bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salicylic Acid Has Cell-Specific Effects on Tobacco mosaic virus Replication and Cell-to-Cell Movement
Authors: Murphy Alex M. , Carr John P. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used to probe the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the cell biology of viral infection. Treatment of tobacco with SA restricted TMV.GFP to single-epidermal cell infection sites for at least 6 d post inoculation but did not affect infection sites of Cucumber mosaic virus expressing GFP. Microinjection experiments, using size-specific dextrans, showed that SA cannot inhibit TMV movement by decreasing the plasmodesmatal size exclusion limit. In SA-treated transgenic plants expressing TMV movement protein, TMV.GFP infection sites were larger, but they still consisted overwhelmingly of epidermal cells. TMV replication was strongly inhibited in mesophyll protoplasts isolated from SA-treated nontransgenic tobacco plants. Therefore, it appears that SA has distinct cell type-specific effects on virus replication and movement in the mesophyll and epidermal cell layers, respectively. Thus, SA can have fundamentally different effects on the same pathogen in different cell types.
Cyclic Electron Flow around Photosystem I in C3Plants. In Vivo Control by the Redox State of Chloroplasts and Involvement of the NADH-Dehydrogenase Complex
Authors: Joët Thierry , Cournac Laurent , Peltier Gilles , Havaux Michel 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCyclic electron flow around photosystem (PS) I has been widely described in vitro in chloroplasts or thylakoids isolated from C3 plant leaves, but its occurrence in vivo is still a matter of debate. Photoacoustic spectroscopy and kinetic spectrophotometry were used to analyze cyclic PS I activity in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Petit Havana) leaf discs illuminated with far-red light. Only a very weak activity was measured in air with both techniques. When leaf discs were placed in anaerobiosis, a high and rapid cyclic PS I activity was measured. The maximal energy storage in far-red light increased to 30% to 50%, and the half-time of the P700 re-reduction in the dark decreased to around 400 ms; these values are comparable with those measured in cyanobacteria and C4 plant leaves in aerobiosis. The stimulatory effect of anaerobiosis was mimicked by infiltrating leaves with inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration or of the chlororespiratory oxidase, therefore, showing that changes in the redox state of intersystem electron carriers tightly control the rate of PS I-driven cyclic electron flow in vivo. Measurements of energy storage at different modulation frequencies of far-red light showed that anaerobiosis-induced cyclic PS I activity in leaves of a tobacco mutant deficient in the plastid Ndh complex was kinetically different from that of the wild type, the cycle being slower in the former leaves. We conclude that the Ndh complex is required for rapid electron cycling around PS I.
Disruption of the Actin Cytoskeleton Results in the Promotion of Gravitropism in Inflorescence Stems and Hypocotyls of Arabidopsis
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Kiss John Z. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is hypothesized to play a major role in gravity perception and transduction mechanisms in roots of plants. To determine whether actin microfilaments (MFs) are involved in these processes in stem-like organs, we studied gravitropism in Arabidopsis inflorescence stems and hypocotyls. Localization studies using Alexa Fluor-phalloidin in conjugation with confocal microscopy demonstrated a longitudinally and transversely oriented actin MF network in endodermal cells of stems and hypocotyls. Latrunculin B (Lat-B) treatment of hypocotyls caused depolymerization of actin MFs in endodermal cells and a significant reduction of hypocotyl growth rates. Actin MFs in Lat-B-treated inflorescence stems also were disrupted, but growth rates were not affected. Despite disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in these two organs, Lat-B-treated stems and hypocotyls exhibited a promotion of gravitropic curvature in response to reorientation. In contrast, Lat-B reduced gravitropic curvature in roots but also reduced the growth rate. Thus, in contrast to prevailing hypotheses, our results suggest that actin MFs are not a necessary component of gravitropism in inflorescence stems and hypocotyls. Furthermore, this is the first study to demonstrate a prominent actin MF network in endodermal cells in the putative gravity-perceiving cells in stems.
Diversity of TITAN Functions in Arabidopsis Seed Development
Authors: Tzafrir Iris , McElver John A. , Liu Chun-ming , Yang Li Jun , Wu Jia Qian , Martinez Audrey , Patton David A. , Meinke David W. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe titan mutants of Arabidopsis exhibit striking defects in seed development. The defining feature is the presence of abnormal endosperm with giant polyploid nuclei. SeveralTTN genes encode structural maintenance of chromosome proteins (condensins and cohesins) required for chromosome function at mitosis. Another TTN gene product (TTN5) is related to the ARL2 class of GTP-binding proteins. Here, we identify four additional TTN genes and present a general model for the titan phenotype. TTN1 was cloned after two tagged alleles were identified through a large-scale screen of T-DNA insertion lines. The predicted gene product is related to tubulin-folding cofactor D, which interacts with ARL2 in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and humans to regulate tubulin dynamics. We propose that TTN5 and TTN1 function in a similar manner to regulate microtubule function in seed development. The titan phenotype can therefore result from disruption of chromosome dynamics (ttn3, ttn7, andttn8) or microtubule function (ttn1 andttn5). Three other genes have been identified that affect endosperm nuclear morphology. TTN4 andTTN9 appear to encode plant-specific proteins of unknown function. TTN6 is related to the isopeptidase T class of deubiquitinating enzymes that recycle polyubiquitin chains following protein degradation. Disruption of this gene may reduce the stability of the structural maintenance of chromosome complex. Further analysis of the TITAN network should help to elucidate the regulation of microtubule function and chromosome dynamics in seed development.
Effects ofClinacanthus siamensisleaf extract on influenza virus infection
Authors: Wirotesangthong Mali , Nagai Takayuki , Yamada Haruki , Amnuoypol Surattana , Mungmee Chutichot 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTEthanolic extracts of 20 medicinal plants were screened for influenza virus NA inhibition andin vitroantiviral activities using MDCK cells in an MTT assay. The vaccine proteins of influenza virus A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), mouse‐adapted influenza virus A/Guizhou/54/89 (A/G)(H3N2) and mouse‐adapted influenza virus B/Ibaraki/2/85 (B/I) were used in the NA inhibition assay, and mouse‐adapted influenza viruses A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), A/G and B/I were used in thein vitroantiviral assay. The results of thein vitroantiviral assay indicated that the A/G virus was the most susceptible and an extract of the leaf of CS possessed the highestin vitroanti‐A/G virus activity (41.98%). Therefore, the A/G virus and the CS extract were selected for studyingin vivoanti‐influenza virus activity. BALB/c mice were treated with CS extract (100 mg/kg per day, 5 times) orally from 4 hr before to 4 days after infection. CS extract elicited significant production of anti‐influenza virus IgG1antibody in BAW and increased mouse weight compared to oseltamivir (0.1 mg/kg per day) on day 19 or water on days 17–19 of infection. Moreover, CS extract produced a higher anti‐influenza virus IgA antibody level in BAW compared to oseltamivir, and a tendency towards an increase in anti‐influenza virus IgA compared to water was shown. The results suggest that CS extract has a protective effect against influenza virus infection.
Apolipoprotein E and Paraoxonase 1 polymorphisms are associated with lower serum thyroid hormones in postmenopausal women
Authors: Lambrinoudaki Irene , Kaparos George , Rizos Demetrios , Galapi Fotini , Alexandrou Andreas , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Creatsa Maria , Christodoulakos George , Kouskouni E. , Botsis D. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective Autoimmune thyroiditis and overt or subclinical hypothyroidism have been associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Design Cross‐sectional investigation of the association between gene polymorphisms related to CVD with thyroid function and autoimmunity.Patients In total 84 healthy postmenopausal women aged 49–69 years.Measurements FT3, FT4, anti‐TPO and anti‐TG were assessed in the sera of participants. The following polymorphisms were assessed from peripheral lymphocyte DNA: Apolipoprotein E E2/E3/E4, paraoxonase 1 A/B, Glycoprotein IIIa leu33pro, MTHFR ala222val, ApoBarg3500gln, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, cholesterol 7‐α hydroxylase A204C and cholesterol ester transfer protein B1/B2.Results A statistically significant correlation was found between Apolipoprotein E and paraoxonase1 polymorphisms and serum thyroid hormones: carriers of the E2 or E4 allele of the ApoE gene had lower levels of FT4 (P = 0·0005) than women with the E3/E3 genotype. Carriers of the B allele of paraoxonase 1 gene had lower levels of FT3 compared to women with the wild‐type genotype (P = 0·047). A statistically significant positive association (P = 0·049) was also observed between anti‐TG antibodies and the presence of the E2 allele of the Apolipoprotein E gene.Conclusions Polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E and paraoxonase 1 are associated with different levels of thyroid hormone and anti‐Tg antibody levels in the study population in this pilot study. The mechanism underlying this association remains to be elucidated.
Dose‐Dependent Immunohistochemical Changes in Rat Cornea and Retina after Oral Methylphenidate Administration
Authors: Tunc E. , Erdogan D. , Gozil R. , Bahcelioglu M. , Calguner E. , Take G. , Caglar G. , Oktem H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryMethylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), more commonly known as Ritalin, is a piperidine derivative and is the drug most often used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common behavioural disorders of children and young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate dose‐dependent immunohistochemical Dopamine 2 receptor (D2) expression and apoptosis in the rat cornea and cornea. In this study, 27 female pre‐pubertal Wistar albino rats, divided into three different dose groups (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and their control groups, were used. They were treated orally with methylphenidate dissolved in saline solution for 5 days per week during 3 months. At the end of the third month, after perfusion fixation, eye tissue was removed. Paraffin sections were collected for immunohistochemical and terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labelling assay studies. In our study, we observed that the cornea D2 receptor reactivity showed a dose‐related increase after MPH treatment, especially in basal cells of the epithelium and a dose‐dependent decrease in the retinal ganglion cell which was statistically meaningful. Analysis of the cornea thickness results showed no meaningful difference between groups. Apoptotic cell number showed a meaningful increase in the high dose treated group compared to the other groups of the study. The data suggest that Ritalin has degenerative effect on the important functional part of the eye, such as cornea and retina and its activating dopaminergic mechanism via similar neuronal paths, functionally and structurally, to induce morphological changes. As a result, we believe that this morphological changes negatively effecting functional organization of the affected cornea and retina.
Response of Wheat Varieties from Semi‐arid Regions of Jordan to Salt Stress
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani A. H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study was carried out to determine the effects of salinity levels (control, 6, 12 and 18 dS m−1) on germination, seedling growth, some agronomic traits and proline accumulation in leaves of nine wheat varieties adapted to semi‐arid areas of Jordan. The tested wheat materials included eight durum wheat varieties (Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Om Rabbeeh, Sham 1, Safra Ma’an, Katma, Al‐Samra and F8) and one bread wheat variety (Diel Harthon). Final germination percentage, shoot and seminal root length, and all growth and yield parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing salinity level. Proline content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by increasing salinity. There were significant variety × salt interactions (P < 0.05) on final germination percentage, seminal root length, grain yield and yield‐related traits indicating that the varieties responded to salt differently. Sham 1 did not show any decrease in germination ability at the different salinity levels. Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Al‐Samra and Diel Harthon showed a nonsignificant reduction in germination potential at low and intermediate salt levels. Safra Ma’an and Al‐Samra showed the lowest reduction in seminal root length at low salt level and consequently exhibited the lowest stress susceptibility index ‘S’ values. Grain yield‐based stress susceptibility index ‘S’ indicated that Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Katma, Al‐Samra, F8 and Diel Jardoon were more salt tolerant than Om Rabbeeh, Sham 1 and Safra Ma’an. In conclusion, a similar salt tolerance was observed at different growth stages in Haurani 27, Acsad 65 and Al‐Samra. Consequently, these three varieties could be considered as salt tolerant and accordingly they are suitable for durum wheat improvement. Furthermore, Sham 1 had the highest ability to germinate at high salinity level indicating that it has a genetic potential for salt tolerance, at least at this stage of its life cycle.
Size Distribution of Luteal Cells During Pseudopregnancy in Domestic Cats
Authors: Arikan Ş , Yigit AA , Kalender H 
Published: November 2008

ContentsExperiments were designed to investigate the size distribution of queen steroidogenic luteal cells throughout pseudopregnancy. Corpora lutea were obtained from the queens following ovariohysterectomy on days 7, 15 or 25 of pseudopregnancy. Luteal cells were isolated from the ovary by collagenase digestion. Steriodogenic cells were identified by staining of cells for 3β‐HSD activity. Cell diameters were measured using a microscope. Luteal cells having steroidogenic capacity covered a wide spectrum of sizes ranging from 3 to 35 μm in diameter. There was a significant increase in mean cell diameters (p < 0.01) as pseudopregnancy progressed. Mean diameter of 3β‐HSD positive cells increased from 10.41 ± 0.7 μm, on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, to 19.72 ± 1.3 μm on day 25 of pseudopregnancy. The ratio of large (>20 μm in diameter) to small (3–20 μm in diameter) luteal cells was 0.08 : 1.0 on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, with the 7.5–10 μm cell size class predominant. By day 25 of pseudopregnancy, the ratio of large‐to‐small cells was increased to 0.87 : 1.0, and 20–25 μm cell sizes become predominant. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the cells of the corpus luteum undergo continuous differentiation during pseudopregnancy in queen. This study also demonstrates that luteal cells dissociated from pseudopregnant queen can be used as a model to study the physiology of corpus luteum in pregnant cats.
Effect of Weaning to Oestrus Interval and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin on Vaginal Electrical Impedance During Peri‐oestrus in Sows
Authors: Řezáč P , Borkovcová M , Křivánek I 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe influence of weaning to oestrus interval, its interaction with parity and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on changes of vaginal impedance in sows after weaning was examined. The impedance measurements were carried out by a four‐terminal method. Sows were monitored for oestrus via exposure to a sexually mature boar. The interval from weaning to oestrus was longer in primiparous than multiparous sows (p < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between the interval from weaning to oestrus and parity. Repeated measures analysis showed that the interval from weaning to oestrus and parity and their interactions had a significant effect on the vaginal impedance in peri‐oestrus. The vaginal impedance during pro‐oestrus gradually decreased in all groups of sows with the weaning to oestrus interval from 4 to 8 days (p < 0.05). In the subsequent period, the vaginal impedance increased and was significantly lower from 1 to 3 days after oestrus onset in sows with the weaning to oestrus interval 7–8 days than 4–6 days. Similarly, the vaginal impedance during pro‐oestrus gradually decreased in all groups of sows with parity 1–5 (p < 0.01). In the next period, the vaginal impedance increased and was significantly lower from 2–3 days after oestrus onset in sows of parity 1 than parity 2–5. Repeated measures analysis showed that eCG treatment had a significant effect on the vaginal impedance in peri‐oestrus. Sows treated with eCG displayed the decrease and increase of vaginal impedance due to oestrus onset earlier than untreated sows. The results indicate that the weaning to oestrus interval, its interaction with parity and eCG markedly affect the vaginal impedance in sows during peri‐oestrus.
Doublecortin expression in the normal and epileptic adult human brain
Authors: Liu Y. W. J. , Curtis M. A. , Gibbons H. M. , Mee E. W. , Bergin P. S. , Teoh H. H. , Connor B. , Dragunow M. , Faull R. L. M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a neurological disorder associated with spontaneous recurrent complex partial seizures and hippocampal sclerosis. Although increased hippocampal neurogenesis has been reported in animal models of MTLE, increased neurogenesis has not been reported in the hippocampus of adult human MTLE cases. Here we showed that cells expressing doublecortin (Dcx), a microtubule‐associated protein expressed in migrating neuroblasts, were present in the hippocampus and temporal cortex of the normal and MTLE adult human brain. In particular, increased numbers of Dcx‐positive cells were observed in the epileptic compared with the normal temporal cortex. Importantly, 56% of Dcx‐expressing cells in the epileptic temporal cortex coexpressed both the proliferative cell marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and early neuronal marker, TuJ1, suggesting that they may be newly generated neurons. A subpopulation of Dcx‐positive cells in the epileptic temporal cortex also coexpressed the mature neuronal marker, NeuN, suggesting that epilepsy may promote the generation of new neurons in the temporal cortex. This study has identified, for the first time, a novel population of Dcx‐positive cells in the adult human temporal cortex that can be upregulated by epilepsy and thus, raises the possibility that these cells may have functional significance in the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
Transcriptional profiling of the endosymbiont Blochmannia floridanus during different developmental stages of its holometabolous ant host
Authors: Stoll Sascha , Feldhaar Heike , Gross Roy 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe transcriptome of Blochmannia floridanus, the endosymbiont of the carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus, is presented during various developmental stages of its holometabolous host by use of a whole‐genome DNA macroarray. The detected transcription patterns indicate the presence of local transcription units as well as global regulatory mechanisms. Yet, the overall regulation scale is very modest, rarely exceeding a factor of three. A large number of genes show differential expression in different life stages and a distinct expression pattern of genes possibly involved in symbiotic function as compared with housekeeping genes is apparent. However, these transcriptional changes are small as compared with the changes in the number of bacteria during host development, which is the highest in pupae and in young imagines. Control of replication of the bacteria in certain life stages may therefore be the decisive parameter influencing the overall level of gene expression of Blochmannia in the animal. The few highly expressed genes like those encoding molecular chaperones exhibit a significantly higher G+C content than moderately expressed genes.
Serving Others and Gaining Experience: A Study of University Students Participation in Service Learning
Authors: Maran Daniela Acquadro , Soro Giorgio , Biancetti Alessandra , Zanotta Tania 
Published: November 2008

AbstractUnlike other countries, Italy has no ‘service learning’, the method enabling students to join accredited voluntary organisations in order to gain experience in serving others. An investigation was conducted in 2006 and 2007 to understand the opportunity that service learning provides to young adults, community and volunteer associations. The objectives were, first, to determine whether there is a need to forge links between the university and the world of volunteer work and, second, to describe the specific areas of action in the local context. A total of 603 video‐recorded interviews were conducted. The findings show that there is a need to create a network for helping institutions, neighbourhoods and young adults to assess the demand and provide an organised response for educational and community needs. As a result, starting from this year, Turin University will be operating the first service learning in Italy.
Working time: implications for sickness absence and the work–family balance
Authors: Olsen Karen M. , Dahl Svenn‐Åge 
Published: November 2008

Olsen KM, Dahl S‐Å. Working time: implications for sickness absence and the work–family balance Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 45–53 © 2008 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.The article analyses the impact of working time on two outcomes: sickness absence and the work–family balance. Working time is distinguished along two dimensions: irregular versus regular working hours and control versus no control over working time. There are three main findings. First, working irregular working hours with no control over time increased sickness absence, for men. Second, irregular hours, particularly with no flexibility, caused distress to the work–family balance, for both women and men. Third, flexibility in the work schedule when working regular hours had no effect on sickness absence nor on the work–family balance. This last finding may be explained by the institutional setting: employees in Norway already have substantial flexibility in, for instance, access to leave of absence. The findings suggest that increasing flexibility may benefit employees who work irregular hours.