bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Analysis of the 14-3-3 Interactome in Barley Leaves Using a Complementary Proteomics and Two-Hybrid Approach
Authors: Schoonheim Peter J. , Veiga Helena , da Costa Pereira Daniel , Friso Giulia , van Wijk Klaas J. , de Boer Albertus H.
Published: December 2006

This study describes the identification of over 150 target proteins of the five 14-3-3 isoforms in 7-d-old barley (Hordeum vulgare) cv Himalaya seedlings using yeast two-hybrid screens complemented with 14-3-3 protein affinity purification and tandem mass spectrometry. Independent experiments for a subset of genes confirmed the yeast two-hybrid interactions, demonstrating a low false positive identification rate. These combined approaches resulted in the identification of more than 150 putative targets; 15% were previously reported to be 14-3-3 interactors, including, for example, Serpin, RF2A, WPK4 kinase, P-type proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase, EF1A, glutamine synthetase, and invertases. The affinity purification resulted in 30 interactors, of which 44% function in metabolism, while the yeast two-hybrid screens identified 132 different proteins, with 35% of the proteins involved in signal transduction. A number of proteins have a well-described function in hormonal signaling, such as the auxin transport protein PIN1 and NPH3 and components of the brassinosteroid pathway, such as the receptor kinase BAK1 (OsPERK1) and BRI1-kinase domain-interacting protein 129. However, 14-3-3 interactions with these signal mediators have not been confirmed in the affinity purification. Confirmations of the 14-3-3 interaction with the three ABF-like transcription factors are shown using far western analysis. Also, a REPRESSION OF SHOOT GROWTH ortholog named RF2A was identified; these transcription factors play important roles in the abscisic acid and gibberellin pathways, respectively. We speculate that 14-3-3 proteins have a role in cross talk between these hormonal pathways. The specificity and complementary nature of both the affinity purification and the yeast two-hybrid approaches is discussed.
Nitrogen-Dependent Posttranscriptional Regulation of the Ammonium Transporter AtAMT1;1
Authors: Yuan Lixing , Loqué Dominique , Ye Fanghua , Frommer Wolf B. , von Wirén Nicolaus
Published: December 2006

Ammonium transporter (AMT) proteins of the AMT family mediate the transport of ammonium across plasma membranes. To investigate whether AMTs are regulated at the posttranscriptional level, a gene construct consisting of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter driving the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AMT1;1 gene was introduced into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Ectopic expression of AtAMT1;1 in transgenic tobacco lines led to high transcript levels and protein levels at the plasma membrane and translated into an approximately 30% increase in root uptake capacity for 15N-labeled ammonium in hydroponically grown transgenic plants. When ammonium was supplied as the major nitrogen (N) form but at limiting amounts to soil-grown plants, transgenic lines overexpressing AtAMT1;1 did not show enhanced growth or N acquisition relative to wild-type plants. Surprisingly, steady-state transcript levels of AtAMT1;1 accumulated to higher levels in N-deficient roots and shoots of transgenic tobacco plants in spite of expression being controlled by the constitutive 35S promoter. Moreover, steady-state transcript levels were decreased after addition of ammonium or nitrate in N-deficient roots, suggesting a role for N availability in regulating AtAMT1;1 transcript abundance. Nitrogen deficiency-dependent accumulation of AtAMT1;1 mRNA was also observed in 35S:AtAMT1;1-transformed Arabidopsis shoots but not in roots. Evidence for a regulatory role of the 3′-untranslated region of AtAMT1;1 alone in N-dependent transcript accumulation was not found. However, transcript levels of AtAMT1;3 did not accumulate in a N-dependent manner, even though the same T-DNA insertion line atamt1;1-1 was used for 35S:AtAMT1;3 expression. These results show that the accumulation of AtAMT1;1 transcripts is regulated in a N- and organ-dependent manner and suggest mRNA turnover as an additional mechanism for the regulation of AtAMT1;1 in response to the N nutritional status of plants.
An Integrated View of Gene Expression and Solute Profiles ofArabidopsisTumors: A Genome-Wide Approach
Authors: Deeken Rosalia , Engelmann Julia C. , Efetova Marina , Czirjak Tina , Müller Tobias , Kaiser Werner M. , Tietz Olaf , Krischke Markus , Mueller Martin J. , Palme Klaus , Dandekar Thomas , Hedrich Rainer
Published: December 2006

Transformation of plant cells with T-DNA of virulent agrobacteria is one of the most extreme triggers of developmental changes in higher plants. For rapid growth and development of resulting tumors, specific changes in the gene expression profile and metabolic adaptations are required. Increased transport and metabolic fluxes are critical preconditions for growth and tumor development. A functional genomics approach, using the Affymetrix whole genome microarray (∼22,800 genes), was applied to measure changes in gene expression. The solute pattern of Arabidopsis thaliana tumors and uninfected plant tissues was compared with the respective gene expression profile. Increased levels of anions, sugars, and amino acids were correlated with changes in the gene expression of specific enzymes and solute transporters. The expression profile of genes pivotal for energy metabolism, such as those involved in photosynthesis, mitochondrial electron transport, and fermentation, suggested that tumors produce C and N compounds heterotrophically and gain energy mainly anaerobically. Thus, understanding of gene-to-metabolite networks in plant tumors promotes the identification of mechanisms that control tumor development.
The CauliflowerOrGene Encodes a DnaJ Cysteine-Rich Domain-Containing Protein That Mediates High Levels of β-Carotene Accumulation
Authors: Lu Shan , Van Eck Joyce , Zhou Xiangjun , Lopez Alex B. , O'Halloran Diana M. , Cosman Kelly M. , Conlin Brian J. , Paolillo Dominick J. , Garvin David F. , Vrebalov Julia , Kochian Leon V. , Küpper Hendrik , Earle Elizabeth D. , Cao Jun , Li Li
Published: December 2006

Despite recent progress in our understanding of carotenogenesis in plants, the mechanisms that govern overall carotenoid accumulation remain largely unknown. The Orange (Or) gene mutation in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) confers the accumulation of high levels of β-carotene in various tissues normally devoid of carotenoids. Using positional cloning, we isolated the gene representing Or and verified it by functional complementation in wild-type cauliflower. Or encodes a plastid-associated protein containing a DnaJ Cys-rich domain. The Or gene mutation is due to the insertion of a long terminal repeat retrotransposon in the Or allele. Or appears to be plant specific and is highly conserved among divergent plant species. Analyses of the gene, the gene product, and the cytological effects of the Or transgene suggest that the functional role of Or is associated with a cellular process that triggers the differentiation of proplastids or other noncolored plastids into chromoplasts for carotenoid accumulation. Moreover, we demonstrate that Or can be used as a novel genetic tool to induce carotenoid accumulation in a major staple food crop. We show here that controlling the formation of chromoplasts is an important mechanism by which carotenoid accumulation is regulated in plants.
The Coactivator Function ofArabidopsisNPR1 Requires the Core of Its BTB/POZ Domain and the Oxidation of C-Terminal Cysteines
Authors: Rochon Amanda , Boyle Patrick , Wignes Tracy , Fobert Pierre R. , Després Charles
Published: December 2006

NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES1 (NPR1) regulates systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in Arabidopsis thaliana, and current models propose that after treatment with salicylic acid (SA), Cys-82 and Cys-216 of NPR1 are reduced, leading to nuclear import. The interaction of nucleus-localized NPR1 with TGA transcription factors results in the activation of defense genes, including the SAR marker PATHOGENESIS-RELATED-1 (PR-1), and the deployment of SAR. Little is known about how TGA factors or NPR1 regulate transcription or whether a TGA-NPR1 complex forms on DNA. We show that TGA2 and NPR1 are recruited to PR-1 independently of each other and of SA treatment. Consistent with the result that a triple knockout in TGA2/5/6 derepresses PR-1, in vivo plant transcription assays revealed that TGA2 is not an autonomous transcription activator but is a transcriptional repressor in both untreated and SA-treated cells. However, after stimulation with SA, TGA2 is incorporated into a transactivating complex with NPR1, forming an enhanceosome that requires the core of the NPR1 BTB/POZ domain (residues 80 to 91) and the oxidation of NPR1 Cys-521 and Cys-529. These Cys residues are found in a new type of transactivation domain that we term Cys-oxidized. These data further our understanding of the mechanism by which TGA2 and NPR1 activate Arabidopsis PR-1.
Transferrin receptor in proliferation of T lymphocytes in infants with iron deficiency
Authors: ARTAC H. , COSKUN M. , KARADOGAN I. , YEGIN O. , YESILIPEK A.
Published: December 2006

The aim of this study was to contribute to clarify the mechanism of cellular immune insufficiency occurring during iron deficiency. We studied the expression of the transferrin receptor (TfR) which is called as CD71, on the surface of T lymphocytes in infants with iron deficiency (with and without anemia). A total of 33 infants, aged between 7 and 26 months were included in this study. These subjects were divided into three groups: (i) latent iron deficiency (LID) (group 1), (ii) iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (group 2), and (iii) healthy infants (group 3). Both CD3 levels and CD71 expression of T lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry before and after phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. The percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes in infants with IDA was lower than that in controls after PHA stimulation (mean ± SD, 48.6 ±10.5%vs. 70.7 ±7.8%, P < 0.001). The TfR expression of T lymphocytes (CD3 + CD71%) increased in all three groups after PHA stimulation (P < 0.001). No significant difference was seen among the three groups with respect to CD3 + CD71%. Although there was a reduction in the proliferative capacity of T lymphocytes in infants with IDA, their ability to express transferrin receptor on T‐lymphocyte cell surface was normal.
Recent surveys for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in the Czech Republic1
Authors: Běhalová M.
Published: December 2006

The State Phytosanitary Administration of the Czech Republic (SPA) conducted a survey of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in 2004 and 2005. In 2004 97 locations were surveyed and 60 samples were taken. B. xylophilus was not found in any of the samples. In 2005, the SPA performed 120 phytosanitary inspections on solitary conifers, and in forest stands and clumps of trees. Checks were performed on Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra trees and in coniferous woodland mainly in areas at risk of invasion from B. xylophilus. Of 70 phytosanitary inspections performed in at risk areas, 13 samples were taken for laboratory processing and analysis. Fifty phytosanitary inspections were carried out outside risk areas, mainly in forests and parks, and 28 samples were taken. The Czech University of Agriculture in Prague together with the diagnostic laboratory of the SPA carried out a second survey in 2005. Fifty‐eight samples were taken from 58 surveyed locations in forests where coniferous trees with symptoms had been found. Laboratories performed a survey of B. xylophilus vectors to find only one vector species, Monochamus galloprovincialis subsp. pistor. In total in 2005, 178 phytosanitary inspections were carried out in the Czech Republic. B. xylophilus was not detected in either samples or vectors. Thus the results of the surveying were negative in both 2004 and 2005. The status of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in the Czech Republic is: absent, confirmed by survey.
Tentative analysis of the interceptions of non‐indigenous organisms in Europe during 1995–20041
Authors: Roques A. , Auger‐Rozenberg M.‐A.
Published: December 2006

We analysed the notifications of non‐compliance reported by EPPO for 29 European countries for the period 1995–2004. Although gaps probably existed for some of these countries, a total of 8889 interceptions of non‐indigenous pests were reported, among which insects were largely dominant (75.9%) followed by nematodes (11.7%). Pests came predominantly from Asia (38.2%) but intra‐European exchanges contributed roughly the same proportion of pests (33.2%). The predominant commodities on which pests arrived were cut flowers (22.3%), plants for planting and potted plants (19.1%) and vegetables (18.7%) but bonsais (8.6%) appeared to contribute more than wood/bark (3.7%) and wood derivates (2.3%). Among the intercepted insects, two orders were quite equally dominant, Diptera (30.7% of which 66.7% of agromyzids) and Homoptera (30.0% among which 82.7% of aleyrodids), far above Coleoptera (17.8% of which 28.1% of cerambycids) and Lepidoptera (9.3% of which 72.6% of noctuids). The intercepted insect species reported as identified with certainty constituted a list of 302 entities, Bemisia tabaci (Aleyrodidae) and Liriomyza huidobrensis (Agromyzidae) showing the largest number of individuals. The discrepancies observed for some species between a limited number of interceptions and their effective establishment in Europe (e.g. only 1 interception for the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera) could be useful for identifying the invasion pathways.
Outcomes of the EPPO project on quarantine pests for forestry1
Authors: Orlinski A. D.
Published: December 2006

The EPPO Project on Quarantine Pests for Forestry ran from 2000 to 2005. It mainly focused on the risks from forests pests present in the former USSR, particularly in its Asian part, with regard to their possible impacts on the non‐Asian parts of the EPPO region. A special EPPO Panel, called the Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry, was created to implement this project. The EPPO Secretariat collected short information on the taxonomy, geographical distribution, host plants, biology and impact of 1365 pests and on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of 653 main forest trees on the territory of the former USSR. In the process of prioritization, which took place over 10 meetings in various countries in the EPPO region, the Panel selected species that were more likely to present high risk for the non‐Asian part of the EPPO region. For these species, more detailed data were collected and datasheets were prepared. The Panel performed Pest Risk Analysis for 45 species of pests and recommended 19 of them for inclusion into the EPPO lists of pests recommended for regulation. Possible phytosanitary measures have been selected in the process of Pest Risk Management to reduce the risk of introduction of these 19 pests into endangered areas. The Panel has begun preparing Commodity standards for wood and woody plants.
Sustainable management of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in infested areas: experiences in Italy, Hungary and the USA
Authors: Boriani M. , Agosti M. , Kiss J. , Edwards C. R.
Published: December 2006

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is the most important pest of maize in the Midwestern USA, and since its detection in 1992 in Europe, also in several countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Methods for managing this pest vary from region to region, depending upon: the different cultural practices in maize production, climatic conditions, soil types, pest behaviour, infestation level and socio‐economic conditions. Factors including date of planting, amount of rotated or continuous maize, irrigation, date of rootworm hatching and differences in behaviour of the pest, necessitate developing different management strategies in different areas of the infested countries. Pest monitoring, damage evaluation, threshold development, use of insecticides, risk estimation and crop rotation are some of the starting points in the development of management strategies. Approaches and experiences in D. v. virgifera control and management in Italy, Hungary and the USA, based on the understanding of local agro‐ecosystems and socio‐economic conditions, are reported.
Preliminary survey of the pinewood nematode in Turkey
Authors: Akbulut Suleyman , Vieira Paulo , Ryss Alexander , Yuksel Besir , Keten Akif , Mota Manuel , Valadas Vera
Published: December 2006

A survey was conducted in the northern conifer forests of Turkey in 2003 and 2004 for the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Wood samples were collected from declining pine trees, located in the following target areas: Düzce, Ankara, Bolu, and Artvin. Nematodes were extracted from over 310 samples and were observed and identified. B. xylophilus was not detected in any samples. Bursaphelenchus species were only found in 6% of the samples. From the B. xylophilus‐group, only the species B. mucronatus was reported. Species identification was performed from morphological characters, particularly male spicules, and by molecular analysis with ITS‐RFLP.
Monocyte cytokine and costimulatory molecule expression in patients infected with Leishmania mexicana
Authors: CARRADA G. , CAÑEDA C. , SALAIZA N. , DELGADO J. , RUIZ A. , SANCHEZ B. , GUTIÉRREZ‐KOBEH L. , AGUIRRE M. , BECKER I.
Published: December 2006

Leishmania mexicana causes localized and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) develop a benign disease, whereas patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) suffer from a progressive disease associated with anergy of the cellular response towards Leishmania antigens. We evaluated the production of the interleukins (IL) IL‐12, IL‐15, IL‐18 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40, B7‐1 and B7‐2 in monocytes from LCL and DCL patients, stimulated in vitro with Leishmania mexicana lipophosphoglycan (LPG) for 18 h. LCL monocytes significantly increased TNF‐α, IL‐15 and IL‐18 production, and this increase was associated with reduced amounts of IL‐12. DCL monocytes produced no IL‐15 or IL‐18 and showed a decreasing tendency of TNF‐α and IL‐12 production as the severity of the disease increased.

No difference was observed in the expression of CD40 and B7‐1 between both groups of patients, yet B7‐2 expression was significantly augmented in DCL patients. It remains to be established if this elevated B7‐2 expression in DCL patients is cause or consequence of the Th2‐type immune response that characterizes these patients. These data suggest that the diminished ability of the monocytes from DCL patients to produce cell‐activating innate proinflammatory cytokines when stimulated with LPG is a possible cause for disease progression.
Tracheal shortening during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
Authors: Kim J.‐H. , Hong D.‐M. , Oh A.‐Y. , Han S.‐H.
Published: December 2006

Background:  During laparoscopic gynecologic surgery, pneumoperitoneum combined with the Trendelenburg position moves the carina towards the tip of the endotracheal tube (ETT), decreasing the margin of safety for the ETT position and increasing accidental endobronchial intubation. However, it remains to be established whether the tracheal length itself is actually changed. We conducted a prospective observational study to measure the change in the length of the trachea and the distance between the ETT tip and the carina in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients scheduled for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were enrolled. In the neutral position, the tracheal length was measured using a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The distance between the ETT tip and the carina was also measured. The tracheal length and the distance between the ETT tip and the carina were measured again 10 min after carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum (12–14 mmHg) combined with the Trendelenburg position (15°).

Results:  In the neutral position, the tracheal length was 11.09 ± 0.90 cm and the distance between the ETT tip and the carina was 3.36 ± 1.04 cm. After pneumoperitoneum combined with the Trendelenburg position, the distance between the ETT tip and the carina had decreased by 0.85 ± 0.28 cm. The tracheal length had also decreased by 0.42 ± 0.19 cm, which was equivalent to 49.7% of the decrease in the distance between the ETT tip and the carina.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that tracheal shortening may contribute to a decrease in the distance between the ETT tip and the carina, increasing the risk of accidental endobronchial intubation during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
Therapeutic hypothermia after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: experiences with patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiogenic shock
Authors: Hovdenes J. , Laake J. H. , Aaberge L. , Haugaa H. , Bugge J. F.
Published: December 2006

Background:  Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to increase survival after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The trials documenting such benefit excluded patients with cardiogenic shock and only a few patients were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention prior to admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). We use therapeutic hypothermia whenever cardiac arrest patients do not wake up immediately after return of spontaneous circulation.

Methods:  This paper reports the outcome of 50 OHCA patients with ventricular fibrillation admitted to a tertiary referral hospital for immediate coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention when indicated. Patients were treated with intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) (23 of 50 patients) if indicated. All patients who were still comatose were treated with therapeutic hypothermia at 32–34 °C for 24 h before rewarming. The end‐points were survival and cerebral performance category (CPC: 1, best; 5, dead) after 6 months.

Results:  Forty‐one patients (82%) survived until 6 months. Thirty‐four patients (68%) were in CPC 1 or 2, and seven (14%) were in CPC 3. Of the 23 patients treated with IABP, 14 (61%) survived with CPC 1 or 2. In patients not treated with IABP, 20 patients (74%) survived with CPC 1 or 2. Forty patients (80%) developed myocardial infarction. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 36 patients (72%).

Conclusion:  In OHCA survivors who reached our hospital, the survival rate was high and the neurological outcome acceptable. Our results indicate that the use of therapeutic hypothermia is justified even in haemodynamically unstable patients and those treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.
Insulin‐associated weight gain in diabetes – causes, effects and coping strategies
Authors: Russell‐Jones David , Khan Rehman
Published: December 2006

Insulin therapy or intensification of insulin therapy commonly results in weight gain in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This weight gain can be excessive, adversely affecting cardiovascular risk profile. The spectre of weight gain can increase diabetic morbidity and mortality when it acts as a psychological barrier to the initiation or intensification of insulin, or affects adherence with prescribed regimens. Insulin‐associated weight gain may result from a reduction of blood glucose to levels below the renal threshold without a compensatory reduction in calorie intake, a defensive or unconscious increase in calorie intake caused by the fear or experience of hypoglycaemia, or the ‘unphysiological’ pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles that follow subcutaneous administration. There is, however, scope for limiting insulin‐associated weight gain. Strategies include limiting dose by increasing insulin sensitivity through diet and exercise or by using adjunctive anorectic or insulin‐sparing pharmacotherapies such as pramlintide or metformin. Insulin replacement regimens that attempt to mimic physiological norms should also enable insulin to be dosed with maximum efficiency. The novel acylated analogue, insulin detemir, appears to lack the usual propensity for causing weight gain. Elucidation of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying this property might help clarify the mechanisms linking insulin with weight regulation.
Association of serum caffeine concentrations with serum glucose levels in caffeine‐drug users and non‐users – results of German National Health Surveys
Authors: Du Y. , Melchert H.‐U. , Knopf H. , Braemer‐Hauth M. , Pabel E.
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of serum caffeine concentrations with serum glucose levels in caffeine‐drug users and non‐users, aiming at the chronic effects of caffeine on glucose metabolism in comparison with known acute effects of caffeine. Eight hundred and fourteen caffeine‐drug users and 623 non‐users were identified from German National Health Surveys. Their serum caffeine concentrations and glucose levels were measured. The associations of caffeine concentrations with glucose levels were established by correlation analysis and multivariable regression analysis in caffeine‐drug users and non‐users separately. Antidiabetic therapy was considered. Caffeine concentrations were closely positively correlated to serum glucose levels in caffeine‐drug users (Spearman r = 0.117, p = 0.001; partial r = 0.102, p = 0.020) particularly in women (Spearman r = 0.155, p < 0.001; partial r = 0.150, p = 0.005) although the correlation was weak as shown by multivariable regression analysis. The serum glucose levels were significantly higher (5.403 ± 0.033 vs. 5.306 ± 0.037 mmol/l) whereas the magnesium level was significantly lower (0.8941 ± 0.0026 vs. 0.9024 ± 0.0030 mmol/l) in caffeine‐drug users than in non‐users. No associations of caffeine concentrations with serum glucose levels were found in any groups of caffeine‐drug non‐users in our study. Whereas acute intake of caffeine‐drugs may impair glucose metabolism, chronic intake of caffeine exclusively from diet has little effects on glucose metabolism and therefore may not contribute to the risk reduction of type 2 diabetes that was found in recent coffee consumption studies.
Ciliary receptors associated with the mouth and pharynx of Acoela (Acoelomorpha): a comparative ultrastructural study
Authors: Todt Christiane , Tyler Seth
Published: December 2006

The ultrastructure and distribution of receptor cells near the mouth and (where present) the pharynx of Hofstenia miamia, Proporus bermudensis, Conaperta thela, and Convoluta convoluta (Acoela) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy of specimens stained with a fluorescence marker for actin. Five types of monociliary receptors were identified: (1) non‐collared receptors with a single long and narrow ciliary rootlet; (2) non‐collared receptors with a wide main ciliary rootlet and a smaller posterior rootlet; (3) non‐collared receptors with a single wide and hollow ciliary rootlet with a granulated core; (4) Collar (?) receptors with obliquely radial filament bundles in the cell apex and with a single hollow ciliary rootlet composed of numerous strand‐like elements; and (5) Collar receptors lacking a striated rootlet but with a granular body (swallow's nest rootlet). While H. miamia bears the first two receptor types, P. bermudensis has receptors of type 1, 3 and 5, and Cona. thela and Conv. convoluta have receptors of type 3, 4 and 5. The density of receptors is generally highest at the anterior body tip, regardless of where the mouth is located. Most receptor types occur scattered over the whole body but type 2 receptors of H. miamia are restricted to the pharynx and mouth region. The lack of a common receptor type specific for the mouth and pharynx of the investigated species points to an independent origin of the pharynges in Hofsteniidae and in Proporidae and of the mouth tube in Convolutidae. Moreover, the homology of the so‐called collar receptors in Acoela with typical collar receptors in other invertebrates is questioned.
Lateral organs in sedentary polychaetes (Annelida) – Ultrastructure and phylogenetic significance of an insufficiently known sense organ
Authors: Purschke Günter , Hausen Harald
Published: December 2006

Lateral organs are sense organs visible as densely ciliated pits or papillae between the noto‐ and the neuropodia in certain taxa of sedentary polychaetes. Ultrastructural studies in about 10 species of the following taxa Maldanidae, Opheliidae, Orbiniidae, Paraonidae, Magelonidae, Spionidae, Poecilochaetidae and Terebellidae have been designed to evaluate whether these organs are homologous among polychaetes. In spite of great external diversity, the investigations revealed an overall ultrastructural similarity. Differences between species investigated mainly concern the size of the organs as well as the number and arrangement of cells. The organs comprise supportive cells and uniciliated penetrative sensory cells. Their dendrites are closely arranged and thus their cilia may resemble multiciliated cells. There are two types of sensory cells: one type possesses no or mainly thin microvilli of which usually only a few reach the cuticular surface, and in the other type the cilium is consistently surrounded by 10 strong microvilli, which form a pore‐like opening in the cuticle. Further differences occur in the structure of the rootlet system. Basally, a retractor muscle attaches to the organ. The systematic significance of these organs within Annelida is discussed with respect to the conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses explaining the relationships of annelid taxa.
The origin of higher taxa: macroevolutionary processes, and the case of the mammals
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: December 2006

The origin of a new higher taxon is characterized by a long‐term phylogenetic trend, involving evolutionary changes in a large number of characters. At this phylogenetic level, the conflict between internal integration of the phenotype and its evolvability can be resolved by the correlated progression model, in which many disparate traits evolve by a sequence of small increments in loose correlation with one another, rather than by the modularity model. The trend leading to the new higher taxon implies the existence of a long ridge in an adaptive landscape. An evolutionary lineage tracking it requires adaptive changes in broad biological characteristics, involving many traits. Species selection is a possible additional driver of the trend. These conclusions are tested against the synapsid fossil record of the origin of mammals. The reconstructed sequence of acquisition of mammalian traits supports the correlated progression model. The adaptive ridge involved is postulated to have been a sequence of overlapping niches requiring increasing ability to remain active in daily and seasonally fluctuating environments by means of increasing internal regulation. An inferred speciation bias in favour of relatively small, relatively more progressive carnivores indicates that species selection was also involved in driving the trend. Palaeoenvironmental evidence indicates that ecological opportunity probably played a role at certain points along the lineage.
Sperm ultrastructure in Kellia suborbicularis (Bivalvia: Galeommatoidea: Kellidae)
Authors: Jespersen Å. , Lützen J.
Published: December 2006

The sperm cells of Kellia suborbicularis are narrow with a short bullet‐shaped acrosome, a 5.0–5.5 µm long and 0.4–0.6 µm broad nucleus, and a short midpiece with a ring of five mitochondria. The disposition of the subacrosomal substance into a coronet‐like formation is unique, and the sperm structure offers no clue to the relationship between Kellia and other galeommatoidean genera. The possible significance of narrow elongate sperm for their entry into the brood pouch is discussed.
Note on the gut preserved in the Lower Cambrian Lingulellotreta (Lingulata, Brachiopoda) from southern China
Authors: Zhang Zhifei , Han Jian , Zhang Xingliang , Liu Jianni , Guo Junfeng , Shu Degan
Published: December 2006

Lingulellotreta malongensis Rong is the earliest known taxon of the family Lingulellotretidae, which is characterized by the presence of a pedicle foramen as well as an internal pedicle tube. New material from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte of southern China provides improved anatomical knowledge for lingulellotretid species especially for the digestive system. Additional gut fossils exhibit distinctly the anterior portion composed of esophagus and distended stomach, situated in the alleged visceral cavity, with the recurved intestine accommodated inside a hollow pseudointerarea. The frequency of occurrence of this intestinal layout suggests that this is not just an artefact of preservation. The gross configuration of the guts and the way they are preserved in the fossils suggest that they are in situ and, therefore, we can assume that Lingulellotreta had a hollow cavity presumably subtended by the pseuodelthyrium, which was invaded and occupied by the visceral organs. Hence, these fossils demonstrate the dangers of extrapolating crown‐group soft‐tissue configuration to the stem group.
The gonads of Aegla platensis Schmitt (Decapoda, Anomura, Aeglidae): a macroscopic and histological perspective
Authors: Sokolowicz C. C. , López‐Greco L. S. , Gonçalves R. , Bond‐Buckup G.
Published: December 2006

The aim of this study is to characterize the gonads of Aegla platensis, relating aspects of colour and size of ovaries, testes and vasa deferentia (VD) to histological observations. The ovaries are H‐shaped, extending from behind the stomach and ending at the 1st or 2nd abdominal somite. The male has a pair of testes from which the VD issue and extend over the pereon. For males and females, macroscopic categories of gonad development are defined. Stages of the male gonad are defined as types 1, 2 and 3. Type 1 includes the less developed gonads, and type 3 includes extremely developed testes and completely differentiated VD. The ovaries are classified into four stages according to their colour: I (white), II (yellow), III (orange) and IV (red), beginning with the least developed gonads. The number and size of oogonia and oocytes depend on the stage of the ovary and coincide with the different degrees of development as indicated by ovary colour. In males, the presence or absence of spermatozoa in the testes and VD is determined only for the more developed gonads. Neither spermathecae (female) nor spermatophores (male) were found. The lack of spermatophore in the present species is a rare characteristic among the anomurans.
Thermoregulatory behaviour in Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae) from Brazilian coastal populations: an estimate of passive and active thermoregulation in lizards
Authors: Kiefer Mara C. , Van Sluys Monique , Rocha Carlos F. D.
Published: December 2006

Geographical variation in the degree of thermoregulatory behaviour of the lizard Tropidurus torquatus was studied in 10 restinga populations along approximately 1500 km of Brazilian coast. An index of thermoregulation was estimated using the difference between body and environmental (air and substrate) temperatures and the percentage of negative values for these differences (proportion of body temperatures lower than environmental temperatures). In most populations, the lizards primarily used active thermoregulation, through behavioural means, and mainly in relation to substrate temperatures. Along the restingas, the degree of active thermoregulation increased as a function of the increase in the local environmental temperatures along the restingas. Behavioural thermoregulation of T. torquatus helps the lizards to maintain their body temperatures within an optimal range in which to perform their normal daily activities.
Could temperature and water availability drive elevational species richness patterns? A global case study for bats
Authors: McCain Christy M.
Published: December 2006

Aim  A global meta‐analysis was used to elucidate a mechanistic understanding of elevational species richness patterns of bats by examining both regional and local climatic factors, spatial constraints, sampling and interpolation. Based on these results, I propose the first climatic model for elevational gradients in species richness, and test it using preliminary bat data for two previously unexamined mountains.

Location  Global data set of bat species richness along elevational gradients from Old and New World mountains spanning 12.5° S to 38° N latitude.

Methods  Bat elevational studies were found through an extensive literature search. Use was made only of studies sampling  70% of the elevational gradient without significant sampling biases or strong anthropogenic disturbance. Undersampling and interpolation were explicitly examined with three levels of error analyses. The influence of spatial constraints was tested with a Monte Carlo simulation program, Mid‐Domain Null. Preliminary bat species richness data sets for two test mountains were compiled from specimen records from 12 US museum collections.

Results  Equal support was found for decreasing species richness with elevation and mid‐elevation peaks. Patterns were robust to substantial amounts of error, and did not appear to be a consequence of spatial constraints. Bat elevational richness patterns were related to local climatic gradients. Species richness was highest where both temperature and water availability were high, and declined as temperature and water availability decreased. Mid‐elevational peaks occurred on mountains with dry, arid bases, and decreasing species richness occurred on mountains with wet, warm bases. A preliminary analysis of bat richness patterns on elevational gradients in western Peru (dry base) and the Olympic Mountains, WA (wet base), supported the predictions of the climate model.

Main conclusions  The relationship between species richness and combined temperature and water availability may be due to both direct (thermoregulatory constraints) and indirect (food resources) factors. Abundance was positively correlated with species richness, suggesting that bat species richness may also be related to productivity. The climatic model may be applicable to other taxonomic groups with similar ecological constraints, for instance certain bird, insect and amphibian clades.
Ethnobotany and the first printed records of British flowering plants
Authors: Bebber Daniel P. , Harris Stephen A. , Gaston Kevin J. , Scotland Robert W.
Published: December 2006

Aim To determine the relative influence of medicinal use, height and geographical range on the chronological sequence of the first verifiable printed records of 1239 native species of flowering plants in the UK.

Location UK.

Methods We used Cox proportional hazards models to provide a direct estimate of the influence through time of explanatory variables on the hazard function.

Results In the period from 1538 to 1550, medicinal plants were 5–15 (95% confidence interval) times more likely to be discovered than non‐medicinal plants. By 1600, 75% of medicinal plants had been discovered, and subsequently medicinal use had no significant influence on the probability of discovery. From 1538 to 1983, a 100‐hectad increase in area resulted in a 4–6% increase in the probability of discovery. There was a small but significant decrease in the influence of area on the probability of discovery over the entire time period. In the same time period, a 10‐fold increase in height resulted in a 3–35% increased probability of discovery.

Main conclusions Our results demonstrate that the first written records (1538–1600) of UK flowering plants were very strongly influenced by the perceived medicinal properties of the plants.
Temperature‐Mediated Interaction of Tetanus Toxin with Cerebral Neuron Cultures: Characterization of a Neuraminidase‐Insensitive Toxin‐Receptor Complex
Authors: Yavin Ephraim , Yavin Ziva , Kohn Leonard D.
Published: December 2006

Abstract: Energy‐dependent internalization of 125I‐labeled tetanus toxin into cultured neural cells is shown to follow an energy‐independent binding process. A three‐step model, involving receptor‐mediated binding followed by sequestration and internalization is proposed. In the first step, binding of toxin is enhanced in appearance under low ionic strength medium, at 0–4°C; it is suppressed, however, with increasing incubation temperature under physiological salt concentrations. Cell‐bound toxin is displaced by approximately 35.5% when high‐salt medium (physiological concentrations) is added to cells at 0–4°C; the effect is further amplified at 37°C. Addition of disialoganglioside GD1b (1–5 μg/ml) also lowers the amount of cell‐associated toxin. The fraction of 125I‐labeled toxin retained by the cells after exposure to high‐salt medium at 0–4°C or after addition of GD1b is operationally defined as sequestered toxin. This second step, characterized by a stable association of the toxin with the neural cells, is affected by both physiological salt and by 37°C conditions. Lastly, an energy‐dependent phenomenon of firm association of tetanus toxin with neural cells, compatible with internalization, is described. The toxin residing in this fraction is bioactive and cannot be removed by salts, gangliosides, or by treatment with protease or neuraminidase. Binding, sequestration, and internalization are mutually dependent, as they are all blocked by pretreatment of cells with neuraminidase and by an enhanced energy‐independent sequestration event, which results in enhanced tetanus toxin internalization by an energy‐dependent process.
Binding Characteristics of a Monoclonal β‐Endorphin Antibody Recognizing the N‐Terminus of Opioid Peptides
Authors: Gramsch Christian , Meo Tommaso , Riethmüller Gert , Herz Albert
Published: December 2006

Abstract: The present paper describes the isolation and characterization of a clone of hybrid myelomas (3‐E7) secreting a mouse monoclonal antibody to β‐endorphin. An examination of its specificity against a series of human β‐lipotropin fragments and other opioid peptides revealed that the N‐terminus portion of β‐endorphin is the determinant. Complete or almost complete cross‐reactivity was obtained to methionine‐ and leucine‐enkephalin, β‐lipotropin 60–65, and BAM 22; partial cross‐reactivity was seen to dynorphin1–13 and α‐neo‐endorphin, whereas β‐lipotropin, α‐N‐acetyl‐β‐endorphin, Des‐Tyr1‐β‐endorphin, in addition to a series of synthetic enkephalin derivatives, completely lacked cross‐reactivity. The use of the monoclonal antibody in radioimmunoassay (RIA) for β‐endorphin resulted in a lower sensitivity related to respective polyclonal antibodies. An increase of 100% in tracer binding could, however, be obtained by use of β‐endorphin iodinated with its N‐terminal tyrosine protected by coupling to an antibody. A solid‐phase RIA was developed involving the internally 3H‐labeled monoclonal antibody, which resulted in a 10‐fold increase in sensitivity as compared with the homogenous RIA. These data indicate that for the binding to this antibody a tyrosine residue in position 61 is essential, and it thus recognizes a site that is of functional significance for many naturally occurring opioid peptides.
Pre‐ and Postnatal Ontogeny and Characterization of Dopaminergic D2, Serotonergic S2, and Spirodecanone Binding Sites in Rat Forebrain
Authors: Bruinink A. , Lichtensteiger W. , Schlumpf M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract: The ontogeny of binding sites for [3H] spiperone was studied in time‐pregnant rats. Binding of [3H]spiperone to fresh homogenates of pre‐ and postnatal rat forebrain was characterized by Scatchard analysis and competition experiments with a number of dopaminergic and serotonergic agonists and antagonists and additional substances. A convenient discrimination of three high‐affinity sites, i.e., the dopaminergic D2, serotonergic S2, and spirodecanone (Sd) sites, was obtained with l‐(–)sulpiride and cis‐flupenthixol. The analgesic R5573 was found not to be specific for the Sd site but to interact with all three sites. The three binding sites became detectable in sequential order. S2 and D2 binding sites were first found at embryonic days 15.75 and 17.75, respectively. The Sd site did not appear before postnatal day 8. All three binding sites reached adult values at approximately postnatal day 30. During the prenatal period, the increase in the number of D2 binding sites paralleled the rise in forebrain dopamine concentrations. The kinetics of D2 and S2 sites were the same at embryonic day 19.75 and postnatal day 30. These observations provide evidence for the presence of the receptor substrate for actions of neuroleptics on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems during fetal life.
Lactate Uptake and Release in the Presence of Glucose by Sympathetic Ganglia of Chicken Embryos and by Neuronal and Nonneuronal Cultures Prepared from These Ganglia
Authors: Larrabee Martin G.
Published: December 2006

Abstract: Uptake and output of lactate were measured in lumbar sympathetic chains excised from embryos of white leghorn chickens, 14–15 days old. The chains, typically containing 30–40 μg of protein, were incubated in Eagle's minimum essential medium containing bicarbonate buffer, 6–17 mM glucose, various concentrations of lactate, and either [U‐14C]lactate, [1‐14C]glucose, or [6‐14C]glucose. The average rate of uptake of labeled lactate was measured with incubations of 5–6 h, starting with various external lactate concentrations. From these data the instantaneous relation between lactate uptake rate and concentration was deduced with a simple computerized model. The instantaneous uptake rate increased with the concentration according to a relation that fit the Michaelis‐Menten equation, with Vmax = 360 μmol/g protein/h and Km = 4.8 mM. Substantial fractions of the lactate carbon were recovered from tissue constituents and in several nonvolatile products in the medium, as well as in CO2. Glucose uptake averaged about 108 μmol/g protein/h and did not vary greatly with external lactate concentration, although the metabolic partitioning of glucose carbon was considerably affected. Regardless of initial concentration, the lactate concentration in the medium tended to change towards approximately 0.6 mM, showing that uptake equaled output at this level, with rates at about 40 μmol/g protein/h. With the steady‐state concentration of 0.6 mM lactate, about 20% of the glucose carbon was shunted out into the medium before it was reabsorbed and metabolized into various products. Lactate uptakes by neuronal and nonneuronal cultures prepared from the ganglia did not differ consistently from one another or from uptake by undissociated ganglia. The neuronal cultures tended to oxidize a greater fraction of the consumed lactate to CO2 and to convert a smaller fraction of the lactate to products in the medium than did the nonneuronal cultures. Computer modeling, using known parameters for blood‐brain transport of lactate in the adult rat and data on uptake by the ganglia, suggests that lactate may supply substantial fuel to the brain, even in the presence of abundant glucose, when the lactate concentration in the blood is raised to levels commonly observed in exercising humans, such as 10–20 mM. This is in agreement with the findings of several investigators in hypoglycemic humans and in animals with intermediate blood lactate concentrations.
A Glycine‐Enriched Astrocytic Cell Clone Derived from Mouse Cerebella Transformed In Vitro by Simian Virus‐40
Authors: Cambier Danièle , Alliot Françoise , Pessac Bernard
Published: December 2006

Abstract: Measurements were made of the amino acid content of a cellular clone (K55) derived from mouse cerebellar cultures transformed in vitro by simian virus‐40 (Alliot and Pessac, 1981) and that appears to be astroglial. Both the total amount of amino acids as well as the percentage of glycine in K55 cells were higher than in the mixed cultures from which they are derived. Further, glycine accumulates in the culture medium of K55 cells, but not in the medium of the parental mixed cell culture (C14), thereby suggesting that glycine is synthesized and released by K55 cells.