bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-self-dual Lagrangians: Variational resolutions of non-self-adjoint equations and dissipative evolutions
Authors: Ghoussoub Nassif 
Published: September 2006

We develop the concept and the calculus of
anti-self-dual
(
ASD
)
Lagrangians
and their derived vector fields which seem inherent to many partial differential equations and evolutionary systems. They are natural extensions of gradients of convex functions – hence of self-adjoint positive operators – which usually drive dissipative systems, but also provide representations for the superposition of such gradients with skew-symmetric operators which normally generate unitary flows. They yield variational formulations and resolutions for large classes of non-potential boundary value problems and initial-value parabolic equations. Solutions are minima of newly devised energy functionals, however, and just like the self (and anti-self) dual equations of quantum field theory (e.g. Yang–Mills) the equations associated to such minima are not derived from the fact they are critical points of the functional

I

, but because they are also zeroes of suitably derived Lagrangians. The approach has many advantages: it solves variationally many equations and systems that cannot be obtained as Euler–Lagrange equations of action functionals, since they can involve non-self-adjoint or other non-potential operators; it also associates variational principles to variational inequalities, and to various dissipative initial-value first order parabolic problems. These equations can therefore be analyzed with the full range of methods – computational or not – that are available for variational settings. Most remarkable are the permanence properties that ASD Lagrangians possess making their calculus relatively manageable and their domain of applications quite broad.

Résumé

On introduit et développe la notion de
Lagrangien anti-autodual
qui apparait dans plusieurs problèmes de géométrie et de physique théorique. Cette classe inclut les champs de gradient de fonctions convexes qui sont à la base de systèmes dissipatifs, mais aussi la superposition de ces derniers avec les opérateurs anti-symétriques qui, par contre, engendrent des flots conservatifs. Comme pour les équations autoduales de Yang–Mills, ces Lagrangiens permettent la résolution variationnelle de plusieurs équations différentielles du premier ordre qui ne rentrent donc pas dans le cadre de la théorie de Euler–Lagrange. Les solutions proviennent de minima de certaines (nouvelles) fonctionelles d'énergie, mais les équations ne sont pas derivées du fait qu'elles sont des points critiques, mais du fait qu'elles sont des racines de Lagrangiens positifs associés obtenus par une extension d'une astuce de Bogomolnyi. Cette nouvelle approche variationelle a plusieurs avantages, surtout qu'elle est applicable dans plusieurs situations, puisque la classe des Lagrangiens anti-autoadjoints est assez riche, étant stable – entre autres – par les opérations du calcul fonctionnel de l'analyse convexe, ainsi que celui des opérateurs anti-symétriques.
Habitat suitability modelling of economically important fish species with commercial fisheries data
Authors: Morris Liz , Ball David 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this study we used catch and effort data from a commercial fishery to generate habitat suitability models for Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. Species modelled were King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctata), greenback flounder (Rhombosolea tapirina), Australian salmon (Arripis trutta and A. truttaceus), and snapper (Pagrus auratus). Locations of commercial catches were reported through a grid system of fishing blocks. Spatial analyses in a Geographic Information System (GIS) were applied to describe each fishing block by its habitat area. A multivariate approach was adopted to group each fishing block by its dominant habitats. Standardized catch per unit effort values were overlaid on these groups to identify those that returned high or low catches for each species. A simple set of rules was then devised to predict the habitat suitability for each habitat combination in a fishing block. The spatial distribution of these habitats was presented in a GIS. These habitat suitability models were consistent with existing anecdotal information and expert opinion. While the models require testing, we have shown that in the absence of adequate fishery-independent data, commercial catch and effort data can be used to produce habitat suitability models at a bay-wide scale.
Preliminary observations of tag shedding, tag reporting, tag wounds, and tag biofouling for raggedtooth sharks (Carcharias taurus) tagged off the east coast of South Africa
Authors: Dicken M.L. , Booth A.J. , Smale M.J. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
A double-tagging experiment and integrated on-site questionnaire and telephone survey were used to investigate aspects of tag shedding, tag reporting, tag wounds, and tag biofouling for the raggedtooth shark (Carcharias taurus), tagged off the east coast of South Africa. Between 2002 and 2004, 84 juvenile (<1.8 m total length, TL), and 24 adult (>1.8 m TL) C. taurus were double-tagged. Of these, 11 juvenile and six adult double-tagged sharks were recaptured. Significantly, more tags were shed from adult than from juvenile sharks, and there was also a significant difference between the number of anterior and posterior tags shed. Rates of tag reporting were estimated from a survey of 477 randomly selected shore-anglers, and they varied both temporally and spatially from 27% to 100%. In all, 93 tag recaptures were reported in the survey, most (75.3%) with some biofouling. Tag-inflicted damage was reported in 35.5% of recaptured sharks, and the incidence of tag-inflicted damage was greater for disk (77.8%) than for dart tags (25.3%).
FEMALE AUTONOMY AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO WOMEN’S HIV-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOUR IN THREE CULTURALLY CONTRASTING STATES IN INDIA
Authors: BLOOM SHELAH S. , GRIFFITHS PAULA L. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryFactors contributing to India’s vulnerability to the AIDS epidemic include pervasive poverty, low levels of education and high gender stratification. This study uses data collected in the 1998–99 National Family Health Survey-2 (NFHS-2) to investigate the relationship between aspects of women’s autonomy and four measures of HIV-related knowledge and behaviour – awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS, condom awareness and condom use – in three culturally contrasting states in India: Kerala (n=2884), Karnataka (n=4357) and Uttar Pradesh (n=8981). The NFHS-2 is a nationally representative survey of India, with a sampling scheme that was designed such that each state sample can be generalized back to represent ever-married women aged 15–49 living in the state. Kerala scores highest in the four health outcome measures, followed by Karnataka and then Uttar Pradesh, but condom use is lowest in Karnataka. Kerala also leads in the four dimensions of autonomy examined and in socio-demographic status, followed again by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Despite these observed differences, in all three states, women with greater autonomy as measured by this study were more likely to be knowledgeable about AIDS and condoms and to use condoms, after controlling for socio-demographic factors. These results concur with other studies focusing on women’s autonomy and health outcomes around the world, and point to the importance of incorporating a gender-based approach to AIDS prevention programmes in India.
Pharmacological blockade of CCR1 ameliorates murine arthritis and alters cytokine networksin vivo
Authors: Amat M , Benjamim C F , Williams L M , Prats N , Terricabras E , Beleta J , Kunkel S L , Godessart N 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:The chemokine receptor CCR1 is a potential target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. To explore the impact of CCR1 blockade in experimental arthritis and the underlying mechanisms, we used J‐113863, a non‐peptide antagonist of the mouse receptor.Experimental approach:Compound J‐113863 was tested in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and three models of acute inflammation;Staphylococcusenterotoxin B (SEB)‐induced interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced tumour necrosis factorα (TNFα) production. In the LPS model, CCR1 knockout, adrenalectomised, or IL‐10‐depleted mice were also used. Production of TNFα by mouse macrophages and human synovial membrane samples in vitro were also studied.Key results:Treatment of arthritic mice with J‐113863 improved paw inflammation and joint damage, and dramatically decreased cell infiltration into joints. The compound did not inhibit IL‐2 or DTH, but reduced plasma TNFα levels in LPS‐treated mice. Surprisingly, CCR1 knockout mice produced more TNFα than controls in response to LPS, and J‐113863 decreased TNFα also in CCR1 null mice, indicating that its effect was unrelated to CCR1. Adrenalectomy or neutralisation of IL‐10 did not prevent inhibition of TNFα production by J‐113863. The compound did not inhibit mouse TNFα in vitro, but did induce a trend towards increased TNFα release in cells from synovial membranes of rheumatoid arthritis patients.Conclusions and implications:CCR1 blockade improves the development of CIA, probably via inhibition of inflammatory cell recruitment. However, results from both CCR1‐deficient mice and human synovial membranes suggest that, in some experimental settings, blocking CCR1 could enhance TNF production.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 666–675. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706912
Reciprocal regulation of human soluble and particulate guanylate cyclasesin vivo
Authors: Madhani M , Okorie M , Hobbs A J , MacAllister R J 
Published: October 2006

Background & purpose:We demonstrated previously that reciprocal regulation of soluble (sGC) and particulate (pGC) guanylate cyclases by NO and natriuretic peptides coordinates cyclic cGMP‐mediated vasodilatationin vitro. Herein, we investigated whether such an interaction contributes to vascular homeostasis in mice and humansin vivo.Experimental approach:Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) changes in anaesthetized mice were monitored in response to i.v. administration of cGMP‐ and cAMP‐dependent vasodilators in wild‐type (WT), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)‐A knockout mice. Forearm blood flow (FBF) in response to intra‐brachial infusion of ANP (25, 50, 100, 200 pmol min‐1) in the absence and presence of the NOS inhibitor NG‐methyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMA; 4 μmol min‐1) and the control constrictor noradrenaline (240 pmol min‐1) was assessed in healthy volunteers.Key results:Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO‐donor) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) produced dose‐dependent reductions in MABP in WT animals that were significantly enhanced in eNOS KO mice. In NPR‐A K mice, SNP produced a dose‐dependent reduction in MABP that was significantly greater than that in WT mice. Responsiveness to the cAMP‐dependent vasodilator epoprostenol was similar in WT, eNOS KO and NPR‐A KO animals. ANP caused vasodilatation of the forearm resistance vasculature that was significantly greater in individuals lacking endothelium‐derived NO (i.e. L‐NMA treated).Conclusions & implications:These data demonstrate that crosstalk occurs between the NO‐sGC and ANP‐pGC pathways to regulate cGMP‐dependent vasodilatationin vivoin both mice and humans. These findings have implications for understanding the link between natriuretic peptide activity and cardiovascular risk.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 797–801. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706920
Sensitivity of glycogen phosphorylase isoforms to indole site inhibitors is markedly dependent on the activation state of the enzyme
Authors: Freeman S , Bartlett J B , Convey G , Hardern I , Teague J L , Loxham S J G , Allen J M , Poucher S M , Charles A D 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:Inhibition of hepatic glycogen phosphorylase is a potential treatment for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. Selective inhibition of the liver phosphorylase isoform could minimize adverse effects in other tissues. We investigated the potential selectivity of two indole site phosphorylase inhibitors, GPi688 and GPi819.Experimental approach:The activity of glycogen phosphorylase was modulated using the allosteric effectors glucose or caffeine to promote the less active T state, and AMP to promote the more active R state. In vitro potency of indole site inhibitors against liver and muscle glycogen phosphorylase a was examined at different effector concentrations using purified recombinant enzymes. The potency of GPi819 was compared with its in vivo efficacy at raising glycogen concentrations in liver and muscle of Zucker (fa/fa) rats.Key results: In vitro potency of indole site inhibitors depended upon the activity state of phosphorylase a. Both inhibitors showed selectivity for liver phosphorylase a when the isoform specific activities were equal. After 5 days dosing of GPi819 (37.5 μmol kg−1), where free compound levels in plasma and tissue were at steady state, glycogen elevation was 1.5‐fold greater in soleus muscle than in liver (P<0.05).Conclusions and implications:The in vivo selectivity of GPi819 did not match that seen in vitro when the specific activities of phosphorylase a isoforms are equal. This suggests T state promoters may be important physiological regulators in skeletal muscle. The greater efficacy of indole site inhibitors in skeletal muscle has implications for the overall safety profile of such drugs.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 775–785. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706925
Characterization of a Two-Component High-Affinity Nitrate Uptake System in Arabidopsis. Physiology and Protein-Protein Interaction
Authors: Orsel Mathilde , Chopin Franck , Leleu Olivier , Smith Susan J. , Krapp Anne , Daniel-Vedele Françoise , Miller Anthony J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe identification of a family of NAR2-type genes in higher plants showed that there was a homolog in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtNAR2.1. These genes encode part of a two-component nitrate high-affinity transport system (HATS). As the Arabidopsis NRT2 gene family of nitrate transporters has been characterized, we tested the idea that AtNAR2.1 and AtNRT2.1 are partners in a two-component HATS. Results using the yeast split-ubiquitin system and Xenopus oocyte expression showed that the two proteins interacted to give a functional HATS. The growth and nitrogen (N) physiology of two Arabidopsis gene knockout mutants, atnrt2.1-1 and atnar2.1-1, one for each partner protein, were compared. Both types of plants had lost HATS activity at 0.2 mm nitrate, but the effect was more severe in atnar2.1-1 plants. The relationship between plant N status and nitrate transporter expression revealed a pattern that was characteristic of N deficiency that was again stronger in atnar2.1-1. Plants resulting from a cross between both mutants (atnrt2.1-1 × atnar2.1-1) showed a phenotype like that of the atnar2.1-1 mutant when grown in 0.5 mm nitrate. Lateral root assays also revealed growth differences between the two mutants, confirming that atnar2.1-1 had a stronger phenotype. To show that the impaired HATS did not result from the decreased expression of AtNRT2.1, we tested if constitutive root expression of a tobacco (Nicotiana plumbaginifolia) gene, NpNRT2.1, previously been shown to complement atnrt2.1-1, can restore HATS to the atnar2.1-1 mutant. These plants did not recover wild-type nitrate HATS. Taken together, these results show that AtNAR2.1 is essential for HATS of nitrate in Arabidopsis.
Contribution of Ethylene Biosynthesis for Resistance to Blast Fungus Infection in Young Rice Plants
Authors: Iwai Takayoshi , Miyasaka Atsushi , Seo Shigemi , Ohashi Yuko 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The role of ethylene (ET) in resistance to infection with blast fungus (Magnaporthe grisea) in rice (Oryza sativa) is poorly understood. To study it, we quantified ET levels after inoculation, using young rice plants at the four-leaf stage of rice cv Nipponbare (wild type) and its isogenic plant (IL7), which contains the Pi-i resistance gene to blast fungus race 003. Small necrotic lesions by hypersensitive reaction (HR) were formed at 42 to 72 h postinoculation (hpi) in resistant IL7 leaves, and whitish expanding lesions at 96 hpi in susceptible wild-type leaves. Notable was the enhanced ET emission at 48 hpi accompanied by increased 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) levels and highly elevated ACC oxidase (ACO) activity in IL7 leaves, whereas only an enhanced ACC increase at 96 hpi in wild-type leaves. Among six ACC synthase (ACS) and seven ACO genes found in the rice genome, OsACS2 was transiently expressed at 48 hpi in IL7 and at 96 hpi in wild type, and OsACO7 was expressed at 48 hpi in IL7. Treatment with an inhibitor for ACS, aminooxyacetic acid, suppressed enhanced ET emission at 48 hpi in IL7, resulting in expanding lesions instead of HR lesions. Exogenously supplied ACC compromised the aminooxyacetic acid-induced breakdown of resistance in IL7, and treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene and silver thiosulfate, inhibitors of ET action, did not suppress resistance. These findings suggest the importance of ET biosynthesis and, consequently, the coproduct, cyanide, for HR-accompanied resistance to blast fungus in young rice plants and the contribution of induced OsACS2 and OsACO7 gene expression to it.
Developmental and Embryo Axis Regulation of Gibberellin Biosynthesis during Germination and Young Seedling Growth of Pea
Authors: Ayele Belay T. , Ozga Jocelyn A. , Kurepin Leonid V. , Reinecke Dennis M. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The expression patterns of five genes (PsGA20ox1, PsGA20ox2, PsGA3ox1, PsGA2ox1, and PsGA2ox2) encoding five regulatory gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis enzymes (two GA 20-oxidases, a GA 3β-hydroxylase, and two GA 2β-hydroxylases) were examined to gain insight into how these genes coordinate GA biosynthesis during germination and early postgermination stages of the large-seeded dicotyledonous plant pea (Pisum sativum). At the time the developing embryo fills the seed coat, high mRNA levels of PsGA20ox2 (primarily responsible for conversion of C20-GAs to GA20), PsGA2ox1 (primarily responsible for conversion of GA20 to GA29), and PsGA2ox2 (primarily responsible for conversion of GA1 to GA8) were detected in the seeds, along with high GA20 and GA29 levels, the enzymatic products of these genes. Embryo maturation was accompanied by a large reduction in PsGA20ox2 and PsGA2ox1 mRNA and lower GA20 and GA29 levels. However, PsGA2ox2 transcripts remained high. Following seed imbibition, GA20 levels in the cotyledons decreased, while PsGA3ox1 mRNA and GA1 levels increased, implying that GA20 was being used for de novo synthesis of GA1. The presence of the embryo axis was required for stimulation of cotyledonary GA1 synthesis at the mRNA and enzyme activity levels. As the embryo axis doubled in size, PsGA20ox1 and PsGA3ox1 transcripts increased, both GA1 and GA8 were detectable, PsGA2ox2 transcripts decreased, and PsGA2ox1 transcripts remained low. Cotyledonary-, root-, and shoot-specific expression of these GA biosynthesis genes and the resultant endogenous GA profiles support a key role for de novo GA biosynthesis in each organ during germination and early seedling growth of pea.
CO2 Sensing at Ocean Surface Mediated by cAMP in a Marine Diatom
Authors: Harada Hisashi , Nakajima Kensuke , Sakaue Kunihiro , Matsuda Yusuke 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMarine diatoms are known to be responsible for about a quarter of global primary production and their photosynthesis is sustained by inorganic carbon-concentrating mechanisms and/or C4 metabolism. Activities of the inorganic carbon-concentrating mechanism are attenuated under enriched [CO2]; however, impacts of this factor on primary productivity and the molecular mechanisms of CO2 responses in marine diatoms are unknown. In this study, transgenic cells were generated of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum by the introduction of a β-glucuronidase reporter gene under the control of an intrinsic CO2-responsive promoter, which is the sequence between −80 to +61 relative to the transcription start site of a chloroplastic-carbonic anhydrase gene, ptca1, obtained from P. tricornutum. The activity of the ptca1 promoter was effectively repressed in air-level CO2 by treating cells with a 1.0 mm cAMP analog, dibutyryl cAMP, or a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Deletion of the intrinsic cAMP-response element from the ptca1 promoter caused a lack of repression of the reporter gene uidA, even under elevated [CO2] and a null phenotype to the strong repressive effects of dibutyryl cAMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine on the ptca1 promoter. Deletion of the cAMP-response element was also shown to cause derepression of the uidA reporter gene in the dark. These results indicate that the cytosolic cAMP level increases under elevated [CO2] and represses the ptca1 promoter. This strongly suggests the participation of cAMP metabolism, presumably at the cytosolic level, in controlling CO2-acquisition systems under elevated [CO2] at the ocean surface in a marine diatom.
A Novel Function for the Cathepsin D Inhibitor in Tomato
Authors: Lisón Purificación , Rodrigo Ismael , Conejero Vicente 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Proteinaceous aspartic proteinase inhibitors are rare in nature and are described in only a few plant species. One of them corresponds to a family of cathepsin D inhibitors (CDIs) described in potato (Solanum tuberosum), involving up to 15 isoforms with a high sequence similarity. In this work, we describe a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) wound-inducible protein called jasmonic-induced protein 21 (JIP21). Sequence analysis of its cDNA predicted a putative function as a CDI. The JIP21 gene, whose protein has been demonstrated to be glycosylated, is constitutively expressed in flowers, stem, and fruit, and is inducible to high levels by wounding and methyl jasmonate in leaves of tomato plants. The genomic sequence of JIP21 shows that the gene is intronless and reveals the presence of both a methyl jasmonate box (TGACT) and a G-box (CACGT) in the promoter. In contrast to the presumed role of JIP21 based on sequence analysis, a detailed biochemical characterization of the purified protein uncovers a different function as a strong chymotrypsin inhibitor, which questions the previously predicted inhibitory activity against aspartic proteinases. Moreover, Egyptian cotton worm (Spodoptera littoralis) larvae fed on transgenic tomato plants overexpressing JIP21 present an increase in mortality and a delay in growth when compared with larvae fed on wild-type plants. These larvae belong to the Lepidoptera family whose main digestive enzymes have been described as being Ser proteases. All these results support the notion that tomato JIP21 should be considered as a chymotrypsin inhibitor belonging to the Ser proteinase inhibitors rather than a CDI. Therefore, we propose to name this protein tomato chymotrypsin inhibitor 21 (TCI21).