bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Golden Indica and Japonica Rice Lines Amenable to Deregulation
Authors: Hoa Tran Thi Cuc , Al-Babili Salim , Schaub Patrick , Potrykus Ingo , Beyer Peter 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAs an important step toward free access and, thus, impact of GoldenRice, a freedom-to-operate situation has been achieved for developing countries for the technology involved. Specifically, to carry the invention beyond its initial “proof-of-concept” status in a Japonica rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar, we report here on two transformed elite Indica varieties (IR64 and MTL250) plus one Japonica variety Taipei 309. Indica varieties are predominantly consumed in the areas with vitamin A deficiency. To conform with regulatory constraints, we changed the vector backbone, investigated the absence of beyond-border transfer, and relied on Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to obtain defined integration patterns. To avoid an antibiotic selection system, we now rely exclusively on phosphomannose isomerase as the selectable marker. Single integrations were given a preference to minimize potential epigenetic effects in subsequent generations. These novel lines, now in the T3 generation, are highly valuable because they are expected to more readily receive approval for follow-up studies such as nutritional and risk assessments and for breeding approaches leading to locally adapted variety development.
Reduction of Stability of Arabidopsis Genomic and Transgenic DNA-Repeat Sequences (Microsatellites) by Inactivation of AtMSH2 Mismatch-Repair Function
Authors: Leonard Jeffrey M. , Bollmann Stephanie R. , Hays John B. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Highly conserved mismatch repair (MMR) systems promote genomic stability by correcting DNA replication errors, antagonizing homeologous recombination, and responding to various DNA lesions. Arabidopsis and other plants encode a suite of MMR protein orthologs, including MSH2, the constant component of various specialized eukaryotic mismatch recognition heterodimers. To study MMR roles in plant genomic stability, we used Arabidopsis AtMSH2::TDNA mutant SALK_002708 and AtMSH2 RNA-interference (RNAi) lines. AtMSH2::TDNA and RNAi lines show normal growth, development, and fertility. To analyze AtMSH2 effects on germ line DNA fidelity, we measured insertion-deletion mutation of dinucleotide-repeat sequences (microsatellite instability) at nine loci in 16 or more progeny of two to four different wild-type or AtMSH2-deficient plants. Scoring 992 total alleles revealed 23 (2.3%) unique and 51 (5.1%) total repeat length shifts ([+2], [-2], [+4], or [-4] bp). For the six longest repeat loci, the corresponding frequencies were 22/608 and 50/608. Two of four AtMSH2-RNAi plants showed similar microsatellite instability. In wild-type progeny, only one unique repeat length allele was found in 576 alleles tested. This endogenous microsatellite instability, shown for the first time in MMR-defective plants, is similar to that seen in MMR-defective yeast and mice, indicating that plants also use MMR to promote germ line fidelity. We used a frameshifted reporter transgene, (G)7 GUS, to measure insertion-deletion reversion as blue-staining β-glucuronidase-positive leaf spots. Reversion rates increased only 5-fold in AtMSH2::TDNA plants, considerably less than increases in MSH2-deficient yeast or mammalian cells for similar mononucleotide repeats. Thus, MMR-dependent error correction may be less stringent in differentiated leaf cells than in plant equivalents of germ line tissue.
New Insights into the Respiratory Chain of Plant Mitochondria. Supercomplexes and a Unique Composition of Complex II
Authors: Eubel Holger , Jänsch Lothar , Braun Hans-Peter 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
A project to systematically investigate respiratory supercomplexes in plant mitochondria was initiated. Mitochondrial fractions from Arabidopsis, potato (Solanum tuberosum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were carefully treated with various concentrations of the nonionic detergents dodecylmaltoside, Triton X-100, or digitonin, and proteins were subsequently separated by (a) Blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), (b) two-dimensional Blue-native/sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE, and (c) two-dimensional Blue-native/Blue-native PAGE. Three high molecular mass complexes of 1,100, 1,500, and 3,000 kD are visible on one-dimensional Blue native gels, which were identified by separations on second gel dimensions and protein analyses by mass spectrometry. The 1,100-kD complex represents dimeric ATP synthase and is only stable under very low concentrations of detergents. In contrast, the 1,500-kD complex is stable at medium and even high concentrations of detergents and includes the complexes I and III2. Depending on the investigated organism, 50% to 90% of complex I forms part of this supercomplex if solubilized with digitonin. The 3,000-kD complex, which also includes the complexes I and III, is of low abundance and most likely has a III4I2 structure. The complexes IV, II, and the alternative oxidase were not part of supercomplexes under all conditions applied. Digitonin proved to be the ideal detergent for supercomplex stabilization and also allows optimal visualization of the complexes II and IV on Blue-native gels. Complex II unexpectedly was found to be composed of seven subunits, and complex IV is present in two different forms on the Blue-native gels, the larger of which comprises additional subunits including a 32-kD protein resembling COX VIb from other organisms. We speculate that supercomplex formation between the complexes I and III limits access of alternative oxidase to its substrate ubiquinol and possibly regulates alternative respiration. The data of this investigation are available at http://www.gartenbau.uni-hannover.de/genetik/braun/AMPP.
Functional Characterization and Expression Analyses of the Glucose-Specific AtSTP9 Monosaccharide Transporter in Pollen of Arabidopsis
Authors: Schneidereit Alexander , Scholz-Starke Joachim , Büttner Michael 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
A genomic clone and the corresponding cDNA of a new Arabidopsis monosaccharide transporter AtSTP9 were isolated. Transport analysis of the expressed protein in yeast showed that AtSTP9 is an energy-dependent, uncoupler-sensitive, high-affinity monosaccharide transporter with a K m for glucose in the micromolar range. In contrast to all previously characterized monosaccharide transporters, AtSTP9 shows an unusual specificity for glucose. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that AtSTP9 is exclusively expressed in flowers, and a more detailed approach using AtSTP9 promoter/reporter plants clearly showed that AtSTP9 expression is restricted to the male gametophyte. AtSTP9 expression is not found in other floral organs or vegetative tissues. Further localization on the cellular level using a specific antibody revealed that in contrast to the early accumulation of AtSTP9 transcripts in young pollen, the AtSTP9 protein is only found weakly in mature pollen but is most prominent in germinating pollen tubes. This preloading of pollen with mRNAs has been described for genes that are essential for pollen germination and/or pollen tube growth. The pollen-specific expression found for AtSTP9 is also observed for other sugar transporters and indicates that pollen development and germination require a highly regulated supply of sugars.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF ROMAN GRAVESTONES FROM AQUILEIA (UDINE, ITALY)*
Authors: Maritan L. , Mazzoli C. , Melis E. 
Published: August 2003

The results of an archaeometric study on gravestone production in Aquileia (northeastern Italy) during Roman Republican times are reported here. The artefacts are made of limestone, quarried from the sedimentary sequence of the Trieste Karst (Carnican Alps, northeastern Italy), as testified by historical sources which refer to the ‘Roman Quarry’ at Aurisina. The rock types used for the gravestones are petrographically, geochemically and geochronologically homogeneous, and display similar faunal assemblages. In addition, their age is restricted to the Santonian – Lower Campanian. Comparisons between archaeological finds and rock specimens from various active and inactive quarries in this area suggest that quarrying during Roman Republican times was limited to a specific stratigraphic horizon of the sedimentary sequence, corresponding to the higher part of the ‘Roman Quarry’.
JunB inhibits proliferation and transformation in B-lymphoid cells
Authors: Szremska Agnieszka P. , Kenner Lukas , Weisz Eva , Ott Rene G. , Passegué Emmanuelle , Artwohl Michaela , Freissmuth Michael , Stoxreiter Renate , Theussl Hans-Christian , Parzer Sabina Baumgartner , Moriggl Richard , Wagner Erwin F. , Sexl Veronika 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
The activator protein 1 (AP-1) member JunB has recently been implicated in leukemogenesis. Here we surveyed human lymphoma samples for expression of JunB and other AP-1 members (c-Jun, c-Fos, Fra1, JunD). JunB was strongly expressed in T-cell lymphomas, but non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas do not or only weakly express JunB. We therefore asked whether JunB acted as a negative regulator of B-cell development, proliferation, and transformation. We used transgenic mice that expressed JunB under the control of the ubiquitin C promoter; these displayed increased JunB levels in both B- and T-lymphoid cells. JunB transgenic cells of B-lymphoid, but not of T-lymphoid, origin responded poorly to mitogenic stimuli. Furthermore, JunB transgenic cells were found to be less susceptible to the transforming potential of the Abelson oncogene in vitro. In addition, overexpression of JunB partially protected transgenic mice against the oncogenic challenge in vivo. However, transformed B cells eventually escaped from the inhibitory effect of JunB: the proliferative response was similar in explanted tumor-derived cells from transgenic animals and those from wild-type controls. Our results identify JunB as a novel regulator of B-cell proliferation and transformation. (Blood. 2003;102:4159-4165)
Quantitative Tumor Apoptosis Imaging Using Technetium-99m–HYNIC Annexin V Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Van de Wiele Christophe , Lahorte Christophe , Vermeersch Hubert , Loose D. , Mervillie Kris , Steinmetz Neil D. , Vanderheyden Jean-Luc , Cuvelier Claude A. , Slegers Guido , Dierck Rudi A. 
Published: September 2003

Purpose: Radiolabeled annexin V may allow for repetitive and selective in vivo identification of apoptotic cell death without the need for invasive biopsy. This study reports on the relationship between quantitative technetium-99m– (99mTc-) 6-hydrazinonicotinic (HYNIC) radiolabeled annexin V tumor uptake, and the number of tumor apoptotic cells derived from histologic analysis. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients (18 men, two women) suspected of primary (n = 19) or recurrent (n = 1) head and neck carcinoma were included. All patients underwent a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan, 99mTc-HYNIC annexin V tomography, and subsequent surgical resection of the suspected primary or recurrent tumor. Quantitative 99mTc-HYNIC annexin V uptake in tumor lesions divided by the tumor volume, derived from CT, was related to the number of apoptotic cells per tumor high-power field derived from terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assays performed on sectioned tumor slices. Results: Diagnosis was primary head and neck tumor in 18 patients, lymph node involvement of a cancer of unknown primary origin in one patient, and the absence of recurrence in one patient. Mean percentage absolute tumor uptake of the injected dose per cubic centimeter tumor volume derived from tomographic images was 0.0003% (standard deviation [SD], 0.0004%) at 1 hour postinjection (PI) and 0.0001% (SD, 0.0000%) at 5 to 6 hours PI (P = .012). Quantitative 99mTc-HYNIC annexin V tumor uptake correlated well with the number of apoptotic cells if only tumor samples with no or minimal amounts of necrosis were considered. Conclusion: In the absence of necrosis, absolute 99mTc-HYNIC annexin V tumor uptake values correlate well with the number of apoptotic cells derived from TUNEL assays.
Formation and Structure of Protonated Tetrasilatetrahedrane-monooxide, (tert-Bu3Si)4Si4OH+
Authors: Ichinohe Masaaki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Sekiguchi Akira 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
The reaction of tetrakis(tri-tert-butylsilyl)tetrasilatetrahedrane (1) with trityl tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (TFPB) gave protonated tetrasilatetrahedrane-monooxide, (tert-Bu3Si)4Si4OH+ (2+), whose structure was determined by X-ray crystallography.
Highly Diastereoselective Addition Reaction of Ketene Silyl Acetals to Imines Catalyzed by Samarium(III) Iodide
Authors: Hayakawa Ryuuichirou , Shimizu Makoto 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
In the presence of a catalytic amount of a samarium(III) iodide, the addition reaction of ketene silyl acetal to imine afforded the corresponding β-aminoester with high anti-selectivity. The reaction of chiral imine under the same conditions gave β-aminoester with high diastereoselectivity.
Hydroxy Group-Directed Homolytic Hydrostannylation of Alkenols with Dibutylchlorostannane
Authors: Miura Katsukiyo , Saito Hiroshi , Uchinokura Shingo , Hosomi Akira 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
In homolytic hydrostannylation of allyl alcohol 1a or homoallyl alcohol 1b, dibutylchlorostannane (Bu2ClSnH) exhibited a much higher reactivity than tributylstannane (Bu3SnH). Competitive reaction of 1a vs. 1-octene with Bu2ClSnH led to the selective formation of γ-stannylated alcohol 3a. Hydrostannylation of 1,5-hexadien-3-ol (8) with Bu2ClSnH favored 1-stannylated product 9 over 6-stannylated product 10, while the use of Bu3SnH decreased the regioselectivity.
First Determination of Absolute Stereochemistry of N-Naphthylmaleimide Polymer
Authors: Oishi Tsutomu , Onimura Kenjiro , Isobe Yukio , Tsutsumi Hiromori 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
Chirality of N-1-naphthylmaleimide polymer (poly(1-NMI)) was attributed to difference between (S,S) and (R,R) configuration in threo-diisotactic structures. According to the exciton chirality method, relationships between specific rotation and configuration of poly(1-NMI) were found to be as follows: (+)-poly(1-NMI) contains (S,S) more than (R,R)-configuration, (−)-poly(1-NMI) contains (R,R) more than (S,S)-configuration.
Experimental Evidence for Helical Conformation of Poly(methylphenylsilylene) in Solution
Authors: Toyoda Seiji , Fujiki Michiya 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
This paper describes a simple methodology designed to prove that poly(methylphenylsilylene) (1) in solution has a helical conformation by a comparing the optical properties of optically inactive 1 with those of its optically active copolymer derivative. This approach can clarify the main-chain conformation from spectroscopic evidence.
Rhodium Catalyzed Transformation of 4-Pentynyl Cyclopropanes to Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenones via Cleavage of Cyclopropane Ring
Authors: Koga Yuji , Narasaka Koichi 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
By using [RhCl(CO)2]2 as a catalyst, bicyclo[4.3.0]-nonenones are prepared from 4-pentynyl cyclopropanes under CO atmosphere via cleavage of cyclopropane ring.
The combined impact of future space‐based atmospheric sounding instruments on numerical weather‐prediction analysis fields: A simulation study
Authors: Collard A. D. , Healy S. B. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPrevious studies have illustrated that assimilation into numerical weather prediction models of both space‐based radio‐occultation and advanced‐infrared‐sound er measurements will add significantly to our knowledge of the atmospheric state. In this study we show the degree to which the information contained in these data are complementary or whether there is significant redundancy between the observations.Initially we examine the retrieval performances based on linear retrieval theory, from which we conclude that the radio‐occultation and advanced‐infrared‐soun der observations contribute their greatest impacts to different parts of the atmospheric temperature and humidity fields. Sequential one‐dimensional variational data assimilation (1DVar) simulations using simulated observations are then used to confirm these conclusions. The results of the 1DVar experiments are in very close agreement with the linear error analyses, and show that the information from the two types of observation are not only important but complementary. © Crown copyright, 2003. Royal Meteorological Society
Do forest fires affect lightning?
Authors: Smith J. A. , Baker M. B. , Weinman J. A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractLightning statistics are analysed downwind of forest fires in 1998 and 2000. The previously studied 1998 case shows anomalously high frequencies of positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning (+CG%) in the southern Great Plains region of the USA, coincident with the smoke plume from forest fires in Central America. Fires in the northwestern USA in summer 2000 produced a smoke pall commensurate with the 1998 fires, but were not accompanied by statistically significant lightning anomalies. Analyses of meteorological data reveal that the southern Great Plains region was abnormally dry and hot during the period of anomalous lightning in 1998.Using a 1.5‐dimensional thunderstorm model on a day with high +CG%, 15 May 1998, we find that whereas the percentage of positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning did not change significantly with changes in cloud condensation nuclei, adding moisture to the model significantly decreases the percentage of positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning, making it closer to the climatological norm. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Removal of protein-bound and unbound unconjugated bilirubin by perfusion of plasma through an anion-exchange resin in a case of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I
Authors: Ihara Hiroshi , Shino Yoshio , Hashizume Naotaka , Shimizu Norikazu , Aoki Tsugutoshi , Yoshida Mitsutaka 
Published: September 2003

Background: Patients with Crigler-Najjar syndrome, type I (CNS-I) have an inherited absence of hepatocellular bilirubin uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase activity, which results in severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia, often causing kernicterus and death in infancy or childhood. Methods: Our patient is a 19-year-old Japanese man with CNS-I diagnosed by the complete absence of the hepatocellular enzyme in a liver biopsy and genotyping. The efficacies of the removal of protein-bound (PBB) and unbound (UB) unconjugated bilirubin by phototherapy, plasma perfusion and liver transplantation were compared in the patient. Results: At the age of 5 years, phototherapy treatment reduced the patient's PBB by 21% and UB by 34%, and 98% of the bilirubin produced daily was removed. At the age of 16 years, plasma perfusion combined with nightly phototherapy completely removed the daily production of bilirubin; however, by 24 h post-treatment, the PBB and UB were again increased. Apparently, these treatments were effective in reducing PBB and UB, but the effect was only temporary. Following liver transplantation, PBB and UB decreased to normal concentrations. Conclusions: Liver transplantation as a potential cure should be performed at a younger age, particularly in confirmed CNS-I cases for which reliable effects of phototherapy cannot be guaranteed.
Effect of homocysteine on cytokine production by human endothelial cells and monocytes
Authors: Dalal S , Parkin SM , Homer-Vanniasinkam S , Nicolaou A 
Published: September 2003

Background: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Although homocysteine has been shown to affect endothelial cell function, the mechanisms by which it induces disease states are still poorly understood. Here, we report the ability of homocysteine to influence inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production by human saphenous vein endothelial cells, peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. Methods: Human saphenous vein endothelial cells, peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with homocysteine (0.1-5 mmol/L) for 4 and/or 24h. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- α, interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6 and IL-8 production was measured in the cell culture media using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Interleukin-6 production by human saphenous vein endothelial cells was significantly stimulated following a 24-h treatment with homocysteine, whilst IL-8 concentrations were inhibited after both 4- and 24-h treatments. Homocysteine was also found to stimulate IL-1 β production by human peripheral blood monocytes and TNF- α production by monocyte-derived macrophages. Conclusions: Overall, results from this study suggest that homocysteine alters the profile of cytokine/chemokine production by endothelial cells and macrophages. This altered profile may be important in the inflammatory events that initiate or enhance the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
Practicability of using vaginal fluid markers in detecting premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Ni Chen Yi , Jia Wang Xue , Yi Wu Min , Feng Lu Hai , Yu Lin Zhi 
Published: September 2003

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) may cause intra-uterine infection and fetal death. A diagnostic tool that is non-invasive, specific and quick is needed to predict PROM. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), α-fetoprotein (AFP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are present in vaginal fluid, were reported to be potential markers for PROM but have not yet been used in the clinic. This study was designed in a daily routine semi-emergency setting to evaluate the clinical practicability of using these markers in diagnosing PROM. Methods: Using a random-access automated luminescence immunoassay system, 81 vaginal washing samples collected from third trimester pregnant women (43 from PROM patients, 38 from patients with intact membranes) were analysed for β-hCG, AFP and IL-6 in a semi-emergency setting. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to test the difference between the two groups. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the three markers and to determine the cut-off value for a positive diagnosis. Results: Vaginal fluid concentrations of the three markers were significantly different ( P < 0.001) between the two groups. ROC analysis indicated that AFP had a 97.7% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity; the other two markers had lower diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (95.3% and 89.5% for β-hCG and 83.7% and 78.9% for IL-6, respectively). Discussion: This work demonstrates that, of the three markers investigated, AFP has the highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Using the 'stat' function provided by the automated luminescence immunoassay system, the reporting time of the results was less than 1h. We conclude that vaginal fluid AFP measured by random-access automated luminescence immunoassay is an ideal marker for the diagnosis of PROM. The technique could be introduced into the laboratory as a semi-emergency service to meet clinical needs.