bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Alternatively Spliced Isoforms of the Arabidopsis SR45 Protein Have Distinct Roles during Normal Plant Development
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ning , Mount Stephen M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The serine-arginine-rich (SR) proteins constitute a conserved family of pre-mRNA splicing factors. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), they are encoded by 19 genes, most of which are themselves alternatively spliced. In the case of SR45, the use of alternative 3′ splice sites 21 nucleotides apart generates two alternatively spliced isoforms. Isoform 1 (SR45.1) has an insertion relative to isoform 2 (SR45.2) that replaces a single arginine with eight amino acids (TSPQRKTG). The biological implications of SR45 alternative splicing have been unclear. A previously described loss-of-function mutant affecting both isoforms, sr45-1, shows several developmental defects, including defects in petal development and root growth. We found that the SR45 promoter is highly active in regions with actively growing and dividing cells. We also tested the ability of each SR45 isoform to complement the sr45-1 mutant by overexpression of isoform-specific green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins. As expected, transgenic plants overexpressing either isoform displayed both nuclear speckles and GFP fluorescence throughout the nucleoplasm. We found that SR45.1-GFP complements the flower petal phenotype, but not the root growth phenotype. Conversely, SR45.2-GFP complements root growth but not floral morphology. Mutation of a predicted phosphorylation site within the alternatively spliced segment, SR45.1-S219A-GFP, does not affect complementation. However, a double mutation affecting both serine-219 and the adjacent threonine-218 (SR45.1-T218A + S219A-GFP) behaves like isoform 2, complementing the root but not the floral phenotype. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the two alternatively spliced isoforms of SR45 have distinct biological functions.
Regulation of a Chemical Defense against Herbivory Produced by Symbiotic Fungi in Grass Plants
Authors: Zhang Dong-Xiu , Nagabhyru Padmaja , Schardl Christopher L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNeotyphodium uncinatum and Neotyphodium siegelii are fungal symbionts (endophytes) of meadow fescue (MF; Lolium pratense), which they protect from insects by producing loline alkaloids. High levels of lolines are produced following insect damage or mock herbivory (clipping). Although loline alkaloid levels were greatly elevated in regrowth after clipping, loline-alkaloid biosynthesis (LOL) gene expression in regrowth and basal tissues was similar to unclipped controls. The dramatic increase of lolines in regrowth reflected the much higher concentrations in young (center) versus older (outer) leaf blades, so LOL gene expression was compared in these tissues. In MF-N. siegelii, LOL gene expression was similar in younger and older leaf blades, whereas expression of N. uncinatum LOL genes and some associated biosynthesis genes was higher in younger than older leaf blades. Because lolines are derived from amino acids that are mobilized to new growth, we tested the amino acid levels in center and outer leaf blades. Younger leaf blades of aposymbiotic plants (no endophyte present) had significantly higher levels of asparagine and sometimes glutamine compared to older leaf blades. The amino acid levels were much lower in MF-N. siegelii and MF-N. uncinatum compared to aposymbiotic plants and MF with Epichloë festucae (a closely related symbiont), which lacked lolines. We conclude that loline alkaloid production in young tissue depleted these amino acid pools and was apparently regulated by availability of the amino acid substrates. As a result, lolines maximally protect young host tissues in a fashion similar to endogenous plant metabolites that conform to optimal defense theory.
Adolescent inhalant use, abuse and dependence
Authors: Perron Brian E. , Howard Matthew O. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To compare adolescent inhalant users without DSM‐IV inhalant use disorders (IUDs) to youth with IUDs (i.e. abuse or dependence) across demographic, psychosocial and clinical measures.Design  Cross‐sectional survey with structured psychiatric interviews.Setting  Facilities (n = 32) comprising the Missouri Division of Youth Services (MDYS) residential treatment system for juvenile offenders.Participants  Current MDYS residents (n = 723); 97.7% of residents participated. Most youth were male (87%) and in mid‐adolescence (mean = 15.5 years, standard deviation = 1.2, range = 11–20); more than one‐third (38.6%, n = 279) reported life‐time inhalant use.Measurements  Antisocial behavior, temperament, trauma‐exposure, suicidality, psychiatric symptoms and substance‐related problems.Findings  Among life‐time inhalant users, 46.9% met criteria for a life‐time DSM‐IV IUD (inhalant abuse = 18.6%, inhalant dependence = 28.3%). Bivariate analyses showed that, in comparison to non‐users, inhalant users with and without an IUD were more likely to be Caucasian, live in rural or small towns, have higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, evidence more impulsive and fearless temperaments and report more past‐year antisocial behavior and life‐time suicidality, traumatic experiences and global substance use problems. A monotonic relationship between inhalant use, abuse and dependence and adverse outcomes was observed, with comparatively high rates of dysfunction observed among inhalant‐dependent youth. Multivariate regression analyses showed that inhalant users with and without an IUD had greater levels of suicidal ideation and substance use problems than non‐users.Conclusions  Youth with IUDs have personal histories characterized by high levels of trauma, suicidality, psychiatric distress, antisocial behavior and substance‐related problems. A monotonic relationship between inhalant use, abuse and dependence and serious adverse outcomes was observed.
Clinical trial: intragastric acid control in patients who have Barrett’s oesophagus—comparison of once‐ and twice‐daily regimens of esomeprazole and lansoprazole
Authors: SPECHLER S. J. , BARKER P. N. , SILBERG D. G. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground  Gastric acid control is important for treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease associated with Barrett’s oesophagus. Substantial indirect evidence suggests that gastric acid control may have a chemopreventive role in Barrett’s oesophagus.Aim  To compare the pharmacodynamic efficacy of esomeprazole and lansoprazole at two dosages for intragastric pH control with Barrett’s oesophagus.Methods  Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus received open‐label consecutive treatment (a 15‐day period of once‐daily dosing followed by a 10‐day period of twice‐daily dosing) with esomeprazole (40‐mg capsules) and lansoprazole (30‐mg capsules) in random order with no washouts. Twenty‐four‐hour intragastric pH was recorded on the last day of each dosing period. The primary end point was the percentage of time with intragastric pH > 4.0.Results  In the per‐protocol once‐ (n = 46) and twice‐daily (n = 41) analyses, the percentage of time with intragastric pH > 4.0 was significantly (P < 0.0001) longer after once‐ (67.1%) or twice‐daily (81.2%) esomeprazole than after once‐ (50.8%) or twice‐daily (64.3%) lansoprazole. The proportion of patients with intragastric pH > 4.0 for >12 h was significantly higher for esomeprazole than lansoprazole with once‐ (P = 0.004) and twice‐daily (P = 0.016) dosing.Conclusion  Esomeprazole 40 mg is significantly more effective than lansoprazole 30 mg in controlling intragastric pH with Barrett’s oesophagus.
Identification of two pistachio allergens, Pis v 1 and Pis v 2, belonging to the 2S albumin and 11S globulin family
Authors: Ahn K. , Bardina L. , Grishina G. , Beyer K. , Sampson H. A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground
IgE‐mediated allergic reactions to pistachio appear to be occurring more frequently; however, little is known about its allergenic proteins.Objective
We attempted to identify pistachio allergens and to clone the encoding genes.Methods
Pistachio proteins were extracted and separated by SDS‐PAGE. Immunolabelling was performed with sera from 28 pistachio‐allergic individuals. Proteins of interest were further analysed by Edman sequencing and mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS). In parallel, a cDNA library was generated from immature pistachios and screened with primers designed on the basis of internal sequences and peptide spectra. Full‐length cDNA clones were isolated from the library and sequenced. Recombinant proteins were expressed and tested with sera from pistachio‐allergic patients.Results
Nineteen out of 28 patients (68%) showed IgE binding to a 7 kDa protein fraction, while 14 (50%) showed specific IgE to a 32 kDa protein fraction. Analysis by Edman sequencing and MS/MS revealed that these proteins were homologue to the cashew nut allergens Ana o 3 and Ana o 2, respectively. Screening of the pistachio cDNA library resulted in isolation of novel protein cDNAs. Open‐reading frame translation provided the complete amino acid sequences of two new allergenic pistachio proteins. Recombinant proteins were recognized by six out of six selected patients. Therefore, these new allergens were named Pis v 1 and Pis v 2 by the Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee.Conclusion
Novel allergens in pistachio, Pis v 1 and Pis v 2, which belong to 2S albumin and 11S globulin family, respectively, were isolated and the genes encoding these allergens were identified.
Divergence of visual motion detection in diurnal geckos that inhabit bright and dark habitats
Authors: Nava Saúl S. , Conway Mirela A. , Martins Emília P. 
Published: April 2009

Summary

Recent studies of the sensory drive hypothesis suggest that communicative signals evolve readily whereas change in sensory perception is more constrained by the demands of the physical environment.
Here, we find that diurnal Sphaerodactylus macrolepis geckos collected from dark, forested habitats were best able to detect motion in very dim light (< 10 lux), whereas geckos collected in brightly‐lit coastal areas exhibited optimal motion detection at a much brighter light range 200–300 lux.
Motion detection by geckos from both habitat types declined as light intensity increased above 300 lux. These differences were observed after the lizards had been living in a common laboratory environment for 1 full year and are hence unlikely to be due to acclimation effects.
Light conditions for optimal visual performance match the light conditions of the natural habitats in which the lizards are found. Our results support the suggestion that visual performance may evolve quickly and that the sensory drive process may be best described as repeated co‐evolution between signals and receiver sensory systems.
Thus, for animals that inhabit wide ranges of visual habitats, the sensory drive process may potentially act differently on separate visual response properties, resulting in diverse levels of variation and divergence in visual performance and communication systems.
Fluoresceination of FepA during colicin B killing: effects of temperature, toxin and TonB
Authors: Smallwood Chuck R. , Marco Amparo Gala , Xiao Qiaobin , Trinh Vy , Newton Salete M. C. , Klebba Phillip E. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryWe studied the reactivity of 35 genetically engineered Cys sulphydryl groups at different locations in Escherichia coli FepA. Modification of surface loop residues by fluorescein maleimide (FM) was strongly temperature‐dependent in vivo, whereas reactivity at other sites was much less affected. Control reactions with bovine serum albumin showed that the temperature dependence of loop residue reactivity was unusually high, indicating that conformational changes in multiple loops (L2, L3, L4, L5, L7, L8, L10) transform the receptor to a more accessible form at 37°C. At 0°C colicin B binding impaired or blocked labelling at 8 of 10 surface loop sites, presumably by steric hindrance. Overall, colicin B adsorption decreased the reactivity of more than half of the 35 sites, in both the N‐ and C‐ domains of FepA. However, colicin B penetration into the cell at 37°C did not augment the chemical modification of any residues in FepA. The FM modification patterns were similarly unaffected by the tonB locus. FepA was expressed at lower levels in a tonB host strain, but when we accounted for this decrease its FM labelling was comparable whether TonB was present or absent. Thus we did not detect TonB‐dependent structural changes in FepA, either alone or when it interacted with colicin B at 37°C. The only changes in chemical modification were reductions from steric hindrance when the bacteriocin bound to the receptor protein. The absence of increases in the reactivity of N‐domain residues argues against the idea that the colicin B polypeptide traverses the FepA channel.
Differential spread of discoloured and non‐conductive sapwood among four Fagaceae species inoculated with Raffaelea quercivora
Authors: Murata M. , Matsuda Y. , Yamada T. , Ito S. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryTo reveal the relationship between the susceptibility of Fagaceae species to Raffaelea quercivora Kubono et Shin‐Ito and the tangential expansion of regions of discoloured and non‐conductive sapwood among the species, we inoculated branches of three Quercus species and one Castanopsis species with the fungus. The sapwood around the inoculation hole in all four species became non‐conductive in response to the infection before the discolouration. The expansion of the region of non‐conductive sapwood ceased within 2 weeks after the inoculation. The region of non‐conductive sapwood in Q. crispula and Q. serrata was larger than that in Q. glauca and C. cuspidata var. sieboldii. These results suggest that the region of non‐conductive sapwood expanded soon after the infection by R. quercivora. It was also clear that the transverse non‐conductive sapwood has close relationship with the susceptibility among Fagaceae species to R. quercivora.
Correlation between a reduction in Frontal Assessment Battery scores and delusional thoughts in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nagata Tomoyuki , Ishii Kazuhiro , Ito Tatsuhiko , Aoki Kimiyoshi , Ehara Yoshito , Kada Hidehiro , Furukawa Haruko , Tsumura Maki , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Kasahara Hiroo , Nakayama Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2009

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between delusional thoughts (delusional ideation or misidentification) and frontal lobe function using the Japanese version of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) bedside screening neuropsychological test in early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.Methods:  Forty‐eight probable AD patients with Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≧18 points and a clinical dementia rating score of either 0.5 or 1.0 were divided into two groups based on data obtained from interviews with their caregivers: a delusional thought group (n = 19) and a non‐delusional thought group (n = 29). The FAB total and subtest scores were then compared for the two groups.Results:  Significant differences were found between the FAB total (P < 0.01) and subtest scores (similarities, motor series, conflicting instructions; P < 0.05) for the two groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that delusional thought was significantly associated with the FAB total score.Conclusions:  In addition to episodic memory disorders, a reduction in the FAB score may reflect frontal lobe dysfunctions, including executive function, in patients with AD, leading to delusional ideation.
Comparison of the protein composition of breast milk and the nutrient intake between Thai and Japanese mothers
Authors: Leelahakul Venus , Tanaka Fumio , Sinsuksai Nittaya , Vichitsukon Kannikar , Pinyopasakul Wanpen , Kido Nobuo , Inukai Sayuri 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study compared the protein composition of breast milk and the nutrient intake between Thai and Japanese lactating mothers. The breast milk was collected from 15 Thai and 14 Japanese mothers at the fifth day post‐partum. Twenty‐four‐hour dietary records were performed from the second‐to‐the‐fourth day post‐partum. The nutrient intake was calculated by using the nutrient content of a food table. The protein composition of the whey was separated by gel electrophoresis and was identified by mass spectrometry and two‐dimensional electrophoresis. The results showed that the concentrations of the major protein types in the breast milk were not significantly different between the two groups. The concentrations of the minor protein types varied markedly with the individuals, with higher concentrations in the breast milk of the Thai mothers. There were no significant differences in terms of the energy and protein intake; however, the sources of energy were different. The results indicate that the total protein and lactoferrin concentrations in the breast milk could be predicted by the maternal daily energy and fat intake.
Parental participation and mismanagement: A qualitative study of child care in Iran
Authors: Aein Fereshteh , Alhani Fatemeh , Mohammadi Eesa , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore parents' and nurses' experiences of parental participation in child care in hospitals in Iran. Using thematic analysis, the data were collected through interviewing 14 parents and 11 nurses from two pediatric hospitals. The results showed that four major themes emerged, including the necessity of a parent's presence, the unplanned and informal delegation of care to the parents (which itself had five subthemes: the parents as nurses, the delegation of care without sufficient and planned parental training, informal parent‐to‐parent support, the continuum of parents' willingness to participate, and the neglect of parents' needs), the inconsistency of care, and the parents as informal evaluators of care. Based on the study's findings, effective communication by nurses with parents is required. Nurses need to make an ongoing assessment of parents' wishes for involvement and negotiate care accordingly, with enough support and supervision to warrant quality of care.
Assertiveness process of Iranian nurse leaders: A grounded theory study
Authors: Mahmoudirad Gholamhossein , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Vanaki Zohreh , Hajizadeh Ebrahim 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the assertiveness process in Iranian nursing leaders. A qualitative design based on the grounded theory approach was used to collect and analyze the assertiveness experiences of 12 nurse managers working in four hospitals in Iran. Purposeful and theoretical sampling methods were employed for the data collection and selection of the participants, and semistructured interviews were held. During the data analysis, 17 categories emerged and these were categorized into three themes: “task generation”, “assertiveness behavior”, and “executive agents”. From the participants' experiences, assertiveness theory emerged as being fundamental to the development of a schematic model describing nursing leadership behaviors. From another aspect, religious beliefs also played a fundamental role in Iranian nursing leadership assertiveness. It was concluded that bringing a change in the current support from top managers and improving self‐learning are required in order to enhance the assertiveness of the nursing leaders in Iran.
Effect of long‐term, community‐based daily exercise on the ability to control the dynamic standing balance of Japanese elderly persons in relation to falls
Authors: Maejima Hiroshi , Sunahori Hitoshi , Otani Takuya , Sakamoto Nozomi , Yoshimura Osamu , Tobimatsu Yoshiko 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIt is widely accepted that daily exercise improves the dynamic standing balance of elderly persons. In the current study, 77 community‐dwelling Japanese elderly persons (aged 71.1 ± 0.5 years) participated in a daily exercise program to assess its effect on their dynamic standing balance. The daily exercise consisted of walking, stretching, muscle strengthening, and balance exercises. The program ran for 31 months and the dynamic standing balance was assessed at the start of the program and again at 3, 7, 12, 19, 24, and 31 months. In most of the tests of dynamic standing balance, the measured values improved drastically in the first 7 months; thereafter, they either reached a plateau or continued to improve more slowly. These findings can contribute to the future planning of community‐based exercise programs; in particular, the length of the program and the timing of changes to the exercise load.
Norwegian and Swedish preceptors' views of their role before and after taking part in a group supervision program
Authors: Danielsson Agneta , Sundin‐Andersson Christina , Hov Reidun , Athlin Elsy 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe research literature has shown the expectations towards preceptors and their need of support in their role. Group supervision has been used for many years to promote nurses in their professional role, but no study has been found on how group supervision can support them as preceptors. This study aimed to explore how group supervision could influence the preceptors' views of their role and how they valued this participation. Forty‐eight preceptors, who took part in a 1 year group supervision program conducted by nurse lecturers, filled in open‐ended questionnaires before the first and after the last session. The data were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The findings showed changes in the participants' views of the preceptor role, indicating that this group supervision model had a positive influence on the preceptors' pedagogical and professional thinking and supported their attainment of good preceptorship. Further research is needed in using group supervision as a tool to support preceptors.
Long‐term visual and microperimetry outcomes following autologous retinal pigment epithelium choroid graft for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Chen Fred K , Uppal Gurmit S , MacLaren Robert E , Coffey Peter J , Rubin Gary S , Tufail Adnan , Aylward G William , Da Cruz Lyndon 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  To describe the 2‐ to 4‐year visual and microperimetry outcomes of autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)‐choroid graft in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  In this retrospective cohort study, 12 patients with subfoveal neovascular AMD who had undergone autologous RPE‐choroid graft between August 2004 and June 2005 were reviewed. Change in visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), fixation stability and retinal sensitivity on microperimetry after 2–3 years and the rates of late postoperative complications were examined.Results:  Patients were followed for 26–48 months (mean, 39). Median preoperative VA (logMAR) was 0.87 but declined to 1.43 (1 year), 1.46 (2 years) and 1.38 (3 years), P = 0.001. Median CS (logCS) was 0.75 preoperatively but declined to 0.45 at 2 years. Six patients had serial microperimetry. Fixation stability declined in 1 but improved in 2 patients. All 6 had decline in retinal sensitivity over the graft during follow up. Retinal detachment did not occur after 12 months but 8 developed epiretinal membrane, 12 had cystic retinal change over the graft and 4 developed recurrent choroidal neovascularization. However, 10 grafts retained autofluorescence signal at 18–48 months of follow up.Conclusions:  Autologous RPE‐choroid graft can maintain VA, stable fixation and retinal sensitivity in some patients for over 3 years. The spatial correlation between graft autofluorescence, outer retinal structures on optical coherence tomography and retinal sensitivity are consistent with photoreceptor cell rescue. However, we caution the use of this technique as there is high complication rate and delayed loss of retinal function.