bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A sedimentological model for the continental Upper Triassic Tadrart Ouadou Sandstone Member: recording an interplay of climate and tectonics (Argana Valley; South‐west Morocco)
Authors: MADER NADINE K. , REDFERN JONATHAN 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe continental Upper Triassic Tadrart Ouadou Sandstone Member was deposited in an extensional setting on the Pangaean continent, strongly influenced by a low‐latitude climatic regime (10° to 20° north). Complex interaction of basin subsidence and climatically driven processes led to high facies variability and a lack of correlatable units across the Argana Valley exposures. A process‐orientated approach integrating detailed facies with architectural element analysis was undertaken, which resulted in a multistage depositional model for the Tadrart Ouadou Sandstone Member. The basin‐scale model shows that basal alluvial fan and braided river systems are confined to the centre of the Argana Valley exposures. Aeolian deposits occur throughout the sequence, but dominate in the north. After a phase of playa deposition, prominent basin‐wide fluvial incision of up to 8 m marks the onset of perennial fluvial flow. These well‐sorted, internally complex and locally highly amalgamated fluvial sandstones are widespread throughout the basin and are focused in a north to south (south‐west) flowing channel system. After a final stage of aeolian sedimentation, sandstone deposition of the Tadrart Ouadou Sandstone Member in the Argana Valley is terminated rapidly by the onlap of lacustrine mudstones of the Sidi Mansour Member. The study revealed that, except for one pronounced period of perennial conditions, sedimentation is controlled largely by ephemeral fluvial flow, alternating ground water tables, deflation processes and periods with limited periodic local run‐off. The study highlights that facies architecture in the basin is the result of complex interaction of local syn‐sedimentary tectonics and the climatic regime within the basin, but also the climate of the catchment area to the east. The data suggest a proximal to mid‐distal basin setting in the rain‐shadow to the west of a mountain range (Massif Ancien), which exerted a strong control on the depositional environments of Triassic deposits exposed in this part of South‐west Morocco.
A versatile system for detecting transposition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fedoroff Nina V. , Smith David L. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe maize transposable element Activator (Ac) has been shown to be active in a number of dicots, including Arabidopsis thaliana, whose small genome and short generation time have favored its wide adoption as a model organism for molecular genetic approaches to plant physiology and development. Using the Ac element and several bacterial and plant marker genes, we have devised a versatile system for identifying plants in which a transposon has excised and reinserted elsewhere in the genome. The transposons have been designed to facilitate the identification of insertions downstream of promoters and in the vicinity of enhancers by the inclusion of a β‐glucuronidase (GUS) gene either lacking a promoter or having a minimal promoter sequence. The system permits the transposon and the source of transposase to be maintained either stably in separate plants or in the same plant. Plants in which transposition is occurring can be identified by the frequent somatic activation of the GUS gene. The herbicide chlorsulfuron is used as a selective agent to identify progeny plants in which the transposon has excised from its original insertion site within a chlorsulfuron‐resistant acetolactate synthase gene. Additional selectable markers permit the identification of plants containing a transposed element, but lacking transposase. Here we describe our initial characterization of the system and demonstrate its reliability and efficiency in identifying plants with transposed elements.
Proembryo culture: in vitro development of early globular‐stage zygotic embryos from Brassica juncea
Authors: Liu Chun‐Ming , Xu Zhi‐Hong , Chua Nam‐Hai 
Published: February 2011

SummaryWe have systematically investigated the nutritional requirements for in vitro culture of zygotic proembryos of Brassica juncea. Normal embryo development in vitro was achieved in a new embryo culture medium (ECM) which contains mineral salts, sugars, amino acids, organic acids and coconut water. The culture system is comprised of two agar layers, with the top layer containing a higher osmolality than the bottom layer. Proembryos were embedded in the top layer in which the osmotic pressure decreased gradually during culture because of the diffusion of osmotically active compounds into the bottom layer. Using such a double‐layer culture system and the ECM, proembryos as small as 35 μm (8–36 cells) could be cultured and developed into normal, mature embryos with an efficiency of at least 75%. In contrast to previous findings, we found that the removal of the suspensor had only a small effect on the development of embryos 55 μm or smaller, but no effect on larger proembryos. We expect this system to be very useful for investigations of the mechanism of plant embryogenesis.
The accumulation of zein polypeptides and zein mRNA in cultured endosperms of maize is modulated by nitrogen supply
Authors: Balconi Carlotta , Rizzi Eduardo , Motto Mario , Salamini Francesco , Thompson Richard 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe effect of nitrogen (N) nutrition upon the accumulation of seed storage protein has been studied in wild‐type and opaque‐2 mutant (o2) maize endosperms grown in vitro, for 5 days, on a solid medium containing different amounts of N in the form of inorganic or organic compounds. As reference, the accumulation of zein proteins in endosperms grown to maturity in vivo under field conditions was also examined. The developmental stage up to 14–19 days after pollination (DAP) defines, both in vivo and in vitro, a phase of growth during which the major zein classes of 20 and 22 kDa are synthesized both in wild‐type and o2 endosperms. In vitro, the corresponding transcripts of the genes coding the 20 and 22 kDa zeins, and of the zein synthesis associated gene b‐32, are also present Under in vitro conditions, the level of expression of the zein synthesizing system, as monitored by zein accumulation, is dependent on the level and form of N supplied in the medium. In vivo, at stages of development from 19 DAP to maturity, the synthesis of the 22 kDa zein class and of the b‐32 protein is under control of the O2 transcriptional activator. It is hypothesized that at early stages of endosperm development (between 9 and 14–19 DAP) a ‘metabolic control’, based on N availability, is operative, possibly based on a regulatory factor different from O2.
Mutational analysis of morphogenesis of the maize embryo
Authors: Sheridan William F. , Clark Janice K. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryMorphogenesis of the maize embryo is controlled by many genes. A group of 51 embryo‐specific (emb) mutations representing at least 45 independent mutation events and many different gene loci have been isolated from active Robertson's Mutator stocks. The authors have reported previously that the embryo phenotype of 27 of these mutations, characterized by examining mature embryos in fresh dissection. The maximal development capacity of the 24 emb mutations are reported here which have not been reported previously. All result in retarded embryos that are morphologically abnormal. Three of the mutants are blocked during the first phase of morphogenesis, the period in which the basal‐apical asymmetry is established and the embryo is regionalized into suspensor and embryo proper. Nineteen mutants are blocked during the second phase, the period in which radial asymmetry appears, the embryonic axis is established at a different angle than the original basal‐apical axis of the zygote and the vegetative organ primordia of the adult plant make their first appearance. Two mutants are blocked or altered during the third phase, the period in which vegetative structures are elaborated. Some of the mutants affected in the first phase of morphogenesis may have defective mechanisms for establishing basal‐apical asymmetry, including possibly the asymmetric distribution of morphogenic determinants. Similarly, some of the mutants affected in the second phase may be altered in the mechanisms establishing radial asymmetry and the origin of the meristems. Mutations of the first type may act as early as the first cell division when the zygote undergoes a transverse division, while mutations of the second type are likely to act during the proembryo and transition stages. Both types include mutations affecting embryo pattern formation. Mutations affecting the third phase of morphogenesis may identify genes regulating reiterative morphogenic processes of vegetative plant development and events of embryo maturation. This group of 24 mutations is like that reported previously in representing genes that are crucial to embryo morphogenesis.
Elevated expression of TcHMA3 plays a key role in the extreme Cd tolerance in a Cd‐hyperaccumulating ecotype of Thlaspi caerulescens
Authors: Ueno Daisei , Milner Matthew J. , Yamaji Naoki , Yokosho Kengo , Koyama Emi , Clemencia Zambrano M. , Kaskie Molly , Ebbs Stephen , Kochian Leon V. , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: February 2011

SummaryCadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal for plants, but several unique Cd‐hyperaccumulating plant species are able to accumulate this metal to extraordinary concentrations in the aboveground tissues without showing any toxic symptoms. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this hypertolerance to Cd are poorly understood. Here we have isolated and functionally characterized an allelic gene, TcHMA3 (heavy metal ATPase 3) from two ecotypes (Ganges and Prayon) of Thlaspi caerulescens contrasting in Cd accumulation and tolerance. The TcHMA3 alleles from the higher (Ganges) and lower Cd‐accumulating ecotype (Prayon) share 97.8% identity, and encode a P1B‐type ATPase. There were no differences in the expression pattern, cell‐specificity of protein localization and transport substrate‐specificity of TcHMA3 between the two ecotypes. Both alleles were characterized by constitutive expression in the shoot and root, a tonoplast localization of the protein in all leaf cells and specific transport activity for Cd. The only difference between the two ecotypes was the expression level of TcHMA3: Ganges showed a sevenfold higher expression than Prayon, partly caused by a higher copy number. Furthermore, the expression level and localization of TcHMA3 were different from AtHMA3 expression in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of TcHMA3 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced tolerance to Cd and slightly increased tolerance to Zn, but did not change Co or Pb tolerance. These results indicate that TcHMA3 is a tonoplast‐localized transporter highly specific for Cd, which is responsible for sequestration of Cd into the leaf vacuoles, and that a higher expression of this gene is required for Cd hypertolerance in the Cd‐hyperaccumulating ecotype of T. caerulescens.
Clarithromycin for prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung allograft recipients
Authors: Dhillon Gundeep S. , Valentine Vincent G. , Levitt Joseph , Patel Premal , Gupta Meera R. , Duncan Steven R. , Seoane Leonardo , Weill David 
Published: February 2011

Dhillon GS, Valentine VG, Levitt J, Patel P, Gupta MR, Duncan SR, Seoane L, Weill D. Clarithromycin for prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung allograft recipients.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 105–110.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the major limitation to long‐term survival following lung transplantation and strategies to reduce its incidence have remained elusive. Macrolides may stabilize lung function in patients with established BOS. Their role, however, in prevention of BOS remains unexamined.Methods:  Survival and BOS‐free survival of 102 lung allograft recipients (LARs), transplanted at a single center between July 1995 and December 2001 who routinely received clarithromycin, were compared with two different control groups. The first control group consisted of 44 LARs from the same center who were transplanted from January 2002 onwards and did not receive clarithromycin. The second control group consisted of a contemporaneous cohort of 5089 recipients, transplanted between 1995 and 2001, reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing database.Results:  When compared with the first control group, BOS‐free survival was reduced in LARs receiving clarithromycin. Univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 3.13, p‐value = 0.004) and multivariate (HR 3.49, p‐value = 0.04) analyses showed that routine use of clarithromycin was associated with an increased risk of developing BOS. When compared with the second control group, the five‐yr survival of clarithromycin group was similar (p‐value = 0.24).Conclusions:  Routine use of clarithromycin does not delay development of BOS or improve survival.
Allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation in pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes: Improved outcomes for de novo disease
Authors: Andolina Jeffrey R. , Kletzel Morris , Tse William T. , Jacobsohn David A. , Duerst Reggie E. , Schneiderman Jennifer , Helenowski Irene , Rademaker Alfred , Chaudhury Sonali 
Published: February 2011

Andolina JR, Kletzel M, Tse WT, Jacobsohn DA, Duerst RE, Schneiderman J, Helenowski I, Rademaker A, Chaudhury S. Allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation in pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes: Improved outcomes for de novo disease. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 334–343. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  We report 23 consecutive pediatric patients with MDS who received allogeneic HSCT on IRB approved protocols between 1992 and 2009 at Children’s Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL). Nine patients had de novo MDS, whereas 14 patients had treatment‐related MDS. All patients had a documented cytogenetic abnormality, and monosomy 7/7q− was seen in 12 patients (52%). Fourteen of 23 patients received a myeloablative conditioning regimen; RIC regimens were used for the remaining nine. Five patients relapsed post‐transplant, including four patients who received RIC transplant and four patients with treatment‐related MDS. For the entire group, estimated five‐yr RFS and OS were 47% and 50%, respectively. Treatment‐related MDS was associated with decreased RFS in comparison with de novo MDS (33% vs. 70%, p = 0.05). Five‐year OS rates reached 80% for those with de novo MDS. RIC regimens were associated with decreased three‐yr RFS in comparison with myeloablative regimens (22% vs. 68%, p = 0.02). There was no correlation of survival with blast count at diagnosis, IPSS score, cytogenetic abnormality, donor type, or HLA match. Larger series are needed to confirm prognostic factors so that higher‐risk patients can be targeted with novel approaches.
Immune biomarker panel monitoring utilizing IDO enzyme activity and CD4 ATP levels: Prediction of acute rejection vs. viral replication events
Authors: Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Gupta Sushil , Al Khasawneh Eihab , Haafiz Allah , Shuster Jonathan J. , Theriaque Douglas W. , Shahlaee Amir H. , Garrett Timothy J. 
Published: February 2011

Dharnidharka VR, Gupta S, Al Khasawneh E, Haafiz A, Shuster JJ, Theriaque DW, Shahlaee AH, Garrett TJ. Immune biomarker panel monitoring utilizing IDO enzyme activity and CD4 ATP levels: Prediction of acute rejection vs. viral replication events. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 321–328. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Infections have become as important an event as acute rejection posttransplant for long‐term allograft survival. Less invasive biomarkers tested so far predict risk for one event or the other, not both. We prospectively tested blood and urine monthly for 12 months posttransplant from children receiving a kidney transplant. The IDO enzyme pathway was assessed by MS assays using the ratio of product l‐kyn to substrate trp. Kyn/trp ratios and blood CD4 T‐cell ATP levels were correlated with acute rejection or major infection events or stable group (no events) in the next 30 days. The 25 subjects experienced six discrete episodes of acute rejection in five subjects and 16 discrete events of major infection in 14 subjects (seven BK viruria, six cytomegaloviremia, one EB and cytomegaloviremia, and two transplant pyelonephritis). Mean serum kyn/trp ratios were significantly elevated in the group that experienced acute rejection (p = 0.02). Within‐subject analyses revealed that over time, urine kyn/trp ratios showed an increase (p = 0.01) and blood CD4‐ATP levels showed a decrease (p = 0.007) prior to a major infection event. These pilot results suggest that a panel of biomarkers together can predict over‐ or under‐immunosuppression, but need independent validation.
Growth rates and energy intake of hand‐reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa
Authors: Bell K. M. , Rutherfurd S. M. , Morton R. H. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryGrowth rate is an important factor in neonatal survival. The aim of this study was to determine growth rates in hand‐reared cheetah cubs in South Africa fed a prescribed energy intake, calculated for growth in the domestic cat. Growth was then compared with previously published data from hand‐reared cubs in North America and the relationship between growth and energy intake explored. Daily body weight (BW) gain, feed and energy intake data was collected from 18 hand‐reared cheetah cubs up to 120 days of age. The average pre‐weaning growth rate was 32 g/day, which is lower than reported in mother‐reared cubs and hand‐reared cubs in North American facilities. However, post‐weaning growth increased to an average of 55 g/day. Growth was approximately linear prior to weaning, but over the entire age range it exhibited a sigmoidal shape with an asymptotic plateau averaging 57 kg. Energy intake associated with pre‐weaning growth was 481 kJ ME/kg BW0.75. Regression analysis described the relationship between metabolic BW, metabolisable energy (ME) intake, and hence daily weight gain. This relationship may be useful in predicting energy intake required to achieve growth rates in hand‐reared cheetah cubs similar to those observed for their mother‐reared counterparts.
A krill oil supplemented diet reduces the activities of the mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier and of the cytosolic lipogenic enzymes in rats
Authors: Ferramosca A. , Conte L. , Zara V. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier supplies cytosol with the carbon units necessary for hepatic lipogenesis. The activities of cytosolic acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase are therefore strictly connected to the function of mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are potent modulators of hepatic lipogenesis. In rats fed with a diet enriched with 2.5% krill oil (KO), a novel source of dietary n‐3 PUFA, a time‐dependent decrease in the activities of the mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier and of the lipogenic enzymes was found. The KO induced inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis was more pronounced than that found in fish oil (FO)‐fed rats, at least at short feeding times. The decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier caused by KO was due to a reduced expression of the protein. Furthermore, in the KO‐fed animals a greater reduction in the levels of hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol was found in comparison to FO‐fed rats.
Relation of soya bean meal level to the concentration of plasma free amino acids and body growth in white rats
Authors: Mandal Tapas K. , Parvin Nargish , Mondal Santanu , Saxena Vijaylaxmi , Saxena Ashok K. , Sarkar Sabyasachi , Saha Mitali 
Published: February 2011

SummaryAmino acid (AA) levels in plasma and body growth were determined in rats (n20) fed diets with different soya bean meal levels. Free AA in plasma was determined by reversed‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. We have used four levels of protein diets like 8%, 15%, 23% and 35% in this trial. Rats which were fed the low‐protein (8%) diet with low percentage of soya bean meal were found to be growth‐retarded. The body weight gain of high protein group (35%) was lower than that of the 23% groups. In the rats fed with the low‐soya bean meal diet, some nonessential AA (NEAA) in plasma like asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid and serine increased, whereas the essential AA (EAA), with the exception of arginine, methionine and valine decreased. Here, plasma EAA‐to‐NEAA ratios were not correlated to growth and experimental diet. We hypothesize that AA metabolism is associated to changes in growth in rats on different protein intake. This study has showed the sensitivity of body mass gain, feed intake, feed conversion rate of rats to four levels of protein in the diet under controlled experimental conditions.
Towards marker‐assisted selection in pulses: a review
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Choudhary Arbind K. , Solanki Ramesh K. , Pratap Aditya 
Published: February 2011

With 2 figures and 2 tables AbstractPulses are important sources of proteins in vegetarian diet. However, genetic improvement in production and productivity of pulse crops has been very slow owing to several constraints. The present view of researchers is that the effectiveness and efficiency of conventional breeding can be significantly improved by using molecular markers. Nowadays, molecular markers are routinely utilized worldwide in all major crops as a component of breeding. The pace of development of molecular markers and other genomic sources has been accelerated in chickpea, pigeon pea and some other pulses, and marker–trait associations have been established for a number of important agronomic traits. The efforts are underway to use high‐throughput genotyping platforms besides developing more genomic resources in other pulses. So far, progress in the use of marker‐assisted selection as a part of pulse breeding programmes has been very slow and limited to few pulse crops such as chickpea and common bean. In this article, we have reviewed the progress made, limitations encountered and future possibilities for the application of marker‐assisted selection in the genetic improvement of pulse crops.
Freezability of Tushin Ram Semen Extended with Goat or Cow Milk Based Extenders
Authors: Ari UÇ , Kulaksiz R , Öztürkler Y 
Published: February 2011

ContentsCow milk is used as an extender for ram semen cryopreservation. Caseins, the major proteins of milk, appear to provide some protective effect to sperm during cryopreservation. Goat milk has unique casein structure. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of goat milk, as a main semen extender, on freezability of Tushin Ram semen. For this aim, ejaculates from four Tushin rams were collected with artificial vagina and pooled. Pooled semen was separately extended with four different extenders: TRIS based (TRIS), cow skim milk based (CSM) (10 g/100 ml), cow semi‐skim milk based (CSSM) and goat semi‐skim milk based (GSSM) extenders, containing egg yolk and glycerol. The semen was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen until examination date. After thawing (at 37°C for 1 min), sperm motility, viability, morphology, acrosome and membrane integrity (HOST) were evaluated. Although, there was not any significant differences between extenders in post‐thaw percentage of viable spermatozoa (p > 0.05), Tushin ram semen extended with GSSM or CSM extenders had significantly higher post‐thaw percentage of progressive motility (25.0% and 30.8% respectively), compared with CSSM and TRIS (7.5% and 14.1% respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, lowest abnormality percentage of post‐thaw spermatozoa were detected in ram semen extended with GSSM (49.5%) and CSM (51.5%), compared with CSSM (65.7%) and TRIS (60.7%) (p < 0.05). Whilst the results were considered, it was concluded that goat milk based extenders may be effectively and trustfully used in cryopreservation of Tushin ram semen, instead of cow milk and Tris based extenders, as a main extender.