bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between customised small for gestational age infants and pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension varies with gestation at delivery
Authors: Groom KM , North RA , Poppe KK , Sadler L , McCowan LME
Published: March 2007

Objectives  (1) To describe the association between small for gestational age (SGA) infants and pre‐eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) and (2) to determine how this association changes with gestational age at delivery using customised centiles to classify infants as SGA.

Design  A retrospective observational study.

Setting  National Women’s Hospital, a Tertiary Referral Centre in Auckland, New Zealand.

Population  A total of 17 855 nulliparous women delivering between 1992 and 1999.

Methods  A comparison of the number of women with a customised SGA infant, PE and GH according to gestational age at delivery.

Main outcome measures  The incidence of SGA infants (defined as birthweight <10th customised centile), PE and GH at <34, 34–36+6 and ≥37 weeks.

Results  A total of 1847 (10.3%) infants were SGA, 520 (2.9%) women had PE and 1361 (7.6%) had GH. SGA, PE and GH all occurred more commonly with increasing gestation at delivery with 85%, 62% and 90% of cases delivered at term. In women delivering SGA infants, coexisting PE was more likely to occur among those delivered preterm than at term (38.6% at <34 weeks [relative risk, RR 10.2 95%CI 7.3–14.4], 22.4% at 34–36+6 weeks [RR 6.0 95%CI 4.1–8.6] and 3.8% at ≥37 weeks [OR 1.0]). Women with preterm PE were more likely to have a SGA infant than women with term PE (57.1% at <34 weeks [RR 3.1 95%CI 2.3–4.2], 31.7% at 34–36+6 weeks [RR 1.7 95%CI 1.2–2.5]) and 18.3% at ≥37 weeks [OR 1.0]). There was a similar association between GH and SGA infants as gestation advanced (57.6% at <34 weeks [RR 4.8 95%CI 3.4–6.6], 30.5% at 34–36+6 weeks [RR 2.5 95%CI 1.8–3.5] and 12.1% ≥37 weeks [OR 1.0]).

Conclusions  SGA infants and PE are more likely to coexist in preterm births compared with term births. This is likely to reflect the degree of placental involvement in each disease process.
Differential effects of intravenous R,S‐(±)‐3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and its S(+)‐ and R(−)‐enantiomers on dopamine transmission and extracellular signal regulated kinase phosphorylation (pERK) in the rat nucleus accumbens shell and core
Authors: Acquas Elio , Pisanu Augusta , Spiga Saturnino , Plumitallo Antonio , Zernig Gerald , Chiara Gaetano Di
Published: March 2007

R,S(±)‐3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (R,S(±)‐MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’) is known to stimulate dopamine (DA) transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In order to investigate the post‐synaptic correlates of pre‐synaptic changes in DA transmission and their relationship with MDMA enantiomers, we studied the effects of R,S(±)‐MDMA, S(+)‐MDMA, and R(−)‐MDMA on extracellular DA and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK) in the NAc shell and core. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, implanted with a catheter in the femoral vein and vertical concentric dialysis probes in the NAc shell and core, were administered i.v. saline, R,S(±)‐MDMA, S(+)‐MDMA, or R(−)‐MDMA. Extracellular DA was monitored by in vivo microdialysis with HPLC. Intravenous R,S(±)‐MDMA (0.64, 1, and 2 mg/kg) increased dialysate DA, preferentially in the shell, in a dose‐related manner. S(+)‐MDMA exerted similar effects but at lower doses than R,S(±)‐MDMA, while R(−)‐MDMA (1 and 2 mg/kg) failed to affect dialysate DA. R,S(±)‐ and S(+)‐MDMA but not R(−)‐MDMA increased ERK phosphorylation (expressed as density/neuron and number of pERK‐positive neurons/area) in both subdivisions of the NAc. The administration of the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 39166, prevented the increase in pERK elicited by R,S(±)‐MDMA and S(+)‐MDMA, while the D2/3 receptor antagonist, raclopride, increased pERK in the NAc core per se but failed to affect the R,S(±)‐MDMA‐elicited stimulation of pERK. The present results provide evidence that the DA stimulant effects of racemic MDMA are accounted for by the S(+)‐enantiomer and that pERK may represent a post‐synaptic correlate of the stimulant effect of R,S(±)‐MDMA on D1‐dependent DA transmission.
Impaired processing of FLP and NLP peptides in carboxypeptidase E (EGL‐21)‐deficient Caenorhabditis elegans as analyzed by mass spectrometry
Authors: Husson Steven J. , Janssen Tom , Baggerman Geert , Bogert Brigitte , Kahn‐Kirby Amanda H. , Ashrafi Kaveh , Schoofs Liliane
Published: March 2007

Biologically active peptides are synthesized from inactive pre‐proproteins or peptide precursors by the sequential actions of processing enzymes. Proprotein convertases cleave the precursor at pairs of basic amino acids, which are then removed from the carboxyl terminus of the generated fragments by a specific carboxypeptidase. Caenorhabditis elegans strains lacking proprotein convertase EGL‐3 display a severely impaired neuropeptide profile (Husson et al. 2006, J. Neurochem.98, 1999–2012). In the present study, we examined the role of the C. elegans carboxypeptidase E orthologue EGL‐21 in the processing of peptide precursors. More than 100 carboxy‐terminally extended neuropeptides were detected in egl‐21 mutant strains. These findings suggest that EGL‐21 is a major carboxypeptidase involved in the processing of FMRFamide‐like peptide (FLP) precursors and neuropeptide‐like protein (NLP) precursors. The impaired peptide profile of egl‐3 and egl‐21 mutants is reflected in some similar phenotypes. They both share a severe widening of the intestinal lumen, locomotion defects, and retention of embryos. In addition, egl‐3 animals have decreased intestinal fat content. Taken together, these results suggest that EGL‐3 and EGL‐21 are key enzymes for the proper processing of neuropeptides that control egg‐laying, locomotion, fat storage and the nutritional status.
I love my hair but I don't want rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SALUJA Manjit , JOSHI Vaijayanti L. , CHOPRA Arvind
Published: March 2007

We describe serious and severe hair loss in a young Indian (Asian) woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis on treatment with leflunomide. Hair loss due to antirheumatic drugs is not too infrequent but needs to be better recognized in rheumatology. In our context, it often has socio‐cultural ethnic connotations.
Concomitant methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus pericaditis, Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia and invasive cytomegalovirus pneumonitis in a lupus patient with rare homozygous structural mutant variant at codon 54 of mannose binding lectin gene
Authors: CHONG Yong‐Yeow , TIN Soe‐Kyaw , FONG Kok‐Yong
Published: March 2007

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a mediator of innate immunity. Individuals with exon 1 structural mutant genotypes are associated with unusual and recurrent infections. We describe a lupus patient who had life‐threatening, concomitant infections – methicillin‐resistant staphylococcal aureus (MRSA) pericarditis with tamponade, cryptococcal pneumonia and cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. Tests were negative for complements or immunoglobulins deficiencies. There was no human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. She has a homozygous structural mutant variant at codon 54 of the MBL gene. We surmised the severe multiple infections are related to this rare mutant variant, and may be triggered off by corticosteroid therapy.
Cultural Erosion and Biodiversity: Canoe‐Making Knowledge in Pohnpei, Micronesia
Authors: BROSI BERRY J. , BALICK MICHAEL J. , WOLKOW ROBERT , LEE ROBERTA , KOSTKA MARK , RAYNOR WILLIAM , GALLEN ROBERT , RAYNOR ALLY , RAYNOR PELIHTER , LEE LING DANA
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Erosion of traditional knowledge and practice is a serious and accelerating problem, but quantitative work on traditional knowledge loss and its importance to biodiversity conservation is lacking. We investigated traditional knowledge of canoe making, a skill heavily dependent on plant biodiversity, on Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, through a survey of 180 island residents. Our results showed that there has been an intergenerational erosion of canoe‐making skills. Given current trends, the present generation of Pohnpeians may be the last to retain any knowledge of this traditional craft. We also identified several correlates of knowledge loss—including Western educational level and occupation—that highlight potential avenues for skill conservation via governments, traditional leadership, and schools. These institutions could intervene to emphasize traditional knowledge, which would reinforce institutional contexts in which traditional knowledge and practice is valued. The heightened awareness of the value of biodiversity that is linked to traditional knowledge is key to biological conservation on Pohnpei and can help support local conservation programs.
TAXONOMIC STUDY OF BIGELOWIELLA LONGIFILA SP. NOV. (CHLORARACHNIOPHYTA) AND A TIME‐LAPSE VIDEO OBSERVATION OF THE UNIQUE MIGRATION OF AMOEBOID CELLS1
Authors: Ota Shuhei , Ueda Kunihiko , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: March 2007

A new species of a chlorarachniophyte alga, Bigelowiella longifila sp. nov., is described. It is classified as a member of Bigelowiella as flagellate cells constitute the main stage of the life cycle. However, this alga is different from the only described species of the genus, B. natans Moestrup, in having a unique amoeboid stage in the life cycle. We observed an interesting behavior of amoeboid daughter cells after cell division: One of the two daughter cells inherits the long filopodium of the parental cell, and it subsequently transports its cell contents through the filopodium to develop at its opposite end. The other daughter cell forms a new filopodium. This unequal behavior of daughter cells may have evolved before the chlorarachniophytes and some colorless cercozoans diverged.
PUNCTICULATA VERSIFORMIS SP. NOV. AND CYCLOTELLA KATHMANDUENSIS SP. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYTA), NEW FOSSIL SPECIES FROM MIDDLE PLEISTOCENE LACUSTRINE SEDIMENTS, KATHMANDU, NEPAL HIMALAYA1
Authors: Hayashi Tatsuya , Tanimura Yoshihiro , Sakai Harutaka
Published: March 2007

New fossil species, Puncticulata versiformis sp. nov. and Cyclotella kathmanduensis sp. nov., are described from lacustrine sediments in the Kathmandu Basin on the southern slope of the Nepal Himalaya. They were dominant in the Middle Pleistocene. Both LM and SEM observations reveal their unique morphological features. Puncticulata versiformis is characterized by (1) various valve outlines (circular, elliptical, or oval), (2) a tangentially undulate central area, (3) a complex alveolar structure composed of three kinds of costae (thick costae, thin costae, and thin and short costae), (4) well‐developed spines (Y‐shaped and tapering) located on one side of the valve face/mantle area junction, and (5) a valvocopula with an extremely undulate margin. The species‐specific feature of C. kathmanduensis is the presence of two kinds of alveolate zones in a single valve: type‐1 zone composed only of normal costae, and type‐2 zone composed of both normal costae and recessed costae bearing fultoportulae. Changes in valve ornamentation occur in these two species from initial valves to vegetative valves. In P. versiformis, the arrangement of areolae with internal domed cribra and fultoportulae in the central area changes from radial rows in the initial valve to groups in the vegetative valve. In the initial valve of C. kathmanduensis, the type‐1 alveolate zone is generally absent.
The Allocation of Governmental Regulatory Authority: Federalism and the Case of Insurance Regulation
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Phillips Richard D.
Published: March 2007

Abstract

We investigate the incentives states have to provide insurance regulatory services in an efficient manner. Regulation of the insurance industry in the United States is unique, as it is conducted primarily at the state level whereas the majority of insurance sales are interstate. Consistent with predictions from the federalism literature, we find evidence of trans‐state externalities, as states with small domestic insurance markets are less efficient producers of insurance regulation and appear to allow states that choose to expend the greatest resources to regulate for them. In addition, states with more profitable domestic insurers are shown to export greater levels of regulation, suggesting extraterritorial regulation may erect modest barriers to entry. We find evidence of increasing economies of scale in the production of insurance regulation after controlling for these regulatory externalities.
Factors affecting fish assemblage structure during seasonal stream drying
Authors: Dekar M. P. , Magoulick D. D.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  We evaluated fish assemblage structure during stream drying in north west Arkansas in 2002 and 2003. We sampled fish with a seine and backpack electrofisher and measured habitat variables along transects. Linear regression models were selected a priori and ranked according to Akaike's Information Criterion. In 2002, total fish density was negatively related to pool area and maximum depth, and positively related to canopy openness and substrate diversity. Similarly, central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum, Rafinesque) and creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus, Mitchill) densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In 2003, fish species richness was positively related to pool area whereas total fish, central stoneroller, and creek chub densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In addition, total fish density was negatively related to substrate diversity. Results indicated that physical factors are important predictors of fish assemblage structure during stream drying. However, differences among response variables between years indicated that the magnitude of stream drying might be critical in intermittent streams.
Cyclosporin‐A inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in gingiva
Authors: Chiang C.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐T. , Hung F.‐M. , Tu H.‐P. , Fu M. M.‐J. , Fu E.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objective:  Various inflammatory mediators are involved in the development of cyclosporine A‐induced gingival overgrowth. In this study, the gingival expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 after cyclosporine A therapy was examined in vivo and in vitro.

Material and Methods:  After edentulous ridges on maxilla were established, 21 Sprague‐Dawley rats received cyclosporine A daily for 4 wk, and a further 21 rats received solvent. After the rats were killed, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA, interleukin‐1β mRNA, tumor necrosis factor‐α mRNA, and interleukin‐6 mRNA was examined in the edentulous gingiva. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 protein and the production of prostaglandin E2 were also evaluated.

Results:  In cultured human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA was measured after treatment with cyclosporine A. Significantly lower expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and interleukin‐1β mRNA, but higher interleukin‐6 expression, were observed in gingiva from cyclosporine A‐treated rats than in those from the control rats. Significantly less prostaglandin E2 production was observed in cyclosporine A‐treated rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed that fewer gingival stromal cells were positively stained for cyclooxygenase‐2 in cyclosporine A‐treated rats. In cultured cells, significantly less cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA was detected after treatment with cyclosporine A.

Conclusion:  The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was lower in the plaque nonretentive gingivae and the in vitro gingival cells upon treatment with cyclosporine A. Thus, we propose that cyclosporine A inhibits the expression of gingival cyclooxygenase‐2.
In vivo measurement of human dermis by 1064 nm‐excited fiber Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Naito S. , Min Y.‐K. , Sugata K. , Osanai O. , Kitahara T. , Hiruma H. , Hamaguchi H.
Published: March 2007

Background/aims: Although chemical information on the dermis in vivo is highly important in skin research, an efficient method for gathering this information is yet to be developed. Here, we demonstrate that newly developed near‐infrared (1064 nm) excited Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method for chemical analysis of human skin in vivo.

Methods: We used a laboratory‐constructed Raman spectrometer equipped with a highly sensitive near‐infrared detector (Hamamatsu Photonics), an optical fiber probe and a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Raman spectra of porcine skin (in vitro) and human skin (in vivo) were measured with this spectrometer.

Results: The Raman spectrum of porcine skin measured from the outer side resembles that of the dermis more than that of the epidermis. The Raman spectra of human skin (cheek, forehead, inner forearm, outer forearm, palm) depend on the portion measured with the probe. The spectra of the forehead and inner forearm show larger lipid signals than that of the palm.

Conclusions: The Raman spectrum of skin measured with the 1064 nm Raman system primarily reflects the chemical composition of the dermis. The 1064 nm excited Raman spectroscopy is useful for research of the dermis and skin appendages.
Lexical and Sublexical Influences on Eye Movements During Reading
Authors: Liversedge Simon P. , Blythe Hazel I.
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we briefly review some recent studies that have clearly demonstrated in importance of lexical factors on eye movements during reading. We introduce the reader to eye‐movement recording and explain its importance within the field of experimental psychology as a tool with which we can examine the psychological processes underlying reading. We then provide a summary of (mainly) eye‐movement experiments in three areas: reading disappearing text, reading text with transposed letters, and morphological processing of compound words. Throughout the paper our central claim is that processes associated with lexical identification exert a strong and quite immediate effect on eye‐movement behaviour during reading.
Plasma membrane delivery, endocytosis and turnover of transcobalamin receptor in polarized human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Bose Santanu , Kalra Seema , Yammani Raghunatha R. , Ahuja Rajiv , Seetharam Bellur
Published: March 2007

Cells that are metabolically active and in a high degree of differentiation and proliferation require cobalamin (Cbl: vitamin B12) and they obtain it from the circulation bound to transcobalamin (TC) via the transcobalamin receptor (TC‐R). This study has investigated the plasma membrane dynamics of TC‐R expression in polarized human intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cells using techniques of pulse‐chase labelling, domain‐specific biotinylation and cell fractionation. Endogenously synthesized TC‐R turned over with a half‐life (T1/2) of 8 h following its delivery to the basolateral plasma membrane (BLM). The T1/2 of BLM delivery was 15 min and TC‐R delivered to the BLM was endocytosed and subsequently degraded by leupeptin‐sensitive proteases. However, about 15% of TC‐R endocytosed from the BLM was transcytosed (T1/2, 45 min) to the apical membranes (BBM) where it underwent endocytosis and was degraded. TC‐R delivery to both BLM and BBM was inhibited by Brefeldin A and tunicamycin, but not by wortmannin or leupeptin. Colchicine inhibited TC‐R delivery to BBM, but not BLM. At steady state, apical TC‐R was associated with megalin and both these proteins were enriched in an intracellular compartment which also contained Rab5 and transferrin receptor. These results indicate that following rapid delivery to both plasma membrane domains of Caco‐2 cells, TC‐R undergoes constitutive endocytosis and degradation by leupeptin‐sensitive proteases. TC‐R expressed in apical BBM complexes with megalin during its transcytosis from the BLM.
Structural Analysis and Characterization of Lacticin Q, a Novel Bacteriocin Belonging to a New Family of Unmodified Bacteriocins of Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Fujita Koji , Ichimasa Shiro , Zendo Takeshi , Koga Shoko , Yoneyama Fuminori , Nakayama Jiro , Sonomoto Kenji
Published: March 2007

Lactococcus lactis
QU 5 isolated from corn produces a novel bacteriocin, termed lacticin Q. By acetone precipitation, cation-exchange chromatography, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, lacticin Q was purified from the culture supernatant of this organism, and its molecular mass was determined to be 5,926.50 Da by mass spectrometry. Subsequent analyses of amino acid and DNA sequences revealed that lacticin Q comprised 53 amino acid residues and that its N-terminal methionine residue was formylated. In contrast to most bacteriocins produced by gram-positive bacteria, lacticin Q had no N-terminal extensions such as leader or signal sequences. It showed 66% and 48% identity to AucA, a hypothetical protein from
Corynebacterium jeikeium
plasmid pA501, and aureocin A53, a bacteriocin from
Staphylococcus aureus
A53, respectively. The characteristics of lacticin Q were determined and compared to those of nisin A. Similar to nisin A, lacticin Q exhibited antibacterial activity against various gram-positive bacteria. Lacticin Q was very stable against heat treatment and changes in pH; in particular, it was stable at alkaline pH values, while nisin A was inactivated. Moreover, lacticin Q induced ATP efflux from a
Listeria
sp. strain in a shorter time and at a lower concentration than nisin A, indicating that the former affected indicator cells in a different manner from that of the latter. The results described here clarified the fact that lacticin Q belongs to a new family of class II bacteriocins and that it can be employed as an alternative to or in combination with nisin A.
Characterization of a Latent Virus-Like Infection of Symbiotic Zooxanthellae
Authors: Lohr Jayme , Munn Colin B. , Wilson William H.
Published: March 2007

A latent virus-like agent, which we designated zooxanthella filamentous virus 1 (ZFV1), was isolated from
Symbiodinium
sp. strain CCMP 2465 and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy and analytical flow cytometry revealed the presence of a new group of distinctive filamentous virus-like particles after exposure of the zooxanthellae to UV light. Examination of thin sections of the zooxanthellae revealed the formation and proliferation of filamentous virus-like particles in the UV-induced cells. Assessment of
Symbiodinium
sp. cultures was used here as a model to show the effects of UV irradiance and induction of potential latent viruses. The unique host-virus system described here provides insight into the role of latent infections in zooxanthellae through environmentally regulated viral induction mechanisms.
A Novel Reductive Dehalogenase, Identified in a Contaminated Groundwater Enrichment Culture and in
Desulfitobacterium dichloroeliminans
Strain DCA1, Is Linked to Dehalogenation of 1,2-Dichloroethane
Authors: Marzorati Massimo , de Ferra Francesca , Van Raemdonck Hilde , Borin Sara , Allifranchini Elena , Carpani Giovanna , Serbolisca Luca , Verstraete Willy , Boon Nico , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: March 2007

A mixed culture dechlorinating 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) to ethene was enriched from groundwater that had been subjected to long-term contamination. In the metagenome of the enrichment, a 7-kb reductive dehalogenase (RD) gene cluster sequence was detected by inverse and direct PCR. The RD gene cluster had four open reading frames (ORF) showing 99% nucleotide identity with
pceB, pceC, pceT
, and
orf1
of
Dehalobacter restrictus
strain DSMZ 9455
T
, a bacterium able to dechlorinate chlorinated ethenes. However,
dcaA
, the ORF encoding the catalytic subunit, showed only 94% nucleotide and 90% amino acid identity with
pceA
of strain DSMZ 9455
T
. Fifty-three percent of the amino acid differences were localized in two defined regions of the predicted protein. Exposure of the culture to 1,2-DCA and lactate increased the
dcaA
gene copy number by 2 log units, and under these conditions the
dcaA
and
dcaB
genes were actively transcribed. A very similar RD gene cluster with 98% identity in the
dcaA
gene sequence was identified in
Desulfitobacterium dichloroeliminans
strain DCA1, the only known isolate that selectively dechlorinates 1,2-DCA but not chlorinated ethenes. The
dcaA
gene of strain DCA1 possesses the same amino acid motifs as the new
dcaA
gene. Southern hybridization using total genomic DNA of strain DCA1 with
dcaA
gene-specific and
dcaB
- and
pceB
-targeting probes indicated the presence of two identical or highly similar dehalogenase gene clusters. In conclusion, these data suggest that the newly described RDs are specifically adapted to 1,2-DCA dechlorination.
Optimization of a 12-Hour TaqMan PCR-Based Method for Detection of
Salmonella
Bacteria in Meat
Authors: Josefsen M. H. , Krause M. , Hansen F. , Hoorfar J.
Published: March 2007

We developed a 12-h
Salmonella
detection method, based on 8 h of preenrichment, followed by automated DNA extraction and a sensitive real-time PCR. The method was optimized to obtain the highest possible yield of cells and DNA. The growth of different
Salmonella
strains in various preenrichment media and the effects of adding growth-promoting and selective reagents were explored, taking into account their PCR compatibility. The effects of (i) analyzing larger volumes (1 to 5 ml) from preenriched samples and introducing wash steps prior to DNA extraction, (ii) regulating the amount of paramagnetic particles (increasing it from 60 to 90 μl) in the DNA extraction, (iii) eluting the DNA in reduced volumes (25 or 50 μl rather than 100 μl), and (iv) increasing the PCR template volume (from 5 to 20 μl) were investigated. After 8 h of preenrichment, buffered peptone water yielded the highest number of salmonellae. When analyzing minced meat samples, positive effects of increasing the initial sampling volume from 1 to 5 ml and increasing the amount of paramagnetic particles to 90 μl were observed. However, washing the pellet and eluting the DNA in reduced volumes (25 and 50 μl) had no positive effects and resulted in decreased reproducibility. Increasing the amount of PCR template DNA from 5 to 20 μl improved the threshold cycle value by approximately 2. The improved 12-h PCR method was successfully compared to a reference culture method with 100 minced meat and poultry samples, with a relative accuracy of 99%, a relative sensitivity of 98%, and a relative specificity of 100%.
Improved Luciferase Tagging System for
Listeria monocytogenes
Allows Real-Time Monitoring In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Riedel Christian U. , Monk Ian R. , Casey Pat G. , Morrissey David , O'Sullivan Gerald C. , Tangney Mark , Hill Colin , Gahan Cormac G. M.
Published: March 2007

An improved system for luciferase tagging
Listeria monocytogenes
was developed by constructing a highly active, constitutive promoter. This construct gave 100-fold-higher activity in broth than any native promoter tested and allowed for imaging of
lux
-tagged
L. monocytogenes
in food products, during murine infections, and in tumor targeting studies.
Automated Image Analysis for Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with Environmental Samples
Authors: Zhou Zhi , Pons Marie Noëlle , Raskin Lutgarde , Zilles Julie L.
Published: March 2007

When fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses are performed with complex environmental samples, difficulties related to the presence of microbial cell aggregates and nonuniform background fluorescence are often encountered. The objective of this study was to develop a robust and automated quantitative FISH method for complex environmental samples, such as manure and soil. The method and duration of sample dispersion were optimized to reduce the interference of cell aggregates. An automated image analysis program that detects cells from 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) micrographs and extracts the maximum and mean fluorescence intensities for each cell from corresponding FISH images was developed with the software Visilog. Intensity thresholds were not consistent even for duplicate analyses, so alternative ways of classifying signals were investigated. In the resulting method, the intensity data were divided into clusters using fuzzy
c
-means clustering, and the resulting clusters were classified as target (positive) or nontarget (negative). A manual quality control confirmed this classification. With this method, 50.4, 72.1, and 64.9% of the cells in two swine manure samples and one soil sample, respectively, were positive as determined with a 16S rRNA-targeted bacterial probe (S-D-Bact-0338-a-A-18). Manual counting resulted in corresponding values of 52.3, 70.6, and 61.5%, respectively. In two swine manure samples and one soil sample 21.6, 12.3, and 2.5% of the cells were positive with an archaeal probe (S-D-Arch-0915-a-A-20), respectively. Manual counting resulted in corresponding values of 22.4, 14.0, and 2.9%, respectively. This automated method should facilitate quantitative analysis of FISH images for a variety of complex environmental samples.
The WW Domain Protein PRO40 Is Required for Fungal Fertility and Associates with Woronin Bodies
Authors: Engh Ines , Würtz Christian , Witzel-Schlömp Konstanze , Zhang Hai Yu , Hoff Birgit , Nowrousian Minou , Rottensteiner Hanspeter , Kück Ulrich
Published: March 2007

Fruiting body formation in ascomycetes is a highly complex process that is under polygenic control and is a fundamental part of the fungal sexual life cycle. However, the molecular determinants regulating this cellular process are largely unknown. Here we show that the sterile
pro40
mutant is defective in a 120-kDa WW domain protein that plays a pivotal role in fruiting body maturation of the homothallic ascomycete
Sordaria macrospora
. Although WW domains occur in many eukaryotic proteins, homologs of PRO40 are present only in filamentous ascomycetes. Complementation analysis with different
pro40
mutant strains, using full-sized or truncated versions of the wild-type
pro40
gene, revealed that the C terminus of PRO40 is crucial for restoring the fertile phenotype. Using differential centrifugation and protease protection assays, we determined that a PRO40-FLAG fusion protein is located within organelles. Further microscopic investigations of fusion proteins with DsRed or green fluorescent protein polypeptides showed a colocalization of PRO40 with HEX-1, a Woronin body-specific protein. However, the integrity of Woronin bodies is not affected in mutant strains of
S. macrospora
and
Neurospora crassa
, as shown by fluorescence microscopy, sedimentation, and immunoblot analyses. We discuss the function of PRO40 in fruiting body formation.
Multiple Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins Regulate Expression of the
ENO1
Gene of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Meng , Lopes John M.
Published: March 2007

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) eukaryotic transcription factors have the ability to form multiple dimer combinations. This property, together with limited DNA-binding specificity for the E box (CANNTG), makes them ideally suited for combinatorial control of gene expression. We tested the ability of all nine
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
bHLH proteins to regulate the enolase-encoding gene
ENO1. ENO1
was known to be activated by the bHLH protein Sgc1p. Here we show that expression of an
ENO1-lacZ
reporter was also regulated by the other eight bHLH proteins, namely, Ino2p, Ino4p, Cbf1p, Rtg1p, Rtg3p, Pho4p, Hms1p, and Ygr290wp.
ENO1-lacZ
expression was also repressed by growth in inositol-choline-containing medium. Epistatic analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that regulation by Sgc1p, Ino2p, Ino4p, and Cbf1p and repression by inositol-choline required three distal E boxes, E1, E2, and E3. The pattern of bHLH binding to the three E boxes and experiments with two dominant-negative mutant alleles of
INO4
and
INO2
support the model that bHLH dimer selection affects
ENO1-lacZ
expression. These results support the general model that bHLH proteins can coordinate different biological pathways via multiple mechanisms.
Differential Bvg Phase-Dependent Regulation and Combinatorial Role in Pathogenesis of Two
Bordetella
Paralogs, BipA and BcfA
Authors: Sukumar Neelima , Mishra Meenu , Sloan Gina Parise , Ogi Tomoo , Deora Rajendar
Published: March 2007

To successfully colonize their mammalian hosts, many bacteria produce multiple virulence factors that play essential roles in disease processes and pathogenesis. Some of these molecules are adhesins that allow efficient attachment to host cells, a prerequisite for successful host colonization.
Bordetella
spp. express a number of proteins which either play a direct role in attachment to the respiratory epithelia or exhibit similarity to known bacterial adhesins. One such recently identified protein is BipA. Despite the similarity of BipA to intimins and invasins, deletion of this protein from
B. bronchiseptica
did not result in any significant defect in respiratory tract colonization. In this study, we identified an open reading frame in
B. bronchiseptica
, designated
bcfA
(encoding BcfA [
b
ordetella
c
olonization
f
actor
A
]), that is similar to
bipA
. In contrast to the maximal expression of
bipA
in the Bvg intermediate (Bvg
i
) phase,
bcfA
is expressed at high levels in both the Bvg
+
and Bvg
i
phases. We show here that BvgA and phosphorylated BvgA bind differentially to the
bcfA
promoter region. Utilizing immunoblot assays, we found that BcfA is localized to the outer membrane and that it is expressed during animal infection. While deletion of either
bipA
or
bcfA
did not significantly affect respiratory tract colonization, concomitant deletion of both genes resulted in a defect in colonization of the rat trachea. Our results indicate that the two paralogous proteins have a combinatorial role in mediating efficient respiratory tract colonization.
Regulation of Hydrogen Peroxide-Dependent Gene Expression in
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
: Regulatory Functions of OxyR
Authors: Zeller Tanja , Mraheil Mobarak A. , Moskvin Oleg V. , Li Kuanyu , Gomelsky Mark , Klug Gabriele
Published: March 2007

Genome-wide transcriptome profiling was used to reveal hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
)-dependent regulatory mechanisms in the facultatively photosynthetic bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. In this study we focused on the role of the OxyR protein, a known regulator of the H
2
O
2
response in bacteria. The transcriptome profiles of
R. sphaeroides
wild-type and
oxyR
mutant strains that were exposed to 1 mM H
2
O
2
for 7 min or were not exposed to H
2
O
2
were analyzed. Three classes of OxyR-dependent genes were identified based on their expression patterns in the wild type of
oxyR
mutant strains with differing predicted roles of oxidized and reduced OxyR as activators of transcription. DNA binding studies revealed that OxyR binds upstream of class I genes, which are induced by H
2
O
2
and exhibit similar basal levels of expression in the wild-type and
oxyR
mutant strains. The effect of OxyR on class II genes, which are also induced by H
2
O
2
but exhibit significantly lower basal levels of expression in the wild-type strain than in the mutant, is indirect. Interestingly, reduced OxyR also activates expression of few genes (class III). The role of reduced OxyR as an activator is shown for the first time. Our data reveal that the OxyR-mediated response is fast and transient. In addition, we found that additional regulatory pathways are involved in the H
2
O
2
response.
Molecular Genetics and Genomic Analysis of Scytonemin Biosynthesis in
Nostoc punctiforme
ATCC 29133
Authors: Soule Tanya , Stout V. , Swingley W. D. , Meeks J. C. , Garcia-Pichel F.
Published: March 2007

The indole-alkaloid scytonemin is the most common and widespread sunscreen among cyanobacteria. Previous research has focused on its nature, distribution, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry, but its molecular genetics have not been explored. In this study, a scytonemin-deficient mutant of the cyanobacterium
Nostoc punctiforme
ATCC 29133 was obtained by random transposon insertion into open reading frame NpR1273. The absence of scytonemin under conditions of induction by UV irradiation was the single phenotypic difference detected in a comparative analysis of the wild type and the mutant. A cause-effect relationship between the phenotype and the mutation in NpR1273 was demonstrated by constructing a second scytoneminless mutant through directed mutagenesis of that gene. The genomic region flanking the mutation revealed an 18-gene cluster (NpR1276 to NpR1259). Four putative genes in the cluster, NpR1274 to NpR1271, with no previously known functions, are likely to be involved in the assembly of scytonemin. Also in this cluster, there is a redundant set of genes coding for shikimic acid and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis enzymes, leading to the production of tryptophan and tyrosine, which are likely to be biosynthetic precursors of the sunscreen.
Target Site Selection ofPseudomonas putidaTransposon Tn4652
Authors: Kivistik Paula Ann , Kivisaar Maia , Hõrak Rita
Published: March 2007

We analyzed the target preferences of a Tn3family transposon Tn4652. Alignment of 93 different insertion sites revealed a consensus sequence which resembles that of Tn3, indicating that despite a low similarity between Tn4652and Tn3transposases, their target site recognition is conserved.
Shoot apical development during in vitro embryogenesisThis review is one of a selection of papers published on the Special Theme of Shoot Apical Meristems.
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Stasolla Claudio
Published: March 2007

Formation of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) has been extensively investigated in zygotic embryos of flowering plants, where it follows a prolonged and dynamic developmental pattern underlined by precise temporal and spatial changes in gene expression. Studies conducted on the plant model system Arabidopsis have revealed that SAM formation is controlled by a genetic network and involves the participation of several regulatory genes expressed at different stages of development. As a general rule apical meristem development in vivo occurs very early; at the globular stage of development in flowering plants and in club-stage embryos of conifers. Once formed, meristems of zygotic embryos are stable structures that become reactivated at the onset of germination. Shoot apical meristem formation during in vitro embryogenesis is demarked by structural events similar to those described for zygotic embryos, although differences can be observed during the late phases of development, where cellular differentiation and formation of intercellular spaces disrupt the architecture of SAMs produced in culture. These events, which denote the “unstable” nature of SAMs of somatic embryos, often result in poor conversion frequency and reduced plant regeneration. By using Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce) somatic embryos and microspore-derived embryos of Brassica napus L. (canola) as model systems, this review provides methods for improving SAM formation through manipulations of the culture medium which alter the cellular redox status. Meristem marker genes from Arabidopsis, such as WUSCHEL (which is required for the acquisition of stem fate identity), represent a valuable tool for estimating the quality of SAM produced by microspore-derived embryos of canola. In spruce, the identification of two novel meristem marker genes, HBK1 and PgAGO, will allow similar studies in conifers.
Stochastic approaches in phyllotaxis
Authors: Barabé Denis
Published: March 2007

Theoretical models of phyllotaxis are based on geometric regularities appearing at the level of the shoot apical meristem (SAM). However, one cannot forget the presence of perturbed patterns in many plants. Disorganized patterns found in mutants of Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum bring new theoretical problems that cannot be solved by using models developed to analyse regular phyllotactic patterns. One way to take into account the perturbed patterns is to use a probabilistic approach to phyllotaxis. This review will focus mainly on recent probabilistic approaches that can be used to analyse perturbed patterns found in the plant kingdom in general and in phyllotactic mutants in particular. More precisely, it will be shown how probabilistic approaches can be used to determine the degree of order of phyllotactic patterns. By using particular tests, it is possible to statistically differentiate between whorled and distichous patterns (aggregated dispersion), spiral patterns (uniform dispersion), and random patterns (random dispersion). The elaboration of a general probabilistic model of phyllotaxis represents a new challenge for both theoretical and experimental research.
Structures and energetics of CO2–Arn clusters (n = 1–21) based on a non-rigid potential model
Authors: Böyükata M , Borges E , Belchior J C , Braga J P
Published: March 2007

Energetics and possible stable structures of CO2–Arn (n = 1–21) clusters are investigated by performing molecular-dynamics simulations. The pairwise-additive approximation is tested to construct the potential energy function for describing the non-rigid particle interactions in the system. A potential model by Pariseau et al. (Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 42, p. 2335, 1965) is used for the internal motion of the CO2 molecule and the Billing form potential (Chemical Physics, Vol. 185, p. 199, 1994) is used for all other pair interactions. The stable configurations are determined for the ground state of CO2–Arn clusters, and the growing pattern process of the clusters is determined via rearrangement collisions. Ar atoms tend to surround the CO2 molecule, and the clusters prefer to form three-dimensional compact structures. Obtained structures and energetics are in quantitative agreement with previous results (Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 109, p. 1343, 1998) that have used split-repulsion and ab initio potentials in which the molecule was treated as rigid.Key words: argon, CO2, cluster, potential energy function, molecular dynamics.
Regioselective synthesis of novel N-aminotriazolophanes
Authors: Chande Madhukar S , Barve Pravin A , Khanwelkar Rahul R , Athalye Shailesh S , Venkataraman Deepak S
Published: March 2007

Bis-[4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles] were prepared by fusion of dibasic acids and thiosemicarbazide by condensation of aromatic acid hydrazides with hydrazine hydrate and carbon disulphide. Regioselective alkylation of these bis-[4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles] with 1,ω-dihaloalkanes in the presence of potassium hydroxide in aqueous methanol afforded novel N-aminotriazolophanes. The stereochemistry and antibacterial activity of these N-aminotriazolophanes were studied. In the case of the triazolophanes 5h, 8d, and 8f, both N-NH2 groups were observed trans to each other, whereas for case of other triazolophanes both N-NH2 groups were observed cis to each other.Key words: 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 1,ω-dihaloalkane, S-alkylation, regioselective, N-aminotriazolophanes.
Copper-mediated N-arylation of electron-deficient pyrroles and indoles
Authors: Bekolo Henri
Published: March 2007

We have found that it is possible to N-arylate electron-deficient pyrroles and indoles having no carbonyl group α to the nitrogen ring in good to excellent yields under the Chan and Lam conditions using N-Ethyldiisopropylamine (DIEA) base as a substitute for triethylamine (TEA) and pyridine.Key words: cupric acetate, arylboronic acid, N-arylation, pyrroles, indoles.
PSEUDO-INVARIANT EIGEN-OPERATOR METHOD FOR TWO GENERALIZED JAYNES–CUMMINGS MODELS
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , GUI WEI-JUN , GUI JIA-ZHANG
Published: March 2007

We develop the invariant eigen-operator (IEO) theory proposed in the preceding study (Phys. Lett. A321 (2004) 75) to the pseudo-invariant eigen-operator (PIEO) method, with which we derive energy-level gap of two generalized Jaynes–Cummings models. The PIEO usually exists in some Hilbert space which is spanned by the eigenvectors of conservative quantities of the dynamic system.
THE FINITE-SIZE SCALING STUDY OF THE SPECIFIC HEAT AND THE BINDER PARAMETER FOR THE 7-DIMENSIONAL ISING MODEL
Authors: MERDAN Z. , ATILLE D.
Published: March 2007

The 7-dimensional Ising model with nearest-neighbor pair interactions is simulated on the Creutz cellular automaton by using the finite-size lattices with the linear dimensions L = 4, 6, 8. The temperature variations and the finite-size scaling plots of the specific heat and Binder parameter verify the theoretically predicted expression near the infinite lattice critical temperature. The approximate values for the critical temperature of the infinite lattice T c = 12.866(2), T c = 12.871(2) and T c = 12.871(49) are obtained from the intersection points of specific heat curves, Binder parameter curves and the straight line fit of specific heat maxima, respectively. These results are in agreement with the more precise values of the Creutz cellular automaton results of T c = 12.8700(42), the 1/d-expansion result of T c = 12.8712, the series expansion result of T c = 12.86902(33), the dynamic Monte Carlo result of T c = 12.8667(50). The values obtained for the critical exponent of the specific heat, i.e., α = 0.011(76), α = -0.002, α = 0.011(5) and α = 0.082(32) corresponding to the above T c values, respectively, are in agreement with α = 0 predicted by the theory. Moreover the values for the Binder parameter are calculated as gL(T c ) = -1.022(28), gL(T c ) = -1.09, gL(T c ) = -1.01(12) and gL(T c ) = -1.34(55) corresponding to the above T c values, respectively.
THE MIXED COHERENT STATE REPRESENTATION OF THE DENSITY OPERATOR IN THERMO-FIELD DYNAMICS
Authors: FAN H.-Y. , LU H.-L.
Published: March 2007

In the framework of thermo-field dynamics, invented by Umezawa et al., we construct a mixed coherent state representation of density operator ρ. This new representation is useful because it provides an approach to retrieve ρ from its c-number solution of master equations in the entangled state representation.
THE FRACTIONAL CHAPMAN–KOLMOGOROV EQUATION
Authors: TARASOV VASILY E.
Published: March 2007

The Chapman–Kolmogorov equation with fractional integrals is derived. An integral of fractional order is considered as an approximation of the integral on fractal. Fractional integrals can be used to describe the fractal media. Using fractional integrals, the fractional generalization of the Chapman–Kolmogorov equation is obtained. From the fractional Chapman–Kolmogorov equation, the Fokker–Planck equation is derived.
'ENTERPRISE CULTURE': NECESSARY IN PROMOTING ENTERPRISE; LESSONS FROM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN ZIMBABWE
Authors: CARTER STEVEN , WILTON WILTON
Published: March 2007

The paper investigates the effects of the Zimbabwean national culture on enterprise development. In-depth interviews were carried out with fifteen (15) entrepreneurs and seven (7) members of the community whose role was to support entrepreneurs. It was established that the national culture impeded enterprise development and the factors identified are: bad debt culture, let's-pull-him-down syndrome, dependency syndrome, high living, and absence of role models, refusal to accept entrepreneurship, employing relatives and poor quality goods and services. To promote enterprise development, countries need to identify factors that make up the national culture. The paper also identifies the desired enterprise culture.