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  • 1995-1999  (250)
  • 1850-1859
  • 1999  (250)
  • 1855
  • Life and Medical Sciences  (96)
  • gene expression  (79)
  • nitrogen  (75)
Material
Years
  • 1995-1999  (250)
  • 1850-1859
Year
Keywords
  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 92 (1999), S. 205-216 
    ISSN: 1570-7458
    Keywords: Samea multiplicalis ; Spodoptera pectinicornis ; Pistia stratiotes ; waterlettuce ; nitrogen utilization efficiency ; compensatory feeding ; nitrogen ; biological control of weeds
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Compensatory responses of caterpillars fed low quality food include increased consumption and utilization of essential nutrients. Information about an insect's responses to nutritional challenges from their host plants could benefit weed biological control efforts in the selection and establishment of new agents. The target weed, Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) is a floating aquatic plant that has relatively low nitrogen levels which are further diluted with high water content. Efforts to establish the insect Spodoptera pectinicornis (Hampson) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for biological control of P. stratiotes could benefit by examining the nutritional responses of a similar widely established lepidopteran species, Samea multiplicalis (Guenèe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Larvae of this species were fed leaves of P. stratiotes plants that had been fertilized (NPK) at high and low rates. The leaves of the fertilized plants had a 4.3-fold increase in nitrogen (dry weight) and a 1.6-fold increase in water content. The results suggest that no compensatory increases occurred in larvae fed leaves from the low fertilized plants as no changes were found in fresh mass consumption or nitrogen utilization efficiency. Consequently, development time from second-third instars to pupation was delayed about 3 days compared with larvae fed the high nitrogen leaves. Furthermore, consumption of nitrogen was only 30% and its accumulation into larval tissues was only 60% compared with the larvae fed the high fertilized leaves. The resulting larvae had both a final biomass and a growth rate that were reduced by 40%. Regardless of plant fertilizer level, the larvae fed at a rate 5–10 times greater than that of similar lepidopteran species consuming either low or high quality diets, suggesting that the S. multiplicalis larvae may be functioning at their biological limit for ingesting food.
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  • 2
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 92 (1999), S. 165-177 
    ISSN: 1570-7458
    Keywords: Chrysomelidae ; herbivory ; Asteraceae ; life history ; nitrogen ; plant quality ; season
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Phytophagous insects which feed on the leaves of herbaceous host plants have to adapt their life histories to the fact that protein nitrogen is usually highest in growing tissues in spring. We monitored field populations of larvae and adults of three chrysomelid species (Galeruca tanaceti (L.) (main host Achillea millefolium (L.) Yarrow), Cassida rubiginosa (Mueller) (main host Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) and Oreina luctuosa (Suffrian) (host Centaurea scabiosa (L.)) together with the amount of protein nitrogen of their food resources and host plant biomass. As expected, the development of host quality, measured as concentration of protein nitrogen, and host plant biomass showed inverse trends during the season. The euryphagous G. tanaceti attacks Achillea early and profits from high nitrogen concentrations in the leaves. Occasional overexploitations of local populations of Achillea are compensated by the capacity to move to other host species. In C. rubiginosa, a species with a host range restricted to the Cardueae, the main larval feeding activity is postponed to a period when the nitrogen content of the host leaves had dropped to 50% of its initial value, but when host plant biomass had increased by 30%. In the monophagous O. luctuosa the larval development is synchronized with a still later phase of host phenology, at which the nitrogen content is below 50% but plant biomass has reached its maximum. There seem to be selection factors, which oppose the use of high quality food in spring and which force the latter two species to postpone their larval development to a later time in the year. This could be caused by numerous factors like, for example, mean daytime temperature. Later in the season the larvae have to cope with the low quality of their host plants. They have, however, the advantage of large quantities of food available. A laboratory study with adults and mature larvae of O. luctuosa shows that this species can overcome low levels of protein nitrogen either by selecting younger leaves with higher nitrogen concentrations or by increasing the daily food consumption rate (RCR) on leaves with a low level of nitrogen and by a prolongation of the feeding period. In this way the larvae compensate the effect of lower daily growth rates (RGR) and a lower food conversion index (ECI) on poor food quality: Regardless of the level of protein nitrogen there was no statistically significant difference in total gain of weight during the third-instar feeding period and in the weight at the end of the third larval stage. The three investigated chrysomelids show that there exists a broad spectrum of adaptations to overcome the dilemma of variable food quality.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1572-879X
    Keywords: adsorption ; adsorption isotherms ; dinitrogen ; FTIR spectroscopy ; geminal species ; NaY ; nitrogen ; zeolites
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Adsorption of N2 on NaY zeolites at 85 K and equilibrium pressures higher than 1 kPa results in the formation of geminal dinitrogen complexes characterized by an IR band at 2333.5 cm−1 (2255.4 cm−1 after adsorption of 15N2). With decreasing equilibrium pressure the complexes tend to loose one N2 ligand, thus forming linear species characterized by an IR band at 2336.8 cm−1 (2258.7 cm−1 after adsorption of 15N2). All species disappear completely after evacuation. Co-adsorption of N2 and CO revealed that the dinitrogen complexes are formed on Na+ cations. The changes in the concentrations of the linear and geminal N2 species with the changes in the equilibrium pressure are excellently described by equations of adsorption isotherms proposed earlier for mono- and di-carbonyls.
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1572-8757
    Keywords: kinetics ; isotope-exchange ; nitrogen ; adsorption ; methane ; zeolite ; equilibria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract The Isotope Exchange Technique (IET) was used to simultaneously measure pure and binary gas adsorption equilibria and kinetics (self-diffusivities) of CH4 and N2 on pelletized 4A zeolite. The experiment was carried out isothermally without disturbing the adsorbed phase. CH4 was selectively adsorbed over N2 by the zeolite because of its higher polarizability. The multi-site Langmuir model described the pure gas and binary adsorption equilibria fairly well at three different temperatures. The selectivity of adsorption of CH4 over N2 increased with increasing pressure at constant gas phase composition and temperature. This curious behavior was caused by the differences in the sizes of the adsorbates. The diffusion of CH4 and N2 into the zeolite was an activated process and the Fickian diffusion model described the uptake of both pure gases and their mixtures. The self-diffusivity of N2 was an order of magnitude larger than that for CH4. The pure gas self-diffusivities for both components were constants over a large range of surface coverages (0 〈 θ 〈 0.5). The self-diffusivities of CH4 and N2 from their binary mixtures were not affected by the presence of each other, compared to their pure gas self-diffusivities at identical surface coverages.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 5
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Plant molecular biology reporter 17 (1999), S. 371-383 
    ISSN: 1572-9818
    Keywords: epidermal peel ; extraction ; gene expression ; stomata ; tree tobacco
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Stomatal guard cells are critical for maintenance of plant homeostasis and represent an interesting cell type for studies of leaf cell differentiation and patterning. Here we describe techniques for the isolation of guard cell RNA and protein from blended epidermal peels of Nicotiana glauca. The RNA isolation procedure is a modification of the hot borate method, which is particularly well-suited for recalcitrant tissues. Protein was extracted by disrupting guard cell-enriched epidermis with a French® press. This system offers the following advantages: relatively high yield, low or no contamination by other cell types, fresh tissue as a source of RNA and protein rather than protoplasts, and a plant species that is readily transformable. These techniques will allow for cloning and analysis of genes expressed in guard cells, application of traditional biochemical techniques to guard cell proteins, as well as characterization of genetic manipulation of guard cell function in transgenic plants.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems 53 (1999), S. 209-218 
    ISSN: 1573-0867
    Keywords: cattle slurry ; fertilizer splitting ; nitrogen ; recovery ; residual nitrogen ; Zea mays L
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract The recovery of soil mineral nitrogen (N) by crops, and its subsequent utilisation for dry matter (DM) production may be increased when the application of N is postponed until after crop emergence. The significance of this strategy for silage maize was studied in nine field experiments on Dutch sandy soils from 1983 to 1988. In five experiments the effect of slurry applied before planting at a rate of circa 66 m3 ha-1, was compared to the effect of a similar rate of which half was applied before planting and half at the 4–6 leaf stage. In the 4-6 leaf stage slurry was either injected or banded. In four other experiments the effect of mineral fertilizer-N splitting was studied. In these experiments, 30 m3 ha-1 cattle slurry, applied before planting, was supplemented with mineral fertilizer-N at rates ranging from 40 to 160 kg ha-1, either fully applied before crop emergence or split. When split, 40 kg ha-1 of the mineral fertilizer-N rate was banded at the 4–6 leaf stage. According to balance sheet calculations, substantial losses of slurry N and mineral fertilizer-N occurred during the growing season. Losses were compensated for, however, by apparent mineralization, ranging from 0.34 to 0.77 kg N ha-1 day-1. Split applications of cattle slurry had a significant positive effect on the DM yield in two out of five experiments compared to the conventional non-split application, but only when the post-emergence slurry application was banded which is no longer in accordance with present legislation. Split applications of mineral fertilizer-N had a significant positive effect in one experiment where rainfall was excessive but not in the others. The results provide insufficient evidence to recommend farmers to split applications. Soil mineral N sampling at the 4–6 leaf stage should hence be considered a control on the appropriateness of early N applications after exceptional weather conditions rather than a routine observation on which the post-emergence N dressing is to be based in a deliberate splitting strategy. Our data suggest that the financial return of a 40 kg ha-1 supplementation with mineral fertilizer-N, was questionable when more than 175 kg N ha-1 were found in the upper 0.6 m soil layer at the 4–6 leaf stage.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems 53 (1999), S. 259-267 
    ISSN: 1573-0867
    Keywords: farming systems ; nitrogen ; nitrogen budgets ; sustainability
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Three approaches to nitrogen budgeting were developed and their ability to quantitatively describe nitrogen cycling in a fertilizer based and a grass–clover based beef system tested. Budgets ranged in complexity from the Economic Input:Output (EIO) budget, which accounted simply for purchases and sales of nitrogen over the farmgate, through the Biological Input:Output (BIO) budget, which included estimates of biological nitrogen fixation and attempted to partition losses into leaching and gaseous forms, to the Transfer:Recycle:Input:Output (TRIO) budget, which also accounted for key soil processes. Nitrogen unaccounted for in the fertilized system decreased with increasing budget complexity (285, 212 and 188 kg ha-1 yr-1 unaccounted for by the EIO, BIO and TRIO budgets, respectively). In the legume based grass–clover system, the EIO budget did not accurately describe total nitrogen inputs as it did not include 146 kg ha-1 yr-1 from symbiotic nitrogen fixation. In the grass–clover system, nitrogen unaccounted for was again greater using the BIO than the TRIO budget (103 and 79 kg ha-1 yr-1, respectively). In conclusion, the most complex budgeting approach (TRIO) was able to account for the fate of a greater proportion of nitrogen inputs than the simpler approaches. However, the perceived success of the different approaches was strongly dependent on the precise objective.
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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems 55 (1999), S. 1-6 
    ISSN: 1573-0867
    Keywords: chlorophyll meter ; irrigation ; LAI ; nitrogen ; Spring Wheat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract A Spring Wheat crop was grown using three irrigation levels and nitrogen rate applications to evaluate chlorophyll meter measurements as a possible nitrogen nutrition index for modelling. These measurements yielded the most reliable indications at Zadoks GS45. The lower limit indicating severe nitrogen deficiency in the leaves was approximately 35 SPAD units while the upper limit of 45 SPAD units, indicated an excess consumption.
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  • 9
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems 55 (1999), S. 89-94 
    ISSN: 1573-0867
    Keywords: algae ; flooded soils ; N cycling ; nitrogen ; 15N ; rice
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Algal N labelled with 15N added to a flooded soil in laboratory columns without plants was studied to determine the changes over time in the fate of N assimilated by algae and to study how its fate is affected by (a) exclusion of light simulating complete closure of the rice canopy, and (b) addition of fertilizer-NH4 *. In the light but with no added fertilizer-N there was little net mineralization of the added algal N during the first 4 weeks, but after 8 weeks 42% had been mineralized, of which 95% was denitrified. Exclusion of light caused net mineralization to proceed more rapidly in the first 4 weeks due to the death of algal cells and lowered reassimilation. After 8 weeks 51% had been mineralized, of which 54% was denitrified, 16% volatilized and 30% was present as KCl exchangeable NH4 +-N. Application of fertilizer-NH4 + apparently caused mineralization of 25% of the algal N within one week but the results were probably affected by pool substitution in which labelled N mineralized to NH4 +-N was diluted with fertilizer – NH+ 4 and then immobilized leaving more labelled NH4–N in the mineral pool. After 8 weeks, 42% of algal N had been mineralized, of which 69% was estimated to have been denitrified, 19% lost through NH3 volatilization and 12% remained as extracted NH4 ++NO- 3. Uptake of N by a rice crop would reduce the gaseous losses. Algal N was mineralized quickly enough to be available during the growing season of a rice crop and, depending on field conditions, algae may have a role in assimilating N and protecting it from loss as well as being a major driving force for NH3 volatilization through diurnal increases in pH.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1572-9702
    Keywords: tomato plants ; susceptibility ; mite ; tridecan-2-one ; nitrogen ; potasium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The objective of this work was to study the effect of NK fertilization levels and canopy height on the resistance of Lycopersicon hirsutum and Lycopersicon esculentum to Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophydae). The effects of NK fertilization levels and canopy height in the leaf size and density of trichomes and their effects on tridecan-2-one (2-TD) and undecan-2-one (2-UD) limiting the attack of A. lycopersici on tomato plants were assessed. Different NK fertilization levels had no effect on the resistance of L. hirsutum to A. lycopersici. No significant differences were found in attack rates of this mite on leaves of the top and median parts of L. hirsutum canopy. The type and density of trichomes were the main determining factor of A. lycopersici attack on tomato plants. High trichome densities and type VI glandular trichomes which produce tridecan-2-one are important resistance factors on tomato plants. L. hirsutum showed a high resistance level to A. lycopersici due to high densities of type VI glandular trichomes and consequently higher levels of tridecan-2-one in its leaves.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 11
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diabetologia 42 (1999), S. 1033-1049 
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Adipogenesis ; adipose tissue ; cofactors ; gene expression ; fatty acids ; insulin resistance ; nuclear receptors ; prostaglandin ; thiazolidinediones ; Type II diabetes ; transcription.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) quickly evolved over the last decade from a new orphan receptor to one of the best characterized nuclear receptors. This fast pace in PPARγ research was triggered by two main discoveries. Firstly, that PPARγ was shown to have a key role in adipogenesis and be a master controller of the “thrifty gene response” leading to efficient energy storage. Secondly, the discovery that its synthetic ligands, the thiazolidinediones, are promising insulin sensitizing drugs, which are currently being developed for the treatment of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. More recently this nuclear receptor emerged from a role limited to metabolism (diabetes and obesity) to a power player in general transcriptional control of numerous cellular processes, with implications in cell cycle control, carcinogenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and immunomodulation. This widened role of PPARγ will certainly initiate a new flurry of research, which will not only refine our current often partial knowledge of PPARγ but more importantly also establish that this receptor has a definite role as a primary link adapting cellular, tissue and whole body homeostasis to energy stores. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 1033–1049]
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  • 12
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Obesity ; genetics ; uncoupling protein-3 ; gene expression ; skeletal muscle.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims: Uncoupling protein-3 is a member of a protein family that serves to dissipate energy in the form of heat thereby modulating energy expenditure. Alternative processing of uncoupling protein-3 transcripts results in two mRNA species that encode a large and small protein, perhaps differing in functional activity. Since obesity is associated with disrupted energy homeostasis, we measured muscle mRNA expression in morbidly obese and lean subjects. Methods: The two uncoupling protein-3 mRNA species were quantified in muscle tissue using an RNase protection assay. Gene locus effects on mRNA expression were studied by quantitative allele-specific primer extension. Results: In both obese and lean subjects, the mRNA species encoding the small protein isoform was twice as abundant as the mRNA species encoding the large protein isoform. Neither the total uncoupling protein-3 mRNA expression nor the molar abundance ratios of the two mRNA species differed between obese and lean male or female subjects. Women who had lost 37 ± 22 kg of weight in response to dietary restriction and continued a hypocaloric diet displayed lower mRNA than obese (p 〈 0.005) or lean women (p 〈 0.05). Primer extension assays in lean and obese subjects showed similar allelic mRNA abundance in all but one subject studied. Conclusion: Muscle expression of the two uncoupling protein-3 mRNA species is similar in obese and lean people. In obese patients, prolonged hypocaloric diet downregulates uncoupling protein-3 mRNA expression in muscle and can thereby enhance its energy efficiency. Sequence substitutions at the gene locus may only be minor determinants of mRNA expression in muscle tissue. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 302–309]
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Uncoupling proteins ; exercise ; tetraplegia ; skeletal muscle ; mRNA ; gene expression ; polymerase chain reaction.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. The regulation of uncoupling protein 2 and uncoupling protein 3 gene expression in skeletal muscle has recently been the focus of intense interest. Our aim was to determine expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects, a condition representing profound muscle inactivity. Thereafter we determined whether exercise training would modify expression of these genes in skeletal muscle. Methods. mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain-reaction. Results. Expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 mRNA was increased in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic compared with able-bodied subjects (3.7-fold p 〈 0.01 and 4.1-fold, p 〈 0.05, respectively). A subgroup of four tetraplegic subjects underwent an 8-week exercise programme consisting of electrically-stimulated leg cycling (ESLC, 7 ESLC sessions/week). This training protocol leads to increases in whole body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects. After ESLC training, uncoupling protein 2 expression was reduced by 62 % and was similar to that in able-bodied people. Similarly, ESLC training was associated with a reduction of uncoupling protein 3 expression in skeletal muscle from three of four tetraplegic subjects, however, post-exercise levels remained increased compared with able-bodied subjects. Conclusion/interpretation. Tetraplegia is associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle. Exercise training leads to normalisation of uncoupling protein 2 expression in tetraplegic subjects. Muscle disuse and physical activity appear to be powerful regulators of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 expression in human skeletal muscle. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 826–830]
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  • 14
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: chromosomal aberrations ; gene expression ; oncogenes ; pancreatic cancer ; tumor suppressor genes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aim: The present review summarizes our strategies aimed at identifying and characterizing genetic alterations occuring at the transcriptional and chromosomal level in pancreatic cancer. Methods: To study transcriptional alterations we have used a number of techniques including modified versions of differential hybridizations and cDNA-RDA (representational difference analysis). Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to study chromosomal aberrations occuring in pancreatic cancer tissues. Results: The study of transcriptional alterations led to the identification of more than 500 genes with differential expression in pancreatic cancer. The sum of these alterations represented the first expression profile characteristic for pancreatic tumors. The CGH analysis allowed the identification of a number of chromosomal regions containing putative tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. These regions are presently being characterized at the molecular level. In a first approach the myb-oncogene was identified as the relevant oncogene of an amplification on 6q occurring in up to 10% of pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusions: Genes isolated in both approaches represent potential new disease genes for pancreatic cancer and are at present being characterized by individual or serial analysis.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: microbodies ; diabetes mellitus ; steroid hormone receptor ; β-oxidation ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To determine whether the increased fatty acid β-oxidation in the peroxisomes of diabetic rat liver is mediated by a common peroxisome proliferation mechanism, we measured the activation of long-chain (LC) and very long chain (VLC) fatty acids catalyzed by palmitoyl CoA ligase (PAL) and lignoceryl CoA ligase and oxidation of LC (palmitic acid) and VLC (lignoceric acid) fatty acids by isotopic methods. Immunoblot analysis of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), and Northern blot analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α), ACO, and PAL were also performed. The PAL activity increased in peroxisomes and mitochondria from the liver of diabetic rats by 2.6-fold and 2.1-fold, respectively. The lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity increased by 2.6-fold in diabetic peroxisomes. Palmitic acid oxidation increased in the diabetic peroxisomes and mitochondria by 2.5-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, while lignoceric acid oxidation increased by 2.0-fold in the peroxisomes. Immunoreactive ACO protein increased by 2-fold in the diabetic group. The mRNA levels for PPAR-α, ACO and PAL increased 2.9-, 2.8- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in the diabetic group. These results suggest that the increased supply of fatty acids to liver in diabetic state stimulates the expression of PPAR-α and its target genes responsible for the metabolism of fatty acids.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: regucalcin ; Ca2+-binding protein ; protein kinase C ; Ca2+signaling ; gene expression ; H4-II-E hepatoma cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of hepatic Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin in the cloned rat hepatoma cells (H4-II-E) was investigated. The change in regucalcin mRNA levels was analyzed by Northern blotting using rat liver regucalcin complementary DNA (0.9 kb of open reading frame). Regucalcin mRNA was expressed in H4-II-E hepatoma cells. This expression was clearly stimulated in the presence of serum (10% fetal bovine serum). Bay K 8644 (2. 5 × 10-6 M), a Ca2+ channel agonist, significantly stimulated regucalcin mRNA expression in the absence or presence of 10% serum. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10-3 M) did not have a stimulatory effect on the regucalcin mRNA expression. The presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10-6 M) or estrogen (10-8 M) caused a significant increase in regucalcin mRNA levels in the hepatoma cells cultured in serum-free medium, while insulin (5 × 10-9 M) or dexamethasone (10-6 M) had no effect. Bay K 8644-stimulated regucalcin mRNA expression in the hepatoma cells was completely blocked in the presence of trifluoperazine (10-5 M), an antagonist of calmodulin, or staurosporine (10-7 M), an inhibitor of protein kinase C. The stimulatory effect of PMA was clearly inhibited in the presence of stauroporine. The present study demonstrates that regucalcin mRNA is expressed in the transformed H4-II-E hepatoma cells, and that the expression is stimulated through Ca2+-dependent signaling factors.
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  • 17
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 199 (1999), S. 189-200 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: lung ; cancer ; urokinase ; receptor ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) interacts with its receptor (uPAR) to promote proteolysis as well as cell proliferation and migration. These functions contribute to the pathogenesis of neoplastic growth and invasiveness. Expression of uPAR in tumor extracts also inversely correlates with prognosis in many forms of cancer. In this study, we sought to determine if differences in uPAR expression were distinguishable between cultured human lung carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma subtypes. We also sought to determine if, as in malignant mesothelioma cells, uPAR expression is regulated at the posttranscriptional level in cultured malignant lung carcinoma cells. Using 125I-uPA binding and ligand blotting techniques, uPAR was expressed by phenotypically diverse lung carcinoma cell lines, including the H460, H157 and H1395 non-small cell lines and the H146 small cell lung carcinoma line. Increased uPAR expression was also detected in spindle-shaped (M33K) and epithelioid (M9K and MS-1) malignant mesothelioma cells. Selected mediators, including TGF-β, TNF-α, LPS and PMA, uniformly enhanced uPAR expression in each of the tumor cell lines. Steady state uPAR mRNA expression was determined by RNase protection assay and correlated directly with the changes in cell surface uPAR expression. By gel mobility shift and UV-cross linking assays, a uPAR mRNA binding protein (uPAR mRNABp) implicated in the posttranscriptional control of message stability, was identified in each of the cell lines. Expression of uPAR and its message in cultured lung carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma cells is similarly influenced by effectors present in the tumor microenvironment. Regulation of the uPAR message occurs at the posttranscriptional level in cultured small and non-small cell lung carcinoma cells as well as spindle-shaped and fibrous malignant mesothelioma cell lines. Posttranscriptional regulation of uPAR in all these cells involves the interaction of the uPAR mRNABp with uPAR mRNA, which promotes uPAR mRNA destabilization.
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  • 18
    Electronic Resource
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    Journal of materials synthesis and processing 7 (1999), S. 311-319 
    ISSN: 1573-4870
    Keywords: Iron ; carbon ; nitrogen ; microstructure ; characterization ; HIP-drip
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract A new processing technique makes nitrogen alloying possible by adding nitrogen under elevated nitrogen pressure to prealloyed Fe-C ingots during continuous casting, producing a whole new class of precipitation-free, iron–carbon–nitrogen alloys. When both carbon and nitrogen bulk concentration levels exceeded 0.5 wt%, a duplex fcc-/(bcc-bct-) Fe microstructure resulted that is iron carbide- and nitride-free. With increasing carbon and nitrogen concentrations, there was an increase in the retained fcc-Fe phase. In cooling rate studies, increasing carbon and nitrogen concentrations shifted the knee of the fcc-Fe-to-bcc-Fe phase time–temperature–transformation (T–T–T) curve to longer times. Hardness, compression strength, and wear resistance increased with increasing carbon and nitrogen concentrations and were superior to iron–carbon alloys without the nitrogen addition.
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  • 19
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 201 (1999), S. 111-123 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: complement factor I ; TPA ; protein kinase C ; gene expression ; Hep G2 cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study examined the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) signalling pathway in the regulation of expression of human complement factor I (CFI) gene. The production of CFI by Hep G2 cells was enhanced in a dose- and time-dependent fashion by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-1,2-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a potent PKC activator. 4α-phorbol didecanoate, an inactive phorbol ester, had no effect on CFI synthesis. The TPA-dependent increase in CFI secretion was correlated with an increase in CFI mRNA levels. Forskolin, a cAMP-inducing agent, augmented the TPA response. W7, an inhibitor of protein kinase A and genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase(s) both did not prevent the increase in CFI expression mediated by TPA. However, calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC, abolished the TPA-induced increase in CFI mRNA levels. Down regulation of intracellular PKC levels by prior exposure of Hep G2 cells to a high concentration of TPA also blocked the increase in CFI mRNA levels induced by TPA suggesting that the TPA effects were mediated via activation of PKC. mRNA decay studies indicated that the half-life of CFI mRNA in TPA-induced cells was not significantly different from control. Nuclear run-on transcriptional assays on the other hand demonstrated that whereas the CFI gene is transcribed under basal conditions in Hep G2 cells, TPA induced a 3-4 fold increase in the transcription rate of CFI gene in 24 h. The transcription rate of GAPDH gene did not change, indicating that the effects were not general on gene transcription. Transient transfections of Hep G2 cells with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene (CAT) constructs containing a series of sequential 5′ deletions of the CFI promoter and CAT assays showed that the sequence between -136 and -130, containing an AP-1 consensus sequence (TGAGTCA) was required for the TPA response. This observation was substantiated by the finding that mutation of this AP-1 site to TttaTCA or TtAtcCA abolished the TPA responsiveness. The enhancement of the activity of transfected chimeric CAT constructs by TPA was abrogated by calphostin C and by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (an inhibitor of NF-κB and AP-1 transactivation). These results indicate that TPA regulation of CFI gene requires PKC signalling and is mediated by via a TPA response element (TRE) in the CFI promoter region located at -136/-130 and involves the transactivation of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors. We suggest that PKC may be one of the intracellular pathways that control CFI gene expression and that cellular processes (involving growth factors, hormones, cytokines etc.) that activate PKC may upregulate the expression of the CFI gene.
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  • 20
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: regucalcin ; calcium-binding protein ; gene expression ; Ca2+-ATPase ; brain microsomes ; aging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of calcium-binding protein regucalcin and its effect on the microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat brain tissues was investigated. The expression of regucalcin mRNA was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in brain tissues using rat regucalcin-specific primers. Regucalcin concentration in the brain tissues was about 5 × 10-9 M as measured using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), and this level was lowered with increasing age (50 weeks old). The presence of regucalcin (10-9 to 10-7 M) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in Ca2+-ATPase activity in the brain microsomes of young rats (5 weeks old). Meanwhile, the enzyme activity was not significantly altered by the addition of calmodulin (1 or 50 μg/ml), calbindin (1 or 10 μg/ml), and S-100 A protein (5 or 25 μg/ml), which are other Ca2+-binding proteins in rat brain. The effect of regucalcin to inhibit microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity was weakened in the brain of rats with increasing age (50 weeks old). The present study demonstrates that regucalcin is expressed in the brain, and that it can uniquely inhibit Ca2+-ATPase activity in the brain microsomes of rats. The findings suggest that regucalcin plays a role in the regulation of microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat brain tissues.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: mechanical stretch ; smooth muscle cells ; differential display ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Physical forces induce profound changes in cell phenotype, shape and behavior. These changes can occur in vascular structures as a result of pressure overload and their effects can be seen in atherosclerotic vessels in which smooth muscle cells have undergone hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes. At the molecular level, mechanical stimuli are converted into chemical ones and lead to modulation of gene expression and/or the activation of a new repertoire of genes whose encoded proteins help the cells to adapt to their microenvironment. In this study, we have used a two primer-based mRNA differential display technique to identify candidate mechano-responsive genes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. As compared to the original method described by Liang and Pardee, this technique uses two arbitrary primers instead of an anchored oligo(dt) plus an arbitrary primer in the polymerase chain reaction. The chief advantages of these modifications are an increase in the efficiency of the amplification and in the identification of differentially expressed clones. Using this approach, we compared the pattern of expressed genes in cells cultured under static conditions with those in cells that were mechanically stretched (1 Hz) for 24 h in a well-defined in vitro mechanical system. Three candidate genes that showed reproducible differences were chosen for further characterization and cloning. One clone was under expressed in stretched cells and had a DNA sequence with 90% homology to the human fibronectin gene. Two other clones were highly expressed in stretched cells and had a 92% and a 83% sequence homology with human platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor and rat insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) genes respectively. Northern blot analysis confirmed low levels of fibronectin mRNA transcripts in stretched cells. In contrast, accumulation of PAF receptor mRNA occurred 30 min after mechanical stretch was initiated whereas IGF-I mRNA levels peaked at 8 h. Both mRNA levels were sustained for up to 24 h of mechanical stretching. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the two primer-based mRNA differential display that enabled us to identify and characterize alterations at the level of gene expression among matrix proteins, G-protein coupled receptors and growth factors, each of whose response to mechanical strain is different. A more complete understanding of these responses will provide further insight into the pathologic processes associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1871-4528
    Keywords: Solanum tuberosum L. ; tuberisation ; extensin ; acyl carrier protein thioesterase ; high mobility group protein ; gene expression ; plant development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Summary In screening to isolate a full-length copy of a previously isolated cDNA clone, a further three cDNAs were also isolated from a library prepared from sub-apical swelling-stolon tissue of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Sequence analysis showed these clones to be similar to extensin-like protein genes, acyl carrier protein thioesterase genes and high mobility group protein genes, respectively. A further cDNA, isolated by subtractive hybridisation, was similar to a tomato cDNA previously isolated on the basis of its down-regulation following nematode infection. While all the newly isolated genes were expressed in swelling stolons, for most, maximal expression was seen to be in stem tissue. Possible roles for these genes in the development of potato plants are discussed, as is the significance of gene expression in stems and stolons to the process of tuberisation.
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  • 23
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Potato research 42 (1999), S. 559-568 
    ISSN: 1871-4528
    Keywords: plastic mulch ; transplanting ; nitrogen ; planting depth ; seed tuber weight ; physiological age ; radiation conversion efficiency ; harvest index
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Summary In many seed potato producing areas, micro- and minitubers are too small for direct planting as seed tubers in the field. Such use of these propagules can, however, be feasible if the crop's growth and development can be advanced. Increasing light interception, harvest index and yield of useable progeny tubers has been proved possible with plastic mulch and pre-planting of small tubers in a greenhouse. High amounts of nitrogen (up to 180 kg ha−1) or deep planting (up to 9 cm) were less effective. Using older or pre-sprouted micro- or minitubers may be beneficial, because this might increase the number of sprouts per mother tuber (and thus stems per plant) or advance the growth of sprouts or stems. However, this would require even more careful management, due to the weakness of these sprouts and stems. Micro- and minitubers should be as large as feasible when used for direct planting in the field.
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  • 24
    ISSN: 1573-9368
    Keywords: transgenic mice ; prolactin ; mammary gland ; gene expression ; Stat5 ; β-globin insulator
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In order to establish a possible correlation between in vitro prolactin induction and the transcriptional activity of mammary gene promoters in transgenic mice, a functional Stat5-binding site was created by means of site-directed mutagenesis at position −70 on a 560 bp murine α-lactalbumin promotor linked to a CAT reporter gene. Surprisingly, the wild-type promoter was constitutively active in vitro and could not be induced by prolactin. Introducing the proximal Stat5 site abolished this constitutive activity and resulted in prolactin dependence in both CHO-K1- and HC11-transfected cells. In transgenic mice, both the frequency of lines expressing the transgene and the prevalence of mid to late pregnancy expression were increased.
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1573-5125
    Keywords: denitrification ; nature restoration ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; riparian areas ; sedimentation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In Denmark, as in many other European countries, the diffuse losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the rural landscape are the major causes of surface water eutrophication and groundwater pollution. The export of total N and total P from the Gjern river basin amounted to 18.2 kg ha−1 and 0.63 kg P ha−1 during June 1994 to May 1995. Diffuse losses of N and P from agricultural areas were the main nutrient source in the river basin contributing 76% and 51%, respectively, of the total export. Investigations of nutrient cycling in the Gjern river basin have revealed the importance of permanent nutrient sinks (denitrification and overbank sedimentation) and temporary nutrient storage in watercourses. Temporary retention of N and P in the watercourses thus amounted to 7.2–16.1 g N m−2 yr−1 and 3.7–8.3 g P m−2 yr−1 during low-flow periods. Deposition of P on temporarily flooded riparian areas amounted from 0.16 to 6.50 g P m−2 during single irrigation and overbank flood events, whereas denitrification of nitrate amounted on average to 7.96 kg N yr−1 per running metre watercourse in a minerotrophic fen and 1.53 kg N yr−1 per linear metre watercourse in a wet meadow. On average, annual retention of N and P in 18 Danish shallow lakes amounted to 32.5 g N m−2 yr−1 and 0.30 g P m−2 yr−1, respectively, during the period 1989–1995. The results indicate that permanent nutrient sinks and temporary nutrient storage in river systems represent an important component of river basin nutrient budgets. Model estimates of the natural retention potential of the Gjern river basin revealed an increase from 38.8 to 81.4 tonnes yr−1 and that P-retention increased from −0.80 to 0.90 tonnes yr−1 following restoration of the water courses, riparian areas and a shallow lake. Catchment management measures such as nature restoration at the river basin scale can thus help to combat diffuse nutrient pollution.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1573-5052
    Keywords: mineralization ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; salinity ; stress
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Plant zonation patterns across New England salt marshes have been investigated for years, but how nutrient availability differs between zones has received little attention. We investigated how N availability, P availability, and plant N status varied across Juncus gerardii, Spartina patens, and mixed forb zones of a Northern New England high salt marsh. We also investigated relationships between several edaphic factors and community production and diversity across the high marsh. P availability, soil salinity, and soil moisture were higher in the mixed forb zone than in the two graminoid zones. NH+ 4-N availability was highest in the J. gerardii zone, but NO− 3-N availability and mid season net N mineralization rates did not vary among zones. Plant tissue N concentrations were highest in the mixed forb zone and lowest in the S. patens zone, reflecting plant physiologies more so than soil N availability. Community production was highest in the J. gerardii zone and was positively correlated with N availability and negatively correlated with soil moisture. Plant species diversity was highest in the mixed forb zone and was positively correlated with P availability and soil salinity. Thus, nutrient availability, plant N status, and plant species diversity varied across zones of this high marsh. Further investigation is needed to ascertain if soil nutrient availability influences or is a result of the production and diversity differences that exist between vegetation zones of New England high salt marshes.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1573-5125
    Keywords: denitrification ; eutrophication ; estuary ; nitrogen ; sediment-water exchange
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In this review of sediment denitrification in estuaries and coastal ecosystems, we examine current denitrification measurement methodologies and the dominant biogeochemical controls on denitrification rates in coastal sediments. Integrated estimates of denitrification in coastal ecosystems are confounded by methodological difficulties, a lack of systematic understanding of the effects of changing environmental conditions, and inadequate attention to spatial and temporal variability to provide both seasonal and annual rates. Recent improvements in measurement techniques involving 15 N techniques and direct N2 concentration changes appear to provide realistic rates of sediment denitrification. Controlling factors in coastal systems include concentrations of water column NO 3 − , overall rates of sediment carbon metabolism, overlying water oxygen concentrations, the depth of oxygen penetration, and the presence/absence of aquatic vegetation and macrofauna. In systems experiencing environmental change, either degradation or improvement, the importance of denitrification can change. With the eutrophication of the Chesapeake Bay, the overall rates of denitrification relative to N loading terms have decreased, with factors such as loss of benthic habitat via anoxia and loss of submerged aquatic vegetation driving such effects.
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  • 28
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: CHO cells ; gene expression ; kinetic model ; protein secretion ; transcription ; translation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract The elevation of expression levels for secreted glycoproteins by gene amplification in mammalian cells shows a saturation behavior at high levels of gene amplification. At high expression levels a drop in the secretion efficiency for the recombinant protein occurs (Schröder and Friedl, 1997), coinciding with the appearance of misfolded protein in the cell. In this communication we investigated whether additional limitations exist at the levels of transcription and translation. Four Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines expressing different amounts of human antithrombin III (ATIII) were used as a model system. A tenfold increase in the ATIII cDNA copy number from the lowest to the highest producing cell line coincided with a 38-fold increase in ATIII mRNA levels, and an 80-fold increase in the amount of intracellular ATIII levels. The data was analyzed using a simple kinetic model. The following conclusions were derived: I. The transcriptional activity for the recombinant protein is not saturated. II. Translation itself is not saturated either, but may be downregulated as secretion efficiency drops. III. Two explanations for the previously reported drop in secretion efficiency for the recombinant protein with increasing expression level are possible: A. Protein degradation is an alternative fate for translated ATIII and the fraction of ATIII degraded after translation increases as expression level is increased. B. Translation is downregulated as the secretory apparatus becomes exhausted to maintain cell viability.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: cardiogenesis ; cell differentiation ; gene expression ; mouse embryonic stem cells ; myogenesis ; neurogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Embryonic stem cells, totipotent cells of the early mouse embryo, were established as permanent cell lines of undifferentiated cells. ES cells provide an important cellular system in developmental biology for the manipulation of preselected genes in mice by using the gene targeting technology. Embryonic stem cells, when cultivated as embryo-like aggregates, so-called ‘embryoid bodies’, are able to differentiate in vitro into derivatives of all three primary germ layers, the endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm. We established differentiation protocols for the in vitro development of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells into differentiated cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle, neuronal, epithelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. During differentiation, tissue-specific genes, proteins, ion channels, receptors and action potentials were expressed in a developmentally controlled pattern. This pattern closely recapitulates the developmental pattern during embryogenesis in the living organism. In vitro, the controlled developmental pattern was found to be influenced by differentiation and growth factor molecules or by xenobiotics. Furthermore, the differentiation system has been used for genetic analyses by ‘gain of function’ and ‘loss of function’ approaches in vitro.
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  • 30
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    Cytotechnology 30 (1999), S. 71-83 
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: gene expression ; HEK293(EBNA) cells ; serum-free ; transient transfection
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract In order to establish a simple and scaleable transfection system we have used the cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) to study transient transfection in HEK293 and 293(EBNA) cells grown in serum-free suspension culture. The transfection complexes were made directly within the cell culture by consecutively adding plasmid and PEI (direct method). Alternatively, the DNA-PEI transfection complexes were prepared in fresh medium (1/10 culture volume) and then added to the cells (indirect method). The results of this study clearly show that the ratio of PEI nitrogen to DNA phosphate is very important for high expression levels. The precise ratio is dependent on the DNA concentration. For example, using 1 μg/ml DNA by the indirect method, the ratio of optimal PEI:DNA was about 10–13:1. However, the ratio increases to 33:1 for 0.1–0.2 μg/ml DNA. By testing several different molecular weights of the polycationic polymer we could show that the highest transfection efficiency was obtained with the PEI 25 kDa. Using PEI 25 kDa the indirect method is superior to the direct addition because significantly lower DNA concentrations are needed. The expression levels of the soluble human TNF receptor p55 are even higher at low DNA compared to 1 μg/ml plasmid. The EBV-based pREP vectors gave better transient gene expression when used in 293(EBNA) cells compared to HEK293 cells in suspension culture. No differences in expression levels in the two cell lines were observed when the pC1 (CMV)-TNFR was used. In conclusion, PEI is a low-toxic transfection agent which provides high levels of transient gene expression in 293(EBNA) cells grown in serum-free suspension culture. This system allows highly reproducible, cost-effective production of milligram amounts of recombinant proteins in 2–5 l spinner culture scale within 3–5 days. Fermentor scale experiments, however, are less efficient because the PEI-mediated transient tranfection is inhibited by conditioned medium.
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  • 31
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    Aquatic ecology 33 (1999), S. 55-64 
    ISSN: 1573-5125
    Keywords: estuaries ; nitrogen ; oxygen depletion ; phosphorus ; regression model ; vertical mixing
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In a detailed analysis of oxygen saturation in a shallow Danish estuary it was possible to separate the effect of meteorological forcings (i.e. wind and solar radiation) and nutrient loads on oxygen depletion in bottom water. Regression analysis showed that oxygen saturation tied to nitrogen load rather than to phosphorus load. During summer periods of stratification the oxygen saturation could be attributed to the time elapsed after the onset of stratification and the accumulated nitrogen loading 10 month prior to measurement. Using a 10-year meteorological database and an empirical model it was calculated that a 25% reduction in nitrogen loading would reduce the number of days with severe oxygen depletion (i.e. 〈15% of saturation) by more than 50%.
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  • 32
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: cell cycle ; CHO ; flow cytometry ; gene expression ; synchronisation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Understanding the relationships between cell cycle and protein expression is critical to the optimisation of media and environmental conditions for successful commercial operation of animal cell culture processes. Using flow cytometry for the analysis of the early phases of synchronised batch cultures, the dependency of product expression on cell cycle related events has been evaluated in a recombinant CHO cell line. Although the production of recombinant protein is initially found to be cell cycle related, the maximum specific protein productivity is only achieved at a later stage of the exponential phase which also sees a maximum in the intracellular protein concentration. Subsequent work suggests that it is the batch phase/medium composition of cultures which is the major determinant of maximum specific productivity in this cell line. Furthermore the effect of the positive association between S phase and specific productivity is subordinate to the effect of batch phase/medium composition on the specific productivity of batch cultures.
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  • 33
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: gene expression ; immunohistochemistry ; mRNA DD ; neoplasia metastasis ; RAB5A
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract For the sake of better understanding the molecular mechanism of neoplasia, we have used the mRNA differential display technique to analyze two human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, AGZY83-a and Anip973. Anip973 was isolated from AGZY83-a, but manifested much higher metastatic potential than the parent line. We found that a significant differential cDNA fragment in Anip973 was over-expressed, then over-expressed cDNA fragment was cloned and sequenced. It showed that the over-expressed cDNA in Anip973 was RAB5A cDNA. And the RAB5A cDNA sequence was corresponding between the two cells. To determine whether RAB5A may be differentially expressed in the two human lung adenocarcinoma cells at protein level, we further detected RAB5A protein in the two cells by using immunofluorescent method. RAB5A protein was upregulated in highly metastatic Anip973. We also detected the difference in RAB5A gene expression at RNA level in human non-small cell lung carcinoma by RT-PCR. Using immunohistochemical staining, we also examined RAB5A change at protein level in 45 cases human non-small cell lung carcinoma paraffin sections. The results proved the evidence of upregulation of RAB5A in malignant tumor, indicated over-expression of RAB5A gene was correlated with the malignant degree and metastatic potential of lung cancer(χ2 test, p 〈0.01). The RAB5A gene is a member of RAS superfamily, which can transcribe GTP-binding protein that plays an important role in signal transduction of protein trafficking at the cell surface and GDP/GTP cycle in the regulation of endocytotic membrane traffic. Thus our results indicated that over-expression of the RAB5A gene was involved in the process of transformation from AGZY83-a to the higher metastatic cell line Anip973. The result may be a powerful experimental evidence that over-expression of RAB5A gene associated with neoplasia metastasis.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: glutamine synthetase ; gene expression ; portacaval anastomosis ; hepatic encephalopathy ; liver ; skeletal muscle ; ammonia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of chronic liver insufficiency resulting from end-to-side portacaval anastomosis (PCA) on glutamine synthetase (GS) activities, protein and gene expression were studied in brain, liver and skeletal muscle of male adult rats. Four weeks following PCA, activities of GS in cerebral cortex and cerebellum were reduced by 32% and 37% (p〈0.05) respectively whereas GS activities in muscle were increased by 52% (p〈0.05). GS activities in liver were decreased by up to 90% (p〈0.01), a finding which undoubtedly reflects the loss of GS-rich perivenous hepatocytes following portal-systemic shunting. Immunoblotting techniques revealed no change in GS protein content of brain regions or muscle but a significant loss in liver of PCA rats. GS mRNA determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR was also significantly decreased in the livers of PCA rats compared to sham-operated controls. These findings demonstrate that PCA results in a loss of GS gene expression in the liver and that brain does not show a compensatory induction of enzyme activity, rendering it particularly sensitive to increases in ammonia in chronic liver failure. The finding of a post-translational increase of GS in muscle following portacaval shunting suggests that, in chronic liver failure, muscle becomes the major organ responsible for the removal of excess blood-borne ammonia.
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  • 35
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: Oligodendrocyte cultures ; glucose ; gene expression ; malic enzyme ; membrane synthesis ; myelination ; undernutrition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have previously demonstrated that the developmental upregulation of myelin-specific genes in mixed glial cultures is strongly attenuated by hypoglycemia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of hypoglycemia on differentiation-dependent upregulation of myelin genes in purified oligodendrocyte cultures. The expression of major myelin protein genes, i.e., proteolipid protein (PLP), basic protein (BP) and myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) were monitored by Northern blot analysis. In control cultures maintained at 6 mg/ml of glucose, the expression of all the genes upregulated rapidly, and plateaued at approximately day 4. A similar pattern of differentiation-dependent upregulation was observed for the gene encoding a lipogenic enzyme, i.e., malic enzyme (ME). In contrast to mixed glial cultures, however, this developmental gene upregulation was not significantly affected by severe hypoglycemia (approximately 0.02 mg/ml). The results indicate that the effect of glucose deprivation on oligodendrocyte genes observed in mixed glial cultures is mediated by other cells. The upregulation of the genes in differentiating oligodendrocytes was accompanied by the production of myelin-related membrane that was isolated by density gradient fractionation. In contrast to the effect on gene expression, this anabolic activity was highly dependent on glucose, as seen from a profound suppression by severe hypoglycemia.
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  • 36
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    European journal of plant pathology 105 (1999), S. 61-76 
    ISSN: 1573-8469
    Keywords: core sampling ; foliar nutrient concentrations ; minirhizotrons ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; potassium ; Rhizolab
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Potato-cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida) cause severe yield losses in potato. Plants infected with potato-cyst nematodes generally have reduced concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the foliage. This study investigated whether reduced growth of nematode-infected potato is caused by nutrient limitation. Experiments in the field and in containers showed that phosphorus concentration correlated best with total crop biomass at early stages of growth. The role of phosphorus in nematode damage was further investigated in the field and in the Wageningen Rhizolab. The experimental field was infested with potato-cyst nematodes and two levels of nematode density were established by fumigation with a nematicide. Prior applications of calcium carbonate resulted in pHKCl levels of 4.8 and 6.1. Two levels of phosphorus fertiliser were applied: either 0 or 225 kg P ha−1. In the Wageningen Rhizolab, soil of both pH levels from the field was used after treatment with 1 MRad gamma irradiation to kill the nematodes. Subsequently, half of the soil was inoculated with cysts to give a nematode density of 30 viable juveniles per gram of soil. In the field, nine weeks after planting, the total crop biomass ranged from 107 g m−2 for the treatment with nematodes at pHKCl 6.1 without phosphorus fertiliser to 289 g m−2 for the fumigated treatment at pHKCl 4.8 with phosphorus fertiliser. The differences in total biomass for the various treatments were explained by differences in foliar phosphorus concentration. Nematodes induced or aggravated P deficiency and reduced total biomass. This was not the only damage mechanism as at high, non-limiting levels of foliar phosphorus concentration, nematodes still reduced total biomass. In the Wageningen Rhizolab, directly after planting, the number of roots visible against minirhizotrons was reduced by nematodes. However, the increase of root number in the nematode treatment continued longer than in the control, until root number was higher than that of the control. The compensary root growth of the nematode treatment was restricted to the top 30 cm and nematodes reduced rooting depth. High soil pH reduced growth, mainly by reducing the availability of phosphate. Both nematodes and high soil pH reduced nutrient uptake per unit root length. Our results lead us to suggest an interaction between nematodes and soil pH, with nematode damage being higher at pHKCl 6.1 than at pHKCl 4.8.
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  • 37
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    European journal of plant pathology 105 (1999), S. 519-533 
    ISSN: 1573-8469
    Keywords: genome ; gene expression ; mollicute ; recombination ; transposition ; virus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Spiroplasmas are members of the Class Mollicutes, wall-less prokaryotes having a high adenosine–thymidine content in their small genomes. Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogen that inhabits phloem. Like other phytopathogenic spiroplasmas and the related phytoplasmas, it is transmitted from plant to plant by phloem-feeding leafhoppers that serve as alternate hosts for the spiroplasma as well as vectors. Genetic information in spiroplasmas is carried on a circular chromosome, on plasmids and/or in virus genomes. A picture emerging from recent research on the S. citri genome is one of frequent and often extensive variation, resulting from a number of different mechanisms. Expansion and contraction events must continually be occurring in about equal proportions so that the net genome size varies within defined boundaries. Particularly impressive are large changes in genome size that can occur in only a few generations. As with most organisms, genetic variation in S. citri results from variation in extrachromosomal DNA content, changes due to DNA replication and repair processes and changes due to recombination. The implied flux of genetic information into and out of the S. citri genome should be beneficial to the bacterium, allowing it, with its small genome size, to adapt to new environments.
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  • 38
    ISSN: 1573-868X
    Keywords: Osaka Bay ; sediment ; carbon ; nitrogen ; organic matter ; stable isotope ratio ; terrestrial organic matter ; TOC ; POC
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of surface sediments were measured within Osaka Bay, in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, in order to better understand the sedimentation processes operating on both terrestrial and marine organic matter in the Bay. The δ13C and δ15N of surface sediments in the estuary of the Yodo River were less than −23‰ and 5‰ respectively, but increased in the area up to about 10 km from the river mouth. At greater distances they became constant (giving δ13C of about −20‰ and δ15N about 6‰). It can be concluded that large amounts of terrestrial organic matter exist near the mouth of the Yodo River. Stable isotope ratios in the estuary of the Yodo River within 10 km of the river mouth were useful indicators allowing study of the movement of terrestrial organic matter. Deposition rates for total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) over the whole of the Bay were estimated to be 63,100 ton C/year and 7,590 ton N/year, respectively. The deposition rate of terrestrial organic carbon was estimated to be 13,200 (range 2,000–21,500) ton C/year for the whole of Osaka Bay, and terrestrial organic carbon was estimated to be about 21% (range 3–34) of the TOC deposition rate. The ratio of the deposition rate of terrestrial organic carbon to the rate inflow of riverine TOC and particulate organic carbon (POC) were estimated to be 19% (range 3–31) and 76% (range 12–100), respectively.
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  • 39
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Water resources management 13 (1999), S. 303-314 
    ISSN: 1573-1650
    Keywords: economics ; irrigation ; nitrogen ; nutrients ; wastewater
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Geography
    Notes: Abstract The optimal wastewater treatment level is affected by costs, hazards and benefits. Lowering the wastewater treatment level decreases fertilization costs because of the increased levels of available nutrients left in the water, and irrigation costs decrease if water prices reflect the lower treatment costs. Agricultural yields and/or prices may decrease according to differences between levels of nutrients needed by crops and those available in wastewater. The present article focuses on determination of monthly optimal treatment levels and of the mix of crops calculated to maximize agricultural incomes, according to farmers' point of view. It does not reflect the national point-view focusing on maximization of net national benefits considering also environmental hazards. The methodology appears in Haruvy (1994) and application will be presented in another article (Haruvy et al., 1999).
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  • 40
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: Mucin ; lung cancer ; gene expression ; secretion ; lung adenocarcinoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Mucins comprise an important class of tumor-associated antigens. The objectives of the present study were (a) to establish an in vitro model system using human non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma cell lines NCIH650 and NCIH2077 (b) provide evidence that these cell lines secrete mucin in culture conditions and (c) investigate the effects of select secretagogues on mucin secretion. The cell lines were established in ACL-4 medium containing several growth factors and retinoic acid and 5% fetal calf serum. The high molecular weight glycoconjugates secreted in the culture medium were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and Superose 6 and Superose 12 FPLC chromatography. The purified high molecular weight glycoconjugate fraction and the carcinoma cells were shown to have mucin by dot blot, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively, using specific antibodies to purified major mucin, HTM-1. Also, incorporation experiments with mucin precursor 3H-glucosamine demonstrated that the cells indeed synthesize high molecular weight mucins. The effects of secretagogues such as, 8-bromocyclic AMP, ionomycin, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and neutrophil elastase on mucin secretion were also investigated. Only 8-bromocyclic AMP and neutrophil elastase influenced mucin secretion. These studies provided strong evidence that the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines secrete high molecular weight mucins in culture conditions and only two of the four tested secretagogues significantly increased mucin secretion. Thus, this in vitro model system may be useful in determining alterations in mucin structure, if any, in lung adenocarcinomas as well as in studying the regulation of mucin gene expression.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Baltic Sea ; cyanobacteria ; estuaries ; grazing ; iron ; lakes ; molybdenum ; nitrogen ; nitrogen fixation ; nitrogen limitation ; Zooplankton
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Explaining the nearly ubiquitous absence of nitrogen fixation by planktonic organisms in strongly nitrogen-limited estuaries presents a major challenge to aquatic ecologists. In freshwater lakes of moderate productivity, nitrogen limitation is seldom maintained for long since heterocystic, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria bloom, fix nitrogen, and alleviate the nitrogen limitation. In marked contrast to lakes, this behavior occurs in only a few estuaries worldwide. Primary production is limited by nitrogen in most temperate estuaries, yet no measurable planktonic nitrogen fixation occurs. In this paper, we present the hypothesis that the absence of planktonic nitrogen fixers from most estuaries is due to an interaction of bottom-up and top-down controls. The availability of Mo, a trace metal required for nitrogen fixation, is lower in estuaries than in freshwater lakes. This is not an absolute physiological constraint against the occurrence of nitrogen-fixing organisms, but the lower Mo availability may slow the growth rate of these organisms. The slower growth rate makes nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in estuaries more sensitive to mortality from grazing by Zooplankton and benthic organisms. We use a simple, mechanistically based simulation model to explore this hypothesis. The model correctly predicts the timing of the formation of heterocystic, cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater lakes and the magnitude of the rate of nitrogen fixation. The model also correctly predicts that high Zooplankton biomasses in freshwaters can partially suppress blooms of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, even in strongly nitrogen-limited lakes. Further, the model indicates that a relatively small and environmentally realistic decrease in Mo availability, such as that which may occur in seawater compared to freshwaters due to sulfate inhibition of Mo assimilation, can suppress blooms of heterocystic cyanobacteria and prevent planktonic nitrogen fixation. For example, the model predicts that at a Zooplankton biomass of 0.2 mg l−1, cyanobacteria will bloom and fix nitrogen in lakes but not in estuaries of full-strength seawater salinity because of the lower Mo availability. Thus, the model provides strong support for our hypothesis that bottom-up and top-down controls may interact to cause the absence of planktonic nitrogen fixation in most estuaries. The model also provides a basis for further exploration of this hypothesis in individual estuarine systems and correctly predicts that planktonic nitrogen fixation can occur in low salinity estuaries, such as the Baltic Sea, where Mo availability is greater than in higher salinity estuaries.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: N15 ; nitrogen ; nutrient cycling ; plants ; stable isotopes ; soil ; temperate forest ; tropical forest
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Several lines of evidence suggest that nitrogen in most tropical forests is relatively more available than N in most temperate forests, and even that it may function as an excess nutrient in many tropical forests. If this is correct, tropical forests should have more open N cycles than temperate forests, with both inputs and outputs of N large relative to N cycling within systems. Consequent differences in both the magnitude and the pathways of N loss imply that tropical forests should in general be more 15N enriched than are most temperate forests. In order to test this hypothesis, we compared the nitrogen stable isotopic composition of tree leaves and soils from a variety of tropical and temperate forests. Foliar δ15N values from tropical forests averaged 6.5‰ higher than from temperate forests. Within the tropics, ecosystems with relatively low N availability (montane forests, forests on sandy soils) were significantly more depleted in 15N than other tropical forests. The average δ15N values for tropical forest soils, either for surface or for depth samples, were almost 8‰ higher than temperate forest soils. These results provide another line of evidence that N is relatively abundant in many tropical forest ecosystems.
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: estuaries ; lakes ; marine ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; rivers ; streams ; temperate ; tropics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Published data and analyses from temperate and tropical aquatic systems are used to summarize knowledge about the potential impact of land-use alteration on the nitrogen biogeochemistry of tropical aquatic ecosystems, identify important patterns and recommend key needs for research. The tropical N-cycle is traced from pre-disturbance conditions through the phases of disturbance, highlighting major differences between tropical and temperate systems that might influence development strategies in the tropics. Analyses suggest that tropical freshwaters are more frequently N-limited than temperate zones, while tropical marine systems may show more frequent P limitation. These analyses indicate that disturbances to pristine tropical lands will lead to greatly increased primary production in freshwaters and large changes in tropical freshwater communities. Increased freshwater nutrient flux will also lead to an expansion of the high production, N- and light-limited zones around river deltas, a switch from P- to N-limitation in calcareous marine systems, with large changes in the community composition of fragile mangrove and reef systems. Key information gaps are highlighted, including data on mechanisms of nutrient transport and atmospheric deposition in the tropics, nutrient and material retention capacities of tropical impoundments, and N/P coupling and stoichiometric impacts of nutrient supplies on tropical aquatic communities. The current base of biogeochemical data suggests that alterations in the N-cycle will have greater impacts on tropical aquatic ecosystems than those already observed in the temperate zone.
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  • 44
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Baltic Sea ; cyanobacteria ; estuaries ; grazing ; iron ; lakes ; molybdenum ; nitrogen ; nitrogen fixation ; nitrogen limitation ; zooplankton
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Explaining the nearly ubiquitous absence of nitrogen fixation by planktonic organisms in strongly nitrogen-limited estuaries presents a major challenge to aquatic ecologists. In freshwater lakes of moderate productivity, nitrogen limitation is seldom maintained for long since heterocystic, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria bloom, fix nitrogen, and alleviate the nitrogen limitation. In marked contrast to lakes, this behavior occurs in only a few estuaries worldwide. Primary production is limited by nitrogen in most temperate estuaries, yet no measurable planktonic nitrogen fixation occurs. In this paper, we present the hypothesis that the absence of planktonic nitrogen fixers from most estuaries is due to an interaction of bottom-up and top-down controls. The availability of Mo, a trace metal required for nitrogen fixation, is lower in estuaries than in freshwater lakes. This is not an absolute physiological constraint against the occurrence of nitrogen-fixing organisms, but the lower Mo availability may slow the growth rate of these organisms. The slower growth rate makes nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in estuaries more sensitive to mortality from grazing by zooplankton and benthic organisms. We use a simple, mechanistically based simulation model to explore this hypothesis. The model correctly predicts the timing of the formation of heterocystic, cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater lakes and the magnitude of the rate of nitrogen fixation. The model also correctly predicts that high zooplankton biomasses in freshwaters can partially suppress blooms of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, even in strongly nitrogen-limited lakes. Further, the model indicates that a relatively small and environmentally realistic decrease in Mo availability, such as that which may occur in seawater compared to freshwaters due to sulfate inhibition of Mo assimilation, can suppress blooms of heterocystic cyanobacteria and prevent planktonic nitrogen fixation. For example, the model predicts that at a zooplankton biomass of 0.2 mg l−1, cyanobacteria will bloom and fix nitrogen in lakes but not in estuaries of full-strength seawater salinity because of the lower Mo availability. Thus, the model provides strong support for our hypothesis that bottom-up and top-down controls may interact to cause the absence of planktonic nitrogen fixation in most estuaries. The model also provides a basis for further exploration of this hypothesis in individual estuarine systems and correctly predicts that planktonic nitrogen fixation can occur in low salinity estuaries, such as the Baltic Sea, where Mo availability is greater than in higher salinity estuaries.
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  • 45
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: adriamycin ; doxorubicin ; HPMA copolymer ; apoptosis, multidrug resistance ; gene expression ; signal transduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. To study peculiarities and the mechanism of the anticancer effect of free and HPMA copolymer-bound ADR in sensitive and resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods. Sensitive A2780 and ADR resistant A2780/AD cells were exposed to different doses of drugs during 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. Cell viability, drug accumulation, apoptosis, cellular metabolism, lipid peroxidation, DNA content and gene expression were studied. Results. HPMA copolymer-bound ADR (P(GFLG)-ADR) possessed a comparable cytotoxicity to free ADR when comparison was based on intracellular concentrations. While free ADR up-regulated genes encoding ATP driven efflux pumps (MDR1, MRP), P(GFLG)-ADR overcame existing pumps and down regulated the MRP gene. Free ADR also activated cell metabolism and expression of genes responsible for detoxification and DNA repair. P(GFLG)-ADR down-regulated HSP-70, GSr-π, BUDP, Topo-IIα, β, and TK-1 genes. Apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were significantly higher after exposure to P(GFLG)-ADR, as reflected by simultaneous activation of p53, c-fos in A2780 cells) or c-jun (A2780/AD) signaling pathways and inhibition of the bcl-2 gene. Differences between free ADR and P(GFLG)-ADR increased with the time of incubation and drug concentration. Conclusions. P(GFLG)-ADR overcame drug efflux pumps, more significantly induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, inhibited DNA repair, replication, and biosynthesis when compared to free ADR.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: UV-B ; soybean ; chalcone synthase ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract By developing gene-specific RT-PCR and using filters to allow transmission down to 290 nm (UV-B+) or blocking all radiation below 320 nm (UV-B−), the effect of UV-B+ and UV-B− light on expression of each of the presently known seven members of soybean chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family in dark-grown seedlings was analyzed. Dark expression was detectable already in 18 h dark-germinating embryos, with progressive increases on successive days, suggesting that chs belongs to a class of genes expressed very early during germination, and that the expression at this stage is either constitutive or induced by non-light-dependent factors present in the seed or made available following imbibition. Exposure of 18 h dark-germinating embryos to UV-B− or to UV-B+ light did not lead to an increase in chs signal. However, the 24 h dark-germinating embryos showed a distinct effect of UV-B+, interestingly coinciding with the stage when the head of seedlings was in the process of being pushed up above ground by stem elongation, suggesting the possibility of a developmental switch modulating the appearance of UV-B response. The response to UV-B− was most prominent in chs1 and almost silent in chs2, while the up-regulation by UV-B+ was most prominent in chs5 and chs6 and much less so in chs2. Interestingly, chs2 was noted to be the only member of the Gmchs gene family devoid of H-box, raising the possibility that the H-box may be a good indicator of the photo-inducibility of a chs gene.
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  • 47
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: amphidiploid genome structure ; gene expression ; glutamine synthetase ; multigene family ; nitrogen assimilation ; oilseed rape
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In the amphidiploid genome of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) the diploid ancestral genomes of B. campestris and B. oleracea have been merged. As a result of this crossing event, all gene loci, gene families, or multigene families of the A and C genome types encoding a certain protein are now combined in one plant genome. In the case of the multigene family for glutamine synthetase, the key enzyme of nitrogen assimilation, six different cDNA sequences were isolated from leaf and root specific libraries. One sequence pair (BnGSL1/BnGSL2) was characterized by the presence of amino- terminal transit peptides, a typical feature of all nuclear encoded chloroplast proteins. Two other cDNA pairs (BnGSR1-1/BnGSR1-2 and BnGSR2-1/BnGSR2-2) with very high homology between each other were found in a root specific cDNA library and represent protein subunits for cytosolic glutamine synthetase isoforms. Comparative PCR amplifications of genomic DNA isolated from B. napus, B. campestris and B. oleracea followed by sequence–specific restriction analyses of the PCR products permitted the assignment of the cDNA sequences to either the A genome type (BnGSL1/BnGSR1- 1/BnGSR2-1) or the C genome type (BnGSL2/BnGSR1-2/BnGSR2-2). Consequently, the ancestral GS genes of B. campestris and B. oleracea are expressed simultaneously in oilseed rape. This result was also confirmed by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis of RT-PCR products. In addition, the different GS genes showed tissue specific expression patterns which are correlated with the state of development of the plant material. Especially for the GS genes encoding the cytosolic GS isoform BnGSR2, a marked increase of expression could be observed after the onset of leaf senescence.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: defense ; gene expression ; leaf senescence ; nitrilase ; pathogen-free ; salicylic acid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract To determine the range of gene activities associated with leaf senescence, we have identified genes that show preferential transcript accumulation during this developmental stage. The mRNA levels of a diverse array of gene products increases during leaf senescence, including a protease, a ribosomal protein, two cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases, a nitrilase and glyoxalase II. Two of the genes identified are known to be pathogen-induced. The senescence specificity of each gene was determined by characterization of transcript accumulation during leaf development and in different tissues. The increased expression of nitrilase in senescent leaves is paralleled by an increase in free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels. Additionally, we have demonstrated that the induction of defense-related genes during leaf senescence is pathogen-independent and that salicylic acid accumulation is not essential for this induction. Our data indicate that the induction of certain genes involved in plant defense responses is a component of the leaf senescence program.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: gene expression ; gibberellin ; H1 histone ; H2B histones ; leaf ; Lycopersicon esculentum
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract After differential screening we isolated cDNA clones encoding a histone H1 (leH1) and three variants of histone H2B (leH2B-1, -2 and -3) from the gibberellin (GA)-deficient mutant of tomato (gib-1). The deduced polypeptide of leH1 is 271 amino acids long and exhibits the typical tripartite structure of histones H1. The full-length cDNA clone leH2B-1 encodes for a protein of 142 amino residues and shows the tripartite organization of histones H2B. The histones leH1 and leH2B, which show no tissue specificity, are developmentally expressed in the leaf. The mRNA accumulation was higher in organs which contain meristematic tissue and/or which have a high proportion of actively cycling cells. In the leaf of the gib-1 mutant we demonstrated GA-enhanced histone leH1 and leH2B expression which was not observed in the wild type. GAs of the early-13-hydroxylated pathway (GA1 and GA3) caused most enhanced transcription compared to GAs of the early-non-hydroxylation pathway (GA4 and GA9). Application of GA to the mutant increased histone expression that could correlate with enhanced DNA replication in leaf tissue. Increased chromosome replication may indicate that there is a higher rate of cell division and/or increase of endopolyploidy which both may be dependent on cell elongation induced by GAs.
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  • 50
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Plant molecular biology 39 (1999), S. 933-943 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cloning ; fruit development ; gene expression ; pea ; polyamine ; spermidine synthase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Two cDNAs from young pea fruits coding for functional spermidine synthases (EC 2.5.1.16) were isolated. The corresponding genes were named psSPDSYN1 and psSPDSYN2. Both cDNAs complemented spe3Δ gene when introduced into the Y480 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a null mutant for the spermidine synthase gene. psSPDSYN1 and psSPDSYN2 are regulated differentially. psSPDSYN1 is up-regulated early after fruit set whereas psSPDSYN2 is expressed later. Spermidine synthase activity was detected in pea ovaries, and correlates with the pattern of expression of psSPDSYN1. In the pea plant, psSPDSYN1 is highly expressed in actively growing tissues, whereas the highest level of psSPDSYN2 mRNA was detected in fully elongated stem.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: chitin oligomer ; chitinase ; elicitor ; gene expression ; rice ; signal transduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Expression patterns of chitinase transcripts induced by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor were analyzed by northern blot hybridization in order to reveal a signal transduction pathway leading to the activation of class I chitinase genes (Cht-1 and Cht-3), which may play an important role in producing N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor. The transcription level of both genes was enhanced in response to N-acetylchitooligosaccharides larger than pentaose at subnanomolar concentrations. These structure and dose dependencies were consistent not only with those for a 75 kDa high-affinity binding protein for N-acetylchitooligosaccharide elicitor in the plasma membrane, but also with other series of cellular responses including phytoalexin production and the expression of elicitor-responsive genes (EL2, EL3). Therefore, the elicitor signal to evoke these cellular responses including the activation of the chitinase genes could be common and transmitted into cells through the 75 kDa protein. However, the signal transduction pathway for the activation of the chitinase gene appeared to diverge from those for the other elicitor-responsive genes shortly after the signal perception. It was shown that the induction of chitinase expression by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide would require protein phosphorylation, but not de novo protein synthesis. The oxidative burst was demonstrated not to be necessary for transcriptional induction of the all four elicitor-responsive genes (Cht, PAL, EL2, EL3) by N-acetylchitooligosaccharide.
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  • 52
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cytochrome b5 ; fruit and flower development ; gene expression ; in situ hybridisation ; olive
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We report the characterisation of two cytochrome b5 genes and their spatial and temporal patterns of expression during development in olive, Olea europaea. A PCR-generated probe, based on a tobacco cytochrome b5 sequence, was used to isolate two full-length cDNA clones (cytochrome b5-15 and cytochrome b5-38) from a library derived from 13 WAF olive fruits. The cDNAs encoded proteins of 17.0 and 17.7 kDa, which contained all the characteristic motifs of cytochromes b5 from other organisms and exhibited 63% identity and 85% similarity with each other. The olive cytochrome b5-15 cDNA was then used as a probe for more detailed analysis. Southern blotting revealed a gene family of at least 4–6 members while northern blotting and in situ hybridisation showed a highly specific pattern of gene expression. Very low levels of cytochrome b5 mRNA were detected in tissues characterised by high rates of lipid accumulation, such as young expanding leaves, maturing seeds and ripening mesocarp. The cytochrome b5 genes were not induced at 6 °C and their response to ABA was relatively slow compared with fatty acid desaturase genes. In contrast, high levels of cytochrome b5 gene expression were found in young fruits at the pattern formation (globular/heart) stage of embryogenesis and in vascular and transmitting tissues of male and female reproductive organs. The data are consistent with a major role for cytochrome b5 in developmental processes related to plant reproduction in addition to being an electron donor to microsomal desaturases.
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  • 53
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: Amaranthus hypochondriacus) ; gene expression ; trypsin inhibitor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We previously isolated and sequenced the major trypsin inhibitor from Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds. This amaranth trypsin inhibitor (AmTI) is a 69 amino acid protein with high homology to members of the potato-1 inhibitor family. This paper describes the cloning and expression of a cDNA encoding this trypsin inhibitor in various vegetative tissues of the amaranth plant during seed development and imbibition, and investigates the possible induction of AmTI expression by wounding. We obtained a 393 bp cDNA sequence with an open reading frame corresponding to a polypeptide with 76 amino acid residues. With the exception of one residue (Ser-41), the polypeptide agrees with the amino acid sequence previously reported, plus 7 more residues at the N-terminus. These N-terminal residues are thought to be part of the signal used for intracellular sorting. The organ specificity of AmTI gene expression was investigated by northern analysis, showing that mRNA corresponding to AmTI genes was present in stems of plants growing under normal conditions. The kinetics of accumulation of the AmTI-mRNA, protein, and inhibitory activity during seed development and imbibition was determined. AmTI-mRNA accumulation reached a maximum at 14 days after anthesis (daa) and then gradually decreased, being barely detectable 36 daa. The AmTI protein accumulation followed the same profile as the inhibitory activity, both were delayed with respect to the mRNA. The maximum level was observed 22 daa, and then gradually decreased until a steady state was reached as seed maturation proceeded. Upon imbibition, a gradual decrease in AmTI protein and inhibitory activity was shown; however, an AmTI transcript was detected 24 h after imbibition. In contrast to representative members of the potato I family, this inhibitor was not inducible by wounding of leaves.
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  • 54
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: embryo ; gene expression ; Glycine max ; oxidoreductase ; seed coat ; testa
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The soybean Ep gene encodes an anionic peroxidase enzyme that accumulates in large amounts in seed coat tissues. We have isolated a second peroxidase gene, Prx2, that is also highly expressed in developing seed coat tissues. Sequence analysis of Prx2 cDNA indicates that this transcript encodes a cationic peroxidase isozyme that is far removed from Ep in peroxidase phylogeny. To determine the expression patterns for these two peroxidases in developing seeds, the abundance and localization of the Ep and Prx2 transcripts were compared by in situ hybridization. Results show the expression of Ep begins in a small number of cells flanking the vascular bundle in the seed coat, spreads to encircle the seed, and then migrates to the hourglass cells as they develop. Expression of Prx2 occurs throughout development in all cell layers of the seed coat, and is also evident in the pericarp and embryo. Nonetheless, the Ep-encoded enzyme accounts for virtually all of the peroxidase activity detected in mature seed coats. The Prx2 enzyme is either insoluble in a catalytically inactive form, or is subject to degradation during seed maturation.
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: ABRE ; embryogenesis ; G-box ; gene expression ; maize ; protein-DNA interaction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Transcription of the rab28 gene from maize is induced in late embryo development and in response to abscisic acid. We have studied the regulation of the activity of the rab28 promoter in embryos. Two abscisic acid-responsive elements (ABREs) were necessary for expression in embryos of transgenic Arabidopsis and in transient transformation in maize embryos. In vivo footprinting showed that there was protein binding to the ABREs and to other cis elements in the promoter in young embryos before expression of rab28. This shows that the rab28 promoter is in an open chromatin structure before developmental activation. The ABREs are important for the induction and have protein binding in young embryos. Nuclear proteins extracted from embryos before activation of rab28 bound to the ABREs in band shift assays. A complex with different mobility was formed between nuclear proteins and the ABREs after induction of rab28 suggesting a modification of the ABRE-binding factor or an exchange of proteins. The footprints on the ABREs were unaltered by induction with abscisic acid or during developmental activation of rab28. These results indicate that constitutive binding of transcription factor(s) on the ABRE is central in embryonic regulation of the rab28 gene.
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  • 56
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: ectomycorrhizae ; Eucalyptus regnans ; forest burns ; nitrogen ; phosphorus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract This study was conducted to compare the effects on the growth of Eucalyptus regnans seedlings of unheated soil and soil heated to different extents (as indicated by soil colour–bright red or black) in burnt logging coupes, and to separate the effects of heating of the soil on direct nutrient availability and on morphotypes and effectiveness of ectomycorrhizae. Burnt soils were collected from three logging coupes burnt 2, 14 and 25 months previously and unbumt soil from adjacent regrowth forests. Compared to unburnt soil, the early seedling growth was stimulated in black burnt soil from all coupes (burnt 2, 14 and 25 months previously). Seedling growth was generally poor in red burnt soil, especially in soil collected 2 months after burning. However, the concentration of extractable P was extremely high in red burnt soil, especially in soil collected 2 months after burning. In black burnt soil, extractable P was increased in soil 2 months after burning, but not in the soils collected 14 or 25 months after burning. However, both total P content and concentration in seedlings were increased in all collections of black burnt soil. Frequency of ectomycorrhizae was high in seedlings grown in all black burnt soils, but the mycorrhizal mantles were poorly developed in seedlings in black burnt soil collected 2 months after burning. Seedlings were also ectomycorrhizal in red burnt soil, except in soil collected 2 months after burning. Fine root inocula from seedlings grown in black burnt soils collected 14 and 25 months after burning significantly stimulated both seedling growth and P uptake compared with the uninoculated control, whereas the fine root inocula from the seedlings grown in all the other soils did not. These results suggest that, in black burnt soil, both direct nutritional changes and changes in the ectomycorrhizae may contribute to seedling growth promotion after regeneration burns. The generally poor seedling growth in red burnt soils is likely to have been due to N deficiency as the seedlings in these soils were yellow-green and the tissue concentrations of N were significantly lower than in other treatments.
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  • 57
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: alanine aminotransferase ; gene expression ; GUS expression ; promoter
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract A cDNA clone encoding alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) has isolated from randomly sequenced clones derived from a cDNA library of maturing rice seeds by comparison to previously identified genes. The deduced amino acid sequence was 88% and 91% homologous to those of the enzymes from barley and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), respectively. Using this cDNA as a probe, we isolated and sequenced the corresponding genomic clone. Comparison of the sequences of the cDNA and the genomic gene revealed that the coding region of the gene was interrupted by 14 introns 66 to 1547 bp long. Northern and western blotting analyses showed that the gene was expressed at high levels in developing seeds. When the 5′-flanking region between −930 and +85 from the site of initiation of transcription was fused to a reporter gene for β-glucuronidase (GUS) and then introduced into the rice genome, histochemical staining revealed strong GUS activity in the inner endosperm tissue of developing seeds and weak activity in root tips. Similar tissue-specific expression was also detected by in situ hybridization. These results suggest that AlaAT is involved in nitrogen metabolism during the maturation of rice seed.
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  • 58
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    Plant molecular biology 39 (1999), S. 161-169 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: expansin ; fruit growth ; fruit softening ; gene expression ; Lycopersicon esculentum
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract cDNA clones encoding homologues of expansins, a class of cell wall proteins involved in cell wall modification, were isolated from various stages of growing and ripening fruit of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). cDNAs derived from five unique expansin genes were obtained, termed tomato Exp3 to Exp7, in addition to the previously described ripening-specific tomato Exp1 (Rose et al. (1997) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94: 5955–5960). Deduced amino acid sequences of tomato Exp1, Exp4 and Exp6 were highly related, whereas Exp3, Exp5 and Exp7 were more divergent. Each of the five expansin genes showed a different and characteristic pattern of mRNA expression. mRNA of Exp3 was present throughout fruit growth and ripening, with highest accumulation in green expanding and maturing fruit, and lower, declining levels during ripening. Exp4 mRNA was present only in green expanding fruit, whereas Exp5 mRNA was present in expanding fruit but had highest levels in full-size maturing green fruit and declined during the early stages of ripening. mRNAs from each of these genes were also detected in leaves, stems and flowers but not in roots. Exp6 and Exp7 mRNAs were present at much lower levels than mRNAs of the other expansin genes, and were detected only in expanding or mature green fruit. The results indicate the presence of a large and complex expansin gene family in tomato, and suggest that while the expression of several expansin genes may contribute to green fruit development, only Exp1 mRNA is present at high levels during fruit ripening.
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  • 59
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cDNA cloning ; fruit ripening ; gene expression ; non-climacteric fruit ; wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) is an attactive model system for studying ripening in non-climacteric fruit, because of its small diploid genome, its short reproductive cycle, and its capacity for transformation. We have isolated eight ripening-induced cDNAs from this species after differential screening of a cDNA library. The predicted polypeptides of seven of the clones exhibit similarity to database protein sequences, including acyl carrier protein, caffeoyl- CoA 3-O-methyltransferase, sesquiterpene cyclase, major latex protein, cystathionine γ-synthase, dehydrin and an auxin- induced gene. A ninth cDNA clone that was constitutively expressed is predicted to encode a metallothionein-like protein. None of these proteins appear to be directly related to events generally associated with ripening such as cell wall metabolism or the accumulation of sugars and pigments, rather, their putative functions are indicative of the wide range of processes upregulated during fruit ripening.
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  • 60
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) ; drought ; gene expression ; lipid degradation ; phospholipase D
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Phospholipase D, a major lipid-degrading enzyme in plants, was studied in two cultivars of Vigna unguiculata L.Walp, differing in their tolerance to drought (cv. EPACE-1, drought-tolerant, and cv. 1183, drought-susceptible). Enzymatic activities, measured with 14C-PC as substrate, increased when plants were submitted to water stress, the increase being much higher in the drought-sensitive cultivar. A 2911 bp cDNA encoding a putative phospholipase D (VuPLD1) was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from V. unguiculata leaves. The deduced amino acid sequence (809 residues) shows 85.5% identity and 91.3% similarity to that of PLD from Ricinus communis. The expression of the VuPLD1 gene in the leaves is differently modulated by water deficit, depending on the intensity of stress and the tolerance or sensitivity of the plants. In the drought-susceptible V. unguiculata cv. 1183, it readily increased under water stress, reaching maximum values at mild water deficit (−1.5 MPa). In the drought-tolerant cv. EPACE-1, VuPLD1 mRNA remained low throughout the whole drought treatment. Dehydration of leaves led to a dramatic increase in transcript level in both cultivars. Changes in protein amounts semi-quantified by immunoblotting correlated well with variations in transcript steady-state level. Taken together, these results showed that phospholipase D in cowpea plants is essentially regulated at the transcriptional level, and that gene expression is strongly stimulated even by moderate water deficit in the drought-sensitive plant. On the contrary, the drought-tolerant plant presents a remarkable stability of PLD gene expression in conditions of water stress.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: reproductive development ; gene expression ; subtractive hybridization ; cauliflower
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Using the meristems of the cauliflower curd as a source of tissue and a series of subtractive hybridizations and amplification reactions, we have constructed a cDNA library highly enriched in cDNAs expressed in reproductive meristems. The analysis of a sample of 250 clones from this library identified 22 cDNA clones corresponding to genes specifically expressed in these cauliflower meristems. Apart from two clones that corresponded to APETALA1, and two other ones showing similarity to different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the remaining clones showed no similarity to any sequence in the databases and may correspond to novel genes. One of these clones, BoREM1, was further characterized and found to correspond to a gene encoding a protein with features of regulatory proteins that follows a expression pattern very similar to the LEAFY transcripts.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: ammonium ; gene expression ; glutamine synthetase ; nodules ; positive element ; promoter
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In order to identify important promoter elements controlling the ammonium-regulated expression of the soybean gene GS15 encoding cytosolic glutamine synthetase, a series of 5′ promoter deletions were fused to the GUS reporter gene. To allow the detection of positive and negative regulatory elements, a series of 3′ deletions were fused to a −90 CaMV 35S promoter fragment placed upstream of the GUS gene. Both types of construct were introduced into Lotus corniculatus plants and soybean roots via Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. Both spectrophotometric enzymatic analysis and histochemical localization of GUS activity in roots, root nodules and shoots of transgenic plants revealed that a strong constitutive positive element (SCPE) of 400 bp, located in the promoter distal region is indispensable for the ammonium- regulated expression of GS15. Interestingly, this SCPE was able to direct constitutive expression in both a legume and non- legume background to a level similar to that driven by the CaMV 35S full-length promoter. In addition, results showed that separate proximal elements, located in the first 727 bp relative to the transcription start site, are essential for root- and root nodule-specific expression. This proximal region contains an AAAGAT and two TATTTAT consensus sequences characteristic of nodulin or nodule-enhanced gene promoters. A putative silencer region containing the same TATTTAT consensus sequence was identified between the SCPE and the organ-specific elements. The presence of positive, negative and organ-specific elements together with the three TATTTAT consensus sequences within the promoter strongly suggest that these multiple promoter fragments act in a cooperative manner, depending on the spatial conformation of the DNA for trans-acting factor accessibility.
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  • 63
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: embryo-abundant cDNAs ; gene expression ; gymnosperm ; Picea glauca ; somatic embryogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Six somatic embryogenesis-associated cDNAs (PgEMB2, 6, 7, 8, 24 and 34) from white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) somatic embryos have been characterized. Transcript accumulation during somatic embryo development and subsequent germination related to these genes, indicated that they were developmentally regulated. The transcripts related to clones PgEMB2, 6, 24 and 34 were also detected during zygotic embryo development, but transcripts of clones PgEMB7 and 8 were not. PgEMB24 had a similar gene expression pattern to spruce Em-like late embryo abundant (lea) gene, but other clones had no similarities in gene expression to either spruce lea-like or storage protein genes. Abscisic acid, a stimulator for spruce somatic embryo maturation, did not obviously affect gene expression corresponding to these cDNAs. The predicted proteins are distinguishable from known LEA proteins based on analyses of hydropathy plots, amino acid compositions and deduced protein structures. The similarities of the spruce cDNAs, and protein sequences predicted from these cDNAs, to other sequence data are described.
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  • 64
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: gene expression ; GT-1 ; PR-1a ; PR proteins ; salicylic acid-induced ; transcription factors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Infection of Nicotiana tabacum Samsun NN with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) results in a hypersensitive plant response and leads to systemic acquired resistance (SAR). The induction of SAR is mediated by the plant hormone salicylic acid (SA) and is accompanied by the induced expression of a number of genes including the pathogenesis-related (PR) gene 1a. Previously, it has been found that TMV infection and SA treatment resulted in a reduction of binding of nuclear protein GT-1 to far-upstream regions (−902 to −656) of the PR-1a gene. To test if GT-1 is a negative regulator of PR-1a gene expression, the effects of mutations in the seven putative GT-1 binding sites in this region were studied in vitro using dimethyl sulfate interference footprinting and band shift assays. This showed that at least one of the seven sites is indeed a GT-1 binding site. However, when tested in transgenic plants, the mutations did not result in constitutive expression of the chimeric PR-1a/GUS transgene, while inducible expression after SA treatment was decreased. The results suggest that binding of GT-1-like proteins to far-upstream PR-1a promoter regions indeed influences gene expression. A possible model for GT-1's mode of action in PR-1a gene expression is discussed.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: aquaporin ; gene expression ; growth ; Oryza sativa ; plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) ; rice
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Membrane intrinsic proteins facilitate movement of small molecules often times functioning as water channels. We have identified two genes from rice which encode proteins with characteristic features of plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIP). They possess six membrane-spanning domains, an NPA repeat, overall high sequence homologies and characteristic C- and N-terminal hallmark motifs which allowed assignment of OsPIP1a to the PIP1 subfamily and of OsPIP2a to the PIP2 subfamily. OsPIP1a and OsPIP2a showed similar but not identical expression patterns. The two genes were expressed at higher levels in seedlings than in adult plants and expression in the primary root was regulated by light. In internodes of deepwater rice plants which were induced to grow rapidly by submergence, transcript levels were slightly induced in the intercalary meristem (IM) and slightly reduced in the elongation zone (EZ) after 18 h. In internodes of GA-induced excised stem sections transcript levels transiently declined in the IM and EZ after 1 h and subsequently recovered to elevated levels after 18 h. GA also induced OsPIP expression in non-growing tissue after 18 h. In the IM of submergence-induced stem sections transcript levels remained constitutive. The different growth-promoting treatments showed no direct correlation between growth rate and OsPIP gene expression in dividing or expanding cells. In fact, treatment of excised stem sections with ABA or drought stress induced similar changes in OsPIP expression in the growing zone during the first 6 h as GA did. We conclude that regulation of OsPIP1a and OsPIP2a expression is not primarily controlled by growth. GA-induced growth may however change the water status of cells which in turn results in altered PIP abundance.
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  • 66
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: ACC synthase ; chilling ; Citrus sinensis ; ethylene ; gene expression ; peel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Diurnal change in the temperature below or above 12.5 °C hastens the degreening of citrus peel and elicits the phytohormone ethylene production in citrus fruit. Ethylene triggers the degradation of chlorophyll and synthesis of carotenoids in citrus peel. To investigate if ethylene is required for the degreening of citrus peel elicited by low temperatures, we studied the chilling-regulated gene expression of ACC synthase, one of the key enzymes catalyzing ethylene biosynthesis. We isolated and characterized a chilling-inducible 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACC synthase) gene, CS-ACS1, and a chilling-repressible gene, CS-ACS2, from citrus peel. The CS-ACS1 transcript 1.7 kb in length encodes a polypeptide of 483 amino acids (M r 54 115, pI 6.63), whereas the CS-ACS2 transcript of 1.8 kb encodes a polypeptide of 477 amino acids (M r 53 291, pI 6.72). Both genes showed a rapid but transient induction (within 2.4 h) of transcripts upon rewarming after the chilling (4 °C) treatment. After 24 h of incubation at room temperature, CS-ACS1 mRNA diminished to an undetectable level, whereas the CS-ACS2 mRNA regained its basal level of expression attained prior to the chilling treatment. Chilling-induced ethylene production and ACC accumulation were also observed upon rewarming. Both genes were also induced by the wound stress (excision). The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide super-enhances the accumulation of both ACS transcripts at room temperature. Molecular analysis of the 3.3 kb genomic DNA of CS-ACS1 revealed that this gene consists of three introns and four exons. The intron 3 is exceptionally large (1.2 kb) and shares significant homology with mitochondrial DNA, supporting the intron-late theory.
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  • 67
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    Plant molecular biology 41 (1999), S. 351-361 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: chromatin ; gene expression ; high-mobility-group protein HMG1 ; HMGe ; protein stability ; Zea mays
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The nuclear HMG1 proteins of higher plants are small non-histone proteins that have DNA-bending activity and are considered architectural factors in chromatin. The occurrence of the chromosomal HMG1 proteins, HMGa, HMGc1/2 and HMGd, in various maize tissues was analyzed, and in the course of these studies a novel HMG1 protein, now termed HMGe, was identified. Purification and characterization of HMGe (Mr 13 655) and cloning of the corresponding cDNA revealed that it displays only moderate similarity to other members of the plant HMG1 protein family. The five maize HMG1 proteins could be detected in kernels, leaves, roots and suspension culture cells, indicating that these proteins can be expressed simultaneously and occur relatively ubiquitously. However, the various HMG1 proteins are present in significantly different quantities with HMGa and HMGc1/2 being the most abundant HMG1 proteins in all tissues tested. Furthermore, the relative amounts of the various HMG1 proteins differ among the tissues examined. The HMG1 proteins were found to be relatively stable proteins in vivo, with HMGc1/2, HMGd and HMGe having a half-life of ca. 50 h in cultured cells, while the half-life of the HMGa protein is ca. 65 h. Collectively, these findings are compatible with the concept that the different plant HMG1 proteins might act as general architectural proteins in concert with site-specific factors in the assembly of certain nucleoprotein structures involved in various biological processes.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: alkaloids ; gene expression ; Nicotiana tabacum ; nicotine ; putrescine N-methyltransferase ; tobacco gene evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The structure and nuclear genomic organization of the gene family encoding putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT), the key enzyme in diverting polyamine metabolism towards the biosynthesis of nicotine and related alkaloids, was examined in Nicotiana tabacum. Five genes encoding PMT are present in the N. tabacum genome and all are expressed. The complete coding region and immediate 5′- and 3′- flanking regions were characterized for four members of the gene family and the Exon 1 region of the fifth member of the family was determined. Comparison of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the N. tabacum PMT genes with those of presumed progenitor species, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosiformis and N. otophora, revealed that three members of the N. tabacum PMT gene family were most similar to the three genes present in N. sylvestris, whereas the two remaining PMT genes were similar to PMT genes present in N. tomentosiformis and N. otophora genomes, respectively. These data are consistent with an evolutionary origin of N. tabacum resulting from a cross involving N. sylvestris and an introgressed hybrid between N. tomentosiformis and N. otophora. The five PMT genes present in N. tabacum are expressed in the roots of wild-type plants, but not in other organs. The steady-state level of all five PMT transcripts is transiently increased in roots following topping (removal of the floral meristem), although the maximum level of induction for the individual transcripts varies considerably. In contrast to wild-type plants, no increase in PMT transcript levels was observed in a low-alkaloid (nic1nic2) mutant of Burley 21. These data support a role for nic1 and nic2 in the global regulation of alkaloid formation in tobacco and provide for the first time molecular confirmation of the presumed origin of cultivated tobacco.
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  • 69
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    Plant molecular biology 41 (1999), S. 425-433 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: D1 protein ; gene expression ; psbA genes ; redox regulation ; Synechococcus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Three psbA genes encode two different forms of the photosystem II reaction centre protein D1 in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. The psbAI gene encoding D1 protein form I (D1:1) is mainly expressed under low growth light conditions while the psbAII and psbAIII genes, encoding D1 protein form II (D1:2), are induced under stress conditions (e.g. high light or low temperature). In this paper we show that psbAII/III genes can be rapidly induced even under low growth light conditions by adding the thiol reductant (DTTred) to Synechococcus cell culture, at a concentration that does not affect cell growth or photosynthetic activity. Similar induction of psbAII/III genes was obtained by illuminating the cells with photosystem I light. In both instances psbAI gene down-regulation coincided with the up-regulation of psbAII/III genes. DTTred-induced exchange in transcript pools was subsequently followed by an exchange of D1:1 for D1:2 at the protein level. Thiol oxidants, iodosobenzoic acid or diamide, reverted the effects of DTTred on psbA gene expression. Thiol oxidants and the thiol-modifying agent N-ethylmaleimide also totally prevented high-light induction of psbAII/III genes. These data strongly suggest that the up-regulation of psbAII/III genes that occurs under stress conditions is mediated by production of thiol reductants, whereas the expression of the psbAI gene is sustained by the more oxidizing conditions that prevail during the steady-state growth of cells.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: crop residues ; isotope dilution ; 15N ; nitrogen ; organic matter ; pool substitution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Experiments were carried out to compare the direct approach for estimating crop N uptake from 15N labelled organic inputs, to two indirect approaches, 15N isotope dilution and A value. In the first experiment soils received 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg N kg soil−1 in the form of Casuarina equisitifolia residues in addition to ammonium sulphate fertiliser, to give a total of 100 mg N kg soil−1 added. This was a cross labelling design, thus two matching sets of treatments, were set up, identical in all but the position of the 15N label. Maize (Zea mays L.) plants were grown in the soils amended with residues for 11 weeks and N derived from residues (Ndfr) estimated using the A-value or the direct approach. The A-value approach appeared to significantly overestimate %Ndfr compared to the direct method. In the second experiment contrasting residues were added to soil, fababean (Vicia faba L. var. minor), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), soyabean fixing, (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), soyabean non-fixing, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and maize. This was also cross-labelling design, labelled and unlabelled residues were used. Maize plants were grown in these soils for 11 weeks and %Ndfr in the maize plants estimated using 15 N isotope dilution and the direct approach. The 15 N isotope dilution approach also overestimated %Ndfr compared to the direct method in this experiment. Pool substitution appeared to be responsible for the discrepancy between the direct and indirect techniques. It was concluded that 15N isotope dilution and A-value approaches as used in these experiments (i.e where residues and 15N label are added simultaneously) were not appropriate techniques for estimating N derived from organic residues in soils.
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  • 71
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: nitrogen ; Prunus ; remobilisation ; storage ; uptake
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Two-year old nectarine trees (Prunus persica, Batsch, var. nectarina, cv. Starkredgold on GF305 rootstock) planted in pots each received five applications of 1.0 g 15N labelled urea either from mid May to mid July (early uptake) or from mid August to the beginning of October (late uptake). All trees were supplied with a corresponding amount of unlabelled urea when they did not receive the labelled N. In autumn, all abscised leaves were collected and during winter randomly selected trees were harvested and divided into main organs. The remaining trees were transplanted into similar pots filled with sand; they received no N fertiliser and were harvested in May to evaluate the remobilisation of N. Total N and 15N abundance were determined in each organ. Nectarine trees took up similar amounts of N in the 'early' and in the 'late' period; however, more labelled nitrogen was recovered in the perennial organs during the winter when trees received the labelled N in the 'late' than in the 'early' period. Some 73–80% of the N present in the dormant trees was stored in the roots, which contained almost twice the amount of labelled N taken up 'late' than that absorbed 'early'. Nitrogen for spring growth was remobilised predominantly from the roots and accounted for some 43–49% of the labelled N recovered in the tree during winter. Results suggest that the nitrogen taken up 'late' in the season is preferentially stored in roots and used by peach trees to sustain new growth the following spring.
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  • 72
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    Plant and soil 212 (1999), S. 207-217 
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: legume ; nitrogen ; N2-fixation ; pea ; sulphur
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract A S-deficient soil was used in pot experiments to investigate the effects of S addition on growth and N2-fixation in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Addition of 100 mg S pot−1 increased seed yield by more than 2-fold. Numbers of pods formed were the most sensitive yield component affected by S deficiency. Sulphur addition also increased the concentration of N in leaves and stems, and the total content of N in the shoots. The amounts of N fixed by pea were determined at four growth stages from stem elongation to maturity, using the 15N dilution technique. Sulphur addition doubled the amount of N fixed at all growth stages. In contrast, leaf chlorophyll content and shoot dry weight were increased significantly by S addition only after the flowering and pod fill stage, respectively. Pea roots were found to have high concentrations of S, reaching approximately 10 mg g−1 dry weight and being 2.6–4.4 times the S concentration in the shoots under S-sufficient conditions. These results suggest that roots/nodules of pea have a high demand for S, and that N2-fixation is very sensitive to S deficiency. The effects of S deficiency on pea growth were likely to be caused by the shortage of N, due to decreased N2-fixation.
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  • 73
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: ammonium assimilation ; Amanita muscaria ; carbon allocation ; ectomycorrhiza ; gene expression ; Picea abies ; sugar transport
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract The symbiosis (ectomycorrhiza, ECM) between roots of trees and shrubs of boreal and temperate forest ecosystems and soil fungi is essential for water and nutrient acquisition of the plants. The functionality of ECM is largely dependent on the ability of the host plant to supply photoassimilates to the fungus via the symbiotic interface. Based on sterile in vitro and non-sterile pot experiments, we review data which gives evidence that hexoses are supplied to the fungus by the host plant (mainly glucose and fructose), and that these sugars, at least in part, control development and function of ECM by interfering with fungal gene expression. We further show that any factor which reduces hexose allocation to the host–fungus interface will adversely affect ECM development. As an example, we address the impact of increased supply of nitrogen on the biochemistry of plant–fungus interaction and discuss potential consequences on host performance.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: bundle sheath cell ; C4 photosynthesis ; gene expression ; PEP carboxykinase ; prokaryotic expression ; Zea mays
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We isolated a full-length cDNA that encodes ATP-dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.49, PCK) from leaves of maize, an NADP-malic enzyme type C4 plant. The mRNA was specifically and rather abundantly expressed in bundle sheath cells in accordance with the recent finding of cell-type-specific localization of PCK protein in maize, which has been detected with antibodies against cucumber PCK protein. The predicted protein had an N-terminal extension, which is characteristic of plant PCKs. The transcript level was much higher in the daytime than at night in 14-day old seedlings. However, in 42-day old plants the extent of diurnal change decreased. The maize PCK was expressed in Escherichia coli with the pET32 plasmid and purified to homogeneity. Through digestion with enterokinase, two types of enzyme were prepared; one with an intact N-terminus and the other lacking its N-terminal 77 amino acid residues due to over-digestion. The truncated protein had about 2-fold higher specific activity than the intact one, and was inhibited by 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) with an I0.5 of 17.5 mM. In contrast, the intact protein was almost insensitive to 3-PGA. These results strongly suggest that the intact N-terminal extension may be involved in the regulation of PCK activity in vivo through some modification such as reversible phosphorylation.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: calcium-dependent protein kinase ; gene expression ; immunoassays ; light regulation ; rice ; seed development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We investigated the spatial and temporal expression patterns of two rice calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), OsCDPK2 and OSCDPK11, using isoform-specific antisera. Bands of the expected molecular sizes for OsCDPK2 (59 kDa) and OsCDPK11 (61 kDa) were detected on western blots. OsCDPK2 and OsCDPK11 mRNA and protein levels increased in unison during flower development. However, at the onset of seed development, the protein expression profiles diverged significantly. OsCDPK2 protein was expressed at low levels during early seed development, but increased to high levels that were maintained in later stages (20 days after fertilisation, DAF). Conversely, OsCDPK11 protein levels were high at the beginning of seed development, but fell rapidly from 10 DAF onwards. This decrease in the level of OsCDPK11 protein was associated with the abundant synthesis of a truncated mRNA species. OsCDPK2 expression was also closely associated with light perception. OsCDPK2 protein was barely detectable in green leaves exposed to light, but levels increased sharply when plants were shifted to darkness. Initially, this increase reflected a rapid elevation in the levels of OsCDPK2 mRNA, which was normally located in the mesophyll. Conversely, OsCDPK11 mRNA and protein levels were unaffected by light. These data strongly indicate that two rice CDPK isoforms have different functions in seed development and in response to light in leaves.
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  • 76
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: fire ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; soil nutrient heterogeneity ; tree effects ; tropical dry forest
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Individual trees are known to influence soil chemical properties, creating spatial patterns that vary with distance from the stem. The influence of trees on soil chemical properties is commonly viewed as the agronomic basis for low-input agroforestry and shifting cultivation practices, and as an important source of spatial heterogeneity in forest soils. Few studies, however, have examined the persistence of the effects of trees on soil after the pathways responsible for the effects are removed. Here, we present evidence from a Mexican dry forest indicating that stem-related patterns of soil nutrients do persist following slash-and-burn removal of trees and two years of cropping. Pre-disturbance concentrations of resin extractable phosphorus (P), bicarbonate extractable P, NaOH extractable P, total P, total nitrogen (N) and carbon (C), KCl extractable nitrate (NO3 -), and net N mineralization and nitrification rates were higher in stem than dripline soils under two canopy dominant species of large-stemmed trees with contrasting morphologies and phenologies (Caesalpinia eriostachys Benth. and Forchhammeria pallida Liebm.). These stem effects persisted through slash burning and a first growing season for labile inorganic and organic P, NaOH inorganic P, and plant-available P, and through a second growing season for labile organic P, NaOH organic P, and plant-available P. While stem effects for extractable NO3 -, net nitrification rates, total N and C disappeared after felling and slash burning, these stem effects returned after the first growing season. These results support the view that tree-influenced patterns of soil nutrients do persist after tree death, and that trees contribute to the long-term spatial heterogeneity of forest soils.
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  • 77
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    Plant and soil 212 (1999), S. 173-181 
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: nitrogen ; phosphatase activity ; phosphorus ; protease activity ; soil microbial biomass ; substrate-induced respiration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Estimating in situ N and P status of the soil microbiota is complicated because microbiological features reflect potentials rather than field conditions. Complementary microbiological assays were, therefore, combined to evaluate the N and P requirement of the microbiota in seven agricultural, grassland and forest topsoils of the Bornhöved Lake district as follows: (i) the sensitivity of the substrate-induced respiration (SIR) to supplemental addition of N and P was monitored during microbial growth and (ii) soil protease and phosphatase activities were analysed and related to soil mass and microbial biomass content. Nitrogen addition increased the maximal SIR rate in all except one soil indicating that the growth of organisms is restricted by this element when easily degradable C source is present. Supplemental N (and in some cases also P) retarded the respiratory response within the first 24 h which suggests microbial sensitivity and/or greater anabolic efficiency. With additional N the maximal SIR rate was most strongly enhanced in topsoils of the beech forest and the dystric alder forest. Thus, the microbial growth in these soils that were below litter horizons seems to be mostly restricted by N. Supplemental P positively affected respiratory response of soils under monoculture, wet grassland and dystric alder forest. In the dystric alder forest soil, high rates of alkaline and unbuffered phosphatase activity were observed when activity was related to either soil mass or microbial biomass content. The data of proteolytic and phospholytic enzymes are discussed with reference to nutrient deficiency and microbial strategy for N and P adsorption.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: effluent ; leaching ; 15N isotope ; nitrogen ; pasture ; uptake
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the N leaching loss and pasture N uptake from autumn-applied dairy shed effluent and ammonium fertilizer (NH4Cl) labeled with 15N, using intact soil lysimeters (80 cm diameter, 120 cm depth). The soil used was a sandy loam, and the pasture was a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens). The DSE and NH4Cl were applied twice annually in autumn (May) and late spring (November), each at 200 kg N ha-1. The N applied in May 1996 was labeled with 15N. The lysimeters were either spray or flood irrigated during the summer. The autumn-applied DSE resulted in lower N leaching losses compared with NH4Cl. However, the N applied in the autumn had a higher potential for leaching than N applied in late spring. Between 4.5–8.1% of the 15N-labeled mineral N in the DSE and 15.1–18.8% of the 15N-labeled NH4Cl applied in the autumn were leached within a year of application. Of the annual N leaching losses in the DSE treatments (16.0–26.9 kg N ha-1), a fifth (20.3–22.9%) was from the mineral N fraction of the DSE applied in the autumn, with the remaining larger proportion from the organic fraction of the DSE, soil N and N applied in spring. In the NH4Cl treatments, more than half (53.8–64.8%) of the annual N leaching loss (55.9–57.6 kg N ha-1) was derived from the autumn-applied NH4Cl. DSE was as effective as NH4Cl in stimulating pasture production. Since only 4.4–4.5% of the annual herbage N uptake in the DSE treatment and 12.3–13.3% in the NH4Cl treatment were derived from the autumn-applied mineral N, large proportions of the annual herbage N uptake must have been derived from the N applied in spring, the organic N fraction in the DSE, soil N and N fixed by clover. The recoveries of 15N in the herbage were similar between the DSE and the NH4Cl treatments, but those in the leachate were over 50% less from the DSE than from the NH4Cl treatment. The lower leaching loss of 15N in the DSE treatment was attributed to the stimulated microbial activities and increased immobilization following the application of DSE.
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  • 79
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    Euphytica 106 (1999), S. 117-123 
    ISSN: 1573-5060
    Keywords: differential display ; gene expression ; heterosis ; hybrid wheat ; seedling leaf
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Differential display of mRNA was used to analyze the differences of gene expression in seedling leaves between heterotic hybrid/nonheterotic hybrid and their parental inbreds in order to study the molecular basis of heterosis in wheat. The results indicated that patterns of gene expression in hybrids differ significantly from their parents. Both quantitative and qualitative differences were observed. The quantitative differences include gene over-expression, gene under-expression in hybrid and dominant expression of highly-expressed parental genes in hybrids. The qualitative differences include silencing in hybrids of genes expressed either in male or female parent, and silencing in hybrids of genes expressed in both parents. Expression in hybrid of genes only expressed either in male or female parent was also observed. It was also found that some genes expressed at high level in heterotic hybrid were underexpressed or expressed at low level in nonheterotic hybrid. One differentially expressed cDNA fragment 4B was cloned and sequenced after being confirmed through Northern blot analysis. Homology search in GenBank proved that the cDNA fragment is a new sequence. The selection of primers for differential RNA display in wheat and the relationship between wheat heterosis and alteration of gene expression in hybrids as compared to their parental inbreds were also discussed.
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  • 80
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    Plant growth regulation 29 (1999), S. 47-76 
    ISSN: 1573-5087
    Keywords: cold ; chill ; freezing ; gene expression ; signal transduction pathways
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Temperature is expected to affect all plant processes. Consistent with this, expression of a large number of specific mRNAs and proteins is up-regulated during cold-acclimation. Their possible functions are outlined, encompassing a wide range of processes, some possibly related to other winter stresses besides cold. Some of the cold-responsive sequences are associated with constitutive or stress-related metabolism, others are probably protective, some may influence freezing, and many are of as yet unknown function. While many of the sequences code for intracellular proteins, a significant number code for apoplastic proteins with a variety of possible functions. Transient influx of calcium into the cytosol appears to be a key step in the response to cold, and also to many other stresses and signals. Similarly, the cold-responsive promoter element identified so far is also responsive to drought and salt. However, how cold is sensed, and any cold-specific aspects of the cold signal transduction pathway, are, so far, unknown. What is clear is that, at least in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, cold-, desiccation-, salt- and ABA-triggered signal transduction pathways, and possibly others, run partly in parallel and partly intersect. This may be partly explained by a need for an integrated winter-response. The total number of genes which are cold-responsive and the quantity of resources which this implies are used in this way, indicate that many must have a positive role in acclimation. Experiments which modify membrane lipid unsaturation or solute accumulation, achieved by transformation of plants to express exotic or heterologous genes or by other means, confirm that these factors affect chill- or freezing-tolerance. A transgenic test has shown that one cold-up-regulated gene of previously unknown function contributes to freezing-tolerance, but the small effect re-emphasises the probably cumulative nature of the contributions of many cold-up-regulated sequences to acclimation. On the other hand, mutant analysis indicates some genes may make a comparatively larger contribution. Transformation of alfalfa to overexpress a superoxide dismutase gene increased cold-tolerance and drought-resistance and demonstrated that improvements in field-survival of stresses is possible by transgenic means. Over-expression of a transcription factor, CBF1, conferred freezing-tolerance on Arabidopsis, showing that manipulation of the signal transduction pathway could be an important method for modifying cold-tolerance.
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  • 81
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    Hydrobiologia 408-409 (1999), S. 375-387 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: eutrophication ; multi-lake studies ; phosphorus ; nitrogen ; chlorophyll-a ; transparency ; zooplankton ; macrophytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Monitoring data obtained from 231 freshwater lakes and ponds in the Netherlands, covering the period 1980–1996, were used to analyse the relationships between (a) transparency and chlorophyll-a, and the effect of system characteristics on this relationship, (b) chlorophyll-aand nutrient concentrations, and the effect of biological variables and (c) nutrient concentrations and nutrient loading. (a) Chlorophyll-aimposes a maximum on water transparency, but deviations from this maximum can be large. Reducing chlorophyll-a, therefore, does not guarantee a sufficient improvement of transparency. Soil type and the average depth of a lake were shown to influence the relationship between chlorophyll-aand transparency. (b) The maximum ratios of both chlorophyll-a: total-P and chlorophyll-a: total-N were higher in systems dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria than in systems dominated by other algae, indicating the efficiency of the former group with respect to nutrients. In systems with an areal coverage with submersed macrophytes above 5%, concentrations of chlorophyll-aand nutrients were lower than in systems with lower coverages. The ratios between chlorophyll-aand nutrients were lower at coverages larger than 10%. This indicates both bottom-up and top-down control of algae by macrophytes. Grazing pressure by zooplankton was also found to lower the chlorophyll-a: nutrient ratios. (c) System specific linear relationships were found between the average concentrations of total-P and total-N in the incoming water and the summer mean concentration in the lake. This allows the assessment of admissible loads for individual lakes, with narrower confidence limits compared to traditional relationships based on combined data from many lakes. From the analysis, it is concluded that the chain of relationships from nutrient loading to transparency is complex, and depends on biological variables as well as system characteristics.
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  • 82
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    Biogeochemistry 44 (1999), S. 93-118 
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Everglades National Park ; mangrove soils ; organic matter ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; sedimentation ; simulation model
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The distribution and accumulation of organic matter, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in mangrove soils at four sites along the Shark River estuary of south Florida were investigated with empirical measures and a process-based model. The mangrove nutrient model (NUMAN) was developed from the SEMIDEC marsh organic matter model and parameterized with data from mangrove wetlands. The soil characteristics in the four mangrove sites varied greatly in both concentrations and profiles of soil carbon, N and P. Organic matter decreased from 82% in the upstream locations to 30% in the marine sites. Comparisons of simulated and observed results demonstrated that landscape gradients of soil characteristics along the estuary can be adequately modeled by accounting for plant production, litter decomposition and export, and allochthonous input of mineral sediments. Model sensitivity analyses suggest that root production has a more significant effect on soil composition than litter fall. Model simulations showed that the greatest change in organic matter, N, and P occurred from the soil surface to 5 cm depth. The rapid decomposition of labile organic matter was responsible for this decrease in organic matter. Simulated N mineralization rates decreased quickly with depth, which corresponded with the decrease of labile organic matter. The increase in organic matter content and decrease in soil bulk density from mangrove sites at downstream locations compared to those at upstream locations was controlled mainly by variation in allochthonous inputs of mineral matter at the mouth of the estuary, along with gradients in mangrove root production. Research on allochthonouns sediment input and in situ root production of mangroves is limited compared to their significance to understanding nutrient biogeochemistry of these wetlands. More accurate simulations of temporal patterns of nutrient characteristics with depth will depend on including the effects of disturbance such as hurricanes on sediment redistribution and biomass production.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Chaohu Lake ; chemical fertilizer ; cycling ; denitrification ; multipond system ; nitrogen ; nutrient budget ; phosphorus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract During a two-year field study, an annual nutrient budget and cycles were developed for a small agricultural watershed. The study emphasized the integrated unit of the watershed in understanding the biogeochemistry. It was found that the total nutrient input was 39.1× 104 kg nitrogen and 3.91×104 kg phosphorus in the year 1995, of which the greatest input of nutrients to the watershed was chemical fertilizer application, reaching 34.7×104 kg (676 kg/ha) nitrogen and 3.88×104 kg (76 kg/ha) phosphorus. The total nutrient output from the watershed was 13.55×104 kg nitrogen and 0.40×104 kg phosphorus, while the largest output of nitrogen was denitrification, accounting for 44.1% of N output; the largest output of phosphorus was sale of crops, accounting for 99.4% of P output. The results show that the nutrient input is larger than output, demonstrating that there is nutrient surplus within the watershed, a surplus which may become a potential source of nonpoint pollution to area waters. The research showed that both denitrification and volatilization of nitrogen are key ways of nitrogen loss from the watershed. This suggests that careful management of fertilizer application will be important for the sustainable development of agriculture. The research demonstrated that a multipond system within the watershed had high retention rate for both water and nutrients, benefiting the water, nutrient and sediment recycling in the terrestrial ecosystem and helping to reduce agricultural nonpoint pollution at its source. Therefore, this unique watershed system should be recommended due to its great potential relevance for sustainable agricultural development.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Chihuahuan desert ; desert ; desertification ; grassland ; nitrogen ; nutrient budgets ; phosphorus ; runoff
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Rainfall simulation experiments were performed in areas of semiarid grassland (Bouteloua eriopoda) and arid shrubland (Larrea tridentata) in the Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico. The objective was to compare the runoff of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from these habitats to assess whether losses of soil nutrients are associated with the invasion of grasslands by shrubs. Runoff losses from grass- and shrub-dominated plots were similar, and much less than from bare plots located in the shrubland. Weighted average concentrations of total dissolved N compounds in runoff were greatest in the grassland (1.72 mg/1) and lowest in bare plots in the shrubland (0.55 mg/1). More than half of the N transported in runoff was carried in dissolved organic compounds. In grassland and shrub plots, the total N loss was highly correlated to the total volume of discharge. We estimate that the total annual loss of N in runoff is 0.25 kg/ha/yr in grasslands and 0.43 kg/ha/yr in shrublands — consistent with the depletion of soil N during desertification of these habitats. Losses of P from both habitats were very small.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: nitrogen ; phosphorus ; pore water ; macrophyte ; floodplain ; Paraná River
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Inorganic nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphate (o-P) concentrations were measured in the water of a marsh and in its interstitial water at two sites, and in the river water of a floodplain marsh of the Lower Paraná River. These values were compared with the N and P concentration in sediments and macrophyte biomass in order to assess nutrient availability, fate and storage capacity. High variability was found in the interstitital water using a 1 cm resolution device. Nitrate was never detected in the pore water. Depth averaged NH4 + concentrations in the upper 30 cm layer often ranged from N = 1.5 to 1.8 mg l-1, but showed a pronounced minimum (0.5–0.7 mg l-1), close to (March 95), or relatively soon after (May 94) the end of the macrophyte growing season. Soluble phosphate showed a large variation between P = 0.1–1.1 mg l-1 without any discernible seasonal pattern. NH4 + depletion in the pore water concentration and low N/P ratios (3.7 by weight) within the macrophyte biomass at the end of the growing period suggest that available N limits plant growth. NH4 + and o-P concentrations were 35 and 7 times higher, respectively, in the pore water than in the overlying marsh, suggesting a permanent flux of nutrients from the sediments. o-P accumulate in the marsh leading to higher concentrations than in the incoming river. NH4 + did not accumulate in the marsh, and no significant differences were observed between the river and the marsh water, while the NO3 - contributed by the river water was depleted within the marsh, caused probably by coupled nitrification-denitrification at the sediment–water interface. Although an order of magnitude smaller, the pore water pool can supply enough nutrients to build up the macrophyte biomass pool, but only if a fast turnover is attained. The Paraná floodplain marsh retains a large amount of nutrients being stored mainly in the sediment compartment.
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  • 86
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: shallow lake ; nutrient loading ; retention ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; release
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The shallow (mean depth 4.9 m), polymictic and eutrophic lake Müggelsee was highly loaded with phosphorus (6 gP m-2a-1) and nitrogen (170 gN m-2a-1) by the river Spree up to the end of the 1980s. Annual load declined by 40–50% during the last years (1991–97). Phosphorus retention fluctuated strongly during the seasonal cycle between −200 and +100 kgP d-1and from year to year between −44% and + 26% of the P import. At the end of the eighties, the P retention capacity of the sediment was exceeded and Müggelsee became a source of phosphorus. The lake regained its ability to retain P in the sediments after external load reduction in the 1990s. However, the internal load of P reached the level of the external one. The release of P during summer was strongly related to the import of nitrate. On long-term average (1979–1997), less than 1% of the P input was retained in Müggelsee. About 24% of the nitrogen load were removed in the lake on annual mean. This rate decreased during the last years.
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  • 87
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    Hydrobiologia 395-396 (1999), S. 389-401 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: legislation ; eutrophication ; phosphorus ; nitrogen ; wildlife conservation ; SSSI
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract There is no single piece of legislation which comprehensively addresses the problem of eutrophication of freshwater lakes. An examination is made of the extent to which national and EU laws applicable in England and Wales may be used to reduce phosphorus inputs to eutrophicated lakes. This case study is then used to outline the shortcomings of existing legislation and the future challenges for lake eutrophication control. Applicable legislation may be divided into that relating to nature conservation, to water quality and to agricultural extensification. Nature conservation laws are applicable, in that lakes designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), are theoretically safeguarded from degradation. The main limitation of the SSSI system lies in the boundary definition process under which, as a rule, no other category of legally protected land may be designated. Thus, the use of surrounding buffer land to protect water quality at the catchment level is generally precluded. The introduction of consultation areas around SSSIs of international importance under the EU Directive on Habitats is unlikely to alleviate the problem, since the area involved remains minimal compared to the extent of the majority of catchments. Intensive agricultural practices are responsible for significant nutrient enrichment of rivers and lakes, so that legislation aimed at extensification is also relevant. Examples of agricultural extensification include the Environrnentally Sensitive Areas programme and various options available for Set-Aside land. However, the prime purpose of such initiatives is the alleviation of surplus and budgetary problems and, as such, they fall short of a fully integrated approach to the ecological management of farmland. Nutrient enrichment is, essentially, a water quality issue, but policy and legislation in this area are not yet sufficiently developed to address the problem comprehensively. The current regulatory process for water quality carries the potential to work comparatively well for point sources under the system of consents to discharge. This potential is limited, however, by the paucity of information available on ecologically acceptable concentrations of phosphorus in discharges. In addition, the consents system is not constructed to deal effectively with diffuse agricultural losses of phosphorus, since, unlike point sources, these tend to arise from the cumulative effect of many activities. The main legislative challenge for lake eutrophication control lies in the area of diffuse agricultural losses of phosphorus. In this respect, experience in the U.S.A. reveals that the use of comprehensive and catchment-wide ‘Best Management Practices’ is capable of producing significant water quality improvements, providing that some degree of mandatory compliance is incorporated.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: Integrated lake management ; biomanipulation ; lake recovery ; phosphorus ; nitrogen ; eutrophication ; restoration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The majority of Danish lakes are highly eutrophic due to high nutrient input from domestic sources and agricultural activities. Reduced nutrient retention, and more rapid removal, in catchments as a result of agricultural drainage of wetlands and lakes and channelisation or culverting of streams also play a role. Attempts have recently been made to reduce nutrient loading on lakes by intervening at the source level and by improving the retention capacity of catchment areas. The former measures include phosphorus stripping and nitrogen removal at sewage works, increased use of phosphate-free detergents, and regulations concerning animal fertiliser storage capacity, fertiliser application practices, fertilisation plans and green cover in winter. In order to improve nutrient retention capacity of catchments, wetlands and lakes have been re-established and channelised streams have been remeandered. In addition, cultivation-free buffer strips have been established alongside natural streams and there has been a switch to manual weed control. These measures have resulted in a 73% reduction of the mean total phosphorus concentration of point-source polluted streams since 1978; in contrast, there has been no significant change in the total nitrogen concentration. Despite the major reduction in stream phosphorus concentrations, lake water quality has often not improved. This may reflect a too high external or internal phosphorus loading or biological resistance. Various physico-chemical restoration measures have been used, including dredging and oxidation of the hypolimnion with nitrate and oxygen. Biological restoration measures have been employed in 17 Danish lakes. The methods include reducing the abundance of cyprinids, stocking with 0+ pike ( Esox lucius) to control 0+ cyprinids, and promoting macrophyte recolonization by protecting germinal submerged macrophyte beds against grazing waterfowl and transplanting out macrophyte shoots. In several lakes, marked and long-lasting improvements have been obtained. The findings to date indicate that fish manipulation has a long-term effect in shallow lakes, providing nutrient loading is reduced to a level so low as to ensure an equilibrium lake water phosphorus concentration of less than 0.05–0.1 mg phosphorus l−1. If nitrogen loading is very low, however, positive results may be obtained at higher phosphorus concentrations. Macrophyte refuges and transplantation seem to be the most successful as restoration measures in the same nutrient-phosphorus regime as fish manipulation.
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  • 89
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    Biogeochemistry 44 (1999), S. 93-118 
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Everglades National Park ; mangrove soils ; organic matter ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; sedimentation ; simulation model
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The distribution and accumulation of organic matter, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in mangrove soils at four sites along the Shark River estuary of south Florida were investigated with empirical measures and a process-based model. The mangrove nutrient model (NUMAN) was developed from the SEMIDEC marsh organic matter model and parameterized with data from mangrove wetlands. The soil characteristics in the four mangrove sites varied greatly in both concentrations and profiles of soil carbon, N and P. Organic matter decreased from 82% in the upstream locations to 30% in the marine sites. Comparisons of simulated and observed results demonstrated that landscape gradients of soil characteristics along the estuary can be adequately modeled by accounting for plant production, litter decomposition and export, and allochthonous input of mineral sediments. Model sensitivity analyses suggest that root production has a more significant effect on soil composition than litter fall. Model simulations showed that the greatest change in organic matter, N, and P occurred from the soil surface to 5 cm depth. The rapid decomposition of labile organic matter was responsible for this decrease in organic matter. Simulated N mineralization rates decreased quickly with depth, which corresponded with the decrease of labile organic matter. The increase in organic matter content and decrease in soil bulk density from mangrove sites at downstream locations compared to those at upstream locations was controlled mainly by variation in allochthonous inputs of mineral matter at the mouth of the estuary, along with gradients in mangrove root production. Research on allochthonouns sediment input and in situ root production of mangroves is limited compared to their significance to understanding nutrient biogeochemistry of these wetlands. More accurate simulations of temporal patterns of nutrient characteristics with depth will depend on including the effects of disturbance such as hurricanes on sediment redistribution and biomass production.
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  • 90
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: Chaohu Lake ; chemical fertilizer ; cycling ; denitrification ; multipond system ; nitrogen ; nutrient budget ; phosphorus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract During a two-year field study, an annual nutrient budget and cycles were developed for a small agricultural watershed. The study emphasized the integrated unit of the watershed in understanding the biogeochemistry. It was found that the total nutrient input was 39.1 × 104 kg nitrogen and 3.91 × 104 kg phosphorus in the year 1995, of which the greatest input of nutrients to the watershed was chemical fertilizer application, reaching 34.7 × 104 kg (676 kg/ha) nitrogen and 3.88 × 104 kg (76 kg/ha) phosphorus. The total nutrient output from the watershed was 13.55 × 104 kg nitrogen and 0.40 × 104 kg phosphorus, while the largest output of nitrogen was denitrification, accounting for 44.1% of N output; the largest output of phosphorus was sale of crops, accounting for 99.4% of P output. The results show that the nutrient input is larger than output, demonstrating that there is nutrient surplus within the watershed, a surplus which may become a potential source of nonpoint pollution to area waters. The research showed that both denitrification and volatilization of nitrogen are key ways of nitrogen loss from the watershed. This suggests that careful management of fertilizer application will be important for the sustainable development of agriculture. The research demonstrated that a multipond system within the watershed had high retention rate for both water and nutrients, benefiting the water, nutrient and sediment recycling in the terrestrial ecosystem and helping to reduce agricultural nonpoint pollution at its source. Therefore, this unique watershed system should be recommended due to its great potential relevance for sustainable agricultural development.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: atmospheric deposition ; moss ; bog ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; water table
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Nitrogen additions as NH4NO3 corresponding to 0 (N0), 1 (N1), 3 (N3) and 10 (N10) g N m−2 yr−1 were made toSphagnum magellanicurn cores at two-week intervalsin situ at four sites across Europe, i.e. Lakkasuo (Finland). Männikjärve (Estonia), Moidach More (UK) and Côte de Braveix (France). The same treatments were applied in a glasshouse experiment in Neuchâtel (Switzerland) in which the water table depth was artificially maintained at 7, 17 and 37 cm below the moss surface. In the field, N assimilation in excess of values in wet deposition occurred in the absence of growth, but varied widely between sites, being absent in Lakkasuo (moss N∶P ratio 68) and greatest in Moidach More (N∶P 21). In the glasshouse, growth was reduced by lowering the water table without any apparent effect on N assimilation. Total N content of the moss in field sites increased as the mean depth of water table increased indicating growth limitation leading to increased N concentrations which could reduce the capacity for N retention. Greater contents of NH4 + in the underlying peat at 30 cm depth, both in response to NH4NO3 addition and in the unamended cores confirmed poor retention of inorganic N by the moss at Lakkasuo. Nitrate contents in the profiles at Lakkasuo, Moidach More, and Côte de Braveix were extremely low, even in the N10 treatment, but in Männikjärve, where the mean depth of water table was greatest and retention absent, appreciable amounts of NO3 − were detected in all cores. It is concluded that peatland drainage would reduce the capture of inorganic N in atmospheric deposition bySphagnum mosses.
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  • 92
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: N15 ; nitrogen ; nutrient cycling ; plants ; stable isotopes ; soil ; temperate forest ; tropical forest
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Several lines of evidence suggest that nitrogen in most tropical forests is relatively more available than N in most temperate forests, and even that it may function as an excess nutrient in many tropical forests. If this is correct, tropical forests should have more open N cycles than temperate forests, with both inputs and outputs of N large relative to N cycling within systems. Consequent differences in both the magnitude and the pathways of N loss imply that tropical forests should in general be more15N enriched than are most temperate forests. In order to test this hypothesis, we compared the nitrogen stable isotopic composition of tree leaves and soils from a variety of tropical and temperate forests. Foliar δ15N values from tropical forests averaged 6.5‰ higher than from temperate forests. Within the tropics, ecosystems with relatively low N availability (montane forests, forests on sandy soils) were significantly more depleted in15N than other tropical forests. The average δ15N values for tropical forest soils, either for surface or for depth samples, were almost 8‰ higher than temperate forest soils. These results provide another line of evidence that N is relatively abundant in many tropical forest ecosystems.
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  • 93
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: estuaries ; lakes ; marine ; nitrogen ; phosphorus ; rivers ; streams ; temperate ; tropics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Published data and analyses from temperate and tropical aquatic systems are used to summarize knowledge about the potential impact of land-use alteration on the nitrogen biogeochemistry of tropical aquatic ecosystems, identify important patterns and recommend key needs for research. The tropical N-cycle is traced from pre-disturbance conditions through the phases of disturbance, highlighting major differences between tropical and temperate systems that might influence development strategies in the tropics. Analyses suggest that tropical freshwaters are more frequently N-limited than temperate zones, while tropical marine systems may show more frequent P limitation. These analyses indicate that disturbances to pristine tropical lands will lead to greatly increased primary production in freshwaters and large changes in tropical freshwater communities. Increased freshwater nutrient flux will also lead to an expansion of the high production, N- and light-limited zones around river deltas, a switch from P- to N-limitation in calcareous marine systems, with large changes in the community composition of fragile mangrove and reef systems. Key information gaps are highlighted, including data on mechanisms of nutrient transport and atmospheric deposition in the tropics, nutrient and material retention capacities of tropical impoundments, and N/P coupling and stoichiometric impacts of nutrient supplies on tropical aquatic communities. The current base of biogeochemical data suggests that alterations in the N-cycle will have greater impacts on tropical aquatic ecosystems than those already observed in the temperate zone.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1573-5168
    Keywords: adenosine triphosphate ; fertility ; nitrogen ; salmonid ; semen ; spermatocrit ; viability
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in sperm from chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were found to be 12.1±1.9 pmol ATP per 106 sperm cells (mean±SEM, n=18). Sperm were stored at 0–2 °C for up to 72 h under 100, 21, and 0% O2. Changes in sperm ATP content of samples maintained under 100 and 21% O2 were indistinguishable, decreasing to 50% of initial values after 72 h. ATP levels of sperm stored under 0% O2 decreased to 10% of initial values within 8 h and remained unchanged throughout the following 64 h. The initial percent of living sperm (sperm viability) was 94.7±1.7% (mean±SEM, n=12) and was unaltered at 24 h under all O2 tensions. At 72 h, sperm viability remained unchanged under 21% O2 and had decreased by 20% under 100% O2 and by 30% under 0% O2. Therefore, reductions in sperm ATP levels could not be attributed to cell lysis, as viability decreased only modestly over these durations. Fertilizing ability correlated positively with sperm ATP levels. Spermatocrit values increased by 20% for the samples maintained under 100 and 21% O2 after 72 h. However, a 20% increase in spermatocrit occurred within 24 h in samples maintained under 0% O2, rising 70% after 72 h under 0% O2. These data indicate that chinook sperm ATP (1) can be altered and manipulated without significant loss of viability, (2) is positively associated with fertilization, and (3) probably plays a role in sperm packing and cell flexibility.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1573-5168
    Keywords: fish ; gene expression ; GH ; GtH ; gonad ; growth factors ; RT-PCR ; salmonid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In this study, Northern blot analysis of RNA from trout testis revealed a single transcript of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) around 4.7 kb. The cellular distribution of IGF-II mRNA was studied and quantified in different testicular cells enriched populations by RT-PCR. IGF-II mRNA appears to be expressed in all cellular types tested: spermatogonia A and B, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and secondary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. A significantly higher expression of IGF-II was found in premeiotic germ cells. The levels of IGF-II mRNA appear to be higher than those of IGF-I in immature trout testis, as judged from the semi-quantitative RT-PCR results. These data suggest that in addition to IGF-I, IGF-II may play a role in testicular physiology in fish. The hormonal regulation of IGF-I and IGF-II gene expression was investigated both in vitro and in vivo using RT-PCR approach. Gonadotropin (GtH) added to testicular explants increased IGF-II mRNA levels but had no effect on IGF-I. No statistically significant effect was observed with androgens. In vivo, GH and pituitary extracts resulted in an 8 fold and 2-3 fold increase in both IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA levels, respectively. Taken together, our study suggests that IGF-I and IGF-II may act as local mediators of GH and GtHs in fish testis. Moreover, our results imply that in fish testicular cells, IGFs are potential paracrine/autocrine regulators inside the spermatogenic compartment and can act directly on germ cells to stimulate their proliferation.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: acetate ; carbon dioxide ; hydrogen ; methanogenesis ; iron ; organic carbon ; nitrogen ; redox balance ; rice paddy soil ; sulfate
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The potentials for sequential reduction of inorganic electron acceptors and production of methane have been examined in sixteen rice soils obtained from China, the Philippines, and Italy. Methane, CO2, Fe(II), NO 3 - , SO 4 2 , pH, Eh, H2 and acetate were monitored during anaerobic incubation at 30 °C for 120 days. Based on the accumulation patterns of CO2 and CH4, the reduction process was divided into three distinct phases: (1) an initial reduction phase during which most of the inorganic electron acceptors were depleted and CO2 production was at its maximum, (2) a methanogenic phase during which CH4 production was initiated and reached its highest rate, and (3) a steady state phase with constant production rates of CH4 and CO2. The reduction phases lasted for 19 to 75 days with maximum CO2 production of 2.3 to 10.9 μmol d-1 g-1 dry soil. Methane production started after 2 to 87 days and became constant after about 38--68 days (one soil 〉120 days). The maximum CH4 production rates ranged between 0.01 and 3.08 μmol d-1 g-1. During steady state the constant CH4 and CO2 production rates varied from 0.07 to 0.30 μmol d-1 g-1 and 0.02 and 0.28 μmol d-1 g-1, respectively. Within the 120 d of anaerobic incubation only 6--17% of the total soil organic carbon was released into the gas phase. The gaseous carbon released consisted of 61--100% CO2, 〈0.1--35% CH4, and 〈5% nonmethane hydrocarbons. Associated with the reduction of available Fe(III) most of the CO2 was produced during the reduction phase. The electron transfer was balanced between total CO2 produced and both CH4 formed and Fe(III), sulfate and nitrate reduced. Maximum CH4 production rate (r = 0.891) and total CH4 produced (r = 0.775) correlated best with the ratio of soil nitrogen to electron acceptors. Total nitrogen content was a better indicator for “available” organic substrates than the total organic carbon content. The redox potential was not a good predictor of potential CH4 production. These observations indicate that the availability of degradable organic substrates mainly controls the CH4 production in the absence of inorganic electron acceptors.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1573-515X
    Keywords: acetate ; carbon dioxide ; hydrogen ; methanogenesis ; iron ; organic carbon ; nitrogen ; redox balance ; rice paddy soil ; sulfate
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The potentials for sequential reduction of inorganic electron acceptors and production of methane have been examined in sixteen rice soils obtained from China, the Philippines, and Italy. Methane, CO2, Fe(II), NO 3 − , SO 4 2− , pH, Eh, H2 and acetate were monitored during anaerobic incubation at 30 °C for 120 days. Based on the accumulation patterns of CO2 and CH4, the reduction process was divided into three distinct phases: (1) an initial reduction phase during which most of the inorganic electron acceptors were depleted and CO2 production was at its maximum, (2) a methanogenic phase during which CH4 production was initiated and reached its highest rate, and (3) a steady state phase with constant production rates of CH4. and CO2. The reduction phases lasted for 19 to 75 days with maximum CO2 production of 2.3 to 10.9μmol d−1 g−1 dry soil. Methane production started after 2 to 87 days and became constant after about 38–68 days (one soil 〉120 days). The maximum CH4 production rates ranged between 0.01 and 3.08μmol d−1 g−1. During steady state the constant CH4 and CO2 production rates varied from 0.07 to 0.30μmol d−1 g−1 and 0.02 and 0.28μmol d−1 g−1, respectively. Within the 120 d of anaerobic incubation only 6–17% of the total soil organic carbon was released into the gas phase. The gaseous carbon released consisted of 61–100% CO2, 〈0.1–35% CH4, and 〈5% nonmethane hydrocarbons. Associated with the reduction of available Fe(III) most of the CO2 was produced during the reduction phase. The electron transfer was balanced between total CO2 produced and both CH4 formed and Fe(III), sulfate and nitrate reduced. Maximum CH4 production rate (r=0.891) and total CH4 produced (r =0.775) correlated best with the ratio of soil nitrogen to electron acceptors. Total nitrogen content was a better indicator for “available” organic substrates than the total organic carbon content. The redox potential was not a good predictor of potential CH4 production. These observations indicate that the availability of degradable organic substrates mainly controls the CH4 production in the absence of inorganic electron acceptors.
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  • 98
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Tubulin ; glial fibrillary acidic protein ; gene expression ; human fetal brain
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Developmental alterations in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and α-tubulin were examined at the level of mRNA and protein in human fetal brain between weeks 13–23 of gestation. Except for a transient increase at week 15, GFAP expression in the cytoskeletal (CSK) fraction was low until week 17, when it increased steadily to week 23, corresponding to the phase of glial proliferation. The developmental profile of α-tubulin in the CSK fraction displayed a biphasic pattern, with an initial rise between weeks 13–16 coinciding with the early phase of neuroblast multiplication, and a second rise between weeks 17–23 corresponding to the phase of glial proliferation. No significant difference in the spatial distribution of α-tubulin was found in different region of brain but GFAP expression varied with a higher level in cerebellum than that in cerebrum at late midgestation.
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  • 99
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 31 (1999), S. 467-473 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Uncoupling proteins ; fatty acids ; skeletal muscle ; brown adipose tissue ; obesity ; thermogenesis ; gene expression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract The recently discovered uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is highly homologous to the mitochondrialinner membrane protein UCP1, which generates heat by uncoupling the respiratory chainfrom oxidative phosphorylation. The thermogenic function of UCP1 protects against cold andregulates the energy balance in rodents. We review in vitro studies investigating the uncouplingactivity of UCP3 and in vivo studies, which address UCP3 gene expression in brown adiposetissue and skeletal muscle under various metabolic conditions. The data presented are, for themost, consistent with an uncoupling role for UCP3 in regulatory thermogenesis. We alsodiscuss mediators of UCP3 regulation and propose a potential role for intracellular fatty acidsin the mechanism of UCP3 modulation. Finally, we hypothesize a role for UCP3 in themetabolic adaptation of the mitochondria to the degradation of fatty acids.
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  • 100
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Neurochemical research 24 (1999), S. 1233-1240 
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Anandamide ; AMPA GluR3 receptor subunit ; cannabinoid CB1 receptor ; cAMP ; gene expression ; cannabinoid antagonist ; SR141716A ; Xenopus oocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The discovery of endocannabinoids such as anandamide and the wide spread localization of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues, suggests that the cannabinoid system represents a previously unrecognized ubiquitous net work in the nervous system, whose physiology and function is unfolding. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that some of the actions of anandamide are independent of a cannabinoid receptor mechanism. This was accomplished by the use of cannabinoid agonist and antagonist interaction in an in-vitro and in-vivo test systems. In-vitro, we used Xenopus laevis oocytes expression system and two-voltage clamp technique in combination with differential display polymerase chain reaction to determine whether the differential display of genes following treatment with anandamide may be linked to AMPA glutamate receptor. The differential expression of genes in vivo after the sub-acute administration of anandamide could not be directly linked with the AMPA glutamate receptor. In the voltage clamp studies we investigated the effects of anandamide on recombinant AMPA GluR3 sub-unit currents generated by kainic acid in oocytes expressing the AMPA glutamate receptor. In the in-vitro studies, we present evidence that anandamide inhibited the kainate activated currents in oocytes expressing AMPA glutamate receptor involves cAMP transduction via a cannabinoid receptor independent mechanism. In the in-vivo studies, SR141716A, the CB1 antagonist, induced anxiolysis, that was dependent on the mouse strain used in the anxiety model and blocked the anxiogenic effects of anandamide or methanandamide whereas SR141716A had no effect on the anandamide inhibition of kainate activated currents in-vitro.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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