The signalling molecule DIF-1 is required for normal cell fate choice and patterning in Dictyostelium. To understand how these developmental processes are regulated will require knowledge of how cells receive and respond to the DIF-1 signal. Previously, we have described a bZIP transcription factor, DimA, which is required for cells to respond to DIF-1. However, it was unknown whether DimA acti...

The dimerisation of Raf kinases involves a central cluster within the kinase domain, the dimer interface (DIF). Yet, the importance of the DIF for the signalling potential of wild-type B-Raf (B-Raf(wt)) and its oncogenic counterparts remains unknown. Here, we show that the DIF plays a pivotal role for the activity of B-Raf(wt) and several of its gain-of-function (g-o-f) mutants. In contrast, th...

A prophage lambda inserted by homologous recombination near dif, the chromosome dimer resolution site of Escherichia coli, is excised at a frequency that depends on its orientation with respect to dif. In wild-type cells, terminal hyper- (TH) recombination is prophage specific and undetectable by a test involving deletion of chromosomal segments between repeats identical to those used for proph...

Multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models (Joreskog & Golberger 1975) can be employed in a psychometric context to test for differential item functioning (DIF) between groups on the measurement of a latent variable (Muthén 1989). MIMIC DIF models can be attributed some favorable properties when compared to alternative DIF testing methods (i.e., Item Response Theory-Likelihood Ratio DIF...

reat to the validity of a test. Both the APA (American Psychological Association) and the ITC (International Test Commission) standards emphasize the necessity of checking for DIF in order to guarantee the fair use of a test (AERA, APA, NCME, 1999; COPITC, 2000). With these recommendations in mind, and with the intention of spreading the application of DIF analyses, researchers should develop a...

To investigate how cell type proportions are regulated during Dictyostelium development, we have attempted to find out which cell type produces DIF-1, a diffusible signal molecule inducing the differentiation of prestalk-O cells. DIF-1 is a chlorinated alkyl phenone that is synthesized from a C12 polyketide precursor by chlorination and methylation, with the final step catalysed by the dmtA met...

Digital Inclusive Finance (DIF) is a novel approach that employs digital technology to foster the development of inclusive finance, which can effectively alleviate financing constraints enterprises. This paper empirically tests relationship between DIF and financial performance construction enterprises, with focus supply chain finance (SCF). The findings indicate enhance SCF one mechanisms thro...

Our previous cell fusion experiments have suggested that the in vitro erythroid differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells is the result of a synergistic reaction involving two intracellular differentiation-inducing factors (DIF); these were subsequently demonstrated in the cytoplasmic fraction of mouse erythroleukemia cells. Here, we present experimental evidence indicating that, under con...