bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular diseases attributable to hysterectomy: a population‐based study
Authors: KHARAZMI ELHAM , FALLAH MAHDI , LUOTO RIITTA
Published: November 2007

Background. Previous studies have confirmed an association between hysterectomy and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), although some controversy remains. The aim of this study was to ascertain the attributable fraction (AF) of CVD due to hysterectomy. Study design. A cross‐sectional study based on a random sample of 2,514 Finnish women aged 30–99 was carried out. Associations between hysterectomy and CVD were analysed using multivariate analyses. By considering hysterectomy as an indicator for risk of CVD rather than the cause of CVD, based on our results the AF and population attributable fraction (PAF) were calculated for conditions associated with hysterectomy. Results. Some 33% of women aged 50 or older had undergone hysterectomy. In the univariate analyses, hysterectomy was significantly associated with hypertension, medication for hypertension, angina pectoris, stroke, age, education, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), higher body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose and cholesterol. The fully‐adjusted ORs for association between CVD and hysterectomy were dramatically lower than the crude ORs, and remained significant only for medication for hypertension. The proportion of hypertension among hysterectomised women that would be prevented if none had been hysterectomised (AF) was 19.6%, while the preventable proportion of hypertension among the female population that would be prevented if none had been hysterectomised (PAF) was 3.4%. For current use of medication the AF was 51.9% and the PAF was 13.5%. The AF of hysterectomy for stroke was 43.8% and the PAF was 10.2%. Conclusion. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, we found no association between hysterectomy and ischemic heart diseases. The crude and age‐adjusted associations found for some CVDs are most probably due to the more adverse initial risk profile of women who had undergone hysterectomy. The presented AF and PAF are related to indications of hysterectomy (such as uterine fibroids) rather than to the operation itself. There is a need to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors of women with indications for hysterectomy.
Fetal hydronephrosis; prevalence, natural history and postnatal consequences in an unselected population
Authors: EK SVERKER , LIDEFELDT KARL‐JOHAN , VARRICIO LENA
Published: November 2007

Background. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of fetal hydronephrosis, the antenatal development and the postnatal findings in a low risk population. Methods. A 2‐year retrospective study included almost 9,000 patients, and all cases found to have antenatal hydronephrosis, defined as an AP diameter ≥5 mm, had a structuralised ante‐ and postnatal follow‐up. Results. Some 85 cases were found in the antenatal period, and 32 of these cases had a pathologic follow‐up. Of these, 13 had an increase in severity of dilatation during pregnancy, 10 had stable findings, but no case where the dilatation decreased had any postnatal pathology. Furthermore, half of the cases found in the third trimester (18 of 32) also had an abnormal follow‐up. Two cases of Down's syndrome were diagnosed after birth. Conclusion. Antenatal hydronephrosis was found in almost 1% (n = 85) of the study population. There was an almost 2% risk of Down's syndrome in this group. The majority of cases had an increase in severity and some were stable in the antenatal period, but it was not possible to predict the individual postnatal outcome. In the group where the finding diminished in the antenatal period, no patient had an abnormal postnatal follow‐up. Female fetuses with hydronephrosis seem to have an adverse postnatal outcome compared to male fetuses.
Two Cases of Uveal Amelanotic Melanoma in Transgenic Tyr-HRAS+ Ink4a/Arf Heterozygous Mice
Authors: Latendresse John R. , Muskhelishvili Levan , Warbritton Alan , Tolleson William H.
Published: November 2007

Uveal melanoma (UM) is uncommon among wild type mice. Efforts to develop transgenic mice to study this disease have resulted in pigmented tumors derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or mixed tumors of RPE and UM complicating the study of UM specifically. Reported here are two early stage intraocular amelanotic melanomas discovered in 2 Tyr- HRAS+ Ink4a/Arf heterozygous (1 normal CKDN2A allele) transgenic FVB/n mice. These tumors were morphologically and immunohistochemically similar to spontaneous UM recently reported in the Ink4a/Arf homozygous ( CKDN2A knockout) parent strain. The tumors originated in the posterior uveal tract. The neoplasms were comprised of bundles of spindle-shaped melanocytes admixed with some epithelioid cells. Tumors were immunohistochemically positive for neuron-specific enolase, S-100, pan- ras, but negative for cytokeratin and Melan-A. The development of early lenticular opacity and bilateral cataracts is a consistent phenotype of transgenic mice in which the retinoblastoma signaling pathway has been disrupted. Lenticular opacity and cataracts are rarely observed clinically in Tyr- HRAS+ Ink4a/Arf heterozygotes, rendering this strain suitable for ophthalmoscopy. Consequently, Tyr- HRAS+ Ink4a/Arf heterozygotes provide practical advantages, compared to the cataract-prone CKDN2A knockout strains, for real-time ophthalomoscopic detection and monitoring of UM while developing chemotherapeutic regimens and other research to understand the biology of UM.
The Rise and the Fall of the Extreme Right in Europe: Towards an Explanation?
Authors: Caiani Manuela , Wagemann Claudius
Published: November 2007

In the last two decades, the extreme right has experienced a dramatic rise in electoral support in many West European democracies, achieving more parliamentary and even governmental power. Despite extensive interest in this phenomenon and a myriad of academic publications about it, both in sociology and political science, little consensus has been reached about the reasons for the observed growth of right-wing extremism. Three books; The Extreme Right in Western Europe by Elisabeth Carter, Extreme Right Parties in Western Europe by Piero Ignazi and Radical Right by Pippa Norris, try to overcome this lack of consensus through up-to-date analyses of the current situation of extreme right-wing parties in Western Europe and (in Norris’ case) even beyond. All three authors try to go beyond the existing analyses which mainly concentrate on socio-demographic characteristics of extreme right voters. However, they focus on partly different research questions and, consequently, are based on slightly different research designs.
BiNoM: a Cytoscape plugin for manipulating and analyzing biological networks
Authors: Zinovyev Andrei , Viara Eric , Calzone Laurence , Barillot Emmanuel
Published: November 2007

BiNoM (Biological Network Manager) is a new bioinformatics software that significantly facilitates the usage and the analysis of biological networks in standard systems biology formats (SBML, SBGN, BioPAX). BiNoM implements a full-featured BioPAX editor and a method of ‘interfaces’ for accessing BioPAX content. BiNoM is able to work with huge BioPAX files such as whole pathway databases. In addition, BiNoM allows the analysis of networks created with CellDesigner software and their conversion into BioPAX format. BiNoM comes as a library and as a Cytoscape plugin which adds a rich set of operations to Cytoscape such as path and cycle analysis, clustering sub-networks, decomposition of network into modules, clipboard operations and others.

Availability: Last version of BiNoM distributed under the LGPL licence together with documentation, source code and API are available at http://bioinfo.curie.fr/projects/binom

Contact:  andrei.zinovyev@curie.fr
Experimental study of the dependence of embryonic development of Trachurus trachurus eggs on temperature
Authors: Cunha M. Emília , Vendrell Catarina , Gonçalves Patrícia
Published: November 2007

Cunha, M. E., Vendrell, C., and Gonçalves, P. 2008. Experimental study of the dependence of embryonic development of Trachurus trachurus eggs on temperature. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 17–24. To determine the effect of temperature on the development rates of artificially fertilized eggs of Trachurus trachurus, experiments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 10.5°C to 19°C. Egg development through to hatching only took place at 11.7–19°C. At lower temperature, eggs did not develop beyond the stage where the outline of the embryo was clearly discernible and a defined median line of the embryonic shield (stage 4 in this study) was apparent. Development time took from 46 h at 19°C to 126 h at 12°C. A generalized linear model of the stage-dependent development time (age) as a function of incubation temperature was developed. The data are also compared with those reported in the literature and related to sea temperature on the spawning grounds.
Complete genome sequences for nine simian enteroviruses
Authors: Oberste M. Steven , Maher Kaija , Pallansch Mark A.
Published: November 2007

Analysis of the VP1 capsid-coding sequences of the simian picornaviruses has suggested that baboon enterovirus (BaEV), SV19, SV43 and SV46 belong to the speciesHuman enterovirus A(HEV-A) and SA5 belongs to HEV-B, whereas SV4/A2 plaque virus (two isolates of a single serotype), SV6 and N125/N203 (two isolates of a single serotype) appear to represent new species in the genus. We have further characterized by complete genomic sequencing the genetic relationships among the simian enteroviruses serotypes (BaEV, N125/N203, SA5, SV4/A2 plaque virus, SV6, SV19, SV43 and SV46) and to other enteroviruses. Phylogenetic and pairwise sequence relationships for the P1 region paralleled those of VP1 alone, and confirmed that SV4/A-2 plaque virus, SV6 and N125/N203 represent unique genetic clusters that probably correspond to three new species. However, sequence relationships in the P2 and P3 regions were quite different. In 2C, SV19, SV43 and SV46 remain clustered with the human viruses of HEV-A, but BaEV, SV6 and N125/N203 cluster together; in 3CD, SA5 (HEV-B) also joined this cluster. The 3′-non-translated region (NTR) sequences are highly conserved within each of the four human enterovirus species, but the 3′-NTRs of the simian enteroviruses are distinct from those of all human enteroviruses and generally distinct from one another. These results suggest that host species may have a significant influence on the evolution of enterovirus non-capsid sequences.
Functional interaction of the human cytomegalovirus IE2 protein with histone deacetylase 2 in infected human fibroblasts
Authors: Park Jung-Jin , Kim Young-Eui , Pham Hong Thanh , Kim Eui Tae , Chung Young-Hwa , Ahn Jin-Hyun
Published: November 2007

In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells, the 86 kDa immediate-early (IE) 2 protein plays a key role in transactivating downstream viral genes. Recently, IE2 has been shown to interact with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC3. HDAC1 recruited by IE2 was required for IE2-mediated autorepression of the major IE (MIE) promoter, whereas IE2–HDAC3 interaction was suggested to relieve the repressive effect of HDAC3 on viral early promoters. However, whether IE2 indeed inhibits HDAC's deacetylation activity on viral promoters and interacts with other HDACs remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that IE2 functionally interacts with HDAC2 and negates its repressive effect on the viral polymerase promoter. IE2 interacted with HDAC2 in both virus-infected cells and in vitro, and required the conserved C-terminal half for HDAC2 binding. The subcellular localization of HDAC2 was changed in virus-infected cells, showing colocalization with IE2 in viral transcription and replication sites. The overall HDAC2 protein levels and its deacetylation activity slightly increased during the late stages of infection and the IE2-associated deacetylation activity was still sensitive to an HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A. In transfection assays, however, histone acetylation of the viral polymerase promoter was suppressed by HDAC2, and this was relieved by IE2 binding. Therefore, our data demonstrate that IE2 functionally interacts with HDAC2 and modulates its deacetylation activity on the viral polymerase promoter. Our results also support the idea that interactions of IE2 with several HDACs to modulate the host epigenetic regulation on viral MIE and early promoters are important events in the process of productive infection.
Expression of GB virus C NS5A protein from genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 and a 30 aa NS5A fragment inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in a CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell line
Authors: Chang Qing , McLinden James H. , Stapleton Jack T. , Sathar M. Aslam , Xiang Jinhua
Published: November 2007

GB virus type C (GBV-C) is a common human flavivirus that has been associated with prolonged survival in HIV-positive individuals in several, though not all, epidemiological studies. There are five distinct GBV-C genotypes that are geographically localized, and it has been speculated that GBV-C genotypic differences may explain variable outcomes observed in different clinical studies. Expression of an 85 aa fragment of the GBV-C NS5A phosphoprotein (genotype 2) in a CD4+ T cell line (Jurkat) resulted in inhibition of HIV replication, mediated in part by decreased surface expression of the HIV coreceptor CXCR4 and upregulation of SDF-1. We expressed the NS5A protein from genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 in Jurkat cells, and demonstrated that all genotypes inhibited HIV replication. Further deletion mapping demonstrated that expression of a 30 aa fragment resulted in decreased CXCR4 surface expression, upregulation of SDF-1 and inhibition of HIV replication.
Features of the mammalian orthoreovirus 3 Dearing l1 single-stranded RNA that direct packaging and serotype restriction
Authors: Roner Michael R. , Steele Bradley G.
Published: November 2007

A series of recombinant mammalian orthoreoviruses (mammalian orthoreovirus 3 Dearing, MRV-3De) were generated that express an MRV-3Deλ3–CAT fusion protein. Individual viruses contain L1CAT double-stranded (ds) RNAs that range in length from a minimum of 1020 bp to 4616 bp. The engineered dsRNAs were generated fromin vitro-transcribed single-stranded (ss) RNAs and incorporated into infectious virus particles by using reverse genetics. In addition to defining the sequences required for these ssRNAs to be ‘identified’ as l1 ssRNAs, the individual nucleotides in these regions that ‘mark’ each ssRNA as originating from mammalian orthoreovirus 1 Lang (MRV-1La), mammalian orthoreovirus 2 D5/Jones (MRV-2Jo) or MRV-3De have been identified. A C at position 81 in the MRV-1La 5′ 129 nt sequence was able to be replaced with a U, as normally present in MRV-3De; this toggled the activity of the MRV-1La ssRNA to that of an MRV-3De 5′ l1. RNA secondary-structure predictions for the 5′ 129 nt of both the biologically active MRV-3De l1 ssRNA and the U81-MRV-3De-restored MRV-1La 5′ ssRNA predicted a common structure.
Begomovirus ‘melting pot’ in the south-west Indian Ocean islands: molecular diversity and evolution through recombination
Authors: Lefeuvre P. , Martin D. P. , Hoareau M. , Naze F. , Delatte H. , Thierry M. , Varsani A. , Becker N. , Reynaud B. , Lett J.-M.
Published: November 2007

During the last few decades, many virus species have emerged, often forming dynamic complexes within which viruses share common hosts and rampantly exchange genetic material through recombination. Begomovirus species complexes are common and represent serious agricultural threats. Characterization of species complex diversity has substantially contributed to our understanding of both begomovirus evolution, and the ecological and epidemiological processes involved in the emergence of new viral pathogens. To date, the only extensively studied emergent African begomovirus species complex is that responsible for cassava mosaic disease. Here we present a study of another emerging begomovirus species complex which is associated with serious disease outbreaks in bean, tobacco and tomato on the south-west Indian Ocean (SWIO) islands off the coast of Africa. On the basis of 14 new complete DNA-A sequences, we describe seven new island monopartite begomovirus species, suggesting the presence of an extraordinary diversity of begomovirus in the SWIO islands. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences reveal a close relationship between monopartite and bipartite African begomoviruses, supporting the hypothesis that either bipartite African begomoviruses have captured B components from other bipartite viruses, or there have been multiple B-component losses amongst SWIO virus progenitors. Moreover, we present evidence that detectable recombination events amongst African, Mediterranean and SWIO begomoviruses, while substantially contributing to their diversity, have not occurred randomly throughout their genomes. We provide the first statistical support for three recombination hot-spots (V1/C3 interface, C1 centre and the entire IR) and two recombination cold-spots (the V2 and the third quarter of V1) in the genomes of begomoviruses.
Norovirus recombination
Authors: Bull Rowena A. , Tanaka Mark M. , White Peter A.
Published: November 2007

RNA recombination is a significant driving force in viral evolution. Increased awareness of recombination within the genusNorovirusof the familyCalicivirushas led to a rise in the identification of norovirus (NoV) recombinants and they are now reported at high frequency. Currently, there is no classification system for recombinant NoVs and a widely accepted recombinant genotyping system is still needed. Consequently, there is duplication in reporting of novel recombinants. This has led to difficulties in defining the number and types of recombinants in circulation. In this study, 120 NoV nucleotide sequences were compiled from the current GenBank database and published literature. NoV recombinants and their recombination breakpoints were identified using three methods: phylogenetic analysis, SimPlot analysis and the maximumχ2method. A total of 20 NoV recombinant types were identified in circulation worldwide. The recombination point is the ORF1/2 overlap in all isolates except one, which demonstrated a double recombination event within the polymerase region.
Deletion of a Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus gene encoding a virion structural protein (ORF107) increases the budded virion titre and reduces in vivo infectivity
Authors: Pan Xiaoyu , Long Gang , Wang RanRan , Hou Songwang , Wang Huiyuan , Zheng Yueting , Sun Xiulian , Westenberg Marcel , Deng Fei , Wang Hualin , Vlak Just M. , Hu Zhihong
Published: November 2007

The open reading frame Ha107 of Helicoverpa armigera single nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) encodes a putative protein of 51 kDa with homologues in a few group II NPVs and a granulovirus. Ha107 was transcribed as polyadenylated transcripts in infected HzAM1 insect cells. The transcripts were initiated at two distinct locations, one upstream of Ha106 (superoxide dismutase gene, sod) and the second upstream of Ha107. By Western blot analysis, two forms of the HA107 protein were detected in infected cells, a major polypeptide of 48 kDa and a minor one of 51 kDa. Western blot and immunoelectron microscopy analyses further showed that the HA107 protein was associated with the nucleocapsids of both budded virions (BVs) and occlusion-derived virions. A Ha107 knockout virus expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein and polyhedrin was constructed using bacmid technology. A one-step virus growth curve indicated that the BV titre of the knockout virus was significantly higher than that of the parental virus and a Ha107 repair virus. Bioassays indicated that the knockout virus was able to infect third-instar H. armigera larvae; however, its median lethal dose (LD50) was significantly higher than those of the parental virus and Ha107 repair virus. These data indicate that Ha107 encodes a non-essential structural protein of HearNPV virions and that deletion of this gene increases the BV titre and LD50 of the occluded virus.
Discrete Developmental Roles for Temperate Cereal GrassVERNALIZATION1/FRUITFULL-Like Genes in Flowering Competency and the Transition to Flowering
Authors: Preston Jill C. , Kellogg Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2007

Members of the grass subfamily Pooideae are characterized by their adaptation to cool temperate climates. Vernalization is the process whereby flowering is accelerated in response to a prolonged period of cold. Winter cereals are tolerant of low temperatures and flower earlier with vernalization, whereas spring cultivars are intolerant of low temperatures and flower later with vernalization. In the pooid grasses wheat (Triticum monococcum, Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare), vernalization responsiveness is determined by allelic variation at the VERNALIZATION1 (VRN1) and/or VRN2 loci. To determine whether VRN1, and its paralog FRUITFULL2 (FUL2), are involved in vernalization requirement across Pooideae, we determined expression profiles for multiple cultivars of oat (Avena sativa) and wheat with and without cold treatment. Our results demonstrate significant up-regulation of VRN1 expression in leaves of winter oat and wheat in response to vernalization; no treatment effect was found for spring or facultative growth habit oat and wheat. Similar cold-dependent patterns of leaf expression were found for FUL2 in winter oat, but not winter wheat, suggesting a redundant qualitative role for these genes in the quantitative induction of flowering competency of oat. These and other data support the hypothesis that VRN1 is a common regulator of vernalization responsiveness within the crown pooids. Finally, we found that up-regulation of VRN1 in vegetative meristems of oat was significantly later than in leaves. This suggests distinct and conserved roles for temperate cereal grass VRN1/FUL-like genes, first, in systemic signaling to induce flowering competency, and second, in meristems to activate genes involved in the floral transition.
ECA3, a Golgi-Localized P2A-Type ATPase, Plays a Crucial Role in Manganese Nutrition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mills Rebecca F. , Doherty Melissa Louise , López-Marqués Rosa L. , Weimar Thilo , Dupree Paul , Palmgren Michael G. , Pittman Jon K. , Williams Lorraine E.
Published: November 2007

Calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn) are essential nutrients required for normal plant growth and development, and transport processes play a key role in regulating their cellular levels. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains four P2A-type ATPase genes, AtECA1 to AtECA4, which are expressed in all major organs of Arabidopsis. To elucidate the physiological role of AtECA2 and AtECA3 in Arabidopsis, several independent T-DNA insertion mutant alleles were isolated. When grown on medium lacking Mn, eca3 mutants, but not eca2 mutants, displayed a striking difference from wild-type plants. After approximately 8 to 9 d on this medium, eca3 mutants became chlorotic, and root and shoot growth were strongly inhibited compared to wild-type plants. These severe deficiency symptoms were suppressed by low levels of Mn, indicating a crucial role for ECA3 in Mn nutrition in Arabidopsis. eca3 mutants were also more sensitive than wild-type plants and eca2 mutants on medium lacking Ca; however, the differences were not so striking because in this case all plants were severely affected. ECA3 partially restored the growth defect on high Mn of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) pmr1 mutant, which is defective in a Golgi Ca/Mn pump (PMR1), and the yeast K616 mutant (Δpmc1 Δpmr1 Δcnb1), defective in Golgi and vacuolar Ca/Mn pumps. ECA3 also rescued the growth defect of K616 on low Ca. Promoter:β-glucuronidase studies show that ECA3 is expressed in a range of tissues and cells, including primary root tips, root vascular tissue, hydathodes, and guard cells. When transiently expressed in Nicotiana tabacum, an ECA3-yellow fluorescent protein fusion protein showed overlapping expression with the Golgi protein GONST1. We propose that ECA3 is important for Mn and Ca homeostasis, possibly functioning in the transport of these ions into the Golgi. ECA3 is the first P-type ATPase to be identified in plants that is required under Mn-deficient conditions.
The Arabidopsis Histone Deacetylases HDA6 and HDA19 Contribute to the Repression of Embryonic Properties after Germination
Authors: Tanaka Motoki , Kikuchi Akira , Kamada Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is a chromatin-remodeling factor that contributes to transcriptional repression in eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the transcription factors LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) play key roles in embryogenesis. Although the repression of embryogenesis-related genes during germination has been proposed to occur, the role of HDAC in this process has not been elucidated. To address this question, the effects of an HDAC inhibitor and suppression of the Arabidopsis HDAC genes on this process were investigated. Here, we show that treatment of an HDA6 repression line with the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A resulted in growth arrest and elevated transcription of LEC1, FUS3, and ABI3 during germination. The growth-arrest phenotype of the repression line was suppressed by lec1, fus3, and abi3. An HDA6/HDA19 double-repression line displayed arrested growth after germination and the formation of embryo-like structures on the true leaves of 6-week-old plants even without trichostatin A. The growth-arrest phenotype of this line was rescued by lec1. These results suggest that during germination in Arabidopsis, HDA6 and HDA19 redundantly regulate the repression of embryonic properties directly or indirectly via repression of embryo-specific gene function.
Nitrate Signaling by the Regulatory GeneNIT2inChlamydomonas
Authors: Camargo Antonio , Llamas Ángel , Schnell Rogene A. , Higuera José J. , González-Ballester David , Lefebvre Paul A. , Fernández Emilio , Galván Aurora
Published: November 2007

Positive signaling by nitrate in its assimilation pathway has been studied in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Among >34,000 lines generated by plasmid insertion, 10 mutants were unable to activate nitrate reductase (NIA1) gene expression and had a Nit− (no growth in nitrate) phenotype. Each of these 10 lines was mutated in the nitrate assimilation–specific regulatory gene NIT2. The complete NIT2 cDNA sequence was obtained, and its deduced amino acid sequence revealed GAF, Gln-rich, Leu zipper, and RWP-RK domains typical of transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators associated with signaling pathways. The predicted Nit2 protein sequence is structurally related to the Nin (for nodule inception) proteins from plants but not to NirA/Nit4/Yna proteins from fungi and yeast. NIT2 expression is negatively regulated by ammonium and is optimal in N-free medium with no need for the presence of nitrate. However, intracellular nitrate is required to allow Nit2 to activate the NIA1 promoter activity. Nit2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to bind to specific sequences at the NIA1 gene promoter. Our data indicate that NIT2 is a central regulatory gene required for nitrate signaling on the Chlamydomonas NIA1 gene promoter and that intracellular nitrate is needed for NIT2 function and to modulate NIA1 transcript levels.
Dothideomycete–Plant Interactions Illuminated by Genome Sequencing and EST Analysis of the Wheat Pathogen Stagonospora nodorum
Authors: Hane James K. , Lowe Rohan G.T. , Solomon Peter S. , Tan Kar-Chun , Schoch Conrad L. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Crous Pedro W. , Kodira Chinappa , Birren Bruce W. , Galagan James E. , Torriani Stefano F.F. , McDonald Bruce A. , Oliver Richard P.
Published: November 2007

Stagonospora nodorum is a major necrotrophic fungal pathogen of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and a member of the Dothideomycetes, a large fungal taxon that includes many important plant pathogens affecting all major crop plant families. Here, we report the acquisition and initial analysis of a draft genome sequence for this fungus. The assembly comprises 37,164,227 bp of nuclear DNA contained in 107 scaffolds. The circular mitochondrial genome comprises 49,761 bp encoding 46 genes, including four that are intron encoded. The nuclear genome assembly contains 26 classes of repetitive DNA, comprising 4.5% of the genome. Some of the repeats show evidence of repeat-induced point mutations consistent with a frequent sexual cycle. ESTs and gene prediction models support a minimum of 10,762 nuclear genes. Extensive orthology was found between the polyketide synthase family in S. nodorum and Cochliobolus heterostrophus, suggesting an ancient origin and conserved functions for these genes. A striking feature of the gene catalog was the large number of genes predicted to encode secreted proteins; the majority has no meaningful similarity to any other known genes. It is likely that genes for host-specific toxins, in addition to ToxA, will be found among this group. ESTs obtained from axenic mycelium grown on oleate (chosen to mimic early infection) and late-stage lesions sporulating on wheat leaves were obtained. Statistical analysis shows that transcripts encoding proteins involved in protein synthesis and in the production of extracellular proteases, cellulases, and xylanases predominate in the infection library. This suggests that the fungus is dependant on the degradation of wheat macromolecular constituents to provide the carbon skeletons and energy for the synthesis of proteins and other components destined for the developing pycnidiospores.
Downregulation of Cinnamoyl-Coenzyme A Reductase in Poplar: Multiple-Level Phenotyping Reveals Effects on Cell Wall Polymer Metabolism and Structure
Authors: Leplé Jean-Charles , Dauwe Rebecca , Morreel Kris , Storme Véronique , Lapierre Catherine , Pollet Brigitte , Naumann Annette , Kang Kyu-Young , Kim Hoon , Ruel Katia , Lefèbvre Andrée , Joseleau Jean-Paul , Grima-Pettenati Jacqueline , De Rycke Riet , Andersson-Gunnerås Sara , Erban Alexander , Fehrle Ines , Petit-Conil Michel , Kopka Joachim , Polle Andrea , Messens Eric , Sundberg Björn , Mansfield Shawn D. , Ralph John , Pilate Gilles , Boerjan Wout
Published: November 2007

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) catalyzes the penultimate step in monolignol biosynthesis. We show that downregulation of CCR in transgenic poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) was associated with up to 50% reduced lignin content and an orange-brown, often patchy, coloration of the outer xylem. Thioacidolysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), immunocytochemistry of lignin epitopes, and oligolignol profiling indicated that lignin was relatively more reduced in syringyl than in guaiacyl units. The cohesion of the walls was affected, particularly at sites that are generally richer in syringyl units in wild-type poplar. Ferulic acid was incorporated into the lignin via ether bonds, as evidenced independently by thioacidolysis and by NMR. A synthetic lignin incorporating ferulic acid had a red-brown coloration, suggesting that the xylem coloration was due to the presence of ferulic acid during lignification. Elevated ferulic acid levels were also observed in the form of esters. Transcript and metabolite profiling were used as comprehensive phenotyping tools to investigate how CCR downregulation impacted metabolism and the biosynthesis of other cell wall polymers. Both methods suggested reduced biosynthesis and increased breakdown or remodeling of noncellulosic cell wall polymers, which was further supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wet chemistry analysis. The reduced levels of lignin and hemicellulose were associated with an increased proportion of cellulose. Furthermore, the transcript and metabolite profiling data pointed toward a stress response induced by the altered cell wall structure. Finally, chemical pulping of wood derived from 5-year-old, field-grown transgenic lines revealed improved pulping characteristics, but growth was affected in all transgenic lines tested.
International strategies and ethics
Authors: Fisher Josie , Bonn Ingrid
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the complexities and tensions that international organisations face in managing ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

Three levels of ethics are identified and discussed in the paper in the context of three international strategies.

Findings

The study finds that an organisation's approach to ethics depends on its level of ethics and the type of international strategy adopted. These two dimensions have the potential to create identifiable tensions between head office and subsidiaries that will need to be understood and managed.

Practical implications

The paper offers practical guidance to managers by providing a framework for better understanding the tensions and challenges faced by head office and subsidiaries when operating in international markets. Hence, it makes explicit an aspect of strategic management that may not be obvious, but that could influence the organisation's ability to achieve its strategic goals.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous research on ethics and international business by proposing that an organisation's approach to ethics depends on the level of ethics at which it operates and the type of strategy it has adopted.
Developing future business and civic leaders: the Emerging Leaders Program
Authors: Quaglieri Philip L. , Penney Sherry H. , Waldner Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) at the College of Management at U Mass, Boston is an executive leadership development program for mid‐career professionals (average age 35) in the Greater Boston Area. The program was founded because of the belief that the future leadership of our urban areas cannot be left to chance. The founders believed that if we are to have inclusive and collaborative leaders in the future, we must find those potential leaders now and provide them with leadership training and development. This paper investigates this subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is one that could be replicated in any major urban area. Participants are nominated by their organizations, who select them based on their leadership potential. There are usually 40‐45 participants per year for the ten‐month program: one week in January and one day a month through September. The program is built around three areas: meeting and learning from current leaders, skill development, teamwork and collaboration.

Findings

The paper finds that extensive evaluations are done with frequent surveys to participants. The Leadership Practices Inventory is administered at the beginning and end of the program. ELP participants include 46 percent persons of colour and over half are women: the program meets its goals of being inclusive.

Originality/value

The surveys indicate that a hands‐on approach to leadership (rather than a more structured classroom approach) is quite effective for young professionals and that they cite development, enhanced networking across sectors, and an increased appreciation for diversity as most positive benefits.
An assessment of hygienic conditions in nursery schools' kitchens
Authors: Yabanci Nurcan , Sanlier Nevin
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This study aims to determine the hygienic conditions of nursery schools' kitchens in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sampling was obtained from 87 nursery schools. The research data were collected through a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews and observations. The questionnaire contained 59 questions and total of 100 points, the nursery schools' kitchens being graded as follows: 56‐100 points good, 41‐55 points acceptable, 40 points and below bad. The data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Mean, standard deviations of all scores and percentages of responses in each category were calculated and presented in tabular form.

Findings

A statistical analysis of the scores shows that 0.3 per cent of the kitchens investigated were rated as good and put in this category, 57 of them (65.5 per cent) were found to be acceptable and the rest (24.1 per cent) were rated as bad. The nursery schools' kitchens were given the lowest score in staff training, while the highest score was given in dishwashing hygiene.

Practical implications

The hygiene of the food served in nursery schools is of great importance in terms of children's health. It is therefore essential to increase the number of studies carried out regarding the food served in nursery school kitchens and regarding hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) issues, and to concentrate on the education of the kitchen staff.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on hygiene issues in nursery school kitchens in Turkey.
How does IIP deliver the lifelong learning agenda to SMEs?
Authors: Smith Alison J. , Collins Lorna A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the Investors in People (IIP) initiative in relation to SMEs and to consider the value of IIP in helping to inculcate a learning culture within this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study investigating the work of a Business Link (BL) in relation to IIP and SMEs highlights the conflicts advisers face in delivering the government agenda and in fulfilling the education and training needs of SMEs. The case identifies the particular challenges that the advisers face in trying to deliver a consultancy service to SMEs which is valuable to them and which also satisfies the government's requirement for commitment to and recognition of attainment of IIP. The research involved in‐depth interviews with IIP advisers at a Business Link which sought to understand the nature of their work, the methods they use and what they saw as the issues and challenges in meeting customer needs. The key issues regarding IIP generally, and in relation to SMEs, are elicited from the literature.

Findings

The research confirms previous studies detailing the difficulties in matching IIP requirements with the individual requirements of SMEs. It also highlights the fact that Business Links need to “play the system” in order to reach the government‐set targets. IIP advisers are caught in the undesirable position of trying to deliver a useful consultancy service (which may not lead to IIP recognition) to the firm and the need to achieve specified commitment and recognition rates.

Research limitations/implications

While it is recognised that a single case has its limitations in terms of universal applicability, this example provides an aspect of IIP that has not previously been explored. The views of those charged with implementing government initiatives are rarely sought, although considerable research has been undertaken with the firms themselves.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that a more market‐led approach to education and training within the SME community might bring a more positive reaction to learning opportunities and a more appropriate targeting of government funds.
Entrepreneurship education
Authors: Hynes Briga , Richardson Ita
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The focus of this paper is to highlight the synergies and mutual benefits associated with a range of entrepreneurship education initiatives for a combination of internal and external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a description of four entrepreneurship education initiatives in operation at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Detail on the objectives of the initiatives, the content, delivery, assessment and benefits of these initiatives is provided.

Findings

Entrepreneurship and enterprising activity are widely regarded as instrumental for economic growth, for balanced regional development and for the creation of jobs. Educational institutions need to ensure that graduates are capable of acting in an enterprising manner in the workplace either as an entrepreneur or as an intrapreneur in paid employment. This double objective can materialise through the provision of entrepreneurship education, within either a business or a technical course. Additionally, these same programmes can also be an effective mechanism for the provision of targeted training programmes for skills enhancement in the owner/manager and the creation and facilitation of linkages and working relationships with the small business community. Involvement in technology transfer and industry‐based research activities also provides benefits to the small firm.

Practical implications

The paper presents challenges for educators and educational institutions on how they perceive and address the needs of their stakeholders by extending the traditional paradigm of what constitutes the role of an educational institution. The need to engage with external stakeholders in programme design and delivery requires commitment by educational institutions and requires educators to change their knowledge and teaching perspective. The findings have implications on how entrepreneurship education initiatives are designed, delivered and assessed to meet the needs of different stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper and its conclusions add to the debate on the importance of linking educational institutions and industry, especially the small firm sector, by suggesting a number of methods of collaboration which mutually benefit a number of stakeholders.
Air‐tightness in the recent Part L of the Building Regulations
Authors: Baiche Bousmaha , Kendrick Chris , Ogden Ray
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is based on recent research at Oxford Brookes University which explored how metal building envelopes can provide high levels of air‐tightness.

Design/methodology/approach

An intensive research programme tested many of the foremost cladding systems used in the UK. Over 500 individual tests have produced reliable data on the performance of different joint types. This paper summarises that data and identifies key design issues and solutions.

Findings

The research has demonstrated that metal building envelopes can provide very high levels of air‐tightness providing that they are properly engineered and assembled. It also presents compelling evidence, based on whole building thermal dynamic simulations using the test data, that further increases in air‐tightness are achievable; far more energy can be saved by doing this than by increasing thermal insulation even further.

Research limitations/implications

The testing programme concentrated on steel cladding systems, both built‐up and composite panels, with technical assessment of different joints assemblies using a dedicated purpose‐built air‐tightness test rig.

Practical implications

As this research and other studies have shown that far more energy can be saved by achieving high levels of air‐tightness than by increasing thermal insulation even further, it suggests that a major change in regulatory strategy is now due.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in the originality of the testing programme and method. Although BSRIA has been testing whole completed buildings for air‐tightness using large mobile fan units pressurising the building to 50 Pa, it is the first time that a variety of cladding systems have been tested for air‐tightness on a large scale and in a laboratory environment; BRE carried out air‐tightness testing on few steel cladding systems on a smaller scale.
Energy conservation and building design: the environmental legislation push and pull factors
Authors: Adeyeye Kemi , Osmani Mohamed , Brown Claire
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold; to investigate the potential impact of energy conservation policies and legislation on building design; examine energy conservation practices in the building industry; and identify associated barriers to an integrated low energy architectural design process.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of UK architectural design practices was conducted to assess the impact of current energy conservation policies and legislation on current building design, and ascertain architects' views on the associated barriers and incentives to implementing and sustaining energy conservation strategies in their projects.

Findings

Results reveal that building design is affected by existing legislation but often not by policies. Additionally, there is a lack of incentives for the building industry to adopt and implement low energy design strategies that are outlined in existing policies and guidance. Furthermore, results identify a need for increased awareness of the available energy saving technologies.

Research limitations/implications

Architects are the first point of contact for driving more energy efficient design and conservation strategies. Therefore, this study was confined to a cross section of their opinions of energy conservation within the UK building industry.

Practical implications

The study is useful for those interested in the current levels of implementation of low energy design strategies and the recommendations for the future of the energy conservation and building design in the UK.

Originality/value

The study of energy conservation and building design provides insights into current environmental design practices; and identifies problems for the implementation of effective and integrated low energy building design process. The content should be of interest to architects, as it highlights the current level of implementation of energy conservation measures in building design.
Strength development of plain concrete compared to concrete with a non‐chloride accelerating admixture
Authors: Richardson Alan
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the investigation into early strength gain of concrete will allow the contractor to speed up the construction process using in situ concrete, which will affect subsequent time and cost savings. If a medium dose of accelerator was found to be effective, the cost/benefit would be substantial as well as being low risk with regard to additive additions in concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative examination of plain concrete, and concrete with a non‐chloride accelerator additive was carried out, using the compressive strength to establish strength gain at various time intervals between one and 28 days. The additive dose was less than half of the maximum recommended to avoid the strength loss problems associated with the use of accelerating admixtures due to possible overheating.

Findings

The findings showed a significant increase in strength using an accelerating admixture in the early life of the concrete, which may allow a contactor to strike the formwork earlier, due to the use of an admixture, thus speeding up the construction process to produce time/cost savings.

Originality/value

The research will assist the designer, contractor and health and safety co‐ordinator to strike formwork at the earliest date with greater certainty and therefore reduced risk. By using an accelerator, rather than increasing the cement content to achieve early life strength, this paper displays another way to produce sustainable buildings with a lower carbon footprint. Early life strength provides better freeze/thaw protection and a greater resistance to impact damage and therefore a potential higher quality with lower defects.