bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteolysis of the replication checkpoint protein Sda is necessary for the efficient initiation of sporulation after transient replication stress in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ruvolo Michael V. , Mach Kathleen E. , Burkholder William F. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryCells of Bacillus subtilis actively co‐ordinate the initiation of sporulation with DNA replication and repair. Conditions that perturb replication initiation or replication elongation induce expression of a small protein, Sda, that specifically inhibits the histidine kinases required to initiate spore development. Previously, the role of Sda has been studied during chronic blocks to DNA replication. Here we show that induction of Sda is required to delay the initiation of sporulation when replication elongation is transiently blocked or after UV irradiation. During the recovery phase, cells efficiently sporulated, but this required the proteolysis of Sda. The rapid proteolysis of Sda required the ClpXP protease and the uncharged C‐terminal sequence of Sda. Replacing the last two residues of Sda, both serines, with aspartic acids markedly stabilized Sda. Strains expressing sdaDD from the endogenous sda locus were unable to efficiently initiate sporulation after transient replication stress. We conclude that the Sda replication checkpoint is required to delay the initiation of sporulation when DNA replication is transiently perturbed, and that the intrinsic instability of Sda contributes to shutting off the pathway. The Sda checkpoint thus co‐ordinates early events of spore development, including the polar cell division, with successful completion of chromosome replication.
RFI2, a RING‐domain zinc finger protein, negatively regulates CONSTANS expression and photoperiodic flowering
Authors: Chen Mingjie , Ni Min 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe red and far‐red light‐absorbing phytochromes interact with the circadian clock, a central oscillator that sustains a 24‐h period, to measure accurately seasonal changes in day‐length and regulate the expression of several key flowering genes. The interactions and subsequent signalling steps upstream of the flowering genes such as CONSTANS (CO) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) remain largely unknown. We report here that a photomorphogenic mutant, red and far‐red insensitive 2‐1 ( rfi2‐1), flowered early particularly under long days. The rfi2‐1 mutation also enhanced the expression of CO and FT under day/night cycles or constant light. Both co‐2 and gigantea‐2 (gi‐2) were epistatic to rfi2‐1 in their flowering responses. The gi‐2 mutation was also epistatic to the rfi2‐1 mutation in the expression of CO and hypocotyl elongation. However, the rfi2‐1 mutation did not affect the expression of GI, a gene that mediates between the circadian clock and the expression of CO. Like many other flowering genes, the expression of RFI2 oscillated under day/night cycles and was rhythmic under constant light. The amplitude of the rhythmic expression of RFI2 was significantly reduced in phyB‐9 or lhy‐20 plants, and was also affected by the gi‐2 mutation. As previously reported, the gi‐2 mutation affects the period length and amplitude of CCA1 and LHY expression, and GI may act through a feedback loop to maintain a proper circadian function. We propose a regulatory step in which RFI2 represses the expression of CO, whereas GI may maintain the proper expression of RFI2 through its positive action on the circadian clock. The regulatory step serves to tune the circadian outputs that control the expression of CO and photoperiodic flowering.
Assessing regional scale weed distributions, with an Australian example using Nassella trichotoma
Authors: LAFFAN S W 
Published: May 2006

SummaryKnowledge of the spatial distribution of weed infestations over regional scales is essential for effective management of source populations and to assess future threats. To this end, the distributions of Nassella trichotoma across a study area in south‐east New South Wales, Australia, were analysed using the geographically local Getis–Ord Gi* spatial hotspot clustering statistic. The clustering of N. trichotoma observations was analysed at three infestation levels: presence (at any density), patch level and the occasional plant level. The results indicate that there are c. 578 km2 of cells containing N. trichotoma in strongly clustered infestations, 11.2 km2 within weakly clustered infestations distinct from the main clusters, and 55 km2 that are not clustered. There are 117 km2 of strongly clustered patch level cells, 3 km2 in distinct but weak clusters, and none outside of a cluster area. Of the occasional plant level cells, 329 km2 are strongly clustered, 6.2 km2 are in distinct but weak clusters, and 19 km2 are not clustered. These results provide a mechanism by which control efforts can be prioritized. The analysis approach described in this paper provides a consistent, quantitative and repeatable approach to assess weed infestations across regional scales and can be applied to any weed species for which spatial distribution data are available.
Expressed MHC class II genes in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from geographically disparate populations
Authors: Bowen L. , Aldridge B. M. , Miles A. K. , Stott J. L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is central to maintaining the immunologic vigor of individuals and populations. Classical MHC class II genes were targeted for partial sequencing in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from populations in California, Washington, and Alaska. Sequences derived from sea otter peripheral blood leukocyte mRNAs were similar to those classified as DQA, DQB, DRA, and DRB in other species. Comparisons of the derived amino acid compositions supported the classification of these as functional molecules from at least one DQA, DQB, and DRA locus and at least two DRB loci. While limited in scope, phylogenetic analysis of the DRB peptide‐binding region suggested the possible existence of distinct clades demarcated by geographic region. These preliminary findings support the need for additional MHC gene sequencing and expansion to a comprehensive study targeting additional otters.
Four‐digit allele genotyping of the HLA‐A and HLA‐B genes in Japanese patients with Behcet's disease by a PCR‐SSOP‐Luminex method
Authors: Itoh Y. , Inoko H. , Kulski J. K. , Sasaki S. , Meguro A. , Takiyama N. , Nishida T. , Yuasa T. , Ohno S. , Mizuki N. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe present study represents the first four‐digit allele genotyping of HLA‐A and ‐B in Japanese Behcet's disease (BD) patients and controls using a new genotyping method (named the PCR‐SSOP‐Luminex method) to determine the association of certain HLA‐A or ‐B alleles with BD. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected from 180 Japanese BD patients and 170 healthy controls. The genotype frequency of HLA‐B*5101 was significantly increased in the patients (61.7%) as compared with the controls (15.9%) (Pc = 1 × 10−16, OR = 8.5). When we recalculated the phenotype frequencies after excluding the HLA‐B*51‐positive patients and controls to account for the effects of the linkage disequilibrium and the abundance of the HLA‐B*51 allele, the frequencies of HLA‐A*2602 and HLA‐B*3901 had a weak association in the patient group without HLA‐B*51 as compared with the control group without HLA‐B*51 (A*2602; Pc = 0.130, OR = 4.3, B*3901; Pc = 0.099, OR = 3.5). This study confirmed on the basis of using a new and more accurate genotyping method that Japanese BD patients have a strong primary association with HLA‐B*5101. The significant increase of HLA‐A*2602 and B*3901 in the patient group without HLA‐B*51 suggests that these two alleles might also have some secondary influence on the onset of BD.
The dbMHC microsatellite portal: a public resource for the storage and display of MHC microsatellite information
Authors: Gourraud P.‐A. , Feolo M. , Hoffman D. , Helmberg W. , Cambon‐Thomsen A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) region Microsatellites (Msat) have been extensively used in various applications, such as disease mapping, forensics, and population genetics. A comprehensive review of HLA Msat primers has been previously published based on literature and sequence analysis, but electronic tools are lacking to make it easily accessible and actually used by the community. We have integrated data from this review, with an overlapping set of 31 Msat markers used in the 13th International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS) to create a public archive that will synchronize published descriptions to a common framework. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/mhc. Currently, the dbMHC contains 389 primer pairs across the extended MHC targeting 281 distinct repeat regions (approximately 1/45 kb). Literature review and analysis of the primers reveal that over 200 synonymous names have been published for these markers. Users may view or download specific Msat data sets using the portal. Query options include name or partial name, primer sequence, neighboring genes, and/or position. Query results include locus name(s), a graphic showing of the relative location of the marker in relation to the classical HLA genes, a listing of the constituent primer pairs and name, a link to UniSTS, aliases, allele range (bp), overlapping single nucleotide polymorphisms, a link to e‐polymerase chain reaction, and physical mapping information. To increase the utility of this resource, researchers using Msat markers in the HLA region are encouraged by the authors to submit new primers to the dbMHC. The minimal Msat submission consists of primers sequences, a submitter's name and contact information. Additional information recommended but not required is the laboratory protocol(s), known allele size range (bp), known aliases, and an exemplar sequence. Assigned UniSTS numbers can be used for primer pair standard identification.
SAFETY, IDENTITY AND CONSENT: A LIMITED DEFENSE OF REPRODUCTIVE HUMAN CLONING
Authors: LANE ROBERT 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTSome opponents of reproductive human cloning have argued that, because of its experimental nature, any attempt to create a child by way of cloning would risk serious birth defects or genetic abnormalities and would therefore be immoral. Some versions of this argument appeal to the consent of the person to be conceived in this way. In particular, they assume that if an experimental reproductive technology has not yet been shown to be safe, then, before we use it, we are morally obligated to get either the actual consent or the presumed consent of the person to be conceived. In this article, I attempt to explain the appeal of such consent‐based arguments as deriving from a mistaken view of personal identity. I then argue that since this view is false, such arguments are unsound. Finally, I argue that even if reproductive cloning is unsafe, it may still be morally permissible in some circumstances.
Enhancement of insulin‐induced PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β and ERK signaling by neuronal nicotinic receptor/PKC‐α/ERK pathway: up‐regulation of IRS‐1/‐2 mRNA and protein in adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Sugano Takashi , Yanagita Toshihiko , Yokoo Hiroki , Satoh Shinya , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Wada Akihiko 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells treated with nicotine (10 µmfor 24 h), phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 induced by insulin (100 nmfor 10 min) was enhanced by ∼ 62%, without altering levels of these protein kinases. Nicotine produced time (> 12 h)‐ and concentration (EC50 3.6 and 13 µm)‐dependent increases in insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐1 and IRS‐2 levels by ∼ 125 and 105%, without altering cell surface density of insulin receptors. In these cells, insulin‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS‐1/IRS‐2 and recruitment of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) to IRS‐1/IRS‐2 were augmented by ∼ 63%. The increase in IRS‐1/IRS‐2 levels induced by nicotine was prevented by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists, the Ca2+chelator 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)‐ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetra‐acetic acid tetrakis‐acetoxymethyl ester, cycloheximide or actinomycin D. Nicotine increased IRS‐1 and IRS‐2 mRNA levels by ∼ 57 and ∼ 50%, and this was prevented by conventional protein kinase C (cPKC) inhibitor Gö6976, or ERK kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126. Nicotine phosphorylated cPKC‐α, thereby increasing phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2, as demonstrated by using Gö6976, PD98059 or U0126. Selective activation of cPKC‐α by thymeleatoxin mimicked these effects of nicotine. Thus, stimulation of nAChRs up‐regulated expression of IRS‐1/IRS‐2 via Ca2+‐dependent sequential activation of cPKC‐α and ERK, and enhanced insulin‐induced PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β and ERK signaling pathways.
Social isolation‐induced increase in α4and δ subunit gene expression is associated with a greater efficacy of ethanol on steroidogenesis and GABAAreceptor function
Authors: Serra Mariangela , Mostallino Maria Cristina , Talani Giuseppe , Pisu Maria Giuseppina , Carta Mario , Mura Maria Luisa , Floris Ivan , Maciocco Elisabetta , Sanna Enrico , Biggio Giovanni 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPreviously we have demonstrated that social isolation of rats reduces both the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of 3α‐hydroxy‐5α‐pregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐TH PROG), and potentiates the positive effects of acute ethanol administration on the concentrations of this neurosteroid. We now show that the ethanol‐induced increase in 3α,5α‐TH PROG is more pronounced in the brain than in the plasma of isolated rats. The ability of ethanol to inhibit isoniazid‐induced convulsions is greater in isolated rats than in group‐housed animals and this effect is prevented by treatment with finasteride. Social isolation modified the effects of ethanol on the amounts of steroidogenic regulatory protein mRNA and protein in the brain. Moreover, ethanol increased the amplitude of GABAAreceptor‐mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurones with greater potency in hippocampal slices prepared from socially isolated rats than in those from group‐housed rats, an effect inhibited by finasteride. The amounts of the α4and δ subunits of the GABAAreceptor in the hippocampus were increased in isolated rats as were GABAAreceptor‐mediated tonic inhibitory currents in granule cells of the dentate gyrus. These results suggest that social isolation results in changes in GABAAreceptor expression in the brain, and in an enhancement of the stimulatory effect of ethanol on brain steroidogenesis, GABAAreceptor function and associated behaviour.
Identity of SMCT1 (SLC5A8) as a neuron‐specific Na+‐coupled transporter for active uptake ofl‐lactate and ketone bodies in the brain
Authors: Martin Pamela M. , Gopal Elangovan , Ananth Sudha , Zhuang Lina , Itagaki Shiro , Prasad Balakrishna M. , Smith Sylvia B. , Prasad Puttur D. , Ganapathy Vadivel 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSMCT1 is a sodium‐coupled (Na+‐coupled) transporter forl‐lactate and short‐chain fatty acids. Here, we show that the ketone bodies, β‐d‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, and the branched‐chain ketoacid, α‐ketoisocaproate, are also substrates for the transporter. The transport of these compounds via human SMCT1 is Na+‐coupled and electrogenic. The Michaelis constant is 1.4 ± 0.1 mmfor β‐d‐hydroxybutyrate, 0.21 ± 0.04 mmfor acetoacetate and 0.21 ± 0.03 mmfor α‐ketoisocaproate. The Na+ : substrate stoichiometry is 2 : 1. Asl‐lactate and ketone bodies constitute primary energy substrates for neurons, we investigated the expression pattern of this transporter in the brain.In situhybridization studies demonstrate widespread expression of SMCT1 mRNA in mouse brain. Immunofluorescence analysis shows that SMCT1 protein is expressed exclusively in neurons. SMCT1 protein co‐localizes with MCT2, a neuron‐specific Na+‐independent monocarboxylate transporter. In contrast, there was no overlap of signals for SMCT1 and MCT1, the latter being expressed only in non‐neuronal cells. We also demonstrate the neuron‐specific expression of SMCT1 in mixed cultures of rat cortical neurons and astrocytes. This represents the first report of an Na+‐coupled transport system for a major group of energy substrates in neurons. These findings suggest that SMCT1 may play a critical role in the entry ofl‐lactate and ketone bodies into neurons by a process driven by an electrochemical Na+gradient and hence, contribute to the maintenance of the energy status and function of neurons.
Association Between Blood Pressure and Survival over 9 Years in a General Population Aged 85 and Older
Authors: Rastas Sari , Pirttilä Tuula , Viramo Petteri , Verkkoniemi Auli , Halonen Pirjo , Juva Kati , Niinistö Leena , Mattila Kimmo , Länsimies Esko , Sulkava Raimo 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between blood pressure and mortality in people aged 85 and older.DESIGN: Population‐based prospective study with 9‐year follow‐up.SETTING: Department of Neuroscience and Neurology and Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Kuopio, and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Helsinki University Hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Of all 601 people living in the city of Vantaa born before the April 1, 1906, whether living at home or in institutions and alive on April 1, 1991, 521 were clinically examined and underwent blood pressure measurement.MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure was measured using a standardized method in the right arm of the subject after resting for at least 5 minutes. Information on medical history for each participant was verified from a computerized database containing all primary care health records. Death certificates were obtained from the National Register; the collection of death certificates was complete.RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, functional status, and coexisting diseases (earlier‐diagnosed myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, dementia, cancer, stroke, or hypertension), low systolic blood pressure (BP) was associated with risk of death.CONCLUSION: Low systolic BP may be partially related to poor general health and poor vitality, but the very old may represent a select group of individuals, and the use of BP‐lowering medications needs to be evaluated in this group.
Can the development of new dental caries in Danish schoolchildren be predicted from surveillance data in the School Dental Service?
Authors: Jeppesen Berit Anna , Foldspang Anders 
Published: May 2006

Abstract –  Background:  Dental screening programmes for Danish children generally target all children, irrespective of their individual caries risk. The standard screening interval is approximately 12 months. A valid systematic screening tool based on routine information sources is however indispensable, if more selective screening strategies should be developed to target the children at highest risk.Objective:  To estimate the precision with which Danish schoolchildren at high risk for developing dental caries within 1 year can be identified based on information from routine registers.Methods:  Based on data from the Danish National Board of Health's Recording System for the Danish Child Dental Services and from the Central Office of Civil Registration, 3705 schoolchildren aged 7–12 years were followed through 1994–1996. Dental health information as of 1994 and changes 1994–1995 were applied in multiple logistic regressions together with social data as of 1995 to estimate the individual 1‐year (1995–1996) risk of developing caries.Results:  In 1995, 37.4% of the children had a DMFS index above 0, and during the following year 21.8% of all children developed new caries. The individual child's 1‐year caries risk could be estimated relatively accurately at baseline as indicated by the area (76%) under the receiver operating characteristic curve. About 40% of children with an estimated risk of 20% and above developed new caries, whereas 90% of the rest of the children did not do so.Conclusion:  Based on information from Danish routine registers children at low caries risk may be identified relatively precisely. This may form the basis for the continuous development and targeting of high‐risk strategies, in which the screening for caries among children of estimated low risk may be postponed at least 1 year.
Increased IL‐18 Levels in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Men with Genital Tract Infections
Authors: Matalliotakis Ioannis M. , Cakmak Hakan , Fragouli Yvoni , Kourtis Argiris , Arici Aydin , Huszar Gabor 
Published: May 2006

ProblemInterleukin (IL)‐18 is a novel cytokine, previously known as interferon (IFN)‐γ inducing factor. We evaluated the levels of IL‐18 and IFN‐γ in seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men.Method of studySemen samples were obtained by masturbation from 80 men, and were examined for the levels of IL‐18 and IFN‐γ by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Seven groups were included: (i) fertile men (n = 18), (i) infertile men with genital tract infections (n = 17), (iii) with varicocele (n = 15), (iv) with Klinefelter syndrome (n = 6), (v) with cryptorchidism (n = 7), (vi) with mumps orchitis (n = 7), and (vii) with idiopathic testicular lesions (n = 10).ResultsMean levels of IL‐18 were higher in SP from infertile men with genital tract infections compared with SP from other groups except Klinefelter syndrome (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences could be detected for IFN‐γ. A significant positive correlations was found between IL‐18 and IFN‐γ in total patient population (P < 0.001). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between IL‐18 and sperm concentrations, and motility (P < 0.01 and <0.03, respectively). Furthermore, there was a positive and statistically significant association between IL‐18 and IFN‐γ levels in SP of infertile men with genital tract infections (P < 0.0001). However, there was no relationship between IL‐18 and IFN‐γ, and semen parameters in the same group.ConclusionSP IL‐18 levels were increased in men with urogenital infections. Thus, the elevated expression of IL‐18 in SP may be used as a diagnostic marker in the male genital tract infections.
A SIMPLE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TECHNIQUE TO MEASURE SPERM WHALES AT SEA
Authors: Jaquet Nathalie 
Published: May 2006

AbstractKnowledge of whale length is important to ecological studies. However, photographic techniques to measure sperm whales traditionally require high vantage points or a complicated stereo system. Furthermore, these traditional techniques require an alongside approach that often prevents individual identification. For simple and fast size measurements at sea, I used a laser range finder alongside a digital camera to obtain distance to the fluke at the same time as photo‐identification. The camera/lens and laser range finder were calibrated on objects of known lengths. The coefficient of variation (CV) for test objects was low (CV = 0.21%). Forty‐seven individually identified sperm whales were measured repetitively on up to 12 different occasions, and the CV was lower (CV = 1.3%) than for other photogrammetric techniques (CV = 4.4%–5.1%). A regression of log fluke span to log total length from whaling and stranding data yielded an r 2 of 0.87 (CV of residuals = 6.7%). Thirty‐eight female/immature sperm whales were measured in the Gulf of Mexico (median = 9.3 m, range = 7.1–12.3 m), 167 in the Gulf of California (median = 10.7 m, range = 8.4–13.1 m) and 13 bachelor males off Kaikoura, New Zealand (median = 14.2, range = 11.7–15.8 m). The results were within known sperm whale size and suggested that the population in the Gulf of Mexico was made up of smaller animals than that of the Gulf of California. This technique is easy to implement and allows the measurement of identified individuals.