| 1. |
- Chen, Wei-Min, et al.
(author)
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Variations in the G6PC2/ABCB11 genomic region are associated with fasting glucose levels.
- 2008
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In: Journal of Clinical Investigation. - 0021-9738. ; Jun 2, s. 2620-2628
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Identifying the genetic variants that regulate fasting glucose concentrations may further our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes. We therefore investigated the association of fasting glucose levels with SNPs in 2 genome-wide scans including a total of 5,088 nondiabetic individuals from Finland and Sardinia. We found a significant association between the SNP rs563694 and fasting glucose concentrations (P = 3.5 x 10(-7)). This association was further investigated in an additional 18,436 nondiabetic individuals of mixed European descent from 7 different studies. The combined P value for association in these follow-up samples was 6.9 x 10(-26), and combining results from all studies resulted in an overall P value for association of 6.4 x 10(-33). Across these studies, fasting glucose concentrations increased 0.01-0.16 mM with each copy of the major allele, accounting for approximately 1% of the total variation in fasting glucose. The rs563694 SNP is located between the genes glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (G6PC2) and ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B (MDR/TAP), member 11 (ABCB11). Our results in combination with data reported in the literature suggest that G6PC2, a glucose-6-phosphatase almost exclusively expressed in pancreatic islet cells, may underlie variation in fasting glucose, though it is possible that ABCB11, which is expressed primarily in liver, may also contribute to such variation.
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| 2. |
- Anderson, Craig, 1976, et al.
(author)
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Autoradiographic comparisons of radionuclide adsorption between subsurface anaerobic biofilms and granitic host rocks
- 2006
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In: Geomicrobiology Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0149-0451 .- 1521-0529. ; 23:1, s. 15-29
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In high level nuclear waste repositories, the host rock is considered to be an important barrier to radionuclide migration by adsorbing metals at fluid rock interfaces. In granitic rock environments the surfaces of hydraulically conductive fractures are covered with mixed community biofilms. Biofilms were grown in situ on glass and rock surfaces in high pressure flow cells using groundwater sourced from a borehole 450 meters below sea level in the Aspo hard rock laboratory, Sweden. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), epifluorescence microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed monolayer biofilms consisting of up to 2 x 10(4) bacteria/mm(2) surrounded by an extensive extracellular matrix and carbonate precipitates that covered
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| 3. |
- Anderson, Craig, 1976, et al.
(author)
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Influence of in situ biofilm coverage on the radionuclide adsorption capacity of subsurface granite
- 2007
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In: Environmental Science & Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 41:3, s. 830-836
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Any migration of radionuclides from nuclear waste repositories is expected to be mitigated by adsorption to the host rocks surrounding hydraulically conductive fractures. Fluid rock interfaces are considered to be important barriers for nuclear waste disposal schemes but their adsorptive capacity can be affected by the growth of microbial biofilms. This study indicates that biofilms growing on fracture surfaces decrease the rocks adsorption capacity for migrating radionuclides except for trivalent species. Potential suppression of adsorption by biofilms should, therefore, be accounted for in performance safety assessment models. In this study, the adsorptive capacity of in situ anaerobic biofilms grown 450 m underground on either glass or granite slides was compared to the capacity of the same surfaces without biofilms. Surfaces were exposed to the radiotracers Co-60(II), Pm-147(III), Am-241(III), Th-234(IV), and Np-237(V) for a period of 660 h in a pH neutral anaerobic synthetic groundwater. Adsorption was investigated at multiple time points over the 660 h using liquid scintillation and ICP-MS. Results indicate that these surfaces adsorb between 0 and 85% of the added tracers under the conditions of the specific experiments. After 660 h, the distribution coefficients, R (ratio between what is sorbed and what is left in the aqueous phase), approached 3 x 10(4) m for Co-60, 3 x 10(5) m for Pm-147 and 24 'Am, I x 106 m for 234Th, and 1 x 103 m for 237Np. The highest rate of adsorption was during the first 200 h of the adsorption experiments and started to approach equilibrium after 500 h. Adsorption to colloids and precipitates contributed to decreases of up to 20% in the available Co-60, Pm-147, Am-241, and Np-237 in the adsorption systems. In the 234Th system 95% of the aqueous 234Th was removed by adsorbing to colloids. Although the range of R values for each surface tested generally overlapped, the biofilms consistently demonstrated lower R values except for the trivalant Pm-147 and Am-241 adsorption systems.
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| 4. |
- Clark, Andrew G., et al.
(author)
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Evolution of genes and genomes on the Drosophila phylogeny
- 2007
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 450:7167, s. 203-218
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Comparative analysis of multiple genomes in a phylogenetic framework dramatically improves the precision and sensitivity of evolutionary inference, producing more robust results than single-genome analyses can provide. The genomes of 12 Drosophila species, ten of which are presented here for the first time (sechellia, simulans, yakuba, erecta, ananassae, persimilis, willistoni, mojavensis, virilis and grimshawi), illustrate how rates and patterns of sequence divergence across taxa can illuminate evolutionary processes on a genomic scale. These genome sequences augment the formidable genetic tools that have made Drosophila melanogaster a pre-eminent model for animal genetics, and will further catalyse fundamental research on mechanisms of development, cell biology, genetics, disease, neurobiology, behaviour, physiology and evolution. Despite remarkable similarities among these Drosophila species, we identified many putatively non-neutral changes in protein-coding genes, non-coding RNA genes, and cis-regulatory regions. These may prove to underlie differences in the ecology and behaviour of these diverse species.
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| 5. |
- Engström, Maria, et al.
(author)
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High Proton Relaxivity for Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles
- 2006
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In: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0968-5243 .- 1352-8661. ; 19:4, s. 180-186
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Nanosized materials of gadolinium oxide can provide high-contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of the present study was to investigate proton relaxation enhancement by ultrasmall (5 to 10 nm) Gd2O3 nanocrystals.Materials and methods: Gd2O3 nanocrystals were synthesized by a colloidal method and capped with diethylene glycol (DEG). The oxidation state of Gd2O3 was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Proton relaxation times were measured with a 1.5-T MRI scanner. The measurements were performed in aqueous solutions and cell culture medium (RPMI).Results: Results showed a considerable relaxivity increase for the Gd2O3–DEG particles compared to Gd-DTPA. Both T 1 and T 2 relaxivities in the presence of Gd2O3–DEG particles were approximately twice the corresponding values for Gd–DTPA in aqueous solution and even larger in RPMI. Higher signal intensity at low concentrations was predicted for the nanoparticle solutions, using experimental data to simulate a T1-weighted spin echo sequence.Conclusion: The study indicates the possibility of obtaining at least doubled relaxivity compared to Gd–DTPA using Gd2O3–DEG nanocrystals as contrast agent. The high T 1 relaxation rate at low concentrations of Gd2O3 nanoparticles is very promising for future studies of contrast agents based on gadolinium-containing nanocrystals.
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| 6. |
- Fernström, Maria, et al.
(author)
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The potential for mitochondrial fat oxidation in human skeletal muscle influences whole body fat oxidation during low-intensity exercise
- 2007
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In: American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 292:1, s. E223-30
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to investigate fatty acid (FA) oxidation in isolated mitochondrial vesicles (mit) and its relation to training status, fiber type composition, and whole body FA oxidation. Trained (Vo(2 peak) 60.7 +/- 1.6, n = 8) and untrained subjects (39.5 +/- 2.0 ml.min(-1).kg(-1), n = 5) cycled at 40, 80, and 120 W, and whole body relative FA oxidation was assessed from respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Mit were isolated from muscle biopsies, and maximal ADP stimulated respiration was measured with carbohydrate-derived substrate [pyruvate + malate (Pyr)] and FA-derived substrate [palmitoyl-l-carnitine + malate (PC)]. Fiber type composition was determined from analysis of myosin heavy-chain (MHC) composition. The rate of mit oxidation was lower with PC than with Pyr, and the ratio between PC and Pyr oxidation (MFO) varied greatly between subjects (49-93%). MFO was significantly correlated to muscle fiber type distribution, i.e., %MHC I (r = 0.62, P = 0.03), but was not different between trained (62 +/- 5%) and untrained subjects (72 +/- 2%). MFO was correlated to RER during submaximal exercise at 80 (r = -0.62, P = 0.02) and 120 W (r = -0.71, P = 0.007) and interpolated 35% Vo(2 peak) (r = -0.74, P = 0.004). ADP sensitivity of mit respiration was significantly higher with PC than with Pyr. It is concluded that MFO is influenced by fiber type composition but not by training status. The inverse correlation between RER and MFO implies that intrinsic mit characteristics are of importance for whole body FA oxidation during low-intensity exercise. The higher ADP sensitivity with PC than that with Pyr may influence fuel utilization at low rate of respiration.
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| 7. |
- Gourdon, Pontus Emanuel, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Optimized in vitro and in vivo expression of proteorhodopsin: A seven-transmembrane proton pump
- 2008
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In: Protein Expression and Purification. - : Elsevier BV. - 1096-0279 .- 1046-5928. ; 58:1, s. 103-113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Proteorhodopsin is an integral membrane light-harvesting proton pump that is found in bacteria distributed throughout global surface waters. Here, we present a protocol for functional in vitro production of pR using a commercial cell-free synthesis system yielding 1.0 mg purified protein per milliliter of cell lysate. We also present an optimized protocol for in vivo over-expression of pR in Escherichia coli, and a two-step purification yielding 5 mg of essentially pure functional protein per liter of culture. Both approaches are straightforward, rapid, and easily scalable. Thus either may facilitate the exploitation of pR for commercial biotechnological applications. Finally, the implications of some observations of the in vitro synthesis behavior, as well as preliminary results towards a structural determination of pR are discussed.
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| 8. |
- Johnsson, Anna, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Bioligand-mediated partitioning of radionuclides to the aqueous phase
- 2008
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In: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0236-5731 .- 1588-2780. ; 277:3, s. 637-644
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aqueous-phase partitioning of 59Fe, 147Pm, 234Th and 241Am by complexing compounds from subsurface bacteria has previously been studied in the presence of quartz sand. In this study the aqueous-phase partitioning of pico- to submicromolar amounts of 59Fe, 147Pm, 234Th and 241Am was analyzed in the presence of TiO2 and exudates from three species of subsurface bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Shewanella putrefaciens. All were grown under aerobic conditions and P. stutzeri and S. putrefaciens were grown under anaerobic conditions as well. The supernatants of the aerobic and anaerobic cultures were collected and radionuclide was added. TiO2, with BET surface area of 49.9 m2·g-1, was added to the supernatant radionuclide mix, and the pH was adjusted to approximately 8. After incubation, the amount of radionuclide in the liquid phase of the samples and controls was analyzed using scintillation method. Two types of values were calculated: solution% = the activity maintained in solution relative to the total activity, and Q-values = the quotient between the activity in samples and the activity in controls. Aerobic supernatants had solution% values between 89% and 100% for 59Fe and between 18 and 43% for 234Th. The solution% values for 241Am and 147Pm were less than 2% overall, but the Q-values were between 34 and 115 times more 241Am in bacterial supernatants than in controls. The corresponding values for 147Pm ranged from 6 to 20 times more than in the control. The solution% values for all elements in the presence of anaerobic supernatants were below 2%, but the Q-values clustered around 7 for 59Fe and ranging from 2 to 29 for 234Th, indicated that anaerobic supernatants partitioned these elements to the aqueous phase. Both aerobic and anaerobic supernatants tested positive for complexing compounds when analyzed, using the Chrome Azurol S assay. Complexation with excreted organic ligands is most likely the reason for the higher amounts of metals in samples than in the controls. Hence, aerobically and anaerobically excreted organic ligands seem able to influence the mobility of radionuclides in aerobic and anaerobic environments contaminated with these compounds.
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| 9. |
- Mogensen, Martin, et al.
(author)
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Cycling efficiency in humans is related to low UCP3 content and to type I fibres but not to mitochondrial efficiency
- 2006
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In: Journal of Physiology. - 0022-3751 .- 1469-7793. ; 571:3, s. 669-681
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that cycling efficiency in vivo is related to mitochondrial efficiency measured in vitro and to investigate the effect of training status on these parameters. Nine endurance trained and nine untrained male subjects ( , respectively) completed an incremental submaximal efficiency test for determination of cycling efficiency (gross efficiency, work efficiency (WE) and delta efficiency). Muscle biopsies were taken from m. vastus lateralis and analysed for mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial efficiency (MEff; i.e. P/O ratio), UCP3 protein content and fibre type composition (% MHC I). MEff was determined in isolated mitochondria during maximal (state 3) and submaximal (constant rate of ADP infusion) rates of respiration with pyruvate. The rates of mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation per muscle mass were about 40% higher in trained subjects but were not different when expressed per unit citrate synthase (CS) activity (a marker of mitochondrial density). Training status had no influence on WE (trained 28.0 +/- 0.5, untrained 27.7 +/- 0.8%, N.S.). Muscle UCP3 was 52% higher in untrained subjects, when expressed per muscle mass (P < 0.05 versus trained). WE was inversely correlated to UCP3 (r=-0.57, P < 0.05) and positively correlated to percentage MHC I (r= 0.58, P < 0.05). MEff was lower (P < 0.05) at submaximal respiration rates (2.39 +/- 0.01 at 50% ) than at state 3 (2.48 +/- 0.01) but was neither influenced by training status nor correlated to cycling efficiency. In conclusion cycling efficiency was not influenced by training status and not correlated to MEff, but was related to type I fibres and inversely related to UCP3. The inverse correlation between WE and UCP3 indicates that extrinsic factors may influence UCP3 activity and thus MEff in vivo.
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| 10. |
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