bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass and kinematics of late-type galaxies (1.3 < z < 3.3) from the VVDS
Authors: Lemoine-Busserolle M. , Contini T. , Le Fèvre O. , Kissler-Patig M. ,   the VVDS Consortium
Published: July 2008

AbstractGalaxy kinematics at early epochs give a key insight into the assembly of mass. Redshifts z ~ 1 − 3 appear to be the peak of the star formation rate of the Universe, possibly corresponding to the maximal merger activity. 2D velocity fields of late-type galaxies can be used to put important constraints on its total mass and hence on its dark matter halo. As dark halos are thought to govern the rate of galaxy evolution, securing reliable mass measurements for early systems at high redshift is a fundamental observational goal. In addition, accurate inner shape rotation curves, only drawed by 3D spectroscopic studies, should allow to disentangle cosmological scenarii. In the purpose of probing the evolution in masses and mass-to-light ratios of the galaxies during an epoch of expected strong evolution, and setting constrains on their formation and evolution, we present preliminary results obtained from Integral Field NIR Spectroscopy with SINFONI/VLT of a first sample of ten high-z (1.3 < z < 3.3) late-type galaxies selected in the VIMOS/VLT Deep Survey (VVDS). The SINFONI NIR-IFU mode allow to spatially resolve galaxy dynamics using bright rest-frame optical emission lines, in order to perform statistical studies of dynamical masses at this early epochs.
Towards a robust estimate of the merger rate evolution using near-IR photometry
Authors: Rawat Abhishek , Hammer Francois , Kembhavi Ajit K , Flores Hector 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe use a combination of deep, high angular resolution imaging data from the HST/ACS GOODS survey and ground based near-IR Ks images to derive the evolution of the galaxy major merger rate in the redshift range 0.2 ≤ z ≤ 1.2. We select galaxies on the sole basis of their J-band rest-frame, absolute magnitude, which is a good tracer of the stellar mass. We find steep evolution with redshift, with the merger rate ∝ (1+z)2.44±0.39 for optically selected pairs, and ∝ (1+z)2.07±0.74 for pairs selected in the near-IR. Our result is unlikely affected by luminosity evolution which is relatively modest when using a rest-frame J band selection. The major merger rate evolves by a factor ~5 from the current epoch to 1.6×10−3 Mpc−3 Gyr−1 at z ~ 1.2, suggesting that 58%×(0.5 Gyr/τ) of all galaxies with MJ ≤ −19.5 have undergone a major merger in the last ~ 8 Gyr (where τ is the merger timescale). Interestingly, we find no effect on the derived major merger rate due to the presence of the large scale structure at z = 0.735 in the CDFS. We do find some evidence for increased star formation due to possible interactions between members of a pair using Spitzer MIPS 24μm fluxes to estimate the SFR.
Smooth muscle α1D‐adrenoceptors mediate phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction and increases in endothelial cell Ca2+in hamster cremaster arterioles
Authors: Jackson W F , Boerman E M , Lange E J , Lundback S S , Cohen K D 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:α1‐Adrenoceptor agonists induce Ca2+‐transients in endothelial cells (ECs) of arterioles. However, the presence of α1‐adrenoceptors on arteriolar ECs has not been excluded, and the identity of α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes in arterioles only has been inferred from pharmacology. Therefore, we determined which subtypes were expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and ECs, and which subtype mediated α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced constriction.Experimental approach:EC Ca2+‐transients in isolated, cannulated hamster cremasteric arterioles or freshly isolated ECs were studied using Fura 2. Arteriolar diameter was measured by video microscopy. α1‐Adrenoceptor expression was assessed by western blot of whole‐arteriolar homogenates and real‐time RT‐PCR on enzymatically isolated VSMCs and ECs.Key results:Phenylephrine‐induced constriction and EC Ca2+‐transients were abolished by the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (30 nM) in arterioles. Phenylephrine‐induced constriction was inhibited by the α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist BMY 7378 (KB=2.96 nM) and the α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist 5‐methylurapidil (KB=4.08 nM), suggesting a significant role for α1D‐adrenoceptors. Western blots confirmed α1D‐adrenoceptor expression, but did not detect α1A‐adrenoceptors. VSMCs expressed α1D‐ and α1A‐, but not α1B‐, adrenoceptor transcripts. No α1‐adrenoceptor transcripts were detected in ECs. Neither phenylephrine (10 μM) nor noradrenaline (0.1–1 μM) elicited Ca2+‐transients in freshly isolated ECs, whereas the endothelium‐dependent vasodilators methacholine (1 μM) and substance P (100 nM) consistently increased Ca2+.Conclusions and implications:We reject the hypothesis that hamster cremasteric arteriolar ECs express α1‐adrenoceptors and conclude that α1‐adrenoceptor agonists predominantly act on VSMC α1D‐adrenoceptors to cause vasoconstriction and a subsequent rise in EC Ca2+.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 514–524; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.276; published online 7 July 2008www.bjcancer.com
Dietary trace amine‐dependent vasoconstriction in porcine coronary artery
Authors: Herbert A A , Kidd E J , Broadley K J 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:The dietary trace amines tyramine and β‐phenylethylamine (β‐PEA) can increase blood pressure. However, the mechanisms involved in the vascular effect of trace amines have not been fully established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether trace amine‐dependent vasoconstriction was brought about by tyramine and β‐PEA acting as indirect sympathomimetic agents, as previously assumed, or whether trace amine‐dependent vasoconstriction could be mediated by recently discovered trace amine‐associated (TAA) receptors.Experimental approach:The responses to p‐tyramine and β‐PEA were investigated in vitro in rings of the left anterior descending coronary arteries of pigs.Key results:p‐Tyramine induced a concentration‐dependent (0.1–3 mM) vasoconstriction. The maximum response and pD2 value for p‐tyramine was unaffected by endothelium removal or pre‐treatment with antagonists for adrenoceptors, histamine, dopamine or 5‐HT receptors. β‐PEA also produced a concentration‐dependent (0.3–10 mM) vasoconstriction which was unaffected by endothelium removal, β‐adrenoceptor or 5‐HT receptor antagonists. A substantial, but reduced, response to β‐PEA was obtained in the presence of prazosin (α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist), haloperidol (D2/D3 dopamine receptor antagonist) or mepyramine (H1 histamine receptor antagonist). The pD2 value for β‐PEA was unaffected by any of the antagonists tested.Conclusions and implications:Vasoconstriction induced by p‐tyramine does not involve an indirect sympathomimetic effect, although vasoconstriction caused by β‐PEA may occur, in part, by this mechanism. We therefore propose that trace amine‐dependent vasoconstriction is mediated by phenylethylamine‐specific receptors, which are closely related to or identical to TAA receptors. These receptors could provide a target for new antihypertensive therapies.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 525–534; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.286; published online 7 July 2008
Targeting airway inflammation: PMX464 and the epithelial bulls eye
Authors: Sexton D W 
Published: July 2008

Increasing evidence places the epithelial cell at the centre of inflammatory processes in human airways. Crucial to this function and the maintenance of inflammatory homoeostasis is a balanced oxidant–antioxidant status in the airway, in part controlled by thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, which together can alter the NF‐κB pathway. PMX464, a thiol‐reactive quinol and putative thioredoxin inhibitor, has been investigated in endothelial cells, fibroblasts and colorectal cancer cell lines but in the present issue of the BJP, these investigations were extended to A549 airway epithelial cells. Thioredoxin inhibition was confirmed as was NF‐κB and IKK suppression but siRNA knockdown of thioredoxin did not alter inflammatory marker expression or activity, suggesting that PMX464 has targets other than thioredoxin. Future consolidation of this evidence will involve concomitant knockdown of thioredoxin reductase, the use of primary airway epithelial cells and, potentially, the employment of three‐dimensional (3D) culture systems for both A549 and primary cells.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 620–622; doi:fn1; published online 7 July 2008
Watermarking sexually reproducing diploid organisms
Authors: Heider Dominik , Kessler Daniel , Barnekow Angelika 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Summary: DNA watermarks are used for hiding messages or for authenticating genetically modified organisms. Recently, we presented an algorithm called DNA-Crypt for generating DNA-based watermarks that can be integrated into the genome by using the characteristics of the degenerative genetic code. DNA-Crypt generates the watermark by replacing single bases and thus creating synonymous codons that encrypt the hidden information. Mutations within the integrated DNA sequence can be corrected using several mutation correction codes, to keep the hidden information intact. This method has successfully been tested in asexually replicating organisms like bacteria or yeast, where the watermark is duplicated with every cell division. It has been shown that DNA watermarks produced by DNA-Crypt do not influence the transcription or translation of a protein. In sexually reproducing diploid organisms, additional problems can occur, e.g. recombination events can destroy hidden information. Using population predictions as well as statistical analyses we identified a coupled Y-chromosomal/mitochondrial DNA watermarking procedure as the most appropriate for diploid organisms. We developed a mitochondria adapted version of DNA-Crypt, which is called Project Mito that can be used in combination with the original program.
Availability: http://www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.NeuroVer/Tumorbiologie/DNA-Crypt/index.html
Contact: barneko@uni-muenster.de
Password: WWUTB
Requirements: Java 5.0 or higher
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Novel Role for Protein Farnesylation in Plant Innate Immunity
Authors: Goritschnig Sandra , Weihmann Tabea , Zhang Yuelin , Fobert Pierre , McCourt Peter , Li Xin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPlants utilize tightly regulated mechanisms to defend themselves against pathogens. Initial recognition results in activation of specific Resistance (R) proteins that trigger downstream immune responses, in which the signaling networks remain largely unknown. A point mutation in SUPPRESSOR OF NPR1 CONSTITUTIVE1 (SNC1), a RESISTANCE TO PERONOSPORA PARASITICA4 R gene homolog, renders plants constitutively resistant to virulent pathogens. Genetic suppressors of snc1 may carry mutations in genes encoding novel signaling components downstream of activated R proteins. One such suppressor was identified as a novel loss-of-function allele of ENHANCED RESPONSE TO ABSCISIC ACID1 (ERA1), which encodes the β-subunit of protein farnesyltransferase. Protein farnesylation involves attachment of C15-prenyl residues to the carboxyl termini of specific target proteins. Mutant era1 plants display enhanced susceptibility to virulent bacterial and oomycete pathogens, implying a role for farnesylation in basal defense. In addition to its role in snc1-mediated resistance, era1 affects several other R-protein-mediated resistance responses against bacteria and oomycetes. ERA1 acts partly independent of abscisic acid and additively with the resistance regulator NON-EXPRESSOR OF PR GENES1 in the signaling network. Defects in geranylgeranyl transferase I, a protein modification similar to farnesylation, do not affect resistance responses, indicating that farnesylation is most likely specifically required in plant defense signaling. Taken together, we present a novel role for farnesyltransferase in plant-pathogen interactions, suggesting the importance of protein farnesylation, which contributes to the specificity and efficacy of signal transduction events.
A Role for AtWRKY23 in Feeding Site Establishment of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Grunewald Wim , Karimi Mansour , Wieczorek Krzysztof , Van de Cappelle Elke , Wischnitzki Elisabeth , Grundler Florian , Inzé Dirk , Beeckman Tom , Gheysen Godelieve 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring the interaction between sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes and their host, complex morphological and physiological changes occur in the infected plant tissue, finally resulting in the establishment of a nematode feeding site. This cellular transformation is the result of altered plant gene expression most likely induced by proteins injected in the plant cell by the nematode. Here, we report on the identification of a WRKY transcription factor expressed during nematode infection. Using both promoter-reporter gene fusions and in situ reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we could show that AtWRKY23 is expressed during the early stages of feeding site establishment. Knocking down the expression of WRKY23 resulted in lower infection of the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. WRKY23 is an auxin-inducible gene and in uninfected plants WRKY23 acts downstream of the Aux/IAA protein SLR/IAA14. Although auxin is known to be involved in feeding site formation, our results suggest that, during early stages, auxin-independent signals might be at play to activate the initial expression of WRKY23.
In-Depth Investigation of the Soybean Seed-Filling Proteome and Comparison with a Parallel Study of Rapeseed
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Hajduch Martin , Graham Katherine , Thelen Jay J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo better understand the metabolic processes of seed filling in soybean (Glycine max), two complementary proteomic approaches, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) and semicontinuous multidimensional protein identification technology (Sec-MudPIT) coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, were employed to analyze whole seed proteins at five developmental stages. 2-DGE and Sec-MudPIT analyses collectively identified 478 nonredundant proteins with only 70 proteins common to both datasets. 2-DGE data revealed that 38% of identified proteins were represented by multiple 2-DGE species. Identified proteins belonged to 13 (2-DGE) and 15 (Sec-MudPIT) functional classes. Proteins involved in metabolism, protein destination and storage, and energy were highly represented, collectively accounting for 61.1% (2-DGE) and 42.2% (Sec-MudPIT) of total identified proteins. Membrane proteins, based upon transmembrane predictions, were 3-fold more prominent in Sec-MudPIT than 2-DGE. Data were integrated into an existing soybean proteome database (www.oilseedproteomics.missouri.edu). The integrated quantitative soybean database was compared to a parallel study of rapeseed (Brassica napus) to further understand the regulation of intermediary metabolism in protein-rich versus oil-rich seeds. Comparative analyses revealed (1) up to 3-fold higher expression of fatty acid biosynthetic proteins during seed filling in rapeseed compared to soybean; and (2) approximately a 48% higher number of protein species and a net 80% higher protein abundance for carbon assimilatory and glycolytic pathways leading to fatty acid synthesis in rapeseed versus soybean. Increased expression of glycolytic and fatty acid biosynthetic proteins in rapeseed compared to soybean suggests that a possible mechanistic basis for higher oil in rapeseed involves the concerted commitment of hexoses to glycolysis and eventual de novo fatty acid synthesis pathways.
AGL61 Interacts with AGL80 and Is Required for Central Cell Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Steffen Joshua G. , Kang Il-Ho , Portereiko Michael F. , Lloyd Alan , Drews Gary N. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The central cell of the female gametophyte plays a role in pollen tube guidance and in regulating the initiation of endosperm development. Following fertilization, the central cell gives rise to the seed's endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo within the seed. The molecular mechanisms controlling specification and differentiation of the central cell are poorly understood. We identified AGL61 in a screen for transcription factor genes expressed in the female gametophyte. AGL61 encodes a Type I MADS domain protein, which likely functions as a transcription factor. Consistent with this, an AGL61-green fluorescent protein fusion protein is localized to the nucleus. In the context of the ovule and seed, AGL61 is expressed exclusively in the central cell and early endosperm. agl61 female gametophytes are affected in the central cell specifically. The morphological defects include an overall reduction in size of the central cell and a reduced or absent central cell vacuole. When fertilized with wild-type pollen, agl61 central cells fail to give rise to endosperm. In addition, synergid- and antipodal-expressed genes are ectopically expressed in agl61 central cells. The expression pattern and mutant phenotype of AGL61 are similar to those of AGL80, suggesting that AGL61 may function as a heterodimer with AGL80 within the central cell; consistent with this, AGL61 and AGL80 interact in yeast two-hybrid assays. Together, these data suggest that AGL61 functions as a transcription factor and controls the expression of downstream genes during central cell development.
A Role for a Menthone Reductase in Resistance against Microbial Pathogens in Plants
Authors: Choi Hyong Woo , Lee Byung Gil , Kim Nak Hyun , Park Yong , Lim Chae Woo , Song Hyun Kyu , Hwang Byung Kook 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPlants elaborate a vast array of enzymes that synthesize defensive secondary metabolites in response to pathogen attack. Here, we isolated the pathogen-responsive CaMNR1 [menthone: (+)-(3S)-neomenthol reductase] gene, a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily, from pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that purified CaMNR1 and its ortholog AtSDR1 from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) catalyze a menthone reduction with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate as a cofactor to produce neomenthol with antimicrobial activity. CaMNR1 and AtSDR1 also possess a significant catalytic activity for neomenthol oxidation. We examined the cellular function of the CaMNR1 gene by virus-induced gene silencing and ectopic overexpression in pepper and Arabidopsis plants, respectively. CaMNR1-silenced pepper plants were significantly more susceptible to Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria and Colletotrichum coccodes infection and expressed lower levels of salicylic acid-responsive CaBPR1 and CaPR10 and jasmonic acid-responsive CaDEF1. CaMNR1-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited enhanced resistance to the hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 and the biotrophic pathogen Hyaloperonospora parasitica isolate Noco2, accompanied by the induction of AtPR1 and AtPDF1.2. In contrast, mutation in the CaMNR1 ortholog AtSDR1 significantly enhanced susceptibility to both pathogens. Together, these results indicate that the novel menthone reductase gene CaMNR1 and its ortholog AtSDR1 positively regulate plant defenses against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Arabidopsis Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases MKK1 and MKK2 Have Overlapping Functions in Defense Signaling Mediated by MEKK1, MPK4, and MKS1
Authors: Qiu Jin-Long , Zhou Lu , Yun Byung-Wook , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Fiil Berthe Katrine , Petersen Klaus , MacKinlay Jim , Loake Gary J. , Mundy John , Morris Peter C. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) MKK1 and MKK2 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases have been implicated in biotic and abiotic stress responses as part of a signaling cascade including MEKK1 and MPK4. Here, the double loss-of-function mutant (mkk1/2) of MKK1 and MKK2 is shown to have marked phenotypes in development and disease resistance similar to those of the single mekk1 and mpk4 mutants. Because mkk1 or mkk2 single mutants appear wild type, basal levels of MPK4 activity are not impaired in them, and MKK1 and MKK2 are in part functionally redundant in unchallenged plants. These findings are confirmed and extended by biochemical and molecular analyses implicating the kinases in jasmonate- and salicylate-dependent defense responses, mediated in part via the MPK4 substrate MKS1. In addition, transcriptome analyses delineate overlapping and specific effects of the kinases on global gene expression patterns demonstrating both redundant and unique functions for MKK1 and MKK2.
Comparative Proteomics of Chloroplast Envelopes from C3 and C4 Plants Reveals Specific Adaptations of the Plastid Envelope to C4 Photosynthesis and Candidate Proteins Required for Maintaining C4 Metabolite Fluxes
Authors: Bräutigam Andrea , Hoffmann-Benning Susanne , Weber Andreas P.M. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
C4 plants have up to 10-fold higher apparent CO2 assimilation rates than the most productive C3 plants. This requires higher fluxes of metabolic intermediates across the chloroplast envelope membranes of C4 plants in comparison with those of C3 plants. In particular, the fluxes of metabolites involved in the biochemical inorganic carbon pump of C4 plants, such as malate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, and phosphoenolpyruvate, must be considerably higher in C4 plants because they exceed the apparent rate of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, whereas they represent relatively minor fluxes in C3 plants. While the enzymatic steps involved in the C4 biochemical inorganic carbon pump have been studied in much detail, little is known about the metabolite transporters in the envelope membranes of C4 chloroplasts. In this study, we used comparative proteomics of chloroplast envelope membranes from the C3 plant pea (Pisum sativum) and mesophyll cell chloroplast envelopes from the C4 plant maize (Zea mays) to analyze the adaptation of the mesophyll cell chloroplast envelope proteome to the requirements of C4 photosynthesis. We show that C3- and C4-type chloroplasts have qualitatively similar but quantitatively very different chloroplast envelope membrane proteomes. In particular, translocators involved in the transport of triosephosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate as well as two outer envelope porins are much more abundant in C4 plants. Several putative transport proteins have been identified that are highly abundant in C4 plants but relatively minor in C3 envelopes. These represent prime candidates for the transport of C4 photosynthetic intermediates, such as pyruvate, oxaloacetate, and malate.
STUDY OF THE QUASI-ISOTROPIC SOLUTION NEAR THE COSMOLOGICAL SINGULARITY IN THE PRESENCE OF BULK VISCOSITY
Authors: CARLEVARO NAKIA , MONTANI GIOVANNI 
Published: July 2008

We analyze the dynamical behavior of a quasi-isotropic universe in the presence of a cosmological fluid endowed with bulk viscosity. We express the viscosity coefficient as a power law of the fluid energy density: ζ = ζ0∊s. Then we fix s = 1/2 as the only case in which viscosity plays a significant role in the singularity physics but does not dominate the universe dynamics (as required by its microscopic perturbative origin). The parameter ζ0is left free to define the intensity of the viscous effects.In spirit of the work by Lifshitz and Khalatnikov on the quasi-isotropic solution, we analyze both Einstein and hydrodynamic equations up to first and second order in time. As a result, we get a power law solution existing only in correspondence to a restricted domain of ζ0.