bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resolving the Compartmentation and Function of C4 Photosynthesis in the Single-Cell C4 Species Bienertia sinuspersici
Authors: Offermann Sascha , Okita Thomas W. , Edwards Gerald E. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Bienertia sinuspersici is a land plant known to perform C4 photosynthesis through the location of dimorphic chloroplasts in separate cytoplasmic domains within a single photosynthetic cell. A protocol was developed with isolated protoplasts to obtain peripheral chloroplasts (P-CP), a central compartment (CC), and chloroplasts from the CC (C-CP) to study the subcellular localization of photosynthetic functions. Analyses of these preparations established intracellular compartmentation of processes to support a NAD-malic enzyme (ME)-type C4 cycle. Western-blot analyses indicated that the CC has Rubisco from the C3 cycle, the C4 decarboxylase NAD-ME, a mitochondrial isoform of aspartate aminotransferase, and photorespiratory markers, while the C-CP and P-CP have high levels of Rubisco and pyruvate, Pidikinase, respectively. Other enzymes for supporting a NAD-ME cycle via an aspartate-alanine shuttle, carbonic anhydrase, phosophoenolpyruvate carboxylase, alanine, and an isoform of aspartate aminotransferase are localized in the cytosol. Functional characterization by photosynthetic oxygen evolution revealed that only the C-CP have a fully operational C3 cycle, while both chloroplast types have the capacity to photoreduce 3-phosphoglycerate. The P-CP were enriched in a putative pyruvate transporter and showed light-dependent conversion of pyruvate to phosphoenolpyruvate. There is a larger investment in chloroplasts in the central domain than in the peripheral domain (6-fold more chloroplasts and 4-fold more chlorophyll). The implications of this uneven distribution for the energetics of the C4 and C3 cycles are discussed. The results indicate that peripheral and central compartment chloroplasts in the single-cell C4 species B. sinuspersici function analogous to mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of Kranz-type C4 species.
Postoperative transient tetraplegia in two patients caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Kudo T. , Sato Y. , Kowatari K. , Nitobe T. , Hirota K. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryWe report two patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy following non‐cervical spine surgery. These cases revealed postoperative transient tetraplegia with respiratory insufficiency despite optimal anaesthetic management. Both patients showed no limitation of their neck movement at pre‐operative airway examination. In addition, their necks had never been overextended during anaesthesia including tracheal intubation. However, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Cervical disc herniation and protrusion of a hypertrophic ligamentum flavum caused spinal canal cord compression, and, these may lead to tetraplegia and phrenic nerve impairment. Their muscle weakness gradually improved and completely recovered the following morning. We should consider the existence of cervical spondylosis in the elderly patients over the age of 60 years.
A novel genetic marker of the ovomucoid gene associated with hatchability in Tsaiya ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Huang H.‐L. , Cheng Y.‐S. , Huang C.‐W. , Huang M.‐C. , Hsu W.‐H. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryTranscriptome analysis using a cDNA microarray was performed to identify differentially expressed genes that are correlated with hatchability, and a new PCR‐RFLP marker of high hatchability among the identified genes was observed. We used the cDNA microarray technique for gene expression profiling of the magnum epithelium of laying Tsaiya ducks, and several regulated genes associated with hatchability were found. The results of real‐time PCR and Western blotting analysis confirmed that the mRNA and protein levels of ovomucoid in the magnum epithelium of animals in the low‐hatchability group were significantly higher than the levels in the high‐hatchability group (P < 0.05). Primers TovF1 and TovR1, designed according to the ovomucoid EST sequence, were used to amplify genomic DNA samples of different individual Tsaiya ducks, and sequence analysis of the amplified DNA products showed deletion among the ducks from the low‐hatchability group. Primers TovF2 and TovR2 were used to perform PCR‐RFLP analysis on the amplified DNA products to classify the ducks into +/+, +/− and −/− genotypes. The animals of +/+ and +/− genotypes were identified as having significantly higher hatchability than those of the −/− genotype (P < 0.05). In contrast, no differences were observed between genotypes in terms of fertility, duration of fertility, egg weight or total number of eggs. Our results indicated that a novel PCR‐RFLP marker of high hatchability, an ovomucoid gene polymorphism, can be used as a genetic marker for marker‐assisted selection to improve hatchability in Tsaiya ducks.
Quantitative trait loci for fatness at growing and reproductive stages in Iberian × Meishan F2 sows
Authors: Tomás A. , Ramírez O. , Casellas J. , Muñoz G. , Sánchez A. , Barragán C. , Arqué M. , Riart I. , Óvilo C. , Noguera J. L. , Amills M. , Rodríguez C. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryA considerable number of fatness QTL have been identified in growing pigs, but there is a lack of knowledge about the genetic architecture of this trait in gilts and sows. We have performed a genome scan, in 255 Iberian × Meishan F2 sows, for backfat thickness (BF) at 150 (BF150) and 210 (BF210) days of age, 30 days after conception (BF30) and 7–10 days before farrowing (BFbf). We have found one BF150 QTL in SSC6 (120 cM) that was highly significant (P < 0.001) at the chromosome‐wide level and suggestive at the genome‐wide level (P < 0.1). Ten additional chromosome‐wide significant QTL were found for sow BF150 (SSC1, SSC13), BF210 (SSC6, SSC8, SSC15), BF30 (SSC5, SSC6) and BFbf (SSC1, SSC6, SSC13). The location of several of the BF QTL varied depending on the growing and reproductive status of the sow, suggesting that part of these genetic effects may have a temporal pattern of phenotypic expression.
Prediction and evaluation of fetal toxicity induced by NSAIDs using transplacental kinetic parameters obtained from human placental perfusion studies
Authors: Shintaku Kyohei , Hori Satoko , Satoh Hiroki , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Nakano Hitoo , Fujii Tomoyuki , Taketani Yuji , Ohtani Hisakazu , Sawada Yasufumi 
Published: January 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in full‐term pregnant women leads to fetal or neonatal toxicity. However, the differences in fetal toxicity among NSAIDs remain to be fully investigated.• Therefore, the ability to predict fetal toxicity of NSAIDs quantitatively at full‐term pregnancy would be of clinical value.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• This study presents a novel approach to predict quantitatively the fetal risk of NSAIDs administered to the mother.• This study shows that the fetal risk of diclofenac is higher than that of salicylic acid and antipyrine using the novel method.• Human placental perfusion study and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis may provide basic data for predicting human fetal toxicity of drugs.AIM The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in full‐term pregnant women leads to fetal or neonatal toxicity, such as constriction of the ductus arteriosus (DA) and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. The aim of this study was to predict quantitatively the fetal toxicity of three NSAIDs (antipyrine, salicylic acid and diclofenac) using the transplacental pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from our previous placental perfusion studies.METHODS Human fetal plasma concentration profile after oral administration of each NSAID to the mother was estimated using the transplacental pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacokinetic parameters in adult women. The fetal plasma concentration–response relationship for the three NSAIDs was estimated by pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of the results of previous studies investigating the effects of NSAIDs on the ratio of inner diameter of the DA to that of the pulmonary artery (DA/PA) in rats and the plasma concentration profiles of NSAIDs in pregnant rats.RESULTS The risk of constriction of the DA was well predicted by the model. Mean DA/PA ratio after oral administration of diclofenac to the mother was estimated to be 39.0%, whereas both of the corresponding values after oral administration of antipyrine and salicylic acid were estimated to be 5.9%. These results suggest that the fetal risk of diclofenac is higher than those of salicylic acid and antipyrine.CONCLUSIONS This study presents a novel approach to predict quantitatively the fetal risk of NSAIDs administered to the mother. Human placental perfusion study and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis may provide basic data for predicting human fetal toxicity of drugs.
Lactococcal phage p2 ORF35‐Sak3 is an ATPase involved in DNA recombination and AbiK mechanism
Authors: Scaltriti Erika , Launay Hélène , Genois Marie‐Michelle , Bron Patrick , Rivetti Claudio , Grolli Stefano , Ploquin Mickael , Campanacci Valérie , Tegoni Mariella , Cambillau Christian , Moineau Sylvain , Masson Jean‐Yves 
Published: January 2011

SummaryVirulent phages of the Siphoviridae family are responsible for milk fermentation failures worldwide. Here, we report the characterization of the product of the early expressed gene orf35 from Lactococcus lactis phage p2 (936 group). ORF35p2, also named Sak3, is involved in the sensitivity of phage p2 to the antiviral abortive infection mechanism AbiK. The localization of its gene upstream of a gene coding for a single‐strand binding protein as well as its membership to a superfamily of single‐strand annealing proteins (SSAPs) suggested a possible role in homologous recombination. Electron microscopy showed that purified ORF35p2 form a hexameric ring‐like structure that is often found in proteins with a conserved RecA nucleotide‐binding core. Gel shift assays and surface plasmon resonance data demonstrated that ORF35p2 interacts preferentially with single‐stranded DNA with nanomolar affinity. Atomic force microscopy showed also that it preferentially binds to sticky DNA substrates over blunt ends. In addition, in vitro assays demonstrated that ORF35p2 is able to anneal complementary strands. Sak3 also stimulates Escherichia coli RecA‐mediated homologous recombination. Remarkably, Sak3 was shown to possess an ATPase activity that is required for RecA stimulation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ORF35p2 is a novel SSAP stimulating homologous recombination.
Reliability of routine clinical measurements of neonatal circumferences and research measurements of neonatal skinfold thicknesses: findings from the Born in Bradford study
Authors: West Jane , Manchester Ben , Wright John , Lawlor Debbie A , Waiblinger Dagmar 
Published: January 2011

SummaryWest J, Manchester B, Wright J, Lawlor DA, Waiblinger D. Reliability of routine clinical measurements of neonatal circumferences and research measurements of neonatal skinfold thicknesses: findings from the Born in Bradford study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011.Assessing neonatal size reliably is important for research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of routine clinical measurements of neonatal circumferences and of skinfold thicknesses assessed for research purposes. All measurements were undertaken on the same population of neonates born in a large maternity unit in Bradford, UK. Technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM and the coefficient of reliability are reported.Intra‐observer TEMs for routine circumference measurements were all below 0.4 cm and were generally within ±2‐times the mean. Inter‐observer TEM ranged from 0.20 to 0.36 cm for head circumference, 0.19 to 0.39 cm for mid upper arm circumference and from 0.39 to 0.77 cm for abdominal circumference. Intra and inter‐observer TEM for triceps skinfold thickness ranged from 0.22 to 0.35 mm and 0.15 to 0.54 mm, respectively. Subscapular skinfold thickness TEM values were 0.14 to 0.25 mm for intra‐observer measurements and 0.17 to 0.63 mm for inter‐observer measurements. Relative TEM values for routine circumferences were all below 4.00% but varied between 2.88% and 14.23% for research skinfold measurements. Reliability was mostly between 80% and 99% for routine circumference measurements and ≥70% for most research skinfold measurements.Routine clinical measurements of neonatal circumferences are reliably assessed in Bradford. Assessing skinfolds in neonates has variable reliability, but on the whole is good. The greater intra‐observer, compared with inter‐observer, reliability for both sets of measurements highlights the importance of having a minimal number of assessors whenever possible.
Dolomite characteristics and diagenetic model of the Calcari Grigi Group (Asiago Plateau, Southern Alps – Italy): an example of multiphase dolomitization
Authors: DI CUIA RAFFAELE , RIVA ALBERTO , SCIFONI ANDREA , MORETTI ALESSANDRO , SPÖTL CHRISTOPH , CALINE BRUNO 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA multidisciplinary study, conducted over the carbonate platform deposits of the Liassic Calcari Grigi Group (Southern Alps), highlighted how the use of outcrop analogues can contribute to better define the distribution of dolomitic bodies related to fault networks, to characterize the petrophysical properties of the dolomitic sequence and unravel a complex diagenetic history. This study was carried out in the Asiago Plateau (southernmost part of the eastern Southern Alps, northern Italy) which provides excellent outcrops of the Jurassic Calcari Grigi Group. The dolomitization of the Jurassic sequence is variable in terms of stratigraphic extension and geographic distribution. In the studied localities the dolomitization is generally limited to the Mount Zugna Formation and is characterized by an undulatory front, with ‘sub‐vertical dolomitic chimneys’ along the major faults. Within this unit, and often associated with faults, stacked high‐porosity and permeability bed‐parallel dolomitic bodies are developed that show excellent petrophysical properties. The dolomitic intervals are characterized by pervasive unimodal and patchy polymodal dolomite crystals. Thin section, cathodoluminescence, isotopic and fluid inclusion analyses were used to constrain the paragenetic evolution of the sequence which is similar in all the studied localities. The first dolomitization stage is marked by zoned dolomite crystals with a dull luminescent core. The porosity is thought to have increased after this stage, with dark blue luminescent dolomite accompanied by the corrosion of older crystals. The appearance of saddle dolomite marks the onset of the porosity reduction stage, ending with the infilling of vugs and the remaining open pores with calcite cement. The diagenetic evolution locally stopped at the saddle dolomite stage with the complete occlusion of the remaining pores. Paragenetic and fluid‐inclusion data suggest an evolutionary trend of increasing temperatures and decreasing salinity toward brackish fluids responsible for dolomite and calcite precipitation. The integration of the available data seem to indicate that the diagenetic evolution of the study area is related to: (i) the interplay between evolving fluids (from marine to brackish); (ii) the burial of the sequence (increasing temperature); and (iii) the evolution of the hydrogeological system (fault and fracture network, fluid mixing). This complex paragenetic evolution is strongly linked to the evolution of the porosity framework that evolved from a good, widespread network in the early stages of the burial history to a confined system in the later stages due to reduction of porosity by the deposition of late calcite and dolomite cements.
Modelling controls on aeolian dune‐field pattern evolution
Authors: EASTWOOD ERIN , NIELD JOANNA , BAAS ANDREAS , KOCUREK GARY 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA second‐generation, source‐to‐sink cellular automaton‐based model presented here captures and quantifies many of the factors controlling the evolution of aeolian dune‐field patterns by varying only a small number of parameters. The role of sediment supply, sediment availability and transport capacity (together defined as sediment state) in the development and evolution of an aeolian dune‐field pattern over long time scales is quantified from model simulations. Seven dune‐field patterns can be classified from simulation results varying the sediment supply and transport capacity that control the type and frequency of dune interactions, the sediment availability of the system and, ultimately, the development of dune‐field patterns. This model allows predictions to be made about the range of sediment supply and wind strengths required to produce the dune‐field patterns seen in the real world. A new clustered dune‐field pattern is identified from model results and used to propose an alternative mechanism for the formation of superimposed dunes. Bedforms are hypothesized to cluster together, simultaneously forming two spatial scales of bedforms without first developing a large basal dune with small superimposed dunes. Manipulation of boundary conditions produces evolving dune fields with different spatial configurations of sediment supply. Trends of spacing and crest length increase with decreasing variability as the dune field matures. This simple model is a valuable tool which can be used to elucidate the dominant control of aeolian sediment state on the construction and evolution of aeolian dune‐field patterns.
Sedimentation and time‐of‐transition techniques for measuring grain‐size distributions in lagoonal flats: comparability of results
Authors: MOLINAROLI E. , DE FALCO G. , MATTEUCCI G. , GUERZONI S. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA comparative study was performed of three instruments used to measure the grain‐size distribution of thirty sediment samples from shallow lagoonal flats: the hydrometer, the Sedigraph 5100 and the CIS‐1. The hydrometer and Sedigraph are based on sedimentation whereas the CIS‐1 uses the time of transition. The percentage of the samples accounted for by the <8 μm fraction was not affected by the technique used, but this was not the case with the clay fraction (<2 μm). Due to its relative independence from the analytical method applied, the <8 μm fraction can be used in ternary diagram classifications. This fraction also has an environmental significance in coastal lagoons in terms of hydrodynamics, organic enrichment and macrozoobenthos assemblages. The linear relationships obtained in this study may provide useful operational indications for similar studies.
Accumulation of human EGF in nectar of transformed plants of Nicotiana langsdorffii × N. sanderae and transfer to honey by bees
Authors: Helsper J. P. F. G. , Ruyter‐Spira C. P. , Kwakman P. H. S. , Bleeker W. K. , Keizer L. C. P. , Bade J. B. , Te Velde A. A. , Zaat S. A. J. , Verbeek M. , Creemers‐Molenaar J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHoney has been used successfully in wound healing for thousands of years. The peptide hormone human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) is also known to have a beneficial effect in various wound healing processes via mechanisms that differ from those for honey. In this study, we show that hEGF can be incorporated into honey via nectar. Plants of Nicotiana langsdorffii × N. sanderae were transformed with the gene for hEGF, equipped with a nectary‐targeted promoter and a signal sequence for secretion to nectar. These plants accumulated hEGF in the nectar. The maximum hEGF concentration recorded with ELISA in these plants is 2.5 ng·ml−1. There is a significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) between hEGF concentration and induction of hEGF‐receptor phosphorylation. Since the flower morphology of these plants did not allow production of honey from their nectar, we used feeding solutions, spiked with synthetic hEGF, to study transfer of this peptide into honey through bee activity. Transfer of hEGF from a feeding solution to honey by bees occurred with retention of the hEGF concentration and the capacity to induce hEGF‐receptor phosphorylation. These observations indicate that plants can function as a production platform for honey containing biologically active peptides, which may enhance wound healing and other biological processes.
Food resource use in sympatric juvenile plaice and flounder in estuarine habitats
Authors: Mariani Stefano , Boggan Ciara , Balata David 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEnvironmental conditions in estuarine habitats can vary greatly and influence the composition of fish assemblages and their trophic interrelationships. We investigated feeding habits and patterns of diet overlap in juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and flounder (Platichthys flesus) from two estuarine habitats in the Irish Sea. Plaice was found to vary its diet significantly across environments, whereas flounder exhibited a more consistent and homogeneous feeding pattern. Importantly, sympatric fish sampled at the same station were shown to reduce diet overlap. The results support the view that environmental heterogeneity in estuaries maintains a wide range of selective forces, the net outcome of which can produce a diverse array of feeding adaptations among interacting species.
The effect of temperature variability on ecological functioning of epifauna in the German Bight
Authors: Neumann Hermann , Kröncke Ingrid 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBenthic epifauna was sampled in an area of 10 × 10 nautical miles in the German Bight. Samples were taken in January and July/August from 1998 to 2009. The ecological functioning of the epifaunal community was assessed using biological traits analysis (BTA). Twelve ecological traits of 26 epifaunal species were considered and analysed using non‐metric multidimensional scaling (nmMDS). Anomalies in the sea surface temperature (SST) close to the study area were mainly above the long‐term mean during the study period. SST was exceptionally high during the autumn months between 2002 and 2006. Additionally, the cold winter of 1995–96 was clearly reflected in strong negative SST anomalies. Trait composition changed in 2002, mainly due to a decreasing trend of traits related to an opportunistic life mode from 1998–2002. Traits related to reproduction showed a much clearer response to the high autumn SST anomalies from 2002 to 2006 than other traits. We concluded that the cold winter resulted in an increase in opportunistic species in the study area followed by characteristic post‐disturbance succession stages to the point of an established community in 2002. This indicates a recovery time of epifaunal communities in the German Bight of 7–8 years. Additionally, the results give evidence that climate‐induced variability of SST in the German Bight affects mainly the reproduction of epifaunal species rather than other traits such as feeding type.