bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Insights on Degradation ofArabidopsisDELLA Proteins Gained From a Cell-Free Assay System
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhu Danmeng , Huang Xi , Li Shuang , Gong Yinan , Yao Qinfang , Fu Xiangdong , Fan Liu-Min , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) regulates diverse aspects of plant growth and development. GA responses are triggered by the degradation of DELLA proteins, which function as repressors in GA signaling pathways. Recent studies in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) have implied that the degradation of DELLA proteins occurred via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here, we developed an Arabidopsis cell-free system to recapitulate DELLA protein degradation in vitro. Using this cell-free system, we documented that Lys-29 of ubiquitin is the major site for ubiquitin chain formation to mediate DELLA protein degradation. We also confirmed the specific roles of GA receptors and multisubunit E3 ligase components in regulating DELLA protein degradation. In addition, blocking DELLA degradation with a PP1/PP2A phosphatase inhibitor in our cell-free assay suggested that degradation of DELLA proteins required protein Ser/Thr dephosphorylation activity. Furthermore, our data revealed that the LZ domain of Arabidopsis DELLA proteins is essential for both their stability and activity. Thus, our in vitro degradation system provides biochemical insights into the regulation of DELLA protein degradation. This in vitro assay system could be widely adapted for dissecting cellular signaling pathways in which regulated proteolysis is a key recurrent theme.
Monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis in first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic (non‐familial) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Matos Daniel M. , Ismael Sebastião J. , Scrideli Carlos A. , De Oliveira Fábio M. , Rego Eduardo M. , Falcão Roberto P. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryAlthough biological similarities have been described among monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the relationships between these two conditions are not fully understood, and new epidemiological studies in different populations and different countries continue to be reported. Here, we investigated 167 first‐degree relatives from 42 families of patients with non‐familial (sporadic) CLL, using four‐colour flow cytometry. MBL was found in seven of 167 subjects (4·1%). Monoclonality was detected in all cases either by light‐chain restriction or by polymerase chain reaction. Fluourescence in situ hybridization did not show any chromosomal abnormality. The prevalence of MBL according to age was 0 (0/54) in individuals aged less than 40 years, 2·5% (2/81) between 40 and 60 years, and 15·6% (5/32) in individuals over 60 years. The prevalence of MBL cases in individuals over 60 years was similar to that found in familial CLL relatives at the same age group. This suggests that in older first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic CLL, the risk of MBL detection is as high as in older first‐degree relatives from CLL families, which could render these individuals belonging to ‘sporadic CLL families’ as susceptible as individuals from ‘familial CLL’ to the development of clinical CLL.
Differential effects of Nucleostemin suppression on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the bladder cancer cell lines 5637 and SW1710
Authors: Nikpour P. , Mowla S. J. , Jafarnejad S. M. , Fischer U. , Schulz W. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The Nucleostemin (NS) gene encodes a nucleolar protein enriched in adult and embryonic stem cells. NS is thought to regulate cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of NS in bladder cancer.Materials and methods:  Expression of NS was determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in bladder carcinoma cell lines and in normal uro‐epithelial cell cultures. We used an RNAi strategy to investigate the function of NS in two selected carcinoma cell lines.Results:  High NS expression was found in most bladder carcinoma cell lines and normal uro‐epithelial cells. Knockdown of NS expression induced a severe decline in cell proliferation in 5637 and SW1710 cell lines, both with mutant p53. Apoptosis was more strongly enhanced in 5637 cells lacking RB1 than in SW1710 cells lacking p16INK4A. Moreover, NS‐siRNA‐treated 5637 cells accumulated mainly in G2/M, whereas SW1710 cells arrested in G0/G1.Conclusion:  Our data indicate that NS expression is necessary for cell proliferation and evasion of apoptosis in bladder cancer cells, independent of its effect on p53. Also, we speculate that the precise effect of NS on cell cycle regulation may relate to functional status of RB1 and CDKN2A/p16INK4A.
The recent genetics of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism – novel insights and new questions
Authors: Semple Robert K. , Topaloglu A. Kemal 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe complex organization and regulation of the human hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis render it susceptible to dysfunction in the face of a variety of genetic insults, leading to different degrees of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH). Although the genetic basis of some HH was recognized more than 60 years ago the first specific pathogenic defect, in the KAL1 gene, was only identified within the last 20 years. In the past decade, the rate of genetic discovery has dramatically accelerated, with defects in more than 10 genes now associated with HH. Several themes have emerged as the genetic basis of HH has gradually been uncovered, including the association of some genes such as FGFR1, FGF8, PROK2 and PROKR2, both with HH in association with hyposmia/anosmia (Kallmann syndrome) and with normosmic HH, thus blurring the clinical distinction between ontogenic and purely functional defects in the axis. Many examples of digenic inheritance of HH have also been reported, sometimes producing variable reproductive and accessory phenotypes within a family with non‐Mendelian inheritance patterns. In strictly normosmic HH, human genetics has made a particularly dramatic impact in the past 6 years through homozygosity mapping in consanguineous families, first through identification of a key role for kisspeptin in triggering GnRH release, and very recently through demonstration of a critical role for neurokinin B in normal sexual maturation. This review summarises current understanding of the genetic architecture of HH, as well as its diagnostic and mechanistic implications.
Unfavourable trends in cardiovascular and metabolic risk in paediatric and adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
Authors: Mooij Christiaan F. , Kroese Jeanne Margot , Claahsen‐van der Grinten Hedi L. , Tack Cees J. , Hermus Ad R.M.M. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryContext  As a result of the introduction of treatment with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, now 60 years ago, congenital adrenal hyperplasia has become a lifelong chronic disease. Whether long‐term treatment of the disease leads to long‐term side effects remains unknown. In this respect, especially cardiovascular risk seems to be important.Evidence synthesis  We reviewed the reported prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors, i.e. obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Overall, the studies suggest a tendency towards an increased body mass index and fat mass, the presence of insulin resistance and hypertension, although data are relatively scarce and obtained in heterogeneous populations.Conclusions  Our findings suggest that adult CAH patients tend to have a cluster of metabolic risk factors, which are consistent with the metabolic syndrome. This notion may have consequences for the care for this group of patients.
Rapid changes in fish community structure and habitat distribution following the precipitation of lake phosphorus with aluminium
Authors: LUND STEPHAN S. , LANDKILDEHUS FRANK , SØNDERGAARD MARTIN , LAURIDSEN TORBEN L. , EGEMOSE SARA , JENSEN HENNING S. , ANDERSEN FREDE Ø. , JOHANSSON LISELOTTE S. , VENTURA MARC , JEPPESEN ERIK 
Published: August 2009

Summary1. Fish community structure and habitat distribution of the abundant species roach, perch and ruffe were studied in Lake Nordborg (Denmark) before (August 2006) and after (August 2007) aluminium treatment to reduce internal phosphorus loading.2. Rapid changes in fish community structure, abundance and habitat distribution occurred following a decline in in‐lake phosphorus concentrations from 280 to 37 μg P L−1 and an increase in Secchi depth transparency from 1.1 to 1.9 m (August). The proportion of perch in overnight gill net catches increased, whilst roach decreased, and the average weight of all key species increased.3. The habitat distribution of perch and roach changed from a high proportion in the upper pelagic and littoral zones in 2006, towards enhanced proportions in the deeper pelagic and profundal zone in 2007. The abundance of large‐bodied zooplankton increased and the abundance of benthic invertebrates decreased in the same period, suggesting that the habitat shift was not induced by food limitation.4. Ruffe shifted from the littoral and upper profundal zones towards the deep profundal zone, likely reflecting an increased predation risk in the littoral zone and better oxygen conditions in the deep profundal.5. Our results indicate that enhanced risk of predation in the upper pelagic and the littoral zones and perhaps improved oxygen concentrations in the deeper profundal zone at decreasing turbidity are responsible for the observed habitat shift. The results indicate that fish respond rapidly to changes in nutrient state, both in terms of community structure and habitat use.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in healthy Japanese men
Authors: Imai Atsushi , Yamamoto Hayato , Hatakeyama Shingo , Iwabuchi Ikuya , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Koie Takuya , Kamimura Noritaka , Danjyo Kazuma , Ohyama Chikara 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to identify risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in healthy men. A comprehensive risk factor investigation was carried out in a Japanese community. The subjects were 280 healthy male volunteers with an average age of 56 years (range: 20–83 years) who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2006. They were residents of Iwaki district, Hirosaki City, in northern Japan. The participants completed the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) surveys at the site of examination. We measured blood pressure and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). We also measured risk factors for metabolic syndrome and sex hormones. We compared these risk factors with the IIEF‐5 scores. Ninety‐five participants (34%) scored 11 points or fewer on the IIEF‐5 survey (severe/moderate ED), 154 (55%) scored 12–21 points (mild ED) and 31 (11%) scored 22 points or more (no ED). The prevalence of ED in the Japanese rural community was 89% (249/280). The severe/moderate ED group had significantly higher total I‐PSS scores (p = 0.001), baPWV values (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) than the mild/no ED group. The same group had significantly lower free testosterone (p < 0.001) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (p < 0.001) than the mild/no ED group. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences in baPWV (p = 0.003), total I‐PSS (p = 0.015) and free testosterone (p = 0.003). Lower urinary tract symptoms, baPWV and free testosterone are independent risk factors for ED in healthy Japanese men.
Real‐time computation of subdiffraction‐resolution fluorescence images
Authors: WOLTER S. , SCHÜTTPELZ M. , TSCHEREPANOW M. , VAN DE LINDE S. , HEILEMANN M. , SAUER M. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryIn the recent past, single‐molecule based localization or photoswitching microscopy methods such as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) or photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) have been successfully implemented for subdiffraction‐resolution fluorescence imaging. However, the computational effort needed to localize numerous fluorophores is tremendous, causing long data processing times and thereby limiting the applicability of the technique. Here we present a new computational scheme for data processing consisting of noise reduction, detection of likely fluorophore positions, high‐precision fluorophore localization and subsequent visualization of found fluorophore positions in a super‐resolution image. We present and benchmark different algorithms for noise reduction and demonstrate the use of non‐maximum suppression to quickly find likely fluorophore positions in high depth and very noisy images. The algorithm is evaluated and compared in terms of speed, accuracy and robustness by means of simulated data. On real biological samples, we find that real‐time data processing is possible and that super‐resolution imaging with organic fluorophores of cellular structures with ∼20 nm optical resolution can be completed in less than 10 s.
A new method of imaging particle tracks in solid state nuclear track detectors
Authors: WERTHEIM D. , GILLMORE G. , BROWN L. , PETFORD N. 
Published: August 2009

SummarySolid state nuclear track detectors are used to determine the concentration of α particles in the environment. The standard method for assessing exposed detectors involves 2D image analysis. However 3D imaging has the potential to provide additional information relating to angle as well as to differentiate clustered hit sequences and possibly energy of α particles but this could be time consuming. Here we describe a new method for rapid high‐resolution 3D imaging of solid state nuclear track detectors. A ‘LEXT’ OLS3100 confocal laser scanning microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in confocal mode to successfully obtain 3D image data on four CR‐39 plastic detectors. Three‐dimensional visualization and image analysis enabled characterization of track features. This method may provide a means of rapid and detailed 3D analysis of solid state nuclear track detectors.
Comparative phylogeography among hydrothermal vent species along the East Pacific Rise reveals vicariant processes and population expansion in the South
Authors: PLOUVIEZ S. , SHANK T. M. , FAURE B. , DAGUIN‐THIEBAUT C. , VIARD F. , LALLIER F. H. , JOLLIVET D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe use of sequence polymorphism from individual mitochondrial genes to infer past demography has recently proved controversial because of the recurrence of selective sweeps acting over genes and the need for unlinked multilocus data sets. However, comparative analyses using several species for one gene and/or multiple genes for one species can serve as a test for potential selective effects and clarify our understanding of historical demographic effects. This study compares nucleotide polymorphisms in mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I across seven deep‐sea hydrothermal vent species that live along the volcanically active East Pacific Rise. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) method, developed to trace shared vicariant events across species pairs, indicates the occurrence of two across species divergence times, and suggests that the present geographical patterns of genetic differentiation may be explained by two periods of significant population isolation. The oldest period dates back 11.6 Ma and is associated with the vent limpet Lepetodrilus elevatus, while the most recent period of isolation is 1.3 Ma, which apparently affected all species examined and coincides with a transition zone across the equator. Moreover, significant negative Tajima’s D and star‐like networks were observed for all southern lineages, suggesting that these lineages experienced a concomitant demographic and geographical expansion about 100 000–300 000 generations ago. This expansion may have initiated from a wave of range expansions during the secondary colonization of new sites along the Southern East Pacific Rise (founder effects below the equator) or recurrent bottleneck events because of the increase of eruptive phases associated with the higher spreading rates of the ridge in this region.
Use of Immobilized HLA‐A2:Ig Dimeric Proteins to Determine the Level of Epitope‐Specific, HLA‐Restricted CD8+ T‐Cell Response
Authors: Horowitz A. , Li X. , Poles M. A. , Tsuji M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA novel assay to assess antigen‐specific cytokine release from stimulated CD8+ T cells derived from the mucosal and peripheral blood compartments has been developed and standardized using the influenza A virus matrix protein (MP) peptide, GILGFVFTL. This technology is based on the capacity for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2:Ig dimeric protein to stimulate CD8+ T cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐restricted fashion without the necessity for antigen presenting cells (APC). This assay has been optimized utilizing a 9‐amino acid residue (9mer) peptide, the optimal peptide length for presenting an epitope to CD8+ T cells. Compared to existing assays, this more sensitive and specific methodology requires fewer cells, enabling easier and more accurate monitoring of the CD8+ T‐cell response in biological compartments, such as the mucosa during the course of viral infection and may be utilized to assess epitope‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in vaccine trials.
Estimates of motion and strain rates across active faults in the frontal part of eastern Himalayas in North Bengal from GPS measurements
Authors: Mullick Mallika , Riguzzi Federica , Mukhopadhyay Dhruba 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWithin the 2500 km stretch of the Himalayas, a narrow window between longitudes 88.185°E and 88.936°E in the frontal Himalayas in North Bengal, crisscrossed by several active fault traces, presents an interesting region for crustal deformation study. We have estimated velocities of 8 GPS stations located in this area and the accumulating strain rate by two different methods. A total shortening of 11.1 ±1.5 mm yr−1 is occurring across a set of four E–W running faults: Gorubathan, Matiali, Chalsa and Baradighi. The strain rate becomes higher in the NE part of the network, reaching −(0.25 ± 0.12) μstrain yr−1 with azimuth 21°. A statistically significant extension of 10.9 ± 1.6 mm yr−1 is estimated across the Gish transverse fault with a maximum strain rate of 0.36 ± 0.08 μstrain yr−1 with azimuth 103°. The accumulating strain will be probably released through future earthquakes.
Management of Heliothis spp. in cotton by augmentative releases of Trichogramma pretiosum Ril1
Authors: King E. G. , Bouse L. F. , Bull D. L. , Coleman R. J. , Dickerson W. A. , Lewis W. J. , Lopez J. D. , Morrison R. K. , Phillips J. R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTrichogramma pretiosum releases were made in cotton in Arkansas (1981‐82) and North Carolina (1983) to evaluate their efficacy in management of Heliothis spp. The results show that it is not feasible at this time to manage Heliothis in cotton by augmentative releases of the egg parasite in areas where insecticides represent the major control practice for management of insect pests. There are also other factors which limit utility of this biological control measure in some areas of the USA cotton belt.ZusammenfassungVersuche zur Bekämpfung von Heliothis spp. an Baumwolle durch zunehmende Freilassung von Trichogramma pretiosum Ril.Es wurden Trichogramma preftosum‐Freilassungen in Baumwollfeldern in Arkansas (1981‐82) sowie North Carolina (1983) durchgeführt, um die Wirksamkeit dieses Eiparasiten zur Bekämp‐fung von Heliothis spp. kennenzulernen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß es zur Zeit nicht möglich ist, Heliothis durch zunehmende Freilassung von Trichogramma in Gebieten zu bekämpfen, wo Insektizide die Schädlingsbekämpfung bestimmen. Auch andere Gründe wurden festgestellt, welche die Möglichkeit einer derartigen biologischen Bekämpfungsmaßnahme in einigen Baum‐wollanbau‐Gebieten der USA begrenzen.
Preliminary results on the utilization of Trichogramma evanescens Westw. to control the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee in the Philippines1
Authors: Tran L. C. , Hassan S. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTrials on the use of Trichogramma evanescens Westw. against the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee in the Philippines were carried out at six locations throughout the country. The parasitism reached 40 to 76.9 % depending on the population density of the insect pest in the area. Further trials are undertaken to improve the effectiveness of Trichogramma by determining the optimum releasing time and dose.ZusammenfassungVorläufige Ergebnisse über die Verwendung von Trichogramma evanescens Westw. zur Bekämp‐fung des Asiatischen Maiszünslers, Ostrinia furnacalis Guen. auf den PhilippinenVersuche zur Anwendung von Trichogramma evanescens Westw. zur Bekämpfung des Maiszünslers Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee wurden auf den Philippinen an 6 verschiedenen Orten durchge‐führt. Abhangig von der Schädlingsdichte sowie anderen Faktoren reichte die Parasitierung durch Trichogramma von 40 bis 76,9%. Weitere Versuche werden durchgeführt, um die Wirksamkeit der Nützlinge zu erhöhen und gleichzeitig die günstigsten Freilassungstermine sowie die richtige Trichogramma‐Dosis festzu‐stellen.
Mass production of Trichogramma maidis Pint, et Voeg. and its field application against Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in Switzerland1
Authors: Bigler F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe egg parasite Trichogramma maidis Pint, et Voeg. is being mass reared and released against Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in corn in Switzerland since 1978. According to the number of generations of the pest, different release strategies have been developed. In the one generation area, three times 50.000 adults per hectare are released, whereas in the two generations area 150.000 adults per hectare are released only once per generation. In order to get a long activity period by adult parasites, different developmental stages of the parasites are mixed. The average parasitization rate of the eggs of O. nubilalis varied between the years from 75 % to 93 % and the reduction of plant attack was in the same order of magnitude. Biological control of O. nubilalis with T. maidis is nowadays well established in farmers practise and has become an important tool in integrated control in corn in Switzerland.ZusammenfassungMassenzucht von Trichogramma maidis Pint. et Voeg. und ihr Freilandeinsatz gegen Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in der SchweizSeit 1978 wird in der Schweiz der Eiparasit T. maidis in Massenzucht gehalten und in Maisfeldern gegen O. nubilalis eingesetzt. In Abhängigkeit von der Anzahl der Generationen dieses Schädlings wurden verschiedene Freisetzungsmethoden entwickelt. In Gebieten mit einer Generation pro Jahr wurden dreimal 50.000 T. maidis‐Adulte/ha freigesetzt, dagegen in Gebieten mit zwei Generationen im Jahr pro Generation nur einmal 150.000 Adulte/ha. Um eine möglichst lange Aktivitätsperiode der adulten Parasiten zu erreichen, wurden Parasiten unterschiedlicher Entwick‐lungsstadien gemeinsam ausgebracht. Die durchschnittliche Parasitierungsrate der O. nubilalis‐Eier schwankte in den verschiedenen Jahren zwischen 75 % und 93 %; die Reduktion des Pflanzenbefalls lag in der gleichen Größenordnung. Heutzutage hat die biologische Bekämpfung von O. nubilalis mit T. maidis einen festen Platz in der Landwirtschaft und ist in der Schweiz zu einem wichtigen Instrument des integrierten Pflanzenschutzes im Maisanbau geworden.