bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cd on Chlorophyll and Light-Harvesting Complex II Biosynthesis in Greening Plants
Authors: Tziveleka Leto , Kaldis Athanassios , Hegedüs Attila , Kissimon Judit , Prombona Anastasia , Horvath Gabor , Argyroudi-Akoyunoglou Joan
Published: February 2015

The effect of Cd on chlorophyll (Chl) as well as on light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) accumulation, has been examined during the early stages of development in etiolated Phaseolus vulgaris leaves exposed to intermittent light-dark cycles. We found that at the Cd concentrations studied, both Chl and LHCII accumulation were drastically reduced, although the LDS-solubilized total leaf protein level remained unaffected. However, on the basis of total chlorophyll present, the amount of stabilized LHCII was similar in both Cd-treated and nontreated samples. Additionally, the thylakoid-bound protease known to degrade LHCII, was found to be inhibited by Cd treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, Northern hybridization analysis indicated that Cd affects LHCII accumulation by reducing drastically the steadystate level of Lhcb transcripts
n-Alkanes and α-Palmitin from Paspalum scrobiculatum Seeds
Authors: Misra Laxminarain , Siddiqi Shahzad A.
Published: February 2015

Hexane and methanol extracts of Paspalum scrobiculatum seeds have yielded several known fatty acids, sterols, unusual straight chain hydrocarbons which are well known for their insect pheromone activity along with the antitumour glyceride, α-palmitin.
Pigments in the Blue Pollen and Bee Pollen of Fuchsia excorticata
Authors: Webby Rosemary , Bloor Stephen
Published: February 2015

A comparison of the pigments in Fuchsia extorticata pollen with the pigments extracted from the unusually coloured blue-black “fuchsia” bee pollen confirms the New Zealand tree fuchsia as the source of the bee pollen. The pigments were identified as the p-trans-coumaroylated derivatives of delphindin-, petunidin and malvidin-3-O-glucosides and delphinidin-3-O-(p-cis-coumaroyl-glucoside). The anthocyanins are accompanied by several flavonol glycosides; kaempferol-3-sophoroside, quercetin-3-sophoroside and kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside.
Flavonoids from Ulex Species
Authors: Máximo Patrícia , Lourenço Ana , Feio Sónia Savluchinske , Roseiro Jose Carlos
Published: February 2015

Nine flavonoids have been isolated from Ulex jussiaei and U. minor (Leguminosae). From both species the isoflavonoids ulexin A and the new naturally occurring ulexin B have been identified, together with isoderrone, the pterocarpans (-)-maackiain and (-)-4-methoxymaackiain, and the chalcone isobavachromene. The pterocarpan (-)-2-methoxymaackiain was only present in the first species and the isoflavones isolupalbigenin and ulexone A have been identified in the second one. 13C NMR data of isobavachromene, isolupalbigenin and ulexone A are also included. The antifungal activity of the isolated compounds was tested by the bioautographic method against Cladosporium cucumerinum. The most active compounds were the pterocarpans, the chalcone and the isoflavones with non-hydroxylated open chain prenyl substituents.
Sulfonated Triterpenoid Saponins from Fagonia indica
Authors: Shaker Kamel H. , Bernhardt Mirko , Elgamal M. Hani A. , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: February 2015

Two new triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-{[ β-ᴅ-4-O-sulfonylglucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-ʟ-ara-binopyranosyl}-ursolic acid -28-O-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin C) and 3-O-{[β-ᴅ-4-O-sulfonylglucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[β-ᴅ-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)]-α-ʟ-arabinopyranosyl}-ursolic acid -28-O-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin D) have been isolated from Fagonia indica. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H -1H COSY, NOESY, ROESY, TOCSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Centaurea achaia, a Greek Endemic Species: Antifungal Activity
Authors: Skaltsa Helen , Lazari Diamanto , Garcia Begoña , Pedro José R. , Sokovic Marina , Constantinidis Theophanis
Published: February 2015

The aerial parts of Centaurea achaia afforded, in addition to several known sesquiterpene lactones and sesquiterpene hydroxyesters, a new germacranolide and a new elemanolide. Their structures were determined as the 8 α-O-(4,5-dihydroxy-tigloyloxy) esters of salonitenolide and of 11,13-dihydromelitensin, respectively. The in vitro antifungal activity of most compounds was tested against nine fungal species using the micro-dilution method. All the tested compounds showed strong antifungal activity.
Absorption Properties of the Carotenoids after Alkaline Denaturation of the Light-Harvesting Complex II from Ectothiorhodospira sp.
Authors: Buche Andre , Picorel Rafael
Published: February 2015

Alkaline treatment of the Ectothiorhodospira sp. light harvesting system II induces monomerisation of the bacteriochlorophylls and a bleaching of the carotenoid absorption bands in the visible region. Concomitantly, the maximum of absorption observed around 373 nm shifts towards 354 nm. This shift does not result from the Soret band but from a change of the absorption properties of the carotenoids. Furthermore, these pigments are not modified chemically but the spectral conversion results from environmental changes. It is assumed that the dissociation of the bacteriochlorophylls in alkaline medium is accompanied by a structural reorganisation of the complex which reinforces the interactions between the polypeptides and the carotenoids.
Purification and Properties of Alkaline Phosphatase with Protein Phosphatase Activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Galabova Danka , Tuleva Borijana , Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Christova Nelly
Published: February 2015

An alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 257 was purified 345-fold with specific activity of 54 533 nmol × min−1 × mg protein−1 . It was shown to be a dimeric protein (apparent mol. wt. approx. 130 kDa) with optimum activity at pH 8.6 - 8.8 and good stability at 50 °C. The ALPase was a non-specific enzyme hydrolyzing a wide variety of monophosphate esters. The enzyme showed protein phosphatase activity and this activity was not Mg2+ - dependent in contrast to p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) activity. The Km value for pNNP hydrolysis was determined to be 2.2 × 10−5 м. Orthophosphate inhibited the enzyme in a competitive mode with the Ki of 2.3 x 10−4 м. Phosphate transfer of the ALPase is almost zero with all alcohols tested except for Tris.
Photosynlhetic Inhibitory Activity of Dihydro-β-agarofurans Sesquiterpenes from Maytenus dislicha and Maytenus boaria (Celastraceae)
Authors: Céspedes Carlos , Achnine Lahoucine , Alarcón Julio , Becerra José , Lotina-Hennsen Blas
Published: February 2015

The effects of 9β-benzoyloxy-la, 2α, 6β, 8α, 15-pentaacetoxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran and 9β furoyloxy-1α, 6β, 8α-triacetoxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran, major phytogrowth inhibitors isolated from the aerial parts of Maytenus disticha (Celastraceae) and seeds of Maytenus boaria (Celastaraceae), respectively, on different photosynthetic activities of isolated spinach chloroplasts have been investigated. Photophosphorylation and electron transport (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled) were inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by both compounds, therefore acting as Hill reaction inhibitors. The site of action of these natural compounds was located in the span from P680 to QA. 9β-benzoyloxy-1,2,6,8,15-pentaacetoxydihydro-β-agarofuran was one order of magnitude more potent (I50 = 2.6 μм) than 9β-furoyloxy-1,6,8,-triacetoxydihydro-β-agarofuran, suggesting that the substitution at C-9 and the acetoxy groups at carbons 2 and 15 are important structural requirements for the displayed inhibitory activity.
Immunoprotective Effect of Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase on Myeloid Graffi Tumor-Bearing Hamsters
Authors: Toshkova Reneta A. , Dimitrova Petia A. , Ivanova Emilia H. , Dolashka Pavlina A. , Angelova Maria B. , Pashova Svetlana B. , Slokoska Ludmila S. , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Investigation on the immunoprotective activity of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase from Humicola lutea 103 AL (HLSOD) in hamsters with transplanted myeloid tumor was performed. Survivability, tumor growth and tumor transplantability were followed. The immune status of tumor-bearing animals, injected with the optimal protective HLSOD dose, was examined during 27 days after tumor transplantation by the following parameters: (i) the number, migration and phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages, (ii) the phagocytic activity of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), (iii) the responsibility in vitro of spleen lymphocytes to T and B cell mitogens.

It was established that intraperitoneal inoculation of HLSOD produced a protective effect on the development of tumors. Elongation of the latent time for tumor appearance and inhibition of the tumor growth were observed. The decreased percentage of mortality in early stage of tumor progression was established. Immunological studies on tumor-bearing hamsters (TBH) induced a tem porary immunorestoring effect on the suppressed phagocytic activities of peritoneal macrophages and blood PMNs during the first 14 days of tumor development. Moreover, HLSOD showed an expressed stimulating effect on proliferative activity in vitro of spleen B lymphocytes from healthy and TBH as well. The immunorestoring and protective effect of the enzyme was probably due to improve of the oxidant-antioxidant balance in peritoneal phagocytes. The tem porary character of the effect can be explained with the interference of immunosuppressing factors produced by tumor tissue as well as by the presence of tumor antigens, tumor cells and antigen-antibody complexes in the circulation.
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Profiles of Some Senecio Species from Egypt
Authors: El-Shazly Assem
Published: February 2015

Alkaloid profiles of two Egyptian Senecio species (Senecio aegyptius var. discoideus and S. desfontainei) in addition to a cultivated species (S. cineraria) were studied using capillary GLC and GLC-mass spectrometry with respect to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Four alkaloids were identified in S. aegyptius var. discoideus, 8 in S. desfontainei and 13 in S. cineraria. Some of these alkaloids have not been reported from these plants. The alkaloidal pattern of different plant organs (flowers, leaves, stem, root) were also investigated. Senecionine has been found to be a one of the major alkaloid in all studied species, it was isolated and its structure was elucidated by 1H- and 13C-NMR.
Flavonoids from Ficaria verna Huds.
Authors: Tomczyk Michał , Gudej Jan , Sochacki Marek
Published: February 2015

A phytochemical investigation of the flowers and leaves of Ficaria verna Huds. (Ranunculaceae) yielded four additional known flavonoid compounds including: kaempferol 3-O-β-ᴅ- (6ʺ-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl)-glucopyranoside (nicotiflorin), apigenin 8-C-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (vitexin), luteolin 8-C-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (orientin) and apigenin 8-C-β-ᴅ-(2ʺ-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl)- glucopyranoside (flavosativaside). The characterisation of these compounds was achieved by various chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (UV, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS).
On the Occurrence of Exudate Flavonoids in the Borage Family (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Wehde Rüdiger , Dörr Marion , Stevens Jan F.
Published: February 2015

Externally accumulated flavonoid aglycones have been found for the first time in Nonea species. They exhibit only flavones, one of thembeing the rare tricetin-4ʹ-methyl ether. Within the subfamily Boraginoideae, exudate flavonoids appear to be a rare character.
Inhibition of Enzymatic Reactions. A Rapid Method to Determine the Index pI50
Authors: Kulhavý David , Čegan Alexander , Komers Karel , Mindl Jaromír
Published: February 2015

The activity of every substance I inhibiting an enzymatic reaction can be approximately evaluated by the index pI50. This paper describes a simple and fast method of estimate and/or determination of this index. The method is based on the linearity of the dependence of the ratio of reaction rates of uninhibited and inhibited reaction vs. concentration of the inhibitor at constant initial substrate and enzyme concentrations for fully competitive, noncompetitive, uncompetitive and mixed type of inhibition by the one inhibitor. The validity of the method is demonstrated by four inhibitors of hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine by butyrylcholine esterase.
Ecto-phosphatase Activity on the Cell Surface of Crithidia deanei
Authors: Passos Lemos Adriana dos , Souza André Luís Fonseca de , Sá Pinheiro Ana Acacia de , Berrêdo-Pinho Márcia de , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto
Published: February 2015

In the present work we have partially characterized an ecto-phosphatase activity in Crithidia deanei, using viable parasites. This enzyme hydrolyzed p-nitrophenylphosphate at a rate of 3.55 ± 0.47 nmol Pi/h x 108 cells. The dependence on p-NPP concentration shows a normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics for this phosphatase activity and the value of the apparent Km for p-NPP was 5.35 ± 0.89 mᴍ. This phosphatase activity was inhibited by the product of the reaction, the inorganic phosphate. Experiments using classical inhibitors of acid phosphatases, such as ZnCl2 and sodiumfluoride , as well as inhibitors of phosphotyrosine phosphatase, such as sodium orthovanadate and ammonium molybdate, showed a decrease in this phosphatase activity, with different patterns of inhibition.
Alanine Reverses the Inhibitory Effect of Phenylalanine on Acetylcholinesterase Activity
Authors: Tsakiris Stylianos , Schulpis Kleopatra H.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this work was to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of ʟ-alanine (Ala) on suckling rat brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and on eel Electrophorus electricus pure AChE inhibited by ʟ-phenylalanine (Phe) as well as to investigate whether Phe or Ala is a competitive inhibitor or an effector of the enzyme. AChE activity was determined in brain homogenates and in the pure enzyme after 1 h preincubation with 1.2 mm of Phe or Ala as well as with Phe plus Ala. The activity of the pure AChE was also determined using as a substrate different amounts of acetylthiocholine. Ala reversed completely the inhibited AChE by Phe (18-20% in 500-600 μᴍ substrate, p<0.01). Lineweaver-Burk plots showed that Vmax remained unchanged. However, KM was found increased with Phe (150%, p<0.001), decreased with Ala alone (50%, p<0.001) and unaltered with Phe plus Ala. It is suggested that: a) Phe presents a competitive inhibitory action with the substrate whereas Ala a competitive activation; b) Ala competition with Phe might unbind the latter from AChE molecule inducing the enzyme stimulation; c) Ala might reverse the inhibitory effect of Phe on brain AChE in phenylketonuric patients, if these results are extended into the in vivo reality.
Discriminatory Power of RAPD,PCR-RFLP and Southern Blot Analyses of ureCD or ureA Gene Probes on Helicobacter pylori Isolates
Authors: Smith Stella , Cantet Franck , Angelini Fabrice , Marais Armelle , Mégraud Francis , Bayerdöffer Ekkhehard , Miehlke Stephan
Published: February 2015

The genetic diversity of 33 Nigerian Helicobacter pylori isolates were studied using RAPD, PCR-RFLP and Southern blot analysis of ureA or ureCD gene probes. RAPD was able to distinguish the following number of isolates using the primers 3880 : 5ʹ-AAGAGCCCGT-3ʹ (28), 3881 :5ʹ-AACGCGCAAC-3ʹ (33) and OPH8 :5ʹ-GAAACACCCC-3ʹ (25). Southern blot analysis using the ureCD probe was also able to distinguish the 12 isolates tested into ten different patterns. The PCR-RFLP technique distinguished all 33 isolates into six types. In conclusion, considering typeability, discriminatory power, and convenience, RAPD with the 3881 primer was considered the most useful technique.
Cyanophycin Synthetase-Like Enzymes of Non-Cyanobacterial Eubacteria: Characterization of the Polymer Produced by a Recombinant Synthetase of Desulfitobacterium hafniense
Authors: Ziegler Karl , Deutzmann Rainer , Lockau Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Some bacterial genomes were found to contain genes encoding putative proteins with considerable sequence homology to cyanophycin synthetase CphA of cyanobacteria. Such a gene from the Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe Desulfitobacterium hafniense was cloned. Expression in Escherichia coli resulted in the formation of a polydispers copolymer of aspartic acid and arginine, with a minor amount of lysine, of about 30 kDa molecular mass. In contrast to cyanophycin, this polymer was water-soluble. The structure of the polymer formed by the synthetase from Desulfitobacterium hafniense was studied by enzymatic degradation with the cyanophycin-specific hydrolase cyanophycinase, and by chemical and mass-spectroscopic analyses. Despite of the differences in solubility, indicating that both polymers cannot be completely identical, the chemical structure was found to be very similar to that of cyanophycin. The results suggest that the use of cyanophycin-like polymers as a nitrogen- rich reserve material is not restricted to cyanobacteria, and that such polymers may not necessarily be stored in granules.
Chemical Composition of European Propolis: Expected and Unexpected Results
Authors: Bankova Vassya , Popova Milena , Bogdanov Stefan , Sabatini Anna-Gloria
Published: February 2015

Ten propolis samples from Bulgaria, Italy and Switzerland were analyzed by GC-MS. As expected, most samples displayed the typical chemical pattern of “poplar” propolis: they contained pinocembrin, pinobanksin and its 3-O-acetate, chrysin, galangin, prenyl esters of caffeic and ferulic acids. Two samples differed significantly: one from the Graubünden Alpine region, Switzerland, rich in phenolic glycerides, and one from Sicily which contained only a limited number of phenolics and was rich in diterpenic acids.
The First Humulene Type Sesquiterpene from Lactarius hirtipes
Authors: Lin Hu , Ji-Kai Liu
Published: February 2015

A new sesquiterpene of humulene type, named 2β, α-epoxy-6Z, 9Z-humuladien-8α-ol (1) together with a known compound lactarinic acid was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Lactarius hirtipes. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral evidence (MS, IR, NMR, HMBC, HMQC, 1H-1H COSY, ROSEY experiments). Compound 1 was found as the first humulene-type sesquiterpene in higher fungi.
Biosorption of Cadmium Ions by Different Yeast Species
Authors: Breierová Emília , Vajcziková Ingrid , Sasinková Vlasta , Stratilová Eva , Fišera Miroslav , Gregor Tomáš , Šajbidor Ján
Published: February 2015

Toxicity and accumulation of Cd2+ in yeasts were studied in eight different yeast species. The adaptation to toxic concentration of this metal was dependent on the production of extracellular yeast glycoproteins. The highest concentration of Cd2+ ions in the growth medium was tolerated by a Hansenula anomala, strain while the lowest tolerance was found by the strain of species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Extracellular glycoproteins of Hansenula anomala absorbed nearly 90% of the total content of Cd2+ ions bound by yeast cells, while extracellular glycoproteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae bound only 6% of the total amount of cadmium. This difference is caused by the variable composition of the saccharide moiety in the extracellular glycoproteins. The composition of extracellular glycoproteins changed during the adaptation of the yeast cells to the presence of Cd2+ ions.
Evaluation of Filamentous Fungi and Inducers for the Production of Endo-Polygalacturonase by Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Dartora Adriana B. , Bertolin Telma E. , Bilibio Denise , Silveira Mauricio M. , Costa Jorge A. V.
Published: February 2015

Five strains of filamentous fungi (Aspergillus niger strains NRRL 3122 and T0005007-2, Aspergillus oryzae CCT 3940, Aspergillus awamori NRRL 3112 and a Trichoderma sp.) were compared for their capacity to produce endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG) in solid state fermentation. Maximum pectinolytic activity was reached in 72 h of growth, the best two fungal strains being A. niger T0005007-2 and A. oryzae CCT 3940. Three types of commercial purified pectin and four of unprocessed pectin (tangerine, orange, Tahiti lime and sweet lime rind) were used to assess the effect of pectin on the production of endo-PG by A. niger T0005007-2. Maximum pectinolytic activity was achieved using 6 and 10% (w/w) of purified pectin as inducer. Depending on the origin of the commercial pectin used as inducer, maximum endo-PG levels varied from 223 to 876 units per gram of dry medium (one endo-PG unit (U) was defined as the quantity of enzyme which caused a reduction in viscosity of 50% in a 1% w/v solution of pectin in 30 min), indicating that care should be taken when choosing this component of the medium. When the crude pectins were used as inducers at the same concentration as purified pectin, maximum endo-PG activities were 250-300 units/g. However, by increasing the amount of Tahiti lime rind to 50% (w/w) maximum endo-PG was 919 U/g, thus opening up the possibility of a low cost medium for endo-PG production.
Transformation of Tobacco with a Mutated Cyanobacterial Phytoene Desaturase Gene Confers Resistance to Bleaching Herbicides
Authors: Wagner Tobias , Windhövel Ute , Römer Susanne
Published: February 2015

Carotenoids are constituents of the photosynthetic apparatus and essential for plant survival because of their involvement in protection of chlorophylls against photooxidation. Certain classes of herbicides are interfering with carotenoid biosynthesis leading to pigment destruction and a bleached plant phenotype. One important target site for bleaching herbicides is the enzyme phytoene desaturase catalysing the desaturation of phytoene in ζ-carotene. This enzymatic reaction can be inhibited by norflurazon or fluridone. We have transformed tobacco with a mutated cyanobacterial phytoene desaturase gene (pds) derived from the Synechococcus PCC 7942 mutant NFZ4. Characterization of the resulting transformants revealed an up to 58 fold higher norflurazon resistance in comparison to wild type controls. The tolerance for fluridone was also increased 3 fold in the transgenics. Furthermore, the transformed tobacco maintained a higher level of D1 protein of photosystem II indicating a lower susceptibility to photooxidative damage in the presence of norflurazon. In contrast, the genetic manipulation did not confer herbicide resistance against ζ-carotene desaturase inhibitors.
Cloning a Gene Encoding a Light-Harvesting I Polypeptide from Ectothiorhodospira sp.
Authors: Buche André
Published: February 2015

Trying to detect the genes coding for light harvesting II polypeptides of the purple bacteria Ectothiorhodospira sp. a gene corresponding to a light harvesting I polypeptide was cloned. This paper discusses the probable reasons of this result. The sequence of this polypeptide underlines the strong similarity with light harvesting complexes from bacteria such as Rhodospirillum molischianum and Chromatium vinosum.
A Glucose Oxidase Immobilized Electrode Based on Modified Graphite
Authors: Dimcheva Nina , Horozova Elena , Jordanova Zinaida
Published: February 2015

Glucose oxidase (E. C. 1.1.3.4) was immobilized on electrochemically modified graphite to obtain an enzyme electrode. The working surface of the electrode was coated with gelatine to prevent desorption of the enzyme. In substrate (glucose) solutions the amperometric signal of the enzyme electrode was due to the electroreduction of H2O2 generated in the enzyme layer. The linearity of the electrode response was found up to a substrate concentration of 300 μᴍ at a working potential of 0 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl). It was shown that the electrode did not respond to l-ascorbic and uric acid at that working potential. The response time was about 2 min. The enzyme electrode keeps about 50% of its initial activity after a one-week storage at 4 °C.
Induction of Differentiation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells (HL-60) by the Verticillin Derivative Sch 52900
Authors: Erkel Gerhard , Gehrt Alexandra , Anke Timm , Sterner Olov
Published: February 2015

The HL-60 cell line, derived from a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia, is a widely used model system to study the cellular and molecular events involved in differentiation of leukemic cells. In a screening for inducers of differentiation of HL-60 cells, cultures of Gliocladium strain 4-93 were found to produce Sch 52900, a previously isolated diketopiperazine (Chu et al,. J. Antibiotics 48, 1440-1445). Sch 52900 induced the differentation of 50-69% of HL-60 cells at concentrations of 6.8-13.6 nᴍ as measured by nitro-blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) reduction which was followed by apoptosis as shown by DNA fragmentation. Our results demonstrate that growth arrest and the induction of differentiation by Sch 52900 is due to the induction of the cell cycle inhibitor p21WAF and an inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway which leads to the activation of the transcription factor AP-1.
Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’Guessan Konstanze
Published: February 2015

In August 2010, Côte d’Ivoire commemorated fifty years of independence. Local Pentecostal churches likewise celebrated the jubilee, marking the liberation of slaves after seven times seven years of servitude as promised in Leviticus 25: 8–10. This reading of independence was closely linked to the incumbent president’s political project of refondation based on a premillennial understanding of the interrelatedness of past, present and future. In this article, I explore Pentecostal political rhetoric and performances of the past during the jubilee celebrations, and the post-electoral crisis of 2010–2011. Drawing on empirical research into memory at work in Côte d’Ivoire, I question the instrumentalist paradigm used in analysis of religious ways of thinking about the world. By emphasizing performances of the past and collective memory, I explain how being born-again is enacted as politics and how politics are perceived in terms of faith.
De Dame Folie à Madame Sapience
Authors: Baillargeon Philippe
Published: February 2015

Critics have long considered Rabelais as the “last of the French Erasmians”. However, a rereading of François Béroalde de Verville's Moyen de parvenir (1614–1617) brings to light numerous rhetorical strategies reminiscent of the discourse of morosophy, or foolish-wisdom used by the character of Folly in Erasmus' Encomium Moriae. The identification of these rhetorical devices enable us to retrace the profound and complex influence of the Rotterdam humanist's writings in France at the beginning of the seventeenth century.
Endocrine role of bone: recent and emerging perspectives beyond osteocalcin
Authors: Oldknow K J , MacRae V E , Farquharson C
Published: February 2015

Recent developments in endocrinology, made possible by the combination of mouse genetics, integrative physiology and clinical observations have resulted in rapid and unanticipated advances in the field of skeletal biology. Indeed, the skeleton, classically viewed as a structural scaffold necessary for mobility, and regulator of calcium–phosphorus homoeostasis and maintenance of the haematopoietic niche has now been identified as an important regulator of male fertility and whole-body glucose metabolism, in addition to the classical insulin target tissues. These seminal findings confirm bone to be a true endocrine organ. This review is intended to detail the key events commencing from the elucidation of osteocalcin (OC) in bone metabolism to identification of new and emerging candidates that may regulate energy metabolism independently of OC.
The use of thiafentanil oxalate and azaperone for reversible immobilisation of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) within a nature reserve — Short communication
Authors: Szabó Zoltán , Venter Diederik , Luyt Eustatius , Raath Cobus
Published: February 2015

Although thiafentanil oxalate has been widely used for wildlife immobilisation on different species, no report has been published about its usefulness on African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Thirty-four African buffaloes were successfully immobilised at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa in July 2013. The animals were kept in bomas of the nature reserve. The purpose of the immobilisation was to provide opportunity for microchip implantation, ear tag placement, intradermal tuberculin test and blood sampling. All animals were immobilised with thiafentanil oxalate 6 mg/animal (0.007–0.01 mg/kg) and azaperone 40 mg/animal (0.07–0.04 mg/kg) using Dan-inject darts and gun. The opioid reversal agent naltrexone hydrochloride 60 mg/animal (0.07–0.1 mg/kg) was given intravenously to the ear vein. The mean induction time was 3.9 ± 0.2 min, the recovery time was 1.65 ± 0.87 min. The results of the present study indicate that thiafentanil oxalate, this low-volume, high-potency, reversible drug combined with azaperone provides fast induction and smooth recovery. The authors recommend this drug combination as a reliable immobilising regimen for African buffalo.
Effect of ochratoxin A on the intestinal mucosa and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in broiler chickens
Authors: Solcan Carmen , Pavel Geta , Floristean Viorel , Chiriac Ioan , Şlencu Bogdan , Solcan Gheorghe
Published: February 2015

The immunotoxic effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and its cytotoxic action on the intestinal epithelium were studied in broiler chickens experimentally treated with the toxin. From the 7th day of life, 80 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups of 20 birds each. The three experimental groups (E1-3) were treated with OTA for 28 days (E1: 50 μg/kg body weight [bw]/day; E2: 20 μg/kg bw/day; E3: 1 μg/kg bw/day) and the fourth group served as control. Histological examination of the intestinal mucosa and immunohistochemical staining for identification of CD4+, CD8+, TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocytes in the duodenum, jejunum and ileocaecal junction were performed, and CD4+/CD8+ and TCR1/TCR2 ratios were calculated. OTA toxicity resulted in decreased body weight gain, poorer feed conversion ratio, lower leukocyte and lymphocyte count, and altered intestinal mucosa architecture. After 14 days of exposure to OTA, immunohistochemistry showed a significant reduction of the lymphocyte population in the intestinal epithelium and the lamina propria. After 28 days of exposure, an increase in the CD4+ and CD8+ values in both the duodenum and jejunum of chickens in Groups E1 and E2 was observed, but the TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocyte counts showed a significant reduction. No significant changes were observed in Group E3. The results indicate that OTA induced a decrease in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and was cytotoxic to the intestinal epithelium and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, altering the intestinal barrier and increasing susceptibility to various associated diseases.
Maturation and fertilisation of sheep oocytes cultured in serum-free medium containing silk protein sericin
Authors: Yasmin Cut , Otoi Takeshige , Setiadi Mohamad , Karja Ni
Published: February 2015

Sericin is a water-soluble component of silk and has been used as a biomaterial due to its antibacterial and ultraviolet radiation-resistant properties. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of sericin supplementation in a maturation medium on the meiotic competence and fertilisability of sheep oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in TCM199 supplemented with sericin at various concentrations of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5%, either with or without bovine serum albumin (BSA). When the COCs were matured without BSA, the supplementation of 0.1% sericin significantly increased the rates of maturation to metaphase II and the total fertilisation of oocytes compared with the other concentrations of sericin. When the COCs were matured with BSA, the beneficial effects of 0.1% sericin supplementation on the maturation and fertilisation of oocytes were not observed. Our findings indicate that supplementation with 0.1% sericin during maturation culture may improve the nuclear maturation and fertilisability of sheep oocytes. Moreover, it may be possible to replace BSA with sericin in chemically defined media without the risk of disease transmission.
Highly Flexible Energy Storage Electrodes Based on In Situ Synthesis of Graphene/Polyselenophene Nanohybrid Materials
Authors: Park Jin Wook , Jang Jyongsik
Published: February 2015

A new class of graphene–polyselenophene (PSe) hybrid nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using an in situ synthetic method. The synthesized graphene–PSe nanocomposite exhibited unique properties including a large voltage window, high conductivity, and good mechanical properties. The graphene–PSe nanohybrid reduced the dynamic resistance of electrolyte ions and enabled high charge–discharge rates, thereby enabling high-performance supercapacitance. The results were attributed to synergetic effects between graphene and conducting polymers (CPs), which enhanced charge transport, surface area, and hybrid supercapacitance by combining the properties of electrolytic double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) with those of psedocapacitors. Additionally, a flexible supercapacitor based on the graphene–PSe nanohybrid was successfully demonstrated. To fabricate binder-free supercapacitors, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and vapor deposition polymerization (VDP) methods were employed. The fabricated all-solid-state supercapacitor exhibited outstanding mechanical and electrochemical performance, even after several bending motions. The novel graphene–PSe nanocomposite material is promising for new energy storage and conversion applications.
Influence of assessment site in measuring transcutaneous bilirubin
Authors: Conceição Cristiane Maria da , Dornaus Maria Fernanda Pellegrino da Silva , Portella Maria Aparecida , Deutsch Alice D’Agostini , Rebello Celso Moura
Published: February 2015

Objective : To investigate the influence of the site of measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (forehead or sternum) in reproducibility of results as compared to plasma bilirubin. Methods : A cohort study including 58 term newborns with no hemolytic disease. Transcutaneous measurements were performed on the forehead (halfway between the headline and the glabella, from the left toward the right side, making consecutive determinations, one-centimeter apart) and the sternum (five measurements, from the suprasternal notch to the xiphoid process with consecutive determinations, one-centimeter apart) using Bilicheck® (SpectRx Inc, Norcross, Georgia, USA). The correlation and agreement between both methods and plasma bilirubin were calculated. Results : There was a strong linear correlation between both determinations of serum bilirubin at the forehead and sternum (r=0.704; p<0.01 and r=0.653; p<0.01, respectively). There was correspondence of the mean values of transcutaneous bilirubin measured on the sternum (9.9±2.2mg/dL) compared to plasma levels (10.2±1.7mg/dL), but both differ from the values measured on the forehead (8.6±2.0mg/dL), p<0.05. Conclusion : In newborn term infants with no hemolytic disease, measuring of transcutaneous bilirubin on the sternum had higher accuracy as compared to serum bilirubin measurement on the forehead.
Corrosion behaviour of reinforced steel in concrete with ground limestone partial cement replacement
Authors: Diab Ahmed M. , Aliabdo Ali A. , Mohamed Ismail A.
Published: February 2015

Corrosion of steel bars embedded in concrete made of Portland cement replaced partially with ground limestone is studied. Three variables are considered: replacement ratios with ground limestone (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% of cement by weight), level of cement content (300, 350 and 400 kg/m3) and fineness of ground limestone (345, 530 and 720 m2/kg). Reinforced concrete specimens are immersed in a 5% sodium chloride solution by weight up to 9 months. The corrosion rate is measured by potentiodynamic polarisation technique. To explain the corrosion behaviour of steel bar embedded in Portland limestone cement concrete, samples are prepared from the same concrete mixes and tested mechanically and physically. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses of limestone cement pastes with similar replacement levels are also conducted. The corrosion rate of steel bars embedded in concrete containing ground limestone (530 m2/kg or more) is found to decrease with increase of cement replacement ratio up to 25% by weight. The corrosion behaviour of steel bars and the resistivity characteristics of Portland limestone cement concrete are also found essentially to depend on the cement content of the concrete. The corrosion behaviour of steel bars in Portland limestone cement concrete, as well as the compressive strength of the concrete, is found to be strongly associated with the fineness of limestone relative to the fineness of cement.
Furosemide Stress Test and Biomarkers for the Prediction of AKI Severity
Authors: Koyner Jay L. , Davison Danielle L. , Brasha-Mitchell Ermira , Chalikonda Divya M. , Arthur John M. , Shaw Andrew D. , Tumlin James A. , Trevino Sharon A. , Bennett Michael R. , Kimmel Paul L. , Seneff Michael G. , Chawla Lakhmir S.
Published: February 2015

Clinicians have access to limited tools that predict which patients with early AKI will progress to more severe stages. In early AKI, urine output after a furosemide stress test (FST), which involves intravenous administration of furosemide (1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg), can predict the development of stage 3 AKI. We measured several AKI biomarkers in our previously published cohort of 77 patients with early AKI who received an FST and evaluated the ability of FST urine output and biomarkers to predict the development of stage 3 AKI (n=25 [32.5%]), receipt of RRT (n=11 [14.2%]), or inpatient mortality (n=16 [20.7%]). With an area under the curve (AUC)±SEM of 0.87±0.09 (P<0.0001), 2-hour urine output after FST was significantly better than each urinary biomarker tested in predicting progression to stage 3 (P<0.05). FST urine output was the only biomarker to significantly predict RRT (0.86±0.08; P=0.001). Regardless of the end point, combining FST urine output with individual biomarkers using logistic regression did not significantly improve risk stratification (ΔAUC, P>0.10 for all). When FST urine output was assessed in patients with increased biomarker levels, the AUC for progression to stage 3 improved to 0.90±0.06 and the AUC for receipt of RRT improved to 0.91±0.08. Overall, in the setting of early AKI, FST urine output outperformed biochemical biomarkers for prediction of progressive AKI, need for RRT, and inpatient mortality. Using a FST in patients with increased biomarker levels improves risk stratification, although further research is needed.
UTILIZAÇÃO DE SIG E TÉCNICAS DE GEOPROCESSAMENTO COMO SUBSÍDIO À CARACTERIZAÇÃO E ANÁLISE DE USO DA TERRA NO MUNICÍPIO DE ÁGUA CLARA/MS PARA FINS DE PLANEJAMENTO AMBIENTAL.
Authors: Fernandes André Luís Valverde , Izippato Flávia Joise , Oliveira Wallace de
Published: February 2015

As paisagens, sejam urbanas ou rurais, cada vez mais são povoadas e estão em constante mudança. As intervenções humanas nas áreas naturais ganham formas e fluxos diferentes de acordo com seus interesses. Este trabalho tem como objetivo a utilização de SIG - Sistema de Informação Geográfica e técnicas de geoprocessamento como subsídio à caracterização e análise ambiental de uso da terra no município de Água Clara/MS. Para tal comparação do estudo, foram utilizadas imagens do sensor TM (Thematic Mapper) a bordo do satélite LANDSAT 5, respectivamente, nas bandas espectrais 3, 4 e 5 – 30 metros de resolução espacial. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram dados importantes para análise de uso da terra no município no ano de 2011. Observou-se que a principal atividade econômica é a agropecuária com 64,45% (7.114,30km²), já que esta exerce um papel fundamental no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Conclui-se que o município de Água Clara/MS possui sua localização geográfica e estratégica no eixo Mato Grosso do Sul e apresenta diferentes cenários ambientais caracterizados por paisagens naturais e antrópicas, de acordo com a realidade do município.   PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Sistema de Informação Geográfica. Geoprocessamento. Uso da Terra.
Do state‐and‐transition models derived from vegetation succession also represent avian succession in restored mine pits?
Authors: Craig Michael D. , Stokes Vicki L. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Hardy Giles E. StJ. , Grigg Andrew H. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: February 2015

State‐and‐transition models are increasingly used as a tool to inform management of post‐disturbance succession and effective conservation of biodiversity in production landscapes. However, if they are to do this effectively, they need to represent faunal, as well as vegetation, succession. We assessed the congruence between vegetation and avian succession by sampling avian communities in each state of a state‐and‐transition model used to inform management of post‐mining restoration in a production landscape in southwestern Australia. While avian communities differed significantly among states classified as on a desirable successional pathway, they did not differ between desirable and deviated states of the same post‐mining age. Overall, we concluded there was poor congruence between vegetation and avian succession in this state‐and‐transition model. We identified four factors that likely contributed to this lack of congruence, which were that long‐term monitoring of succession in restored mine pits was not used to update and improve models, states were not defined based on ecological processes and thresholds, states were not defined by criteria that were important in structuring the avian community, and states were not based on criteria that related to values in the reference community. We believe that consideration of these four factors in the development of state‐and‐transition models should improve their ability to accurately represent faunal, as well as vegetation, succession. Developing state‐and‐transition models that better incorporate patterns of faunal succession should improve the ability to manage post‐disturbance succession across a range of ecosystems for biodiversity conservation.
Moderate land use changes plant functional composition without loss of functional diversity in India's Western Ghats
Authors: Mandle Lisa , Ticktin Tamara
Published: February 2015

The fields of ecology and conservation science increasingly recognize the importance of managing for functional composition and functional diversity to maintain critical ecosystem processes and services. However, little is known about the degree to which widespread but moderate forms of land use that maintain overall vegetation structure are compatible with the conservation of functional diversity. We assessed differences in plant functional composition and functional diversity across savanna woodlands in the Western Ghats, India, managed with varying degrees of biomass extraction, livestock grazing, and ground fire. Across the gradient of moderate land uses, we found shifts in functional composition but no overall decline in functional diversity with land use intensification. Biomass extraction was associated with changes in dispersal mode, reduced seed mass, and lower overstory functional diversity. Livestock grazing was associated with shorter overstory species, reduced seed mass, and increased understory functional diversity. Nonnative invasive species contributed to shifts in understory functional composition with livestock grazing and increased functional diversity with more intensive land use. Our study highlights both the utility and some limitations of assessing conservation value with functional diversity. These results suggest that moderate‐intensity local land use can be compatible with maintenance of functional diversity in savanna woodlands of the Western Ghats, and further efforts to maximize this compatibility would benefit conservation in South India's extensive human‐managed landscapes. However, using functional diversity as the sole metric by which to gauge conservation value can mask threats from invasive species and loss of diversity within categories of biotic dispersal. Therefore, functional diversity metrics are likely to provide a valuable complement to, but not replacement for, other management targets such as species composition.
Tillage and Nitrogen Rate Effects on Area‐ and Yield‐Scaled Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Pre‐Plant Anhydrous Ammonia
Authors: Omonode Rex A. , Kovács Péter , Vyn Tony J.
Published: February 2015

Precision‐guided technologies enable corn (Zea mays L.) growers to apply pre‐plant anhydrous ammonia (NH3) parallel to intended corn rows even when full‐width tillage follows NH3 application. Close, but crop‐safe, proximity of NH3 to corn rows may potentially increase N use efficiency and lower N requirements and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Experiments in 2011 and 2012 on silty clay loam Mollisol near West Lafayette, IN, assessed area‐ and yield‐scaled N2O emissions when spring pre‐plant NH3 was applied at recommended (202 kg N ha−1) and reduced rate (145 kg N ha−1), in no‐till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems following NT soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Each 12‐cm deep NH3 band was positioned 15 cm from, and parallel to, intended corn rows using precision guidance. Nitrification of NH3 in application bands was 31% faster under CT than NT. Area‐ and grain yield‐scaled N2O emissions were N rate dependent in both growing seasons. On average, CT+202 kg N resulted in highest area‐scaled (mean = 2.45 kg N ha−1) and grain yield‐scaled (mean = 360 g N Mg−1) N2O emissions. In contrast, CT+145 kg N had similar yield‐scaled emissions as NT+202 and NT+145 kg N, and reduced area‐scaled N2O emissions by 65, 45, and 19% respectively, relative to CT+202 kg N, NT+202 kg N, and NT+145 kg N treatments. These preliminary results suggest that reducing pre‐plant NH3 rates by ∼30% under CT has the potential to reduce N2O emissions without significant yield declines in the CT phase of a NT–CT rotation, despite faster nitrification in CT.
Carbohydrate Metabolism and Gene Regulation during Anther Development Disturbed by Chemical Hybridizing Agent in Wheat
Authors: Zhu Wanwan , Ma Shoucai , Zhang Gaisheng , Liu Hongzhan , Ba Qingsong , Li Zhikuan , Song Yulong , Zhang Pengfei , Niu Na , Wang Junwei
Published: February 2015

Induction of male sterility by chemical‐hybridizing agents is important in heterosis breeding, especially for self‐pollinated crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study was designed to investigate the association of carbohydrate metabolism with chemical‐induced male sterility (CIMS) in wheat anthers. Transverse section observation showed that during the young microspore (YM) stage, the tapetum of fertile line anthers began to degenerate, while the CIMS line tapetum showed delayed degradation. The levels of nonreducing sugars in the CIMS line anthers always remained higher than in the fertile line, and the starch content of the CIMS line anthers was approximately 45% of those from the fertile line. Compared with the fertile line, the activities of cell wall bound invertase (CWIN) and vacuolar invertase (VIN) were significantly reduced. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analyses showed that the expression levels of one CWIN gene (IVR1) and one VIN gene (IVR5) were significantly downregulated at the YM stage and the vacuolate microspore (VM) stage, and one sucrose transporter gene (TaSUT1) expression was decreased at the YM stage in CIMS anther. The results of the present work imply that sugar transport disruption is a possible crucial cause for CIMS.