@article{OesterheltSchmaelzlinSchmittetal.2007, author = {Oesterhelt, Christine and Schm{\"a}lzlin, Elmar and Schmitt, J{\"u}rgen M. and Lokstein, Heiko}, title = {Regulation of photosynthesis in the unicellular acidophilic red alga Galdieria sulphuraria}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-313X.2007.03159.x}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Extremophilic organisms are gaining increasing interest because of their unique metabolic capacities and great biotechnological potential. The unicellular acidophilic and mesothermophilic red alga Galdieria sulphuraria (074G) can grow autotrophically in light as well as heterotrophically in the dark. In this paper, the effects of externally added glucose on primary and secondary photosynthetic reactions are assessed to elucidate mixotrophic capacities of the alga. Photosynthetic O-2 evolution was quantified in an open system with a constant Supply Of CO2 to avoid rapid volatilization of dissolved inorganic carbon at low pH levels. In the presence of glucose, O-2 evolution was repressed even in illuminated cells. Ratios of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (F-v/F-m) and 77 Kfluorescence spectra indicated a reduced photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. The results were corroborated by strongly reduced levels of the photosystem 11 reaction centre protein D1. The downregulation of primary photosynthetic reactions was accompanied by reduced levels of the Calvin Cycle enzyme ribu lose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylaselfoxygenase (Rubisco). Both effects depended on functional sugar uptake and are thus initiated by intracellular rather than extracellular glucose. Following glucose depletion, photosynthetic O-2 evolution of illuminated cells commenced after 15 h and Rubisco levels again reached the levels of autotrophic cells. It is concluded that true mixotrophy, involving electron transport across both photosystems, does not occur in G. sulphuraria 074G, and that heterotrophic growth is favoured over autotrophic growth if sufficient organic carbon is available.}, language = {en} } @article{LeimuKoricheva2006, author = {Leimu, Roosa and Koricheva, Julia}, title = {A meta-analysis of genetic correlations between plant resistances to multiple enemies}, issn = {0003-0147}, doi = {10.1086/505766}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Genetic correlations between plant resistances to multiple natural enemies are important because they have the potential to determine the mode of selection that natural enemies impose on a host plant, the structure of herbivore and pathogen communities, and the success of plant breeding for resistance to multiple diseases and pests. We conducted a meta-analysis of 29 published studies of 16 different plant species reporting a total of 467 genetic correlations between resistances to multiple herbivores or pathogens. In general, genetic associations between resistances to multiple natural enemies tended to be positive regardless of the breeding design, type of attacker, and type of host plant. Positive genetic correlations between resistances were stronger when both attackers were pathogens or generalist herbivores and when resistance to different enemies was tested independently, suggesting that generalists may be affected by the same plant resistance traits and that interactions among natural enemies are common. Although the mean associations between resistances were positive, indicating the prevalence of diffuse selection and generalized defenses against multiple enemies, the large variation in both the strength and the direction of the associations suggests a continuum between pairwise and diffuse selection}, language = {en} } @article{LegallStielBecketal.2007, author = {Legall, Herbert and Stiel, Holger and Beck, Michael and Leupold, Dieter and Gruszecki, Wieslaw I. and Lokstein, Heiko}, title = {Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) of pigment-protein complexes : peridinin- chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) of Amphidinium carterae}, issn = {0165-022X}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbbm.2006.08.005}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Peridinin-chlorophyll a protein (PCP) is a unique water soluble antenna complex that employs the carotenoid peridinin as the main light-harvesting pigment. In the present study the near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectrum of PCP was recorded at the carbon Kedge. Additionally, the NEXAFS spectra of the constituent pigments, chlorophyll a and peridinin, were measured. The energies of the lowest unoccupied molecular levels of these pigments appearing in the carbon NEXAFS spectrum were resolved. Individual contributions of the pigments and the protein to the measured NEXAFS spectrum of PCP were determined using a "building block" approach combining NEXAFS spectra of the pigments and the amino acids constituting the PCP apoprotein. The results suggest that absorption changes of the pigments in the carbon near K-edge region can be resolved following excitation using a suitable visible pump laser pulse. Consequently, it may be possible to study excitation energy transfer processes involving "optically dark" states of carotenoids in pigment-protein complexes by soft X-ray probe optical pump double resonance spectroscopy (XODR).}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtkeBellWeithoff2006, author = {Schmidtke, Andrea and Bell, Elanor M. and Weithoff, Guntram}, title = {Potential grazing impact of the mixotrophic flagellate Ochromonas sp. (Chrysophyceae) on bacteria in an extremely acidic lake}, volume = {28}, number = {11}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0142-7873}, doi = {10.1093/plankt/fbl034}, pages = {991 -- 1001}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Flagellates are important bacterial grazers in most planktonic food webs. The prey-size preference of the mixotrophic flagellate, Ochromonas sp. (Chrysophyceae), isolated from an extremely acidic lake, Lake 111 (pH 2.6), was determined using fluorescently labelled microspheres (beads). According to grazing experiments with cultured bacteria, also isolated from Lake 111, the potential grazing impact on Lake 111"s single-celled bacterial production was calculated. Ochromonas sp. ingested the smallest beads offered (0.5 µm diameter) at the highest rate. Ingestion rate declined with increasing bead size. The highest prey volume-specific ingestion was measured for Ochromonas sp. feeding on intermediate-sized beads (1.9 µm). Ingestion rates were low due in part to the large fraction of inactive flagellates observed. According to the bacterial ingestion rate, a mean of 88\% (epilimnion) and 68\% (hypolimnion) of in situ single- celled bacterial production is potentially grazed daily by Ochromonas sp. In the epilimnion of Lake 111, the heterotrophic carbon gain is three times higher than the autotrophic production. Alongside carbon uptake, Ochromonas sp. also benefits from ingesting bacteria through the uptake of phosphorus. A biovolume minimum corresponding to the prey size at which Ochromonas sp. feeds most efficiently occurred in the Lake 111 epilimnetic bacterial community, implying top-down control of the bacterial community by Ochromonas sp.}, language = {en} } @article{HerzschuhKuerschnerMischke2006, author = {Herzschuh, Ulrike and K{\"u}rschner, Harald and Mischke, Steffen}, title = {Temperature variability and vertical vegetation belt shifts during the last similar to 50,000 yr in the Qilian Mountains (NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China)}, issn = {0033-5894}, doi = {10.1016/j.yqres.2006.03.001}, year = {2006}, abstract = {A 13.94-m-long sediment core, collected from a medium-sized lake in the Qilian Mountains (NE Tibetan Plateau, China), was analysed palynologically at 81 horizons. The interpretation of indicator taxa yielded various vertical shifts of the vegetation belts. These palaeovegetation results have been checked with lake surface pollen spectra from 8 takes representing different altitudinal vegetation belts. Our main findings are the following: A short period of the late Marine Isotope Stage 3 (around similar to 46,000 yr ago) was characterized by interglacial temperature conditions with a tree line above its present-day altitude. During the LGM, the vicinity of the lake was not covered by ice but by sparse alpine vegetation and alpine deserts, indicating that the climate was colder by similar to 4-7 degrees C than today Markedly higher temperatures were inferred from higher arboreal pollen frequencies between similar to 13,000 and similar to 7000 yr ago with a Holocene temperature optimum and a maximal Picea-Betula mixed-forest expansion between similar to 9000 and similar to 7000 yr ago, when temperatures exceeded the present-day conditions by at least 1-2 degrees C. Alpine steppes and meadows and sub-alpine shrub vegetation dominated around the lake since the middle Holocene, suggesting that vegetation and climate conditions were exceptionally stable in comparison to previous periods.}, language = {en} } @article{WichmannDeanJeltsch2006, author = {Wichmann, Matthias and Dean, W. R. J. and Jeltsch, Florian}, title = {Predicting the breeding success of large raptors in arid southern Africa : a first assessment}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Raptors are often priorities for conservation efforts and breeding success is a target measure for assessing their conservation status. The breeding success of large raptors in and southern Africa is thought to be higher in years of high rainfall. While this correlation has been found in several studies, it has not yet been shown for data from a wider geographical area. In conservation research, it is important to explore the differences between spatially- separated populations to estimate and to compare their conservation status, and to deduce specific management strategies. Using a theoretical approach, we develop a simplistic model to explain the breeding success-rainfall relationship in large African raptors at larger spatial scales. Secondly, we validate this model and we show that the inclusion of field data leads to consistent predictions. In particular, we recommend that the average size of the 'effective territory' should be included in the relationship between annual rainfall and breeding success of raptors in and southern Africa. Accordingly, we suggest that breeding success is a function of precipitation and inter- nest distance. We present a new measure of territory quality depending on rainfall and territory size. We suggest that our model provides a useful first approach to assess breeding success in large raptors of and southern Africa. However, we strongly emphasise the need to gather more data to further verify our model. A general problem in conservation research is to compare the status of populations assessed in different study areas under changing environmental conditions. Our simplistic approach indicates that this problem can be overcome by using a weighted evaluation of a target measure (i.e. breeding success), taking regional differences into account}, language = {en} } @article{KamjunkeBohnGrey2006, author = {Kamjunke, Norbert and Bohn, Christiane and Grey, John}, title = {Utilisation of dissolved organic carbon from different sources by pelagic bacteria in an acidic mining lake}, issn = {0003-9136}, doi = {10.1127/0003-9136/2006/0165-0355}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We compared growth rates and efficiencies of pelagic bacteria from an extremely acidic mining lake (pH 2.6, mean depth 4.6m) supplied with different sources of carbon: (1) excreted by phytoplankton, (2) derived from benthic algae, (3) entering the lake via ground water, and (4) leached from leaf litter. Bacteria exhibited high growth rate and efficiency on exudates of pelagic and benthic algae. In contrast, they showed a lower growth rate and efficiency with organic carbon from ground water, and grew at a very high rate but a very low efficiency on leaf leachate. Results from stable isotope analyses indicate a greater importance of benthic exudates and leaf leachate for bacteria in the epilimnion, and a higher impact of ground water sources in the hypolimnion. Given the magnitude of differential source inputs into the lake, we suggest that benthic primary production was the most important carbon source for pelagic bacteria. The benthic-pelagic coupling seems to be more relevant in this shallow acidic lake with low pelagic carbon dioxide concentrations than in neutral lakes}, language = {en} } @article{HlinakMuehleWerneretal.2006, author = {Hlinak, Andreas and M{\"u}hle, Ralf-Udo and Werner, Ortrud and Globig, Anja and Starick, Elke and Schirrmeier, Horst and Hoffmann, Bernd and Engelhardt, Andreas and H{\"u}bner, Dagmar and Conraths, Franz J. and Wallschl{\"a}ger, Hans-Dieter and Kruckenberg, Helmut and M{\"u}ller, Thomas}, title = {A virological survey in migrating waders and other waterfowl in one of the most important resting sites of Germany}, issn = {0931-1793}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Wild birds are considered a potential reservoir or a carrier of viral diseases and may therefore play a role in the epidemiology of economically important or zoonotic diseases. In 2001 and 2002, a survey with special emphasis oil virus isolation in migrating waders and some other birds were conducted. In one of the most important inland resting sites for migratory waterfowl, tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from 465 waders representing 19 different species, and 165 other birds that were not captured on purpose. A total of 42 avian viruses were isolated, 34 of these were identified as paramyxoviruses (PMVs). The majority of isolates came from waders and wild ducks, and were characterized as PMV-1. In contrast, PMV-4 was found in wild ducks only, PMV-6 was mainly detected in wader species. Four avian influenza viruses (ATVs), belonging to H4 and H3 haemagglutinin subtype, were isolated from wild duck species. Furthermore, four reo-like viruses were isolated from one particular wader species for the first time. The majority of virus positive birds were < 1 year old and did not show any clinical symptoms. There was no evidence for the presence of West Nile virus in these birds. These results confirm that the restricted resting sites in Western Europe must be considered as important locations for the intra- and interspecies transmission of avian viruses}, language = {en} } @article{SezerSpricigoUteschetal.2010, author = {Sezer, Murat and Spricigo, Roberto and Utesch, Tillmann and Millo, Diego and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Mroginski, Maria A. and Wollenberger, Ursula and Hildebrandt, Peter and Weidinger, Inez M.}, title = {Redox properties and catalytic activity of surface-bound human sulfite oxidase studied by a combined surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopic and electrochemical approach}, issn = {1463-9076}, doi = {10.1039/B927226g}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Human sulfite oxidase (hSO) was immobilised on SAM-coated silver electrodes under preservation of the native heme pocket structure of the cytochrome b5 (Cyt b5) domain and the functionality of the enzyme. The redox properties and catalytic activity of the entire enzyme were studied by surface enhanced resonance Raman (SERR) spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV) and compared to the isolated heme domain when possible. It is shown that heterogeneous electron transfer and catalytic activity of hSO sensitively depend on the local environment of the enzyme. Increasing the ionic strength of the buffer solution leads to an increase of the heterogeneous electron transfer rate from 17 s(-1) to 440 s(- 1) for hSO as determined by SERR spectroscopy. CV measurements demonstrate an increase of the apparent turnover rate for the immobilised hSO from 0.85 s(-1) in 100 mM buffer to 5.26 s(-1) in 750 mM buffer. We suggest that both effects originate from the increased mobility of the surface-bound enzyme with increasing ionic strength. In agreement with surface potential calculations we propose that at high ionic strength the enzyme is immobilised via the dimerisation domain to the SAM surface. The flexible loop region connecting the Moco and the Cyt b5 domain allows alternating contact with the Moco interaction site and the SAM surface, thereby promoting the sequential intramolecular and heterogeneous electron transfer from Moco via Cyt b5 to the electrode. At lower ionic strength, the contact time of the Cyt b5 domain with the SAM surface is longer, corresponding to a slower overall electron transfer process.}, language = {en} } @article{JohanssonWulfetangePoreeetal.2006, author = {Johansson, Ingela and Wulfetange, Klaas and Poree, Fabien and Michard, Erwan and Gajdanowicz, Pawel and Lacombe, Benoit and Sentenac, Herve and Thibaud, Jean-Baptiste and M{\"u}ller-R{\"o}ber, Bernd and Blatt, Michael R. and Dreyer, Ingo}, title = {External K+ modulates the activity of the Arabidopsis potassium channel SKOR via an unusual mechanism}, issn = {0960-7412}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-313X.2006.02690.X}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Plant outward-rectifying K+ channels mediate K+ efflux from guard cells during stomatal closure and from root cells into the xylem for root-shoot allocation of potassium (K). Intriguingly, the gating of these channels depends on the extracellular K+ concentration, although the ions carrying the current are derived from inside the cell. This K+ dependence confers a sensitivity to the extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]) that ensures that the channels mediate K+ efflux only, regardless of the [K+] prevailing outside. We investigated the mechanism of K+-dependent gating of the K+ channel SKOR of Arabidopsis by site-directed mutagenesis. Mutations affecting the intrinsic K+ dependence of gating were found to cluster in the pore and within the sixth transmembrane helix (S6), identifying an 'S6 gating domain' deep within the membrane. Mapping the SKOR sequence to the crystal structure of the voltage-dependent K+ channel KvAP from Aeropyrum pernix suggested interaction between the S6 gating domain and the base of the pore helix, a prediction supported by mutations at this site. These results offer a unique insight into the molecular basis for a physiologically important K+-sensory process in plants}, language = {en} } @article{PlathRohdeSchroederetal.2006, author = {Plath, Martin and Rohde, Matthias and Schr{\"o}der, Thekla and Taebel-Hellwig, Angelika and Schlupp, Ingo}, title = {Female mating preferences in blind cave tetras Astyanax fasciatus (Characidae, Teleostei)}, issn = {0005-7959}, doi = {10.1163/156853906775133560}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The Mexican tetra Astyanax fasciatus has evolved a variety of more or less color- and eyeless cave populations. Here we examined the evolution of the female preference for large male body size within different populations of this species, either surface- or cave-dwelling. Given the choice between visual cues from a large and a small male, females from the surface form as well as females from an eyed cave form showed a strong preference for large males. When only non-visual cues were presented in darkness, the surface females did not prefer either males. Among the six cave populations studied, females of the eyed cave form and females of one of the five eyeless cave populations showed a preference for large males. Apparently, not all cave populations of Astyanax have evolved non-visual mating preferences. We discuss the role of selection by benefits of non-visual mate choice for the evolution of non-visual mating preferences}, language = {en} } @article{VanderVenEhlerVakeeletal.2006, author = {VanderVen, Peter F. M. and Ehler, Elisabeth and Vakeel, Padmanabhan and Eulitz, Stefan and Schenk, J{\"o}rg A. and Milting, Hendrik and Micheel, Burkhard and F{\"u}rst, Dieter Oswald}, title = {Unusual splicing events result in distinct Xin isoforms that associate differentially with filamin c and Mena/ VASP}, doi = {10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.03.015}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Filamin c is the predominantly expressed filamin isoform in striated muscles. It is localized in myofibrillar Z- discs, where it binds FATZ and myotilin, and in myotendinous junctions and intercalated discs. Here, we identify Xin, the protein encoded by the human gene 'cardiomyopathy associated 1' (CMYA1) as filamin c binding partner at these specialized structures where the ends of myofibrils are attached to the sarcolemma. Xin directly binds the EVH1 domain proteins Mena and VASP. In the adult heart, Xin and Mena/VASP colocalize with filamin c in intercalated discs. In cultured cardiomyocytes, the proteins also localize in the nonstriated part of myofibrils, where sarcomeres are assembled and an extensive reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton occurs. Unusual intraexonic splicing events result in the existence of three Xin isoforms that associate differentially with its ligands. The identification of the complex filamin c-Xin-Mena/VASP provides a first glance on the role of Xin in the molecular mechanisms involved in developmental and adaptive remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during cardiac morphogenesis and sarcomere assembly. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved}, language = {en} } @article{SchiffersTielboerger2006, author = {Schiffers, Katja and Tielb{\"o}rger, Katja}, title = {Ontogenetic shifts in interactions among annual plants}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2745.2006.01097.x}, year = {2006}, abstract = {1.Interactions among plants are key processes that strongly influence the structure and dynamics of plant populations and communities. However, most empirical studies of plant-plant inter­actions failed to repeatedly measure the plants? response to neighboring individuals and thereby neglected possible changes in interactions through­out the life history of the plants.2.Here, we tested the hypo­thesis that competition between annual species intensifies from early to late life history stages. To test this hypothesis, we sequentially measured interactions at different levels of water stress. 3.For this purpose, we con­ducted neighbor-removal experiments in three study sites located along a climatic gradient in Israel. The two annual species Biscutella didyma and Hymenocarpos circinnatus were used as target plants. They grew with and without neighbors in their natural habitats. Five response variables, according to the consecutive life-history stages, (seedling survival, juvenile biomass, adult survival, number of seeds and final biomass) were recorded through­out the whole growing season. 4.The results suggest that direction and inten­sity of inter­actions varied consider­ably between environ­ments and life stages. On average, growth-related response variables indicated higher competition intensity at the productive end of the climatic gradient, while survival indicated either facilitation at the dry end or no trend along the gradient. 5.Considering the temporal aspect, moderate facili­tation short after germi­nation shifted to strong compe­tition at the end of the growing season. 6.Our results highlight that the outcome of experi­mental studies on plant-plant inter­actions may not only depend on the environ­mental productivity but even more on the life stage at which a target plant is found.}, language = {en} } @article{TewsEstherMiltonetal.2006, author = {Tews, J{\"o}rg and Esther, Alexandra and Milton, Sue J. and Jeltsch, Florian}, title = {Linking a population model with an ecosystem model : assessing the impact of land use and climate change on savanna shrub cover dynamics}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2005.11.025}, year = {2006}, abstract = {In semiarid savannas of Southern Africa current land use practices and climate change may lead to substantial changes of vegetation structure in the near future, however uncertainty remains about the potential consequences and the magnitude of change. In this paper we study the impact of climate change, cattle grazing, and wood cutting on shrub cover dynamics in savannas of the southern Kalahari. We use an established savanna ecosystem model to simulate landscape dynamics in terms of rainfall, fire and distribution of the dominant tree Acacia erioloba. We then incorporate these data into a spatial population model of the common, fleshy-fruited shrub Grewia flava and investigate shrub cover dynamics for a period of 100 years. Depending on the intensity of commercial wood cutting practices tree removal of A. erioloba led to a strong decline of the G. flava population, as shrub recruitment is concentrated in tree sub-canopies due to bird-mediated seed dispersal. Under climate change shrub cover slightly decreased with decreasing precipitation and was unchanged with increase in precipitation variability. Contrarily, grazing by cattle strongly increased shrub cover and facilitated shrub encroachment because of cattle-induced distribution of G. flava seeds into the matrix vegetation. Knowledge of the latter process is particularly important because shrub invasion is a major concern for conservation and savanna rangeland management as a result of its adverse effects on livestock carrying capacity and biodiversity}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-12228, title = {Auswahl, Einf{\"u}hrung und Integration von ERP-Systemen}, editor = {Gronau, Norbert and Eggert, Sandy}, publisher = {GITO}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {3-936771-91-6}, pages = {413 S.}, year = {2006}, language = {de} } @article{EccardDeanWichmannetal.2006, author = {Eccard, Jana and Dean, W. Richard J. and Wichmann, Matthias and Huttunen, S. M and Eskelinen, Eeva-Liisa and Moloney, Kirk A. and Jeltsch, Florian}, title = {Use of large Acacia trees by the cavity dwelling Black-tailed Tree Rat in the southern Kalahari}, issn = {0140-1963}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.06.019}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Recent extensive harvesting of large, often dead Acacia trees in and savanna of southern Africa is cause for concern about the conservation status of the arid savanna and its animal community. We mapped vegetation and nests of the Black-tailed Tree Rat Thallomy's nigricauda to assess the extent to which the rats depend on particular tree species and on the existence of dead, standing trees. The study was conducted in continuous Acacia woodland on the southern and eastern edge of the Kalahari, South Africa. Trees in which there were tree rat nests were compared with trees of similar size and vigour to identify the characteristics of nest sites. Spatial analysis of tree rat distribution was conducted using Ripley's-L function. We found that T nigricauda was able to utilize all available tree species, as long as trees were large and old enough so that cavities were existing inside the stem. The spatial distribution of nest trees did not show clumping at the investigated scale, and we therefore reject the notion of the rats forming colonies when inhabiting continuous woodlands. The selection of a particular tree as a nest site was furthermore depending on the close proximity of the major food plant, Acacia mellifera. This may limit the choice of suitable nest sites. since A. mellifera was less likely to grow within a vegetation patch containing a large trees than in patches without large trees.}, language = {en} } @article{ThammSchmidtBernhard2010, author = {Thamm, Markus and Schmidt, Stephanie L. and Bernhard, Detlef}, title = {Insights into the phylogeny of the genus stentor (heterotrichea, ciliophora) with special emphasis on the evolution of the macronucleus based on SSU rDNA data}, issn = {0065-1583}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Representatives of the genus Stentor (Stentoridae, Heterotrichea) are striking ciliates in environmental water samples because of their size (up to 4 mm) and their trumpet-like shape. Important for species identification are the following main characteristics: (1) the presence or absence of endosymbiotic algae (zoochlorellae); (2) the colour of the pigmented cortical granules, and (3) the shape of the macronucleus. The complete small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) of 19 further representatives of the genus Stentor was sequenced to examine the phylogenetic relationships within this genus and to determine the taxonomic value of these main characteristics. The detailed phylogenetic analyses yielded a separation of all species possessing a single compact macronucleus from those species with an "elongated" macronucleus (moniliform or vermiform). The data also indicate that the uptake of algae as well as the loss of pigmentation happened independently in different lineages. Furthermore, a high level of intraspecific variation within several species was found. Thus, S. muelleri and S. (sp.) cf. katashimai appear to represent distinct species and S. multiformis is composed of a species complex.}, language = {en} } @article{BlasigWinklerLassowskietal.2006, author = {Blasig, Ingolf E. and Winkler, Lars and Lassowski, Birgit and M{\"u}ller, Sandra L. and Zuleger, Nikolaj and Krause, Eberhard and Krause, Gerd and Gast, Klaus and Kolbe, Michael and Piontek, J{\"o}rg}, title = {On the self-association potential of transmembrane tight junction proteins}, issn = {1420-682X}, doi = {10.1007/s00018-005-5472-x}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Tight junctions seal intercellular clefts via membrane-related strands, hence, maintaining important organ functions. We investigated the self-association of strand-forming transmembrane tight junction proteins. The regulatory tight junction protein occludin was differently tagged and cotransfected in eucaryotic cells. These occludins colocalized within the plasma membrane of the same cell, coprecipitated and exhibited fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Differently tagged strand-forming claudin-5 also colocalized in the plasma membrane of the same cell and showed fluorescence resonance energy transfer. This demonstrates self-association in intact cells both of occludin and claudin-5 in one plasma membrane. In search of dimerizing regions of occludin, dimerization of its cytosolic C-terminal coiled-coil domain was identified. In claudin-5, the second extracellular loop was detected as a dimer. Since the transmembrane junctional adhesion molecule also is known to dimerize, the assumption that homodimerization of transmembrane tight junction proteins may serve as a common structural feature in tight junction assembly is supported}, language = {en} } @article{DeschampsHaferkampDauvilleeetal.2006, author = {Deschamps, Philippe and Haferkamp, Ilka and Dauvillee, David and Haebel, Sophie and Steup, Martin and Buleon, Alain and Putaux, Jean-Luc and Colleoni, Christophe and d'Hulst, Christophe and Plancke, Charlotte and Gould, Sven and Maier, Uwe and Neuhaus, Heinz Eckhard and Ball, Steven G.}, title = {Nature of the periplastidial pathway of starch synthesis in the cryptophyte Guillardia theta}, issn = {1535-9778}, doi = {10.1128/Ec.00380-05}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The nature of the periplastidial pathway of starch biosynthesis was investigated with the model cryptophyte Guillardia theta. The storage polysaccharide granules were shown to be composed of both amylose and amylopectin fractions with a chain length distribution and crystalline organization very similar to those of starch from green algae and land plants. Most starch granules displayed a shape consistent with biosynthesis occurring around the pyrenoid through the rhodoplast membranes. A protein with significant similarity to the amylose-synthesizing granule-bound starch syntbase 1 from green plants was found as the major polypeptide bound to the polysaccharide matrix. N-terminal sequencing of the mature protein proved that the precursor protein carries a nonfunctional transit peptide in its bipartite topogenic signal sequence which is cleaved without yielding transport of the enzyme across the two inner plastid membranes. The enzyme was shown to display similar affinities for ADP and UDP-glucose, while the V-max measured with UDP-glucose was twofold higher. The granule-bound starch synthase from Guillardia theta was demonstrated to be responsible for the synthesis of long glucan chains and therefore to be the functional equivalent of the amylose- synthesizing enzyme of green plants. Preliminary characterization of the starch pathway suggests that Guillardia theta utilizes a UDP-glucose-based pathway to synthesize starch}, language = {en} } @article{LettauWarsinkeKatterleetal.2006, author = {Lettau, Kristian and Warsinke, Axel and Katterle, Martin and Danielsson, Bengt and Scheller, Frieder W.}, title = {A bifunctional molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP): analysis of binding and catalysis by a thermistor}, doi = {10.1002/anie.200601796}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Binding or catalysis? Both can be distinguished with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) by the different patterns of heat generation. The catalytically active sites, like in the corresponding enzyme, generate a steady-state temperature increase. Thus, enzyme-like catalysis and antibody-analogue binding are analyzed simultaneously in a bifunctional MIP for the first time (see scheme).}, language = {en} } @article{TellerHalamekMakoweretal.2006, author = {Teller, C. and Halamek, Jan and Makower, Alexander and Fournier, Didier and Schulze, H. and Scheller, Frieder W.}, title = {A piezoelectric sensor with propidium as a recognition element for cholinesterases}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2005.02.053}, year = {2006}, abstract = {A piezoelectric biosensor has been developed on the basis of the reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor propidium. The propidium cation was bound to a 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid monolayer on gold-coated quartz crystals. The immobilization was done via activation of carboxyl groups by 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). Different types of cholinesterases (acetyl- and butyryl-ChE) from different origins were tested for their binding ability towards the immobilized propidium. Binding Studies were performed in a flow system, Furthermore, catalytically active and organophosphate-inhibited enzyme were compared re-aiding their binding capability. The binding constants were derived by using an one to one binding model and a refined model also including rebinding effects. It was shown that organophosphorylation of the active site hardly influences the affinity of AChE towards propidium. Furthermore the propidium-based biosensor provides equal sensitivity as compared with piezolelectric sensors with immobilized paraoxon- an active site ligand of AChE. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved}, language = {en} } @article{FeulnerKirschbaumSchugardtetal.2006, author = {Feulner, Philine G. D. and Kirschbaum, Frank and Schugardt, Christian and Ketmaier, Valerio and Tiedemann, Ralph}, title = {Electrophysiological and molecular genetic evidence for sympatrically occuring cryptic species in African weakly electric fishes (Teleostei : Mormyridae : Campylomormyrus)}, issn = {1055-7903}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2005.09.008}, year = {2006}, abstract = {For two sympatric species of African weakly electric fish, Campylomormyrus tamandua and Campylomormyrus numenius, we monitored ontogenetic differentiation in electric organ discharge (EOD) and established a molecular phylogeny, based on 2222 bp from cytochrome b, the S7 ribosomal protein gene, and four flanking regions of unlinked microsatellite loci. In C tamandua, there is one common EOD type, regardless of age and sex, whereas in C numenius we were able to identify three different male adult EOD waveform types, which emerged from a single common EOD observed in juveniles. Two of these EOD types formed well supported clades in our phylogenetic analysis. In an independent line of evidence, we were able to affirm the classification into three groups by microsatellite data. The correct assignment and the high pairwise FST values support our hypothesis that these groups are reproductively isolated. We propose that in C numenius there are cryptic species, hidden behind similar and, at least as juveniles, identical morphs.}, language = {en} } @article{SeifertFischer2010, author = {Seifert, Birgit and Fischer, Markus}, title = {Experimental establishment of a declining dry-grassland flagship species in relation to seed origin and target environment}, issn = {0006-3207}, doi = {10.1016/j.biocon.2010.02.028}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Supporting species persistence may involve (re)connecting suitable habitats. However, for many declining species habitat suitability and drivers of establishment are poorly known. We addressed this experimentally for a declining flagship species of dry grasslands in Germany, Armeria maritima subsp. elongata. In three regions, we sowed seeds from each of eight source populations back to their origin and to eight apparently suitable, but currently unoccupied, habitats close to the source populations. Overall, seeds germinated and seedlings established equally well in occupied and potential sites indicating that suitable habitats are available, but lack seed input. Germination and establishment varied among sowing sites. Moreover, seeds from populations of lower current connectivity established less well in new sites, and establishment was more variable among seeds from smaller than from larger populations, possibly reflecting genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation. Further, establishment across different new environments differed between seeds from different populations. As this was neither related to a home-away contrast nor to geographic or environmental distance between sites it could not clearly be attributed to local adaptation. To promote long-term persistence within this dry-grassland meta-population context we suggest increasing the density of suitable habitats and supporting dispersal connecting multiple sites, e.g. by promoting sheep transhumance, to increase current populations and their connectivity, and to colonise suitable habitats with material from different sources. We suggest that sowing experiments with characteristic species, including multiple source populations and multiple recipient sites, should be used regularly to inform connecting efforts in plant conservation.}, language = {en} } @article{BleidornPodsiadlowskiBartolomaeus2006, author = {Bleidorn, Christoph and Podsiadlowski, Lars and Bartolomaeus, Thomas}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of the orbiniid polychaete Orbinia latreillii (Annelida, Orbiniidae) : a novel gene order for Annelida and implications for annelid phylogeny}, issn = {0378-1119}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2005.11.018}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Relationships of annelid subtaxa are controversially discussed and additional markers are necessarily needed to get further insights into their evolution. Due to their high content of information, mitochondrial genomes have been proven very useful in phylogenetic analyses. Whereas many complete mitochondrial genomes of arthropods are available, lophotrochozoan taxa are only scarcely represented and this is especially true for annelids. Here we present the complete mitochondrial genome of the orbiniid polychaete Orbinia latreillii. The circular genome is 15,558 bp in size and contains the same 37 genes as found in most other metazoans. As in the case for all studied annelids all genes are transcribed from the same strand. Compared with the known data from other annelids at least five gene translocations must be hypothesized for O. latreillii. A comparison of the available data shows that gene translocations within Annelida seem to be less frequent than in molluscs, but more frequent as previously assumed. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequence data and amino acid data support an inclusion Of Sipuncula within Annelida and a closer relationship to orbiniids is recovered for this taxon.}, language = {en} } @article{ShirzadianKhorramabadJingEvertsetal.2010, author = {Shirzadian-Khorramabad, Reza and Jing, Hai-Chun and Everts, Gerja E. and Schippers, Jos H. M. and Hille, Jacques and Dijkwel, Paul P.}, title = {A mutation in the cytosolic O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase induces a genome-dependent early leaf death phenotype in Arabidopsis}, issn = {1471-2229}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2229-10-80}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Background: Cysteine is a component in organic compounds including glutathione that have been implicated in the adaptation of plants to stresses. O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase (OAS-TL) catalyses the final step of cysteine biosynthesis. OAS-TL enzyme isoforms are localised in the cytoplasm, the plastids and mitochondria but the contribution of individual OAS-TL isoforms to plant sulphur metabolism has not yet been fully clarified. Results: The seedling lethal phenotype of the Arabidopsis onset of leaf death3-1 (old3-1) mutant is due to a point mutation in the OAS-A1 gene, encoding the cytosolic OAS-TL. The mutation causes a single amino acid substitution from Gly(162) to Glu(162), abolishing old3-1 OAS-TL activity in vitro. The old3-1 mutation segregates as a monogenic semidominant trait when backcrossed to its wild type accession Landsberg erecta (Ler-0) and the Di-2 accession. Consistent with its semi- dominant behaviour, wild type Ler-0 plants transformed with the mutated old3-1 gene, displayed the early leaf death phenotype. However, the old3-1 mutation segregates in an 11: 4: 1 (wild type: semi-dominant: mutant) ratio when backcrossed to the Colombia-0 and Wassilewskija accessions. Thus, the early leaf death phenotype depends on two semi- dominant loci. The second locus that determines the old3-1 early leaf death phenotype is referred to as odd-ler (for old3 determinant in the Ler accession) and is located on chromosome 3. The early leaf death phenotype is temperature dependent and is associated with increased expression of defence-response and oxidative-stress marker genes. Independent of the presence of the odd-ler gene, OAS-A1 is involved in maintaining sulphur and thiol levels and is required for resistance against cadmium stress. Conclusions: The cytosolic OAS-TL is involved in maintaining organic sulphur levels. The old3-1 mutation causes genome-dependent and independent phenotypes and uncovers a novel function for the mutated OAS- TL in cell death regulation.}, language = {en} } @article{HalamekTellerZeraviketal.2006, author = {Halamek, Jan and Teller, Carsten and Zeravik, Jiri and Fournier, Didier and Makower, Alexander and Scheller, Frieder W.}, title = {Characterization of binding of cholinesterases to surface immobilized ligands}, issn = {0003-2719}, doi = {10.1080/00032710600713107}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We summarize here the development of various piezoelectric biosensors utilizing cholinesterase (ChE) as the recognition element. In our work we studied the interaction between cholinesterase and its ligands (propidium, carnitine, benzylgonine-1,8-diamino-3,4-dioxaoctane (BZE-DADOO) and paraoxon). The sensor modification was based on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of a thiol compound (11-mercaptoundecanoic acid) on the gold electrode and the subsequent covalent coupling of the cholinesterase ligand to this SAM. The ligand-modified piezoelectric sensors were placed in a flow system to allow the on-line monitoring of cholinesterase binding and the enzymatic activity quantification by amperometry. Cholinesterases from different species-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Electrophorus electricus , AChE from Drosophila melanogaster , and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) of human origin-were tested on the various immobilized ligands. Our research allowed the development of a competitive assay for the detection of organophosphates in river water samples using the BZE-DADOO-modified piezosensor. Another direction of research was pointed on the characterization of the interactions between ChE and its ligands. The kinetic binding constants were derived using a one- to-one binding model}, language = {en} } @article{HauserCazzamaliWilliamsonetal.2006, author = {Hauser, Frank and Cazzamali, Giuseppe and Williamson, Michael and Blenau, Wolfgang and Grimmelikhuijzen, CJ.}, title = {A review of neurohormone GPCRs present in the fruitfly "Drosophila melanogaster" and the honey bee "Apis mellifera"}, issn = {0301-0082}, doi = {10.1016/j.pneurobio.2006.07.005}, year = {2006}, abstract = {G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes are large gene families in every animal, sometimes making up to 1-2\% of the animal's genome. Of all insect GPCRs, the neurohormone (neuropeptide, protein hormone, biogenic amine) GPCRs are especially important, because they, together with their ligands, occupy a high hierarchic position in the physiology of insects and steer crucial processes such as development, reproduction, and behavior. In this paper, we give a review of our current knowledge on Drosophila melanogaster GPCRs and use this information to annotate the neurohormone GPCR genes present in the recently sequenced genome from the honey bee Apis mellifera. We found 35 neuropeptide receptor genes in the honey bee (44 in Drosophila) and two genes, coding for leucine-rich repeats-containing protein hormone GPCRs (4 in Drosophila). In addition, the honey bee has 19 biogenic amine receptor genes (21 in Drosophila). The larger numbers of neurohormone receptors in Drosophila are probably due to gene duplications that occurred during recent evolution of the fly. Our analyses also yielded the likely ligands for 40 of the 56 honey bee neurohormone GPCRs identified in this study. In addition, we made some interesting observations on neurohormone GPCR evolution and the evolution and co-evolution of their ligands. For neuropeptide and protein hormone GPCRs, there appears to be a general co-evolution between receptors and their ligands. This is in contrast to biogenic amine GPCRs, where evolutionarily unrelated GPCRs often bind to the same biogenic amine, suggesting frequent ligand exchanges ("ligand hops") during GPCR evolution.}, language = {en} } @article{PoschadelMeyerLuchtPlath2006, author = {Poschadel, Jens R. and Meyer-Lucht, Yvonne and Plath, Martin}, title = {Response to chemical cues from conspecifics reflects male mating preference for large females and avoidance of large competitors in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis}, issn = {0005-7959}, doi = {10.1163/156853906776759510}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We examined chemical communication in male and female European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis). In simultaneous binary choice tests, a focal animal was given a choice between pheromones from a conspecific and a choice chamber containing untreated water. Females did not show a preference, both when male and when female stimuli were presented. On the contrary, males preferred the odor of a female over untreated water, suggesting that males actively search for females. The strength of preference was positively correlated with the body size difference between the female and the focal male, indicating that males prefer to mate with larger females. Female fecundity is positively correlated with female size in E. orbicularis, which may account for male choosiness. No overall preference for the stimulus animal was observed when males were presented cues from another male. However, the strength of preference was negatively correlated with the difference in body size. Males avoided large males, but oriented towards smaller stimulus males. This reflects that males form dominance hierarchies, where large males aggressively attack smaller ones. Far-range chemical communication probably enables males to minimize the risk of costly aggressive interactions. This is, to our knowledge, the first study on the role of chemical cues for inter-and intrasexual communication in the European pond turtle}, language = {en} } @article{HalamekTellerMakoweretal.2006, author = {Halamek, Jan and Teller, Carsten and Makower, Alexander and Fournier, Didier and Scheller, Frieder W.}, title = {EQCN-based cholinesterase biosensors}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2006.03.047}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The binding of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to a propidium-modified piezoelectric quartz crystal and its surface enzymatic activity have been investigated. Propidium binds to a site remote to the active center of AChE - the peripheral anionic site (PAS) - which is located on the rim of the gorge to the active site. The gold electrodes of the quartz crystal were first modified with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid to which propidium was coupled. AChE binding was monitored by a quartz crystal nanobalance (QCN), followed by amperometric activity evaluation of the AChE loaded on the sensor. Interestingly, the binding is strong but does not inhibit AChE. However, an excess of propidium in solution inhibits the immobilized enzyme. The surface enzymatic activities observed depend on the amount of enzyme and differ according to the type and species, i.e. number of enzyme subunits (Electrophorus electricus tetrameric, Drosophila melanogaster mono- and dimeric form - DmAChE). The operational stability and regeneration, effect of propidium in solution and detection limit for substrate for various AChEs were investigated amperometrically.}, language = {en} } @article{KummerHaneltHaneltetal.2010, author = {Kummer, Volker and Hanelt, Dorothea and Hanelt, Peter and Jage, Horst and John, Heino and Richter, Heidrun and Richter, Udo and Schultz, Burkhard}, title = {Phyllactinia hippopha{\"e}s (Erysiphales) rediscovered in Germany}, issn = {1641-8180}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The Erysiphales species Phyllactinia hippopha{\"e}s Thuem. ex S. Blumer was found for the fi rst time on cultivated Sea Buckthorn (Hippopha{\"e} rhamnoides L.) near Großkayna (Saxony-Anhalt) in October 2009. This fungus was considered to be extinct in Germany. Intensive searching in Saxony-Anhalt and the Potsdam area (Brandenburg) yielded many additional records, most of them from former brown coal mining areas or in Sea Buckthorn plantations.}, language = {en} } @article{MichalskiGautschiBurkartetal.2006, author = {Michalski, S and Gautschi, B and Burkart, Michael and Durka, Walter}, title = {Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the rush Juncus atratus (Juncaceae)}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{RaynaudJondNecandMarcilhacetal.2006, author = {Raynaud, F and Jond-Necand, C and Marcilhac, Anne and F{\"u}rst, Dieter Oswald and Benyamin, Yves}, title = {Calpain 1-gamma filamin interaction in muscle cells :a possible in situ regulation by PKC-alpha}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{HilleWalz2006, author = {Hille, Carsten and Walz, Bernd}, title = {Dopamine-induced graded intracellular Ca2+ elevation via the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger operating in the Ca2+-entry mode in cockroach salivary ducts}, issn = {0143-4160}, doi = {10.1016/j.ceca.2005.11.006}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Stimulation with the neurotransmitter dopamine causes an amplitude-modulated increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) in epithelial cells of the ducts of cockroach salivary glands. This is completely attributable to a Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space. Additionally, dopamine induces a massive [Na+](i) elevation via the Na+- K+-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC). We have reasoned that Ca2+-entry is mediated by the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCE) operating in the Ca2+-entry mode. To test this hypothesis, [Ca2+](i) and [Na+](i) were measured by using the fluorescent dyes Fura- 2, Fluo-3, and SBFI. Inhibition of Na+-entry from the extracellular space by removal of extracellular Na+ or inhibition of the NKCC by 10 mu M bumetanide did not influence resting [Ca2+]i but completely abolished the dopamine-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation. Simultaneous recordings of [Ca2+](i) and [Na+](i) revealed that the dopamine-induced [Na+](i) elevation preceded the [Ca2+](i) elevation. During dopamine stimulation, the generation of an outward Na+ concentration gradient by removal of extracellular Na+ boosted the [Ca2+](i) elevation. Furthermore, prolonging the dopamine-induced [Na+](i) rise by blocking the Na+/K+-ATPase reduced the recovery from [Ca2+](i) elevation. These results indicate that dopamine induces a massive NKCC-mediated elevation in [Na+](i), which reverses the NCE activity into the reverse mode causing a graded [Ca2+](i) elevation in the duct cells.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinkenSchmidtvonOheimbetal.2006, author = {Heinken, Thilo and Schmidt, Marcus and von Oheimb, Goddert and Kriebitzsch, Wolf-Ulrich and Ellenberg, Hermann}, title = {Soil seed banks near rubbing trees indicate dispersal of plant species into forests by wild boar}, issn = {1439-1791}, doi = {10.1016/j.baae.2005.04.006}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Current knowledge about processes that generate long-distance dispersal of plants is still limited despite its importance for persistence of populations and colonization of new potential habitats. Today wild Large mammals are presumed to be important vectors for long-distance transport of diaspores within and between European temperate forest patches, and in particular wild boars recently came into focus. Here we use a specific habit of wild boar, i.e. wallowing in mud and subsequent rubbing against trees, to evaluate epizoochorous dispersal of vascular plant diaspores. We present soil seed bank data from 27 rubbing trees versus 27 control trees from seven forest areas in Germany. The mean number of viable seeds and the plant species number were higher in soil samples near rubbing trees compared with control trees. Ten of the 20 most frequent species were more frequent, and many species exclusively appeared in the soil samples near rubbing trees. The large number of plant species and seeds - more than 1000 per tree - in the soils near rubbing trees is difficult to explain unless the majority were dispersed by wild boar. Hooked and bristly diaspores, i.e. those adapted to epizoochory, were more frequent; however, many species with unspecialized diaspores occurred exclusively near rubbing trees. As opposed to plant species closely tied to forests species which occur both in forest and open vegetation and non-forest species were more frequent near rubbing trees compared with controls. These findings are consistent with previous studies on diaspore loads in the coats and hooves of shot wild boars. However, our method allows to identify the transport of diaspores from the open landscape into forest stands, where they might especially emerge after disturbance, and a clustered distribution of epizoochorically dispersed seeds. Moreover, accumulation of seeds of wetness indicators near rubbing trees demonstrates directed dispersal of plant species inhabiting wet places among remote wallows.}, language = {en} } @article{WronskiApioPlath2006, author = {Wronski, Torsten and Apio, Ann and Plath, Martin}, title = {The communicatory significance of localised defecation sites in bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)}, doi = {10.1007/s00265-006-0174-4}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Like several other mammals, bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) deposit faeces in specific localised defecation sites (LDS). A previous study has ruled out a function of LDS in the context of parasite avoidance. In this study, we investigated the communicatory significance of LDS. In a free ranging population, we tested whether LDS serve to demarcate home ranges, and/or if LDS are used for communication in a non-territorial context. In both sexes, LDS increased significantly in number towards the periphery of individual home ranges. However, the distribution pattern of LDS, as revealed by a nearest-neighbour mapping technique (nearest distances between LDS), did not support the idea that LDS serve home range/territory-demarcation because LDS did not follow a pattern of minimal nearest-neighbour distances along the margins of home ranges. We found females to urinate more often in LDS than males. Notably, information transfer was most frequent between sending (urinating or defecating) females and receiving/responding males (urination or defecation at places where a female had previously signalled). Our results suggest that LDS mainly serve for inter- sexual communication in bushbuck}, language = {en} } @article{HerzschuhKuerschnerBattarbeeetal.2006, author = {Herzschuh, Ulrike and K{\"u}rschner, Harald and Battarbee, Rick and Holmes, Jonathan}, title = {Desert plant pollen production and a 160-year record of vegetation and climate change on the Alashan Plateau, NW China}, issn = {0939-6314}, doi = {10.1007/s00334-005-0031-9}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Recent and subfossil pollen spectra from the Alashan Plateau are presented in order to provide information on desert plant representation and on recent changes in vegetation and climate in this remote area in northern China. The desert vegetation composition is faithfully represented by the surface pollen spectra. The comparison of the desert plant species to the related pollen taxa yielded the following sequence from over-representation to under- representation: Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia, Ephedra fragilis-type s.l., Reaumuria, Nitraria and Calligonum. A 72 cm long sediment record from a small hydrologically-closed inter-dune lake (SE Badan Jilin Sand Sea, southern Alashan Plateau) covering the past similar to 160 years (dated by(137)Cs) was analysed palynologically. Intervals of denser Artemisia coverage on the sand dunes around the lake, indicating wetter climate, occurred from the mid-1850s to the mid-1870s, during the first two decades of the 20th century and from the late 1930s to the beginning of the 1960s}, language = {en} } @article{DamesZimmermannSchmidtetal.2006, author = {Dames, Petra and Zimmermann, Bernhard and Schmidt, Ruth and Rein, Julia and Voss, Martin and Schewe, Bettina and Walz, Bernd and Baumann, Otto}, title = {cAMP regulates plasma membrane vacuolar-type H+-ATPase assembly and activity in blowfly salivary glands}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0600011103}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Reversible assembly of the V0V1 holoenzyme from V-0 and V-1 subcomplexes is a widely used mechanism for regulation of vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) in animal cells. in the blowfly (Calliphora vicina) salivary gland, V- ATPase is located in the apical membrane of the secretory cells and energizes the secretion of a KCl-rich saliva in response to the hormone serotonin. We have examined whether the CAMP pathway, known to be activated by serotonin, controls V-ATPase assembly and activity. Fluorescence measurements of pH changes at the luminal surface of isolated glands demonstrate that CAMP, Sp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, or forskolin, similar to serotonin, cause V-ATPase-dependent luminal acidification. In addition, V-ATPase-dependent ATP hydrolysis increases upon treatment with these agents. Immunofluorescence microscopy and pelleting assays have demonstrated further that V, components become translocated from the cytoplasm to the apical membrane and V-ATPase holoenzymes are assembled at the apical membrane during conditions that increase intracellular cAMP. Because these actions occur without a change in cytosolic Ca2+, our findings suggest that the cAMP pathway mediates the reversible assembly and activation of V-ATPase molecules at the apical membrane upon hormonal stimulus}, language = {en} } @article{HuberGaedke2006, author = {Huber, Veronika and Gaedke, Ursula}, title = {The role of predation for seasonal variability patterns among phytoplankton and ciliates}, issn = {0030-1299}, doi = {10.1111/j.2006.0030-1299.14753.x}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Investigating the mechanisms which underlie the biomass fluctuations of populations and communities is important to better understand the processes which buffer community biomass in a variable environment. Based on long- term data of plankton biomass in Lake Constance (Bodensee), this study aims at explaining the different degree of synchrony among populations observed within two freshwater plankton groups, phytoplankton and ciliates. Established measures of temporal variability such as the variance ratio and cross-correlation coefficients were combined with first- order autoregressive models that allow estimating species interactions from time-series data. We found that predation was an important driver of the observed seasonal variability patterns in phytoplankton and ciliates, and that competitive interactions only played a subordinate role. In Lake Constance copepods and cladocerans, two major invertebrate predator groups, focus their grazing pressure at different times of the season. Model results suggested that compensatory dynamics detected in phytoplankton originate from the differential vulnerability of species to either one of these two predator groups. For ciliates model results advocated that synchrony among species occurs because ciliates tend to be vulnerable to both predator groups. Our findings underline the necessity of extending studies of community variability to multiple trophic levels because accounting for predator-prey interactions may often be more important than accounting for competitive interactions at one trophic level}, language = {en} } @article{WoodPoreeDreyeretal.2006, author = {Wood, C. C. and Poree, Fabien and Dreyer, Ingo and Koehler, G. J. and Udvardi, M. K.}, title = {Mechanisms of ammonium transport, accumulation, and retention in ooyctes and yeast cells expressing Arabidopsis AtAMT1; 1}, doi = {10.1016/j.febslet.2006.06.026}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Ammonium is a primary source of N for plants, so knowing how it is transported, stored, and assimilated in plant cells is important for rational approaches to optimise N-use in agriculture. Electrophysiological studies of Arabidopsis AtAMT1;1 expressed in oocytes revealed passive, Delta psi-driven transport of NH4+ through this protein. Expression of AtAMT1;1 in a novel yeast mutant defective in endogenous ammonium transport and vacuolar acidification supported the above mechanism for AtAMT1;1 and revealed a central role for acid vacuoles in storage and retention of ammonia in cells. These results highlight the mechanistic differences between plant AMT proteins and related transporters in bacteria and animal cells, and suggest novel strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture. (c) 2006 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved}, language = {en} } @article{BeissenhirtzSchellerViezzolietal.2006, author = {Beissenhirtz, Moritz Karl and Scheller, Frieder W. and Viezzoli, Maria Silvia and Lisdat, Fred}, title = {Engineered superoxide dismutase monomers for superoxide biosensor applications}, issn = {0003-2700}, doi = {10.1021/Ac051465g}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Because of its high reaction rate and specificity, the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) offers great potential for the sensitive quantification of superoxide radicals in electrochemical biosensors. In this work, monomeric mutants of human Cu,Zn-SOD were engineered to contain one or two additional cysteine residues, which could be used to bind the protein to gold surfaces, thus making the use of promotor molecules unnecessary. Six mutants were successfully designed, expressed, and purified. All mutants bound directly to unmodified gold surfaces via the sulfur of the cysteine residues and showed a quasireversible, direct electron transfer to the electrode. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the electron transfer were characterized and showed only slight variations between the individual mutants. For one of the mutants, the interaction with the superoxide radical was studied in more detail. For both partial reactions of the dismutation, an interaction between protein and radical could be shown. In an amperometric biosensorial approach, the SOD-mutant electrode was successfully applied for the detection of superoxide radicals. In the oxidation region, the electrode surpassed the sensitivity of the commonly used cytochrome c electrodes by similar to 1 order of magnitude while not being limited by interferences, but the electrode did not fully reach the sensitivity of dimeric Cu,Zn-SOD immobilized on MPA-modified gold}, language = {en} } @article{WronskiWacherHammondetal.2010, author = {Wronski, Torsten and Wacher, Timothy and Hammond, Robert L. and Winney, Bruce and Hundertmark, Kris J. and Blacket, Mark J. and Mohammed, Osama B. and Flores, Benito and Omer, Sawsan A. and Macasero, William and Plath, Martin and Tiedemann, Ralph and Bleidorn, Christoph}, title = {Two reciprocally monophyletic mtDNA lineages elucidate the taxonomic status of Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella)}, issn = {1477-2000}, doi = {10.1080/14772001003613192}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) rank among the most critically endangered mammals on the Arabian Peninsula. Past conservation efforts have been plagued by confusion about the phylogenetic relationship among various 'phenotypically discernable' populations, and even the question of species boundaries was far from being certain. This lack of knowledge has had a direct impact on conservation measures, especially ex situ breeding programmes, hampering the assignment of captive stocks to potential conservation units. Here, we provide a phylogenetic framework, based on the analysis of mtDNA sequences (360 bp cytochrome b and 213 bp Control Region) of 126 individuals collected from the wild throughout the Arabian Peninsula and from captive stocks. Our analyses revealed two reciprocally monophyletic genetic lineages within the presumed species Gazella gazella: one 'northern clade' on the Golan Heights (Israel/Syrian border) and one genetically diverse larger clade from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula including the Arava Valley (Negev, Israel). Applying the Strict Phylogenetic Species Concept (sensu Mishler \& Theriot, 2000) allows assigning species status to these two major clades.}, language = {en} } @article{NeumannSchulteJuenemannetal.2006, author = {Neumann, Meina and Schulte, Marc and J{\"u}nemann, Nora and St{\"o}cklein, Walter F. M. and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke}, title = {Rhodobacter capsulatus XdhC is involved in molybdenum cofactor binding and insertion into xanthine dehydrogenase}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M601617200}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Rhodobacter capsulatus xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) is a cytoplasmic enzyme with an (alpha beta) 2 heterodimeric structure that is highly identical to homodimeric eukaryotic xanthine oxidoreductases. The crystal structure revealed that the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is deeply buried within the protein. A protein involved in Moco insertion and XDH maturation has been identified, which was designated XdhC. XdhC was shown to be essential for the production of active XDH but is not a subunit of the purified enzyme. Here we describe the purification of XdhC and the detailed characterization of its role for XDH maturation. We could show that XdhC binds Moco in stoichiometric amounts, which subsequently can be inserted into Moco-free apo-XDH. A specific interaction between XdhC and XdhB was identified. We show that XdhC is required for the stabilization of the sulfurated form of Moco present in enzymes of the xanthine oxidase family. Our findings imply that enzyme-specific proteins exist for the biogenesis of molybdoenzymes, coordinating Moco binding and insertion into their respective target proteins. So far, the requirement of such proteins for molybdoenzyme maturation has been described only for prokaryotes}, language = {en} } @article{FengNiElgeetal.2006, author = {Feng, Xiao-Li and Ni, Wei-Min and Elge, Stephan and M{\"u}ller-R{\"o}ber, Bernd and Xu, Zhi-Hong and Xue, Hong-Wei}, title = {Auxin flow in anther filaments is critical for pollen grain development through regulating pollen mitosis}, issn = {0167-4412}, doi = {10.1007/s11103-006-0005-z}, year = {2006}, abstract = {It was well known that auxin is critical for anther/pollen grain development, however, the clear distribution and detailed effects of auxin during floral development are still unclear. We have shown here that, through analyzing GUS activities of Arabidopsis lines harboring auxin response elements DR5-GUS, auxin was mainly accumulated in the anther during flower stages 10-12. Further studies employing the indoleacetic acid-lysine synthetase (iaaL) coding gene from Pseudomonas syringae subsp. savastanoi under control of the promoter region of Arabidopsis phosphatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase 1 gene, which conducts the anther filament-specific expression, showed that block of auxin flow of filaments resulted in shortened filaments and significantly defective pollen grains. Similar phenotype was observed in tobacco plants transformed with the same construct, confirming the effects of auxin flow in filaments on anther development. Detailed studies further revealed that the meiosis process of pollen grain was normal while the mitosis at later stage was significantly defected, indicating the effects of auxin flow in filaments on pollen grain mitosis process. Analysis employing [C-14]IAA, as well as the observation on the expression of AtPIN1, coding for auxin efflux carrier, demonstrated the presence of polar auxin transport in anther filaments and pollen grains}, language = {en} } @article{MikhailyukKnoxPaschenkoetal.2006, author = {Mikhailyuk, Igor K. and Knox, Peter P. and Paschenko, Vladimir Z. and Razjivin, Andrej P. and Lokstein, Heiko}, title = {Analysis of absorption spectra of purple bacterial reaction centers in the near infrared region by higher order derivative spectroscopy}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpc.2006.02.002}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Reaction centers (RCs) of purple bacteria are uniquely suited objects to study the mechanisms of the photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical energy. A recently introduced method of higher order derivative spectroscopy [I.K. Mikhailyuk, H. Lokstein, A.P. Razjivin, A method of spectral subband decomposition by simultaneous fitting the initial spectrum and a set of its derivatives, J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods 63 (2005) 10-23] was used to analyze the NIR absorption spectra of RC preparations from Rhodobacter (R.) sphaeroides strain 2R and Blastochloris (B.) viridis strain KH, containing bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a and b, respectively. Q(y) bands of individual RC porphyrin components (BChls and bacteriopheophytins, BPheo) were identified. The results indicate that the upper exciton level Py+ of the photo-active BChl dimer in RCs of R. sphaeroides has an absorption maximum of 810nm. The blue shift of a complex integral band at approximately 800nm upon oxidation of the RC is caused primarily by bleaching of Py+, rather than by an electrochromic shift of the absorption band(s) of the monomeric BChls. Likewise, the disappearance of a band peaking at 842 nm upon oxidation of RCs from B. viridis indicates that this band has to be assigned to Py+, A blue shift of an absorption band at approximately 830nm upon oxidation of RCs of B. viridis is also essentially caused by the disappearance of Py+, rather than by an electrochromic shift of the absorption bands of monomeric BChls. Absorption maxima of the monomeric BCHls, B-B and B-A are at 802 and 797nm, respectively, in RCs of R. sphaeroides at room temperature. BPheo co-factors H-B and HA peak at 748 and 758 nm, respectively, at room temperature. For B. viridis RCs the spectral positions of HB and HA were found to be 796 and 816nm, respectively, at room temperature.}, language = {en} } @article{WronskiTiedemannApioetal.2006, author = {Wronski, Torsten and Tiedemann, Ralph and Apio, Ann and Plath, Martin}, title = {Cover, food, competitors and individual densities within bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus female clan home ranges}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We examined factors predicting female densities within the common home ranges of related females ("clans") in bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas, 1776. In this species, each female forms an individual home range, but the home ranges of matrilineal clan members strongly overlap. We found female densities to increase in areas with high canopy cover. Moreover, individual home range sizes tended to decrease with increasing cover. Food plant availability and intruder pressure by two heterospecific competitors did not significantly affect female densities. Apparently, canopy cover is the major limited resource in this species. A possible explanation is that both adult bushbuck and - even more markedly - fawns hide from predators in dense vegetation, in particular in thicket clumps and coalescences. The study shows an effect of habitat properties (eg sufficient canopy cover) on a within-population level in bushbuck, where female densities differ even among proximate clan areas}, language = {en} } @article{MorgenthalWeckwerthSteuer2006, author = {Morgenthal, Katja and Weckwerth, Wolfram and Steuer, Ralf}, title = {Metabolomic networks in plants : transitions from pattern recognition to biological interpretation}, doi = {10.1016/j.biosystems.2005.05.017}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Nowadays techniques for non-targeted metabolite profiling allow for the generation of huge amounts of relevant data essential for the construction of dynamic metabolomic networks. Thus, metabolomics, besides transcriptomics or proteomics, provides a major tool for the characterization of postgenomic processes. In this work, we introduce comparative correlation analysis as a complementary approach to characterize the physiological states of various organs of diverse plant species with focus on specific participation of metabolites in different reaction networks. The correlations observed are induced by diminutive fluctuations in environmental conditions, which propagate through the system and induce specific patterns depending on the genomic background. In order to examine this hypothesis, numeric examples of such fluctuations are computed and compared with experimentally obtained metabolite data.}, language = {en} } @article{PlathSeggelBurmeisteretal.2006, author = {Plath, Martin and Seggel, Uta and Burmeister, Heike and Heubel, Katja U. and Schlupp, Ingo}, title = {Choosy males from the underground : male mating preferences in surface- and cave-dwelling Atlantic mollies (Poecilia mexicana)}, doi = {10.1007/s00114-005-0072-z}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Atlantic mollies (Poecilia mexicana) inhabit a variety of surface habitats, but they also occur in a sulfur cave in southern Mexico. We examined male mate choice relative to female body size in the cave population and in the most closely related surface-dwelling population from a nearby river. Males from both populations were either light- or dark-reared and could choose between two differently sized females either on the basis of visual cues in light or on the basis of solely nonvisual cues in darkness. Sexual preferences were estimated from the degree of association. Cave molly males always showed a preference for the larger female, both in light and in darkness. Among the surface males, only light-reared males showed a preference in the visual cues test, but not in darkness. In a control experiment, we demonstrated that male association preferences directly translate into actual mating preferences. Apparently, using visual cues for mate choice is the ancestral state in this system, and using nonvisual cues has evolved as a novel trait in the cave population. We discuss the evolution of nonvisual male mate choice in the context of changed environmental conditions, namely the absence of light, hypoxia, and toxic hydrogen sulfide in the cave}, language = {en} } @article{StalzRothSchleuderetal.2006, author = {Stalz, Holger and Roth, Udo and Schleuder, Detlev and Macht, Marcus and Haebel, Sophie and Strupat, Kerstin and Peter-Katalinic, Jasna and Hanisch, Franz-Georg}, title = {The Geodia cydonium galectin exhibits prototype and chimera-type characteristics and a unique sequence polymorphism within its carbohydrate recognition domain}, doi = {10.1093/glycob/cwj086}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The ancestral galectin from the sponge Geodia cydonium (GCG) is classified on a structural basis to the prototype subfamily, whereas its carbohydrate-binding specificity is related to that of the mammalian chimera-type galectin-3. This dual coordination reveals GCG as a potential precursor of the later evolved galectin subfamilies, which is reflected in the primary structure of the protein. This study provides evidence that GCG is the LECT1 gene product, while neither a previously described LECT2 gene nor a functional LECT2 gene product was found in the specimen under investigation. The electrophoretically separated protein isomers with apparent molecular masses of 13, 15, and 16 kDa correspond to variants of the LECT1 protein-exhibiting peptide sequence polymorphisms that concern critical positions of the carbohydrate recognition domain (13 kDa: Leu51, Asn55, His130, Gly137; 15 kDa: Ser51, Asn55, Asn130, Gly137; 16 kDa: Ser51, Tyr55, Asn130, Glu137). Four residues, highly conserved in the galectin family, are substituted. None of the residues claimed to be involved in interactions with GalNAc alpha 1-3 moieties at an extended binding subsite of galectin-3 was identified in the corresponding positions of GCG. Apparently, the substitutions do not confer distinct binding characteristics to the GCG variants as evidenced by binding studies with a recombinantly expressed 15-kDa isoform. The natural isoforms as well as the recombinant 15-kDa isoform oligomerize by the formation of non-covalent heteromeric or homomeric complexes. A phosphorylation of the galectin was confirmed neither by mass spectrometry nor by alkaline phosphatase treatment combined with isoelectric focusing}, language = {en} } @article{SatoGambaleDreyeretal.2006, author = {Sato, A and Gambale, Franco and Dreyer, Ingo and Uozumi, N}, title = {Posttranslational inodification affects K+ current of plant K+ channel}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{SchulzThierbachVoigtetal.2006, author = {Schulz, Tim Julius and Thierbach, Ren{\`e} and Voigt, Anja and Drewes, Gunnar and Mietzner, Brun and Steinberg, Pablo and Pfeiffer, Andreas F. H. and Ristow, Michael}, title = {Induction of oxidative metabolism by mitochondrial frataxin inhibits cancer growth : Otto Warburg revisited}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M511064200}, year = {2006}, abstract = {More than 80 years ago Otto Warburg suggested that cancer might be caused by a decrease in mitochondrial energy metabolism paralleled by an increase in glycolytic flux. In later years, it was shown that cancer cells exhibit multiple alterations in mitochondrial content, structure, function, and activity. We have stably overexpressed the Friedreich ataxia-associated protein frataxin in several colon cancer cell lines. These cells have increased oxidative metabolism, as shown by concurrent increases in aconitase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular respiration, and ATP content. Consistent with Warburg's hypothesis, we found that frataxin-overexpressing cells also have decreased growth rates and increased population doubling times, show inhibited colony formation capacity in soft agar assays, and exhibit a reduced capacity for tumor formation when injected into nude mice. Furthermore, overexpression of frataxin leads to an increased phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, as well as decreased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Taken together, these results support the view that an increase in oxidative metabolism induced by mitochondrial frataxin may inhibit cancer growth in mammals}, language = {en} }