bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nocturnal stomatal conductance and implications for modelling δ18O of leaf-respired CO2 in temperate tree species
Authors: Barbour Margaret M. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Whitehead David , Griffin Kevin L. , Turnbull Matthew H. , Tissue David T. , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: December 2005

Variation in the oxygen isotope composition of within-canopy CO2 has potential to allow partitioning of the ecosystem respiratory flux into above- and below-ground components. Recent theoretical work has highlighted the sensitivity of the oxygen isotope composition of leaf-respired CO2 (δRl) to nocturnal stomatal conductance. When the one-way flux model was tested on Ricinus communis L. large enrichments in δRl were observed. However, most species for which the isotope flux partitioning technique has been or would be applied (i.e. temperate tree species) are much more conservative users of water than R. communis. So, high stomatal conductance and very high enrichment of δRl observed may not be typical for temperate tree species. Using existing gas-exchange measurements on six temperate tree species, we demonstrate significant water loss through stomata for all species (i.e. statistically significantly greater than cuticular loss alone) at some time for some leaves during the night. δRl values predicted by the one-way flux model revealed that δRl might be very much more enriched than when the net flux alone is considered, particularly close to sunrise and sunset. Incorporation of the one-way flux model into ecosystem respiration partitioning studies will affect model outputs and interpretation of variation in the oxygen isotope composition of atmospheric CO2.
Implanted hair follicle stem cells form Schwann cells that support repair of severed peripheral nerves
Authors: Amoh Yasuyuki , Li Lingna , Campillo Raul , Kawahara Katsumasa , Katsuoka Kensei , Penman Sheldon , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: November 2005

The hair follicle bulge area is an abundant, easily accessible source of actively growing, pluripotent adult stem cells. Nestin, a protein marker for neural stem cells, also is expressed in follicle stem cells and their immediate, differentiated progeny. The fluorescent protein GFP, whose expression is driven by the nestin regulatory element in transgenic mice, served to mark the follicle cell fate. The pluripotent nestin-driven GFP stem cells are positive for the stem cell marker CD34 but negative for keratinocyte marker keratin 15, suggesting their relatively undifferentiated state. These cells can differentiate into neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes
in vitro
.
In vivo
studies show the nestin-driven GFP hair follicle stem cells can differentiate into blood vessels and neural tissue after transplantation to the subcutis of nude mice. Equivalent hair follicle stem cells derived from transgenic mice with β-actin-driven GFP implanted into the gap region of a severed sciatic nerve greatly enhance the rate of nerve regeneration and the restoration of nerve function. The follicle cells transdifferentiate largely into Schwann cells, which are known to support neuron regrowth. Function of the rejoined sciatic nerve was measured by contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle upon electrical stimulation. After severing the tibial nerve and subsequent transplantation of hair follicle stem cells, walking print length and intermediate toe spread significantly recovered, indicating that the transplanted mice recovered the ability to walk normally. These results suggest that hair follicle stem cells provide an important, accessible, autologous source of adult stem cells for regenerative medicine.
Global Gene Expression Profiling of Chemically Induced Rat Mammary Gland Carcinomas and Adenomas
Authors: Shan Liang , Yu Minshu , Snyderwine Elizabeth G.
Published: November 2005

Chemical carcinogens induce both benign and malignant mammary gland tumors in female Sprague-Dawley rats. To identify gene expression profiles associated with malignancy, cDNA microarray analysis was used to compare gene expression profiles in rat mammary gland carcinomas, adenomas, and normal mammary gland. Tumors were induced with various chemical carcinogens including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 7-12-dimethylbenz[ a]anthracene (DMBA), N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU), and 4-aminobiphenyl. The global gene expression profiles in carcinomas and adenomas were distinguishable by hierarchical clustering and multi-dimensional scaling analyses. Permutation analysis revealed 110 clones statistically differentially expressed between benign and malignant tumors ( p < 0.0005). Carcinomas showed relatively high expression of several genes associated with mammary epithelial cell growth and proliferation (e.g., cyclin D1, PDGFα) and relatively low expression of differentiation marker genes (e.g., β-casein, whey acidic protein, transferrin). Other categories of genes showing differential expression between carcinomas and adenomas were associated with protein homeostasis, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, and cell metabolism (fatty acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis). Major gene families implicated in malignancy by over-expression in carcinomas included the annexins (annexin A1 and A4) and Stat family of transcription factors (Stat3 and Stat5a). The elevated expression of the prolactin receptor in carcinomas concomitant with several components of the mitogenic prolactin signaling pathway implicated prolactin/prolactin receptor/Stat5a/cyclin D1 in rat mammary gland malignancy.
Targeting of Protein Kinase C-ϵ during Fcγ Receptor-dependent Phagocytosis Requires the ϵC1B Domain and Phospholipase C-γ1
Authors: Cheeseman Keylon L. , Ueyama Takehiko , Michaud Tanya M. , Kashiwagi Kaori , Wang Demin , Flax Lindsay A. , Shirai Yasuhito , Loegering Daniel J. , Saito Naoaki , Lennartz Michelle R.
Published: December 2005

Protein kinase C-ϵ (PKC-ϵ) translocates to phagosomes and promotes uptake of IgG-opsonized targets. To identify the regions responsible for this concentration, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-protein kinase C-ϵ mutants were tracked during phagocytosis and in response to exogenous lipids. Deletion of the diacylglycerol (DAG)-binding ϵC1 and ϵC1B domains, or the ϵC1B point mutant ϵC259G, decreased accumulation at phagosomes and membrane translocation in response to exogenous DAG. Quantitation of GFP revealed that ϵC259G, ϵC1, and ϵC1B accumulation at phagosomes was significantly less than that of intact PKC-ϵ. Also, the DAG antagonist 1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl glycerol (EI-150) blocked PKC-ϵ translocation. Thus, DAG binding to ϵC1B is necessary for PKC-ϵ translocation. The role of phospholipase D (PLD), phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC)-γ1, and PI-PLC-γ2 in PKC-ϵ accumulation was assessed. Although GFP-PLD2 localized to phagosomes and enhanced phagocytosis, PLD inhibition did not alter target ingestion or PKC-ϵ localization. In contrast, the PI-PLC inhibitor U73122 decreased both phagocytosis and PKC-ϵ accumulation. Although expression of PI-PLC-γ2 is higher than that of PI-PLC-γ1, PI-PLC-γ1 but not PI-PLC-γ2 consistently concentrated at phagosomes. Macrophages from PI-PLC-γ2-/-mice were similar to wild-type macrophages in their rate and extent of phagocytosis, their accumulation of PKC-ϵ at the phagosome, and their sensitivity to U73122. This implicates PI-PLC-γ1 as the enzyme that supports PKC-ϵ localization and phagocytosis. That PI-PLC-γ1 was transiently tyrosine phosphorylated in nascent phagosomes is consistent with this conclusion. Together, these results support a model in which PI-PLC-γ1 provides DAG that binds to ϵC1B, facilitating PKC-ϵ localization to phagosomes for efficient IgG-mediated phagocytosis.
The Role of Cdc55 in the Spindle Checkpoint Is through Regulation of Mitotic Exit inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yellman Christopher M. , Burke Daniel J.
Published: November 2005

Cdc55, a B-type regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, has been implicated in mitotic spindle checkpoint activity and maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion during metaphase. The spindle checkpoint is composed of two independent pathways, one leading to inhibition of the metaphase-to-anaphase transition by checkpoint proteins, including Mad2, and the other to inhibition of mitotic exit by Bub2. We show that Cdc55 is a negative regulator of mitotic exit. A cdc55 mutant, like a bub2 mutant, prematurely releases Cdc14 phosphatase from the nucleolus during spindle checkpoint activation, and premature exit from mitosis indirectly leads to loss of sister chromatid cohesion and inviability in nocodazole. The role of Cdc55 is separable from Bub2 and inhibits release of Cdc14 through a mechanism independent of the known negative regulators of mitotic exit. Epistasis experiments indicate Cdc55 acts either downstream or independent of the mitotic exit network kinase Cdc15. Interestingly, the B-type cyclin Clb2 is partially stable during premature activation of mitotic exit in a cdc55 mutant, indicating mitotic exit is incomplete.
Biochemical and genetic analysis of the yeast proteome with a movable ORF collection
Authors: Gelperin Daniel M. , White Michael A. , Wilkinson Martha L. , Kon Yoshiko , Kung Li A. , Wise Kevin J. , Lopez-Hoyo Nelson , Jiang Lixia , Piccirillo Stacy , Yu Haiyuan , Gerstein Mark , Dumont Mark E. , Phizicky Eric M. , Snyder Michael , Grayhack Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2005

Functional analysis of the proteome is an essential part of genomic research. To facilitate different proteomic approaches, a MORF (moveable ORF) library of 5854 yeast expression plasmids was constructed, each expressing a sequence-verified ORF as a C-terminal ORF fusion protein, under regulated control. Analysis of 5573 MORFs demonstrates that nearly all verified ORFs are expressed, suggests the authenticity of 48 ORFs characterized as dubious, and implicates specific processes including cytoskeletal organization and transcriptional control in growth inhibition caused by overexpression. Global analysis of glycosylated proteins identifies 109 new confirmed N-linked and 345 candidate glycoproteins, nearly doubling the known yeast glycome.
Global changes in STAT target selection and transcription regulation upon interferon treatments
Authors: Hartman Stephen E. , Bertone Paul , Nath Anjali K. , Royce Thomas E. , Gerstein Mark , Weissman Sherman , Snyder Michael
Published: December 2005

The STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, but their targets and the manner in which they select them remain largely unknown. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA microarray analysis (ChIP-chip), we have identified the regions of human chromosome 22 bound by STAT1 and STAT2 in interferon-treated cells. Analysis of the genomic loci proximal to these binding sites introduced new candidate STAT1 and STAT2 target genes, several of which are affiliated with proliferation and apoptosis. The genes on chromosome 22 that exhibited interferon-induced up- or down-regulated expression were determined and correlated with the STAT-binding site information, revealing the potential regulatory effects of STAT1 and STAT2 on their target genes. Importantly, the comparison of STAT1-binding sites upon interferon (IFN)-γ and IFN-α treatments revealed dramatic changes in binding locations between the two treatments. The IFN-α induction revealed nonconserved STAT1 occupancy at IFN-γ-induced sites, as well as novel sites of STAT1 binding not evident in IFN-γ-treated cells. Many of these correlated with binding by STAT2, but others were STAT2 independent, suggesting that multiple mechanisms direct STAT1 binding to its targets under different activation conditions. Overall, our results reveal a wealth of new information regarding IFN/STAT-binding targets and also fundamental insights into mechanisms of regulation of gene expression in different cell states.
HoxD cluster scanning deletions identify multiple defects leading to paralysis in the mouse mutant Ironside
Authors: Tarchini Basile , Huynh Thi Hanh Nguyen , Cox Greg A. , Duboule Denis
Published: December 2005

A spontaneous semidominant mutation (Ironside, Irn) was isolated in mice, leading to severe hindlimb paralysis following multiple deletions in cis at the HoxD locus. To understand its cellular and molecular etiology, we embarked on a comparative analysis using systematic HoxD cluster deletions, produced via targeted meiotic recombination (TAMERE). Different lines of mice were classified according to the severity of their paralyses, and subsequent analyses revealed that multiple causative factors were involved, alone or in combination, in the occurrence of this pathology. Among them are the loss of Hoxd10 function, the sum of remaining Hoxd gene activity, and the ectopic gain of function of the neighboring gene Evx2, all contributing to the mispositioning, the absence, or misidentification of specific lumbo-sacral pools of motoneurons, nerve root homeosis, and hindlimb innervation defects. These results highlight the importance of a systematic approach when studying such clustered gene families, and give insights into the function and regulation of Hox and Evx2 genes during early spinal cord development.
Effects of post-training hippocampal injections of midazolam on fear conditioning
Authors: Gafford Georgette M. , Parsons Ryan G. , Helmstetter Fred J.
Published: December 2005

Benzodiazepines have been useful tools for investigating mechanisms underlying learning and memory. The present set of experiments investigates the role of hippocampal GABAA/benzodiazepine receptors in memory consolidation using Pavlovian fear conditioning. Rats were prepared with cannulae aimed at the dorsal hippocampus and trained with a series of white noise–shock pairings. In the first experiment, animals received intrahippocampal infusion of midazolam or vehicle immediately or 3 h after training. Then, 24 h later, freezing to the training context and the white noise were measured independently. Results show infusion of midazolam immediately, but not 3 h, after training selectively attenuates contextual fear conditioning. In the second experiment, animals received intrahippocampal infusions of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) targeting the α5 subunit of the GABAAreceptor or a missense control for several days prior to training and testing. Immediately after training, animals received an infusion of either midazolam or vehicle. Western blots conducted after testing showed a significant decrease in α5-containing GABAAreceptor protein. This reduction did not alter the effectiveness of midazolam immediately after training at impairing context fear memory. Therefore, α5-containing GABAAreceptors may not contribute to the effects of midazolam on context fear conditioning when given immediately post-training.
NMDA receptor-dependent processes in the medial prefrontal cortex are important for acquisition and the early stage of consolidation during trace, but not delay eyeblink conditioning
Authors: Takehara-Nishiuchi Kaori , Kawahara Shigenori , Kirino Yutaka
Published: December 2005

Permanent lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) affect acquisition of conditioned responses (CRs) during trace eyeblink conditioning and retention of remotely acquired CRs. To clarify further roles of the mPFC in this type of learning, we investigated the participation of the mPFC in mnemonic processes both during and after daily conditioning using local microinfusion of the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol or the NMDA receptor antagonist APV into the rat mPFC. Muscimol infusions into the mPFC before daily conditioning significantly retarded CR acquisition and reduced CR expression if applied after sufficient learning. APV infusion also impaired acquisition of CRs, but not expression of well-learned CRs. When infusions were made immediately after daily conditioning, acquisition of the CR was partially impaired in both the muscimol and APV infusion groups. In contrast, rats that received muscimol infusions 3 h after daily conditioning exhibited improvement in their CR performance comparable to that of the control group. Both the pre- and post-conditioning infusion of muscimol had no effect on acquisition in the delay paradigm. These results suggest that the mPFC participates in both acquisition of a CR and the early stage of consolidation of memory in trace, but not delay eyeblink conditioning by NMDA receptor-mediated operations.
The effect of oxygen on the growth of Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos with and without a chorion
Authors: Ciuhandu C. S. , Stevens E. D. , Wright P. A.
Published: December 2005

Growth was measured in dechorionated and chorionated embryos of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to three oxygen treatments: hypoxia, normoxia and hyperoxia (nominally 5, 10 and 15 mg l−1). Dechorionated embryos grew faster than chorionated ones in all three oxygen treatments. Similar patterns, however, were found in both dechorionated and chorionated groups; embryos exposed to hypoxia grew less than normoxic and hyperoxic exposed embryos. Moreover, there was no significant interaction between the effect of oxygen levels and presence or absence of the chorion on growth after hatching. These results suggest that the effect of oxygen on growth was not affected by the presence of the chorion.
Composition and antagonistic activity of the indigenous intestinal microbiota of Prochilodus argenteus Agassiz
Authors: Silva F. C. P. , Brito M. F. G. , Farias L. M. , Nicoli J. R.
Published: December 2005

The composition and antibacterial properties of indigenous intestinal microbiota from Prochilodus argenteus were studied during reproductive (alimentary restriction) and non‐reproductive (normal feeding) periods. Dilutions of intestinal contents from 21 specimens of P. argenteus captured from São Francisco Basin, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were used for enumeration, isolation, identification and determination of in vitro antibacterial properties of predominant components of the intestinal microbial ecosystem. Predominant species recovered for both periods were: Aeromonas hydrophila, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Lactococcus lactis and an unidentified Gram‐positive rod for facultative anaerobes and Bacteroides stercoris/eggerthii and Fusobacterium mortiferum for obligate anaerobes. Gram‐positive components of this microbiota showed high antagonistic activity against gram‐negative species. Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus sp., Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecium and the unidentified gram‐positive rod had wider range of antagonism properties. The indigenous intestinal microbiota of P. argenteus was quite similar to that of other fishes and the reproductive and alimentary status has few influences on its composition.
The effect of hypoxia on locomotor performance and behaviour during escape in Liza aurata
Authors: Lefrançois C. , Shingles A. , Domenici P.
Published: December 2005

Escape performance was investigated in the golden grey mullet Liza aurata exposed to various levels of oxygen: >85 (i.e. normoxia), 50, 20 and 10 % air saturation. Since the golden grey mullet performed aquatic surface respiration when air saturation approached 15–10 %, escape performance was tested at 10 % air saturation with and without access to the surface (10 % S and 10 % C, respectively). Various locomotor and behavioural variables were measured, such as cumulative distance, maximum swimming speed, acceleration, responsiveness (per cent of responding fish), response latency and directionality. Golden grey mullet showed a decrease in responsiveness when the oxygen level was reduced to 10 % air saturation, whether the surface access was obstructed or not. Hypoxia did not have any effect on the response latency. Cumulative distance and maximum swimming speed over a fixed time were significantly different between normoxic conditions and 10 % C, while no differences were found in maximum acceleration. While the fish's ‘C‐bend’ was mainly directed away from the stimulus in normoxia, the proportion of away and towards ‘C‐bend’ was random when the oxygen was ≤20 % air saturation. This suggested an impairment of the left‐right discrimination at the initiation of the fast start. Hypoxia affected golden grey mullet escape performance mainly through an impairment of responsiveness and directionality, while locomotor performance was affected only in severe hypoxia when the surface was obstructed. The study showed that, in addition to forcing the fish to the surface as shown by previous studies, hypoxia may also reduce fish elusiveness facing a predator by directly impairing its escape performance.
Ammonia in estuaries and effects on fish
Authors: Eddy F. B.
Published: December 2005

This review aims to explore the biological responses of fish in estuaries to increased levels of environmental ammonia. Results from laboratory and field studies on responses of fish to varying salinity and their responses increased ammonia will be evaluated, although studies which examine responses to ammonia, in relation to varying salinity, pH and temperature together are rare. In a survey of British estuaries the continuous measurement of total ammonia showed values that ranged from background levels increasing up to c. 10 mg N l−1 although higher values have been noted sporadically. In outer estuaries pH values tended to stabilize towards sea water values (e.g. c. pH 8). Upper reaches of estuaries are influenced by the quality of their fresh waters sources which can show a wide range of pH and water quality values depending on geological, climatic and pollution conditions. In general the ammonia toxicity (96 h LC50) to marine species (e.g. 0·09–3·35 mg l−1 NH3) appears to be roughly similar to freshwater species (e.g. 0·068–2·0 mg l−1 NH3). Ammonia toxicity is related to differences between species and pH rather than to the comparatively minor influences of salinity and temperature. In the marine environment the toxicity of ionized ammonia should be considered. The water quality standard for freshwater salmonids of 21 μg l−1 NH3–N was considered to be protective for most marine fish and estuarine fish although the influence of cyclical changes in pH, salinity and temperature were not considered. During ammonia exposures, whether chronic or episodic, estuarine fish may be most at risk as larvae or juveniles, at elevated temperatures, if salinity is near the seawater value and if the pH value of the water is decreased. They are also likely to be at risk from ammonia intoxication in waters of low salinity, high pH and high ammonia levels. These conditions are likely to promote ammonia transfer from the environment into the fish, both as ionized and unionized ammonia, as well as promoting ammonia retention by the fish. Fish are more likely to be prone to ammonia toxicity if they are not feeding, are stressed and if they are active and swimming. Episodic or cycling exposures should also be considered in relation to the rate at which the animal is able to accumulate and excrete ammonia and the physiological processes involved in the transfer of ammonia.

In the complex environment of an estuary, evaluation of ammonia as a pollutant will involve field and laboratory experiments to determine the responses of fish to ammonia as salinity and temperature vary over a period of time. It will also be necessary to evaluate the responses of a variety of species including estuarine residents and migrants.
HLA‐DRB1 polymorphism is associated with Kell immunisation
Authors: Chiaroni Jacques , Dettori Isabelle , Ferrera Virginie , Legrand Dominique , Touinssi Mhammed , Mercier Pierre , de Micco Philippe , Reviron Denis
Published: November 2005

K immunisation is observed in some polytransfused patients and pregnant women but does not occur in all cases of K incompatibility. This study analysed the role of genetic background in this selective response to K antigen by investigating HLA‐DRB1 alleles associated with K immunisation in a southern European population. HLA‐DRB1 genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific oligonucleotide/sequence‐specific primer procedures in 54 K immunised patients and 200 healthy controls. The frequency of HLA‐DRB1*11 was significantly higher in K immunised patients than healthy controls: 31 of 54 (57%) vs. 56 of 200 (28%) (Pc < 0·001). In the remaining K immunised HLA‐DRB1*11‐negative patients, the frequency of HLA‐DRB1*13 was increased: 14 of 23 (61%) vs. 49 of 144 in healthy controls (34%) (P < 0·02). The combined frequency of the two HLA‐DRB1 alleles (HLA‐DRB1*11 and HLA‐DRB1*13) was 83% in K immunised patients when compared with 52% in healthy controls (Pc < 0·001). K and k differ by a single amino acid T193 (M). The DRB1*11 and DRB1*13 alleles share a HLA‐DRB1 gene sequence containing S in position 13, D in 70 and A in 74, and coding for the P4 pocket within the HLA‐DR binding groove. This feature of the HLA‐DRB1 gene could be involved in the K peptide presentation through a polymorphism ligand specific for the T193 (M) of K. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a high frequency of HLA‐DRB1*11 or HLA‐DRB1*13 alleles in K immunised patients, which could be due to specific K peptide presentation by HLA‐DR molecules.
Different signalling pathways involving a Gα protein, cAMP and a MAP kinase control germination of Botrytis cinerea conidia
Authors: Doehlemann Gunther , Berndt Patrick , Hahn Matthias
Published: December 2005

Conidial germination of the grey mould fungus Botrytis cinerea was found to be induced by different chemical and physical signals, namely the amount and quality of nutrients as well as the hydrophobicity and rigidity of the surface. A B. cinereaΔbcg3 mutant disrupted in the Gα3 subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein was specifically defective in germination induced by carbon sources. A similar germination defect of an adenylate cyclase mutant, and the complementing effect of cAMP addition to conidia of these mutants confirmed the involvement of cAMP. In contrast, a Δbmp1 MAP kinase mutant was delayed in carbon source‐induced germination, but completely unable to germinate on hydrophobic surfaces. Based on these data, it is proposed that the germination response of B. cinerea conidia is controlled by three signalling pathways: Germination induction by rich media is weakly dependent on BMP1; induction by carbon sources requires BCG3, cAMP and BMP1; and induction by contact to hydrophobic surfaces is absolutely dependent on BMP1. Other defects of the Δbcg3 mutant, such as low conidiation, excessive formation of sclerotia and delayed host infection, were also restored by cAMP. Microscopical studies of germling growth and differentiation on host cuticles revealed that the delayed infection of the Δbcg3 mutant was due to a surface sensing defect leading to a reduced penetration. Thus, in addition to their role in germination, Gα3, cAMP as well as BMP1 are required also for proper host surface recognition and penetration ability of germinated conidia.
Impact of nitrate supply in C and N assimilation in the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth (Scrophulariaceae) and its host Sorghum bicolor L.
Authors: SIMIER P. , CONSTANT S. , DEGRANDE D. , MOREAU C. , ROBINS R. J. , FER A. , THALOUARN P.
Published: December 2005

The threshold of tolerance for nitrate of the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth and the host plant Sorghum bicolor L. was determined by estimating the impact of increasing nitrate loads on plant growth and various parameters of C and N assimilation. Nitrate supply improved chlorophyll (Chl) content and photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry of infected S. bicolor that, in comparison to S. hermonthica, displayed a low imbalance between C and N assimilation when nitrate was supplied up to 1500 mg N per plant. Indeed, nitrate supplies increased strongly the leaf N:C ratio of the parasite. The higher nitrate load induced strong accumulation of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium, and consequently the death of S. hermonthica. Nevertheless, lower nitrate loads (up to 500 mg N per S. bicolor in this study) promoted leaf expansion, PSII photochemistry and N metabolism of S. hermonthica mature (M) plants, as attested by the significant rise in soluble protein and free amino‐acid contents. Following these N supplies, the nitrate tolerance of S. hermonthica was correlated with an increase in PSII activity and a high incorporation of N excess into asparagine. This confirmed the central role of asparagine in the N metabolism of S. hermonthica, although this detoxification pathway was insufficient to limit ammonium accumulation under higher nitrate loads.
Tomato seed germination: regulation of different response modes by phytochrome B2 and phytochrome A
Authors: APPENROTH KLAUS‐J. , LENK GABRIELE , GOLDAU LYDIA , SHARMA RAMESHWAR
Published: December 2005

Lycopersicon esculentum seeds germinate after rehydration in complete darkness. This response was inhibited by a far‐red light (FR) pulse, and the inhibition was reversed by a red light (R) pulse. Comparison of germination in phytochrome‐deficient mutants (phyA, phyB1, phyB2, phyAB1, phyB1B2 and phyAB1B2) showed that phytochrome B2 (PhyB2) mediates both responses. The germination was inhibited by strong continuous R (38 µmol m−2 s−1), whereas weak R (28 nmol m−2 s−1) stimulated seed germination. Hourly applied R pulses of the same photon fluence partially replaced the effect of strong continuous R. This response was called ‘antagonistic’ because it counteracts the low fluence response (LFR) induced by a single R pulse. This antagonistic response might be an adaptation to a situation where the seeds sit on the soil surface in full sunlight (adverse for germination), while weak R might reflect that situation under a layer of soil. Unexpectedly, the effects of continuous R or repeated R pulses were mediated by phytochrome A (PhyA). We therefore suggest that low levels of PhyA in its FR‐absorbing form (Pfr) cause inhibition of seed germination produced either by extended R irradiation (by degradation of PhyA‐Pfr) or by extended FR irradiation [keeping a low Pfr/R‐absorbing form (Pr) ratio].
Human Primary Adenotonsillar Naïve Phenotype CD45RA+ CD4+ T Lymphocytes Undergo Apoptosis Upon Stimulation With a High Concentration of CD3 Antibody
Authors: Pajusto M. , Tarkkanen J. , Mattila P. S.
Published: November 2005

Young children need to develop immune tolerance to harmless foreign antigens such as digested nutrients and various inhaled airborne antigens. Because of its anatomical location, pharyngeal adenotonsillar tissue is a potential site for the establishment of this immune tolerance. To characterize possible mechanisms of peripheral immune tolerance, we studied human primary adenotonsillar naïve phenotype CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells, which represent cells that have not previously encountered foreign antigens. It was found that these CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells expressed higher levels of the activation marker CD69 as compared with peripheral blood CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells. Upon stimulation with a high concentration of CD3 antibody, which mimics the encounter of a high antigen dose, adenotonsillar CD45RA+ CD4+ T lymphocytes, but not peripheral blood CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells, underwent apoptosis. After 6 h stimulation with a high concentration of CD3 antibody, over 25% of the cells were apoptotic. Interfering with the Fas–FasL interaction with recombinant Fas or an antibody against Fas‐ligand partially inhibited apoptosis. Our study results suggest that high concentrations of antigens, such as various nutrients and airborne antigens, may induce peripheral immune tolerance by selectively deleting naïve phenotype CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells via T‐cell receptor‐triggered apoptosis in human adenotonsillar tissue.
Early maternal investment in mice: no evidence for compatible-genes sexual selection despite hybrid vigor
Authors: Rülicke T. , Guncz N. , Wedekind C.
Published: November 2005

Confronting a recently mated female with a strange male can induce a pregnancy block (‘Bruce effect’). The physiology of this effect is well studied, but its functional significance is still not fully understood. The ‘anticipated infanticide hypothesis’ suggests that the pregnancy block serves to avoid the cost of embryogenesis and giving birth to offspring that are likely to be killed by a new territory holder. Some ‘compatible-genes sexual selection hypotheses’ suggest that the likelihood of a pregnancy block is also dependent on the female's perception of the stud's and the stimulus male's genetic quality. We used two inbred strains of mice (C57BL/6 and BALB/c) to test all possible combinations of female strain, stud strain, and stimulus strain under experimental conditions (Ntotal = 241 mated females). As predicted from previous studies, we found increased rates of pregnancy blocks if stud and stimulus strains differed, and we found evidence for hybrid vigour in offspring of between-strain mating. Despite the observed heterosis, pregnancies of within-strain matings were not more likely to be blocked than pregnancies of between-strain matings. A power analysis revealed that if we missed an existing effect (type-II error), the effect must be very small. If a female gave birth, the number and weight of newborns were not significantly influenced by the stimulus males. In conclusion, we found no support for the ‘compatible-genes sexual selection hypotheses’.
Dietary structured lipids for post‐weaning piglets: fat digestibility, nitrogen retention and fatty acid profiles of tissues
Authors: Straarup E. M. , Danielsen V. , Høy C.‐E. , Jakobsen K.
Published: December 2005

In four groups of post‐weaning piglets the effects of triacylglycerol structure and fatty acid profiles of four dietary fats on apparent faecal nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and fatty acid profiles of platelet and erythrocyte membranes, liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle were examined. Dietary fats included as 10% (w/w) of the diets were two structured fats of rapeseed oil interesterified with tridecanoin (R1) or coconut oil (R2), respectively, one mixture of rapeseed oil and coconut oil (R3) and rapeseed oil as control (R4). Faeces and urine from piglets weaned at 28 days of age were collected quantitatively during three periods each of 5 days, in which the piglets were kept in metabolism cages for measurement of apparent faecal nutrient and energy digestibility and nitrogen retention. Apparent faecal fat digestibilities were significantly improved in groups fed interesterified fats or the physical mixtures (R1, R2 and R3) compared with rapeseed oil (R4). Apparent faecal nitrogen digestibility and retention were similar in all four groups in the three periods, but increased with time. Apparent faecal fat digestibilities were significantly improved from the first to the third week in the groups R1 and R2. Fatty acid profiles in platelet and erythrocyte membranes and in tissues reflected the fatty acid profile of the dietary fat, except for medium‐chain fatty acids, which were only found in low proportions, indicating that 10:0 was mainly used as an energy source.
Bioavailability of zinc glycinate in comparison with zinc sulphate in the presence of dietary phytate in an animal model with 65Zn labelled rats
Authors: Schlegel P. , Windisch W.
Published: December 2005

The objective of this study was to quantify the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) from sulphate and glycinate as representatives of inorganic and organic zinc sources. The semi‐synthetic basal diet contained 2 μg/g of native Zn and was fortified with pure sodium‐phytate (8 g/kg) in order to simulate conditions of common cereal‐based meals. The basal diet was supplemented with either 53 μg/g of Zn from sulphate (control) or 10 μg/g of Zn from either sulphate (ZnSulphate) or glycinate (ZnGly). Twenty‐four 65Zn‐labelled, growing rats weighing 133 g were allotted to the three diets (eight animals per treatment) and were kept pair‐fed to ZnSulphate for 15 days. Zn contents in blood plasma, femur and whole body, as well as, plasma alkaline phosphatase activities were reduced compared with control indicating a zinc deficiency in ZnSulphate and ZnGly treatment. This allowed their differentiation in zinc bioavailability. True absorption of dietary Zn was significantly higher in ZnGly than in ZnSulphate (51% vs. 44%) while losses of endogenous faecal Zn and urinary Zn were not affected to a quantitatively relevant extent (mean: 17% and 2% of intake). This resulted in a +30% significantly improved Zn retention for ZnGly (33% vs. 25%) and a lower severity on Zn deficiency symptoms compared with ZnSulphate. Metabolic utilization accounted for 95% of absorbed dietary Zn for both Zn sources. Overall, the bioavailability of zinc glycinate was significantly superior by 16% to zinc sulphate (49% vs. 42%), mainly because of a higher absorptive potential at presence of a strong anti‐nutritive component (phytate) in the diet.
The relationship among insight, cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia and their relatives’ perception
Authors: CHEN KAO CHING , CHU CHING LIN , YANG YEN KUANG , YEH TZUNG LIEH , LEE I HUI , CHEN PO SEE , LU RU BAND
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Medically, insight is a multidimensional concept. Results of previous studies are inconclusive regarding the relationship between insight and global and cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among insight, patients’ global function, cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia and their key caregivers’ perception about this disorder. Thirty‐one patients with schizophrenia were recruited. Cognitive function such as memory index proved to be a significant predictor for patients’ insight; environmental factors such as caregivers’ perception was not. In addition to cognitive deficit, whether the other factors such as genetic variability, medication use, environmental factors, and illness severity, etc., could influence insight of patients will still be a controversial issue. Further multidimensional survey of the relationship with insight in a larger and comprehensive design is necessary.
Influence of history of head trauma and epilepsy on delinquents in a juvenile classification home
Authors: MIURA HIDEKI , FUJIKI MASUMI , SHIBATA ARIHIRO , ISHIKAWA KENJI
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Juvenile delinquents often show poor impulse control and cognitive abnormalities, which may be related to disturbances in brain development due to head trauma and/or epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of head trauma and/or epilepsy on delinquent behavior. We examined 1336 juvenile delinquents (1151 males and 185 females) who had been admitted to the Nagoya Juvenile Classification Home, Aichi, Japan. Among them, 52 subjects with a history of epilepsy, convulsion or loss of consciousness, head injury requiring neurological assessment and/or treatment, or neurosurgical operation (head trauma/epilepsy group), were examined by electroencephalography and compared to subjects without these histories (control group) with respect to types of crime, history of amphetamine use, psychiatric treatment, child abuse, and family history. Among the 52 subjects, 43 (82.7%) showed abnormal findings. The head trauma/epilepsy group had significantly higher rates of psychiatric treatment (P < 0.0001, OR = 16.852, 95% CI = 8.068–35.199) and family history of drug abuse (P < 0.05, OR = 2.303, 95% CI = 1.003–5.290). Furthermore, the percentage of members who were sent to juvenile training school by the family court was significantly higher in the head trauma/epilepsy group (72.5%) than in the control group (38.9%, P < 0.0001). The juvenile delinquents who had a history of head trauma and/or epilepsy showed a high prevalence of electroencephalograph abnormality, and higher rates of psychiatric treatment and family history of drug abuse, and were more likely to be sent to juvenile training school by the family court.
Efficacy of milnacipran on poststroke depression on inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: YAMAKAWA YURIKO , SATOH SHINJI , SAWA SHUNJI , OHTA HITOSHI , ASADA TAKASHI
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Post‐stroke depression (PSD) has a negative impact on rehabilitation following stroke. No satisfactory antidepressant treatment for PSD has yet been developed. The present study examined the effect of milnacipran, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on PSD patients. Eleven PSD patients taking milnacipran in a rehabilitation hospital were compared to age‐matched, sex‐matched, and severity of depression at admission‐matched PSD patients hospitalized during 2001 who did not take any antidepressant as historical control. Severity of depression was measured using self‐rating depression scale for depression (SDS) assessed at admission and discharge after 3 months inpatient rehabilitation. Activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) were measured, respectively, by the functional independence measure (FIM) and a self‐completed questionnaire for QOL (QUIK) as outcomes of rehabilitation. For the SDS score, the group taking milnacipran showed significant improvement compared to the control group in our study. FIM was improved in both groups. In the end QUIK did not change significantly in either group. We found no major side‐effects of milnacipran among the patients. These results suggest that milnacipran is a safe and effective treatment for PSD for inpatients undergoing rehabilitation.
The use of alternative medicine among Taiwanese psychiatric outpatients
Authors: PAN JAN‐JHY , CHEN BHI‐YUH , TENG HUI‐WEN , LU MONG‐LIANG , SHEN WINSTON W.
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The present study is intended to examine the use of alternative therapy and their help‐behavior among patients who first visited psychiatric clinic in Taiwan. We recruited 150 patients from three general hospital psychiatric clinics. We collected the information of their demographic data, help‐seeking behavior, and the use of alternative therapy, then screened them using Beck's Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and World Health Organization's Quality of Life assessment. We found that 53 (35.3%) of 150 psychiatric outpatients visited an alternative therapists or received some type of alternative therapy at least once. Alternative medicine users were more likely to be married (P = 0.004), to suffer from more intensive anxiety symptoms (P = 0.018), to have visited more psychiatrists (P = 0.006), to have visited more clinics (P = 0.001), and to have taken longer between onset of the symptoms and their first visit to the psychiatric clinic (P = 0.028). Based on these findings we suggest that alternative therapy plays important roles in the help‐seeking behavior of Taiwanese psychiatric patients, and that alternative medicine users tend to delay proper psychiatric care. Clinicians should inquire about patients’ past history of seeking alternative therapy, build a firm trust in the doctor–patient relationship, and increase the compliance of psychiatric treatment in alternative therapy users.
Disengagement of attention from facial emotion in unipolar depression
Authors: KARPAROVA STANISLAVA PETKOVA , KERSTING ANETTE , SUSLOW THOMAS
Published: December 2005

Abstract  Abnormal processing of facial expressions is assumed to be an important factor mediating the course of depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability to disengage attention from facial emotion in depressed patients in the course of an inpatient treatment program. It was hypothesized that in depression disengagement of visual attention from negative facial expression is delayed, while disengagement from positive facial expression is facilitated. A face‐in‐the‐crowd task using schematic stimuli and crowds of neutral and emotion faces as ‘distractor’ stimuli was administered to depressed patients and normal controls matched for age, sex, and education. Patients with major depression (n = 15) and normal controls (n = 15) were tested twice, about 6 weeks apart. From test 1 to test 2, patients’ depressivity decreased significantly. Depressives showed higher response latencies and error rates than control subjects. However, depressed patients exhibited the same scanning pattern for facial emotion as healthy individuals across both test sessions. Participants detected a negative face more rapidly in a crowd of faces than a positive face. When displays consisted of repetitions of the same face, subjects were generally slower (and less accurate) when faces were negative relative to positive or neutral. The present data suggest that the ability to disengage attention from facial emotion in visual search is not impaired in depression.
Severe impulsiveness as the primary manifestation of multiple sclerosis in a young female
Authors: LOPEZ‐MEZA ELMER , CORONA‐VAZQUEZ TERESA , RUANO‐CALDERON LUIS A. , RAMIREZ‐BERMUDEZ JESUS
Published: December 2005

Abstract Severe impulsiveness in the absence of apparent neurological signs has rarely been reported as a clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS). An 11‐year‐old female developed progressive and sustained personality disturbances including disinhibition, hypersexuality, drug abuse, aggressiveness and suicide attempts, without neurological signs. She was given several unsuccessful psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. At age 21, a diagnosis of MS was made, confirmed by imaging, laboratory and neurophysiological studies. Although unusual, MS may produce pure neurobehavioral disturbances. In the present case, widespread demyelinization produced a complex behavioral disorder, with features compatible with orbitofrontal and Klüver–Bucy syndromes.
Age‐dependent changes in the regulation mechanisms for intracellular calcium ions in ganglion cells of the mouse retina
Authors: Mann Miriam , Haq Wadood , Zabel Thomas , Guenther Elke , Zrenner Eberhart , Ladewig Thomas
Published: November 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intracellular calcium buffering in retinal ganglion cells. We performed a quantitative analysis of calcium homeostasis in ganglion cells of early postnatal and adult mice by simultaneous patch‐clamp recordings in sliced tissue and microfluorometric calcium measurements with Fura‐2. Endogenous calcium homeostasis was quantified by using the ‘added buffer’ approach which uses amplitudes and decay time constants of calcium transients to give a standard for intracellular calcium buffering. The recovery phase of depolarization‐induced calcium transients was well approximated by a mono‐exponential function with a decay time constant that showed a linear dependence on dye concentration. Endogenous calcium binding ratios were found to be 575 (n = 18 cells) in early postnatal and 121 (n = 18 cells) in adult retinal ganglion cells. With respect to ganglion cell degeneration at early postnatal stages, our measurements suggest that neuroprotection of a majority of developing ganglion cells partially results from a specialized calcium homeostasis based on high buffering capacities. Furthermore, the dramatic decrease of the intracellular calcium buffering capacity during ganglion cell development may enhance their vulnerability to neurodegeneration.