bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labeling Membrane Glycoproteins or Glycolipids with Fluorescent Wheat Germ Agglutinin
Authors: Chazotte Brad 
Published: May 2011

INTRODUCTIONGlycoprotein and glycolipids are found as part of the outer leaflet of cellular plasma membranes. Those glycoproteins or glycolipids that contain sialic acid and N-acetylglucosamine residues can be labeled with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a plant lectin that exists as a dimer (mwt ∼36,000) and is normally cationic. Fluorescently labeled WGA is commercially available with fluorescein, Alexa Fluor, or rhodamine moieties. Fluorescent WGA can also be used to stain the Golgi (the trans-Golgi) in fixed cells. Fluorescently labeled concanavalin A (Con A), which selectively binds to α-mannopyranosyl and α-glucopyranosyl residues, can also be used to label plasma membranes. This protocol describes the labeling of membrane glycoproteins or glycolipids with fluorescent WGA.
Labeling Membranes with Fluorescent Cholesterols
Authors: Chazotte Brad 
Published: May 2011

INTRODUCTIONCholesterol, an essential component of most cellular membranes, is present in the plasma membrane and is enriched within lipid rafts. It is, however, virtually absent from the mitochondrial inner membrane, and there is little within the endoplasmic reticulum. Dehydroergosterol (DHE), a fluorescent cholesterol analog, has been found to effectively label membranes and has been used to monitor cholesterol distribution and trafficking within live cells. Other cholesterol-based probes, such as NBD (N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-yl))-cholesterol, are commercially available (from Molecular Probes). However, cell labeling using the NBD-cholesterol analogs frequently does not show the same labeling pattern as for DHE and native cholesterol.
Fluorescent Labeling of Membrane Lipid Rafts
Authors: Chazotte Brad 
Published: May 2011

INTRODUCTIONLipid rafts are structures within the plasma membrane that have a different lipid composition than the bulk membrane, specifically being enriched in certain lipids. Lipid rafts are believed to have physiologically important functions. Commercially available kits have been developed (Invitrogen/Molecular Probes) for labeling lipid rafts using a cholera toxin subunit that has been fluorescently tagged with one of several Alexa Fluor dyes. As described in this protocol, cells are labeled while in suspension, after which they can be mounted for imaging.
Myeloperoxidase is associated with incident coronary heart disease independently of traditional risk factors: results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study
Authors: Karakas M. , Koenig W. , Zierer A. , Herder C. , Rottbauer W. , Baumert J. , Meisinger C. , Thorand B. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract.  Karakas M, Koenig W, Zierer A, Herder C, Rottbauer W, Baumert J, Meisinger C, Thorand B (University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm; German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology II, Neuherberg; and Institute for Clinical Diabetology, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany). Myeloperoxidase is associated with incident coronary heart disease independently of traditional risk factors: results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 43–50.Aims.  Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a marker of oxidative stress. We prospectively investigated whether an increased serum concentration of MPO is associated with an increased risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods.  We conducted a population‐based case‐cohort study in middle‐aged, healthy men and women within the MONICA/KORA Augsburg studies. Serum levels of MPO were measured in 333 subjects with (cases) and 1727 without (noncases) incident CHD. Mean follow‐up time was 10.8 ± 4.6 years.Results.  Baseline concentrations of MPO were higher in cases compared with noncases (P ≤ 0.001 in men; P = 0.131 in women). After adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing the top with the two lower tertiles was 1.70 (95% CI, 1.25–2.30). After additional adjustment for markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, the association was attenuated (HR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08–2.09). There were no significant interactions of MPO with sex or increased weight on CHD risk.Conclusions.  Elevated concentrations of the oxidative stress marker MPO were independently associated with increased risk of incident CHD. This finding deserves detailed evaluation in further studies.
Pepper asparagine synthetase 1 (CaAS1) is required for plant nitrogen assimilation and defense responses to microbial pathogens
Authors: Hwang In Sun , An Soo Hyun , Hwang Byung Kook 
Published: May 2011

SummaryAsparagine synthetase is a key enzyme in the production of the nitrogen‐rich amino acid asparagine, which is crucial to primary nitrogen metabolism. Despite its importance physiologically, the roles that asparagine synthetase plays during plant defense responses remain unknown. Here, we determined that pepper (Capsicum annuum) asparagine synthetase 1 (CaAS1) is essential for plant defense to microbial pathogens. Infection with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) induced early and strong CaAS1 expression in pepper leaves and silencing of this gene resulted in enhanced susceptibility to Xcv infection. Transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants that overexpressed CaAS1 exhibited enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Increased CaAS1 expression influenced early defense responses in diseased leaves, including increased electrolyte leakage, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide bursts. In plants, increased conversion of aspartate to asparagine appears to be associated with enhanced resistance to bacterial and oomycete pathogens. In CaAS1‐silenced pepper and/or CaAS1‐overexpressing Arabidopsis, CaAS1‐dependent changes in asparagine levels correlated with increased susceptibility or defense responses to microbial pathogens, respectively. Linking transcriptional and targeted metabolite studies, our results suggest that CaAS1 is required for asparagine synthesis and disease resistance in plants.
Cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma in the cat: a review of the literature and five new cases
Authors: Fontaine Jacques , Heimann Marianne , Day Michael J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma (CETL) is characterized by cutaneous infiltration of neoplastic T lymphocytes with a specific tropism for the epidermis and adnexal epithelium. This disease is reported very rarely in the cat. Clinical data were collected from an informal discussion with veterinary dermatologists through the Vetdermlist (vetderm@lists.ncsu.edu). In parallel, case archives of two European diagnostic histopathology laboratories (Institut de Pathologie et Génétique/Bio.be Gosselies, Belgium and the School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, UK) were reviewed. Fifteen cases with a good clinical description were selected, and five sets of skin biopsies were available for review. Cutaneous epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma generally affects older cats with no apparent sex or breed predisposition. Solitary or multiple lesions were reported without predilection for any particular location. The lesions consisted of erythematous plaques or patches, scaly alopecic patches and nonhealing ulcers or nodules, which sometimes mimicked an eosinophilic plaque. Pruritus was rarely reported. No lesions affecting the oral mucosa were observed. Clinical diagnosis of CETL is more challenging in cats than in dogs. Final diagnosis must be based on histopathological examination of skin biopsy samples. The characteristic lesions of feline CETL are similar to those reported in the dog, but involvement of the adnexal glands was not observed in this series (n = 5). The neoplastic T cells were generally small to medium in size. The survival time of cats with CETL seems to be more variable than that of affected dogs. Too few cases have been evaluated to permit clear recommendations to be made with respect to treatment.
Microchip‐associated fibrosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Carminato Antonio , Vascellari Marta , Marchioro Wendy , Melchiotti Erica , Mutinelli Franco 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA 9‐year‐old, neutered male cat was presented for a subcutaneous mass on the neck. After surgical removal of the mass, a pet identification microchip was found within the tumour. Histological examination of the mass revealed typical features of the feline postinjection sarcoma. The cat had never received injections at the tumour site; all routine vaccinations were administered in the hindlimbs. Few cases of sarcomas developing at the site of microchip application have been reported in animals, although the contributory role of vaccine administrations has not been ruled out. This is the first report of a microchip‐associated fibrosarcoma in a cat. Adherence to American Association of Feline Practitioners vaccination guidelines, avoiding the interscapular area, enabled confirmation of the definitive aetiology of the neoplasia.
The effects of skin disease on the penetration kinetics of hydrocortisone through canine skinin vitro
Authors: Ahlstrom Liisa A. , Cross Sheree E. , Mills Paul C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of allergic skin disease on the penetration kinetics of hydrocortisone through canine skinin vitro. Full‐thickness lesional and nonlesional (normal) skin was removed from the dorsal lumbosacral and dorsocaudal thoracic regions, respectively, of five canine cadavers. The dogs were suspected of having flea allergy dermatitis based on their distribution and types of skin lesions. Nonlesional skin was confirmed to be histologically normal, and the histopathology of the lesional skin was consistent with allergic dermatitis. Excised skin was clipped, mounted in Franz‐type diffusion cells, and the transdermal penetration of a saturated, radiolabelled hydrocortisone solution was measured over 30 h. When the penetration data for all five dogs were pooled, a restricted (or residual) maximal likelihood mixed model predicted that the permeability coefficient and pseudosteady‐state flux of hydrocortisone was more than twice as great (95% confidence interval 1.55–2.71 times as great;P < 0.0001) through lesional compared with nonlesional skin. There was no significant difference in the lag time for hydrocortisone penetration through lesional compared with nonlesional skin of the dogs. This study has confirmed that the transdermal penetration of hydrocortisone may be altered, typically increased twofold, but could be as high as 10‐fold, through lesional compared with nonlesional skin of dogs with suspected flea allergy dermatitis. This is likely to be affected by variables such as disease severity, concurrent infections and interindividual differences in skin characteristics.
Evaluation of the bacterial microflora of the conjunctival sac of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Furiani Nicla , Scarampella Fabia , Anna Martino Piera , Panzini Ilaria , Fabbri Elisabetta , Ordeix Laura 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of this case–control study was to evaluate and compare the bacterial microflora from the conjunctival sac of dogs with atopic dermatitis and healthy dogs. Twenty‐one atopic dogs without clinical and/or cytopathological signs of bacterial blepharoconjunctivitis and 21 breed‐matched healthy dogs were enrolled. Under topical anaesthesia, the inferior conjunctival sac of one eye was scraped twice. Material was collected with a Kimura spatula, spread over a slide and stained with a Diff Quick®‐type stain (Medion Diagnostics GmbH, Düdingen, Switzerland) for cytological examination. An area of 0.5 cm2 was examined at ×1000 magnification, and the types and numbers of cells and bacteria were recorded. A bacterial swab was collected and inoculated into culture media for the growth of aerobic bacteria. Before sampling, each atopic dog was evaluated for severity of cutaneous lesions, pruritus and conjunctival inflammation. Significant differences were observed between atopic and healthy dogs for the presence of bacteria on cytology (P = 0.015), keratinized (P = 0.001) and nonkeratinized epithelial cells (P = 0.013), eosinophils (P = 0.019) and lymphocytes (P = 0.008). Bacteria were recovered from 12 atopic dogs and three healthy dogs (P = 0.004). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most commonly isolated species in atopic dogs (seven of 12). In atopic dogs, no significant relation was found between conjunctival bacterial colonization (on cytology and culture) and the severity of any of the clinical parameters. This study suggests differences in conjunctival bacterial colonization and cytological features between atopic and healthy dogs.
Epithelial migration on the canine tympanic membrane
Authors: Tabacca Natalie E. , Cole Lynette K. , Hillier Andrew , Rajala‐Schultz Päivi J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractEpithelial migration (EM) is a process that serves as a self‐cleaning and repair mechanism for the ear canal and tympanic membrane (TM). Epithelial migration has been evaluated in humans and several other species, but not in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the rate and pattern of EM on the TM in clinically normal laboratory dogs. Eighteen dogs were anaesthetized, and three drops of waterproof drawing ink were placed on two sites of the pars tensa (PT) and one on the pars flaccida (PF). Images were recorded with a video otoscope and digital capture system. Each dog was evaluated and images were recorded every 6–8 days for four evaluations. Migration pattern analysis and EM rate calculation were performed with image‐processing software. Descriptive statistics for EM rate (mean, SD, 95% confidence interval) were calculated for all ink‐drop locations on the TM (PT1, PT2 and PF) at each time point. No significant differences in the mean EM rates were identified between right and left ears of the fox hounds breeds (beagle or fox hound), or locations PT1 and PT2. The mean overall EM rates (±SD) were 96.4 (±43.1) and 225.4 (±128.1) μm/day for the PT and PF, respectively. All ink drops moved outwards, the majority in a radial direction, from the original location to the periphery of the TM. The ink‐drop placement method used in this study can be used in future studies to determine the EM rate of the canine TM.
Effects of species and season on chemical composition and ruminal crude protein and organic matter degradability of some multi‐purpose tree species by West African dwarf rams
Authors: Arigbede O. M. , Anele U. Y. , Südekum K.‐H. , Hummel J. , Oni A. O. , Olanite J. A. , Isah A. O. 
Published: May 2011

SummarySeasonal chemical composition and ruminal organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities were determined in four tropical multi‐purpose tree species (MPTS) namely; Pterocarpus santalinoides, Grewia pubescens, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Leucaena leucocephala. Three West African dwarf (WAD) rams fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used for the degradability trials. Foliage samples were collected four times to represent seasonal variations as follows: January – mid dry; April – late dry; July – mid rainy and October – late rainy seasons. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. Ruminal in sacco OM and CP degradabilities were estimated from residues in nylon bags. All samples had high CP (161–259 g/kg DM) and moderate fibre concentrations [neutral detergent fibre (without residual ash], 300–501 g/kg DM; acid detergent fibre (without residual ash), 225–409 g/kg DM and acid detergent lignin, 87–179 g/kg DM across seasons. Interaction effects of species and season on chemical composition were highly significant (p = 0.001) except for trypsin inhibitor (p = 0.614). The MPTS recorded more than 60% OM and CP degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all highly degradable in the rumen. Their incorporation into ruminant feeding systems as dry season forage supplements is therefore recommended.
Improved heterologous protein expression in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii through promoter and 5′ untranslated region optimization
Authors: Rasala Beth A. , Muto Machiko , Sullivan Joseph , Mayfield Stephen P. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryMicroalgae have the potential to be a valuable biotechnological platform for the production of recombinant proteins. However, because of the complex regulatory network that tightly controls chloroplast gene expression, heterologous protein accumulation in a wild‐type, photosynthetic‐competent algal chloroplast remains low. High levels of heterologous protein accumulation have been achieved using the psbA promoter/5′ untranslated region (UTR), but only in a psbA‐deficient genetic background, because of psbA/D1‐dependent auto‐attenuation. Here, we examine the effect of fusing the strong 16S rRNA promoter to the 5′ UTR of the psbA and atpA genes on transgene expression in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We show that fusion of the 16S promoter had little impact on protein accumulation from the psbA 5′ UTR in a psbA‐deficient genetic background. Furthermore, the 16S/psbA promoter/UTR fusion was silenced in the presence of wild‐type levels of D1 protein, confirming that the psbA 5′ UTR is the primary target for D1‐dependent auto‐repression. However, fusion of the 16S promoter to the atpA 5′ UTR significantly boosts mRNA levels and supports high levels of heterologous protein accumulation in photosynthetic‐competent cells. The 16S/atpA promoter/UTR drove LUXCT protein accumulation to levels close to that of psbA in a psbA− background, and drove expression of a human therapeutic protein to levels only twofold lower than the psbA 5′ UTR. The 16S/atpA promoter/UTR combination should have utility for heterologous protein production when expression from a photosynthetic‐competent microalgal strain is required.
The Influence of Spanish‐Language Media on Latino Public Opinion and Group Consciousness*
Authors: Kerevel Yann P. 
Published: May 2011

Objective. This article determines if the use of Spanish‐language media among Latinos influences public opinion on various policy issues and group consciousness.Methods. Using a 2004 national public opinion survey of U.S. Latinos, a multivariate analysis is run to determine the effect of language media preference on immigration policy, abortion, same‐sex marriage, and three measures of group consciousness.Results. I find more frequent use of Spanish‐language media leads to more liberal attitudes toward immigration, but has no effect on opinions toward abortion and same‐sex marriage. I also find increased use of Spanish‐language media leads to increased levels of group consciousness.Conclusions. The differences in attitudes are due to the diverging goals of Spanish‐language and English‐language media. The effect of using Spanish‐language media serves to promote a sense of group consciousness among Latinos by reinforcing roots in Latin America and the commonalities among Latinos of varying national origin.
Patterns and Correlates of Tropical Dry Forest Structure and Composition in a Highly Replicated Chronosequence in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Dupuy Juan Manuel , Hernández‐Stefanoni José Luis , Hernández‐Juárez Rodrigo A. , Tetetla‐Rangel Erika , López‐Martínez Jorge Omar , Leyequién‐Abarca Eurídice , Tun‐Dzul Fernando J. , May‐Pat Filogonio 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTResearch on tropical dry forest (TDF) succession i0s needed for effective conservation and management of this threatened and understudied ecosystem. We used a highly replicated chronosequence within a 37,242‐ha TDF landscape to investigate successional patterns by plant size class and to evaluate the influence of stand age, topographic position, soil properties and spatial autocorrelation on forest structure and composition. We used a SPOT5 satellite image to obtain a land‐cover thematic map, and sampled woody vegetation (adults: >5 cm diam; saplings: 1–5 cm) and soil properties in 168 plots distributed among four vegetation classes: VC1 (3–8‐yr‐old forest), VC2 (9–15‐yr‐old forest), VC3 (>15‐yr‐old forest on flat areas), VC4 (>15‐yr‐old forest on hills). Stem density decreased with stand age and was lowest in VC3, while height, basal area and species density increased with age and were higher in older than in younger forests. Topographic position also influenced forest structure and composition. Basal area and height were largely determined by stand age, whereas stem and species density, and composition were influenced mostly by soil variables associated with fertility, and by spatial autocorrelation. Adults and saplings showed contrasting patterns and correlates of community structure, but similar patterns and correlates of composition, possibly due to the prevalence of coppicing. Our results show that our sampling approach can overcome several limitations of chronosequence studies, and provide insights in the patterns and drivers of succession, as well as guidelines for forest management and conservation.Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Foraging Behavior and Coexistence of Two Sunbird Species in a Kenyan Woodland
Authors: Oyugi Joseph O. , Brown Joel S. , Whelan Christopher J. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTWe investigated the mechanism of coexistence of the rare Amani Sunbird (Hedydipna pallidigastra) and the widespread Collared Sunbird (H. collaris), within Brachystegia woodland in the Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest, Kenya. We compared how prey abundance and search strategies affect resource exploitation by the two species. We used foraging theory to direct our measures of feeding activities as influenced by sunbird species, tree species and foraging height. We evaluated invertebrate abundance among tree species at different heights within trees. The Collared Sunbird primarily used the understory, and the Amani Sunbird primarily used the upper‐canopy. Overall, the rate of prey attacks per flight of the Amani Sunbird was 2.8 times greater than that of the Collared Sunbird. The Amani Sunbird, however, used increased search and attack rates in the understory compared with the mid‐ and upper‐canopies, but the Collared Sunbird foraged similarly throughout all strata. We hypothesize that the increased foraging rate of the Amani in the understory reflects increased foraging costs due to interference from the Collared Sunbird in that stratum. Furthermore, the Collared Sunbird exploits rich patches by moving frequently from place to place. The Amani Sunbird forages slowly, with reduced travel rates, and with a greater number of prey captures within a patch. Arthropod density did not differ among the vegetative strata, but was higher in Brachystegia spiciformis and Hymenaea verrucosa than in six other tree species. We hypothesize that the Amani Sunbird appears dependent upon continued tall B. spiciformis trees within the canopy of the Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest.