bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional food science and substrate metabolism
Authors: Saris W. H. M. , Asp N. G. L. , Björck I. , Blaak E. , Bornet F. , Brouns F. , Frayn K. N. , Fürst P. , Riccardi G. , Roberfroid M. , Vogel M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe present review addresses the role of food constituents in the aetiology of metabolic conditions and chronic diseases, mostly related to energy metabolism and substrate regulation, such as obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Second, attention is paid to malnutrition, a major cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries, which may be a cause of concern in Europe because of the increasing number of elderly people in the population. Finally, the role of diet during exercise, a condition of enormous substrate demands, is evaluated. Based on a critical evaluation of the existing knowledge in the literature, implications for future research in relation to functional foods are discussed.
Elevated CO2 reduces disease incidence and severity of a red maple fungal pathogen via changes in host physiology and leaf chemistry
Authors: Mcelrone Andrew J. , Reid Chantal D. , Hoye Katherine A. , Hart Elizabeth , Jackson Robert B. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAtmospheric CO2 concentrations are predicted to double within the next century. Despite this trend, the extent and mechanisms through which elevated CO2 affects plant diseases remain uncertain. In this study, we assessed how elevated CO2 affects a foliar fungal pathogen, Phyllosticta minima, of Acer rubrum growing in the understory at the Duke Forest free‐air CO2 enrichment experiment in Durham, North Carolina. Surveys of A. rubrum saplings in the 6th, 7th, and 8th years of the CO2 exposure revealed that elevated CO2 significantly reduced disease incidence, with 22%, 27%, and 8% fewer saplings and 14%, 4%, and 5% fewer leaves infected per plant in the three consecutive years, respectively. Elevated CO2 also significantly reduced disease severity in infected plants in all years (e.g. mean lesion area reduced 35%, 50%, and 10% in 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively). To assess the mechanisms underlying these changes, we combined leaf structural, physiological and chemical analyses with growth chamber studies of P. minima growth and host infection. In vitro exponential growth rates of P. minima were enhanced by 17% under elevated CO2, discounting the possibility that disease reductions were because of direct negative effects of elevated CO2 on fungal performance. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) verified that conidia germ tubes of P. minima infect A. rubrum leaves by entering through the stomata. While stomatal size and density were unchanged, stomatal conductance was reduced by 21–36% under elevated CO2, providing smaller openings for infecting germ tubes. Reduced disease severity under elevated CO2 was likely due to altered leaf chemistry and reduced nutritive quality; elevated CO2 reduced leaf N by 20% and increased the C : N ratio by 20%, total phenolics by 15%, and tannins by 14% (P<0.05 for each factor). The potential dual mechanism we describe here of reduced stomatal opening and altered leaf chemistry that results in reduced disease incidence and severity under elevated CO2 may be prevalent in many plant pathosystems where the pathogen targets the stomata.
The influence of landscape structure on occurrence, abundance and genetic diversity of the common frog, Rana temporaria
Authors: Johansson Markus , Primmer Craig R. , Sahlsten Jonas , Merilä Juha 
Published: October 2005

AbstractHuman‐caused habitat destruction and modification constitute one of the largest threats to population persistence and biodiversity, and are also suspected to be the major cause behind the global decline of amphibian populations. We assessed the potential role of agriculture‐related habitat fragmentation on population size and genetic variability in the common frog (Rana temporaria) by recording the occurrence, population density and genetic diversity in three geographically disparate regions in Sweden – each containing landscapes of high and low agricultural activity – and related these to landscape variables extracted from digital maps. We found a highly significant region‐by‐landscape interaction in occurrence, population density and genetic diversity revealing a reversed response to agriculture from south to north: while the effects of agriculture on R. temporaria populations were negative in the south, there were no effects in the central region, whereas positive effects were observed in the north. Spatial autocorrelation analyses of genetic data revealed that populations in high agricultural activity areas were more isolated than populations in low activity areas both in the southern and central regions of Sweden. Landscape diversity showed a strong positive correlation with both density and occurrence of frogs in Sweden as a whole, as well as in the southern region. Also, negative effects of roads and positive effects of ditches on genetic diversity were found in the south. Overall, these results suggest clear but regionally opposite effects of habitat structure on the population size and genetic diversity of amphibian populations. This means that the management strategy aiming to maximize the size and genetic diversity of local common frog populations, and perhaps also those of other amphibian populations, should account for regional differences in existing land‐use patterns.
Relationship between SPRY and B30.2 protein domains. Evolution of a component of immune defence?
Authors: Rhodes David A. , De Bono Bernard , Trowsdale John 
Published: October 2005

SummarySPRY and B30.2 are homologous domains which can be identified in 11 protein families encoded in the human genome. These include cell surface receptors of the immunoglobulin super‐family (BTNs), negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway (SOCS‐box SSB1–4) and proteins encoded by the numerous TRIM genes. Collectively, proteins containing SPRY and B30.2 domains cover a wide range of functions, including regulation of cytokine signalling (SOCS), RNA metabolism (DDX1, hnRNPs), intracellular calcium release (RyR receptors), immunity to retroviruses (TRIM5alpha) as well as regulatory and developmental processes (HERC1, Ash2L). In order to clarify the evolutionary relationship between the two domains, we compiled a curated database of SPRY and B30.2‐domain sequences. We show that while SPRY domains are evolutionarily ancient, B30.2 domains, found in BTN and TRIM proteins, are a more recent evolutionary adaptation, comprising the combination of SPRY with an additional domain, PRY. The combination of SPRY and PRY to produce B30.2 domains may have been selected and maintained as a component of immune defence.
Selective inhibition by rottlerin of macropinocytosis in monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Sarkar Kakali , Kruhlak Michael J. , Erlandsen Stanley L. , Shaw Stephen 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWe present here the analysis of fluid‐phase endocytosis (FPE) in human blood monocytes and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDC) facilitated by our serendipitous identification of rottlerin as an efficient inhibitor of dendritic cell FPE (IC50 of 0·4 µM). Rottlerin was found to be an excellent tool for FPE analysis: rapid‐acting, irreversible and selective for FPE (as opposed to receptor‐mediated endocytosis) at concentrations of 3 µM and below. The inhibitory effect was not due to toxicity or visible change in membrane ruffles, but affects on cytoskeletal reorganization were evident in MDDC treated with relevant rottlerin concentrations during adhesion. A marked increase in FPE was observed in 1 hr interleukin (IL)‐4 and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)‐stimulated monocytes. Moreover, rottlerin inhibited the augmented FPE of 1‐day cytokine treated monocytes and their augmented ability to induce T cell proliferative responses to tetanus toxoid. We conclude that rottlerin is a useful tool for investigating FPE and its functional importance.
NK cell activity in tuberculosis is associated with impaired CD11a and ICAM‐1 expression: a regulatory role of monocytes in NK activation
Authors: Schierloh Pablo , Alemán Mercedes , Yokobori Noemí , Alves Leandro , Roldán Nicolás , Abbate Eduardo , Sasiain María del C. , De La Barrera Silvia 
Published: October 2005

SummaryAlthough the role of natural killer (NK) cells in mycobacterial infections is unclear, it has been postulated that they contribute to protective immunity through the production of interferon (IFN)‐γ. In this study, we evaluate the effect of interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐15 and IL‐18 on NK lytic activity through the expression of CD16, CD11a and CD69 molecules and the induction of IFN‐γ production in patients with tuberculosis (TB) and healthy individuals (N). Our results showed an impairment of NK lytic activity and a gradual down‐regulation of costimulatory and adhesion molecules on NK cells which were dependent on the severity of the disease. NK lytic activity was increased by exogenous IL‐15 and IL‐18 in both TB and N, and by neutralization of endogenous IL‐10 only in TB; IL‐15 and IL‐18 increased CD69 receptor expression, while anti‐IL‐10 up‐regulated CD16 and CD11a expression in TB. Mycobacterium tuberculosis reduced the number of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1+ CD14+ cells, but in the presence of IL‐15, IL‐18 and anti‐IL‐10 its expression was up‐regulated. In cells from TB patients, the observed effects of IL‐15 and IL‐18 on NK function were not dependent on IL‐10 modulation of the surface expression of activator/adhesion molecules. In the absence of monocytes, IL‐10 activated NK cells, suggesting an indirect effect on their function. Furthermore, in TB patients the depletion of monocytes increased the production of IFN‐γ by NK cells. Therefore, monocytes from TB patients regulated the NK function involving IL‐10 which, through an indirect mechanism, led to the down‐regulation of costimulatory/adhesion molecules and/or IFN‐γ production.
Augmented induction of CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cell response and antitumour resistance by T helper type 1‐inducing peptide
Authors: Kikuchi Takeshi , Uehara Shuichiro , Ariga Haruyuki , Tokunaga Takeshi , Kariyone Ai , Tamura Toshiki , Takatsu Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe effector CD8+ T cells recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I binding altered self‐peptides expressed in tumour cells. Although the requirement for CD4+ T helper type 1 (Th1) cells in regulating CD8+ T cells has been documented, their target epitopes and functional impact in antitumour responses remain unclear. We examined whether a potent immunogenic peptide of Mycobacterium tuberculosis eliciting Th1 immunity contributes to the generation of CD8+ T cells and to protective antitumour immune responses to unrelated tumour‐specific antigens. Peptide‐25, a major Th epitope of Ag85B from M. tuberculosis preferentially induced CD4+ Th1 cells in C57BL/6 mice and had an augmenting effect on Th1 generation for coimmunized unrelated antigenic peptides. Coimmunization of mice with Peptide‐25 and ovalbumin (OVA) or Peptide‐25 and B16 melanoma peptide [tyrosinase‐related protein‐2 (TRP‐2)] for MHC class I led to a profound increase in CD8+ T cells specific for OVA and TRP‐2 peptides, respectively. This heightened response depended on Peptide‐25‐specific CD4+ T cells and interferon‐γ‐producing T cells. In tumour protection assays, immunization with Peptide‐25 and OVA resulted in the enhancement of CD8+ cytotoxic cell generation specific for OVA and the growth inhibition of EL‐4 thymoma expressing OVA peptide leading to the tumour rejection. These phenomena were not achieved by immunization with OVA alone. Peptide‐25‐reactive Th1 cells counteractivated dendritic cells in the presence of Peptide‐25 leading them to activate and present OVA peptide to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.
Salmonella porins induce a sustained, lifelong specific bactericidal antibody memory response
Authors: Secundino Ismael , López‐Macías Constantino , Cervantes‐Barragán Luisa , Gil‐Cruz Cristina , Ríos‐Sarabia Nora , Pastelin‐Palacios Rodolfo , Villasis‐Keever Miguel Angel , Becker Ingeborg , Puente José Luis , Calva Edmundo , Isibasi Armando 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWe examined the ability of porins from Salmonella enterica serovar typhi to induce a long‐term antibody response in BALB/c mice. These porins triggered a strong lifelong production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in the absence of exogenous adjuvant. Analysis of the IgG subclasses produced during this antibody response revealed the presence of the subclasses IgG2b, IgG1, IgG2a and weak IgG3. Despite the high homology of porins, the long‐lasting anti‐S. typhi porin sera did not cross‐react with S. typhimurium. Notably, the antiporin sera showed a sustained lifelong bactericidal‐binding activity to the wild‐type S. typhi strain, whereas porin‐specific antibody titres measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) decreased with time. Because our porin preparations contained the outer membrane proteins C and F (OmpC and OmpF), we evaluated the individual contribution of each porin to the long‐lasting antibody response. OmpC and OmpF induced long‐lasting antibody titres, measured by ELISA, which were sustained for 300 days. In contrast, although OmpC induced sustained high bactericidal antibody titres for 300 days, postimmunization, the bactericidal antibody titre induced by OmpF was not detected at day 180. These results indicate that OmpC is the main protein responsible for the antibody‐mediated memory bactericidal response induced by porins. Taken together, our results show that porins are strong immunogens that confer lifelong specific bactericidal antibody responses in the absence of added adjuvant.
Two different polyketide synthase genes are required for synthesis of zearalenone in Gibberella zeae
Authors: Kim Yong‐Tae , Lee Ye‐Ryun , Jin Jianming , Han Kap‐Hoon , Kim Hun , Kim Jin‐Cheol , Lee Theresa , Yun Sung‐Hwan , Lee Yin‐Won 
Published: October 2005

SummaryZearalenone (ZEA) is a polyketide mycotoxin produced by some species of Gibberella/Fusarium and causes hyperestrogenic syndrome in animals. ZEA occurs naturally in cereals infected by Gibberella zeae in temperate regions and threatens animal health. In this study, we report on a set of genes that participate in the biosynthesis of ZEA in G. zeae. Focusing on the non‐reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) genes of the G. zeae genome, we demonstrated that PKS13 is required for ZEA production. Subsequent analyses revealed that a continuous, 50 kb segment of DNA carrying PKS13 consisted of three additional open reading frames that were coexpressed as a cluster during the condition for ZEA biosynthesis. These genes, in addition to PKS13, were essential for the ZEA biosynthesis. They include another PKS gene (PKS4) encoding a fungal reducing PKS; zearalenone biosynthesis gene 1 (ZEB1), which shows a high similarity to putative isoamyl alcohol oxidase genes; and ZEB2 whose deduced product carries a conserved, basic‐region leucine zipper domain. ZEB1 is responsible for the chemical conversion of β‐zearalenonol (β‐ZOL) to ZEA in the biosynthetic pathway, and ZEB2 controls transcription of the cluster members. Transcription of these genes was strongly influenced by different culture conditions such as nutrient starvations and ambient pH. Furthermore, the same set of genes regulated by ZEB2 was dramatically repressed in the transgenic G. zeae strain with the deletion of PKS13 or PKS4 but not in the ZEB1 deletion strain, suggesting that ZEA or β‐ZOL may be involved in transcriptional activation of the gene cluster required for ZEA biosynthesis in G. zeae. This is the first published report on the molecular characterization of genes required for ZEA biosynthesis.
RepB protein of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid binds to two adjacent sites between repA and repB for plasmid partitioning and autorepression
Authors: Chai Yunrong , Winans Stephen C. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryPlasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens replicate using the products of the repABC operon, which are highly conserved among plasmids and some chromosomes of the alpha‐Proteobacteria. The products of repA and repB direct plasmid partitioning, while the repC gene encodes a replication initiator protein. The transcription of the repABC operon of tumour inducing (Ti) plasmids is both negatively autoregulated by the RepA and RepB proteins, and positively regulated by TraR. In the present study, we have identified a fourth gene (repD) in the repABC operon of an octopine‐type Ti plasmid. repD is 78 codons in length, and maps between repA and repB genes. A repD–lacZ protein fusion demonstrated that repD is strongly expressed. Two identical binding sites for the RepB protein were found within the repD coding sequence, and these sites are required for plasmid stability and for maximal repression of repABC transcription. RepA protein enhances the binding of RepB at these binding sites, just as RepB increases the affinity of RepA for binding sites at the repABC P4 promoter. We propose that RepA and RepB form complexes that bind both sites, possibly causing a loop that is important for repression of the repABC operon. Binding at one or both sites may also be required for accurate plasmid partitioning.
Genesis of large siliceous stromatolites at Frying Pan Lake, Waimangu geothermal field, North Island, New Zealand
Authors: JONES BRIAN , RENAUT ROBIN W. , KONHAUSER KURT O. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractLilypad stromatolites, up to 3 m long and 1·5 m wide, were found to be actively growing in the shallow marginal waters of Frying Pan Lake and its outflow channel. These stromatolites, composed of Phormidium (> 90%), Fischerella, and a variety of other microbes, develop through a series of distinct growth stages. Dark green microbial mats cover the floor of the outflow channel and give rise to columns of various sizes and shapes in the shallower marginal waters. Once the columns reach the water level, the mats spread laterally to form a lilypad stromatolite. The lilypads are characterized by a raised, dark green rim, 4–5 mm high, that encircles a flat interior covered with a distinctive orange‐red mat. The microbes forming the columns and lilypad plate are being actively silicified. The stromatolites are formed of: (i) flat‐lying Phormidium filaments (P‐laminae), (ii) upright filaments of Phormidium that are commonly associated with Fischerella (U‐laminae), and (iii) mucus, diatoms and pyrite framboids (M‐laminae). P‐laminae dominate most of the columns, with tripartite cycles of P‐, U‐, to M‐laminae being found mostly in the upper parts of the stromatolites. The transition from the P‐ to U‐laminae is marked by a change in the growth pattern of the Phormidium and branching of Fischerella, which was probably triggered by a change in environmental conditions. In the Frying Pan Lake outflow channel, this change may be related to fluctuations in water level and flow rates that are caused by periods of heavy rain, seasonal changes, long‐term variations in rainfall, and/or the unique 40‐day hydrological cycle that exists between Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater, which is a nearby hydrothermal crater lake.
Tissue‐specific expression of stabilized SOLITARY‐ROOT/IAA14 alters lateral root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fukaki Hidehiro , Nakao Yoko , Okushima Yoko , Theologis Athanasios , Tasaka Masao 
Published: October 2005

SummaryAuxin is important for lateral root (LR) initiation and subsequent LR primordium development. However, the roles of tissue‐specific auxin signaling in these processes are poorly understood. We analyzed transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the stabilized mutant INDOLE‐3 ACETIC ACID 14 (IAA14)/SOLITARY‐ROOT (mIAA14) protein as a repressor of the auxin response factors (ARFs), under the control of tissue‐specific promoters. We showed that plants expressing the mIAA14‐glucocorticoid receptor (GR) fusion protein under the control of the native IAA14 promoter had the solitary‐root/iaa14 mutant phenotypes, including the lack of LR formation under dexamethasone (Dex) treatment, indicating that mIAA14‐GR is functional in the presence of Dex. We then demonstrated that expression of mIAA14‐GR under the control of the stele‐specific SHORT‐ROOT promoter suppressed LR formation, and showed that mIAA14‐GR expression in the protoxylem‐adjacent pericycle also blocked LR formation, indicating that the normal auxin response mediated by auxin/indole‐3 acetic acid (Aux/IAA) signaling in the protoxylem pericycle is necessary for LR formation. In addition, we demonstrated that expression of mIAA14‐GR under either the ARF7 or the ARF19 promoter also suppressed LR formation as in the arf7 arf19 double mutants, and that IAA14 interacted with ARF7 and ARF19 in yeasts. These results strongly suggest that mIAA14‐GR directly inactivates ARF7/ARF19 functions, thereby blocking LR formation. Post‐embryonic expression of mIAA14‐GR under the SCARECROW promoter, which is expressed in the specific cell lineage during LR primordium formation, caused disorganized LR development. This indicates that normal auxin signaling in LR primordia, which involves the unknown ARFs and Aux/IAAs, is necessary for the establishment of LR primordium organization. Thus, our data show that tissue‐specific expression of a stabilized Aux/IAA protein allows analysis of tissue‐specific auxin responses in LR development by inactivating ARF functions.
Hormonal regulation of gluconeogenesis in cereal aleurone is strongly cultivar‐dependent and gibberellin action involves SLENDER1 but not GAMYB
Authors: Eastmond Peter J. , Jones Russell L. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryStorage oil is a major constituent in the cereal aleurone layer. The aim of this study was to investigate how gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) regulate conversion of oil to sugar in barley aleurone. The activity of the glyoxylate cycle enzyme isocitrate lyase (ICL) was surveyed in eight barley cultivars. Surprisingly, some cultivars do not require GA for the induction of ICL (e.g. Himalaya), whereas some do (e.g. Golden Promise). Furthermore, in Golden Promise, GA also stimulates triacylglycerol breakdown and enhances the net flux of carbon from acetate to sugar. In contrast, ABA strongly represses ICL activity and the flux of carbon from oil to sugar in both Golden Promise and Himalaya. Biolistics using a promoter reporter showed that GA and ABA regulate ICL at the level of transcription. Studies using barley and rice mutants and pharmacological agents show that GA‐dependent induction of ICL activity is mediated by SLENDER1 and requires cGMP, but does not involve the transcription factor GAMYB. Gibberellin and ABA therefore act antagonistically to regulate gluconeogenesis in the aleurone layer as well as controlling the production and secretion of hydrolases into the starchy endosperm. We suggest that the variation between different barley cultivars might be a result of selective breeding to alter seed dormancy.
Movie Making at Pixar: A Collaboration of Art and Technology
Authors: Cook Rob 
Published: October 2005

Abstract This talk takes you behind the scenes at Pixar Animation Studios for an in‐depth look at how its 3d computer graphics films are made. Making a computer animated film involves people with artistic talent and people with technical skills working together in close collaboration. The process starts with the development of the story and continues with modeling the geometry, adding articulation controls, using those controls to animate the characters, simulating things like water and cloth and hair, defining the look of the surfaces, putting lights in the scene, adding special effects, rendering, and post‐production. Special emphasis is given to the roles of technology and computer graphics research in supporting the filmmaker.