bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The plastome-encoded PsaJ subunit is required for efficient Photosystem I excitation, but not for plastocyanin oxidation in tobacco
Authors: Schöttler Mark A. , Flügel Claudia , Thiele Wolfram , Stegemann Sandra , Bock Ralph 
Published: March 2007

The functions of several small subunits of the large photosynthetic multiprotein complex PSI (Photosystem I) are not yet understood. To elucidate the function of the small plastome-encoded PsaJ subunit, we have produced knockout mutants by chloroplast transformation in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). PsaJ binds two chlorophyll-a molecules and is localized at the periphery of PSI, close to both the Lhca2- and Lhca3-docking sites and the plastocyanin-binding site. Tobacco psaJ-knockout lines do not display a visible phenotype. Despite a 25% reduction in the content of redox-active PSI, neither growth rate nor assimilation capacity are altered in the mutants. In vivo, redox equilibration of plastocyanin and PSI is as efficient as in the wild-type, indicating that PsaJ is not required for fast plastocyanin oxidation. However, PsaJ is involved in PSI excitation: altered 77 K chlorophyll-a fluorescence emission spectra and reduced accumulation of Lhca3 indicate that antenna binding and exciton transfer to the PSI reaction centre are impaired in ΔpsaJ mutants. Under limiting light intensities, growth of ΔpsaJ plants is retarded and the electron-transport chain is far more reduced than in the wild-type, indicating that PSI excitation might limit electron flux at sub-saturating light intensities. In addition to defining in vivo functions of PsaJ, our data may also have implications for the interpretation of the crystal structure of PSI.
Reggie/flotillin proteins are organized into stable tetramers in membrane microdomains
Authors: Solis Gonzalo P. , Hoegg Maja , Munderloh Christina , Schrock Yvonne , Malaga-Trillo Edward , Rivera-Milla Eric , Stuermer Claudia A. O. 
Published: March 2007

Reggie-1 and -2 proteins (flotillin-2 and -1 respectively) form their own type of non-caveolar membrane microdomains, which are involved in important cellular processes such as T-cell activation, phagocytosis and signalling mediated by the cellular prion protein and insulin; this is consistent with the notion that reggie microdomains promote protein assemblies and signalling. While it is generally known that membrane microdomains contain large multiprotein assemblies, the exact organization of reggie microdomains remains elusive. Using chemical cross-linking approaches, we have demonstrated that reggie complexes are composed of homo- and hetero-tetramers of reggie-1 and -2. Moreover, native reggie oligomers are indeed quite stable, since non-cross-linked tetramers are resistant to 8 M urea treatment. We also show that oligomerization requires the C-terminal but not the N-terminal halves of reggie-1 and -2. Using deletion constructs, we analysed the functional relevance of the three predicted coiled-coil stretches present in the C-terminus of reggie-1. We confirmed experimentally that reggie-1 tetramerization is dependent on the presence of coiled-coil 2 and, partially, of coiled-coil 1. Furthermore, since depletion of reggie-1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) silencing induces proteasomal degradation of reggie-2, we conclude that the protein stability of reggie-2 depends on the presence of reggie-1. Our data indicate that the basic structural units of reggie microdomains are reggie homo- and hetero-tetramers, which are dependent on the presence of reggie-1.
Holocene radiative forcing impact of northern peatland carbon accumulation and methane emissions
Authors: FROLKING STEVE , ROULET NIGEL T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThroughout the Holocene, northern peatlands have both accumulated carbon and emitted methane. Their impact on climate radiative forcing has been the net of cooling (persistent CO2uptake) and warming (persistent CH4emission). We evaluated this by developing very simple Holocene peatland carbon flux trajectories, and using these as inputs to a simple atmospheric perturbation model. Flux trajectories are based on estimates of contemporary CH4flux (15–50 Tg CH4 yr−1), total accumulated peat C (250–450 Pg C), and peatland initiation dates. The contemporary perturbations to the atmosphere due to northern peatlands are an increase of ∼100 ppbv CH4and a decrease of ∼35 ppmv CO2. The net radiative forcing impact northern peatlands is currently about −0.2 to −0.5 W m−2(a cooling). It is likely that peatlands initially caused a net warming of up to +0.1 W m−2, but have been causing an increasing net cooling for the past 8000–11 000 years. A series of sensitivity simulations indicate that the current radiative forcing impact is determined primarily by the magnitude of the contemporary methane flux and the magnitude of the total C accumulated as peat, and that radiative forcing dynamics during the Holocene depended on flux trajectory, but the overall pattern was similar in all cases.
CK17 and p16 expression patterns distinguish (atypical) immature squamous metaplasia from high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III)
Authors: Regauer S , Reich O 
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Atypical immature metaplasia (AIM) refers to a full‐thickness intraepithelial basaloid lesion in the uterine cervix that features both metaplasia and atypia and is therefore difficult to distinguish from high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III). p16 is a marker for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐induced dysplasia. Cytokeratin (CK) 17 is a marker for cervical reserve (stem) cells, which give rise to metaplasia. The aim was to determine whether AIM can be reclassified into metaplasia and CIN III based on p16 and CK17 immunohistochemistry.Material and results:  Seventy‐five cervical biopsy specimens, curettings and cone excisions containing varying proportions of dysplasia and metaplasia and 20 cases regarded as AIM were analysed immunohistochemically with antibodies to CK17, p16 and p63. In immature metaplasia all proliferating cells were immunoreactive with antibodies to CK17 and p63, while p16 was negative. All dysplastic cells of CIN III demonstrated uniform immunoreactivity for p16 and p63, but were CK17–. Based on the reciprocal immunoreactivity of p16 and CK17, 17/20 cases of AIM were reclassified as metaplasia (n = 10) and CIN III (n = 7). Three cases of AIM stained for both CK17 and p16 and were classified as CIN III.Conclusion:  ‘AIM’ is a helpful histological descriptor but it should not be used as a final diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and CK17 allows distinction between metaplasia and high‐grade CIN.
Heterogeneity of protein kinase C β2 expression in lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Decouvelaere A‐V , Morschhauser F , Buob D , Copin M C , Dumontet C 
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Protein kinase C (PKC) β is an important regulator of lymphoid survival and its expression has been shown to be altered in lymphomas. The aim was to determine the expression of PKC β2 in various subtypes of lymphoproliferative diseases by immunohistochemistry.Methods and results:  One hundred and forty archival samples representing various subtypes of lymphoproliferative diseases were analysed. Certain subtypes, such as mantle cell, lymphocytic or follicular lymphoma, were found to express PKC β2 in > 90% of the samples. In follicular lymphomas, the follicular lymphomatous areas were constantly labelled, whereas residual germinal centres remained negative. In follicular hyperplasia, PKC β2+ cells were found in the mantle and marginal zones. Most angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphomas, lymphoblastic T‐cell lymphomas and marginal zone/mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas were labelled with anti‐PKC βII antibody, but the pattern of expression was more heterogeneous in these subtypes. A minority of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas were stained and most plasma cell malignancies were negative. None of the cases of Hodgkin's disease and anaplastic large cell lymphoma expressed PKC β2.Conclusions:  PKC β2 expression varies significantly among lymphoproliferative diseases. In our series, the highest level of expression was found in mantle cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma.
Does a ruderal strategy dominate the endemic flora of the West African forests?
Authors: Holmgren Milena , Poorter Lourens 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAim To understand the distribution pattern of endemic plant species in West African rain forests, one of the global priority areas for biodiversity conservation.Location Upper Guinean forests, West Africa (Senegal, Guinea‐Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo).Methods We used herbarium collections from the whole Upper Guinean region (sensuWhite 1981) to analyse the distribution patterns of 216 vascular plant species (approximately one‐third of the endemic flora ranging from herbs to trees) that are restricted to these rain forests. We related species distribution ranges and species commonness to the main environmental variables and species life‐history traits.Results We found that most endemic species of West African forests have large distribution ranges and ruderal strategies. Among all plant life‐forms, species with small ranges were restricted to very moist places whereas more widespread species were less dependent on the availability of water. These more common species seem able to tolerate drier conditions, indicated by the minimum rainfall conditions where they are found and the positive correlation with local habitat openness. Light‐demanding endemics were more common and widespread than shade‐tolerant species, and there was a trend towards wind‐dispersed species having a higher proportion of records in open places. This suggests that how widespread and common an endemic species is depends on being able to tolerate open and drier conditions.Main conclusions A ruderal strategy seems to be key for understanding the success of endemics in the Upper Guinean forests, and indicates the important role of disturbances in shaping the composition of these tropical forests. Our results have large implications for predicting the potential effect of increasing drought on rare endemic plant species of West African forests.
Phylogeographical and speciation patterns in subterranean worm lizards of the genus Blanus (Amphisbaenia: Blanidae)
Authors: ALBERT E. M. , ZARDOYA R. , GARCÍA‐PARÍS M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe peculiar lifestyle of subterranean reptiles must determine their modes of speciation and diversification. To further understand the evolutionary biology of subterranean reptiles, we studied the phylogeny of worm lizards of the genus Blanus and the phylogeography of its Iberian representatives. We used mitochondrial (ND4 and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (anonymous) partial gene sequences to resolve phylogenetic relationships within Blanus. The Eastern Mediterranean Blanus strauchi was recovered as sister group of Western Mediterranean species. Iberian and North African Blanus were recovered as reciprocally monophyletic groups. The same genes were used to determine phylogeography of 47 populations of Blanus cinereus. Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data recovered two highly supported Iberian clades. Parapatry and high sequence divergences between them suggest that these clades may represent independent taxonomic units. A molecular clock was calibrated considering that the split between Iberian and North African Blanus was due to the re‐opening of the Betic Strait in the Upper Tortonian (8–9 million years ago). Differentiation between the two Iberian clades was estimated to date back to 5.2 million years ago. The Central Iberian clade included five mitochondrial haplotype lineages (A–E). Geographical ranges of two of them broadly overlap in the central Iberian plateau. After testing alternative hypotheses, the most likely explanation for this striking phylogeographical pattern involves recent dispersal of one of the lineages (C) over the geographical range of the other (B). The inferred recent dispersal of this fossorial reptile is explained in terms of demographic advantages associated to underground lifestyle.
The expression of BAFF‐binding receptors is not altered in multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis
Authors: Thangarajh M. , Kisiswa L. , Pirskanen R. , Hillert J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by consistent myelin injury. Antibody‐mediated death of oligodendrocytes is a pathological feature in a subset of MS patients and may be of relevance to disease pathogenesis. In myasthenia gravis (MG), acetylcholine receptors (AChR) situated at the neuromuscular endplate are destroyed by autoreactive antibodies. B‐cell activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (BAFF) is essential for B‐cell survival. Using flow cytometry, we evaluated the expression of three BAFF‐binding receptors, namely, BAFF‐receptor (BAFF‐R), B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and calcium modulating and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) in peripheral‐blood lymphocytes. Nearly all CD19+ B cells and CD19+CD27+ memory B cells expressed BAFF‐R. The intensity of BAFF‐R expression was not statistically different in MS or MG compared with healthy controls. Very few T cells expressed BAFF‐R. BCMA expression was strictly limited to B cells. Although both B and T cells expressed TACI, levels were much higher on B cells compared with levels on T cells. The percentages of B and T cells expressing BCMA and TACI did not differ significantly in MS or MG versus controls. We conclude that the expression of BAFF‐binding receptors is not appreciably altered in MS or MG.
Macrophage‐derived chemokine in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions
Authors: OKAMOTO Masakazu , IMAIZUMI Kazuyoshi , HASEGAWA Yoshinori , HASHIMOTO Naozumi , SUMIDA Atsushi , SHIBAZAKI Masataka , TAKAGI Kenzo , SHIMOKATA Kaoru , KAWABE Tsutomu 
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is recognized as a T‐helper (Th) 2‐type chemokine. Both malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions are typically lymphocytic pleural effusions. Tuberculous pleural effusions have a more polarized Th1 reaction than malignant effusions, which are predominantly Th2 in nature. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of MDC in malignant pleural effusions with those in tuberculous pleural effusions to help delineate the role of MDC in Th2 versus Th1 effusions.Methods:  Forty‐three patients with pleural effusions (32 malignant, 11 tuberculous) were studied. The concentration of MDC in the pleural effusion was measured by ELISA.Results:  The median concentration of MDC was lower in malignant pleural effusions than in tuberculous pleural effusions (P < 0.005).Conclusions:  MDC has been reported to both promote and suppress antitumour immunity. The low concentration of MDC in malignant effusions is likely to minimise its antitumour activity but the precise role of MDC in malignant and tuberculous effusions needs to be investigated further.
Do glucocorticoids decrease mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome? A meta‐analysis
Authors: AGARWAL Ritesh , NATH Alok , AGGARWAL Ashutosh N. , GUPTA Dheeraj 
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Glucocorticoids have been shown to improve survival when used in patients with septic shock. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of glucocorticoids in decreasing mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) both in the acute and the fibroproliferative phases.Methods:  We searched the MEDLINE database for relevant studies published between 1980 and 2006, and included studies if the study design was a randomized controlled trial or observational study (comparing historical controls). The study population included patients with ARDS treated with glucocorticoids. We calculated the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the outcome of mortality.Results:  Six trials met the inclusion criteria; three investigated the role of steroids in early stage disease (n = 300) and three investigated the role of steroids in late stage disease (n = 235). The odds of glucocorticoids decreasing mortality in patients with early ARDS were 0.57 (95% CI: 0.25–1.32) with a number needed to treat of 10 for benefit (818 harm to 5 benefit) whereas the odds of glucocorticoids decreasing mortality in patients with late ARDS was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.22–1.53) with a number needed to treat of 15 for harm (6 harm to 21 benefit). However, there was significant heterogeneity.Conclusions:  Current evidence does not support a role for corticosteroids in the management of ARDS in either the early or late stages of the disease. More research is required to establish the role of steroids in specific subgroups of patients with severe sepsis and early ARDS who have relative adrenal insufficiency and patients with late ARDS 7–14 days after the onset of disease.
Seasonality of the onset of symptoms, Tuberculin test anergy and Kveim positive reaction in a large cohort of patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: DEMIRKOK Sevtap Sipahi , BASARANOGLU Metin , ÇOKER Elif , KARAYEL Tuncer 
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives:  Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. This study evaluated the seasonal variation in the onset of symptoms, Tuberculin anergy and Kveim positive reaction in a cohort of 492 patients with sarcoidosis and in a subgroup of 248 patients with known Kveim test responses.Methods:  The medical records of 492 patients with sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. Roger’s test for cyclic variation was used to assess the statistical significance of the observed seasonal variation.Results:  For all sarcoidosis patients (n = 492) the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring (61.8%) and least frequent in summer (31.7%) (P < 0.001). For patients with Tuberculin anergy (n = 364) the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in autumn (P < 0.001); there was no seasonal variation among Tuberculin positive patients (n = 128). Of those patients with a Kveim test result (n = 248), the onset of symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in summer (P < 0.001); there was no seasonal variation for patients with a negative Kveim results (n = 50 patients).Conclusions:  The onset of the symptoms was most frequent in spring and least frequent in the second half of the year (summer or autumn) in patients with sarcoidosis, Tuberculin anergy and a positive Kveim reaction. The significance of this finding in relation to aetiology and clinical utility needs to be further assessed.
Music therapy‐induced changes in behavioral evaluations, and saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A concentrations in elderly patients with senile dementia
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Kanamori Masao , Nagasawa Shingo , Tokiko Isowa , Takayuki Saruhara 
Published: March 2007

Objective:  To clarify music therapy‐induced changes in behavioral evaluations, and saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A concentrations in elderly patients with senile dementia.Methods:  A music therapy group consisting of 8 elderly patients with dementia and a control group including eight similarly matched patients received a total of 25 1‐h sessions of music therapy that were conducted twice weekly for 3 months. The Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, and the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale were used to evaluate behavioral changes. Saliva chromogranin A and immunoglobulin A were used to assess changes in stress and immunological status, respectively.Results:  On the Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, the mean score for “different symptoms common in dementia” improved significantly after music therapy. The mean Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale score for “paranoid and delusional ideation” also significantly improved (P < 0.05) after the intervention. While immunoglobulin A was slightly increased prior to intervention, at the 25th session, mean chromogranin A was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  In this study, the Gottfries–Brane–Steen Scale, the Behavior Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale, and immunoglobulin A concentrations were shown to have been affected by music therapy. However, as the number of subjects was small, further research is required in order to fully clarify the effects of music therapy.
Identifying regions of the wheat genome controlling seed development by mapping expression quantitative trait loci†
Authors: Jordan Mark C. , Somers Daryl J. , Banks Travis W. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryStatistical methods established for the genetic analysis of quantitative traits can be applied to gene expression data. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis can associate the expression of genes or groups of genes with particular genomic regions, and thereby identify regions regulating gene expression. A segregating population of 41 doubled haploid (DH) lines from the hard red spring wheat cross RL4452 × ‘AC Domain’ was used to map expression level polymorphisms. This population had previously been mapped with microsatellites, and includes a full QTL analysis for agronomic and seed quality traits. Expression analysis on mRNA from developing seed grown in two field locations was conducted on 39 of the 41 DH lines using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Wheat Genome Array. Analysis of the hybridization intensity identified 1484 Affymetrix probe sets in the first location and 10 280 probe sets in the second location, where the hybridization intensity varied significantly between genotypes of the population. A common set of 1455 probe sets differing in intensity between genotypes in both locations was used for mapping, and 542 QTLs were identified that each mapped to a single chromosome interval, illustrating that major gene expression QTLs could be found in wheat. Genomic regions corresponding to multiple gene expression QTLs were identified. Comparison of expression mapping data with physical mapping of wheat expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences using rice synteny, as well as logarithm of odds (LOD) score analysis, showed that both cis‐ and trans‐acting expression QTLs were present. Chromosomes 1D and 4B may contain significant trans‐regulatory regions in this population.
A Psychological Perspective on Australia's Asylum Policies1
Authors: Mansouri Fethi , Cauchi Stephanie 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses mental and psychological impacts of Australia's temporary protection visa (TPV) policy on individual asylum seekers. The paper is based on personal narratives constructed by individual asylum seekers during one‐on‐one interviews and aims principally to sketch the discursive manifestations of stressful events in the lives of TPV holders. The fact that refugees exhibit signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not entirely new or surprising given the level of trauma, and in many cases torture and persecution, endured in the pre‐migration phase.What is particularly revealing among many TPV holders is the fact that their pre‐migration traumatic experiences are compounded by a post‐migration condition of being in indefinite “temporary” protection. This is further exacerbated by an awareness of the exclusionary discourses and policies advocated by the host government. Past trauma and persecution, combined with present family separation and social exclusion, further compounded by uncertainty about the future, results in almost chronic states of anxiety and depression among a significant number of TPV holders.