bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separation and Characterisation of Starch‐rich Fractions from Wild‐type and Mutant Pea Seeds
Authors: Al‐Abbas Sabah , Bogracheva Tatiana Y. , Topliff Ian O. , Crosley Iain , Hedley Cliff L. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMethods for milling and separation of flour from seeds of a normal (wild‐type) and two mutant (lam and r) types of pea (Pisum sativum L.) into starch‐rich and protein‐rich fractions are described. The methods entail using combinations of mills (100AFG, 50ZPS and 100UPZ) together with an air‐classification system based on a 50ATP air‐classifier, all run under a range of conditions to optimise the separation. The efficiency of separation was assessed as well as the economic advantages of the different systems. The best route for separation and fractionation was 2×100UPZ + 100AFG + 50ATP, while the most economic system that also gave good separation and fractionation was 2×100UPZ + 50ZPS + 50ATP, which had an energy consumption of 226 kWh/t. A novel method for determining the starch content within the high and low starch fractions is described. The method is based on a comparison between the gelatinisation enthalpy of starch in starch‐rich and in protein‐rich fractions with that for pure starch produced from the same flour, using differential scanning calorimetry. Qualitative assessments of the starch contents of the fractions were also made using microscopy and particle size distribution analysis. It is suggested that the starch‐rich fractions could be used as a relatively cheap raw material for non‐food applications.
Effect of Potato Starch Properties on Instant Noodle Quality in Wheat Flour and Potato Starch Blends
Authors: Noda Takahiro , Tsuda Shogo , Mori Motoyuki , Takigawa Shigenobu , Matsuura‐Endo Chie , Kim Sun‐Ju , Hashimoto Naoto , Yamauchi Hiroaki 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe properties of potato starch and their effect on the quality of Chinese‐style alkaline instant noodles made from wheat flour and potato starch blends were investigated. Starches were extracted from nine potato cultivars, and the phosphorus content of these starches was analyzed together with the median granule size and pasting and gelatinization properties. Instant noodles were manufactured using mixtures of wheat flour and these potato starches. A Rheoner instrument was used to evaluate three textural parameters, namely, the breaking force (BF), breaking energy (BE), and ratio of the breaking force to the breaking deformation (BF/BD), of instant noodles cooked by immersing into boiling water for 3 and 7 min. The phosphorus content, peak viscosity, and breakdown were significantly and positively correlated with the BF of the noodles cooked for 3 min and did not significantly correlate with that of those cooked for 7 min. Other quality parameters of potato starch did not affect the BF significantly. Other textural parameters of instant noodle quality, such as the BE and BF/BD, did not significantly correlate with any of the quality parameters of potato starch. The findings obtained with the use of wheat flour and potato starch blends suggest that phosphate, which is thought to enhance starch viscosity of potato starch, is important for making instant noodles with favorable texture in hardness.
The antiarrhythmic peptide rotigaptide (ZP123) increases gap junction intercellular communication in cardiac myocytes and HeLa cells expressing connexin 43
Authors: Clarke Thomas C , Thomas Dafydd , Petersen Jørgen S , Evans W Howard , Martin Patricia E M 
Published: January 2006

We investigated the effects of rotigaptide (ZP123), a stable hexapeptide with antiarrhythmic properties, on gap junction mediated intercellular communication in contracting rat neonatal cardiac myocytes, HL‐1 cells derived from cardiac atrium and in HeLa cells transfected with cDNA encoding Cx43‐GFP, Cx32‐GFP, Cx26‐GFP, wild‐type Cx43 or wild‐type Cx26.
Intercellular communication was monitored before and after treatment with rotigaptide following microinjection of small fluorescent dyes (MW<1 kDa). The communication‐modifying effect of rotigaptide was confined to cells expressing Cx43 since the peptide had no effect on dye transfer in HeLa cells expressing Cx32‐GFP, Cx26‐GFP or wild‐type Cx26. In contrast, HeLa cells expressing Cx43‐GFP exposed to 50 nM rotigaptide for 5 h showed a 40% increase in gap junction mediated communication.
Rotigaptide (50 nM) increased intercellular dye transfer in myocytes and atrial HL‐1 cells, where Cx43 is the dominant connexin. However, it caused no change in cell beating rates of cardiac myocytes.
Western blot analysis showed that rotigaptide did not modify the overall level of Cx43 expression and changes in the phosphorylation status of the protein were not observed.
We conclude that the effects of rotigaptide were confined to cells expressing Cx43.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 486–495. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706631
Effects of haloperidol and clozapine on sensorimotor gating deficits induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine depletion in the brain
Authors: Kusljic Snezana , Brosda Jan , Van Den Buuse Maarten 
Published: January 2006

Evidence is increasing for a role of brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) systems in schizophrenia. We previously showed that brain 5‐HT depletion causes disruption of prepulse inhibition, a measure of sensorimotor gating that is deficient in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic treatment has been reported to reverse these deficits in patients with schizophrenia. The present study was designed to investigate the ability of antipsychotic drugs to reverse prepulse inhibition deficits caused by lesions of the brain 5‐HT system in rats.
In male Sprague–Dawley rats, selected parts of the brain 5‐HT systems were lesioned by micro‐injection of the 5‐HT neurotoxin 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or median raphe nucleus (MRN). The effects of antipsychotic drugs on lesion‐induced changes in prepulse inhibition were examined 2 weeks after the surgery.
There was significant disruption of prepulse inhibition in the MRN‐lesioned group compared to sham‐operated controls. This deficiency in prepulse inhibition was restored by clozapine (1 and 5 mg kg−1) treatment, and by treatment with a relatively high dose of haloperidol (0.25 mg kg−1). There was no significant effect of the DRN lesions on prepulse inhibition compared with sham‐operated controls.
These results indicate that 5‐HT depletion in MRN‐innervated brain structures leads to disruption of prepulse inhibition. Treatment with both antipsychotic drugs, haloperidol and clozapine, significantly increased prepulse inhibition in these animals back to the level seen in sham‐operated controls. The present findings highlight the importance of the 5‐HT systems in cognitive models of schizophrenia.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 800–807. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706641
A role for voltage‐gated, but not Ca2+‐activated, K+channels in regulating spontaneous contractile activity in myometrium from virgin and pregnant rats
Authors: Aaronson Philip Irving , Sarwar Uzma , Gin Stephanie , Rockenbauch Uli , Connolly Michelle , Tillet Alexandra , Watson Sarah , Liu Bing , Tribe Rachel Marie 
Published: January 2006

The roles of voltage‐gated (KV) and large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+(BKCa) channels in regulating basal contractility in myometrial smooth muscle are unresolved. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inhibition of these channels on spontaneous rhythmic contraction in myometrial strips from four groups of rats: nonpregnant and during early (day 7), mid‐ (day 14), and late (day 21) pregnancy.BKCachannels were inhibited using iberiotoxin (1–100 nM), paxilline (1–10 μM) or penitrem A (1–500, or 3000 nM);KVchannels were inhibited using tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1–10 mM) and/or 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP; 1–5 mM). Contractility was assessed as mean integral tension (MIT). Time/vehicle controls were also performed.None of the selective BKCachannel inhibitors significantly affected contractility in myometrial strips from either nonpregnant or pregnant animals.4‐AP caused concentration‐dependent increases in MIT in myometrium in all four groups. TEA (5 and 10 mM) significantly increased MIT in myometrium from nonpregnant, and mid‐ and late pregnant rats, but not in myometrium from early pregnant rats. TEA and 4‐AP still caused an increase in MIT following treatment with 3000 nMpenitrem A or a combination of propranolol, phentolamine, atropine (all 1 μM) and capsaicin (10 μM) in myometrial strips from nonpregnant rats.These results indicate that whereas BKCachannels play little or no part in controlling basal rhythmicity in rat myometrium,KVchannels appear to play a crucial role in this regard, especially during mid‐ and late pregnancy.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 815–824. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706644
Angiotensin II acutely decreases myocardial stiffness: a novel AT1, PKC and Na+/H+exchanger‐mediated effect
Authors: Leite‐Moreira Adelino F , Castro‐Chaves Paulo , Pimentel‐Nunes Pedro , Lima‐Carneiro Alexandre , Guerra Miguel S , Soares João Bruno , Ferreira‐Martins João 
Published: January 2006

Acute effects of angiotensin II (AngII) on diastolic properties of the myocardium were investigated.Increasing concentrations of AngII (10−9to 10−5 M) were added to rabbit papillary muscles in the absence (n=11) or presence of: (i) AT1 receptor antagonists, losartan (10−6 M;n=7) or ZD‐7155 (10−7 M;n=8); (ii) ZD‐7155 (10−7 M) plus AT2 receptor antagonist PD‐123,319 (2 × 10−6 M;n=6); (iii) PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (10−5 M;n=8); or (iv) Na+/H+exchanger (NHE) inhibitor, 5‐(N‐methyl‐N‐isobutyl)‐amiloride (10−6 M;n=10). Passive length–tension relations were constructed before and after a single concentration of AngII (10−5 M,n=6). Effects of AngII infusion (10 μg kg−1 min−1) were evaluated inin siturabbit hearts.AngII concentration dependently increased inotropy and resting muscle length (RL). At 10−5 M, active tension increased 43.3±6.25% and RL 1.96±0.4%. Correcting RL to its initial value resulted in a 46±4% decrease of resting tension, indicating decreased muscle stiffness, as confirmed by the right and downward shift of the passive length–tension relation promoted by AngII. In the intact heart, at matched systolic pressures of 112 mmHg, AngII decreased end‐diastolic pressures from 10.3±0.3 to 5.9±0.5 mmHg, and minimal diastolic pressures from 8.4±0.5 to 4.6±0.6 mmHg.AT1 blockade inhibited AngII effects on myocardial inotropy and stiffness, while PKC or NHE inhibition only significantly attenuated its effects on resting length and tension.In conclusion, AngII decreases myocardial stiffness, an effect that requires AT1 receptor activation and is mediated by PKC and NHE. This represents a novel mechanism of acute neurohumoral modulation of diastolic function, suggesting that AngII is a powerful regulator of cardiac filling.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 690–697. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706659
Differential activation of G‐proteins byμ‐opioid receptor agonists
Authors: Saidak Zuzana , Blake‐Palmer Katherine , Hay Debbie L , Northup John K , Glass Michelle 
Published: January 2006

We investigated the ability of the activatedμ‐opioid receptor (MOR) to differentiate between myristoylated Gαi1and GαoAtype G proteins, and the maximal activity of a range of synthetic and endogenous agonists to activate each G protein.Membranes from HEK293 cells stably expressing transfected MOR were chaotrope extracted to denature endogenous G‐proteins and reconstituted with specific purified G‐proteins. The G subunits were generated in bacteria and were demonstrated to be recognised equivalently to bovine brain purified G protein by CB1cannabinoid receptors. The ability of agonists to catalyse the MOR‐dependent GDP/[35S]GTPS exchange was then compared for Gαi1and GαoA.Activation of MOR by DAMGO produced a high‐affinity saturable interaction for GαoA(Km=20±1 nM) but a low‐affinity interaction with Gαi1(Km=116±12 nM). DAMGO, met‐enkephalin and leucine‐enkephalin displayed maximal G activation among the agonists evaluated. Endomorphins 1 and 2, methadone andβ‐endorphin activated both G to more than 75% of the maximal response, whereas fentanyl partially activated both G‐proteins.Buprenorphine and morphine demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the maximal activities between Gαi1and GαoA. Interestingly, DAMGO, morphine, endomorphins 1 and 2, displayed significant differences in the potencies for the activation of the two G. Differences in maximal activity and potency, for Gαi1versusGαoA, are both indicative of agonist selective activation of G‐proteins in response to MOR activation.These findings may provide a starting point for the design of drugs that demonstrate greater selectivity between these two G‐proteins and therefore produce a more limited range of effects.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 671–680. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706661
The basic secretagogue compound 48/80 activates G proteins indirectlyviastimulation of phospholipase D–lysophosphatidic acid receptor axis and 5‐HT1Areceptors in rat brain sections
Authors: Palomäki Ville A B , Laitinen Jarmo T 
Published: January 2006

The basic secretagogues, such as compound 48/80 (c48/80) and mastoparans, are widely used histamine‐releasing agents and their mechanism of action is commonly attributed to a direct, receptor‐bypassing property to activate the Gi/oclass of G proteins.We tested here whether c48/80 could directly stimulate [35S]guanosine‐5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding to rat brain sections in an attempt to visualize the entire signaling pool of Gi/oin its native neuroanatomical context.Instead of direct Gi/oactivation, c48/80 (100 μg ml−1) from various suppliers stimulated brain phospholipase D (PLD) activity, leading to the generation of endogenous phospholipids capable of activating brain white matter‐enriched, Gi/o‐coupled lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors. This response was sensitive to 1‐butanol and was potently reversed by the LPA1/LPA3receptor‐selective antagonist Ki16425 (IC5059±13 nM, mean±s.e.m.), and showed age‐dependent decline, closely reflecting known developmental regulation of the PLD–LPA1receptor axis in the CNS.In addition, c48/80 was found to modestly activate hippocampal 5‐HT1Areceptors in a pH‐dependent and antagonist‐sensitive manner.Consistent with the lack of direct Gi/o‐activating properties in brain sections, c48/80 showed no activity in classical membrane [35S]GTPγS binding assays. Instead, c48/80 from one particular manufacturer elicited non‐specific effect in these assays, therefore challenging the previous interpretations regarding the compound's ability to activate G proteins directly.We conclude that c48/80 is not a receptor‐bypassing general G protein activator but rather activates PLD, leading to generation of endogenous LPA receptor‐activating phospholipids. This property may also contribute to the compound's ability to release histamine from mast cells.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 596–606. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706671
Multiple association analysis via simulated annealing (MASSA)
Authors: Pérez-Enciso M. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Summary: Genome-wide association studies are now technically feasible and likely to become a fundamental tool in unraveling the ultimate genetic basis of complex traits. However, new statistical and computational methods need to be developed to extract the maximum information in a realistic computing time. Here we propose a new method for multiple association analysis via simulated annealing that allows for epistasis and any number of markers. It consists of finding the model with lowest Bayesian information criterion using simulated annealing. The data are described by means of a mixed model and new alternative models are proposed using a set of rules, e.g. new sites can be added (or deleted), or new epistatic interactions can be included between existing genetic factors. The method is illustrated with simulated and real data.
Availability: An executable version of the program (MASSA) running under the Linux OS is freely available, together with documentation, at
Contact: miguel.perez@uab.es
G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 1, G-Protein Gα-Subunit 1, and Prephenate Dehydratase 1 Are Required for Blue Light-Induced Production of Phenylalanine in Etiolated Arabidopsis
Authors: Warpeha Katherine Mary , Lateef Syed Salman , Lapik Yevgeniya , Anderson Marybeth , Lee Bao-Shiang , Kaufman Lon Seth 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Different classes of plant hormones and different wavelengths of light act through specific signal transduction mechanisms to coordinate higher plant development. A specific prephenate dehydratase protein (PD1) was discovered to have a strong interaction with the sole canonical G-protein Gα-subunit (GPA1) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). PD1 is a protein located in the cytosol, present in etiolated seedlings, with a specific role in blue light-mediated synthesis of phenylpyruvate and subsequently of phenylalanine (Phe). Insertion mutagenesis confirms that GPA1 and the sole canonical G-protein-coupled receptor (GCR1) in Arabidopsis also have a role in this blue light-mediated event. In vitro analyses indicate that the increase in PD1 activity is the direct and specific consequence of its interaction with activated GPA1. Because of their shared role in the light-mediated synthesis of phenylpyruvate and Phe, because they are iteratively interactive, and because activated GPA1 is directly responsible for the activation of PD1; GCR1, GPA1, and PD1 form all of or part of a signal transduction mechanism responsible for the light-mediated synthesis of phenylpyruvate, Phe, and those metabolites that derive from that Phe. Data are also presented to confirm that abscisic acid can act through the same pathway. An additional outcome of the work is the confirmation that phenylpyruvate acts as the intermediate in the synthesis of Phe in etiolated plants, as it commonly does in bacteria and fungi.
Wound-Induced Terpene Synthase Gene Expression in Sitka Spruce That Exhibit Resistance or Susceptibility to Attack by the White Pine Weevil
Authors: Byun-McKay Ashley , Godard Kimberley-Ann , Toudefallah Morteza , Martin Diane M. , Alfaro Rene , King John , Bohlmann Joerg , Plant Aine L. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
We analyzed the expression pattern of various terpene synthase (TPS) genes in response to a wounding injury applied to the apical leader of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong. Carr.) genotypes known to be resistant (R) or susceptible (S) to white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi Peck.) attack. The purpose was to test if differences in constitutive or wound-induced TPS expression can be associated with established weevil resistance. All wounding treatments were conducted on 9-year-old R and S trees growing under natural field conditions within the range of variation for weevil R and S genotypes. Representative cDNAs of the monoterpene synthase (mono-TPS), sesquiterpene synthase (sesqui-TPS), and diterpene synthase (di-TPS) classes were isolated from Sitka spruce to assess TPS transcript levels. Based on amino acid sequence similarity, the cDNAs resemble Norway spruce (Picea abies) (−)-linalool synthase (mono-TPS; PsTPS-Linl) and levopimaradiene/abietadiene synthase (di-TPS; PsTPS-LASl), and grand fir (Abies grandis) δ-selinene synthase (sesqui-TPS; PsTPS-Sell). One other mono-TPS was functionally identified as (−)-limonene synthase (PsTPS-Lim). No significant difference in constitutive expression levels for these TPSs was detected between R and S trees. However, over a postwounding period of 16 d, only R trees exhibited significant transcript accumulation for the mono- and sesqui-TPS tested. Both R and S trees exhibited a significant accumulation of PsTPS-LASl transcripts. An assessment of traumatic resin duct formation in wounded leaders showed that both R and S trees responded by forming traumatic resin ducts; however, the magnitude of this response was significantly greater in R trees. Collectively, our data imply that the induced resinosis response is an important aspect of defense in weevil R Sitka spruce trees growing under natural conditions.
An Arabidopsis Mutant Impaired in Coenzyme A Biosynthesis Is Sugar Dependent for Seedling Establishment
Authors: Rubio Silvia , Larson Tony R. , Gonzalez-Guzman Miguel , Alejandro Santiago , Graham Ian A. , Serrano Ramón , Rodriguez Pedro L. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Once the plant coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated by comparative genomics, it is feasible to analyze the physiological relevance of CoA biosynthesis in plant life. To this end, we have identified and characterized Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) T-DNA knockout mutants of two CoA biosynthetic genes, HAL3A and HAL3B. The HAL3A gene encodes a 4′-phosphopantothenoyl-cysteine decarboxilase that generates 4′-phosphopantetheine. A second gene, HAL3B, whose gene product is 86% identical to that of HAL3A, is present in the Arabidopsis genome. HAL3A appears to have a predominant role over HAL3B according to their respective mRNA expression levels. The hal3a-1, hal3a-2, and hal3b mutants were viable and showed a similar growth rate as that in wild-type plants; in contrast, a hal3a-1 hal3b double mutant was embryo lethal. Unexpectedly, seedlings that were null for HAL3A and heterozygous for HAL3B (aaBb genotype) displayed a sucrose (Suc)-dependent phenotype for seedling establishment, which is in common with mutants defective in β-oxidation. This phenotype was genetically complemented in aaBB siblings of the progeny and chemically complemented by pantethine. In contrast, seedling establishment of Aabb plants was not Suc dependent, proving a predominant role of HAL3A over HAL3B at this stage. Total fatty acid and acyl-CoA measurements of 5-d-old aaBb seedlings in medium lacking Suc revealed stalled storage lipid catabolism and impaired CoA biosynthesis; in particular, acetyl-CoA levels were reduced by approximately 80%. Taken together, these results provide in vivo evidence for the function of HAL3A and HAL3B, and they point out the critical role of CoA biosynthesis during early postgerminative growth.