison of the geological provinces and the distributional patterns of spiders reveals that the spiders occur south of the geological provinces. Furthermore, a general biogeographical classification with five natural areas is suggested as follows: Tibetan Plateau, Central Northern, Eastern Northern, Western Northern (excluding Tibetan Plateau), and Southern regions. [source] Application of the Sakurai-Sugiura projection method to core-excited-state calculation by time-dependent density functional theoryJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 14 2008Takashi Tsuchimochi Abstract The Sakurai-Sugiura projection (SS) method was implemented and numerically assessed for diagonalization of the Hamiltonian in time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Since the SS method can be used to specify the range in which the eigenvalues are computed, it may be an efficient tool for use with eigenvalues in a particular range. In this article, the SS method is applied to core excited calculations for which the eigenvalues are located within a particular range, since the eigenvalues are unique to atomic species in molecules. The numerical assessment of formaldehyde molecule by TDDFT with core-valence Becke's three-parameter exchange (B3) plus Lee-Yang-Parr (LYP) correlation (CV-B3LYP) functional demonstrates that the SS method can be used to selectively obtain highly accurate eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Thus, the SS method is a new and powerful alternative for calculating core-excitation energies without high computation costs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008. [source] Improving the Stability of Probiotic Bacteria in Model Fruit Juices Using Vitamins and AntioxidantsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010N.P. Shah Abstract:, This study examined the survival of probiotic bacteria in a model fruit juice system. Three different strains of probiotic bacteria were used in this study: HOWARU,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,HN001, HOWARU,Bifidobacterium lactis,HN001, and,Lactobacillus paracasei,LPC 37. The probiotic bacteria were inoculated into model juice with various vitamins and antioxidants, namely white grape seed extract, green tea extract, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The model juice without any additives was used as a control. Their viability was assessed on a weekly basis using plate count method. The model juice was made with sucrose, sodium citrate, citric acid powder, and distilled water and was pasteurized before use. Our findings showed that probiotic bacteria did not survive well in the harsh environment of the model fruit juice. However, the model juice containing vitamin C, grape extract, and green tea extract showed better survival of probiotic bacteria. The model juice containing grape seed extract, green tea extract, and vitamin C had the same initial population of 8.32 log CFU/mL, and at the end of the 6-wk storage period it had an average viability of 4.29 log CFU/mL, 7.41 log CFU/mL, and 6.44 log CFU/mL, respectively. Juices containing all other ingredients tested had viable counts of <10 CFU/mL at the end of the 6-wk storage period. [source] Homocysteine, malondialdehyde and endothelial markers in dialysis patients during low-dose folinic acid therapyJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2002T. Apeland Abstract. Apeland T, Mansoor MA, Seljeflot I, Brønstad I, Gøransson L, Strandjord RE (Rogaland Central Hospital, Stavanger; and Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo; Norway). Homocysteine, malondialdehyde and endothelial markers in dialysis patients during low-dose folinic acid therapy. J Intern Med 2002; 252: 456,464. Objectives. Haemodialysis patients have elevated levels of the atherogenic amino acid homocysteine. We wanted to assess the effects of small doses of intravenous folinic acid (the active form of folic acid) on some biochemical risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Design. Longitudinal and open intervention study. Setting. Two dialysis units in the County of Rogaland. Subjects. All patients on maintenance haemodialysis were invited, and 32 of 35 patients gave their informed consent. Interventions. After each dialysis session, the patients were given 1.0 mg of folinic acid intravenously thrice a week for a period of 3 months. Prior to and during the study, all patients were on maintenance supplementation with small doses of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. Main outcome measures. Changes in the levels of (i) plasma total homocysteine (p-tHcy) and folate, (ii) circulating endothelium related proteins , markers of endothelial activation and (iii) serum malondialdehyde (S-MDA) , a marker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Results. The p-tHcy levels were reduced by 37% (P < 0.0001), whilst the serum and erythrocyte folate levels increased by 95 and 104%, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). The circulating levels of endothelium related cellular adhesion molecules and haemostatic factors remained high and unchanged, except the thrombomodulin (TM) levels increased (P = 0.0004). The high levels of S-MDA were reduced by 26% (P = 0.003). Conclusions. Low doses of folinic acid given intravenously to dialysis patients reduced their levels of p-tHcy and S-MDA and thus improved their cardiovascular risk profile. The concurrent increment in TM levels was unexpected and of unknown clinical significance. [source] Detection and structural features of the ,B2-B3-crystallin heterodimer by radical probe mass spectrometry (RP-MS)JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 5 2009Hélène Diemer Abstract The predilection of the ,-crystallin B2 subunit to interact with the ,B3 subunit rather than self associate is evident by the detection of the ,B2-B3-crystallin heterodimer by native gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionisation time-of-flight (ESI-TOF) mass spectrometry under non denaturing conditions. The complex has been detected for the first time and its molecular mass is measured to be 47 450 ± 1 Da. Radical probe mass spectrometry (RP-MS) was subsequently applied to investigate the nature of the heterodimer through the limited oxidation of the subunits in the complex. Two peptide segments of the ,B2 subunit and six of the ,B3 subunit were found to oxidise, with far greater oxidation observed within the ,B3 versus the ,B2 subunit. This, and the observation that the oxidation data of ,B2 subunit is inconsistent with the structure of the ,B2 monomer, demonstrates that the protection of ,B2 is conferred by its association with ,B3 subunit within the heterodimer where only the residues of, and towards, its N -terminal domain remain exposed to solvent. The results suggest that the ,B2 subunit adopts a more compacted form than in its monomeric form in order for much of its structure to be enveloped by the ,B3 subunit within the heterodimer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] All CVB serotypes and clinical isolates induce irreversible cytopathic effects in primary cardiomyocytesJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2005Jeonghyun Ahn Abstract Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has been identified as a major causative agent of acute and chronic myocarditis, but the involvement of other CVB serotypes in myocarditis has not been investigated. To dissect the pathological properties of different CVB serotypes toward primary cardiomyocytes, we tested their effects on primary cardiomyocyte cultures from neonatal rats. Morphological abnormalities were examined by both light and fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33342 staining, and loss of cell viability was estimated by MTT assay. All six CVB serotypes showed a similar degree of severe toxicity toward primary cardiomyocytes. CVB clinical isolates had cytopathic effects (CPEs) similar to those of their respective CVB reference strains. Within 1,2 days of infection with multiplicities of infection MOI 50, the cells began to experience morphological changes including cell shrinkage, rounding-up, and slight nuclear condensation. The irreversible loss of cell viability was readily observed within 3,5 days following virus infection. These results suggest that all six CVB serotypes induce direct, irreversible toxicity towards cardiomyocytes, which eventually leads to the death of infected cells. These findings indicate that the variations in CVB serotype are not the limiting factor determining the susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to CVB infection. J. Med. Virol. 75:290,294, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and induction of IL-10 in human monocytes after coxsackievirus B3 infectionJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 4 2001P. Hofmann Abstract Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) causes acute and chronic myocarditis, which is accompanied by an intense mononuclear leukocyte infiltration. Because myocardial tissue damage may either result from viral infections or from a dysregulated immune response, the susceptibility of human monocytes and macrophages to CVB3 was examined in this study with regard to virus replication, virus persistence, and release of cytokines. Monocytes were infected by CVB3 as shown by the intracellular appearance of plus- and minus-strand viral RNA, which was also capable of persisting for more than 10 days. Fresh monocytes were not permissive for full virus replication whereas monocyte-derived macrophages yielded a low amount of new viruses, which led to cell death. Although CVB3 infection induced the mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,), interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6, only little cytokine production occurred. When infected monocytes were stimulated in addition by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cytokine production was partially suppressed. In striking contrast, IL-10 expression was strongly and persistently induced by CVB3 on the mRNA and the protein level. These data show a dysregulated cytokine response in CVB3-exposed human monocytes and macrophages, which is characterized by a suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and a dominance of IL-10. This viral strategy may aid CVB3, causing chronic myocardiopathy. J. Med. Virol. 64:487,498, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Fine structures of wing scales in Sasakia charonda butterflies as photonic crystalsJOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY, Issue 2 2009J. MAT, JKOVÁ-PLSKOVA Summary We investigate the microstructure of scales in the wings of male Sasakia charonda charonda butterflies by scanning electron microscopy with the aid of optical microscopy. Six types of scales are identified: B1, W1 and R1 in brown background yellow spots and red spots, respectively; B2 in iridescent purple-blue and W2 in white pearl, both of which characterize the male and B3 in the wing edges. The B1, W1 and R1 scales are almost the same in structure and the B2 and W2 scales are almost the same. The difference among the B, W and R scales is in species and content of pigment. The B1, W1 and R1 scales have only two layers of cuticle lapped on the ridges. In contrast with them, the B2 and W2 scales have seven multilayers of cuticle piled on the ridge. The multiple interference of light that occurs among these cuticle layers, spaced with air layers, generates the significant iridescence of the B2 and W2 scales. Thus, the characteristic purple-blue of the male wings is ascribed to the combination of the structural and chemical colouration in the B2 scales with melanin. The photonic crystals of these scales may be applicable to fine light manipulators such as reflection elements in laser diodes. B3 has many holes between the ridges and no multilayers of cuticle on the ridges. These structures may play any role in aerodynamically easy flight and/or in drainage of wet wings. [source] Human catalytic antibody Se-scFv-B3 with high glutathione peroxidase activityJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 5 2008Rui Huo Abstract In order to generate catalytic antibodies with glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, we prepared GSH-S-2,4-dinitrophenyl t -butyl ester (GSH-S-DNPBu) as target antigen. Three clones (A11, B3, and D5) that bound specifically to the antigen were selected from the phage display antibody library (human synthetic VH,+,VL single-chain Fv fragment (scFv) library). Analysis of PCR products using gel electrophoresis and sequencing showed that only clone B3 beared intact scFv-encoding gene, which was cloned into the expression vector pPELB and expressed as soluble form (scFv-B3) in Escherichia coli Rosetta. The scFv-B3 was purified by Ni2+ -immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The yield of purified proteins was about 2.0,3.0,mg of proteins from 1,L culture. After the active site serines of scFv-B3 were converted into selenocysteines (Secs) with the chemical modification method, we obtained the human catalytic antibody (Se-scFv-B3) with GPX activity of 1288,U/µmol. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] REVIEW: Vitamin transport and homeostasis in mammalian brain: focus on Vitamins B and EJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007Reynold Spector Abstract With the application of genetic and molecular biology techniques, there has been substantial progress in understanding how vitamins are transferred across the mammalian blood,brain barrier and choroid plexus into brain and CSF and how vitamin homeostasis in brain is achieved. In most cases (with the exception of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter for biotin, pantothenic acid, and lipoic acid), the vitamins are transported by separate carriers through the blood,brain barrier or choroid plexus. Then the vitamins are accumulated by brain cells by separate, specialized systems. This review focuses on six vitamins (B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and E) and the newer genetic information including relevant ,knockdown' or ,knockout' models in mice and humans. The overall objective is to integrate this newer information with previous physiological and biochemical observations to achieve a better understanding of vitamin transport and homeostasis in brain. This is especially important in view of the newly described non-cofactor vitamin roles in brain (e.g. of B1, B3, B6, and E) and the potential roles of vitamins in the therapy of brain disorders. [source] Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and rapid one-step immunochromatographic strip for fumonisin B1 in grain-based food and feed samplesJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2010Chang-Min Shiu Abstract BACKGROUND: Maize contaminated with mycotoxin fumonisin B1 poses a global threat to agricultural production. In this study, polyclonal antibodies (pAb) specific to fumonisin B1 were generated from rabbits immunised with fumonisin B1,keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). These antibodies were used to establish a sensitive competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cdELISA) and gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip for detecting fumonisin B1 levels in maize-based foods and feeds. RESULTS: In cdELISA, fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 at concentrations of 0.42, 0.58 and 81.5 ng mL,1 respectively caused 50% inhibition (IC50) of binding of fumonisin B1,horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the antibodies. Effective on-site detection of fumonisin B1 was achieved by developing a rapid and sensitive pAb-based gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip. This strip had a detection limit of 5 ng mL,1 for fumonisin B1 in maize-based samples. Additionally, the whole analytical process could be completed within 10 min. Close examination of 15 maize-based samples by cdELISA revealed that 11 were fumonisin-positive, with a mean concentration of 435 ± 20.1 ng g,1. These results correlated well with those obtained by immunochromatographic strip. CONCLUSION: Both cdELISA and immunochromatographic strip methods established in this study are sensitive for rapid detection of fumonisins in agricultural commodities. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Phenolic compounds in some apple (Malus domestica Borkh) cultivars of organic and integrated productionJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 10 2005Robert Veberic Abstract Eleven organically grown apple cultivars and 11 apple cultivars of integrated production from Austria and Slovenia were analyzed by HPLC for the content of phenolic compounds in peel and pulp. We identified chlorogenic acid, p -coumaric acid, procyanidin B3, protocatechuic acid, (,)-epicatechin, phloridzin, rutin and quercetin-3-rhamnoside in apple peel. In apple pulp, (+)-catechin was also identified in all the cultivars. Some other phenols (procyanidin B3, rutin and quercetin-3-rhamnoside) could not be identified or were not properly separated. With regard to the phenolic content in the apple peel, there were no differences between organically grown apple cultivars and apple cultivars of integrated production. Organically grown apples, however, exhibited a higher content of phenolic substances in the apple pulp compared with the apple cultivars of integrated production. This may be due either to the different genotype source or to the growing technology. Higher concentrations of phenolic compounds in organically grown cultivars could be a result of plant response to stress. The apple peel contained higher concentrations of identified phenols than the pulp. The apple peel represents up to 10% of the whole fruit; therefore the phenolsic compounds in the pulp are of greater importance to the consumer than the phenolic compounds in the peel. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Preparation and Characterisation of Pd Nanoclusters in Hyperbranched Aramid Templates to be used in Homogeneous CatalysisMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 12 2003Daniela Tabuani Abstract In the present paper the potential use of hyperbranched (HB) aramids as metallic solution stabilisers and carriers for homogeneous catalysis is outlined. Aramids, synthesised either from A2,+,B3 reagents [namely, p -phenylenediamine (PPD) and trimesic acid (TMA)] or from an AB2 monomer [i.e., 5-(4-aminobenzamido)isophtalic acid, named ABZAIA], have been used to stabilise palladium nanoclusters dispersed in two solvent media, namely N,N, -dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The influence of the nature of the polymeric support as well as of the solvent medium on both cluster dimensions and stability of the solutions has been investigated. Indeed, the interactions between the polymeric support and the metallic precursor (PdCl2), as revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, involve only the amino groups of the HB aramids. Metal nanocluster dimensions and stability are strongly dependent on the polymer used as a stabilizer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has shown that the presence of HB polymer in the solution reduces cluster dimensions and allows the obtaining of stable systems. The low concentration of NH2 end groups in the poly(AB2) system leads to the formation of Pd particles of rather low dimensions with a high tendency to aggregate. All prepared solutions are stable under inert atmosphere for at least a month, with an improved stabilisation when using the poly(A2,+,B3) system for more than five months. A TEM micrograph of poly(ABZAIA)/Pd from a DMSO solution. [source] Detection of type 2 quasars in the radio galaxies B3 0731+438 and 3C 257MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 4 2003P. M. Derry ABSTRACT We present XMM,Newton observations and spectral fitting of two high-redshift, [O iii]-luminous, narrow-line radio galaxies, B3 0731+438 and 3C 257. Their X-ray continua are well fitted by a partial covering model with intrinsically unabsorbed and absorbed power-law components. The spectral models indicate that both objects harbour highly obscured nuclei, with NH, 0.5,2 × 1023 cm,2. Correcting for this absorption we find large intrinsic luminosities in the range LX, 0.2,1 × 1045 erg s,1. Thus, both sources are type 2 quasars. [source] Discovery of the strongly eccentric, short-period binary nature of the B-type system HD 313926 by the MOST satellite,MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: LETTERS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007Slavek M. Rucinski ABSTRACT The MOST photometric space mission discovered an eclipsing binary among its guide stars in 2006 June which combines a relatively large eccentricity e= 0.20 with an orbital period of only 2.27 d. HD 313926 appears to consist of two early-type stars of spectral type B3,B7. It has the largest eccentricity among known early-type binaries with periods less than 3.5 d. Despite the large components indicated by its spectral type and light curve model, and its short period, the orbit of HD 313926 has not yet circularized so it is probably very young, even compared with other young B stars. [source] Ab-initio investigation of structural, electronic and optical properties for three phases of ZnO compoundPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 9 2007Z. Charifi Abstract The complex density-functional theory (DFT) calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties for the three phases: wurtzite (B4), zincblende (B3) and rocksalt (B1) of ZnO compound have been reported using the full-potential linearized-augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method as implemented in the WIEN2k code. We employed both the local-density approximation (LDA) and the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA), which is based on exchange,correlation energy optimization to calculate the total energy. Also, we have used the Engel,Vosko GGA formalism, which optimizes the corresponding potential for band-structure calculations. The 3d orbitals of the Zn atom were treated as the valence band. The calculated structural properties (equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, etc.) of the wurtzite and rocksalt phases are in good agreement with experiment. The B4 structure of ZnO is found to transform to the B1 structure with a large volume collapse of about 17%. The phase transition pressure obtained by using LDA is about 9.93 in good agreement with the experimental data. B1-ZnO is shown to be an indirect bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.47 eV, which is significantly smaller than the experimental value (2.45 ± 0.15 eV). While B3 and B1 phases have direct bandgap semiconductors with bandgaps 1.46 and 1.57 eV, respectively. Also, we have presented the results of the effective masses. We present calculations of the frequency-dependent complex dielectric function , (,) and it zero-frequency limit ,1(0). The optical properties of B4 phase show considerable anisotropic between the two components. The reflectivity spectra has been calculated and compared with the available experimental data. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Isolation and Characterisation of Procyanidins from Rumex obtusifoliusPHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2007Paul Spencer Abstract An acetone:water (7:3) extract obtained from the leaves of Rumex obtusifolius was fractionated into procyanidin oligomer and polymer fractions using a linear gradient and a simple step method on Sephadex LH-20. The chemical characteristics of the procyanidin fractions were studied by 13C-NMR spectroscopy, acid-catalysed degradation in the presence of benzyl mercaptan, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS and electrospray ionisation (ESI) MS. The 13C-NMR showed that the polymer fraction consisted predominantly of procyanidin polymers, some with galloyl groups attached. The thiolysis reaction products indicated a mean degree of polymerisation (DP) of 4.3 for the step method, and a range of 2.3,8.2 mean DP for the gradient fractionation, with epicatechin as the most abundant flavan-3-ol extension unit, while the terminal units consisted of equal proportions of catechin, epicatechin and epicatechin gallate. Singly charged ions observed in MALDI-TOF/MS showed a range of oligomeric procyanidins and their polygalloyl derivatives. These species (in the range DP 2,7) were also observed by ESI/MS but the spectra were more complex due to overlapping multiply charged ions. Isolation of oligomers from the Sephadex LH-20 fraction by chromatography on polyamide and C18 yielded B1, B2, B3 and B7 dimers, an A-type trimer and a B2 3,3,- O -digallate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The bioactivity-guided isolation and structural identification of toxic cucurbitacin steroidal glucosides from stemodia kingiiPHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 4 2006Jeremy G. Allen Abstract A histologically validated murine model for the ovine intoxication by Stemodia kingii was used as a bioassay to guide the isolation of several groups of toxins from Stemodia kingii. Two of the toxins from one group were purified sufficiently to allow structural analysis and a determination of their median lethal doses (LD50) for oral administration to mice. A combination of acid hydrolysis, elemental analysis, HPLC-MS, 1D-NMR (1H, 13C) and 2D-NMR (1H,1H COSY, 13C,1H HSQC and HMBC, and gNOESY) was used to define stemodiosides B3 and B4 as cucurbitacin steroidal glucosides. Thus stemodioside B3 is (24Z)-3, -(, -glucopyranosyloxy)-2,,20,27-trihydroxy-19-(10,9,)- abeo -10, -lanost-5,24-diene-11-one and stemodioside B4 is (23E)-3, -(, -glucopyranosyloxy)-2,,20,22,27-tetrahydroxy-19-(10,9,)- abeo -10, -lanost-5,23-diene-11-one. The approximate oral LD50s for stemodiosides B3 and B4 in mice were estimated to be 99 and 42 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Qualitative analysis and HPLC isolation and identification of procyanidins from vicia fabaPHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 2 2004Rachid Merghem Abstract The soluble proanthocyanidins of the coloured seed coats of Vicia faba L. were isolated and separated by solvent partition. The chemical characteristics of the proanthocyanidins were elucidated by total oxidation and partial degradation in the presence of phloroglucinol followed by HPLC analysis. The native extract of proanthocyanidins contained (+)-gallocatechin, (,)-epigallocatechin, (+)-catechin and (,)-epicatechin units. Oligomeric procyanidins were puri,ed by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and the accessible compounds were isolated by RP-HPLC using a Licrospher Li 100 Column. The structures of the puri,ed oligomeric procyanidins were elucidated using a procedure involving TLC, UV spectroscopy, ESI-MS and HPLC analysis of the products from the phloroglucinol reaction. The major condensed tannins of Vicia faba comprise six compounds identi,ed as two A-type procyanidin dimers, the procyanidin dimers B1, B2 and B3, and a procyanidin trimer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antiviral triterpenoids from the medicinal plant Schefflera heptaphyllaPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007Yaolan Li Abstract Schefflera heptaphylla (L.) Frodin is a principal ingredient of an herbal tea formulation widely used for the treatment of common cold in southern China. An extract of the long leafstalk of the compound leaf of S. heptaphylla exhibited the most potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Further antiviral-guided fractionation and isolation of the leafstalk extract of S. heptaphylla led to obtain two highly active pure triterpenoids, namely 3, -hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-23,28-dioic acid and 3- epi -betulinic acid 3- O -sulfate, together with an inactive saponin, 3, -hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-23,28-dioic acid 28- O - , - l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1,4)- O - , - d -glucopyranosyl-(1,6)- , - d -glucopyranoside. An antiviral assay using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method showed that the two triterpenoids possessed broader antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with a similar 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value of 6.25 µg/mL, influenza A (H1N1) virus with IC50 values of 25 and 31.3 µg/mL, Coxsackie B3 (Cox B3) virus with IC50 values of 12.5 and 20 µg/mL and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with IC50 values of 18.8 and 25 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the saponin did not have antiviral activity against these four viruses at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antiviral activity and constituent of Ardisia chinensis benth against coxsackie B3 virusPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006Miaoxian Su Abstract Ardisia chinensis Benth is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the area of Yao minority in Southern China. The in vitro antiviral activities of extracts and fractions from Ardisia chinensis were tested by the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay in the present study. As a result, both the aqueous extract and the 95% ethanol extract of Ardisia chinensis showed in vitro antiviral activity against Coxsackie B3 (Cox B3) virus to different extents, and the aqueous extract possessed more potent activity than the ethanol extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation revealed that the antiviral activity of Ardisia chinensis was attributed mainly to its high polar fractions, and finally identified to be a polysaccharide. The Ardisia chinensis polysaccharide (ACP) fractionated from the aqueous extract exhibited a significant antiviral effect against Cox B3 with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.9 µg/mL and a selective index (SI) over 256. Preliminary characterization indicated that ACP is a neutral polysaccharide in which d -glucose is the major component. The average molecular weights of ACP were determined to be 40037 Da (Mw), 28297 Da (Mn) and 33758 Da (Mp) by gel permeation chromatography. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polytriazole via an ,A2 + B3' approach based on click chemistryPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2008Jianda Xie Abstract BACKGROUND: The ,A2 + B3' type of polymerization has been demonstrated to be an alternative route towards hyperbranched polymers. Some highly crosslinked hyperbranched polymers have been prepared via copper(I)-catalyzed click reactions of multivalent azides and alkynes. To obtain hyperbranched polymers without gelation and develop the A2 + B3 type of polymerization based on click reactions, the specific reaction conditions need to be investigated. RESULTS: In this work, a hyperbranched polytriazole (hb -PTA) was synthesized through the A2 + B3 approach using a click reaction. 4- N,N,-bis(2-azidoethyl)amino-4,-nitroazobenzene and 1,3,5-tris(alynyloxy)benzene were synthesized for use as the A2 and B3 monomers, respectively. This was a ,one-pot' polymerization carried out using a slow-addition method. The obtained hb -PTA was soluble in common organic solvents. The molecular structure was characterized using 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared and gel permeation chromatography analyses. The degree of branching of hb -PTA was determined to be around 0.50. CONCLUSION: The hb -PTA was successfully synthesized via the A2 + B3 approach based on a click reaction. The polymerization conducted in dilute solution adopting slow addition of A2 to B3 resulted in hb -PTA in the absence of gelation. The obtained hb -PTA exhibited high thermal stability. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||