bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acetylcholine, Cytochalasin B and Amiprophosmethyl on Phloem Transport in Radish (Raphanus sativas)
Authors: Yang Chong‐Jun , Zhai Zhi‐Xi , Guo Yu‐Hai , Gao Peng 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe investigated the role of the “sieve tube‐companion cell complex” lining the tube periphery, particularly the microfilament and microtubule, in assisting the pushing of phloem sap flow. We made a simple phloem transport system with a living radish plant, in which the conducting channel was exposed for local treatment with chemicals that are effective in modulating protoplasmic movement (acetylcholine, (ACh) a neurotransmitter in animals and insects; cytochalasin B, (CB) a specific inhibitor of many cellular responses that are mediated by microfilament systems and amiprophos‐methyl, (APM) a specific inhibitor of many cellular responses that are mediated by microtubule systems). Their effects on phloem transport were estimated by two experimental devices: (i) a comparison of changes in the amount of assimilates in terms of carbohydrates and 14C‐labeled photosynthetic production that is left in the leaf blade of treated plants; and (ii) distribution patterns of 14C‐labeled leaf assimilates in the phloem transport system. The results indicate that CB and APM markedly inhibited the transfer of photosynthetic product from leaf to root via the leaf vein, while ACh enhanced the transfer of photosynthetic product in low concentrations (5.0×10‐4 mol/L) but inhibited it in higher concentrations (2.0×10‐3 mol/L) from leaf to root via the leaf vein. Autoradiograph imaging clearly reveals that ACh treatment is more effective than the control, and both CB and APM treatments effectively inhibit the passage of radioactive assimilates. All of the results support the postulation that the peripheral protoplasm in the sieve tube serves not only as a passive semi‐permeable membrane, but is also directly involved in phloem transport.
Changes in Unsaturated Levels of Fatty Acids in Thylakoid PSII Membrane Lipids During Chilling‐induced Resistance in Rice
Authors: Zhu Su‐Qin , Yu Chun‐Mei , Liu Xin‐Yan , Ji Ben‐Hua , Jiao De‐Mao 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTemperature is one of the abiotic factors limiting growth and productivity of plants. In the present work, the effect of low non‐freezing temperature, as an inducer of “chilling resistance”, was studied in three cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.), japonica cv. 9516 (j‐9516), the two parental lines of superhigh‐yield hybrid rice between subspecies, Peiai/E32 (ji‐PE), and the traditional indica hybrid rice Shanyou 63 (i‐SY63). Leaves of chill‐treated rice showed chilling‐induced resistance, as an increase of their low‐temperature tolerance was measured using chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, revealing a change in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. After 5 d of exposure to 11°C under low light (100 μmol m‐2 s‐1), levels of unsaturated fatty acids in PSII thylakoid membrane lipids decreased during the initial 1‐2 d, then increased slowly and reached 99.2%, 95.3% and 90.1% of the initial value (0 d) in j‐9516, ji‐PE and i‐SY63, respectively, on the fifth day. However, under medium light (600 μmol m‐2 s‐1), all cultivars experienced similar substantial photoinhibition, which approached steady state levels after a decline in levels of unsaturated fatty acids in PSII thylakoid membrane lipids to about 57.1%, 53.8% and 44.5% of the initial values (0 d) in j‐9516, ji‐PE and I‐SY63 on the fifth day. Under either chilling‐induced resistance (the former) or low temperature photoinhibition (the latter) conditions, the changes of other physiological parameters such as D1 protein contents, electron transport activities of PSII (ETA), Fv/Fm, xanthophyl cycle activities expressed by DES (deepoxide state) were consistent with that of levels of unsaturated fatty acids in PSII thylakoid membrane lipids. So there were negative correlations between saturated levels of fatty acids (16:1(3t), 16:0, 18:0), especially the 16:1(3t) fatty acid on thylakoid membrane and other physiological parameters, such as D1 protein contents, ETA and (A+Z)/(A+V+Z). A specific role of desaturation of fatty acids and the photoprotective pigments of the xanthophyl cycle, leading to an acclimation response in thylakoid membrane lipids may be involved. We conclude that chilling‐induced resistance is accelerated by the unsaturation of thylakoid membranes, and the ability of rice plants to cold‐harden can be enhanced by genetic engineering.
Integrin‐like Protein Is Involved in the Osmotic Stress‐induced Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lü Bing , Chen Feng , Gong Zhong‐Hua , Xie Hong , Liang Jian‐Sheng 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe studied the perception of plant cells to osmotic stress that leads to the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) in stressed Arabidopsis thaliana L. cells. A significant difference was found between protoplasts and cells in terms of their responses to osmotic stress and ABA biosynthesis, implying that cell wall and/or cell wall‐plasma membrane interaction are essential in identifying osmotic stress. Western blotting and immunofluorescence localization experiments, using polyclonal antibody against human integrin β1, revealed the existence of a protein similar to the integrin protein of animals in the suspension‐cultured cells located in the plasma membrane fraction. Treatment with a synthetic pentapeptide, Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (GRGDS), which contains an RGD domain and interacts specifically with integrin protein and thus blocks the cell wall‐plasma membrane interaction, significantly inhibited osmotic stress‐induced ABA biosynthesis in cells, but not in protoplasts. These results demonstrate that cell wall and/or cell wall‐plasma membrane interaction mediated by integrin‐like proteins played important roles in osmotic stress‐induced ABA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
The Geographies of Social Movements
Authors: Nicholls Walter J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article aims to provide a review of how geographical concepts can help us better understand the development and effects of social movements. Geographers have been rather slow to analyze the specific processes and mechanisms that make it possible for people to cooperate and engage in sustained political struggles with rich and powerful adversaries. Not only has this inattention to social movements deprived the discipline of robust conceptual tools for analyzing contentious politics, it has also limited the discipline's abilities to contend with broader theoretical issues concerning collective action and agency in the political arena. Recent research into social movements has begun to fill this void. The article maintains that the most fruitful strategy for conceptualizing the geographical underpinnings of social movements would be to examine how issues of space, scale, and place affect the processes already identified in the established sociological and political science literature on social movements.
Expanding Biogeographic Horizons with Genetic Approaches
Authors: Parker Kathleen , Markwith Scott 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe last decade has seen tremendous increases in the variety and cost‐efficiency of markers available to investigate genetic questions. Molecular markers have been used in a number of biogeographic studies; however, most of this work has been done by scholars in fields other than geography, despite the inherently spatial nature of questions many authors have addressed. This article calls for greater contribution by geographers to this body of work. We begin with a primer that reviews several of the most commonly used molecular markers available today. Next, we illustrate the use of those markers with biogeographic studies in two areas that have a long‐standing tradition within geography: paleoenvironmental reconstruction and human‐biota interactions. Finally, we identify areas where genetic approaches can greatly expand our biogeographic horizons, including collaborative work with geographers in other subdisciplines, as well as with scholars in other fields.
Inequality and Why It Matters
Authors: Gilbert Alan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMany think that poverty and inequality in the world are increasing. The article shows that they are both right and wrong. But far too many, even those who worry about the world's poor, do not seem to care that the rich are becoming so much richer. The wealthy are admired and are seen as role models. Apart from the question of fairness, public disinterest in inequality is worrying because inequality blocks progress for the poor. This is important because, despite some progress, there are still billions of desperately poor people in the world and poverty is no longer confined to poor countries. Neoliberalism, combined with globalisation, has generated inequality and poverty everywhere. Today, large numbers of poor people also live in the world's richest cities. Such poverty often produces social ghettos and can ferment envy and even violence. While we need not fear the apocalypse, the danger of social strife is constantly with us. Because violence is rarely in anyone's interest perhaps geographers should take inequality, at home and abroad, more seriously than they have to date.
Epidemiology and Control of Neosporosis andNeospora caninum
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Schares G. , Ortega-Mora L. M. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYNeospora caninumis a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misidentified asToxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in dogs in 1984 and the description of the new genus and speciesNeospora caninumin 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and neonatal mortality are a major problem in livestock operations, and neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Although antibodies toN. caninumhave been reported, the parasite has not been detected in human tissues. Thus, the zoonotic potential is uncertain. This review is focused mainly on the epidemiology and control of neosporosis in cattle, but worldwide seroprevalences ofN. caninumin animals and humans are tabulated. The role of wildlife in the life cycle ofN. caninumand strategies for the control of neosporosis in cattle are discussed.
Human Protothecosis
Authors: Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Mayr Astrid 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYHuman protothecosis is a rare infection caused by members of the genusPrototheca. Protothecaspecies are generally considered to be achlorophyllic algae and are ubiquitous in nature. The occurrence of protothecosis can be local or disseminated and acute or chronic, with the latter being more common. Diseases have been classified as (i) cutaneous lesions, (ii) olecranon bursitis, or (iii) disseminated or systemic manifestations. Infections can occur in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients, although more severe and disseminated infections tend to occur in immunocompromised individuals.Prototheca wickerhamiiandPrototheca zopfiihave been associated with human disease. Usually, treatment involves medical and surgical approaches; treatment failure is not uncommon. Antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B are the most commonly used drugs to date. Among them, amphotericin B displays the best activity againstProtothecaspp. Diagnosis is largely made upon detection of characteristic structures observed on histopathologic examination of tissue.
Helicobacter pyloriDetection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Mégraud Francis , Lehours Philippe 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe discovery ofHelicobacter pyloriin 1982 was the starting point of a revolution concerning the concepts and management of gastroduodenal diseases. It is now well accepted that the most common stomach disease, peptic ulcer disease, is an infectious disease, and all consensus conferences agree that the causative agent,H. pylori, must be treated with antibiotics. Furthermore, the concept emerged that this bacterium could be the trigger of various malignant diseases of the stomach, and it is now a model for chronic bacterial infections causing cancer. Most of the many different techniques involved in diagnosis ofH. pyloriinfection are performed in clinical microbiology laboratories. The aim of this article is to review the current status of these methods and their application, highlighting the important progress which has been made in the past decade. Both invasive and noninvasive techniques will be reviewed.
Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1): a Threat to Human Health
Authors: Peiris J. S. Malik , de Jong Menno D. , Guan Yi 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYPandemic influenza virus has its origins in avian influenza viruses. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 is already panzootic in poultry, with attendant economic consequences. It continues to cross species barriers to infect humans and other mammals, often with fatal outcomes. Therefore, H5N1 virus has rightly received attention as a potential pandemic threat. However, it is noted that the pandemics of 1957 and 1968 did not arise from highly pathogenic influenza viruses, and the next pandemic may well arise from a low-pathogenicity virus. The rationale for particular concern about an H5N1 pandemic is not its inevitability but its potential severity. An H5N1 pandemic is an event of low probability but one of high human health impact and poses a predicament for public health. Here, we review the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses, assess the pandemic risk, and address aspects of human H5N1 disease in relation to its epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.
Induction of Apoptosis by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 7a Protein Is Dependent on Its Interaction with the Bcl-X
L
Protein
Authors: Tan Ying-Xim , Tan Timothy H. P. , Lee Marvin J.-R. , Tham Puay-Yoke , Gunalan Vithiagaran , Druce Julian , Birch Chris , Catton Mike , Fu Nai Yang , Yu Victor C. , Tan Yee-Joo 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 7a protein, which is not expressed by other known coronaviruses, can induce apoptosis in various cell lines. In this study, we show that the overexpression of Bcl-X
L
, a prosurvival member of the Bcl-2 family, blocks 7a-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the mechanism for apoptosis induction by 7a is at the level of or upstream from the Bcl-2 family. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that 7a interacts with Bcl-X
L
and other prosurvival proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-w, Mcl-1, and A1) but not with the proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Bak, Bad, and Bid). A good correlation between the abilities of 7a deletion mutants to induce apoptosis and to interact with Bcl-X
L
was observed, suggesting that 7a triggers apoptosis by interfering directly with the prosurvival function of Bcl-X
L
. Interestingly, amino acids 224 and 225 within the C-terminal transmembrane domain of Bcl-X
L
are essential for the interaction with the 7a protein, although the BH3 domain of Bcl-X
L
also contributes to this interaction. In addition, fractionation experiments showed that 7a colocalized with Bcl-X
L
at the endoplasmic reticulum as well as the mitochondria, suggesting that they may form complexes in different membranous compartments.
Successful Topical Respiratory Tract Immunization of Primates against Ebola Virus
Authors: Bukreyev Alexander , Rollin Pierre E. , Tate Mallory K. , Yang Lijuan , Zaki Sherif R. , Shieh Wun-Ju , Murphy Brian R. , Collins Peter L. , Sanchez Anthony 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
Ebola virus causes outbreaks of severe viral hemorrhagic fever with high mortality in humans. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact and by the aerosol route. These features make Ebola virus a potential weapon for bioterrorism and biological warfare. Therefore, a vaccine that induces both systemic and local immune responses in the respiratory tract would be highly beneficial. We evaluated a common pediatric respiratory pathogen, human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), as a vaccine vector against Ebola virus. HPIV3 recombinants expressing the Ebola virus (Zaire species) surface glycoprotein (GP) alone or in combination with the nucleocapsid protein NP or with the cytokine adjuvant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were administered by the respiratory route to rhesus monkeys—in which HPIV3 infection is mild and asymptomatic—and were evaluated for immunogenicity and protective efficacy against a highly lethal intraperitoneal challenge with Ebola virus. A single immunization with any construct expressing GP was moderately immunogenic against Ebola virus and protected 88% of the animals against severe hemorrhagic fever and death caused by Ebola virus. Two doses were highly immunogenic, and all of the animals survived challenge and were free of signs of disease and of detectable Ebola virus challenge virus. These data illustrate the feasibility of immunization via the respiratory tract against the hemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola virus. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which topical immunization through respiratory tract achieved prevention of a viral hemorrhagic fever infection in a primate model.
Correlation between Soluble Endoglin, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1, and Adipocytokines in Preeclampsia
Authors: Masuyama Hisashi , Nakatsukasa Hideki , Takamoto Norio , Hiramatsu Yuji 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Context: Recent reports have demonstrated that soluble endoglin (sEng), an antiangiogenic protein thought to impair TGF-β binding to receptors, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 play important roles in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). Moreover, insulin resistance, which is greatly influenced by adipocytokines, characterizes PE.
Objectives: We examined possible links between sEng, VEGF, sVEGFR, and adipocytokines in the pathophysiology of PE.
Study Design: We performed a cross-sectional study in 30 PE patients and controls matched for gestational age and body mass index. Blood samples were collected soon after disease onset. We measured serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, sEng, VEGF, placental growth factor (PlGF), and sVEGFR [soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and soluble fetal liver kinase 1 (sFlk-1)], and examined the placental protein content of sEng and sFlt-1.
Results: sEng concentrations in PE patients (60.9 ± 28.8 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those in controls (11.2 ± 4.4 ng/ml). There was a significant correlation between sEng and sFlt-1 or PlGF. Moreover, there were significant differences in mean blood pressure between the high and low sEng groups, and in proteinuria between the high and low sFlt-1 groups, and significant differences in placental sEng and sFlt-1 contents between patients with and without severe hypertension or proteinuria. sEng was also correlated positively with adiponectin levels and negatively with the leptin to adiponectin ratio.
Conclusions: Along with sFlt-1 and PlGF, sEng might play a role in the pathophysiology of PE, especially in elevating blood pressure, while the association with hypoadiponectinemia and the high leptin to adiponectin ratio in pregnancy seem to be risk factors for PE.
The Effects of Metabolic Syndrome Versus Infectious Burden on Inflammation, Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis, and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Dai Dao-Fu , Lin Jou-Wei , Kao Jia-Horng , Hsu Chih-Neng , Chiang Fu-Tien , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Chou Yi-Hua , Hsu Kwan-Lih , Tseng Chuen-Den , Tseng Yung-Zu , Hwang Juey-Jen 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Background: The clinical predictors of inflammation in atherosclerosis remain controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the associations of metabolic factors vs. infectious burden (IB) with inflammation, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).
Design, Setting, and Patients: Coronary angiography with Gensini score was applied to assess the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in 568 patients with coronary artery disease. Metabolic syndrome (MS) score (0–5) was defined according to the modified criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. IB score (0–7) was defined as the number of seropositivities to several agents.
Results: IB score was not associated with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, Gensini score, or the risk of MACE. In contrast, MS score significantly correlated with both plasma CRP concentration and Gensini score (P &lt; 0.001 for both). MS score and plasma CRP concentration were also significantly associated with the risk of MACE (hazard ratios 1.51, P &lt; 0.001; and 1.90, P = 0.002, respectively).
Conclusion: Compared with IB, metabolic abnormalities have a more prominent association with the degree of inflammation, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, and the risk of MACE in patients with coronary artery disease.
Genes for Enzymes Regulating Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfonation Are Associated with Levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Goodarzi Mark O. , Antoine Heath J. , Azziz Ricardo 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Context: The adrenal androgen (AA) metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is often elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); AA excess in PCOS appears to be, in part, a heritable trait. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfonation is controlled by the enzymes DHEA sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) and steroid sulfatase (STS). Polymorphisms in these genes have not been evaluated as modulators of DHEAS level in PCOS.
Objective: The aim was to test the hypothesis that variants in the SULT2A1 and STS genes are associated with DHEAS levels in women with PCOS.
Design: Women with and without PCOS were genotyped for seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SULT2A1 and seven SNPs in STS. SNPs and haplotypes were determined and tested for association with DHEAS.
Setting: Subjects were recruited from the reproductive endocrinology clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; controls were recruited from the surrounding community. Genotyping took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Participants: A total of 287 white women with PCOS and 187 controls participated in the study.
Main Measurements: SULT2A1 and STS genotype and DHEAS levels were measured.
Results: In women with PCOS, SNP rs182420 in SULT2A1 was associated with DHEAS (P = 0.0035). Two haplotypes carrying the minor allele of rs182420 were also associated with DHEAS (P = 0.04 each). Variants within STS were not associated with DHEAS level. No associations were observed in control women.
Conclusion: This study presents genetic evidence suggesting a potential role of SULT2A1, but not STS, in the inherited AA excess of PCOS.