bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using patterns of genetic structure based on microsatellite loci to test hypotheses of current hybridization, ancient hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting in Conradina (Lamiaceae)
Authors: EDWARDS C. E. , SOLTIS D. E. , SOLTIS P. S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHybridization and/or incomplete sorting of ancestral polymorphism are commonly implicated to explain discordant phylogenetic analyses of closely related species complexes. One genus in which these phenomena have been suggested to have played major roles based on phylogenetic data is Conradina, a genus of mints (Lamiaceae) endemic to the southeastern USA containing several endangered species. The goals of this study were to use microsatellite data to better understand patterns of genetic structure in Conradina, to test hypotheses of recent or ancient hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting, and to clarify species boundaries. Individuals from 55 populations representing all Conradina species were genotyped using 10 microsatellite loci. Analyses of the patterns of genetic structure in Conradina revealed a clear differentiation of populations following recognized species boundaries, indicating that species have diverged from one another genetically and interspecific hybridization has not occurred recently. Neither ancient hybridization nor incomplete lineage sorting is supported as the sole cause of species nonmonophyly, suggesting that both may have contributed to patterns found in phylogenetic trees; however, analyses of other types of data may be more appropriate to distinguish between these two hypotheses. Because all described species appear to be valid entities, the current listing status of most endangered species of Conradina is appropriate; however, populations of Conradina canescens are genetically differentiated into three groups, each of which may merit species status, and several recently discovered populations of Conradina in Dunn's Creek State Park in Florida are highly differentiated genetically and also appear to represent a new species.
Histone deacetylation is required for progression through mitosis in tobacco cells
Authors: Li Yan , Butenko Yana , Grafi Gideon 
Published: November 2008

SummaryPost‐translational modifications of core histone proteins play a key role in chromatin structure and function. Here, we study histone post‐translational modifications during reentry of protoplasts derived from tobacco mesophyll cells into the cell cycle and evaluate their significance for progression through mitosis. Methylation of histone H3 at lysine residues 4 and 9 persisted in chromosomes during all phases of the cell cycle. However, acetylation of H4 and H3 was dramatically reduced during mitosis in a stage‐specific manner; while deacetylation of histone H4 commenced at prophase and persisted up to telophase, histone H3 remained acetylated up to metaphase but was deacetylated at anaphase and telophase. Phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 was initiated at prophase, concomitantly with deacetylation of histone H4, and persisted up to telophase. Preventing histone deacetylation by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) led to accumulation of protoplasts at metaphase–anaphase, and reduced S10 phosphorylation during anaphase and telophase; in cultured tobacco cells, TSA significantly reduced the frequency of mitotic figures. Our results indicate that deacetylation of histone H4 and H3 in tobacco protoplasts occurs during mitosis in a phase‐specific manner, and is important for progression through mitosis.
EGY1 encodes a membrane‐associated and ATP‐independent metalloprotease that is required for chloroplast development
Authors: Chen Gu , Bi Yu Rong , Li Ning 
Published: November 2008

SummaryChloroplast development requires coordinated expression of both nuclear‐ and chloroplast‐encoded genes. To better understand the roles played by nuclear‐encoded chloroplast proteins in chloroplast biogenesis, we isolated an Arabidopsis mutant, egy1‐1, which has a dual phenotype, reduced chlorophyll accumulation and abnormal hypocotyl gravicurvature. Subsequent map‐based cloning and DNA sequencing of the mutant gene revealed a 10‐bp deletion in an EGY1 gene, which encodes a 59‐kDa metalloprotease that contains eight trans‐membrane domains at its C‐terminus, and carries out β‐casein degradation in an ATP‐independent manner. EGY1 protein accumulation varies between tissue types, being most prominent in leaf and stem tissues, and is responsive to light and ethylene. EGY1‐GFP hybrid proteins are localized in the chloroplast. egy1 mutant chloroplasts had reduced granal thylakoids and poorly developed lamellae networks. Furthermore, the accumulation of chlorophyll a/b binding proteins of the light‐harvesting complexes I and II (Lhca and Lhcb) are significantly decreased in three separate loss‐of‐function egy1 mutants. Taken together, these results suggest that EGY1 metalloprotease is required for chloroplast development and, hence, a defective EGY1 gene has pleiotropic effects both on chloroplast development and on ethylene‐dependent gravitropism of light‐grown hypocotyls.
Early Cretaceous paleogeography of Korea and Southwest Japan inferred from occurrence of detrital chromian spinels
Authors: Hisada Ken‐ichiro , Takashima Shizuka , Arai Shoji , Lee Yong Il 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Sindong Group was deposited in the north–south trending half‐graben Nakdong Trough, southern Korean peninsula. The occurrence of detrital chromian spinels from the Jinju Formation of the Sindong Group in the Gyeongsang Basin means that the mafic to ultramafic rocks were exposed in its provenance. The chromian spinels from the Jinju Formation are characterized by extremely low TiO2 and Fe3+. Moreover, their range of Cr# is from 0.45 to 0.80 and makes a single trend with Mg#. The chemistry of chromian spinels implies that the source rocks for chromian spinels were peridotites or serpentinites, which originated in the mantle wedge. To more narrowly constrain their source rocks, the Ulsan and Andong serpentinites exposed in the Gyeongsang Basin were examined petrographically. Chromian spinels in the Andong serpentinite differ from those of the Jinju Formation and those in the Ulsan serpentinite partly resemble them. Furthermore, the Jinju chromian spinel suite is similar to the detrital chromian spinels from the Mesozoic sediments in the Circum‐Hida Tectonic zone, which includes the Nagato Tectonic zone in Southwest Japan and the Joetsu Belt in Northeast Japan. This suggests that the basement rocks, which were located along the main fault bounding the eastern edge of the Nakdong Trough, had exposures of peridotite or serpentinite. It is possible that the Nakdong Trough was directly adjacent to the Circum‐Hida Tectonic zone before the opening of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
Influence of high‐dose methotrexate therapy on the primordial follicles of the mouse ovary
Authors: Gol Mert , Saygili Ugur , Koyuncuoglu Meral , Uslu Turhan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective:  High‐dose methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most prescribed agents in many malignant diseases affecting girls and young women of reproductive ages. This animal study directly measures the primordial follicle loss following exposure to high‐dose MTX.Study Design:  Nine inbred Balb/c mice aged 7–8 weeks in the study group were administered 5 gr/m2 MTX as a single agent intraperitoneally, whereas nine mice in the control group received saline. Seven days later the mice were killed and total numbers of the primordial follicles remaining in both ovaries were counted.Result:  In the high‐dose MTX group, the mean number of primordial follicles (mean ± standard deviation) was significantly different (202 ± 38) versus the control group (327 ± 81.7; P = 0.002).Conclusions:  Our study shows that high‐dose MTX causes damage to the primordial follicles of the ovaries of mice. This result may be important because young women taking high‐dose MTX may suffer diminished reproductive performance and premature cessation of menses in the years following therapy.
Elevated level of serum retinol‐binding protein 4 in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Inoue Seiji , Takamoto Norio , Akahori Yoichiro , Masumoto Akio , Nakatsukasa Hideki , Msuyama Hisashi , Hiramatsu Yuji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  Recent progress in adiposcience has revealed several important adipose‐tissue‐originated factors, so‐called adipokines. Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4), a protein expressed and secreted by adipocytes, has been identified as a novel regulator of insulin resistance. Physiological insulin resistance occurs during the pregnancy of mammals to accommodate fetal growth, and it has been suggested that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia might also be associated with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH). In order to shed light on the role of RBP4 during pregnancy, we attempted to assess RBP4 levels during pregnancy. Fetal growth could be affected by aberrant regulation of RBP4 levels in fetal circulation per se, so we examined the RBP4 levels in cord blood samples of growth restricted cases.Methods:  Circulating RBP4 levels were examined in non‐pregnant and pregnant healthy women using Western blotting. Also, RBP4 levels in normal pregnancy and PIH were quantitated using Dot‐blot analysis. RBP4 levels in cord blood samples also were evaluated in selected cases.Results:  RBP4 levels tended to decrease after early gestation with no obvious difference between mid‐ to late‐gestation. RBP4 levels were increased in pregnant women with PIH compared with normal pregnancies (P < 0.01). RBP4 levels were decreased in the cord blood of PIH pregnancies and light‐for‐dates infants without obvious causes for intrauterine growth restriction compared with normal pregnancies (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  These results suggest that circulating RBP4 could be elevated in PIH, where maternal glucose metabolism is perturbed, and that RBP4 levels in cord blood might be closely associated with fetal growth.
Is the surgical approach beneficial to subfertile women with symptomatic extensive adenomyosis?
Authors: Wang Peng‐Hui , Fuh Jong‐Ling , Chao Hsiang‐Tai , Liu Wei‐Min , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Chao Kuan‐Chong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  Our aim was to assess the role of surgical intervention for symptom control and reproductive performance improvement in the management of subfertile women with symptomatic extensive uterine adenomyosis.Methods:  Sixty‐five subfertile women with pathology‐proven extensive uterine adenomyosis, who were treated with conservative surgery or medical treatment with 6‐month gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or combination therapy, were retrospectively reviewed and their data analyzed. Twenty‐eight women received conservative surgery with/without GnRH agonist (group A), and 37 received 6‐month GnRH agonist therapy only (group B). Follow‐up evaluations, including subjective symptoms (a self‐reported 6‐point verbal numeric rating scale and an analgesic usage score for dysmenorrhea) and objective parameters (serum CA125 level, and uterine size), and clinical pregnancy and successful delivery rates were made semi‐annually over the ensuing 3 or more years.Results:  The women in group A had higher serum CA125 levels, more infertile years, and a larger uterine size. Subjective symptom control and objective parameters were better in group A during the entire 36‐month follow up compared with those in group B. Cumulative 3‐year clinical pregnancy and successful delivery rates were significantly higher in group A, compared with those in group B (46.4% [13/28] versus 10.8% [4/37], P = 0.002, and 32.1% [9/28] versus 8.1% [3/37], P = 0.022, respectively).Conclusion:  Conservative surgery or combination therapy provides more effective and longer durable symptom control in the management of symptomatic women with extensive uterine adenomyosis, compared with GnRH agonist alone. Reproductive performance was also better in patients treated with conservative surgery with/without GnRH agonist.
THE SPIRIT IN CREATION: A UNIFIED THEOLOGY OF GRACE AND CREATION CARE
Authors: Studebaker Steven M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.This essay identifies one of the deeper theological sources of the tendency toward environmental neglect in evangelical and Pentecostal theology and proposes a theological vision that facilitates a vision of creation care as a dimension of Christian formation. The first section identifies, describes, and evaluates the traditional distinction between common and special grace or the natural and the supernatural orders as a theological foundation for environmental neglect in Pentecostal theology. The second and third sections propose that a pneumatological vision of grace based on a fundamental trinitarianism provides Pentecostals and other Christians with a way to overcome these stark dualisms and to attain a more unified and comprehensive vision of God's grace that is more conducive to creation care. The fourth section presents a case for seeing creation care as a pneumatological and proleptic participation in the eschaton and, as such, as a dimension of Christian formation and sanctification.
Effect of high intensity pulsed electric fields on enzymes and vitamins in bovine raw milk
Authors: RIENER JOERG , NOCI FRANCESCO , CRONIN DENIS A , MORGAN DESMOND J , LYNG JAMES G 
Published: November 2008

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) were applied to fresh bovine raw milk using a laboratory‐scale continuous PEF system to study the impact on selected native enzyme activities and on vitamin degradation. The activities of protease, lipase, alkaline phosphatase and lactoperoxidase following PEF treatment at electric field strengths ranging from 15 to 35 kV/cm for treatment times of 12.5 µs to 75 µs were examined. Reductions in enzyme activity, even under the most severe conditions employed, were quite modest, amounting to 14%, 37% and 29% for lipase, protease and alkaline phosphatase, respectively, while the activity of lactoperoxidase remained unchanged. The PEF treatment had no effect on the levels of thiamin, riboflavin, retinol and α‐tocopherol in the milk.
A novel reciprocal and biphasic relationship between membrane cholesterol and β‐secretase activity in SH‐SY5Y cells and in human platelets
Authors: Liu Wei Wei , Todd Stephen , Coulson David T. R. , Brent Irvine G. , Peter Passmore A. , McGuinness Bernadette , McConville Maeve , Craig David , Johnston Janet A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractResearch into the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has identified strong connections to cholesterol. Cholesterol and cholesterol esters can modulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, thus altering production of the Aβ peptides that deposit in cortical amyloid plaques. Processing depends on the encounter between APP and cellular secretases, and is thus subject to the influence of cholesterol‐dependent factors including protein trafficking, and distribution between membrane subdomains. We have directly investigated endogenous membrane β‐secretase activity in the presence of a range of membrane cholesterol levels in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and human platelets. Membrane cholesterol significantly influenced membrane β‐secretase activity in a biphasic manner, with positive correlations at higher membrane cholesterol levels, and negative correlations at lower membrane cholesterol levels. Platelets from individuals with AD or mild cognitive impairment (n = 172) were significantly more likely to lie within the negative correlation zone than control platelets (n = 171). Pharmacological inhibition of SH‐SY5Y β‐secretase activity resulted in increased membrane cholesterol levels. Our findings are consistent with the existence of a homeostatic feedback loop between membrane cholesterol level and membrane β‐secretase activity, and suggest that this regulatory mechanism is disrupted in platelets from individuals with cognitive impairment.
Morphine and HIV‐Tat increase microglial‐free radical production and oxidative stress: possible role in cytokine regulation
Authors: Turchan‐Cholewo Jadwiga , Dimayuga Filomena O. , Gupta Sunita , Keller Jeffrey N. , Knapp Pamela E. , Hauser Kurt F. , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOpiate abuse alters the progression of human immunodeficiency virus and may increase the risk of neuroAIDS. As neuroAIDS is associated with altered microglial reactivity, the combined effects of human immunodeficiency virus‐Tat and morphine were determined in cultured microglia. Specifically, experiments determined the effects of Tat and morphine on microglial‐free radical production and oxidative stress, and on cytokine release. Data show that combined Tat and morphine cause early and synergistic increases in reactive oxygen species, with concomitant increases in protein oxidation. Furthermore, combined Tat and morphine, but not Tat or morphine alone, cause reversible decreases in proteasome activity. The effects of morphine on free radical production and oxidative stress are prevented by pre‐treatment with naloxone, illustrating the important role of opioid receptor activation in these phenomena. While Tat is well known to induce cytokine release from cultured microglia, morphine decreases Tat‐induced release of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6, as well as the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Finally, experiments using the reversible proteasome inhibitor MG115 show that temporary, non‐cytotoxic decreases in proteasome activity increase protein oxidation and decrease tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and MCP‐1 release from microglia. Taken together, these data suggest that oxidative stress and proteasome inhibition may be involved in the immunomodulatory properties of opioid receptor activation in microglia.
Afamin is synthesized by cerebrovascular endothelial cells and mediates α‐tocopherol transport across an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Kratzer Ingrid , Bernhart Eva , Wintersperger Andrea , Hammer Astrid , Waltl Sabine , Malle Ernst , Sperk Günther , Wietzorrek Georg , Dieplinger Hans , Sattler Wolfgang 
Published: November 2008

Abstractα‐Tocopherol (αTocH), a member of the vitamin E family, is essential for normal neurological function. Despite the importance of αTocH transport into the CNS, transfer mechanisms across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are not entirely clear. We here investigate whether afamin, a known αTocH‐binding protein, contributes to αTocH transport across an in vitro model of the BBB consisting of primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) and basolaterally cultured astrocytoma cells. Exogenously added afamin had no adverse effects on BCEC viability or barrier function and was transported across BCEC Transwell cultures. Furthermore, αTocH transport across polarized BCEC cultures to astrocytoma cells is facilitated by afamin, though to a lesser extent than by high‐density lipoprotein‐mediated transport, an essential and in vivo operating αTocH import pathway at the cerebrovasculature. We also demonstrate that porcine BCEC endogenously synthesize afamin. In line with these in vitro findings, afamin was detected by immunohistochemistry in porcine, human postmortem, and mouse brain, where prominent staining was observed almost exclusively in the cerebrovasculature. The demonstration of afamin mRNA expression in isolated brain capillaries suggests that afamin might be a new family member of binding/transport proteins contributing to αTocH homeostasis at the BBB in vivo.
Resolution of periodontal inflammation does not guarantee improved glycemic control in type 1 diabetic subjects
Authors: Tervonen Tellervo , Lamminsalo Sari , Hiltunen Liisa , Raunio Taina , Knuuttila Matti 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to find out if periodontal therapy has any effect on glycemic control of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).Subjects and Methods: The periodontal health status of 65 type 1 diabetic subjects was assessed at the baseline and 8 weeks after completion of periodontal therapy. Glycemic control was assessed on both visits by measuring the percentage of glycosylated haemoglobin (GHbA1c). The change in HbA1c (ΔHbA1c) was assessed by using both a positive or negative change 0.5% and any change in HbA1c.Results: The mean HbA1c level (±SD) of the whole study group was 8.6% (±1.5) at the baseline and 8.5% (±1.5) after treatment. Glycemic control improved during the study period in 23 subjects (35%) and worsened in 18 subjects (28%). Approximately 78% of the bleeding sites and 87% of the sites with probing depth 4 mm presented healing. ΔHbA1c associated significantly with baseline HbA1c but not with baseline periodontal health status or periodontal healing.Conclusion: Regardless of a significant resolution of periodontal infection, a great majority of the subjects did not present any improvement in their glycemic control.
The Study of Proverbs in Anglo‐Saxon Literature: Recent Scholarship, Resources for Research, and the Future of the Field
Authors: Kramer Johanna 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article surveys the major developments in paremiology (the study of proverbs) in Anglo‐Saxon literature over the last fifteen years as well as the major research tools currently available for the study of medieval vernacular and Latin proverbs. Through this survey, I demonstrate that proverbs need to be read not only in light of the immediate context in which they appear, but also ‘in isolation.’ Studying the history and transmission of proverbs independent from their contextual uses can lead us to a more complete understanding of an individual author's interests, reading, education, and motivations for deplying a proverb. I begin by discussing the difficulties of defining precisely paremiological terminology. Then I give an overview of the most important achievements in proverb study more generally over the last century, with an emphasis on medieval paremiology. After reviewing the two most recent book‐length studies on Old English proverbial materials, I summarize individually most of the publications on Anglo‐Saxon proverbs that have appeared over the last fifteen years. A number of excellent print and digital resources, which I introduce to readers in this article, assist proverb scholars in their work. Finally, I suggest some future avenues for research with which Old English proverb study can significantly contribute to the larger field of Anglo‐Saxon studies.
Spatial and Temporal Quantitative Analysis of Cell Division and Elongation Rate in Growing Wheat Leaves under Saline Conditions
Authors: Hu Yuncai , Schmidhalter Urs 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Leaf growth in grasses is determined by the cell division and elongation rates, with the duration of cell elongation being one of the processes that is the most sensitive to salinity. Our objective was to investigate the distribution profiles of cell production, cell length and the duration of cell elongation in the growing zone of the wheat leaf during the steady growth phase. Plants were grown in loamy soil with or without 120 mmol/L NaCl in a growth chamber, and harvested at day 3 after leaf 4 emerged. Results show that the elongation rate of leaf 4 was reduced by 120 mmol/L NaCl during the steady growth phase. The distribution profile of the lengths of abaxial epidermal cells of leaf 4 during the steady growth stage shows a sigmoidal pattern along the leaf axis for both treatments. Although salinity did not affect or even increased the length of the epidermal cells in some locations in the growth zone compared to the control treatment, the final length of the epidermal cells was reduced by 14% at 120 mmol/L NaCl. Thus, we concluded that the observed reduction in the leaf elongation rate derived in part from the reduced cell division rate and either the shortened cell elongation zone or shortened duration of cell elongation. This suggests that more attention should be paid to the effects of salinity on those properties of cell production and the period of cell maturation that are related to the properties of cell wall.