bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of Large Subunit rDNA of Symbiotic Dinoflagellates from Scleractinian Corals in the Zhubi Coral Reef of the Nansha Islands
Authors: Huang Hui , Dong Zhi‐Jun , Huang Liang‐Min , Zhang Jun‐Bin 
Published: February 2006

AbstractZooxanthellae are very important for the coral reef ecosystem. The diversity of coral hosts is high in the South China Sea, but the diversity of zooxanthellae has not yet been investigated. We chose the Zhubi Coral Reef of the Nansha Islands as the region to be surveyed in the present study because it represents a typical tropical coral reef of the South China Sea and we investigated zooxanthellae diversity in 10 host scleractinian coral species using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the large subunit rRNA and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns. Pocillopora verrucosa, Acropora pelifera, Acropora millepora, Fungia fungites, Galaxea fascicularis, and Acropora pruinosa harbor Clade C, Goniastrea aspera harbors Clade D, and Acropora formosa harbors Clades D and C. Therefore, the Clade C is the dominant type in the Zhubi Coral Reef of the Nansha Islands. Furthermore, the results of the present also disprove what has been widely accepted, namely that one coral host harbors only one algal symbiont. The coral‐algal symbiosis is flexible, which may be an important mechanism for surviving coral bleaching. Meanwhile, on the basis of the results of the present study, we think that Symbiodinium Clade D may be more tolerant to stress than Symbiodinium Clade C.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Distribution of Vascular Plant Species Richness Along an Elevational Gradient in the Dongling Mountains, Beijing, China
Authors: Ren Hai‐Bao , Niu Shu‐Kui , Zhang Lin‐Yan , Ma Ke‐Ping 
Published: February 2006

AbstractQuantifying spatial patterns of species richness and determining the processes that give rise to these patterns are core problems in biodiversity theory. The aim of the present paper was to more accurately detect patterns of vascular species richness at different scales along altitudinal gradients in order to further our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to facilitate studies on relationships between biodiversity and environmental factors. Species richness patterns of total vascular plants species, including trees, shrubs, and herbs, were measured along an altitudinal gradient on one transect on a shady slope in the Dongling Mountains, near Beijing, China. Direct gradient analysis, regression analysis, and geostatistics were applied to describe the spatial patterns of species richness. We found that total vascular species richness did not exhibit a linear pattern of change with altitude, although species groups with different ecological features showed strong elevational patterns different from total species richness. In addition to total vascular plants, analysis of trees, shrubs, and herbs demonstrated remarkable hierarchical structures of species richness with altitude (i.e. patchy structures at small scales and gradients at large scales). Species richness for trees and shrubs had similar spatial characteristics at different scales, but differed from herbs. These results indicated that species groups with similar ecological features exhibit similar biodiversity patterns with altitude, and studies of biodiversity based on species groups with similar ecological properties or life forms would advance our understanding of variations in species diversity. Furthermore, the gradients or trends appeared to be due mainly to local variations in species richness means with altitude. We also found that the range of spatial scale dependencies of species richness for total vascular plants, trees, shrubs, and herbs was relatively large. Thus, to detect the relationships between species richness with environmental factors along altitudinal gradients, it was necessary to quantify the scale dependencies of environmental factors in the sampling design or when establishing non‐linear models.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
The Putative Ser/Thr Protein Kinase GeneGmAAPKfrom Soybean is Regulated by Abiotic Stress
Authors: Luo Guang‐Zuo , Wang Yong‐Jun , Xie Zong‐Ming , Gai Jun‐Yi , Zhang Jin‐Song , Chen Shou‐Yi 
Published: February 2006

AbstractOsmotic stress caused by dehydration or high‐salt conditions poses a major environmental challenge for plant growth and development. Many studies have shown that protein kinases are important regulators during osmotic stress in plants. In the present study, we describeGmAAPK, a soybean(Glycine max(L.) Merr.) gene coding for a putative serine/threonine protein kinase (abscisic acid (ABA)‐activated protein kinase (AAPK)). The cDNA forGmAAPKis 1 409 bp long and contains a single long open reading frame representing a complete coding region of 359 amino acids.GmAAPKwas mapped onto the D1 a+Q linkage group. Its transcripts are expressed in all tissues, but at high levels in the cotyledon.GmAAPKmRNA was induced by polyethylene glycol, ABA, Ca2+, and Na+, but not cold (4 °C) treatments in soybean leaves. The results suggest that GmAAPK may participate in the regulatory process during osmotic stresses in soybean.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Culturing the Segments of Bryopsis hypnoides Lamouroux Thalli Regenerated from Protoplast Aggregations
Authors: Wang Guang‐Ce , Tseng Cheng‐Kui 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Bryopsis hypnoides Lamouroux was regenerated in vitro from the protoplasm squeezed out from wild algae and the regenerated individuals had an advantage over individuals from the wild in terms of growth. Culturing of segments of thalli also showed that segments from the regenerated algae grew better than those from individuals from the wild. The segment that corresponds to a part of a cell, at least a part of the protoplasm, can develop into a mature individual, including rhizoid and thallus, suggesting that a multinucleate alga, such as B. hypnoides, is different from higher plants, whose totipotency is based on an intact cell (or protoplasm). Further cultivation of mature individuals from segments indicated that the organelles in the thallus had two ways in which they could survive when the alga was on the decline: (i) the organelles were transferred into a ball with a gelatinous envelope through a formed pipe and the ball seemed to be capable of being propagated; and (ii) the organelles were aggregated in the thallus and then moved to the outside. An interesting result is that one organelle aggregation located outside the thallus germinated and developed into a mature alga, although most organelle aggregations gradually lost vitality and died. The results of the present study reveal that the aggregation of organelles can regenerate a stronger organism than individuals from the wild owing to the complete exchange of genetic material and may possibly enable organelles to survive in unfavorable surroundings.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Cloning and Expressional Studies of the Voltage‐dependent Anion Channel Gene from Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Wang Jiang , Zhang Li‐Da , Zuo Kai‐Jing , Qian Hong‐Mei , Cao You‐Fang , Tang Ke‐Xuan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) plays an essential role in the permeability of mitochondrial membrane. In the present study, we isolated a novel VDAC gene (brvdac) based on the assembly of expressed sequence tag sequences from Brassica rapa L. and explored its differential expression patterns in growth, tissues, abiotic stress, and stress recovery. Results of a tissue‐specific expression study in young seedlings indicated that, of all tissues tested, brvdac expression was the highest in the leaves. Under cold, drought, and salt stresses, brvdac expression showed a transient increase, and then returned to normal levels when the stress was removed. When plants were exposed to heat shock, there was no increase in brvdac expression, whereas during recovery a quick and considerable increase in expression was observed. These observations indicate that dissimilar modulations of brvdac transcription may occur when plant cells encounter heat shock and the other three types of stress. In addition, phylogenetic analysis implied that an earlier duplication of vdac probably occurred before the divergence between monocotyledons and dicotyledons.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Cloning and Expression of Low Molecular Weight Glutenin Genes from the Chinese Elite Wheat Cultivar “Xiaoyan 54”
Authors: Wang Xin‐Yu , Liu Kun‐Fan , Guo Wang‐Zhen 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits account for 40% of wheat gluten protein content by mass and these proteins are considered to significantly affect dough quality characteristics. Five new full‐length LMW glutenin genes (designated LMW‐5, LMW‐7, LMW‐42, LMW‐58, and LMW‐34) were isolated from the Chinese elite wheat cultivar “Xiaoyan 54” by PCR amplification of genomic DNA using a pair of degenerate primers designed from the conserved sequences of the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of published LMW glutenin genes. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed that LMW‐5 belongs to the LMW‐i type genes and that the other four belong to LMW‐m type genes. Sequence comparisons revealed that point mutations occasionally occurred in signal peptide and N‐terminus domains and often existed in domain III and domain V. Small insertions and deletions are represented in the repetitive domain. There is a stop codon after amino acid position 110 in the repetitive domain of LMW‐34, indicating that it is a pseudogene. The other four genes have complete open reading frames and the putative mature regions of these genes were subcloned into pET‐30a expression vector and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. Protein sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electro‐phoresis analysis showed that all proteins expressed in E. coli by the four genes could be related to B‐group LMW glutenin subunits of wheat.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Calcium‐Mediated Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Involved in Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Apoptosis in Tobacco Protoplasts
Authors: Wang Yuan , Lin Jiu‐Sheng , Wang Gen‐Xuan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn the present study, we focused on whether intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) regulates the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in H2O2‐induced apoptosis in tobacco protoplasts. It was shown that the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) preceded the appearance of H2O2‐induced apoptosis; pretreatment with the specific MPTP inhibitor cyclosporine A, which also inhibits Ca2+ cycling by the mitochondria, effectively retarded apoptosis and the decrease in ΔΨm. Apoptosis and decreased ΔΨm were exacerbated by CaCl2, whereas the plasma membrane voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel blocker lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) attentuated these responses. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA almost totally inhibited apoptosis and the decrease in ΔΨm induced by H2O2. The time‐course of changes in [Ca2+]i in apoptosis was detected using the Ca2+ probe Fluo‐3 AM. These studies showed that [Ca2+]i was increased at the very early stage of H2O2‐induced apoptosis. The EGTA evidently inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by H2O2, whereas it was only partially inhibited by LaCl3. The results suggest that H2O2 may elevate cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations in tobacco protoplasts, which mainly results from the entry of extracellular Ca2+, to regulate mitochondrial permeability transition. The signaling pathway of [Ca2+]i‐mediated mitochondrial permeability transition was associated with H2O2‐induced apoptosis in tobacco protoplasts.(Managing editor: Ping He).
Global Warming: Can Existing Reserves Really Preserve Current Levels of Biological Diversity?
Authors: Li Mai‐He , Kräuchi Norbert , Gao Su‐Ping 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPaleoecological evidence and paleoclimatic records indicate that there was a plant poleward migration in latitude and an upward shift in elevation with increased temperatures after the last glaciation. Recent studies have shown that global warming over the past 100 years has been having a noticeable effect on living systems. Current global warming is causing a poleward and upward shift in the range of many plants and animals. Climate change, in connection with other global changes, is threatening the survival of a wide range of plant and animal species. This raises the question: can existing reserves really preserve current levels of biological diversity in the long term given the present rapid pace of climate change? The present paper deals with this question in the context of the responses of plants and animals to global climate change, based on a literature review. Consequently, we recommend expanding reserves towards the poles and/or towards higher altitudes, to permit species to shift their ranges to keep pace with global warming.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Involvement of Hydrogen Peroxide Generated by Polyamine Oxidative Degradation in the Development of Lateral Roots in Soybean
Authors: Su Guo‐Xing , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Liu You‐Liang 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn order to determine whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by polyamine oxidative degradation is involved in the development of lateral roots in soybean, the length and the number of lateral roots, the activities of polyamine oxidases and diamine oxidases, and the endogenous free polyamine and H2O2 content were analyzed in soybean (Glycine max (Linn.) Merr.) main roots of 2‐d‐old seedlings after treatments for 2 d with exogenous β‐hydroxyethylhydrazine (an inhibitor of polyamine oxidases), H2O2, putrescine, cyclohexylamine (an inhibitor of spermidine synthase) or N, N′‐dimethylthiourea (a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide). β‐hydroxyethylhydrazine treatment strongly inhibited the development of lateral roots in soybean seedlings, reduced the activities of polyamine oxidases and diamine oxidases, decreased H2O2 levels, and led to the accumulation of endogenous polyamines in the main roots. The inhibitory effect of β‐hydroxyethylhydrazine on root development could be alleviated by exogenously applied 10 μmol/L H2O2 (a major product of polyamine oxidation). Treatment with cyclohexylamine and putrescine promoted root growth slightly, but treatment with cyclohexylamine plus N, N′‐dimethylthiourea or putrescine plus N, N′‐dimethylthiourea prevented the development of soybean lateral roots. The effects of these treatments on the development of soybean lateral roots were consistent with the changes in endogenous H2O2 levels. These results suggest that the development of soybean lateral roots is associated with the oxidative degradation of polyamines, and that their products, especially H2O2, are likely to play an important role in the growth of soybean lateral roots.(Managing editor: Ping He)
Analysis of Steady Ground Water Flow Toward Wells in a Confined‐Unconfined Aquifer
Authors: Chong‐Xi Chen , Li‐Tang Hu , Xu‐Sheng Wang 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA confined aquifer may become unconfined near the pumping wells when the water level falls below the confining unit in the case where the pumping rate is great and the excess hydraulic head over the top of the aquifer is small. Girinskii’s potential function is applied to analyze the steady ground water flow induced by pumping wells with a constant‐head boundary in a mixed confined‐unconfined aquifer. The solution of the single‐well problem is derived, and the critical radial distance at which the flow changes from confined to unconfined condition is obtained. Using image wells and the superposition method, an analytic solution is presented to study steady ground water flow induced by a group of pumping wells in an aquifer bounded by a river with constant head. A dimensionless function is introduced to determine whether a water table condition exists or not near the pumping wells. An example with three pumping wells is used to demonstrate the patterns of potentiometric surface and development of water table around the wells.
Mentoring—A complex relationship
Authors: Barker E. R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose: To address the process of mentoring the advanced practice nurse (APN) and provide suggestions for the formulation, implementation, and termination of the relationship.Data sources: Research studies from nursing as well as other disciplines and personal experience as a mentor and protégé.Conclusions: Mentoring is a dynamic and complex relationship that can support growth, increase synergy, and develop ways to succeed as an APN. Before entering into the relationship, care should be taken to assure compatibility between the mentor and the protégé. Major pitfalls include poor communication patterns and inadequate identification of objectives. Keys for repair or termination of the relationship include personal introspection, honest and nonblaming communication, and development of alternative support networks.Implications for practice: Successful mentoring relationships improve professional growth, competency, and productivity. They also form the basis for ongoing preparation of a new generation of APNs.
Fractured penis
Authors: Cole Frank L. , Vogler Robert W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NP) with information concerning the uncommon occurrence of penile fracture, a review of the anatomy and physiology of the penile shaft, signs and symptoms to be included in assessment, diagnostic tests, treatment, and referral are discussed.Data sources: Current literature available in journals and textbook, and clinical experience.Conclusions: Penile fracture, although an uncommon incident, is an urgent condition that requires a urology consult and surgical repair.Implications for practice: Because of the serious nature of this injury and the potential for complications, NPs need to obtain an urgent urology consult when penile fracture is suspected or diagnosed. The characteristic typical clinical presentation usually eliminates the need for expensive or invasive tests for diagnosis.
Thermophilic aerobic wastewater treatment of waste metalworking fluids
Authors: Cheng Christina , Phipps David , Alkhaddar Rafid M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAn investigation into aerobic biological wastewater treatment was conducted over the temperature range 25–75°C in a semi‐batch bioreactor using waste metalworking fluids (MWFs) generated from Liverpool John Moores University's engineering workshop. The best treatment performance in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal occurred at 50°C (97.27%), with an operational time of 77.5 h. Cell viability was observed throughout the operation and it was found that higher temperature did not directly correlate to low viability. Effluent turbidity reduced considerably from 35 to 50°C and increased thereafter. Even when the system encountered alkaline shock, the overall performance was not affected, thus indicating how stable the system was. The results of this study indicate that an existing industrial‐activated sludge plant could be used to treat waste MWFs under thermophilic conditions. The COD reduction was significant but further investigation into biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds is needed to achieve optimum performance.
Prolactin and Neuroimmunomodulation: In Vitro and in Vivo Observations
Authors: CHIKANZA I. C. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Prolactin (PL) is a mammotropic neuropeptide produced by the pituitary and extrapituitary cells existing as several isoforms and belongs to the growth and lactogenic hormone family, which includes growth hormone and placental lactogens. The secretion of pituitary PL is under hypothalamic control. The cytokines IL‐1, IL‐2, and IL‐6 also stimulate production, while IFN‐γ and endothelin‐3 are inhibitory. PL exerts its effects via PL receptors (PLr) which exist as three isoforms. PL regulates reproduction, osmoregulation, and behavior and has potent immunomodulatory effects. PL is structurally related to members of the cytokine/hematopoietic family such as erythropoietin, GM‐CSF, growth hormone, and IL‐2 to IL‐7. The PLr is a member of the cytokine/hematopoietic receptor family. Interaction of PL with PLr activates the Jak kinases which phosphorylate latent STAT proteins resulting in the activation of transcription. PL counteracts the effects of corticosteroids by enhancing Th1 cellular responses.Perturbations of PL physiology have significant immunologic effects. Hypoprolactinemia impairs immune function while hyperprolactinemia enhances active systemic lupus erythematosus, Reiter's disease, juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and cardiac allograft rejection. PL gene polymorphisms have now been shown to be linked to RA. Thus, manipulation of PL may have significant clinical utility. Further study of the relationship of the PL/PLr complex, other hormones, and the immune system will provide further insights into the potential therapeutic utility of this complex in immune diseases.
Endocrine End‐Points in Rheumatoid Arthritisa
Authors: CASTAGNETTA LUIGI , CUTOLO MAURIZIO , GRANATA ORAZIA M. , DI FALCO MARCO , BELLAVIA VINCENZO , CARRUBA GIUSEPPE 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Our previous studies are reviewed and at the same time preliminary experimental observation to the topic of endocrine end‐points in autoimmune disease is introduced. To this end, we have used rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including synovial fluids and primary cultures of synovial macrophages, as a model system in order to investigate (a) expression and subcellular localization of high‐affinity sites of steroid binding in immune effector cells; (b) steroid metabolic profiles in both male and female RA patients, as compared to healthy subjects; and (c) activities of key steroid enzymes that govern intratissue accumulation of sex hormones.In RA tissues and cells, the concurrent evidence for (1) androgen and/or estrogen receptors, (2) high concentrations of biologically active steroids, (3) key enzymes of steroid metabolism, and (4) significant changes of estrogen to androgen ratio, all strongly suggests that individual immune cells, including synovial macrophages, may behave as steroid‐sensitive cells, namely, they may represent a target for sex steroids, supporting the hypothesis of a potential endocrine regulation of the immune response also in RA disease. In this respect, definition of several endocrine end‐points may have important implications for the treatment of rheumatic disease and other immunological disorders.