bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted inactivation of transcription factors by overexpression of their truncated forms in plants
Authors: Seo Pil Joon , Hong Shin‐Young , Ryu Jae Yong , Jeong Eun‐Young , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Baldwin Ian T. , Park Chung‐Mo 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTranscription factors are central constituents of gene regulatory networks that control diverse aspects of plant development and environmental adaptability. Therefore they have been explored for decades as primary targets for agricultural biotechnology. A gene of interest can readily be introduced into many crop plants, whereas targeted gene inactivation is practically difficult in many cases. Here, we developed an artificial small interfering peptide (a‐siPEP) approach, which is based on overexpression of specific protein domains, and evaluated its application for the targeted inactivation of transcription factors in the dicot model, Arabidopsis, and monocot model, Brachypodium. We designed potential a‐siPEPs of two representative MADS box transcription factors, SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSOR OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) and AGAMOUS (AG), and a MYB transcription factor, LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY). Transgenic plants overproducing the a‐siPEPs displayed phenotypes comparable to those of gene‐deficient mutants. The a‐siPEPs attenuate nuclear import and DNA‐binding of target transcription factors. Our data demonstrate that the a‐siPEP tool is an efficient genetic means of inactivating specific transcription factors in plants.
‘Myrosin cells’ are not a prerequisite for aphid feeding on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) but affect host plant preferences
Authors: Borgen B. H. , Ahuja I. , Thangstad O. P. , Honne B. I. , Rohloff J. , Rossiter J. T. , Bones A. M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe enzyme myrosinase (EC 3.2.3.1.147) is present in specialised myrosin cells and forms part of the glucosinolate–myrosinase system, also known as ‘the mustard oil bomb’, which has an important role in the defence system of cruciferous plants against insect pests. Transgenic Brassica napus MINELESS have been produced by transgenic ablation of myrosin cells. This prompted us to investigate the importance of myrosin cells in plant–aphid interactions. In order to study this, we challenged transgenic MINELESS and wild‐type cultivar Westar seedlings with the aphids Brevicoryne brassicae (a specialist) and Myzus persicae (a generalist). Our study included aphid free‐choice and aphid fecundity experiments. Data from these experiments showed that B. brassicae prefers wild‐type seedlings and M. persicae prefers MINELESS. B. brassicae and M. persicae showed significant variation in establishment on plants regardless of whether they were wild type or MINELESS and also differed significantly in affecting plant parts. Myrosinase activity in MINELESS control seedlings was 83.6% lower than the wild‐type control seedlings. Infestation with either of the two aphid species induced myrosinase levels in both wild‐type and MINELESS seedlings. Infestation with M. persicae reduced the concentration of most glucosinolates while B. brassicae had the opposite effect. B. brassicae enhanced the formation of glucosinolate hydrolysis products both in wild‐type and MINELESS seedlings. However, M. persicae decreased All ITC but increased 3,4ETBut NIT in wild‐type seedlings. Taken together, the investigation shows that the presence of myrosin cells affects the preference of generalist and specialist aphid species for Brassica napus plants.
The periodic wetting of leaves enhances water relations and growth of the long‐lived conifer Araucaria angustifolia
Authors: Cassana F. F. , Dillenburg L. R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe importance of foliar absorption of water and atmospheric solutes in conifers was recognised in the 1970s, and the importance of fog as a water source in forest environments has been recently demonstrated. Araucaria angustifolia (Araucariaceae) is an emergent tree species that grows in montane forests of southern Brazil, where rainfall and fog are frequent events, leading to frequent wetting of the leaves. Despite anatomical evidence in favour of leaf water absorption, there is no information on the existence and physiological significance of a such process. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the use of atmospheric water by leaves takes place and is physiologically relevant for the species, by comparing growth, water relations and nutritional status between plants grown under two conditions of soil water (well‐watered and water‐stressed plants) and three types of leaf spraying (none, water and nutrient solution spray). Leaf spraying had a greater effect in improving plant water relations when plants were under water stress. Plant growth was more responsive to water available to the leaves than to the roots, and was equally increased by both types of leaf spraying, with no interaction with soil water status. Spraying leaves with nutrient solution increased shoot ramification and raised the concentrations of N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Fe in the roots. Our results provide strong indications that water and nutrients are indeed absorbed by leaves of A. angustifolia, and that this process might be as important as water uptake by its roots.
Isolation and characterisation of an antifolate insensitive (afi1) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Navarrete O. , Van Daele J. , Stove C. , Lambert W. , Storozhenko S. , Van Der Straeten D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAntifolates can impair the synthesis and/or function of folates in living organisms. Mechanisms of resistance or tolerance to antifolates have been mainly described in plants using the drug methotrexate. In this work, the antifolate trimethoprim (TMP) was used with the aim of revealing a novel mechanism of resistance. EMS mutagenised seeds from Arabidopsis were screened to isolate individuals insensitive to TMP. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous recessive mutation that segregates with the phenotype of tolerance to 50 μm TMP. Mapping analysis localised the mutation at the end of the short arm of chromosome 3. Preliminary characterisation demonstrated up‐regulation of several genes from the folate biosynthetic pathway in the TMP insensitive mutant, and a slight increase in total folate content in the mutant as compared with the Col‐0 control. Moreover, sequence analysis of the DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) genes, which encode a known target for resistance to antifolates, did not reveal any changes. This study is the first report of a stable mutant insensitive (afi1) to the antifolate trimethoprim in plants, and suggests the existence of a novel mechanism of resistance to antifolates.
The GCN2 homologue in Arabidopsis thaliana interacts with uncharged tRNA and uses Arabidopsis eIF2α molecules as direct substrates
Authors: Li M.‐W. , AuYeung W.‐K. , Lam H.‐M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPhosphorylation of eIF2α is an important strategy for living organisms to adapt to metabolic and physiological changes that are often associated with external stimuli. GCN2 is one of the well‐studied eIF2α kinases in yeast and mammals, which is responsible for the survival of the organism under amino acid starvation. Despite the downstream reactions being quite divergent, AtGCN2 exhibits a high primary sequence similarity to its yeast and animal counterparts. In this study, we provide experimental evidence to show that AtGCN2 shares similar biochemical properties to the yeast and animal homologues. Our in vitro assays demonstrate the binding of the C‐terminus of AtGCN2 to uncharged tRNA molecules and the enzymatic activities of AtGCN2 on both eIF2α homologues in A. thaliana, thus providing essential information for further understanding the functions of plant general control non‐repressible (GCN) homologues.
The partitioning of water uptake between growth forms in a Neotropical savanna: do herbs exploit a third water source niche?
Authors: Rossatto D. R. , da Silveira Lobo Sternberg L. , Franco A. C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn addition to trees and grasses, the savannas of central Brazil are characterised by a diverse herbaceous dicot flora. Here we tested whether the coexistence of a highly diversified assemblage of species resulted in stratification or strong overlap in the use of soil water resources. We measured oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of stem water from herbs, grasses and trees growing side by side, as well as the isotopic composition of water in soil profile, groundwater and rainfall, and predawn (Ψpd) and midday (Ψmd) leaf water potentials. We used a stable isotope mixing model to estimate vertical partitioning of soil water by the three growth forms. Grasses relied on shallow soil water (5–50 cm) and were strongly anisohydric. Ψpd and Ψmd decreased significantly from the wet to the dry season. Trees extracted water from deeper regions of the soil profile (60–120 cm) and were isohydric. Ψpd and Ψmd did not change from the wet to the dry season. Herbs overlapped with grasses in patterns of water extraction in the dry season (between 10 and 40 cm), but they took up water at soil depths intermediate (70–100 cm) to those of trees and grasses during the wet season. They showed seasonal changes in Ψpd but not in Ψmd. We conclude that vertical partitioning of soil water may have contributed to coexistence of these three growth forms and resulted in a more complex pattern of soil water extraction than the two‐compartment model of soil water uptake currently used to explain the structure and function of tropical savanna ecosystems.
Melanin‐Based Coloration in Juvenile Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) Covaries with Anti‐Predatory Personality Traits
Authors: van den Brink Valentijn , Henry Isabelle , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRecent studies have shown that melanin‐based coloration is associated with the ability to cope with stressful environments, potentially explaining why coloration covaries with anti‐predator behaviours, boldness and docility. To investigate whether these relationships are consistent across species, we performed a study in the European kestrel (
Falco tinnunculus). Similar to our results found previously in the barn owl (
Tyto alba), nestling kestrels displaying a larger sub‐terminal black tail band stayed on their back longer (tonic immobility test) and breathed at a lower rate than individuals with a smaller black band when handled. However, in contrast to barn owls, nestling kestrels with a larger black tail band were more aggressive and more agitated. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that melanin coloration is related to stress response and in turn to the reaction to predators, a very important personality trait (i.e. boldness).
Heightened cough response to bronchoconstriction in cough variant asthma
Authors: OHKURA NORIYUKI , FUJIMURA MASAKI , NAKADE YUSUKE , OKAZAKI AKIHITO , KATAYAMA NOBUYUKI 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The pathophysiology of cough variant asthma (CVA) is poorly understood. We compared bronchoconstriction‐triggered cough between CVA patients and normal control (NC) subjects.Methods:  There were two protocols in the study. We measured bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (MCh) and counted the number of coughs in nine CVA patients and seven NC subjects (Study A). Using partial and full flow–volume curves, expiratory flow of the partial flow–volume curve at 40% above residual volume level (PEF40) and FEV1 were used to measure bronchoconstriction. Mild bronchoconstriction was defined as a 35% fall in PEF40 (PC35‐PEF40), and more severe bronchoconstriction as a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20‐FEV1). In study B, the same measurements were obtained in six CVA patients before and after therapy.Results:  In study A, more coughs were provoked at PC35‐PEF40 in CVA patients (median, 60 coughs/32 min post challenge; range, 12–135) than in NC subjects (median, 0/32 min; range, 0–13; P < 0.05). At PC20‐FEV1, more coughs were provoked in CVA patients (median, 60/32 min; range, 12–150) than in NC subjects (median, 20/32 min; range, 0–54; P < 0.05). In study B, the six CVA patients who underwent re‐examination after treatment had less coughs at PC35‐PEF40 (median, 3/32 min; range, 0–14) and PC20‐FEV1 (median, 13/32 min; range, 3–26) after therapy than before therapy (median, 54/32 min; range, 33–125 and 52/32 min, 45–96, respectively; P < 0.05).Conclusions:  We identified heightened cough response to bronchoconstriction as a feature of CVA.
Differential involvement of the basolateral amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex in the formation of sensory‐specific associations in conditioned flavor preference and magazine approach paradigms
Authors: Scarlet Janina , Delamater Andrew R. , Campese Vincent , Fein Matthew , Wheeler Daniel S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractFour experiments examined the roles of the basolateral amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex in the formation of sensory‐specific associations in conditioned flavor preference and conditioned magazine approach paradigms using unconditioned stimulus (US) devaluation and selective Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer procedures in Long Evans rats. Experiment 1 found that pre‐training amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex lesions had no detectable effect on the formation or flexible use of sensory‐specific flavor–nutrient associations in a US devaluation task, where flavor cues were paired either simultaneously or sequentially with nutrient rewards in water‐deprived subjects. In Experiment 2, pre‐training amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex lesions both attenuated outcome‐specific Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer. Experiment 3 indicated that amygdala lesions have no effect on the formation of sensory‐specific flavor–nutrient associations in a US devaluation task in food‐deprived subjects. Finally, Experiment 4 demonstrated that the outcomes used in Experiment 3 were sufficiently motivationally significant to support conditioned flavor preference. These findings suggest that, although both orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala lesions attenuate the acquisition of sensory‐specific associations in magazine approach conditioning, neither lesion reduces the ability to appropriately respond to a flavor cue that was paired with a devalued outcome.
Protoanemonin: a natural quorum sensing inhibitor that selectively activates iron starvation response
Authors: Bobadilla Fazzini Roberto A. , Skindersoe Mette E. , Bielecki Piotr , Puchałka Jacek , Givskov Michael , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryMany Gram‐negative bacteria employ cell‐to‐cell communication mediated by N‐acyl homoserine lactones (quorum sensing) to control expression of a wide range of genes including, but not limited to, genes encoding virulence factors. Outside the laboratory, the bacteria live in complex communities where signals may be perceived across species. We here present a newly found natural quorum sensing inhibitor, produced by the pseudomonads Pseudomonas sp. B13 and Pseudomonas reinekei MT1 as a blind end in the biodegradation of organochloride xenobiotics, which inhibits quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa in naturally occurring concentrations. This catabolite, 4‐methylenebut‐2‐en‐4‐olide, also known as protoanemonin, has been reported to possess antibacterial properties, but seems to have dual functions. Using transcriptomics and proteomics, we found that protoanemonin significantly reduced expression of genes and secretion of proteins known to be under control of quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa. Moreover, we found activation of genes and gene products involved in iron starvation response. It is thus likely that inhibition of quorum sensing, as the production of antibiotics, is a phenomenon found in complex bacterial communities.
In vivo imaging reveals novel aspects of retinal disease progression in Rs1h−/Y mice but no therapeutic effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibition
Authors: Zhour Ahmad , Bolz Sylvia , Grimm Christian , Willmann Gabriel , Schatz Andreas , Weber Bernhard H. F. , Zrenner Eberhart , Fischer M. Dominik 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose  X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is the most common juvenile maculopathy in men and is caused by mutations in the gene encoding retinoschisin (RS1). Evidence in the literature on the therapeutic effect of carboanhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) to treat schisis formation in the retina has remained equivocal. Here, we evaluate the effect of the CAI dorzolamide on the structural and functional disease progression in the mouse model for XLRS (Rs1h−/y).Methods  Rs1h

−/y
mice were treated unilaterally with dorzolamide eye drops (Trusopt® 20 mg/mL) every 12 h for 2 weeks starting on postnatal day 14 (n = 27). Changes of retinal structure were monitored by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography 12 h, 14 days, 4 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after completion of the treatment.Results  Schisis formation (peak at 3 months) preceded photoreceptor degeneration and hyper‐fluorescence (peak at 7 months). Structural pathology was most severe in the superior hemi‐retina with previously unreported hyper‐fluorescent lesions. Quantitative analysis showed no significant differences regarding the inner or outer retinal thickness of the treated vs. untreated eyes 12 h after the completion of treatment (IRT12 h = −1.29 ± 1.89 μm; ORT12 h = 0.61 ± 2.08 μm; mean ± 95%CI) or at any later time point.Conclusion  Time line analysis after short‐term treatment with CAI failed to show short‐, intermediate‐, or long‐term evidence of structural improvement in Rs1h−/y mice. Schisis formation in the inner retina peaked at the age of 3 months and was followed by photoreceptor degeneration predominantly in the superior hemi‐retina. Previously unreported hyper‐fluorescent lesions co‐register with structural retinal pathologies.
Coeliac disease in Type 1 diabetes from 1990 to 2009: higher incidence in young children after longer diabetes duration
Authors: Pham‐Short A. , Donaghue K. C. , Ambler G. , Chan A. K. , Craig M. E. 
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e286‐e289 (2012)AbstractAims  To determine the incidence of coeliac disease in young people with Type 1 diabetes and to examine the effect of age at diabetes onset and disease duration.Methods  This was a clinic‐based observational cohort study of 4379 people aged ≤ 18 years (49% male) between 1990 and 2009 from Sydney, Australia. Screening for coeliac disease was performed at diagnosis and 1–2 yearly using anti‐endomysial and/or anti‐tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies. Coeliac disease was diagnosed by small bowel biopsy based on Marsh score ≥ III.Results  Coeliac disease was confirmed by biopsy in 185; of these, 61 (33%) were endomysial or tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody‐positive at diabetes diagnosis. Mean age at diabetes onset was 6.6 ± 4.0 vs. 8.4 ± 4.1 years in those without coeliac disease (P < 0.001). Mean incidence was 7.7 per 1000 person years (95% CI 6.6–8.9) over 20 years. Incidence was higher in children aged < 5 years at diabetes diagnosis (10.4 per 1000 person years) vs. ≥ 5 years (6.4 per 1000), incidence rate ratio 1.6 (95% CI 1.2–2.2, P = 0.002). Coeliac disease was diagnosed after 2, 5 and 10 years of diabetes in 45, 78 and 94% of cases, respectively. Median time to coeliac disease diagnosis was longer in children aged < 5 years at diabetes onset (3.3 years) compared with older children (0.7 years, P < 0.001).Conclusions  Coeliac disease is common in young people with Type 1 diabetes; the risk is greatest with diabetes onset < 5 years, but after longer diabetes duration. Screening for coeliac disease should be performed at diabetes diagnosis and for at least 10 years in young children.
Dorothy Hodgkin Lecture 2012* Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and ectopic fat: a new problem in diabetes management
Authors: Byrne C. D. 
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1098–1107 (2012)AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is now recognized as the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum of fat‐associated liver conditions that can result in end‐stage liver disease and the need for liver transplantation. Simple steatosis, or fatty liver, occurs early in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and may progress to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Prevalence estimates for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease range from 17 to 33% in the general populations and it has been estimated that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease exists in up to 70% of people with Type 2 diabetes. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In people with Type 2 diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most frequent cause (∼80%) of fatty liver diagnosed by ultrasound. As non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is strongly associated with insulin resistance, the presence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with diabetes often contributes to poor glycaemic control. Consequently, strategies that decrease liver fat and improve whole‐body insulin sensitivity may both contribute to prevention of Type 2 diabetes and to better glycaemic control in people who already have developed diabetes. This review summarizes the Dorothy Hodgkin lecture given by the author at the 2012 Diabetes UK annual scientific conference, proposing that fatty acid fluxes through the liver are crucial for the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and for increasing insulin resistance.
Harnessing Innovation for Change: Sustainability and Poverty in Developing Countries
Authors: Khavul Susanna , Bruton Garry D. 
Published: June 2012

abstractTo date, a well‐developed business perspective on how to promote sustainability for those in poverty is sorely lacking. For sustainability enhancing innovations in developing countries, poverty presents unique challenges. In this paper, we argue that if sustainability enhancing innovations introduced in developing countries are to stick, they need to be designed with local customers, networks, and business ecosystems in mind. We illustrate this view using case examples from mobile telephony, fuel efficient stoves, clean drinking water, and household electrification. Our paper underscores the need for today's managers to understand poverty as an integral part of the sustainability nexus and the new international business equation.
For Rigour in Organizational Management Theory Research
Authors: Donaldson Lex , Qiu Jane , Luo Ben Nanfeng 
Published: June 2012

abstractRigour is required in examining the empirical validity of theories in organizational management, and is often considered to be the opposite of creativity in the development of knowledge about managing organizations. In this article, we argue that rigour is necessary in the enterprise of organizational management research. Moreover, it can actually be a contributor to creativity. The issue is not rigour versus creativity, but rather how rigour can foster creativity. We show that rigour in both theory and methodology can foster creativity. Rigour in theory provides the logical thinking that is the foundation that allows the development of sound theory. This can be achieved in various ways, including theory building, mathematical modelling, causal modelling, and theory analysis. Rigour in methodology can assist creativity in quantitative integration. The contribution of rigour to creativity is evidenced by the recently created statistico‐organizational theory and other new advancements in the field of structural contingency research.