bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
G-CSF/SCF reduces inducible arrhythmias in the infarcted heart potentially via increased connexin43 expression and arteriogenesis
Authors: Kuhlmann Michael T. , Kirchhof Paulus , Klocke Rainer , Hasib Lekbira , Stypmann Jörg , Fabritz Larissa , Stelljes Matthias , Tian Wen , Zwiener Melanie , Mueller Marcus , Kienast Joachim , Breithardt Günter , Nikol Sigrid
Published: January 2006

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), alone or in combination with stem cell factor (SCF), can improve hemodynamic cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Apart from impairing the pump function, myocardial infarction causes an enhanced vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, we investigated the electrophysiological effects of G-CSF/SCF and the underlying cellular events in a murine infarction model.

G-CSF/SCF improved cardiac output after myocardial infarction. Although G-CSF/SCF led to a twofold increased, potentially proarrhythmic homing of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells to the area of infarction, <1% of these cells adopted a cardial phenotype. Inducibility of ventricular tachycardias during programmed stimulation was reduced 5 wk after G-CSF/SCF treatment. G-CSF/SCF increased cardiomyocyte diameter, arteriogenesis, and expression of connexin43 in the border zone of the infarction. An enhanced expression of the G-CSF receptor demonstrated in cardiomyocytes and other cell types of the infarcted myocardium indicates a sensitization of the heart to direct influences of this cytokine. In addition to paracrine effects potentially caused by the increased homing of BM-derived cells, these might contribute to the therapeutic effects of G-CSF.
Oryzabase. An Integrated Biological and Genome Information Database for Rice
Authors: Kurata Nori , Yamazaki Yukiko
Published: January 2006

The aim of Oryzabase is to create a comprehensive view of rice (Oryza sativa) as a model monocot plant by integrating biological data with molecular genomic information (http://www.shigen.nig.ac.jp/rice/oryzabase/top/top.jsp). The database contains information about rice development and anatomy, rice mutants, and genetic resources, especially for wild varieties of rice. The anatomical description of rice development is unique and is the first known representation for rice. Developmental and anatomical descriptions include in situ gene expression data serving as stage and tissue markers. The systematic presentation of a large number of rice mutant and mutant trait genes is indispensable, as is description of research in wild strains, core collections, and their detailed characterization. Several genetic, physical, and expression maps with full genome and cDNA sequences are also combined with biological data in Oryzabase. These datasets, when pooled together, could provide a useful tool for gaining greater knowledge about the life cycle of rice, the relationship between phenotype and gene function, and rice genetic diversity. For exchanging community information, Oryzabase publishes the Rice Genetics Newsletter organized by the Rice Genetics Cooperative and provides a mailing service, rice-e-net/rice-net.
Agroinjection of Tomato Fruits. A Tool for Rapid Functional Analysis of Transgenes Directly in Fruit
Authors: Orzaez Diego , Mirabel Sophie , Wieland Willemien H. , Granell Antonio
Published: January 2006

Transient expression of foreign genes in plant tissues is a valuable tool for plant biotechnology. To shorten the time for gene functional analysis in fruits, we developed a transient methodology that could be applied to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv Micro Tom) fruits. It was found that injection of Agrobacterium cultures through the fruit stylar apex resulted in complete fruit infiltration. This infiltration method, named fruit agroinjection, rendered high levels of 35S Cauliflower mosaic virus-driven β-glucuronidase and yellow fluorescence protein transient expression in the fruit, with higher expression levels around the placenta and moderate levels in the pericarp. Usefulness of fruit agroinjection was assayed in three case studies: (1) the heat shock regulation of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) promoter, (2) the production of recombinant IgA antibodies as an example of molecular farming, and (3) the virus-induced gene silencing of the carotene biosynthesis pathway. In all three instances, this technology was shown to be efficient as a tool for fast transgene expression in fruits.
ELONGATED UPPERMOST INTERNODE Encodes a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase That Epoxidizes Gibberellins in a Novel Deactivation Reaction in Rice
Authors: Zhu Yongyou , Nomura Takahito , Xu Yonghan , Zhang Yingying , Peng Yu , Mao Bizeng , Hanada Atsushi , Zhou Haicheng , Wang Renxiao , Li Peijin , Zhu Xudong , Mander Lewis N. , Kamiya Yuji , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , He Zuhua
Published: January 2006

The recessive tall rice (Oryza sativa) mutant elongated uppermost internode (eui) is morphologically normal until its final internode elongates drastically at the heading stage. The stage-specific developmental effect of the eui mutation has been used in the breeding of hybrid rice to improve the performance of heading in male sterile cultivars. We found that the eui mutant accumulated exceptionally large amounts of biologically active gibberellins (GAs) in the uppermost internode. Map-based cloning revealed that the Eui gene encodes a previously uncharacterized cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, CYP714D1. Using heterologous expression in yeast, we found that EUI catalyzed 16α,17-epoxidation of non-13-hydroxylated GAs. Consistent with the tall and dwarfed phenotypes of the eui mutant and Eui-overexpressing transgenic plants, respectively, 16α,17-epoxidation reduced the biological activity of GA4 in rice, demonstrating that EUI functions as a GA-deactivating enzyme. Expression of Eui appeared tightly regulated during plant development, in agreement with the stage-specific eui phenotypes. These results indicate the existence of an unrecognized pathway for GA deactivation by EUI during the growth of wild-type internodes. The identification of Eui as a GA catabolism gene provides additional evidence that the GA metabolism pathway is a useful target for increasing the agronomic value of crops.
ramosa2Encodes a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY Domain Protein That Determines the Fate of Stem Cells in Branch Meristems of Maize
Authors: Bortiri Esteban , Chuck George , Vollbrecht Erik , Rocheford Torbert , Martienssen Rob , Hake Sarah
Published: January 2006

Genetic control of grass inflorescence architecture is critical given that cereal seeds provide most of the world's food. Seeds are borne on axillary branches, which arise from groups of stem cells in axils of leaves and whose branching patterns dictate most of the variation in plant form. Normal maize (Zea mays) ears are unbranched, and tassels have long branches only at their base. The ramosa2 (ra2) mutant of maize has increased branching with short branches replaced by long, indeterminate ones. ra2 was cloned by chromosome walking and shown to encode a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY domain transcription factor. ra2 is transiently expressed in a group of cells that predicts the position of axillary meristem formation in inflorescences. Expression in different mutant backgrounds places ra2 upstream of other genes that regulate branch formation. The early expression of ra2 suggests that it functions in the patterning of stem cells in axillary meristems. Alignment of ra2-like sequences reveals a grass-specific domain in the C terminus that is not found in Arabidopsis thaliana. The ra2-dm allele suggests this domain is required for transcriptional activation of ra1. The ra2 expression pattern is conserved in rice (Oryza sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and maize, suggesting that ra2 is critical for shaping the initial steps of grass inflorescence architecture.
Determinants of Residential Location Choice: How Important Are Local Public Goods in Attracting Homeowners to Central City Locations?*
Authors: Bayoh Isaac , Irwin Elena G. , Haab Timothy
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  A hybrid conditional logit choice model is estimated using data on the characteristics and destination of homeowners who engaged in intrametropolitan moves among 17 school districts within the Columbus, Ohio area in 1995. The model is used to test the relative influence of local fiscal and public goods versus household‐level characteristics in determining household location choices across central city and suburban school districts. Results provide evidence of both a “natural evolution” of households to the suburbs, due to job location, residential filtering, and household income and lifecycle effects, and “flight from blight,” due to lower school quality, higher crime levels, and lower average income levels in the city. In comparing the magnitudes of these variables, we find that school quality exerts the strongest influence: a 1‐percent increase in the school quality of the city district increases the probability of choosing a city residence by 3.7 percent. In contrast, the effects of household income and other individual characteristics are relatively modest. The findings provide support for a “flight from blight” suburbanization process that is dominated by differences in neighborhood quality between the city and suburbs. An implication is that investments that promote central city development and reduce suburbanization are justified on efficiency grounds if negative externalities are generated by increased concentration of poverty, crime, and low school quality.
Workers’ Compensation and State Employment Growth*
Authors: Edmiston Kelly D.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Workers’ compensation reforms have been on the table in virtually every state over the last several years, and many states have launched comprehensive reforms. At least nine states undertook major reforms of their workers’ compensation systems in 2004 alone, and the reforms were driven largely by claims that higher workers’ compensation costs are driving away businesses and the employment that comes with them. This paper examines the relationship between workers’ compensation costs, as proxied by benefits/earnings, and employment across U.S. states and the District of Columbia from 1976 to 2000. Workers’ compensation costs are found to have a statistically significant negative impact on employment and wages, but the elasticities are very small, suggesting that workers’ compensation is not a likely cause of jobs woes in most states. Unemployment insurance appears to have an effect of similar magnitude. Medical cost inflation is found to be a significant factor in explaining movements in workers’ compensation costs over time.
Current Events: The Effects of Electricity Deregulation on State Economies*
Authors: Coulson N. Edward
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Panel regressions indicate that state electricity deregulation in the US is associated with higher housing prices, increased activity in the housing market, and lower wages, all of which are consistent with a model of compensating differentials wherein deregulation (which is shown to indeed lower electricity prices) increased the utility of state residents. On the other hand, there is no link between deregulation and job creation.
Two sporadic cases of adult‐onset progressive mucinous histiocytosis
Authors: Young A. , Olivere J. , Yoo S. , Martins C. , Barrett T.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Progressive mucinous histiocytosis is a rare, benign, non‐Langerhans' cell histiocytosis limited to the skin. Ten cases – all women – in four families and one sporadic case have been described in the literature. The disorder usually begins in childhood and progresses slowly. We report two sporadic cases of adult‐onset progressive mucinous histiocytosis in unrelated African‐American women, aged 48 and 55 years, respectively, who developed red‐brown and flesh‐coloured, asymptomatic papules on the face, the arms and the legs without truncal, mucosal or visceral involvement. The lesions showed no spontaneous regression. Both patients lacked associated systemic symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia or seizures. There was no underlying hyperlipidaemia, paraproteinaemia or lymphoproliferative disease. No family history of similar lesions could be identified. Light microscopy revealed dermal proliferation of spindle‐shaped histiocytes with abundant mucin deposition. Electron microscopy demonstrated a high number of myelin figures or zebra bodies in the cytoplasm of histiocytes. On immunohistochemistry, positive staining with macrophage markers – CD68, HAM56 and lysozyme – and factor XIIIa, a transglutaminase present in dermal dendrocytes, and negative staining with Langerhans' cell markers – CD1a and S100 – and CD34, a marker present in dermal dendritic cells derived from uncommitted mesenchymal cells, were observed.
CD10 expression in trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma*
Authors: Pham Teresa Tram N. , Selim M. Angelica , Burchette James L. , Madden John , Turner John , Herman Christopher
Published: January 2006

Background:  Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign neoplasm that shares both clinical and histologic features with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, it is important to distinguish these neoplasms. Limited immunohistochemical stains are available to separate these two tumors.

Methods:  CD10 protein immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin‐embedded biopsies of 13 TE and 23 BCC diagnosed by routine microscopy. Cases were analyzed for pattern of CD10 expression by tumor cells and surrounding stroma.

Results:  Twelve of 13 (92%) TE showed positive stromal immunoreactivity. Of these, eight cases also demonstrated positivity of the papilla, and two also showed positivity of the basaloid cells. No TE demonstrated epithelial expression alone. On the other hand, expression of CD10 by basaloid cells was identified in 20 (87%) cases of BCC. Stromal positivity was also identified in three cases of BCC. Condensation of CD10‐positive stromal cells around basaloid nests was statistically significant in differentiating TE from BCC (p < 0.0001). Conversely, CD10‐positive basaloid cells were seen predominantly in BCC (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates a statistically significant difference in CD10 staining pattern between TE and BCC. Thus, CD10 may be a useful adjunct marker in distinguishing these tumors.
Putting nursing research findings into practice: research utilization as an aspect of the management of change*
Authors: MacGuire Jillian M.
Published: January 2006

This paper discusses a number of different levels at which the implementation of nursing research findings needs to be addressed and identifies 10 areas of potential difficulty: the complexity of the change process, the genesis of research programmes, the formulation of research questions, differences in theoretical approaches, timescales and planning cycles, information overload, credibility, applicability, response to change and the management of change. An attempt is made to shift the nature of the discourse from the personal to the organizational and from a diffusionist perspective to that of change management. It is suggested that it is simplistic to regard the apparent lack of take‐up of research‐based practice findings as a failure on the part of individual nurses to respond rationally to the production of new information. The integration of research and practice has to be addressed at all levels within an organization; from policy statements to procedure manuals and from managers, educators and clinicians to support workers within the framework of the management of change. The potential of action research and quality circles in this context is touched on.
Psychiatric diagnosis: some implications for mental health nursing care
Authors: Crowe Marie
Published: January 2006

This article explores some of the functions of psychiatric diagnosis and the implications this has for the mental health nursing care that service users receive. It proposes that because a psychiatric diagnosis often fails to describe the individual's experience of mental distress it can be regarded as a categorization process that, while not necessarily intentionally, serves to maintain oppressive power relations within society. It does this by establishing and maintaining the parameters of normality and abnormality in a manner that reflects particular gender, culture and class biases. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be used to illustrate some of the inherent biases in the diagnostic process. Mental health nursing practice needs to demonstrate an awareness of the power relations inherent in any diagnostic process and make attempts to redress these at both the individual and sociopolitical levels. If mental health nursing practice is a patient‐centred partnership, as many of our nursing standards suggest, then nursing's focus should be on the patient's experience rather than the psychiatric diagnosis with which the experience is attributed. Mental health nurses need to turn to service users to learn how best to help.
A comparison of morbidity rates attributable to conditions originating in the perinatal period among newborns discharged from United States hospitals, 1989–90 and 1999–2000
Authors: Tomashek Kay M. , Crouse Chadd J. , Iyasu Solomon , Johnson Christopher H. , Flowers Lisa M.
Published: January 2006

Perinatal conditions account for 60% of US neonatal deaths, yet little is known about rates of morbidity attributable to these conditions. To estimate these rates, we analysed newborn hospital discharges from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. We used International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes to classify discharge diagnoses among a weighted, nationally representative sample of newborns discharged from short‐stay, non‐federal US hospitals. We compared overall and cause‐specific morbidity rates attributable to perinatal conditions (ICD‐9‐CM 760.0–779.9), as well as the average length of hospital stay among newborn discharges during 1989–90 and 1999–2000.

The overall newborn morbidity rate declined from 36.3% in 1989–90 to 33.7% in 1999–2000 (P < 0.01), despite significant increases in high‐risk births. The decline can be attributed to significant decreases in the reported rates of jaundice, fetal distress, birth trauma and birth asphyxia. Rates of jaundice decreased from 15.7% to 13.4% (P < 0.01). The average length of stay decreased among newborns with no morbid condition (2.37–2.04 days, P < 0.001) and among those with one perinatal condition (3.11–2.51, P < 0.001), but increased among those with multiple perinatal conditions (8.43–9.98, P < 0.05). Morbidity rates among newborns discharged from US hospitals declined. Shorter newborn hospital stays may have resulted in fewer cases of jaundice being diagnosed before discharge. Stricter diagnostic criteria and changes in obstetric practices may have led to a decline in the rates of fetal distress, birth trauma and birth asphyxia.
Early onset dactylitis associated with the occurrence of severe events in children with sickle cell anaemia. The Paediatric Cohort of Guadeloupe (1984–99)
Authors: Foucan Lydia , Ekouevi Didier , Etienne‐Julan Maryse , Salmi L Rachid , Diara Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2006

Dactylitis or hand–foot syndrome is related to intravascular sickling and classically occurs around 6 months of life when haemoglobin S levels reach pathological significance. It has been hypothesised as a possible predictive factor of adverse outcome.

The objective of this study was to estimate the survival without severe events (acute chest syndrome, stroke or death) according to early occurrence of dactylitis in the sickle cell paediatric cohort of Guadeloupe. The study period was 1 January 1984 to 31 December 1999. Medical data were recorded from birth for children with sickle cell anaemia diagnosed before 6 months of age. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate the severe event‐free survival and to draw related curves. We used proportional‐hazard modelling to assess the risk of severe events (stroke or acute chest syndrome or death) in children with early dactylitis (before 6 months of age).

The study sample comprised 114 children. The incidence [95% confidence interval] of clinical events per 100 child‐years were 10.0 [7.63, 13.07] for dactylitis, 0.73 [0.33, 1.62] for stroke, 10.88 [8.35, 14.17] for acute chest syndrome and 1.06 [0.56, 2.05] for death. Thirteen of the 14 children who had dactylitis before 6 months of age had at least one severe event later in life. The median severe event‐free survival time was 2.1 [1.6, 2.7] years in children with dactylitis before 6 months compared with 6.3 [4.5, 8.1] years in the other children;P < 0.0005. After adjustment for haemoglobin level ≤7 g/dL (25th percentile), leucocyte count >19 000/mm3(75th percentile), transfusion before age of one year, acute splenic sequestration before the age of one year, the adjusted hazard ratio of severe event for children with early dactylitis was 2.13 [1.06, 4.40];P < 0.03. Dactylitis occurring before 6 months of life identifies children at risk of severe complications who should benefit from close management.
Changes in the timing of SIDS deaths in 1989 and 1999: indirect evidence of low homicide prevalence among reported cases
Authors: Pollack Harold A.
Published: January 2006

An unknown proportion of cases diagnosed as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are misdiagnosed, and in some cases are homicides. Because recent SIDS prevention measures were unlikely to reduce homicides, changes in the reported timing of SIDS cases provide an indirect measure of covert homicides in this group.

This paper uses United States vital statistics microdata to explore these questions. The sample includes all reported infant deaths to singletons with birthweight > 500 g in the 1989 and 1999 US birth cohorts. Deaths attributed to SIDS (n = 7708), homicide (n = 597), or object inhalation and mechanical suffocation (n = 860) are specifically examined. If reported SIDS cases were a mixture of ‘true’ cases and misdiagnosed homicides, it is hypothesised that the age‐at‐death distribution of SIDS deaths would have changed to reflect greater prevalence of misdiagnosed homicide.

We find that the age‐at‐death distribution of reported SIDS cases was virtually unchanged in the two cohorts, showing no increase during periods of infancy when relative homicide risk is most pronounced. One cannot reject the hypothesis that the timing was drawn from the same distribution ( = 62.2, P = 0.157). Analogous results hold for infants born in circumstances associated with high homicide risk ( = 61.5, P = 0.12).

The stable age‐at‐death distribution of reported SIDS cases between 1989 and 1999 suggests that covert homicides are a small fraction of reported SIDS cases.
Phylogeny and life history evolution of Prodoxus yucca moths (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae)
Authors: Pellmyr Olle , Balcázar‐Lara Manuel , Althoff David M. , Segraves Kari A. , Leebens‐Mack James
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Yucca moths (Lep., Prodoxidae) are well‐known for their obligate pollination mutualism with yuccas. In addition to the pollinators, yuccas also host many non‐pollinating yucca moths. Here the genus Prodoxus, the non‐pollinating sister group of the pollinators, is revised using morphological and molecular data, their phylogenetic relationships are analysed, and the evolution of host tissue specialization explored. Twenty‐two species are recognized, including nine new species: Prodoxus gypsicolorsp.n., P. sonorensissp.n., P. carnerosanellussp.n., P. tamaulipellussp.n., P. weethumpisp.n., P. tehuacanensissp.n., P. californicussp.n., P. mapimiensissp.n. and P. atascosanellussp.n.Prodoxus y‐inversus Riley, P. coloradensis Riley and P. sordidus Riley are redescribed. The genus Agavenema is synonymized with Prodoxus. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that stalk‐feeding is basal within the group, that there are three separate origins of fruit‐feeding, and one origin of leaf‐mining from a stalk‐feeding ancestor. Although species with different feeding habits often coexist within hosts, the analyses suggest that ecological specialization and diversification within a host only may have occurred within one or possibly two hosts.
The phylogeny of Sericini and their position within the Scarabaeidae based on morphological characters (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Ahrens Dirk
Published: January 2006

Abstract. To reconstruct the phylogeny of the Sericini and their systematic position among the scarabaeid beetles, cladistic analyses were performed using 107 morphological characters from the adults and larvae of forty‐nine extant scarabaeid genera. Taxa represent most ‘traditional’ subfamilies of coprophagous and phytophagous Scarabaeidae, with emphasis on the Sericini and other melolonthine lineages. Several poorly studied exoskeletal features have been examined, including the elytral base, posterior wing venation, mouth parts, endosternites, coxal articulation, and genitalia. The results of the analysis strongly support the monophyly of the ‘orphnine group’ + ‘melolonthine group’ including phytophagous scarabs such as Dynastinae, Hopliinae, Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, and Cetoniinae. This clade was identified as the sister group to the ‘dung beetle line’ represented byAphodius + Copris. The ‘melolonthine group’ is comprised in the strict consensus tree by two major clades and two minor lineages, with the included taxa of Euchirinae, Rutelinae, and Dynastinae nested together in one of the major clades (‘melolonthine group I’). Melolonthini, Cetoniinae, and Rutelinae are strongly supported, whereas Melolonthinae and Pachydemini appear to be paraphyletic. Sericini + Ablaberini were identified to be sister taxa nested within the second major melolonthine clade (‘melolonthine group II’). As this clade is distributed primarily in the southern continents, one could assume that Sericini + Ablaberini are derived from a southern lineage. Plausibly, ancestors of Sericini + Ablaberini andAthliawere separated by a vicariance event, such as the separation of the African plate from the rest of Gondwana, whereas Sericini and Ablaberini probably diversified during the early Tertiary, with dispersal of some basal Sericini to South America.
Functional analysis of Arabidopsis NCED6 and NCED9 genes indicates that ABA synthesized in the endosperm is involved in the induction of seed dormancy
Authors: Lefebvre Valérie , North Helen , Frey Anne , Sotta Bruno , Seo Mitsunori , Okamoto Masanori , Nambara Eiji , Marion‐Poll Annie
Published: January 2006

The cleavage of 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoids to xanthoxin, catalyzed by 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases, is considered to be the key regulatory step of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. In Arabidopsis, genes for these enzymes form a multigene family with nine members, only five of which are thought to be involved in ABA production. In contrast to the prominent function of AtNCED3 in stress responses, the physiological and developmental role of the other 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCEDs) remain unknown. Our functional and expression analyses have revealed that AtNCED6 and AtNCED9 are required for ABA biosynthesis during seed development. Reverse genetic analysis showed that ABA levels were reduced in Atnced6 and Atnced9 mutant seeds. In addition, transgenic plants overexpressing the AtNCED6 gene overproduced ABA. In accordance with mutant phenotypes, both AtNCED6 and AtNCED9 exhibited seed‐specific expression. Detailed cytological studies were carried out, either by using transcriptional fusions of the promoter with GUS and GFP reporter genes, or by in situ hybridization. Expression of AtNCED6 was observed exclusively in the endosperm during seed development, that of AtNCED9 in both embryo and endosperm at mid‐development. In addition to reduced ABA levels, Atnced6 and Atnced9 mutant seeds were also resistant to paclobutrazol, a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor. Although seeds of single mutants were still dormant, reduced dormancy was observed in the Atnced6 Atnced9 double‐mutant seeds. These demonstrate that ABA synthesized in both the endosperm and the embryo participates in the hormonal balance that controls seed dormancy and germination.
Characterization of a novel putative zinc finger gene MIF1: involvement in multiple hormonal regulation of Arabidopsis development
Authors: Hu Wei , Ma Hong
Published: January 2006

Phytohormones play crucial roles in regulating many aspects of plant development. Although much has been learned about the effects of individual hormones, cross‐talk between and integration of different hormonal signals are still not well understood. We present a study of MINI ZINC FINGER 1 (MIF1), a putative zinc finger protein from Arabidopsis, and suggest that it may be involved in integrating signals from multiple hormones. MIF1 homologs are highly conserved among seed plants, each characterized by a very short sequence containing a central putative zinc finger domain. Constitutive overexpression of MIF1 caused dramatic developmental defects, including dwarfism, reduced apical dominance, extreme longevity, dark‐green leaves, altered flower morphology, poor fertility, reduced hypocotyl length, spoon‐like cotyledons, reduced root growth, and ectopic root hairs on hypocotyls and cotyledons. In addition, 35S::MIF1 seedlings underwent constitutive photomorphogenesis in the dark, with root growth similar to that in the light. Furthermore, 35S::MIF1 seedlings were demonstrated to be non‐responsive to gibberellin (GA) for cell elongation, hypersensitive to the GA synthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC) and abscisic acid (ABA), and hyposensitive to auxin, brassinosteroid and cytokinin, but normally responsive to ethylene. The de‐etiolation defect could not be rescued by the hormones tested. Consistent with these observations, genome‐scale expression profiling revealed that 35S::MIF1 seedlings exhibited decreased expression of genes involved in GA, auxin and brassinosteroid signaling as well as cell elongation/expansion, and increased expression of ABA‐responsive genes. We propose that MIF1, or the protein(s) with which MIF1 interacts, is involved in mediating the control of plant development by multiple hormones.
Development of a methoxyfenozide‐responsive gene switch for applications in plants
Authors: Tavva Venkata S. , Dinkins Randy D. , Palli Subba R. , Collins Glenn B.
Published: January 2006

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) has been used to develop gene switches for conditional regulation of transgene expression in plants and humans. All EcR‐based gene switches developed to date for use in plants are monopartate and require micromolar concentrations of ligand for activation of the transgene; this has limited the use of these gene switches. We have developed a Choristoneura fumiferana ecdysone receptor (CfEcR)‐based two‐hybrid gene switch that works through the formation of a functional heterodimer between EcR and the retinoid X receptor (RXR) upon application of the chemical ligand methoxyfenozide. Methoxyfenozide is already registered for field use with an excellent safety profile, and it has potential as a gene switch ligand for applications in the field. The receptor constructs were prepared by fusing DEF domains (hinge region plus ligand‐binding domain) of CfEcR to the GAL4 DNA‐binding domain and EF domains (ligand‐binding domain) of ultraspiracle from Choristoneura fumiferana (CfUSP) or RXR from Locusta migratoria (LmRXR), Mus musculus (MmRXR) or Homo sapiens (HsRXR) to the VP16 activation domain. These receptor constructs were tested for their ability to induce expression of the luciferase gene placed under the control of 5× GAL4 response elements and −46 35S minimal promoter in tobacco, corn and soybean protoplasts and in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. By adopting the two‐hybrid format, the sensitivity of the CfEcR gene switch has been improved from micromolar to nanomolar concentrations of methoxyfenozide. The sensitivity of the CfEcR + LmRXR two‐hybrid switch was 25 to 625 times greater than the monopartate gene switch, depending on the plant species tested.
Genetic dissection of transcriptional regulation by cDNA‐AFLP
Authors: Vuylsteke Marnik , Van Den Daele Hilde , Vercauteren Annelies , Zabeau Marc , Kuiper Martin
Published: January 2006

This study demonstrates that cDNA‐AFLP is a powerful gel‐based genome‐scale transcript profiling technique to generate quantitative gene expression profiles for eQTL mapping. We used cDNA‐AFLP to monitor the relative abundance of 912 transcripts across 50 Arabidopsis thaliana recombinant inbred lines. Estimates for heritability of cDNA‐AFLP intensity polymorphisms were high, with a median of 0.30 and an interquartile range of 0.21–0.44. A total of 198 expression polymorphisms were significantly linked to specific chromosomal regions (P < 0.05). Both cis‐ and trans‐acting loci correlated with the variation in gene expression levels were found. Some of the trans‐acting loci correlated to multiple expression polymorphisms, suggesting trans‐acting alleles with widespread transcriptional effects. Here, we have illustrated that cDNA‐AFLP constitutes a powerful transcript profiling method that can be utilized for ‘multifactorial genomics’ analysis of any plant or animal species for which segregating populations and molecular marker maps are available.
Functional analysis of EID1, an F‐box protein involved in phytochrome A‐dependent light signal transduction
Authors: Marrocco Katia , Zhou Yongchun , Bury Erik , Dieterle Monika , Funk Markus , Genschik Pascal , Krenz Martina , Stolpe Thorsten , Kretsch Thomas
Published: January 2006

Empfindlicher im Dunkelroten Licht 1 (EID1) is an F‐box protein that functions as a negative regulator in phytochrome A (phyA)‐specific light signalling. F‐box proteins are components of SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes that target proteins for degradation in the proteasome. Here we present further characterization of EID1 at the expression level, and show that it regulates photomorphogenesis in seedlings, rosette leaf development and flowering. Data on transcript expression patterns indicate that EID1 is expressed during all stages of Arabidopsis development and exhibits no light response. Microscope studies demonstrate that EID1 is localized to the nucleus, where it can form speckles under continuous far‐red light that resemble clastosomes. To characterize the composition and formation of SCFEID1 complexes further, we used two‐hybrid and bridge assays in yeast and in planta. EID1 interacts specifically with several Arabidopsis Skp1‐like (ASK) proteins and Cullin1 to form stable dimeric and trimeric complexes. Our results support a two‐step association process in which the F‐box protein binds first to the ASK adaptor, forming a unit which then associates with the catalytic core of the SCF complex. Finally, our data indicate that the EID1 target interaction domain is composed of two independent modules.
Role of Bid‐induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in granzyme B‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Waterhouse Nigel J , Sedelies Karin A , Trapani Joseph A
Published: January 2006

Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CL) induce death of their targets by granule exocytosis. During this process, enzymes contained within cytotoxic granules (granzymes) are delivered to the target cell where the enzymes trigger the cell death by cleaving specific substrates. Granzyme B is the only granzyme that has been shown to induce cell death by apoptosis, but the exact pathway by which this is achieved has been the subject of hot debate. Furthermore, several other death‐inducing granzymes have been identified; therefore, the exact contribution of granzyme B to CL‐induced death is unclear. In this study, we discuss our recent findings on granzyme B‐induced cell death and discuss the potential relevance of this pathway to CL‐induced death of viral‐infected and transformed cells.
Serpins prevent granzyme‐induced death in a species‐specific manner
Authors: Bots Michael , Van Bostelen Liesbeth , Rademaker Mirjam Tga , Offringa Rienk , Medema Jan Paul
Published: January 2006

Expression of serine protease inhibitors (serpins) is one of the mechanisms used by tumour cells to escape immune surveillance. Previously, we have shown that expression of serpins SPI‐6 and SPI‐CI, respectively, renders tumour cells resistant to granzyme B (GrB)‐mediated death and granzyme M (GrM)‐mediated death. To obtain better insight into the interaction between serpins and their target proteases, we investigated the roles of protease inhibitor (PI)‐9 and SPI‐6 in the resistance to GrB‐mediated and CD95‐mediated death in further detail. Neither human PI‐9 nor its murine orthologue SPI‐6 was capable of preventing CD95‐induced apoptosis in murine or human cells, indicating that these serpins do not inhibit the activation of apical caspases in this pathway. High expression of PI‐9 or SPI‐6 did prevent apoptosis induced by human GrB. Strikingly, only SPI‐6, and not PI‐9, was capable of inhibiting murine GrB, suggesting that a difference in enzymatic specificity exists between the mouse and the human granzymes. In agreement with this suggestion, murine GrB was clearly less effective in inducing apoptosis in human cells. Similar species specificity was also observed for SPI‐CI and GrM when either their capacity to associate or the effectiveness of GrM‐induced cytotoxicity was analysed. Our findings therefore indicate a species diversity that has a clear effect on mixed in vitro effector target settings.
Nursing in a technological environment: Nursing care in the operating room
Authors: Bull Rosalind , FitzGerald Mary
Published: January 2006

Operating room nurses continue to draw criticism regarding the appropriateness of a nursing presence in the operating room. The technological focus of the theatre and the ways in which nurses in the theatre have shaped and reshaped their practice in response to technological change have caused people within and outside the nursing profession to question whether operating room nursing is a technological rather than nursing undertaking. This paper reports findings from an ethnographic study that was conducted in an Australian operating department. The study examined the contribution of nurses to the work of the operating room through intensive observation and ethnographic interviews. This paper uses selected findings from the study to explore the ways in which nurses in theatre interpret their role in terms of caring in a technological environment.
Adopting a constructivist approach to grounded theory: Implications for research design
Authors: Mills Jane , Bonner Ann , Francis Karen
Published: January 2006

Grounded theory is a popular research methodology that is evolving to account for a range of ontological and epistemological underpinnings. Constructivist grounded theory has its foundations in relativism and an appreciation of the multiple truths and realities of subjectivism. Undertaking a constructivist enquiry requires the adoption of a position of mutuality between researcher and participant in the research process, which necessitates a rethinking of the grounded theorist's traditional role of objective observer. Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model.
The relationship between exercise, Body Mass Index and menopausal symptoms in midlife Australian women
Authors: Mirzaiinjmabadi Khadigeh , Anderson Debra , Barnes Margaret
Published: January 2006

The main objective of the study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and Body Mass Index (BMI) on menopausal symptoms in Australian midlife women. This study is a secondary data analysis of the Queensland Midlife Women Health Study (2001), which included a randomized, population‐based postal survey with a questionnaire. Selected women completed a questionnaire, which included measurement of sociodemographic factors (age, employment and education attainment), general health, use of hormone replacement therapy, smoking, exercise pattern and BMI. The measures that are reported in this paper include menopausal symptoms, BMI and exercise. After adjusting for confounding variables, significant multivariate difference was still found for most menopausal symptoms, including a significant relationship between somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, depression and anxiety. No significant relationship was seen, however, between vasomotor symptoms, sexual function and exercise. In conclusion, the study showed that exercise was effective in relieving somatic and psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. These findings are promising news for women who are interested in using non‐pharmacological interventions for relieving menopausal symptoms.
Total subcutaneous fistulectomy combined with Karydakis flap for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease with secondary perianal opening
Authors: Kulacoglu H. , Dener C. , Tumer H. , Aktimur R.
Published: January 2006

Objective  Flap techniques have been performed with success in the treatment of pilonidal disease. However, some complex cases such as perianal pilonidal disease need special attention. We describe a modification of a well‐known flap technique for secondary perianal pilonidal disease and its early results.

Patients and method  Total subcutaneous fistulotomy combined with Karydakis flap was performed on 14 patients. An elliptical incision, described by Karydakis, was made while not including the perianal opening. Both sides of the elliptical incision were deepened down to the gluteal muscle and postsacral fascia. At the level of subcutaneous tissue, attention was directed to the secondary perianal opening. A fine probe was inserted through the perianal skin pit, and the connection site between the fistula and the cyst was observed. A small circular skin incision was made around the probe and the fistula tract was totally excised using electrocautery together with the main cyst. The flap was prepared as described by Karydakis. Before suturing the flap to the other side, perianal subcutaneous tissue was sutured with a fine absorbable material, then, the flap was sutured with 4/0 polypropylene.

Results  One patient developed seroma. Neither early failure in wound healing nor recurrence was observed at a mean of 16.2 months (range 4–36 months) follow‐up.

Conclusion  Total subcutaneous fistulectomy plus Karydakis flap as a single‐stage procedure is an effective surgical modality for sacroccocygeal pilonidal disease with secondary perianal opening.
Changing trends in the management of colorectal cancers and its impact on cancer waiting times
Authors: Raje D. , La Touche S. , Mukhtar H. , Oshowo A. , Ingham Clark C.
Published: January 2006

Objective  The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the presentation, management and waiting times for new colorectal cancer (CRC) patients over 5 years in a single metropolitan cancer centre.

Methods  A retrospective comparative study of new patients with CRC presenting in the years 1998 and 2003. The groups were compared for referral type, Dukes' stage, site, cancer waiting times and primary treatment.

Results  There were 72 new patients in 1998 and 77 in 2003. In 1998 33% were seen urgently and 28% as emergencies whereas in 2003 55% of patients were seen as urgent or target wait patients and 16% as emergencies. The 2‐week target for urgent referrals was met in 50% of cases in 1998 and 90% in 2003. In 2003 a higher proportion of patients received adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment. Stage at diagnosis was similar in both groups, except stage ‘D’ which was 21% in 1998 and only 12% in 2003. The 31‐day Cancer Waiting Time (CWT) target from decision to treat to first treatment would have been met in 81% of cases in 1998 and 79% in 2003. The 62‐day overall CWT target from referral to first treatment for urgent GP referrals would have been met in 46% of cases in 1998 and 57% in 2003.

Conclusion  More CRC patients were referred urgently in 2003. Most, but not all of these were referred as target waits. The time taken for the patient's journey did not improve between the two cohorts, possibly in part, because more complex treatments are now provided. Further work and perhaps new thinking are needed in order to achieve Cancer Waiting Time targets.
Consensus conference on the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for disordered defaecation
Authors: Corman M. L. , Carriero A. , Hager T. , Herold A. , Jayne D. G. , Lehur P.‐A. , Lomanto D. , Longo A. , Mellgren A. F. , Nicholls J. , Nyström P.‐O. , Senagore A. J. , Stuto A. , Wexner S. D.
Published: January 2006

An international working party was convened in Rome, Italy on 16–17 June, 2005, with the purpose of developing a consensus on the application of the circular stapling instrument to the treatment of certain rectal conditions, the so‐called Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR). Since the procedure has been submitted to only limited objective analysis it was felt prudent to hold a meeting of interested individuals for the purpose of evaluating the current status and to make conclusions and recommendations concerning the applicability of this new approach.
Taking Friedman Seriously: Maximizing Profits and Social Performance*
Authors: Husted Bryan W. , De Jesus Salazar José
Published: January 2006

abstract This paper examines the situation of firms that have two objectives: profit maximization and social performance. By looking comparatively at the cases of altruism, coerced egoism, and strategy, this paper uses the tools of microeconomics to define the optimal level of social output that should be produced in each case. We show that it is wiser for the firm to act strategically than to be coerced into making investments in corporate social responsibility. In addition, we argue that greater overall social output will be achieved by the strategic approach, than by the altruistic approach.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Management Research: Focus, Nature, Salience and Sources of Influence*
Authors: Lockett Andy , Moon Jeremy , Visser Wayne
Published: January 2006

abstract  In this paper we investigate the status of corporate social responsibility (CSR) research within the management literature. In particular, we examine the focus and nature of knowledge, the changing salience of this knowledge and the academic influences on the knowledge. We present empirical evidence based on publication and citation analyses of research published from 1992 to 2002. Our results demonstrate that, for CSR research published in management journals, the most popular issues investigated have been environmental and ethics; the empirical research has been overwhelmingly of a quantitative nature; the theoretical research has been primarily non‐normative; the field is driven by agendas in the business environment as well as by continuing scientific engagement; and the single most important source of references for CSR articles was the management literature itself.
Determinants of integrated product development diffusion
Authors: Boyle Todd , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: January 2006

Integrated product development (IPD) is an approach for developing new products focused on the early and active involvement of design, manufacturing, marketing and other key new product development (NPD) stakeholders in order to achieve cross‐functional integration and concurrent execution of various NPD activities. The benefits of IPD are well known in both the academic literature and popular press, including significant reductions in NPD cycle time and costs. However, in spite of these benefits, for the majority of manufacturing organizations, IPD is not used on 100% of NPD projects. This research develops a model of the organizational contextual factors influencing the diffusion of IPD in organizations. Results of surveying 269 NPD managers indicate that the complexity of certain IPD practices and support for IPD directly influence IPD diffusion, while an innovative organizational climate and the complexity of the organization's NPD activities indirectly influence IPD diffusion through IPD support.