bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation of genes and processes controlled by the quorum response in bacteria: characterization of genes controlled by the quorum‐sensing transcription factor ComA in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Comella Natalia , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryQuorum or diffusion responses in bacteria are mediated by secreted signalling molecules that accumulate extracellularly as cultures grow to high density. The regulatory response to these signalling molecules can result in dramatic changes in gene expression. In Bacillus subtilis, a quorum response is mediated by a secreted 10‐amino‐acid modified peptide (ComX pheromone) that activates a receptor histidine kinase (ComP) that activates a response regulator transcription factor (ComA). We have used DNA microarrays to identify genes controlled by the ComX–ComP–ComA quorum‐sensing pathway. We found that ComX, ComP and ComA affect the same set of genes, indicating that the kinase ComP is the only receptor for the signalling molecule ComX, and that ComA is the only transcription factor activated directly by ComP, under the conditions tested. Expression of over 20 genes appears to be controlled directly by this signalling pathway, and expression of over 150 additional genes, including those involved in competence development, appears to be controlled indirectly. The genes affected appear to have three general functions: (i) to co‐ordinate physiological changes involved in developmental pathways, (ii) to produce extracellular products under conditions in which high concentrations of product are needed to be effective and (iii) to enhance survival, growth and colonization under conditions of crowding or limited diffusion. Many of the genes and processes controlled by the quorum response in B. subtilis are also regulated by quorum sensing in Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The quorum‐sensing signalling molecules and regulatory proteins are quite different between Gram‐positives and Gram‐negatives and the convergent physiological regulation of similar genes and processes indicate the important and conserved nature of the quorum response.
Localization of RecA in Escherichia coli K‐12 using RecA–GFP
Authors: Renzette Nicholas , Gumlaw Nathan , Nordman Jared T. , Krieger Marlee , Yeh Su‐Ping , Long Edward , Centore Richard , Boonsombat Ruethairat , Sandler Steven J. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryRecA is important in recombination, DNA repair and repair of replication forks. It functions through the production of a protein–DNA filament. To study the localization of RecA in live Escherichia coli cells, the RecA protein was fused to the green fluorescence protein (GFP). Strains with this gene have recombination/DNA repair activities three‐ to tenfold below wild type (or about 1000‐fold above that of a recA null mutant). RecA–GFP cells have a background of green fluorescence punctuated with up to five foci per cell. Two types of foci have been defined: 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI)‐sensitive foci that are bound to DNA and DAPI‐insensitive foci that are DNA‐less aggregates/storage structures. In log phase cells, foci were not localized to any particular region. After UV irradiation, the number of foci increased and they localized to the cell centre. This suggested colocalization with the DNA replication factory. recA, recB and recF strains showed phenotypes and distributions of foci consistent with the predicted effects of these mutations.
Sugar and ABA responsiveness of a minimal RBCS light‐responsive unit is mediated by direct binding of ABI4
Authors: Acevedo‐Hernández Gustavo Javier , León Patricia , Herrera‐Estrella Luis Rafael 
Published: July 2005

SummaryPhotosynthesis‐associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) are able to respond to multiple environmental and developmental signals, including light, sugars and abscisic acid (ABA). PhANGs have been extensively studied at the level of transcriptional regulation and several cis‐acting elements important for light responsiveness have been identified in their promoter sequences. However, the regulatory elements involved in sugar and ABA regulation of PhANGs have not been completely characterized. Using conserved modular arrangement 5 (CMA5), a previously characterized minimal light‐responsive unit, we show that in Arabidopsis thaliana this unit responds not only positively to light signals, but also negatively to sugars and ABA. The latter responses were found to be impaired in the abi4 mutant, indicating that ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE‐4 (ABI4) is a regulator involved in sugar and ABA repression of this minimal regulatory unit. Furthermore, we report a new sequence element conserved in several rbcS promoters, herewith named S‐box, which is important for the sugar and ABA responsiveness of CMA5. This sequence corresponds to a putative ABI4‐binding site, which is in fact bound by the Arabidopsis ABI4 protein in vitro. The S‐box is closely associated with the G‐box present in CMA5, and this association is conserved in the promoters of several RBCS genes. This phylogenetically conserved promoter feature probably reflects a common regulatory mechanism and identifies a point of convergence between light‐ and sugar‐signaling pathways.
Ethylene regulates fast apoplastic acidification and expansin A transcription during submergence‐induced petiole elongation in Rumex palustris
Authors: Vreeburg Robert A.M. , Benschop Joris J. , Peeters Anton J.M. , Colmer Timothy D. , Ammerlaan Ankie H.M. , Staal Marten , Elzenga Theo M. , Staals Raymond H.J. , Darley Catherine P. , McQueen‐Mason Simon J. , Voesenek Laurentius A.C.J. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe semi‐aquatic dicot Rumex palustris responds to complete submergence by enhanced elongation of young petioles. This elongation of petiole cells brings leaf blades above the water surface, thus reinstating gas exchange with the atmosphere and increasing survival in flood‐prone environments. We already know that an enhanced internal level of the gaseous hormone ethylene is the primary signal for underwater escape in R. palustris. Further downstream, concentration changes in abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA) and auxin are required to gain fast cell elongation under water. A prerequisite for cell elongation in general is cell wall loosening mediated by proteins such as expansins. Expansin genes might, therefore, be important target genes in submergence‐induced and plant hormone‐mediated petiole elongation. To test this hypothesis we have studied the identity, kinetics and regulation of expansin A mRNA abundance and protein activity, as well as examined pH changes in cell walls associated with this adaptive growth. We found a novel role of ethylene in triggering two processes affecting cell wall loosening during submergence‐induced petiole elongation. First, ethylene was shown to promote fast net H+ extrusion, leading to apoplastic acidification. Secondly, ethylene upregulates one expansin A gene (RpEXPA1), as measured with real‐time RT‐PCR, out of a group of 13 R. palustris expansin A genes tested. Furthermore, a significant accumulation of expansin proteins belonging to the same size class as RpEXPA1, as well as a strong increase in expansin activity, were apparent within 4–6 h of submergence. Regulation of RpEXPA1 transcript levels depends on ethylene action and not on GA and ABA, demonstrating that ethylene evokes at least three, parallel operating pathways that, when integrated at the whole petiole level, lead to coordinated underwater elongation. The first pathway involves ethylene‐modulated changes in ABA and GA, these acting on as yet unknown downstream components, whereas the second and third routes encompass ethylene‐induced apoplastic acidification and ethylene‐induced RpEXPA1 upregulation.
EgMYB2, a new transcriptional activator from Eucalyptus xylem, regulates secondary cell wall formation and lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Goicoechea Monica , Lacombe Eric , Legay Sylvain , Mihaljevic Snjezana , Rech Philippe , Jauneau Alain , Lapierre Catherine , Pollet Brigitte , Verhaegen Daniel , Chaubet‐Gigot Nicole , Grima‐Pettenati Jacqueline 
Published: July 2005

Summary EgMYB2, a member of a new subgroup of the R2R3 MYB family of transcription factors, was cloned from a library consisting of RNA from differentiating Eucalyptus xylem. EgMYB2 maps to a unique locus on the Eucalyptus grandis linkage map and co‐localizes with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for lignin content. Recombinant EgMYB2 protein was able to bind specifically the cis‐regulatory regions of the promoters of two lignin biosynthetic genes, cinnamoyl‐coenzyme A reductase (CCR) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), which contain MYB consensus binding sites. EgMYB2 was also able to regulate their transcription in both transient and stable expression assays. Transgenic tobacco plants over‐expressing EgMYB2 displayed phenotypic changes relative to wild‐type plants, among which were a dramatic increase in secondary cell wall thickness, and an alteration of the lignin profiles. Transcript abundance of genes encoding enzymes specific to lignin biosynthesis was increased to varying extents according to the position of individual genes in the pathway, whereas core phenylpropanoid genes were not significantly affected. Together these results suggest a role for EgMYB2 in the co‐ordinated control of genes belonging to the monolignol‐specific pathway, and therefore in the biosynthesis of lignin and the regulation of secondary cell wall formation.
Influence of picloram and thidiazuron on high frequency plant regeneration in elite cultivars of wheat with long‐term retention of morphogenecity using meristematic shoot segments
Authors: Sharma V. K. , Hänsch R. , Mendel R. R. , Schulze J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMeristematic shoot segments (MSSs) were used to develop an efficient and reproducible regeneration system via multiple shoot differentiation in two elite cultivars of winter wheal. Cylindrical basal shoot segments. 3 4 mm in length, were excised from seedlings derived from mature embryos that had been germinated directly on MS‐based medium containing growth regulators. These segments were further cultured on the same medium formulations. Out of 24 variations analysed, the combination of 2 mg1 4‐amino‐3.5,6‐trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) + 3 mg/1 thidiazuron (TDZ) was found to be the most effective in inducing clumps of multiple schools, buds with little callusing. Sectors of these clumps were (1) further multiplied by biweekly subculturing on 2 mg/l picloram + 2.5 mg/l TDZ leading lo highly differentiating green clusters of buds without loss of tnorphogenesis for more than 12 months so far. and without albinism, or (2) transferred to 0.1 nig I picloram + I mg/l TDZ for shoot development and elongation. The elongated shoots rooted on basal medium with 0.5 mg/l indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA) were transferred to soil and showed normal growth and fertility. Both cultivars formed multiple schools ranging from 28 to 33 per responding MSS after 10 12 weeks.
A 28‐year trend of infective endocarditis associated with congenital heart diseases: A single institute experience
Authors: Takeda Sho , Nakanishi Toshio , Nakazawa Makoto 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: Infective endocarditis (IE) is still one of the major complications of congenital heart disease and, therefore, prevention has always been an important issue. But there has been no large scale investigation of IE in Japan.
Methods
: Clinical and microbiological features in 183 patients with congenital heart diseases complicated with infective endocarditis (IE), which were treated in our institute in the last 28 years, were reviewed.
Result
: During the period, the age distribution of the patients shifted to an older age; 80% were older than 15 years in the latest 7 year period. In the underlying diseases more complex conditions increased, such as the post Rastelli operation. Dental or oral diseases were the major preceding events and Streptococcus was the major pathogen throughout the study periods in the data.
Conclusion
: The result indicates the importance of continuing education for the prevention of IE and oral hygiene especially in adult patients with a risk for IE.
Epidemiologic picture of Kawasaki disease in Korea, 2000–2002
Authors: Park Yong Won , Han Ji whan , Park In Sook , Kim Chang Hwi , Yun Yong Soo , Cha Sung Ho , Ma Jae Sook , Lee Sang Bum , Kim Chul Ho , Lee Heung Jae , Tockgo Young Chang 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence rate and epidemiologic patterns of Kawasaki disease in Korea for a 3 year period during 2000 to 2002.
Methods
: An epidemiologic survey on Kawasaki disease was retrospectively performed. The questionnaire was sent to all 112 hospitals having pediatric residency programs, and obtained data were analyzed.
Results
: The 9150 cases of Kawasaki disease from 92 hospitals which responded (response rate, 82.1%) included 5515 males and 3635 females (male : female ratio, 1.52:1). The incidence rate per 100 000 children <5 years old was 73.7 in 2000, and increased to 90.8 in 2001, and 95.5 in 2002 (average rate, 86.4). The monthly number of patients was slightly higher in May, June and July. Their mean age of onset, the proportion of sibling cases, and a rate of recurrent cases were 30.5 months, 0.17%, and 2.9%, respectively. Coronary arterial abnormalities occurred in 18.6% of cases including dilatations of 17.3% and aneurysms of 3.1%.
Conclusion
: The average annual incidence, 86.4/100 000 in children <5 years old is the second highest rate in the world.
Risk factors for the different types of chronic lung diseases of prematurity according to the preceding respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Choi Chang Won , Kim Beyong Il , Park June Dong , Koh Young Yull , Choi Jung‐Hwan , Choi Jung Yun 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: Recently, atypical chronic lung disease (CLD) of prematurity that develops in the absence of preceding respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) have been observed frequently. The specific risk factors for atypical CLD that are presumed to be different from those for classical CLD that develops following RDS were assessed.
Methods
: Prospective cohort analysis was done from 115 very low‐birthweight infants who were born in Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, and survived more than 36 weeks postmenstrual age or 28 days of life. All subjects were classified into either a preceding RDS group (n = 35) or a non‐RDS group (n = 80). Logistic regression analysis was done for the multivariate assessment of specific risk factors for CLD in both groups.
Results
: The analysis showed that short gestational age (GA; relative risk [RR], 3.1 per 1 week decrement; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 2.7–3.4), of the male gender (RR, 9.8; CI, 0.9–112), and poor response to surfactant (RR, 14; CI, 1.2–156) were significant risk factors for CLD in the preceding RDS group. In the non‐RDS group, chorioamnionitis was one of the significant risk factors for CLD (RR, 4.8; CI, 1.1–21) along with short GA and high mean airway pressure (MAP) during the first 3 days of life.
Conclusion
: Chorioamnionitis was a risk factor for atypical CLD in addition to short GA and high MAP during the early postnatal period, and poor response to surfactant was a risk factor for classical CLD in addition to short GA and being male. Therefore, CLD is considered to have type‐specific risk factors.
The relationship between autonomic nervous activity and physical activity in children
Authors: Iwasa Yukie , Nakayasu Kimiko , Nomura Masahiro , Nakaya Yutaka , Saito Ken , Ito Susumu 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: There have been few studies that have reported on heart rate variability and the development of autonomic nervous function in children. This study investigated the relationship between heart rate variabilities at night and physical activity in children.
Methods
: The study subjects were 29 children, including 17 boys and 12 girls. The daily activity product and heart rate variabilities during sleep at night (00.00–05.00 hours) were measured and several aspects of these parameters were analyzed. In one child (an 8‐year‐old girl), heart rate variability and the physical activity product were measured for 12 days.
Results
: There was a negative correlation between the mean R–R interval and the duration (min) of heavy exercise per day (r = −0.39, P < 0.05). In the 8‐year‐old girl, from whom data was obtained for 12 days, the duration of heavy exercise per day was negatively correlated with the mean R–R interval (r = −0.63, P < 0.05), the number of changes in successive R–R intervals greater than 50 msec (RR50) (r = −0.74, P < 0.01), and the high frequency (HF) component (r = −0.66, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the daily number of steps was negatively correlated with the mean R–R interval (r = −0.66, P < 0.05), RR50 (r = −0.71, P < 0.05) and the HF component (r = −0.66, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the amounts of energy consumption and the mean R–R interval (r = −0.69, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the amounts of energy consumption and RR50 (r = −0.76, P < 0.01). Moreover, there was also a negative correlation between the amount of energy consumption and the HF component (r = −0.71, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
: These findings suggested that physical activities increase heart rate during sleep, but reduce parasympathetic nervous activity at night. Because both the HF component and RR50 reduce with growth, the exercise‐related inhibition of parasympathetic nervous activity may be a developmental stimulus to reach a balanced autonomic nervous pattern in adults.
Treatment of intestinal perforation in extremely low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Kawakami Akihiro , Shirakawa Yoshitsugu , Shirahata Akira , Yano Kouichi , Morita Masaru , Yasumoto Kimimasa 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: The mortality of intestinal perforation in extremely low‐birthweight infants (ELBWI) is high. It still remains to be determined whether peritoneal drainage is a definitive treatment instead of laparotomy. The authors used bedside peritoneal drainage (BSPD) as the diagnostic procedure, and exchange transfusion (ET) as the preparatory procedure for invasive stress of laparotomy. The treatment protocol is composed primarily of laparotomy combined with BSPD and ET.
Methods
: ELBWI who developed intestinal perforation during hospitalization between 1993 and 2000 were treated according to the aforementioned protocol. Their medical records were examined retrospectively.
Results
: Eight ELBWI were identified. The subjects' birthweights ranged from 553 to 892 g and the gestational age ranged from 23 to 26 weeks. The subjects consisted of five cases with idiopathic intestinal perforation, two cases with necrotizing enterocolitis, and one case with meconium plug syndrome. Laparotomy was performed in all cases, and BSPD was performed in seven cases. Intestinal perforation was definitively diagnosed by X‐ray only in three cases, while by stool‐like drainage in BSPD in the other five cases. Seven (87.5%) cases survived.
Conclusion
: In this limited experience, the treatment mainly composed of laparotomy combined with BSPD and ET appeared beneficial.
Disgusted Subjects: The Making of Middle-Class Identities
Authors: Lawler Stephanie 
Published: July 2005

Although the classed dimensions of ‘taste’ have, following Bourdieu, been widely discussed, expressions of disgust at perceived violations of taste have been less frequently considered in relation to class. This paper considers various expressions of disgust at white working-class existence and explores what they might tell us about middle-class identities and identifications. I argue that the narratives of decline and of lack present in such representations can be seen in terms of a long-standing middle-class project of distinguishing itself. Drawing on Bourdieu's critique of Kantian aesthetics, I argue that the ownership of ‘taste’ is understood as reflecting true humanity, and as conferring uniqueness. Ironically, however, this uniqueness is only achieved through an incorporation of collective, classed understandings. The paper calls for a problematization of a normative and normalized middle-class location that is, I argue, given added legitimacy by a perceived decline in the significance of class itself. [A]n account of class, rank or social hierarchy must be thin indeed unless accompanied by an account of the passions and sentiments that sustain it (William Miller, The Anatomy of Disgust, p. 245). Social identity lies in difference, and difference is asserted against what is closest, which represents the greatest threat (Pierre Bourdieu, Distinction, p. 479). What we read as objective class divisions are produced and maintained by the middle class in the minutiae of everyday practice, as judgements of culture are put into effect (Beverley Skeggs, Class, Self, Culture, p. 118).
Evidence for increased expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter, VGLUT1, by a course of antidepressant treatment
Authors: Tordera Rosa M. , Pei Qi , Sharp Trevor 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe therapeutic effect of a course of antidepressant treatment is believed to involve a cascade of neuroadaptive changes in gene expression leading to increased neural plasticity. Because glutamate is linked to mechanisms of neural plasticity, this transmitter may play a role in these changes. This study investigated the effect of antidepressant treatment on expression of the vesicular glutamate transporters, VGLUT1–3 in brain regions of the rat. Repeated treatment with fluoxetine, paroxetine or desipramine increased VGLUT1 mRNA abundance in frontal, orbital, cingulate and parietal cortices, and regions of the hippocampus. Immunoautoradiography analysis showed that repeated antidepressant drug treatment increased VGLUT1 protein expression. Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) also increased VGLUT1 mRNA abundance in regions of the cortex and hippocampus compared to sham controls. The antidepressant drugs and ECS did not alter VGLUT1 mRNA abundance after acute administration, and no change was detected after repeated treatment with the antipsychotic agents, haloperidol and chlorpromazine. In contrast to VGLUT1, the different antidepressant treatments did not commonly increase the expression of VGLUT2 or VGLUT3 mRNA. These data suggest that a course of antidepressant drug or ECS treatment increases expression of VGLUT1, a key gene involved in the regulation of glutamate secretion.
Multiple calcium channels and kinases mediate α7 nicotinic receptor neuroprotection in PC12 cells
Authors: Ren Ke , Puig Viviana , Papke Roger L. , Itoh Yoshitsugu , Hughes Jeffrey A. , Meyer Edwin M. 
Published: July 2005

Abstractα7 Nicotinic receptors are calcium permeant and provide neuroprotection against many insults. We investigated the roles of intracellular calcium ions and downstream calcium channels in this protection. The α7 agonist GTS‐21 prevented pheochromocytoma cell death induced by nerve growth factor + serum deprivation over a 3‐day interval. This effect was blocked by the intracellular calcium chelator 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid in a manner that did not appear to involve changes in receptor density. 1,2‐Bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid blocked GTS‐21‐induced protein kinase C activation, a necessary process for protection. The insositol triphosphate calcium‐channel blocker xestospongin C and the phospholipases C inhibitor U‐73122 blocked protection, ryanodine partially attenuated protection, but the L‐type channel antagonist nifedipine had no effect. ERK1/2 but not JNK and p38 were activated by GTS‐21, and the ERK phosphorylation inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 blocked protection.