bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Arabidopsis Stomatin-Like Protein Affects Mitochondrial Respiratory Supercomplex Organization
Authors: Gehl Bernadette , Lee Chun Pong , Bota Pedro , Blatt Michael R. , Sweetlove Lee J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Stomatins belong to the band-7 protein family, a diverse group of conserved eukaryotic and prokaryotic membrane proteins involved in the formation of large protein complexes as protein-lipid scaffolds. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome contains two paralogous genes encoding stomatin-like proteins (SLPs; AtSLP1 and AtSLP2) that are phylogenetically related to human SLP2, a protein involved in mitochondrial fusion and protein complex formation in the mitochondrial inner membrane. We used reverse genetics in combination with biochemical methods to investigate the function of AtSLPs. We demonstrate that both SLPs localize to mitochondrial membranes. SLP1 migrates as a large (approximately 3 MDa) complex in blue-native gel electrophoresis. Remarkably, slp1 knockout mutants have reduced protein and activity levels of complex I and supercomplexes, indicating that SLP affects the assembly and/or stability of these complexes. These findings point to a role for SLP1 in the organization of respiratory supercomplexes in Arabidopsis.
The Arabidopsis Class II Sirtuin Is a Lysine Deacetylase and Interacts with Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism
Authors: König Ann-Christine , Hartl Markus , Pham Phuong Anh , Laxa Miriam , Boersema Paul J. , Orwat Anne , Kalitventseva Ievgeniia , Plöchinger Magdalena , Braun Hans-Peter , Leister Dario , Mann Matthias , Wachter Andreas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Finkemeier Iris 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The posttranslational regulation of proteins by lysine (Lys) acetylation has recently emerged to occur not only on histones, but also on organellar proteins in plants and animals. In particular, the catalytic activities of metabolic enzymes have been shown to be regulated by Lys acetylation. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome encodes two predicted sirtuin-type Lys deacetylases, of which only Silent Information Regulator2 homolog (SRT2) contains a predicted presequence for mitochondrial targeting. Here, we have investigated the function of SRT2 in Arabidopsis. We demonstrate that SRT2 functions as a Lys deacetylase in vitro and in vivo. We show that SRT2 resides predominantly at the inner mitochondrial membrane and interacts with a small number of protein complexes mainly involved in energy metabolism and metabolite transport. Several of these protein complexes, such as the ATP synthase and the ATP/ADP carriers, show an increase in Lys acetylation in srt2 loss-of-function mutants. The srt2 plants display no growth phenotype but rather a metabolic phenotype with altered levels in sugars, amino acids, and ADP contents. Furthermore, coupling of respiration to ATP synthesis is decreased in these lines, while the ADP uptake into mitochondria is significantly increased. Our results indicate that SRT2 is important in fine-tuning mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Loss of microbial diversity in soils is coincident with reductions in some specialized functions
Authors: Singh Brajesh K. , Quince Christopher , Macdonald Catriona A. , Khachane Amit , Thomas Nadine , Al‐Soud Waleed Abu , Sørensen Søren J. , He Zhili , White Duncan , Sinclair Alex , Crooks Bill , Zhou Jizhong , Campbell Colin D. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryLoss of microbial diversity is considered a major threat because of its importance for ecosystem functions, but there is a lack of conclusive evidence that diversity itself is reduced under anthropogenic stress, and about the consequences of diversity loss. Heavy metals are one of the largest, widespread pollutant types globally, and these represent a significant environmental stressor for terrestrial microbial communities. Using combined metagenomics and functional assays, we show that the compositional and functional response of microbial communities to long‐term heavy metal stress results in a significant loss of diversity. Our results indicate that even at a moderate loss of diversity, some key specialized functions (carried out by specific groups) may be compromised. Together with previous work, our data suggest disproportionate impact of contamination on microbes that carry out specialized, but essential, ecosystem functions. Based on these findings, we propose a conceptual framework to explicitly consider diversity of functions and microbial functional groups to test the relationship between biodiversity and soil functions.
Oviposition preference, larval performance and adaptation of Trichoplusia ni on cabbage and cotton
Authors: Li Yuan‐Xi , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMost female herbivores ensure to lay eggs where their offspring can develop successfully. The oviposition preferences of females affect strategies in pest management. In this study, the performance of two cohorts of Trichoplusia ni larvae on cabbage and cotton (after they had been transferred from their original host plants) were investigated. The preferences of female moth ovipositing and larval feeding on these two host plants were observed. The results indicated that plants significantly affected oviposition preference of the female adults and development and survival of larvae of T. ni. All females preferred to lay eggs on cabbage than cotton regardless from which host they originated. The detrimental effects of cotton on the development and survival of T. ni larvae originated from cabbage (CaTn) increased with the increase of the larval age when they were transferred. In addition, the host plant change did not significantly affect the development and survival of larvae of T. ni originating from cotton (CoTn). Larvae of CaTn preferred cabbage plants as compared to cotton plants, whereas larvae of CoTn did not show a significant choice. Although the adult females preferred laying eggs on cabbage, they did not show preferences between cotton and cabbage in a Y‐tube olfactometer test. The hypothesis of oviposition preference and performance of larvae was supported by the results of CaTn, whereas they not supported by those from CoTn. Based on these results, the strategy to manage this serious pest was discussed.
Over‐transcription of genes in a parathion‐resistant strain of mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Si‐Lu , Liu Yang‐Yang , Qiao Chuan‐Ling , Chen Shao‐Liang , Cui Feng 
Published: January 2014

AbstractInsecticide resistance is an evolutionary adaptation that develops quite quickly in mosquitoes because of the high selection pressure of chemical insecticides, rapid generation time and large population size. Identification of genes associated with insecticide resistance is fundamental to understand the complex processes responsible for resistance. We compared the gene transcriptional profiles of parathion‐resistant and ‐susceptible Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus using a combination of suppression subtractive hybridization and complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray techniques. A total of 278 colonies were selected from the resistant‐susceptible mosquito subtractive library, 38 of which showed more than two fold stronger immunoblotting signals in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain using cDNA microarray selection. The sequencing results showed that the 38 colonies can be matched to 12 genes of C. p. quinquefasciatus. Eight genes were confirmed to be overexpressed by more than two fold in the resistant strain. These genes encode chymotrypsin‐1, theta glutathione S‐transferase, lipase 3, larval serum protein 1 β chain, cytochrome b, mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit, 28S rRNA, and a protein with unknown function. This study serves as a preliminary attempt to identify new genes associated with organophosphate resistance in this mosquito species and provides insights into the complicated physiological phenomenon of insecticide resistance.
Cloning of ε‐poly‐L‐lysine (ε‐PL) synthetase gene from a newly isolated ε‐PL‐producing Streptomyces albulus NK660 and its heterologous expression in Streptomyces lividans
Authors: Geng Weitao , Yang Chao , Gu Yanyan , Liu Ruihua , Guo Wenbin , Wang Xiaomeng , Song Cunjiang , Wang Shufang 
Published: January 2014

Summaryε‐Poly‐L‐lysine (ε‐PL), showing a wide range of antimicrobial activity, is now industrially produced as a food additive by a fermentation process. A new strain capable of producing ε‐PL was isolated from a soil sample collected from Gutian, Fujian Province, China. Based on its morphological and biochemical features and phylogenetic similarity with 16S rRNA gene, the strain was identified as Streptomyces albulus and named NK660. The yield of ε‐PL in 30 l fed‐batch fermentation with pH control was 4.2 g l−1 when using glycerol as the carbon source. The structure of ε‐PL was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Previous studies have shown that the antimicrobial activity of ε‐PL is dependent on its molecular size. In this study, the polymerization degree of the ε‐PL produced by strain NK660 ranged from 19 to 33 L‐lysine monomers, with the main component consisting of 24–30 L‐lysine monomers, which implied that the ε‐PL might have higher antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the ε‐PL synthetase gene (pls) was cloned from strain NK660 by genome walking. The pls gene with its native promoter was heterologously expressed in Streptomyces lividans ZX7, and the recombinant strain was capable of synthesizing ε‐PL. Here, we demonstrated for the first time heterologous expression of the pls gene in S. lividans. The heterologous expression of pls gene in S. lividans will open new avenues for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of ε‐PL synthesis.
Prevalence of Alcoholic Liver Disease and Its Association with Socioeconomic Status in North‐Eastern China
Authors: Wang Haixia , Ma Lixian , Yin Qiling , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Cuiqin 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlcohol consumption has substantially increased in China during the last 3 decades. Socioeconomic status (SES) most likely influences the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in Chinese people who excessively consume alcohol. At the present time, however, little information is available in this field. The objectives of this study were to investigate the population‐based prevalence of ALD and to identify the correlation of socioeconomics with the development of ALD.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 8,186 individuals who resided in Shandong Province and were over 18 years old in 2011 using a randomized multistage clustered sampling approach. Among these subjects, 7,295 (89.12%) were interviewed. Questionnaires covered demographic characteristic, medical history, current medication, and health‐relevant behavior, particularly alcohol consumption, dietary habit, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests, and abdominal ultrasonography were also performed.ResultsAmong the 7,295 subjects, 624 (8.55%) were diagnosed with ALD. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in males than in females (15.76% in males vs. 1.42% in females, p < 0.05). In this population, the risk of ALD was highest in the 40‐ to 49‐year‐old group. The incidence of ALD was highest in individuals who had a high level of occupation. Individuals who had received a low level of education had the highest incidence of ALD. Subjects with a low family income were more likely to have ALD than did those with an abundant family income. Currently, unmarried individuals had a higher incidence of ALD in the overall population.ConclusionsALD is prevalent in north‐eastern China. SES correlates with the development of ALD. Socioeconomic risk factors for ALD in north‐eastern China include male gender, middle age, currently unmarried, low level of education, low family income, and high level of occupation.
Mindfulness as a Strategy for Coping with Cue‐Elicited Cravings for Alcohol: An Experimental Examination
Authors: Murphy Cara M. , MacKillop James 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundMindfulness has been identified as a promising strategy for managing cravings for alcohol and other drugs, but little controlled experimental research has directly studied whether this approach is effective. The current study systematically examined the effects of an acute mindfulness manipulation on craving for alcohol during prolonged exposure to alcohol cues.MethodsHeavy drinkers (N = 84, 50% male) underwent a prolonged alcohol cue exposure paradigm in a simulated bar environment and received either a mindfulness‐based strategy, a distraction (DST)‐based strategy (active control), or no strategy (passive control) to cope with alcohol cravings and discomfort associated with craving.ResultsNo baseline differences were present between conditions. Manipulation checks revealed that participants in the 2 active conditions reported using the recommended strategies. Across groups, the initial exposure to alcohol cues was associated with significant increases in craving, urge distress, and heart rate. Mixed analyses of variance on these indices following the experimental manipulation revealed significant differences based on condition over the course of the bar laboratory protocol. The DST strategy was significantly more effective at acutely reducing craving and urge distress than the other 2 conditions, which did not significantly differ from each other.ConclusionsContrary to our prediction, these findings suggest that an acute DSTstrategy is beneficial for coping with alcohol cravings. The potential importance of protracted mindfulness training to detect significant effects on in vivo craving, additional implications, and methodological considerations are discussed.
Flushing Response Modifies the Association of Alcohol Consumption with Markers of Glucose Metabolism in Japanese Men and Women
Authors: Kuwahara Keisuke , Kochi Takeshi , Nanri Akiko , Tsuruoka Hiroko , Kurotani Kayo , Pham Ngoc Minh , Akter Shamima , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundInfluences of alcohol use on glucose metabolism may depend on alcohol flushing response. We investigated the effect of alcohol flushing response on the associations between alcohol consumption and markers of glucose metabolism in Japanese men and women.MethodsThe subjects were 979 employees (885 men and 94 women), aged 18 to 69 years, of a manufacturing company in Japan. Flushing response and alcohol consumption were determined using a self‐administered questionnaire. Homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment for β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) were computed using fasting plasma glucose and insulin. For each group of flushers and nonflushers, multiple regression analysis was used to estimate means of fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and HOMAs for each category of alcohol consumption, with adjustments for potential confounders.ResultsIn flushers, alcohol consumption was associated with HbA1c levels in a U‐shaped manner, with the lowest HbA1c levels being observed at an alcohol consumption level of 23.0 to <34.5 g ethanol/d (p for quadratic trend = 0.002). In nonflushers, alcohol consumption was linearly and inversely associated with HbA1c levels (p for linear trend = 0.001). Decreases in HbA1c were more evident among flushers compared with nonflushers at moderate alcohol consumption levels (p for interaction = 0.049). An increase of fasting glucose associated with highest alcohol consumption was observed in both flushers and nonflushers. A statistically significant decrease in HOMA‐IR with increasing alcohol consumption was observed in flushers (p for trend = 0.007), whereas HOMA‐IR levels slightly decreased at higher alcohol consumption in nonflushers. HOMA‐β similarly decreased with increasing alcohol consumption in both flushers and nonflushers (both p for trend < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results suggest that the alcohol flushing response may improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance at moderate alcohol use levels in apparently healthy Japanese adults.
Failure of Acute Ethanol Administration to Alter Cerebrocortical and Hippocampal Allopregnanolone Levels in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J Mice
Authors: Porcu Patrizia , Locci Andrea , Santoru Francesca , Berretti Roberta , Morrow A. Leslie , Concas Alessandra 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) administration increases brain allopregnanolone levels in rats, and this increase contributes to sensitivity to EtOH's behavioral effects. However, EtOH's effects on allopregnanolone may differ across species. We investigated the effects of acute EtOH administration on allopregnanolone, progesterone, and corticosterone levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice, 2 inbred strains with different alcohol sensitivity.MethodsNaïve male C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice received EtOH (1, 2, 3, or 4 g/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or saline and were euthanized 1 hour later. For the time‐course study, mice received EtOH (2 g/kg, i.p.) and were euthanized 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes later. Steroids were measured by radioimmunoassay.ResultsAcute EtOH administration did not alter cerebrocortical and hippocampal levels of allopregnanolone and progesterone in these strains at any of the doses and time points examined. Acute EtOH dose‐dependently increased cerebrocortical corticosterone levels by 319, 347, and 459% in C57BL/6J mice at the doses of 2, 3, and 4 g/kg, and by 371, 507, 533, and 692% in DBA/2J mice at the doses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg, respectively. Similar changes were observed in the hippocampus. EtOH's effects on cerebrocortical corticosterone levels were also time dependent in both strains. Moreover, acute EtOH administration time‐dependently increased plasma levels of progesterone and corticosterone. Finally, morphine administration increased cerebrocortical allopregnanolone levels in C57BL/6J (+77, +93, and +88% at 5, 10, and 30 mg/kg, respectively) and DBA/2J mice (+81% at 5 mg/kg), suggesting that the impairment in brain neurosteroidogenesis may be specific to EtOH.ConclusionsThese results underline important species differences on EtOH‐induced brain neurosteroidogenesis. Acute EtOH increases brain and plasma corticosterone levels but does not alter cerebrocortical and hippocampal concentrations of allopregnanolone and progesterone in naïve C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice.
A 5‐Year Follow‐Up of Depressed and Bipolar Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder in an Irish Population
Authors: Farren Conor K. , Murphy Philip , McElroy Sharon 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUDs) and affective disorders commonly co‐occur, and this co‐occurrence is mutually detrimental. To date, few long‐term outcome studies exist involving patients with these comorbid disorders. We wished to determine treatment outcomes 5 years after inpatient integrated treatment in patients with these co‐occurring disorders, and identify prognostic factors associated with long‐term outcome.MethodsTwo hundred and five depressed and bipolar patients with AUD who completed an inpatient integrated treatment program for dual diagnosis were assessed at baseline, posttreatment discharge, and at 3 months, 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years after treatment.ResultsThe retention rate at 3 months postdischarge was 95.6%, 75.6% at 6 months, 70.2% at 2 years, and 55.6% at 5 years. Depression, elation, anxiety, and craving scores all fell over the 5‐year period, as did the drinking outcome measures in both the depressed and bipolar alcoholics. Each of the primary drinking outcome measures had independent prognostic factors: abstinence at 2 years predicted abstinence at 5 years; number of drinking days at 6 months and 2 years predicted number of drinking days at 5 years; number of drinks per drinking day at 6 months and 2 years predicted number of drinks per drinking day at 5 years. Moreover, the majority of nonabstinent light drinkers at 3 months, who had significantly reduced their mean weekly alcohol consumption since baseline, remained light drinkers at 5 years and very few went on to be heavy drinkers. Indeed, if they did alter category by 5 years, they tended to become abstinent.ConclusionsDual diagnosis of AUD and depression or bipolar disorder may be treated successfully together with intensive intervention and follow‐up, and various prognostic factors emerge. Early abstinence predicts later abstinence, and the vast majority of those who achieve light drinking early in recovery remain light drinkers or become abstinent at 5 years.
Binge Drinking, Reflection Impulsivity, and Unplanned Sexual Behavior: Impaired Decision‐Making in Young Social Drinkers
Authors: Townshend Julia M. , Kambouropoulos Nicolas , Griffin Alison , Hunt Frances J. , Milani Raffaella M. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe repeated pattern of heavy intoxication followed by withdrawal from alcohol (i.e., “binge drinking”) has been found to have substantial adverse effects on prefrontal neural systems associated with decision‐making and impulse control. Repeated binge drinking has been linked to risky and unplanned sexual behavior; however few studies have examined the role of impulsivity and related cognitive processes in understanding this association. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between binge drinking, “reflection impulsivity” (deficits in gathering and evaluating information during decision‐making), alcohol‐related expectancies, and unplanned sexual behavior in a sample of young social drinkers.MethodsNinety‐two university students completed the alcohol use questionnaire (AUQ) to measure alcohol intake and binge drinking. Two groups (low‐binge and high‐binge) were generated from theAUQdata. TheInformationSamplingTask (IST) was used to measure reflection impulsivity; theAlcoholExpectancyQuestionnaire (AEQ) for alcohol outcome expectancies; and an unplanned sexual behavior questionnaire, which asked about the number of unplanned sexual events.ResultsWhen compared to the low‐binge drinking group, the high‐binge drinkers had significantly more unplanned sexual encounters and were impaired on theIST, reflection‐impulsivity task. They scored higher on the alcohol expectancy factors of sociability, risk and aggression, negative self‐perception, and in particular liquid courage. In a regression analysis, number of unplanned sexual encounters, binge drinking score, and liquid courage were all significantly related.ConclusionsThese results support the role of binge drinking in reduced impulse control and decision‐making deficits. The findings indicate that high‐binge drinkers demonstrate impairments on an impulse control task similar to that observed in dependent samples and this may be a factor in understanding the negative behavioral consequences associated with excessive alcohol use.
The impact of litigation risk on the strategic timing of management earnings forecasts
Authors: Jackson Andrew B. , Gallery Gerry , Balatbat Maria C. A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper examines whether managers strategically time their earnings forecasts (MEFs) as litigation risk increases. We find as litigation risk increases, the propensity to release a delayed forecast until after the market is closed (AMC) or a Friday decreases but not proportionally more for bad news than for good news. How costly this behaviour is to investors is questionable as share price returns do not reveal any under‐reaction to strategically timed bad news MEF released AMC. We also find evidence consistent with managers timing their MEFs during a natural no‐trading period to better disseminate information.