bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic structuring of the temperate gorgonian coral (Corallium rubrum) across the western Mediterranean Sea revealed by microsatellites and nuclear sequences
Authors: COSTANTINI F. , FAUVELOT C. , ABBIATI M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn the past decades, anthropogenic disturbance has increased in marine costal habitats, leading to dramatic shifts in population size structure of various marine species. In the temperate region, the gorgonian coral (Corallium rubrum) is one of the major disturbed species, mostly owing to the exploitation of its red skeleton for jewellery purposes. Red coral is a gonocoric species inhabiting subtidal rocky habitats in the Mediterranean and neighbouring Atlantic coasts. In order to investigate the spatial genetic structuring ofC. rubrum, five microsatellite markers and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS‐1) sequences were analysed in 11 samples from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Phylogenetic reconstructions obtained from ITS‐1 sequences analysis showed that samples from Minorca and Sardinia islands were the most divergent while the three samples from the Tuscan archipelago (Argentario, Giannutri and Elba) appeared genetically homogeneous. Both markers revealed a strong structuring over large spatial scales (though to a different extent) with no isolation by distance pattern. Microsatellite‐basedFSTestimates appeared much smaller than ITS‐based estimates and not significantly correlated, likely due to microsatellite allele size homoplasy typical of these highly polymorphic loci. Our study shows that the absence of clear patterns of genetic structuring over large spatial scales together with strong genetic structuring should be interpreted with caution because such patterns may hide underlying small‐scale genetic structuring. Our results further confirm that effective larval dispersal in red coral is highly restricted in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that an increase of anthropogenic disturbance could aggravate the disappearance of red coral, not only along the Mediterranean coasts but also, and with more intensity, in the main Mediterranean islands.
No evidence for loss of genetic variation following sequential translocations in extant populations of a genetically depauperate species
Authors: TAYLOR SABRINA S. , JAMIESON IAN G. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRepeated population bottlenecks can lead to loss of genetic variation and normally should be avoided in threatened species to preserve evolutionary potential. We examined the effect of repeated bottlenecks, in the form of sequential translocations, on loss of genetic variation in a threatened passerine, the saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus), a species that has recovered from a remnant population with historically low levels of genetic variation. Although a slight but nonsignificant loss of alleles may have occurred between the first‐order translocation and the extirpated source population, first‐, second‐, and third‐order translocated populations had very similar levels of genetic variation to each other. The most obvious difference among the seven island populations appeared to lie in allele frequencies with little or no loss of alleles among extant populations. Although sequential translocations are known to cause loss of variation in genetically diverse species, our study indicates that genetically depauperate species may be less sensitive to loss of genetic variation through founder events presumably because the few remaining alleles are well represented in founding individuals. These results show that ancient bottlenecks may have a long‐term effect on genetic variation, to the extent that contemporary population bottlenecks may leave no appreciable genetic signature. Our results suggest that subjecting genetically depauperate endangered species to sequential translocations could be used to rapidly establish new populations without further eroding genetic variation.
Complexity in efflux pump control: cross‐regulation by the paralogues TtgV and TtgT
Authors: Terán Wilson , Felipe Antonia , Fillet Sandy , Guazzaroni María‐Eugenia , Krell Tino , Ruiz Raquel , Ramos Juan L. , Gallegos María‐Trinidad 
Published: November 2007

Summary Pseudomonas putida DOT‐T1E, known for its high tolerance to solvents, possesses three Resistance–Nodulation–Cell Division‐type (RND) efflux pumps, namely TtgABC, TtgDEF and TtgGHI, which are involved in the active extrusion of solvents. Expression of the ttgABC and ttgGHI operons was previously shown to be regulated by the adjacently encoded repressors, TtgR and TtgV, respectively. Upstream of the third RND operon, ttgDEF, is located a putative regulator gene, ttgT. In this study, TtgT is shown to bind to the promoter region of the ttgDEF operon, and to be released from DNA in the presence of organic solvents. In vitro studies revealed that TtgV and TtgT bind the same operator sites in both the ttgDEF and the ttgGHI promoters. However, the affinity of TtgV for the ttgDEF operator was higher than that of TtgT, which, together with the fact that the ttgV promoter seems to be almost twice stronger than the ttgT promoter, explains why TtgV takes over in the regulation of the two efflux pump operons. The functional replacement of the cognate, chromosomally encoded TtgT by the plasmid‐encoded paralogue TtgV illustrates a new mode of efflux pump regulation of which the physiological relevance is discussed.
The abundances of nearby red clump giants
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Zhao G. , Shi J. R. , Pietrzyński G. , Gieren W. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Based on the analysis of high-resolution spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio, we have determined the abundances of the α-elements O, Si, Ca and Ti, the iron peak elements V, Fe and Ni, and the heavy element Ba without the consideration of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effect and the light neutron-rich elements Na, Mg and Al with an NLTE analysis for 63 nearby red clump giants. Fe abundances cover a logarithmic range between −0.60 and +0.35 relative to solar. All abundance ratios with respect to Fe are similar to those found in the Sun. Hyperfine structure (HFS) was taken into account when calculating V lines. The difference in abundances obtained with and without HFS can be as large as 0.5 dex.
Identification of novel pathogen‐responsive cis‐elements and their binding proteins in the promoter of OsWRKY13, a gene regulating rice disease resistance
Authors: CAI MENG , QIU DEYUN , YUAN TING , DING XINHUA , LI HONGJING , DUAN LIU , XU CAIGUO , LI XIANGHUA , WANG SHIPING 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTThe WRKY transcription factor superfamily controls diverse developmental and physiological processes in plants. However, little is known about the factors that directly regulate the function of WRKY genes. In this study, we identified cis‐acting elements and their binding proteins of rice OsWRKY13, a gene that plays a pivotal role in disease resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Two novel pathogen‐responsive cis‐elements, PRE2 and PRE4, were characterized from the promoter region of OsWRKY13. The two cis‐elements negatively regulate gene expression without pathogen challenge, and positively regulate gene expression after pathogen‐induced protein binding. OsWRKY13 binds to PRE4, which harbours a novel W‐like box. Another five proteins (Rad51‐like; tubby‐like; SWIM zinc finger and nucleotide‐binding adaptor shared by APAF‐1, certain R proteins and CED‐4 (NB–ARC) domain containing proteins; and an unknown protein) also bind to one of the two cis‐elements. Different proteins interacting with the same cis‐element appear to have different DNA‐binding core sequences. These proteins localize in the nucleus and show differential expression upon pathogen challenge. These results suggest that OsWRKY13 expression is regulated by multiple factors to achieve disease resistance.
Variation in gross and histological appearance of the canine pars flaccida
Authors: Cole Lynette K. , Weisbrode Steven E. , Smeak Daniel D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe tympanic membrane is divided into the pars flaccida (PF) and pars tensa. Otoscopic differences in the appearance of the PF in the dog (flat vs. bulging) have been reported anecdotally. The purpose of this study was to histologically examine the canine PF to determine if differences exist between a flat and a bulging PF. We hypothesized that differences in the PF may be structural or due to an increased pressure in the middle ear. Four adult canine cadavers were used (two had bilateral bulging PF, two had bilateral flat PF). The ear specimens were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin, decalcified, routinely processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue (staining for mast cells), and Verhoeff–van Gieson (staining for elastic fibres). One blinded investigator evaluated each PF histologically. Seven ears (three with bulging PF, four with flat PF) were evaluated in the study. The PF was identified in all seven ears. No histological differences that distinguished a bulging PF from a flat PF were identified. Six ears were evaluated for the presence of mast cells and elastic fibres. Less than one mast cell per ¥40 field was identified in the PF in five of six ears. No elastic fibres were identified in any of the six PF. Based on the results of this study, it appears unlikely that there is a structural difference that accounts for a bulging PF. Therefore, there may be increased middle ear pressure in dogs with a bulging PF.
Availability and biodegradation of metribuzin in alluvial soils as affected by temperature and soil properties
Authors: BENOIT P , PERCEVAL J , STENRØD M , MONI C , EKLO O M , BARRIUSO E , SVEISTRUP T , KVÆRNER J 
Published: November 2007

SummaryHerbicide degradation in soils is highly temperature‐dependent. Laboratory incubations and field experiments are usually conducted with soils from the temperate climatic zone. Few data are available for cold conditions and the validation of approaches to correct the degradation rate at low temperatures representative of Nordic environments is scarce. Laboratory incubation studies were conducted at 5, 15 and 28°C to compare the influence of temperature on the dissipation of metribuzin in silt/sandy loam soils in southern and northern Norway and in a sandy loam soil under temperate climate in France. Using14C‐labelled metribuzin, sorption and biodegradation were studied over an incubation period of 49 days. Metribuzin mineralisation and total soil organic carbon mineralisation rates showed a positive temperature response in all soils. Metribuzin mineralisation was low, but metabolites were formed and their abundance depended on temperature conditions. The rate of dissipation of14C‐metribuzin from soil pore water was strongly dependent on temperature. In Nordic soils with low organic content, metribuzin sorption is rather weak and biodegradation is the most important process controlling its mobility and persistence.
Does soil nitrogen affect early competitive traits of annual weeds in comparison with maize?
Authors: BERGER A , MCDONALD A J , RIHA S J 
Published: November 2007

SummarySoil nitrogen (N) is considered an important driver of crop‐weed interactions, yet the mechanisms involved have been only partially explored, especially with respect to early‐season growth, when competitive hierarchies are formed. This study characterises the effects of different N levels on biomass accumulation and plant morphology for maize (Zea mays), and four important weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus, Abutilon theophrasti, Setaria faberi, and Chenopodium album). Under glasshouse conditions, plants were grown in separate pots and irrigated with nutrient solution at four N concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 2, 5 μm L−1) until 57 days after emergence. Except for S. faberi, which was unresponsive to N, the relative biomass growth rates (RGR) of maize and the broad‐leaved weeds were positively and similarly affected by increasing nitrogen. At all N levels, maize had a height advantage by virtue of its larger seed size, which conferred early growth benefits independent of RGR. At low N, biomass growth was instrumental to S. faberi’s improved competitive position, whereas height development per unit biomass improved the competitive position of A. theophrasti, C. album and A. retroflexus. The approach presented could be applied to other crop‐weed systems to evaluate environmental impacts on competitive outcomes.
Characterization and application of three novel monoclonal antibodies against human 4‐1BB: distinct epitopes of human 4‐1BB on lung tumor cells and immune cells
Authors: Zhang G.‐B. , Dong Q.‐M. , Hou J.‐Q. , Ge Y. , Ju S.‐G. , Lu B.‐F. , Zhang X.‐G. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract4‐1BB, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, is a costimulatory receptor that is primarily expressed on activated T cells and professional antigen‐presenting cells. In this study, the expression pattern of 4‐1BB on immunology cells and tumor cells was explored by flow cytometry using newly generated three anti‐4‐1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; 6F9, 7D6, and 1G11), which bind to distinct 4‐1BB epitopes. Compared with the available 4‐1BB mAb 4B4‐1 that recognized 4‐1BB on activated T cells and monocytes, the novel mAbs also could recognize 4‐1BB on some cancer cell lines, particularly on lung cancer cell lines such as SPC‐A‐1, H446, H460, and H1299 by flow cytometry analysis, western blot, and RT‐PCR. Immunohistochemistry staining showed the 4‐1BB was expressed on lung tumor tissue (33/35) but not on normal lung tissue (3/3). It was determined that 4‐1BB was strictly expressed on lung cancer cells, which may provide information on the 4‐1BB signal in tumor immunology mechanism.
Galα(1‐3)Gal expression of the cornea in vitro, in vivo and in xenotransplantation
Authors: Lee Hyeon II , Kim Mee Kum , Oh Joo Youn , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Hyun Ju , Wee Won Ryang , Lee Jin Hak 
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Background:  To investigate αGal (Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R) expression of the porcine cornea in vitro, in vivo and after xenotransplantation.Methods:  Using the GS‐IB4 lectin (Griffonia simplifolia I isolectin B4), the expression of αGal was evaluated in the normal porcine cornea and in cultured corneal stromal and endothelial cells of the second passages. The distribution of αGal epitopes was also evaluated in corneal grafts at 4, 7 and 10 days after pig‐to‐rat orthotopic corneal transplantation.Results:  The expression of αGal was mostly confined to the anterior stromal keratocytes of the normal porcine cornea. However, reactivity for GS‐IB4 was markedly increased during cell culture passage (P)—by 18.0% (P1) and 39.0% (P2) in cultivated keratocytes, and by 62.1% (P1) and 87.1% (P2) in cultured endothelial cells. The expression of αGal epitopes was gradually enhanced in all corneal layers of the graft after transplantation.Conclusion:  αGal expression in the cornea was gradually induced during in vitro culture and after xenotransplantation, suggesting a role of putative Gal‐related acute humoral rejection in porcine corneal xenotransplantation.
Systemic immune modulation using chemokine receptor 7 expressing porcine Sertoli cells
Authors: Lee Hak‐Mo , Lim Hong‐Gook , Oh Byoung Chol , Park Chun Soo , Lee Dong‐Sup , Lee Jeong Ryul 
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Sertoli cells (SC) are known to have active mechanism for evading humoral immune response and are known to have immune modulatory effects in the presence of other antigens. This has led us to hypothesize that systemic immune modulating effect of SC might be optimized by their residence on peripheral lymph node. This study was designed to evaluate our new strategy to promote preventive or therapeutic effects of SC in systemic immune modulation for organ transplantation.Methods:  For this purpose, we created chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expressing porcine SC (NPSCi‐CCR7) to facilitate their migration into lymphoid organ in vivo and their potential to modulate systemic immune responses was evaluated using mouse allogeneic skin graft model.Results:  Directed migration of NPSCi‐CCR7 cells from periphery into lymphoid organs was dramatically promoted compared to control NPSCi cells. Also pre‐transplantation of NPSCi‐CCR7 significantly suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and prolonged the allogeneic skin graft survival.Conclusion:  These results suggest that our new strategy to traffic SC to lymphoid organs using CCR7 is very effective and can be extended to traffic other immune modulatory cells or proteins to primary and secondary lymphoid structures to augment their therapeutic potential.
Normal human serum contains high levels of anti‐Galα1‐4GlcNAc antibodies
Authors: Obukhova Polina , Rieben Robert , Bovin Nicolai 
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Natural xenoreactive antibodies (Abs) directed against the Bdi‐epitope (Galα1–3Galβ) on the cells of non‐primate mammals take part in hyperacute rejection of xenotransplanted organs. We found that some Abs, which were one‐step affinity purified on Bdi‐Sepharose, cross‐reacted with the disaccharide Galα1–4GlcNAcβ. The epitope Galα1‐4GlcNAc has not been identified on mammals or bacterial polysaccharides yet.Methods: To isolate the antibodies of the corresponding specificity the disaccharide was immobilized on Sepharose and antibodies were affinity purified from pooled serum of blood group O individuals.Results: These one‐step purified Abs cross‐reacted with Bdi, but after a prior absorption step on Bdi‐Sepharose no cross‐reactivity with Bdi was observed any longer. Surprisingly, the quantity of anti‐Galα1‐4GlcNAc isolated from the same serum pool, 4–7 μg/ml, was equal to that of anti‐Bdi or more. Independently of ABO blood groups all the tested healthy donors had anti‐Galα1‐4GlcNAc Abs at a similar level. Monospecific anti‐Galα1‐4GlcNAc Abs were not cytotoxic towards porcine cells.Conclusions: 1. The actual concentration of monospecific, xenoreactive Galα1–3Galβ Abs in blood may be considerably lower than the value referred to in the literature for ‘anti‐αGal’ or ‘anti‐Galili’ antibodies. 2. Anti‐Galα1‐4GlcNAc Abs seem not to be important for xenotransplantation.
Genetic aspects concerning drip loss and water‐holding capacity of porcine meat
Authors: Jennen D. G. J. , Brings A. D. , Liu G. , Jüngst H. , Tholen E. , Jonas E. , Tesfaye D. , Schellander K. , Phatsara C. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe amount and distribution of water inside the meat has a considerable influence on its properties. High losses of fluid in the form of drip may affect financial output, nutritional value, consumer appeal and/or technological properties of porcine meat. Therefore, a deeper insight into the traits water‐holding capacity (WHC) and drip is favourable on behalf of producers, industry and consumers. Similar to most meat quality traits, WHC and drip loss (DRIP) are moderately heritable. The genetic correlation between these two traits is high. Correlation to other meat quality traits, such as pH value, cooking loss, reflectance, etc. is existent as predictable. Two major genes are known, RYR1 on chromosome 6 and RN on chromosome 15, to influence meat quality in general and WHC in particular. Furthermore, a number of candidate genes exist, e.g. phosphoglycerate mutase 2. Within the variety of quantitative trait loci (QTL) experiments, a number of QTL have been identified. QTL for DRIP and/or WHC have been found on chromosome 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18; for cooking loss on 7, 14 and18, and for pH value on nearly all chromosomes. Recently, a QTL study for meat quality and body composition traits in a Duroc–Pietrain (DUPI) resource population has been conducted at the University of Bonn, Germany. Four QTL for DRIP were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 5 and 18. The QTL regions are in agreement with previously published QTL for this and other related traits. Further research and finemapping has begun and candidate genes located within the QTL regions are currently under investigation. Combination and comparison of results should lead to deeper insights in the genetic background of meat quality and DRIP.
Early Pregnancy Diagnosis by Serum Progesterone and Ultrasound in Sheep Carrying Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer‐Derived Pregnancies
Authors: Alexander B , Coppola G , Mastromonaco GF , St. John E , Reyes ER , Betts DH , King WA 
Published: November 2007

ContentsEarly pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring play an important role following embryo transfer in sheep. The aims of the current study were to investigate (i) the pattern of serum progesterone profiles in sheep carrying somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)‐derived (clone) pregnancies, and (ii) the frequency of pregnancy loss during development following SCNT embryo transfer. Sheep SCNT embryos were made using standard nuclear transfer techniques. Day 7 embryos were surgically transferred to oestrus‐synchronized recipients (n = 27). As a control, normal fertile ewes (n = 12) were bred by natural breeding. Serum was collected from all the ewes on the day of estrus (day 0 sample), 7 days post‐estrus (day 7 sample) and 19 days post‐estrus (day 19 sample) and every 10 days thereafter until lambing or pregnancy loss occurred. Serum progesterone (P4) was assessed using enzyme immunoassay. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound scanning on day 35 of pregnancy followed by subsequent scanning every 10 days. In control ewes, pregnancy rate on day 35 was 83.3% (10/12), whereas in the ewes that received SCNT embryos, it was 22.2% (6/27; p < 0.05). The day 45 pregnancy rate in the control ewes was 83.3%, whereas in the SCNT embryo recipients it was 11.0% (p < 0.05). Hormone analysis revealed that SCNT embryo recipients exhibited a significantly lower P4 profiles at different time points in pregnancy compared to controls (p < 0.05). This study highlights the use of serum progesterone in combination with ultrasound for the investigation of embryo loss and crucial times during development of normal and SCNT embryos in sheep. Further, the serum P4 levels directly reflect the degree of placental development in these two groups.
Microsatellite evidence of facultative outcrossing in cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum): Implications for the evolution of invasiveness
Authors: ASHLEY MICHAEL C. , LONGLAND WILLIAM S. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe presence or absence of heterozygous individuals and overall genetic variation were determined for the invasive exotic annual grass Bromus tectorum from four populations in northern Nevada using seven species‐specific polymorphic di‐nucleotide microsatellite markers. Allelic polymorphisms were found in all populations, but not at all loci within each population. Mean genetic diversity across loci within populations ranged from 0.009 ± 0.006 to 0.551 ± 0.073, across populations x̄ = 0.234 ± 0.043. Fifteen individuals from the total sample (8.24%) were heterozygous at 1–4 loci. Two populations exhibited no heterozygosity and the remaining two populations had relative heterozygote proportions of 22.5% and 12.1%. Facultative outcrossing is discussed as an aspect of reproductive plasticity in cheatgrass and as a mechanism promoting the evolution of invasive genotypes.