bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GhHmgB3 deficiency deregulates proliferation and differentiation of cells during somatic embryogenesis in cotton
Authors: Hu Lisong , Yang Xiyan , Yuan Daojun , Zeng Fanchang , Zhang Xianlong 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe proteins of high‐mobility group box (HmgB) family were involved in the regulation of transcription and other DNA‐dependent processes. To investigate the function of HmgB proteins during cotton somatic embryogenesis (SE), four Gossypium hirsutum HmgB genes were characterized. The gene GhHmgB3 preferentially expressed in embryonic tissues and was studied in detail. RNA interference and over‐expression was used to regulate the expression of GhHmgB3 during cotton SE by transforming both hypocotyl and embryogenic calli (ECs) via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The GhHmgB3‐deficient somatic cells of hypocotyls dedifferentiated more vigorously than the control cells, but they failed to differentiate to ECs. In another case, the proliferation and differentiation of GhHmgB3‐deficient ECs were significantly improved, but failed to form plantlets. Over‐expression of GhHmgB3 had no significant differences in callus initiation and differentiation compared with the control cell lines. The different expression genes between the control and GhHmgB3‐deficient ECs were identified by Solexa sequencing technology. The bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification revealed series of abnormal mechanism associated with β‐catenin signalling. These results in response to the down‐regulation of GhHmgB3 revealed series of β‐catenin‐related mechanisms might be responsible for the deregulation of proliferation and differentiation of cells in cotton SE.
Metabolic engineering of soybean affords improved phytosterol seed traits
Authors: Neelakandan Anjanasree K. , Chamala Swetha , Valliyodan Babu , Nes William David , Nguyen Henry T. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryDifferent combinations of three rate‐limiting enzymes in phytosterol biosynthesis, the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxyl methylglutaryl CoA1 (HMGR1) catalytic subunit linked to either constitutive or seed‐specific β‐conglycinin promoter, and the Glycine max sterol methyltransferase1 (SMT1) and sterol methyltransferase2‐2 (SMT2‐2) genes, under the control of seed‐specific Glycinin‐1 and Beta‐phaseolin promoters, respectively, were engineered in soybean plants. Mature seeds of transgenic plants displayed modest increases in total sterol content, which points towards a tight control of phytosterol biosynthesis. However, in contrast to wild‐type seeds that accumulated about 35% of the total sterol in the form of intermediates, in the engineered seeds driven by a seed‐specific promoter, metabolic flux was directed to Δ5‐24‐alkyl sterol formation (99% of total sterol). The engineered effect of end‐product sterol (sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) over‐production in soybean seeds resulted in an approximately 30% increase in overall sitosterol synthesis, a desirable trait for oilseeds and human health. In contradistinction, increased accumulation of cycloartenol and 24(28)‐methylencylartanol (55% of the total sterol) was detected in plants harbouring the constitutive t‐HMGR1 gene, consistent with the previous studies. Our results support the possibility that metabolic flux of the phytosterol family pathway is differentially regulated in leaves and seeds.
Neil MacCormick's Second Thoughts on Legal Reasoning and Legal Theory. A Defence of the Original View
Authors: SCHIAVELLO ALDO 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper offers a diachronic reconstruction of MacCormick's theory of law and legal argumentation: In particular, two related points will be highlighted in which the difference between the perspective upheld in Legal Reasoning and Legal Theory and the later writings is particularly marked. The first point concerns MacCormick's gradual break with legal positivism, and more specifically the thesis that the implicit pretension to justice of law proves legal positivism false in all its different versions. The second point concerns MacCormick's acceptance of the one‐right‐answer thesis and the consequent thinning of the differences between MacCormick's theory of legal reasoning and that of Ronald Dworkin and of Robert Alexy. The intent, however, is not only to describe this change in MacCormick's thought, but also to attempt a defence of the original view that we find in Legal Reasoning and Legal Theory.
Women and Budget Deficits*
Authors: Krogstrup Signe , Wälti Sébastien 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIf women have different economic preferences than men, then female economic and political empowerment is likely to change economic policy, and in turn perhaps macroeconomic outcomes. In this paper, we narrow the focus to fiscal policy, and we investigate whether female enfranchisement affects government budget deficits. In a difference‐in‐differences regression for Swiss cantonal panel data, we find that the inclusion of women in the electorate has reduced deficits by a statistically significant amount.
The association between chronic psychosocial stress, allostatic load, and vascular health in asymptomatic young men: A pilot study using a novel finger arterial stiffness index1
Authors: TANAKA GOHICHI , KATO YUICHI , MATSUMURA KENTA , HORIGUCHI MASAMI , OGASAWARA HARUKO , SAWADA YUKIHIRO 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA novel index of finger arterial stiffness (FSI) was tested in terms of the relationship with risk markers for preclinical cardiovascular disease. In addition, we examined if the association between psychosocial factors and FSI was explained by allostatic load markers in 37 healthy young men aged 24.8 ± 4.0 years. The FSI was devised based on an exponential model of the finger arterial pressure‐volume relationship. The allostatic load index (ALI) as a cumulative risk marker was defined by the mean of standard scores for nine variables: resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), total cholesterol/HDL‐C ratio, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, insulin resistance, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP). Partial correlations controlling for age were significant for FSI with HDL‐C (r = −.36), CRP (r = .39), ALI (r = .40), unhealthy overall eating habits (r = .34), hostility using the Buss‐Perry Aggression Questionnaire (r = .38), and manageability in Sense of Coherence (r = −.38). In conclusion, FSI seems to be associated with vascular proinflammation as well as with overall physiological dysregulation and allostatic load. These associations were moderated by eating lifestyle and psychosocial stress.
Blunted as well as exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity to stress is associated with negative health outcomes1
Authors: PHILLIPS ANNA C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe reactivity hypothesis implicates exaggerated cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress in the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity has also been suggested as a mediator between a variety of psychosocial and behavioral risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Recent data analyses from the West of Scotland Twenty‐07 study and our own group are discussed together, to show that blunted as well as exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity to stress may be associated with negative health outcomes. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed at rest and during an acute mental arithmetic stress task. We show that depression and obesity are associated with blunted rather than exaggerated reactivity. These seemingly paradoxical results are discussed in terms of implications for the reactivity hypothesis.
Modulation of stress reactivity in brain and body by serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism1
Authors: OHIRA HIDEKI 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in the promoter region (5HTTLPR) has been considered to link with vulnerability to depression and anxiety. This paper introduces a series of our studies showing that this genetic polymorphism can explain portions of individual differences in stress reactivity at multiple levels: brain functions, peripheral physiological responses, and behaviors. Specifically: (a) carriers of double short (S) alleles, compared with carriers of at least one long (L) allele, show greater activation in the hypothalamus and larger reactivity in blood catecholamine, cortisol, and an inflammatory cytokine to acute stress; (b) carriers of double S alleles are more sensitive to punishment, and thus show poorer performance in a decision‐making situation where they have to stick to a long‐term correct option regardless of short‐term punishment; and (c) carriers of double S alleles show greater activation of the amygdala and a correlation between amygdalar activity and an increase of natural killer cell proportion in blood when positive emotions are elicited. A possible model to explain the biological mechanisms underlying those phenomena is proposed and the ecological adaptive values of the 5HTTLPR genotypes are discussed.
Neuroprotective effects of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor in a novel transgenic mouse model of SCA17
Authors: Chang Ya‐Chin , Lin Cheng‐Yueh , Hsu Chen‐Ming , Lin Hsin‐Chieh , Chen Yu‐Hsiang , Lee‐Chen Guey‐Jen , Su Ming‐Tsan , Ro Long‐Sun , Chen Chiung‐Mei , Hsieh‐Li Hsiu Mei 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 288–303.AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts and selected brainstem neurons owing to the expansion of a CAG repeat of the human TATA‐binding protein (hTBP) gene. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of this hTBP mutation, we generated transgenic mice with the mutant hTBP gene driven by the Purkinje specific protein (Pcp2/L7) gene promoter. Mice with the expanded hTBP allele developed ataxia within 2–5 months. Behavioral analysis of L7‐hTBP transgenic mice showed reduced fall latency in a rotarod assay. Purkinje cell degeneration was identified by immunostaining of calbindin and IP3R1. Reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation occurred in the transgenic cerebellum, accompanied by up‐regulation of GFAP and Iba1. The L7‐hTBP transgenic mice were thus confirmed to recapitulate the SCA17 phenotype and were used as a disease model to explore the potential of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor in SCA17 treatment. Our results suggest that granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor has a neuroprotective effect in these transgenic mice, ameliorating their neurological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate that the expression of the mutant hTBP in Purkinje cells is sufficient to produce cell degeneration and an ataxia phenotype, and constitutes a good model for better analysis of the neurodegeneration in SCA17.
Cranial and appendicular ontogeny ofBactrosaurus johnsoni, a hadrosauroid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of northern China
Authors: PRIETO‐MÁRQUEZ ALBERT 
Published: May 2011

Abstract: The juvenile anatomy of various cranial and appendicular elements of the hadrosauroid dinosaurBactrosaurus johnsoniis described in detail. Growth changes are documented from juvenile to adult stages for each skeletal element available. In the studied skull, ontogenetic trends consist of: development of features on the ventral surface of the frontal; reduction in the slope of the posteromedial process of the premaxilla; a posterior shift of the dorsal process of the maxilla; development of concavities on the medial surface of the prefrontal; increased robustness and development of the ventral flange of the jugal; decreased curvature of the long axis of the quadrate; increased ventral deflection of the dentary; and changes in the length/width proportions and depth of the anterior surface of the predentary. In the appendicular skeleton, the majority of ontogenetic variation from juvenile to adult occurs in the limb bones, including increased robustness of the deltopectoral crest of the humerus; relative shortening of the ulna; increased development of the fourth trochanter and mediolateral widening of the distal end of the femur; increased expansion of the cnemial crest of the tibia; and the increased prominence of articular protuberances and flanges of the metatarsals. A survey of the phylogenetically informative characters present inB. johnsoniindicates that several characters concerning the frontal, maxilla, jugal, quadrate, predentary, dentary, scapula, humerus and ilium are affected by ontogeny. Nevertheless, the majority of phylogenetic characters are not ontogenetically variable, suggesting that a substantial amount of the information provided by juvenile and subadult specimens for phylogenetic inference is reliable in basal hadrosauroids.
Adrenoceptor activity of muscarinic toxins identified from mamba venoms
Authors: Näreoja K , Kukkonen JP , Rondinelli S , Toivola DM , Meriluoto J , Näsman J 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Muscarinic toxins (MTs) are snake venom peptides named for their ability to interfere with ligand binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). Recent data infer that these toxins may have other G‐protein‐coupled receptor targets than the mAChRs. The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the interactions of MTs with the adrenoceptor family members.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We studied the interaction of four common MTs, MT1, MT3, MT7 and MTα, with cloned receptors expressed in insect cells by radioligand binding. Toxins showing modest to high‐affinity interactions with adrenoceptors were additionally tested for effects on functional receptor responses by way of inhibition of agonist‐induced Ca2+ increases.KEY RESULTS All MTs behaved non‐competitively in radioligand displacement binding. MT1 displayed higher binding affinity for the human α2B‐adrenoceptor (IC50= 2.3 nM) as compared with muscarinic receptors (IC50≥ 100 nM). MT3 appeared to have a broad spectrum of targets showing high‐affinity binding (IC50= 1–10 nM) to M4 mAChR, α1A‐, α1D‐ and α2A‐adrenoceptors and lower affinity binding (IC50≥ 25 nM) to α1B‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptors and M1 mAChR. MT7 did not detectably bind to other receptors than M1, and MTα was specific for the α2B‐adrenoceptor. None of the toxins showed effects on β1‐ or β2‐adrenoceptors.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Some of the MTs previously found to interact predominantly with mAChRs were shown to bind with high affinity to selected adrenoceptor subtypes. This renders these peptide toxins useful for engineering selective ligands to target various adrenoceptors.
VS‐105: a novel vitamin D receptor modulator with cardiovascular protective effects
Authors: Wu‐Wong J Ruth , Kawai Megumi , Chen Yung‐wu , Nakane Masaki 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vitamin D receptor (VDR) modulators (VDRMs) such as calcitriol, paricalcitol and doxercalciferol are commonly used to manage hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD patients experience extremely high risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Clinical observations show that VDRM therapy may be associated with cardio‐renal protective and survival benefits for CKD patients. However, hypercalcaemia remains a serious side effect for current VDRMs, which leads to the need for frequent dose titration and serum Ca (calcium) monitoring. Significant clinical benefits can be derived from a VDRM with cardiovascular protective effects without the hypercalcaemic liability.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Sprague–Dawley rats were 5/6 nephrectomized and 6 weeks later, after they had established uraemia, elevated parathyroid hormone levels, endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy, the rats were treated with VS‐105, a novel VDRM. The effects of VS‐105 were also tested in cultured HL‐60 cells.KEY RESULTS VS‐105 induced HL‐60 cell differentiation with an EC50 value at 11.8 nM. Treatment (i.p., 3× a week over a period of 2 weeks) of the 5/6 nephrectomized rats by VS‐105 (0.004–0.64 µg·kg−1) effectively suppressed serum parathyroid hormone without raising serum Ca or phosphate levels. Furthermore, 2 weeks of treatment with VS‐105 improved endothelium‐dependent aortic relaxation and attenuated left ventricular abnormalities in a dose range that did not affect serum Ca levels. Similar results were obtained when VS‐105 was administered i.p. or by oral gavage.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS VS‐105 exhibits an overall therapeutic product profile that supports expanded use in CKD to realize the cardiovascular protective effects of VDR activation.
Skeletal lipidomics: regulation of bone metabolism by fatty acid amide family
Authors: Bab Itai , Smoum Reem , Bradshaw Heather , Mechoulam Raphael 
Published: May 2011

There is increasing evidence demonstrating that fatty acid derivatives play a key regulatory role in a variety of tissues. However, the study of skeletal lipidomics is just emerging and global strategies, such as targeted lipidomics, have not been applied to bone tissue. Such strategies hold great promises as in the case of genomics and proteomics. A partial profile of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid‐like compounds has demonstrated the presence of several long‐chain fatty acid amides (FAAs), some of which displaying potent effects on osteoblasts, the bone forming cells and osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells. In the skeleton, the FAAs activate the CB1 cannabinoid receptor present in sympathetic nerve terminals as well as CB2 cannabinoid receptor, the Gi‐protein coupled receptor GPR55, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type ion channel expressed by osteoblasts and/or osteoclasts. This review on the skeletal FAA system focuses on the production of FAAs in the skeleton and their net bone anabolic and anti‐catabolic activity resulting from the stimulation of bone formation and inhibition of bone resorption. As the FAA family holds great promise as a basis for the treatment of osteoporosis and other diseases involving bone, further studies should aim towards the complete profiling of these lipids and their receptors in bone tissue, followed by elucidation of their function and mechanism of action.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Depletion and recovery of lymphoid subsets following morphine administration
Authors: Zhang EY , Xiong J , Parker BL , Chen AY , Fields PE , Ma X , Qiu J , Yankee TM 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Opioid use and abuse has been linked to significant immunosuppression, which has been attributed, in part, to drug‐induced depletion of lymphocytes. We sought to define the mechanisms by which lymphocyte populations are depleted and recover following morphine treatment in mice.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice were implanted with morphine pellets and B‐ and T‐cell subsets in the bone marrow, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes were analysed at various time points. We also examined the effects of morphine on T‐cell development using an ex vivo assay.KEY RESULTS The lymphocyte populations most susceptible to morphine‐induced depletion were the precursor cells undergoing selection. As the lymphocytes recovered, more lymphocyte precursors proliferated than in control mice. In addition, peripheral T‐cells displayed evidence that they had undergone homeostatic proliferation during the recovery phase of the experiments.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The recovery of lymphocytes following morphine‐induced depletion occurred in the presence of morphine and via increased proliferation of lymphoid precursors and homeostatic proliferation of T‐cells.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Eisenstein, pp. 1826–1828 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01513.x
Physical Activity Among South Asian Indian Immigrants: An Integrative Review
Authors: Daniel Manju , Wilbur JoEllen 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective(s):The aim of this research review was to portray the correlates of lifestyle physical activity (PA) behavior of healthy South Asian Indian (SAI) immigrants comprehensively by identifying, synthesizing, and critically analyzing the existing research literature.Design and Sample:An integrative review methodology was used. The sample included 11 cross‐sectional and 4 qualitative studies.Measures:The physical activity framework for SAI immigrants guided the development of data collection tools that included study measures of PA and background (current health, acculturation, discrimination, social support, environmental) and intrapersonal (motivation) correlates of PA.Results:Regardless of the PA measure used, all studies reported low PA levels in at least 40% of the participants. The correlates of PA most often studied were sociodemographic variables, current health, and acculturation; female sex; poorer health; and less time since immigration. Few studies focused on social support, environmental factors, or included dynamic motivational factors.Conclusions:Increased knowledge of the factors that impact lifestyle PA is needed so that public health nurses can develop targeted interventions to increase the lifestyle PA of SAI immigrants at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and central obesity.
Undermining of Nutrition and Exercise Decisions: Experiencing Negative Social Influence
Authors: Mackert Michael , Stanforth Dixie , Garcia Alexandra A. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective:The objective of this research was to assess social undermining (negative interpersonal influence) on health behaviors in a large sample of Internet users.
Design and Sample: This study used a cross‐sectional descriptive design with an online survey that yielded quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 6,923 individuals received invitations and 1,270 participants completed the survey (18.3% response rate). Respondents completing at least 1 qualitative question were retained for analysis (n=1,158). The sample had more females (75.9%) than males (24.1%) and an average age of 42.9 years (SD±12.4).
Measures: Participants described experiences and perceptions of undermining. Content analysis was used to identify themes, and responses were coded after establishing intercoder reliability (κ=.92). Coded responses were correlated with gender, body mass index, and satisfaction with weight.
Results: Many respondents reported that they were affected by undermining. The most common sources of undermining were family and significant others. Individuals satisfied with their current weight were more likely to resist undermining. Many suggested undermining might result from jealousy or others' guilt over their own decisions.
Conclusions: Undermining of healthy behaviors is an important issue for public health researchers and practitioners as it pertains to patient counseling and the development of strategies for resisting undermining.