bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesangial medium with IgA1 from IgA nephropathy inhibits nephrin expression in mouse podocytes
Authors: Wang C. , Liu X. , Ye Z. , Zhang J. , Tang H. , Chen Z. , Zhang H. , Lou T. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by mesangial deposition of polymeric IgA1, and podocyte injury plays an important role in glomerulosclerosis of the disease. Our previous study indicated that medium of mesangial cells co‐incubated with aggregated IgA1 (aIgA1), isolated from IgAN patients, down‐regulated nephrin expression. Yet the mechanism remains unclear.Materials and methods  Podocytes were incubated with a medium of mesangial cells co‐incubated with aIgA1, which was isolated from IgAN patients, and enalaprilat (10−5 M), valsartan (10−5 M) and anti‐mouse tumour necrosis factor‐α antibody (50 ng mL−1) separately. Nephrin expression in podocytes was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.Results  The level of angiotensinogen and angiotensin‐converting enzyme mRNAs in podocytes, as well as angiotensin, was also increased by a medium of mesangial cells co‐incubated with aIgA1 from IgAN patients(P < 0·05). Enalaprilat or valsartan partly improved nephrin expression when compared with that by podocytes exposed to the mesangial medium (P < 0·05), while the nephrin expression of podocytes with enalaprilat or valsartan was lower than that of podocytes exposed to medium of mesangial cells stimulated by aIgA1 from healthy control (P < 0·05). However, anti‐mouse tumour necrosis factor‐α antibody did not show any improvement in nephrin expression.Conclusion  Our findings implicate that local renin angiotensin system activation in podocytes is partly involved in down‐regulation of nephrin by mesangial medium in IgA nephropathy.
Climate change‐predicted shifts in the temperature regime of shallow groundwater produce rapid responses in ciliate communities
Authors: ANDRUSHCHYSHYN OKSANA P. , WILSON KEVIN P. , WILLIAMS D. DUDLEY 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe ciliates living in a shallow groundwater system in southern Ontario, Canada were subjected to anin situtemperature manipulation over 14 months. Ciliates were collected from the bed surface of a small springbrook and from interstitial water collected at five depths beneath its surface. Mean temperature elevations established at each depth (−20, −40, −60, −80, and −100 cm) between the experiment's control and treatment blocks were 1.9, 3.5, 3.9, 3.8, and 3.6 °C, respectively, and were based on global warming projections for the region. In total, 160 species of ciliate belonging to 85 genera were identified. Overall, the treatment block had a higher density (6510±342 cells L−1; ±1 SE) than the control (5797±237 cells L−1), but densities were both vertically and longitudinally variable. Control densities decreased with depth, whereas treatment densities were more equal among depths. Total species richness showed no significant difference between blocks when combining all sampling dates and depths, although species composition changed. The ciliate community was dominated by small (15–50 μm), followed by medium (50–200 μm), and only a few large‐sized (>200 μm) species. Small ciliates contributed 82–97% of the total density. Small ciliates also contributed more to the treatment (94%) than the control block (88%). The most common ciliate feeding groups were bacterivores, omnivores, predators, and algae‐diatom feeders, with bacterivores being most dominant (83–99% of the total numbers collected). Ordination analyses revealed that ciliate distribution was strongly correlated with groundwater temperature, although dissolved oxygen level, concentrations of ammonia and nitrate, and depth also appeared to be influential. Peak densities of many species occurred in either the control or treatment blocks, but not in both. The benefits of using ciliates as a proxy for higher, much longer‐lived, eukaryotes in climate change studies are discussed.
Rainfall distribution is the main driver of runoff under future CO2‐concentration in a temperate deciduous forest
Authors: LEUZINGER SEBASTIAN , KÖRNER CHRISTIAN 
Published: April 2009

AbstractReduced stomatal conductance under elevated CO2 results in increased soil moisture, provided all other factors remain constant. Whether this results in increased runoff critically depends on the interaction of rainfall patterns, soil water storage capacity and plant responses. To test the sensitivity of runoff to these parameters under elevated CO2, we combine transpiration and soil moisture data from the Swiss Canopy Crane FACE experiment (SCC, 14 30–35 m tall deciduous broad‐leaved trees under elevated CO2) with 104 years of daily precipitation data from an adjacent weather station to drive a three‐layer bucket model (mean yearly precipitation 794 mm). The model adequately predicts the water budget of a temperate deciduous forest and runoff from a nearby gauging station. A simulation run over all 104 years based on measured sap flow responses resulted in only 5.5 mm (2.9%) increased ecosystem runoff under elevated CO2. Out of the 37 986 days (1 January 1901–31 December 2004), only 576 days produce higher runoff in the elevated CO2 scenario. Only 1 out of 17 years produces a CO2‐signal >20 mm a−1, which mostly depends on a few single days when runoff under elevated CO2 exceeds runoff under ambient conditions. The maximum signal for a double preindustrial CO2‐concentration under the past century daily rainfall regime is an additional runoff of 46 mm. More than half of all years produce a signal of <5 mm a−1, because trees consume the ‘extra’ moisture during prolonged dry weather. Increased runoff under elevated CO2 is nine times more sensitive to variations in rain pattern than to the applied reduction in transpiration under elevated CO2. Thus the key driver of increased runoff under future CO2‐concentration is the day by day rainfall pattern. We argue that increased runoff due to a first‐order plant physiological CO2‐effect will be very small (<3%) in a landscape dominated by temperate deciduous forests, and will hardly increase flooding risk in forest catchments. Monthly rainfall sums are unsuitable to realistically model such CO2 effects. These findings may apply to other ecosystems with comparable soil water storage capacity.
Promoted activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 in keloid fibroblasts and increased expression of MMP‐2 in collagen bundle regions: implications for mechanisms of keloid progression
Authors: Imaizumi Risa , Akasaka Yoshikiyo , Inomata Naomi , Okada Emi , Ito Kinji , Ishikawa Yukio , Maruyama Yu 
Published: April 2009

Aims:  Keloid is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen, resulting from aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) production and degradation. The aim was to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in pathological wound healing in keloids.Methods and results:  Semiquantitative analysis of 60 keloid tissue samples and 25 mature scar tissue samples demonstrated significantly increased expression of MMP‐2, TIMP‐2 and TIMP‐3 in keloids compared with mature scars. Within keloid regions, MMP‐2 expression was significantly higher in collagen bundle regions than in non‐collagen bundle regions. Double immunofluorescence revealed that keloid fibroblasts between collagen bundles exhibited MMP‐2, TIMP‐2 and membrane‐type 1 MMP (MT1‐MMP) co‐expression, whereas only MMP‐2 expression was evident on the edge of collagen bundles. Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography of 13 keloid‐derived fibroblasts (KFbs) and six normal skin dermal‐derived fibroblasts (NFbs) demonstrated that unstimulated KFbs exhibited significantly increased MMP‐2 activity and expression compared with NFbs under the same conditions.Conclusions:  These results together indicate that MMP‐2 activity can be promoted in keloid fibroblasts between collagen bundles in cooperation with TIMP‐2 and MT1‐MMP. This could contribute to remodelling of collagen bundle regions and invasion of fibroblasts into peripheral normal regions through promoted degradation of ECM.
UbcH10 expression in human lymphomas
Authors: Troncone Giancarlo , Guerriero Eliana , Pallante Pierloronzo , Berlingieri Maria Teresa , Ferraro Angelo , Del Vecchio Luigi , Gorrese Marisa , Mariotti Elisabetta , Iaccarino Antonino , Palmieri Emiliano A , Zeppa Pio , Palombini Lucio , Fusco Alfredo 
Published: April 2009

Aims:  The UbcH10 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme plays a key role in regulating mitosis completion. We have previously reported that UbcH10 overexpression is associated with aggressive thyroid, ovarian and breast carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate UbcH10 expression in human lymphomas.Methods and results:  Cell lines and tissue samples of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) were screened for UbcH10 expression at transcriptional and translational levels. UbcH10 expression was related to the grade of malignancy. In fact, it was low in indolent tumours and high in a variety of HL and NHL cell lines and in aggressive lymphomas. It was highest in Burkitt’s lymphoma, as shown by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and by tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry of cell lines confirmed that UbcH10 expression is cell‐cycle dependent, steadily increasing in S phase, peaking in G2/M phase and dramatically decreasing in G0/G1 phases. We also showed that UbcH10 plays a relevant role in lymphoid cell proliferation, since blocking of its synthesis by RNA interference inhibited cell growth.Conclusions:  Taken together, these results indicate that UbcH10 is a novel lymphoid proliferation marker encompassing the cell cycle window associated with exit from mitosis. Its overexpression in aggressive lymphomas suggests that UbcH10 could be a therapeutic target in this setting.
Elucidation of the regulation of an adult cuticle gene Acp65A by the transcription factor Broad
Authors: Cui H.‐Y. , Lestradet M. , Bruey‐Sedano N. , Charles J.‐P. , Riddiford L. M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBroad (BR), an ecdysone‐inducible transcription factor, is a major determinant of the pupal stage. The misexpression of BR‐Z1 isoform (BR‐Z1) during adult development of Drosophila melanogaster prevents the expression of the adult cuticle protein 65A gene (Acp65A). We found that the proximal 237 bp of the 5′ flanking region of Acp65A were sufficient to mediate this suppression. A targeted point mutation of a putative BR‐Z1 response element (BRE) within this region showed that it was not involved. Drosophila hormone receptor‐like 38 (DHR38) is required for Acp65A expression. We found that BR‐Z1 repressed DHR38 expression and that BR's inhibition of Acp65A expression was rescued by exogenous expression of DHR38. Thus, BR‐Z1 suppresses Acp65A expression by preventing the normal up‐regulation of DHR38 at the time of adult cuticle formation.
Assessment of acridine orange and SYTO 16 for in vivo imaging of the peritoneal tissues in mice
Authors: UDOVICH J.A. , BESSELSEN D.G. , GMITRO A.F. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe effect of peritoneal injection of acridine orange and SYTO 16 in mice was investigated. Images of peritoneal tissues stained with these dyes and obtained through a confocal micro‐endoscope are presented. Seventy‐five Balb/c mice were split into five groups and given peritoneal injections of dye or saline. The proportions of negative outcomes in each group were compared using confidence intervals and the Fisher's exact statistical test. A statistically significant increase in adverse events due to dye injection was not observed. These data provide an initial investigation into the safety of acridine orange and SYTO 16 for in vivo imaging.
Disassembly of DNA–ligand on mica surface: atomic force microscopy studies
Authors: SONG Y. , WANG L. , ZHAO S. , LIAN W. , LI Z. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryDisassembly of DNA–ligands, including DNA–methylene blue (MB) complex and DNA–Co(phen)33+ complex on mica surface, were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The disassembly of these complexes occurred after they were immersed in ultra‐pure water. AFM results showed that the disassembly depended strongly on bridge ions that were used to immobilize the complex onto mica surface, DNA species and ligands. When Mg2+ was used as the bridge ion, the DNA–MB complex was completely disassembled because of the weak interactions between Mg2+ and DNA's bases or mica surface. Although if Co2+ was used as the bridge ion, the disassembly of the DNA–MB complex mainly depended on the species and shape of DNA. For plasmid DNA pBR 322, plasmid DNA pUC 18 and the linear DNA pBR 322/PstI, the degree of disassembly was gradually increased. Whereas if Co(phen)33+ was chosen as the ligand, the disassembly of the DNA–Co(phen)33+ complex was almost blocked because Co(phen)33+ could hardly diffuse into the ultra‐pure water. This obtained information may be useful for practical application of the AFM imaging of biological molecules, especially in liquid.
Fast linear feature detection using multiple directional non‐maximum suppression
Authors: SUN C. , VALLOTTON P. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe capacity to detect linear features is central to image analysis, computer vision and pattern recognition and has practical applications in areas such as neurite outgrowth detection, retinal vessel extraction, skin hair removal, plant root analysis and road detection. Linear feature detection often represents the starting point for image segmentation and image interpretation. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for linear feature detection using multiple directional non‐maximum suppression with symmetry checking and gap linking. Given its low computational complexity, the algorithm is very fast. We show in several examples that it performs very well in terms of both sensitivity and continuity of detected linear features.
Two‐colour two‐photon confocal microscopy with isotropic three‐dimensional resolution and parallel excitation
Authors: NI J. , QIAO L. , WANG C. , ZHAO F. , CHENG Y. , XU Z. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryWe demonstrate a novel design of two‐colour two‐photon fluorescence microscope in which isotropic three‐dimensional imaging resolution and high scanning speed can be achieved simultaneously. In our scheme, a three‐dimensional optical lattice constructed by multi‐beam interference is used for two‐colour two‐photon fluorescence excitation. Our simulation results show that a resolution of 113.5 nm can be achieved in both transverse and axial directions with two pump pulses at the wavelengths of 400 and 800 nm, respectively; meanwhile, imaging speed can be greatly improved compared with that of traditional two‐photon scanning fluorescence microscopes.
Capsule‐supporting ring: a new device for resin embedding of glass‐mounted specimens
Authors: SAWAGUCHI A. , AOYAMA F. , IDE S. , SUGANUMA T. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe goal of specimen preparation for transmission electron microscopy is to obtain high‐quality ultra‐thin sections with which we can correlate cellular structure to physiological function. In this study, we newly developed a capsule‐supporting ring that can be useful for resin embedding of glass‐mounted specimens. The present device allowed us to re‐embed a semi‐thin section on a microscope slide into a resin block not only for efficient ultra‐thin sectioning but also for a correlative light and electron microscopy. Similar to epoxy resins for morphological observations, semi‐thin sections of low‐viscosity hydrophilic resins, such as Lowicryl series, can be re‐embedded into the resin, which can be useful for cytochemical gold labelling. A further application of the present device improved flat embedding of cultured cells on glass cover slips for electron microscopy, preserving in situ sub‐cellular structures close to their native state. We practically describe the use of capsule‐supporting ring and demonstrate representative micrographs as results.
A cytosolic class I small heat shock protein, RcHSP17.8, of Rosa chinensis confers resistance to a variety of stresses to Escherichia coli, yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: JIANG CHANGHUA , XU JIANYAO , ZHANG HAO , ZHANG XUAN , SHI JINLEI , LI MIN , MING FENG 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAmong the heat shock proteins (HSPs) of higher plants, those belonging to the small HSP (sHSP) family remain the least characterized in functional terms. To improve our understanding of sHSPs, we have characterized RcHSP17.8 from Rosa chinensis. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis reveal this to be a cytosolic class I sHSP. RcHSP17.8 expression in R. chinensis was induced by heat, cold, salt, drought, osmotic and oxidative stresses. Recombinant RcHSP17.8 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and yeast to study its possible function under stress conditions. The recombinant E. coli and yeast cells that accumulated RcHSP17.8 showed improved viability under thermal, salt and oxidative stress conditions compared with control cultures. We also produced transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that constitutively expressed RcHSP17.8. These plants exhibited increased tolerance to heat, salt, osmotic and drought stresses. These results suggest that R. chinensis cytosolic class I sHSP (RcHSP17.8) has the ability to confer stress resistance not only to E. coli and yeast but also to plants grown under a wide variety of unfavorable environmental conditions.
Night‐time transpiration can decrease hydraulic redistribution
Authors: HOWARD AVA R. , VAN IERSEL MARC W. , RICHARDS JAMES H. , DONOVAN LISA A. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTC3 plants dominate many landscapes and are critically important for ecosystem water cycling. At night, plant water losses can include transpiration (Enight) from the canopy and hydraulic redistribution (HR) from roots. We tested whether Enight limits the magnitude of HR in a greenhouse study using Artemisia tridentata, Helianthus anomalus and Quercus laevis. Plants were grown with their roots split between two compartments. HR was initiated by briefly withholding all water, followed by watering only one rooting compartment. Under study conditions, all species showed substantial Enight and HR (highest minus lowest soil water potential [Ψs] during a specified diel period). Suppressing Enight by canopy bagging increased HR during the nightly bagging period (HRN) for A. tridentata and H. anomalus by 73 and 33% respectively, but did not affect HRN by Q. laevis. Total daily HR (HRT) was positively correlated with the Ψs gradient between the rooting compartments, which was correlated with light and/or atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPDa) the prior day. For A. tridentata, HRT was negatively correlated with night‐time VPDa. Ecological implications of the impact of Enight on HR may include decreased plant productivity during dry seasons, altered ecosystem water flux patterns and reduced nutrient cycling in drying soils.
A single‐substrate model to interpret intra‐annual stable isotope signals in tree‐ring cellulose
Authors: OGÉE J. , BARBOUR M. M. , WINGATE L. , BERT D. , BOSC A. , STIEVENARD M. , LAMBROT C. , PIERRE M. , BARIAC T. , LOUSTAU D. , DEWAR R. C. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe carbon and oxygen stable isotope composition of wood cellulose (δ13Ccellulose and δ18Ocellulose, respectively) reveal well‐defined seasonal variations that contain valuable records of past climate, leaf gas exchange and carbon allocation dynamics within the trees. Here, we present a single‐substrate model for wood growth to interpret seasonal isotopic signals collected in an even‐aged maritime pine plantation growing in South‐west France, where climate, soil and flux variables were also monitored. Observed seasonal patterns in δ13Ccellulose and δ18Ocellulose were different between years and individuals, and mostly captured by the model, suggesting that the single‐substrate hypothesis is a good approximation for tree ring studies on Pinus pinaster, at least for the environmental conditions covered by this study. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the model was mostly affected by five isotopic discrimination factors and two leaf gas‐exchange parameters. Modelled early wood signals were also very sensitive to the date when cell wall thickening begins (twt). Our model could therefore be used to reconstruct twt time series and improve our understanding of how climate influences this key parameter of xylogenesis.
Developmental, genetic and environmental factors affect the expression of flavonoid genes, enzymes and metabolites in strawberry fruits*
Authors: CARBONE FABRIZIO , PREUSS ANJA , DE VOS RIC C. H. , D'AMICO ELEONORA , PERROTTA GAETANO , BOVY ARNAUD G. , MARTENS STEFAN , ROSATI CARLO 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe influence of internal (genetic and developmental) and external (environmental) factors on levels of flavonoid gene transcripts, enzyme activity and metabolites was studied in fruit of six cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) genotypes grown at two Italian locations. Gene expression and enzyme activity showed development‐ and genotype‐associated patterns, revealing gene coordination. Analysis clarified the regulation mechanism of the hydroxylation status of the B‐ring of the major flavonoid pools and pointed out examples of genotype‐specific post‐transcriptional regulation mechanisms and key steps of pathway regulation in strawberry fruits. Metabolite profiles were strongly affected by development and genotype. Flavan‐3‐ols, their proanthocyanidin (PA) derivatives and anthocyanins were the most abundant metabolites. Flavonol levels and PA‐associated traits (epicatechin/catechin ratio and mean degree of polymerization) showed significant environmental effects. Multivariate and correlation analyses determined the relationships among genes, enzymes and metabolites. The combined molecular and biochemical information elucidated more in depth the role of genetic and environmental factors on flavonoid metabolism during strawberry fruit development, highlighting the major impact of developmental processes, and revealing genotype‐dependent differences and environmental effects on PA‐related traits.
The current and future potential distribution of Melaleuca quinquenervia
Authors: WATT M S , KRITICOS D J , MANNING L K 
Published: April 2009

Summary Melaleuca quinquenervia (broad‐leaved paperbark) is a tree native to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia that has become moderately to highly invasive in a number of countries over the last century. Although a synoptic view of the invasion would be of considerable use in devising appropriate control strategies, little effort has been applied to investigate the potential distribution of this invasive species. A climate suitability analysis was undertaken in this study, to assess the risk of geographic range expansion of M. quinquenervia under current climate and how this distribution will be modified by climate change during the 2080s. CLIMEX™ was used to infer the climatic requirements of M. quinquenervia from observations in both the native and exotic range. The accuracy of the developed model was assessed using independent naturalised observations of the species in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Caribbean. Projections of climatic suitability indicate considerable scope for further invasion, with the most suitable areas occurring adjacent to existing populations in south‐east Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Gulf coast in southern USA. Under future climates, model projections indicate there will be a marked contraction of suitable habitat in most regions and a slight poleward range expansion within south‐eastern China, southern Europe and northern New Zealand.