bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Starch-Related α-Glucan/Water Dikinase Is Involved in the Cold-Induced Development of Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yano Ryoichi , Nakamura Masanobu , Yoneyama Tadakatsu , Nishida Ikuo 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Cold-induced soluble sugar accumulation enhances the degree of freezing tolerance in various cold-hardy plants including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), where soluble sugars accumulate in only a few hours at 2°C. Hence, along with photosynthesis, starch degradation might play a significant role in cold-induced sugar accumulation and enhanced freezing tolerance. Starch-related α-glucan/water dikinase (EC 2.7.9.4), encoded by Arabidopsis STARCH EXCESS 1 (SEX1), is hypothesized to regulate starch degradation in plastids by phosphorylating starch, thereby ensuring better accessibility by starch-degrading enzymes. Here, we show that Arabidopsis sex1 mutants, when incubated at 2°C for 1 d, were unable to accumulate maltooligosaccharides or normal glucose and fructose levels. In addition, they displayed impaired freezing tolerance. After 7 d at 2°C, sex1 mutants did not show any of the above abnormal phenotypes but displayed slightly higher leaf starch contents. The impaired freezing tolerance of sex1 mutants was restored by overexpression of wild-type SEX1 cDNA using the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The results demonstrate a genetic link between the SEX1 locus and plant freezing tolerance, and show that starch degradation is important for enhanced freezing tolerance during an early phase of cold acclimation. However, induction of starch degradation was not accompanied by significant changes in α-glucan/water dikinase activity in leaf extracts and preceded cold-induced augmentation of SEX1 transcripts. Therefore, we conclude that augmentation of SEX1 transcripts might be a homeostatic response to low temperature, and that starch degradation during an early phase of cold acclimation could be regulated by a component(s) of a starch degradation pathway(s) downstream of SEX1.
Genome-Wide Identification of Genes Expressed in Arabidopsis Pistils Specifically along the Path of Pollen Tube Growth
Authors: Tung Chih-Wei , Dwyer Kathleen G. , Nasrallah Mikhail E. , Nasrallah June B. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Plant reproductive development is dependent on successful pollen-pistil interactions. In crucifers, the pollen tube must breach the stigma surface and burrow through the extracellular matrix of the stigma epidermal cells and transmitting tract cells before reaching its ovule targets. The high degree of specificity in pollen-pistil interactions and the precision of directional pollen tube growth suggest that signals are continually being exchanged between pollen/pollen tubes and cells of the pistil that line their path. However, with few exceptions, little is known about the genes that control these interactions. The specialized functions of stigma epidermal cells and transmitting tract cells are likely to depend on the activity of genes expressed specifically in these cells. In order to identify these genes, we used the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ATH1 microarray to compare the whole-genome transcriptional profiles of stigmas and ovaries isolated from wild-type Arabidopsis and from transgenic plants in which cells of the stigma epidermis and transmitting tract were specifically ablated by expression of a cellular toxin. Among the 23,000 genes represented on the array, we identified 115 and 34 genes predicted to be expressed specifically in the stigma epidermis and transmitting tract, respectively. Both gene sets were significantly enriched in predicted secreted proteins, including potential signaling components and proteins that might contribute to reinforcing, modifying, or remodeling the structure of the extracellular matrix during pollination. The possible role of these genes in compatible and incompatible pollen-pistil interactions is discussed.
Pigment Deficiency in Nightshade/Tobacco Cybrids Is Caused by the Failure to Edit the Plastid ATPase α-Subunit mRNA
Authors: Schmitz-Linneweber Christian , Kushnir Sergei , Babiychuk Elena , Poltnigg Peter , Herrmann Reinhold G. , Maier Rainer M. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe subgenomes of the plant cell, the nuclear genome, the plastome, and the chondriome are known to interact through various types of coevolving macromolecules. The combination of the organellar genome from one species with the nuclear genome of another species often leads to plants with deleterious phenotypes, demonstrating that plant subgenomes coevolve. The molecular mechanisms behind this nuclear–organellar incompatibility have been elusive, even though the phenomenon is widespread and has been known for &gt;70 years. Here, we show by direct and reverse genetic approaches that the albino phenotype of a flowering plant with the nuclear genome of Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) and the plastome of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) develops as a result of a defect in RNA editing of a tobacco-specific editing site in the plastid ATPase α-subunit transcript. A plastome-wide analysis of RNA editing in these cytoplasmic hybrids and in plants with a tobacco nucleus and nightshade chloroplasts revealed additional defects in the editing of species-specific editing sites, suggesting that differences in RNA editing patterns in general contribute to the pigment deficiencies observed in interspecific nuclear–plastidial incompatibilities.
Brand power revisited: measuring brand equity in cyber‐space
Authors: Na WoonBong , Marshall Roger 
Published: May 2005

PurposeCyber‐brands are regularly valued but, to date, there has been no reported research designed to understand the derivation of cyber brands’ equity, so that attempts can be made to increase their brands’ equity efficiently. This research aims to address the issue.Design/methodology/approachTo measure the strength of cyber brands, prior off‐line research is replicated, taking a customer focus to identify determinate variables. These customer‐focused variables are tested against cyber consumers’ stated satisfaction and site‐visit intention behavior, using regression analysis.FindingsThe results satisfactorily justify the suggested model, which has a predictive power ranging from 62 to 72 per cent.Practical implicationsThe study shows that practitioners intent on raising the power of their cyber brand can be guided by the same model as used off‐line.Originality/valueThe major theoretical contribution of the study is to show that there is little difference between measuring and increasing brand power on or off‐line.
Healthcare assistants’ experiences and perceptions of participating in a training course
Authors: Keeney Sinead , Hasson Felicity , McKenna Hugh P. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAlthough the number of healthcare assistants (HCA) in employment has continued to increase, the provision of training and development for this role has, to date, been largely dependent upon the discretion of individual employers. In response to this, the Department of Health and Children in Ireland decided to establish a national training course for HCAs and commission its evaluation. As part of this evaluation, the views of the trainees on the national training course were explored. The behaviour, attitudes and experience of these trainees were explored, as was their perception of the relevance of the training course to their role in employment as a HCA. One‐to‐one semistructured interviews with 22 randomly selected trainees were conducted. All interview respondents felt that the training course had been beneficial. Findings indicated positive changes in practice following their training. The interview respondents indicated that they felt more confident in their ability to undertake delegated duties and believed that the skills learned on the course would be useful to them in their future work. Other issues, such as course duration, selection procedure and level of assessment, caused some dissatisfaction. The training course led to a significant improvement in the trainees’ knowledge and care skills. Suggestions for changes to the course from the trainee's perspective include amending the trainee selection procedure and improving the organization and content of the course and follow‐up support.
Collaborative solutions – clinical supervision and teacher support teams: reducing professional isolation through effective peer support
Authors: Bedward Julie , Daniels Harry R. J. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis article reports an evaluation of the implementation of clinical supervision for nurses in seven pilot sites within a National Health Service Trust in the United Kingdom. Focus groups and documentary analysis informed the development of a set of questionnaires that were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from all participants within the pilot scheme. The questionnaires were administered twice at 12‐monthly intervals during the 2‐year study. Overall, the findings demonstrated a favourable response to clinical supervision, with practitioners identifying that it had been most useful for them in reducing professional isolation. However, detailed analysis of the development of clinical supervision within each pilot site revealed that some groups had been more successful than others in achieving a format that was effective and acceptable to all participants. This enabled factors to be identified which contribute to effective clinical support and factors which reduce its effectiveness. A comparison of these findings with those from an earlier study into teacher support teams – a school‐based system of peer support for teachers – suggest that both teaching and nursing professionals experience professional isolation. Involvement in peer support, in the form of clinical supervision or teacher support teams, could be effective at reducing this isolation and can thus enable practitioners to meet the requirements of clinical governance or performance management. However, effective peer support in the form of teacher support teams or clinical supervision does not occur spontaneously. A similar set of factors that contribute to the development of effective peer support was evident in both studies. These include formal training in the skills of supervision/support, the successful development of a sense of ownership among practitioners of the model of supervision/support, and ongoing support and facilitation from management and employers.
Clinical teachers in specialty practice settings: perceptions of their role within postgraduate nursing programs
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Aitken Robyn 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of clinical teachers of their role in the specialty practice setting, of their preparation for the clinical teaching role, and of how their role related to the aims of the university curriculum. The study was conducted with clinical teachers seconded from their clinical roles by a large metropolitan university School of Nursing. Using a survey instrument to address the aims, 37 clinical teachers completed the questionnaire, achieving a response rate of 62%. Contrary to previous research describing university teachers who attempt to fulfil both academic and clinical teaching roles, clinical teachers identified strongly with the clinical field, perceived themselves as experts, were confident to carry out nursing care, did not experience role conflict between student supervision and patient care, and believed that they could positively influence the quality of care. They nominated the provision of support to students in the clinical setting as the most important dimension of their role. Previous experience as a specialty nurse was reported as being the most effective preparation strategy for their role, with orientation sessions and regular academic–clinical teacher meetings being perceived as the least helpful. Clinical teachers perceived that their role in the university curriculum largely involved bridging the gap between theory and practice, and ensuring relevance of the curriculum. Thirty‐eight per cent of clinical teachers lectured at the university in addition to providing clinical support, suggesting that the model of seconding clinicians to the clinical teacher role may provide a better solution to narrowing the theory–practice gap than university teachers attempting to include clinical practice in their role. For the outcomes of this model to be optimized, clinical teachers should be helped to develop effective teaching skills and to have more realistic expectations of student outcomes.
Naturally occurring antisense RNA of histone H2a in mouse cultured cell lines
Authors: Nishida Hiromi , Tomaru Yasuhiro , Oho Yuko , Hayashizaki Yoshihide 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
An antisense transcript of histone H2a that has no significant protein-coding region has been cloned from a mouse full-length cDNA library. In the present study, we evaluated this transcript by using RT-PCR and compared the expression patterns of the sense and antisense transcripts by using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results
This antisense RNA was expressed in three mouse cell lines. We call it ASH2a. ASH2a includes not only the complementary sequence of the transcript of Hist2h2aa2 (a replication-dependent histone H2a gene), but also that of the promoter of Hist2h2aa2. The upstream genomic sequence of the transcription start site of the ASH2a-coding gene (ASH2a) lacks both CCAAT and TATA boxes. This absence suggests that the regulation of ASH2a is different from that of the replication-dependent histone H2a genes. Findings from qRT-PCR indicated that the expression pattern of ASH2a was different from that of Hist2h2aa2. Expression of Hist2h2aa2 peaked at 2 to 4 h during S-phase, but that of ASH2a peaked at 1 h.

Conclusion
We showed the existence of ASH2a, a histone H2a antisense RNA, in mouse cultured cells. The expression pattern of ASH2a is different from that of the sense RNA.
T cell homeostasis in tolerance and immunity
Authors: Marleau Annette M , Sarvetnick Nora 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe size of the peripheral T cell pool is remarkably stable throughout life, reflecting precise regulation of cellular survival, proliferation, and apoptosis. Homeostatic proliferation refers to the process by which T cells spontaneously proliferate in a lymphopenic host. The critical signals driving this expansion are “space,” contact with self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/peptide complexes, and cytokine stimulation. A number of studies have delineated an association between T cell lymphopenia, compensatory homeostatic expansion, and the development of diverse autoimmune syndromes. In the nonobese diabetic mouse model of type 1 diabetes, lymphopenia-induced homeostatic expansion fuels the generation of islet-specific T cells. Excess interleukin-21 facilitates T cell cycling but limited survival, resulting in recurrent stimulation of T cells specific for self-peptide/MHC complexes. Indeed, data from several experimental models of autoimmunity indicate that a full T cell compartment restrains homeostatic expansion of self-reactive cells that could otherwise dominate the repertoire. This review describes the mechanisms that govern T cell homeostatic expansion and outlines the evidence that lymphopenia presents a risk for development of autoimmune disease.
The mucosal immune system: from control of inflammation to protection against infections
Authors: Kaiserlian Dominique , Cerf-Bensussan Nadine , Hosmalin Anne 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe IV meeting of the European Mucosal Immunology Group, held October 8–10, 2004, in Lyon, gathered fundamental and clinical research scientists to discuss the most recent updates on basic and clinical aspects of mucosal immunology. The meeting was focused on innate and acquired immune mechanisms underlying handling and immune recognition of commensals, allergens, and pathogens by the mucosal immune system and its outcome in health and disease as well as for vaccine development. The scientific program featured five topics of growing interest for fundamental research scientists and clinicians, including the role of commensal bacteria in mucosal immunity; function of dendritic cells in infection, inflammation, and tolerance; control of mucosal inflammation by regulatory T cells; novel routes and adjuvants for mucosal vaccines; and mucosal immunity against HIV infection and vaccination strategies.
Interferon-γ-activated STAT-1α suppresses MMP-9 gene transcription by sequestration of the coactivators CBP/p300
Authors: Ma Zhendong , Chang Mi Jung , Shah Reesha C , Benveniste Etty N 
Published: May 2005

AbstractInterferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in aspects of immune regulation, cell proliferation, and host defense mechanisms directed toward various cancers. Some of the biological functions of IFN-γ are achieved through inhibition of gene expression, although the mechanisms by which IFN-γ suppresses gene transcription are poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate the molecular basis by which IFN-γ mediates suppression of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene. IFN-γ-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription-1α (STAT-1α) suppresses MMP-9 gene transcription, which is dependent on phosphorylation of tyrosine 701 but not phosphorylation of serine 727. The coactivator cyclic AMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP) is an important component of induction of MMP-9 gene transcription. IFN-γ induces the in vivo association of STAT-1α and CBP and decreases the association of CBP to the MMP-9 promoter. IFN-γ does not influence the stability of CBP nor does IFN-γ affect chromatin-remodeling events on the MMP-9 promoter. IFN-γ inhibits the assembly of the MMP-9 transcription complex by suppressing H3/H4 acetylation and inhibiting recruitment of Pol II to the MMP-9 promoter. These findings indicate that IFN-γ/STAT-1α exert their inhibitory effects by affecting multiple aspects of MMP-9 gene transcription.
Polysaccharide purified fromGanoderma luciduminduced activation and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by the NF-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways
Authors: Lin Yu-Li , Liang Yu-Chih , Lee Shiuh-Sheng , Chiang Bor-Luen 
Published: May 2005

AbstractGanoderma lucidum, a fungus native to China, has been widely used to promote health and longevity in the Chinese. The polysaccharide component with a branched (1→6)-β-D-glucan moiety of G. lucidum (PS-G) has been reported to exert anti-tumor activity and activation of natural killer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of PS-G on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). Treatment of DC with PS-G resulted in the enhanced cell-surface expression of CD80, CD86, CD83, CD40, CD54, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, as well as the enhanced production of interleukin (IL)-12p70, p40, and IL-10 and also IL-12p35, p40, and IL-10 mRNA expression, and the capacity for endocytosis was suppressed in DC. In addition, treatment of DC with PS-G resulted in enhanced T cell-stimulatory capacity and increased T cell secretion of interferon-γ and IL-10. Neutralization with antibodies against Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 inhibited the PS-G-induced production of IL-12 p40 and IL-10, suggesting a vital role for TLR-4 in signaling DC upon incubation with PS-G. Further study showed that PS-G was able to augment inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity and also IκBα and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Further, inhibition of NF-κB by helenalin and p38 MAPK by SB98059 prevented the effects of PS-G in the expression of CD80, CD86, CD83, CD40, CD54, and HLA-DR and production of IL-12p70, p40, and IL-10 in various degrees. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PS-G can effectively promote the activation and maturation of immature DC, suggesting that PS-G may possess a potential in regulating immune responses.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist FTY720-phosphate causes marginal zone B cell displacement
Authors: Vora Kalpit A , Nichols Elizabeth , Porter Gene , Cui Yan , Keohane Carol Ann , Hajdu Richard , Hale Jeffery , Neway William , Zaller Dennis , Mandala Suzanne 
Published: May 2005

AbstractFTY720 is an immunosuppressive agent that modulates lymphocyte trafficking. It is phosphorylated in vivo to FTY720-phosphate (FTY-P) and binds to a family of G protein-coupled receptors recognizing sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) as the natural ligand. It has previously been reported that FTY-P blocks egress of lymphocytes from the thymus and lymph nodes, resulting in peripheral blood lymphopenia. We now report that FTY-P also causes displacement of marginal zone (MZ) B cells to the splenic follicles, an effect that is similar to that observed after in vivo administration of lipopolysaccharide. This effect is specific to B cells in the MZ, as treatment with FTY-P does not cause redistribution of the resident macrophage population. A small but statistically significant decrease in the expression of β1 integrin on MZ B cells was observed with FTY-P treatment. The redistribution of MZ B cells from the MZ sinuses does not abolish the ability of these cells to respond to the T-independent antigen, trinitrophenol-Ficoll. It has been proposed that the displacement of MZ B cells to the follicles is an indication of cell activation. Consistent with this, FTY-P caused an increase in percentage of MZ B cells expressing activation markers CD9, CD1d, and CD24. These results suggest that S1P receptors on MZ B cells are responsible for their mobilization to follicles.
Identification of CCR2, flotillin, and gp49B genes as new G-CSF targets during neutrophilic differentiation
Authors: Iida Satoshi , Kohro Takahide , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Nagata Shigekazu , Fukunaga Rikiro 
Published: May 2005

AbstractGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine that stimulates myeloid progenitor cells to proliferate and differentiate into neutrophilic granulocytes. To identify genes induced by G-CSF during neutrophil differentiation, interleukin-3-dependent murine myeloid precursor FDC-P1 cells expressing the G-CSF receptor were stimulated with G-CSF, and the gene expression profile was characterized by DNA microarray analysis. In addition to known signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 target genes, such as suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3), JunB, and p19INK4D, we newly identified several G-CSF targets, including genes for the CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2), raft proteins flotillin-1 and flotillin-2, and immunoglobulin-like receptor gp49B. Real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that the expression of these genes was induced in various myeloid cell lines by G-CSF. Furthermore, when HoxA9-immortalized bone marrow progenitors were induced by G-CSF to differentiate into mature neutrophils, all of these genes were strongly activated. These genes could be categorized into three groups based on their time-course of expression: immediate-early (∼20 min, SOCS3), mid-early (2–4 h, flotillin-1/2 and gp49B), and late (&gt;12 h, CCR2). This suggests that different transcriptional mechanisms are involved in the regulation of these genes. We show that bone marrow neutrophils express functional CCR2, which suggest that CC chemokines may play previously unknown roles in neutrophil activation and chemotaxis.