bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an Integrated Omics Approach for Identifying Host Proteins That Interact With Odontoglossum ringspot virus Capsid Protein
Authors: Lin Pin-Chun , Hu Wen-Chi , Lee Shu-Chuan , Chen Ying-Lan , Lee Chi-Ying , Chen Yet-Ran , Liu Li-Yu Daisy , Chen Po-Yen , Lin Shih-Shun , Chang Ya-Chun
Published: January 2015

The glutamic acid at position 100 (E100) in the capsid protein (CP) of Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) plays an important role in long-distance viral movement in Nicotiana benthamiana. The ORSVE100A mutant, which has a glutamic acid to alanine substitution, shows a loss of systemic infectivity in N. benthamiana. Transmission electron microscopy and size-exclusion chromatography assays showed that E100 is essential for CP-CP interaction and viral particle assembly. To identify the ORSV triggering or response genes and CP-interacting proteins (CP-IP), an integrated omics approach based on next-generation sequencing and proteomics profiling was used in this study. The whole-transcriptomes of healthy and ORSV-infected leaves of N. benthamiana were analyzed, and the gene information was used to create a N. benthamiana protein database that was used for protein identification following mass spectrometry analysis. The integrated omics approach identified several putative host proteins that interact with ORSV CPWT and were categorized as photosystem subunits, defense-associated proteins, and cell division components. The expression pattern and CP interaction of these CP-IP were examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and an in vitro binding assay, respectively, to verify the in silico data. Among these proteins, a proteinase inhibitor of N. benthamiana (NbPI2) was highly associated with CPE100A as compared with CPWT, and NbPI1 and NbPI2 were highly induced in ORSV-infected plants. NbPI1- and NbPI2-silenced plants (via a Tobacco rattle virus–induced gene-silencing system) did not exhibit a difference in ORSV infection. Thus, whether NbPI1 and NbPI2 play a role in plant immunity requires further investigation. In summary, the integrated omics approach provides massive and valuable information to identify the ORSV CP-IP and these CP-IP will help us to understand the movement of this virus and plant-virus interaction.
Pseudomonas syringae Effector AvrPphB Suppresses AvrB-Induced Activation of RPM1 but Not AvrRpm1-Induced Activation
Authors: Russell Andrew R. , Ashfield Tom , Innes Roger W.
Published: January 2015

The Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrB triggers a hypersensitive resistance response in Arabidopsis and soybean plants expressing the disease resistance (R) proteins RPM1 and Rpg1b, respectively. In Arabidopsis, AvrB induces RPM1-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) to phosphorylate a disease regulator known as RIN4, which subsequently activates RPM1-mediated defenses. Here, we show that AvrPphB can suppress activation of RPM1 by AvrB and this suppression is correlated with the cleavage of RIPK by AvrPphB. Significantly, AvrPphB does not suppress activation of RPM1 by AvrRpm1, suggesting that RIPK is not required for AvrRpm1-induced modification of RIN4. This observation indicates that AvrB and AvrRpm1 recognition is mediated by different mechanisms in Arabidopsis, despite their recognition being determined by a single R protein. Moreover, AvrB recognition but not AvrRpm1 recognition is suppressed by AvrPphB in soybean, suggesting that AvrB recognition requires a similar molecular mechanism in soybean and Arabidopsis. In support of this, we found that phosphodeficient mutations in the soybean GmRIN4a and GmRIN4b proteins are sufficient to block Rpg1b-mediated hypersensitive response in transient assays in Nicotiana glutinosa. Taken together, our results indicate that AvrB and AvrPphB target a conserved defense signaling pathway in Arabidopsis and soybean that includes RIPK and RIN4.
Host Versus Nonhost Resistance: Distinct Wars with Similar Arsenals
Authors: Gill Upinder S. , Lee Seonghee , Mysore Kirankumar S.
Published: January 2015

Plants face several challenges by bacterial, fungal, oomycete, and viral pathogens during their life cycle. In order to defend against these biotic stresses, plants possess a dynamic, innate, natural immune system that efficiently detects potential pathogens and initiates a resistance response in the form of basal resistance and/or resistance (R)-gene-mediated defense, which is often associated with a hypersensitive response. Depending upon the nature of plant–pathogen interactions, plants generally have two main defense mechanisms, host resistance and nonhost resistance. Host resistance is generally controlled by single R genes and less durable compared with nonhost resistance. In contrast, nonhost resistance is believed to be a multi-gene trait and more durable. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of host and nonhost resistance against fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. In addition, we also attempt to compare host and nonhost resistance responses to identify similarities and differences, and their practical applications in crop improvement.
Structural aspects of metal-organic framework-based energy materials research at Diamond
Authors: Allan David R. , Blake Alexander J. , Schröder Martin , Tang Chiu C. , Yang Sihai
Published: January 2015

Large-scale central facilities such as Diamond Light Source fulfil an increasingly pivotal role in many large-scale scientific research programmes. We illustrate these developments by reference to energy-centred projects at the University of Nottingham, the progress of which depends crucially on access to these facilities. Continuing access to beamtime has now become a major priority for those who direct such programmes.
Molecular mechanism of bacterial type 1 and P pili assembly
Authors: Busch Andreas , Phan Gilles , Waksman Gabriel
Published: January 2015

The formation of adhesive surface structures called pili or fimbriae (‘bacterial hair’) is an important contributor towards bacterial pathogenicity and persistence. To fight often chronic or recurrent bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of the nanomachines assembling such pili. Here, we focus on the so far best-known pilus assembly machinery: the chaperone–usher pathway producing the type 1 and P pili, and highlight the most recently acquired structural knowledge. First, we describe the subunits' structure and the molecular role of the periplasmic chaperone. Second, we focus on the outer-membrane usher structure and the catalytic mechanism of usher-mediated pilus biogenesis. Finally, we describe how the detailed understanding of the chaperone–usher pathway at a molecular level has paved the way for the design of a new generation of bacterial inhibitors called ‘pilicides’.
Understanding cell signalling systems: paving the way for new therapies
Authors: Jones E. Yvonne
Published: January 2015

The cell-to-cell signalling mechanisms of multi-cellular organisms orchestrate human development during embryogenesis and control homeostasis in adult tissues. These are mechanisms vital to human health and perturbation of cell-to-cell signalling is a contributing factor in many pathologies including cancer. The semaphorin cell guidance cues and their cognate plexin receptors exemplify a cell-to-cell signalling system for which insights into mechanistic principles are emerging. X-ray crystallographic data from Diamond beam lines have enabled us to probe the inner workings of semaphorin–plexin signalling to atomic-level resolutions. Importantly, we can complement protein crystallographic results with biophysical and cellular studies to dovetail structural information with functional impact. The signature seven-bladed
β
propeller ‘sema’ domain of the semaphorins forms a dimer; in contrast the equivalent domain in the plexins is monomeric. The generic architecture of a semaphorin–plexin complex is characterized by the dimeric semaphorin cross-linking two copies of the plexin receptor. For specific family members, the co-receptor neuropilin serves to bolster this architecture, but in all cases, the dimeric interaction lies at the core of the ligand receptor complex, providing the essential trigger for signalling.
Fracture mechanics by three-dimensional crack-tip synchrotron X-ray microscopy
Authors: Withers P. J.
Published: January 2015

To better understand the relationship between the nucleation and growth of defects and the local stresses and phase changes that cause them, we need both imaging and stress mapping. Here, we explore how this can be achieved by bringing together synchrotron X-ray diffraction and tomographic imaging. Conventionally, these are undertaken on separate synchrotron beamlines; however, instruments capable of both imaging and diffraction are beginning to emerge, such as ID15 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and JEEP at the Diamond Light Source. This review explores the concept of three-dimensional crack-tip X-ray microscopy, bringing them together to probe the crack-tip behaviour under realistic environmental and loading conditions and to extract quantitative fracture mechanics information about the local crack-tip environment. X-ray diffraction provides information about the crack-tip stress field, phase transformations, plastic zone and crack-face tractions and forces. Time-lapse CT, besides providing information about the three-dimensional nature of the crack and its local growth rate, can also provide information as to the activation of extrinsic toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection, crack-tip zone shielding, crack bridging and crack closure. It is shown how crack-tip microscopy allows a quantitative measure of the crack-tip driving force via the stress intensity factor or the crack-tip opening displacement. Finally, further opportunities for synchrotron X-ray microscopy are explored.
Bean Metal-Responsive Element-Binding Transcription Factor Confers Cadmium Resistance in Tobacco
Authors: Sun Na , Liu Meng , Zhang Wentao , Yang Wanning , Bei Xiujuan , Ma Hui , Qiao Fan , Qi Xiaoting
Published: January 2015

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to plants. Modulation of Cd-responsive transcription is an important way for Cd detoxification in plants. Metal-responsive element (MRE) is originally described in animal metallothionein genes. Although functional MREs also exist in Cd-regulated plant genes, specific transcription factors that bind MRE to regulate Cd tolerance have not been identified. Previously, we showed that Cd-inducible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) stress-related gene2 (PvSR2) produces a short (S) PvSR2 transcript (S-PvSR2) driven by an intronic promoter. Here, we demonstrate that S-PvSR2 encodes a bean MRE-binding transcription factor1 (PvMTF-1) that confers Cd tolerance in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). PvMTF-1 expression was up-regulated by Cd at the levels of RNA and protein. Importantly, expression of PvMTF-1 in tobacco enhanced Cd tolerance, indicating its role in regulating Cd resistance in planta. This was achieved through direct regulation of a feedback-insensitive Anthranilate Synthase α-2 chain gene (ASA2), which catalyzes the first step for tryptophan biosynthesis. In vitro and in vivo DNA-protein interaction studies further revealed that PvMTF-1 directly binds to the MRE in the ASA2 promoter, and this binding depends on the zinc finger-like motif of PvMTF-1. Through modulating ASA2 up-regulation by Cd, PvMTF-1 increased free tryptophan level and subsequently reduced Cd accumulation, thereby enhancing Cd tolerance of transgenic tobacco plants. Consistent with this observation, tobacco transiently overexpressing ASA2 also exhibited increased tolerance to Cd. We conclude that PvMTF-1 is a zinc finger-like transcription factor that links MRE to Cd resistance in transgenic tobacco through activation of tryptophan biosynthesis.
A new extra-focus monochromator designed for high-performance VUV beamlines
Authors: Xue Chaofan , Wu Yanqing , Zou Ying , Xue Lian , Wang Yong , Xu Zijian , Tai Renzhong
Published: January 2015

A new monochromator called an extra-focus constant-included-angle varied-line-spacing (VLS) cylindrical-grating monochromator (extra-focus CIA-VCGM) is described. This monochromator is based on the Hettrick–Underwood scheme where the plane VLS grating is replaced by a cylindrical one in order to zero the defocus at three reference photon energies in the vacuum-ultraviolet range. It has a simple mechanical structure and a fixed focus spot with high performance over a wide energy range. Furthermore, its mechanical compatibility with a standard VLS plane-grating monochromator allows convenient extension into the soft-X-ray range.
Pushing the limits: an instrument for hard X-ray imaging below 20 nm
Authors: Nazaretski E. , Lauer K. , Yan H. , Bouet N. , Zhou J. , Conley R. , Huang X. , Xu W. , Lu M. , Gofron K. , Kalbfleisch S. , Wagner U. , Rau C. , Chu Y. S.
Published: January 2015

Hard X-ray microscopy is a prominent tool suitable for nanoscale-resolution non-destructive imaging of various materials used in different areas of science and technology. With an ongoing effort to push the 2D/3D imaging resolution down to 10 nm in the hard X-ray regime, both the fabrication of nano-focusing optics and the stability of the microscope using those optics become extremely challenging. In this work a microscopy system designed and constructed to accommodate multilayer Laue lenses as nanofocusing optics is presented. The developed apparatus has been thoroughly characterized in terms of resolution and stability followed by imaging experiments at a synchrotron facility. Drift rates of ∼2 nm h−1accompanied by 13 nm × 33 nm imaging resolution at 11.8 keV are reported.
Thermal stress prediction in mirror and multilayer coatings
Authors: Cheng Xianchao , Zhang Lin , Morawe Christian , Sanchez del Rio Manuel
Published: January 2015

Multilayer optics for X-rays typically consist of hundreds of periods of two types of alternating sub-layers which are coated on a silicon substrate. The thickness of the coating is well below 1 µm (tens or hundreds of nanometers). The high aspect ratio (∼107) between the size of the optics and the thickness of the multilayer can lead to a huge number of elements (∼1016) for the numerical simulation (by finite-element analysis usingANSYScode). In this work, the finite-element model for thermal-structural analysis of multilayer optics has been implemented using theANSYSlayer-functioned elements. The number of meshed elements is considerably reduced and the number of sub-layers feasible for the present computers is increased significantly. Based on this technique, single-layer coated mirrors and multilayer monochromators cooled by water or liquid nitrogen are studied with typical parameters of heat-load, cooling and geometry. The effects of cooling-down of the optics and heating of the X-ray beam are described. It is shown that the influences from the coating on temperature and deformation are negligible. However, large stresses are induced in the layers due to the different thermal expansion coefficients between the layer and the substrate materials, which is the critical issue for the survival of the optics. This is particularly true for the liquid-nitrogen cooling condition. The material properties of thin multilayer films are applied in the simulation to predict the layer thermal stresses with more precision.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of tomato β-galactosidase 4
Authors: Eda Masahiro , Ishimaru Megumi , Tada Toshiji
Published: January 2015

Plant β-galactosidases play important roles in carbohydrate-reserve mobilization, cell-wall expansion and degradation, and turnover of signalling molecules during ripening. Tomato β-galactosidase 4 (TBG4) not only has β-galactosidase activity but also has exo-β-(1,4)-galactanase activity, and prefers β-(1,4)-galactans longer than pentamers as its substrates; most other β-galactosidases only have the former activity. Recombinant TBG4 protein expressed in the yeastPichia pastoriswas crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 10 000 as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-parametersa= 92.82,b= 96.30,c= 159.26 Å, and diffracted to 1.65 Å resolution. Calculation of the Matthews coefficient suggested the presence of two monomers per asymmetric unit (VM= 2.2 Å3 Da−1), with a solvent content of 45%.
Crystallization of two operator complexes from theVibrio choleraeHigBA2 toxin–antitoxin module
Authors: Hadži San , Garcia-Pino Abel , Gerdes Kenn , Lah Jurij , Loris Remy
Published: January 2015

The HigA2 antitoxin and the HigBA2 toxin–antitoxin complex fromVibrio choleraewere crystallized in complex with their operator box. Screening of 22 different DNA duplexes led to two crystal forms of HigA2 complexes and one crystal form of a HigBA2 complex. Crystals of HigA2 in complex with a 17 bp DNA duplex belong to space groupP3221, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 94.0,c= 123.7 Å, and diffract to 2.3 Å resolution. The second form corresponding to HigA2 in complex with a 19 bp duplex belong to space groupP43212 and only diffract to 3.45 Å resolution. Crystals of the HigBA2 toxin–antitoxin were obtained in complex with a 31 bp duplex and belonged to space groupP41212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 113.6,c= 121.1 Å. They diffract to 3.3 Å resolution.
Crystal structure of (pyridine-κN)bis(quinolin-2-olato-κ2N,O)copper(II) monohydrate
Authors: Hawks Benjamin , Yan Jingjing , Basa Prem , Burdette Shawn
Published: January 2015

The title complex, [Cu(C9H6NO)2(C5H4N)]·H2O, adopts a slightly distorted square-pyramidal geometry in which the axial pyridine ligand exhibits a long Cu—N bond of 2.305 (3) Å. The pyridine ligand forms dihedral angles of 79.5 (5) and 88.0 (1)° with the planes of the two quinolin-2-olate ligands, while the dihedral angle between the quinoline groups of 9.0 (3)° indicates near planarity. The water molecule connects adjacent copper complexes through O—H...O hydrogen bonds to phenolate O atoms, forming a network interconnecting all the complexes in the crystal lattice.
Crystal structure of (2S/2R,3S/3R)-3-hydroxy-2-phenylchroman-4-one
Authors: Belguedj Roumaissa , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Chibani Aissa , Bouraiou Abdelmalek
Published: January 2015

In the title molecule, C15H12O3, the C atoms bearing the hydroxy group and the phenyl ring are disordered over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.573 (7) and 0.427 (7). There is also disorder of the phenyl ring but the hydroxy group was refined as ordered. The dihedral angles between the benzene ring of the chromane ring system and the phenyl ring are 89.7 (2)° for the major component of disorder and 72.1 (3)° for the minor component. Both disorder components of the the dihydropyran ring are in a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(10) graph-set motif. Weak C—H...π interactions link these dimers into ladders along [001].
Change-supportive employee behavior: a career identity explanation
Authors: Lysova Evgenia I. , Richardson Julia , Khapova Svetlana N. , Jansen Paul G. W.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how career identity informs employees’ willingness to engage in organizational change initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on the findings of a qualitative case study exploring the experiences of 29 employees involved in a planned “bottom-up” organizational change initiative. At the time of the study, all interviewees were employed in a Dutch non-profit organization.

Findings

– Drawing on protean career theory and the literature on other-oriented work values, we show that career identity informs both how employees make sense of the respective organizational change and their willingness to engage in it. The authors found that proactive career behavior and a focus on other-oriented work values inform higher levels of employees’ engagement in the change, while passive career behavior and self-centered work values inform employees’ lower levels of involvement in the change initiative. Based on the findings, the authors conclude this paper with a conceptual model which captures the cyclical relationship between career identity and employees’ willingness to engage in organizational change initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research should consider both the individual characteristics of employees involved in change initiatives and content or contextual factors when exploring willingness to engage with change.

Practical implications

– Organizational change consultants and managers need to be aware of the influence of career identity on employees’ willingness to engage in organizational change and use this information during the implementation of change initiatives.

Originality/value

– The paper explores employees’ willingness to engage with organizational change initiatives through the lens of career identity.
Seeking feedback but unable to improve work performance? Qualified feedback from trusted supervisors matters
Authors: Nae Eun Young , Moon Hyoung Koo , Choi Byoung Kwon
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the boundary conditions in the relationship between feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) and work performance. The authors hypothesized that the positive influence of employees’ FSB on their work performance is influenced by perceived quality of feedback. The authors also expected that employees’ trust in their supervisors moderated the interaction between their FSB and perceived feedback quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 202 employees in South Korea. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesis.

Findings

– The results showed that while employees’ FSB was positively related to work performance, the influence was stronger for employees who perceived they were receiving high quality of feedback from supervisors. The authors also found that the moderating effect of feedback quality on the relationship between FSB and work performance was stronger when employees had high levels of trust in their supervisors.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that if managers wish to encourage employees to achieve work goal and desirable performance levels by actively engaging in FSB, they should pay more attention to providing high quality of feedback and building trust with employees.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to expand the understanding of FSB-work performance relationship by verifying the boundary conditions, which suggests the importance of examining the moderating factors in the FSB mechanism.
Career studies in search of theory: the rise and rise of concepts
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Szűcs Nóra , Gunz Hugh
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce further clarity to career scholarship and to support the development of career studies by complementing earlier theoretical literature reviews with an evidence-based historical analysis of career-related terms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from 12 career scholars were collected using the historical Delphi method to find consensus on the career terms that have shaped career studies between 1990 and 2012. The authors then explored the literature by collecting data on the occurrence of these terms, analyzing frequencies and trends via citations and indexes of citation using a mixed-method combination of historical literature review and performance analysis.

Findings

– Career scholarship is indeed a descriptive field, in which metaphors dominate the discipline. Career success and employability are basic terms within the field. The discipline tends to focus narrowly on career agents. There is a plethora of terminology, and, contrary to the expectations, concepts introduced tend not to fade away.

Originality/value

– The authors offer an overarching perspective of the field with a novel mixed-method analysis which is useful for theory development and will help unify career studies. Earlier comprehensive literature reviews were mostly based on theoretical reasoning or qualitative data. The authors complement them with results based on quantitative data. Lastly, the authors identify new research directions for the career scholarship community.
Guide for medical professionals (i.e. dermatologists) for the management of Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma
Authors: Nishigori Chikako , Aoyama Yumi , Ito Akiko , Suzuki Kayoko , Suzuki Tamio , Tanemura Atsushi , Ito Masaaki , Katayama Ichiro , Oiso Naoki , Kagohashi Yuji , Sugiura Shinichi , Fukai Kazuyoshi , Funasaka Yoko , Yamashita Toshiharu , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: January 2015

Because some users develop depigmentation after the use of melanogenesis‐inhibiting products containing the quasi‐drug ingredient Rhododenol, Japanese Dermatological Association (JDA) established a Special Committee on the Safety of Cosmetics Containing Rhododenol on July 17, 2013 and management guide for dermatologists has been updated on the website in order to delineate the diagnostic criteria for Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma and provides a broad guide for standard treatment based on current knowledge. This guide is produced on the basis of the guide (version 7) updated on June 20, 2014 in the website. Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma refers to depigmentation of varying severity that develops after the use of cosmetics containing Rhododenol, mainly at the site of use. In most cases, repigmentation of part or all the affected area is evident after discontinuation. Histopathologically cellular infiltration around the hair follicles and melanophages are present in most cases. The number of melanocytes in the lesion is declined but not totally absent in most cases. Rhododenol itself is a good substrate for tyrosinase, resulting in the formation of Rhododenol metabolites (e.g., Rhododenol quinone). Melanocytes are damaged by Rhododenol metabolites during the subsequent metabolic process. The continued use of cosmetics containing Rhododenol thus induces tyrosinase activity‐dependent cytotoxicity in melanocytes in the epidermis at application sites, resulting in decreasing the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes; the addition of some other factor to this process is believed to subsequently cause the decrease or disappearance of melanocytes themselves from the epidermis.
Sequelae in 145 patients with drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: Survey conducted by the Asian Research Committee on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (ASCAR)
Authors: Kano Yoko , Tohyama Mikiko , Aihara Michiko , Matsukura Setsuko , Watanabe Hideaki , Sueki Hirohiko , Iijima Masafumi , Morita Eishin , Niihara Hiroyuki , Asada Hideo , Kabashima Kenji , Azukizawa Hiroaki , Hashizume Hideo , Nagao Keisuke , Takahashi Hayato , Abe Riichiro , Sotozono Chie , Kurosawa Michiko , Aoyama Yumi , Chu Chia‐Yu , Chung Wen‐Hung , Shiohara Tetsuo
Published: January 2015

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction caused by specific drug. It is characterized by visceral organ involvement and reactivation of various human herpesviruses. Although sporadic reports have documented certain conditions that appear after the resolution of DIHS/DRESS, little information is available on sequelae after resolution of DIHS/DRESS in a large patient population. The Asian Research Committee on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions, comprised of doctors from Japan and Taiwan, conducted a survey on sequelae and deterioration of the underlying disease in patients with DIHS/DRESS. This was achieved by directly interviewing patients who had been followed‐up by experts or through a questionnaire mailed to patients. Questions were asked about new onset cardiovascular disease, collagen disease or autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, respiratory disease, neoplasms, and other diseases such as herpes zoster and diabetes mellitus, as well as deterioration of the underlying disease. A total of 145 patients were analyzed in this study. The following newly developed diseases after recovery from DIHS/DRESS were observed: Graves' disease (n = 2), Hashimoto's disease (n = 3), painless thyroiditis (n = 2), fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 5), and infectious diseases (n = 7). Several DIHS/DRESS patients with pre‐existing renal dysfunction required lifelong hemodialysis. DIHS/DRESS is a condition that increases the risk of new onset of disease. Long‐term observation of DIHS/DRESS can provide an opportunity to investigate substantial diseases from onset to the full‐blown stage. Patients with DIHS/DRESS require careful long‐term follow‐up.
Evaluation of the potential synergistic antimicrobial effects observed using combinations of nanoparticled and non‐nanoparticled agents on cheese‐derived micro‐organisms
Authors: O' Callaghan Karen A‐M , Kerry Joseph P
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to determine whether a combination of agents could produce a synergistic antimicrobial effect, by either targeting a greater spectrum of micro‐organisms or reducing the concentration of antimicrobial required to cause inhibition. Five agents (nanoparticled solubilisates – sorbic acid, benzoic acid and rosemary extract, and non‐nanoparticled chitosans – of two different molecular weights) were selected based on promising antimicrobial activity and/or enhanced solubility. Combinations of these agents were examined against cultures derived from cheese. The study found the top‐performing antimicrobials contained chitosan and/or rosemary, individually or in combination. These findings encourage their use as active agents in cheese packaging.
First isolation of Brevibacterium sp. pigments in the rind of an industrial red‐smear‐ripened soft cheese
Authors: Galaup Patrick , Sutthiwong Nuthathai , Leclercq‐Perlat Marie‐Noëlle , Valla Alain , Caro Yanis , Fouillaud Mireille , Guérard Fabienne , Dufossé Laurent
Published: January 2015

The smear‐ripened soft cheeses are characterised by a surface orange‐red‐brown colour, which has a microbial origin. For a long time, this colouration was mainly imputed to Brevibacterium linens. However, the latest published works, based on molecular biology, have shown a minor role for this bacterium. This study shows the results obtained with an industrial cheese named Vieux‐Pané, which is characterised by the presence of carotenoids from Brevibacterium linens group at its surface. This demonstrates that, under certain conditions, the Brevibacterium linens group (Brevibacterium linens and Brevibacterium aurantiacum sp. nov.) is able to produce pigments and to colour cheeses effectively.
Prenatal detection of congenital heart disease—results of a national screening programme
Authors: van Velzen CL , Clur SA , Rijlaarsdam MEB , Bax CJ , Pajkrt E , Heymans MW , Bekker MN , Hruda J , de Groot CJM , Blom NA , Haak MC
Published: January 2015

Objective

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation and causes major morbidity and mortality. Prenatal detection improves the neonatal condition before surgery, resulting in less morbidity and mortality. In the Netherlands a national prenatal screening programme was introduced in 2007. This study evaluates the effects of this screening programme.

Design

Geographical cohort study.

Setting

Large referral region of three tertiary care centres.

Population

Fetuses and infants diagnosed with severe CHD born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2012.

Methods

Cases were divided into two groups: before and after the introduction of screening.

Main outcome measures

Detection rates were calculated.

Results

The prenatal detection rate (n = 1912) increased with 23.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 19.5–28.3) from 35.8 to 59.7% after the introduction of screening and of isolated CHD with 21.4% (95% CI 16.0–26.8) from 22.8 to 44.2%. The highest detection rates were found in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome, other univentricular defects and complex defects with atrial isomerism (>93%). Since the introduction of screening, the ‘late’ referrals (after 24 weeks of gestation) decreased by 24.3% (95% CI 19.3–29.3).

Conclusions

This is the largest cohort study to investigate the prenatal detection rate of severe CHD in an unselected population. A nationally organised screening has resulted in a remarkably high detection rate of CHD (59.7%) compared with earlier literature.
Functional Properties of Peanut Fractions on the Growth of Probiotics and Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Peng Mengfei , Bitsko Elizabeth , Biswas Debabrata
Published: January 2015

Various compounds found in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) have been shown to provide multiple benefits to human health and may influence the growth of a broad range of gut bacteria. In this study, we investigated the effects of peanut white kernel and peanut skin on 3 strains of Lactobacillus and 3 major foodborne enteric bacterial pathogens. Significant (P < 0.05) growth stimulation of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus was observed in the presence of 0.5% peanut flour (PF) made from peanut white kernel, whereas 0.5% peanut skin extract (PSE) exerted the inhibitory effect on the growth of these beneficial microbes. We also found that within 72 h, PF inhibited growth of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC), while PSE significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited Listeria monocytogenes but promoted the growth of both EHEC and Salmonella Typhimurium. The cell adhesion and invasion abilities of 3 pathogens to the host cells were also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 0.5% PF and 0.5% PSE. These results suggest that peanut white kernel might assist in improving human gut flora as well as reducing EHEC, whereas the beneficial effects of peanut skins require further research and investigation.
Novel basal, fungal lineages from freshwater phytoplankton and lake samples
Authors: Ishida Seiji , Nozaki Daiki , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Kagami Maiko
Published: January 2015

Zoosporic fungal parasites are known to control the extent and development of blooms of numerous phytoplankton species. Despite the obvious importance of ecological interactions between parasitic fungi and their phytoplanktonic hosts, their diversity remains largely unknown due to methodological limitations. Here, a method to genetically analyse fungi directly from single, infected colonies of the phytoplanktonic host was applied to field samples of large diatom species from mesotrophic Lake Biwa and eutrophic Lake Inba, Japan. Although previous research on interaction between lacustrine fungi and large phytoplankton has mainly focused on the role of parasitic Chytridiomycota, our results revealed that fungi attached to large diatoms included not only members of Chytridiomycota, but also members of Aphelida, Cryptomycota and yeast. The fungi belonging to Chytridiomycota and Aphelida form novel, basal lineages. Environmental clone libraries also support the occurrence of these lineages in Japanese lakes. The presented method enables us to better characterize individual fungal specimens on phytoplankton, and thus facilitate and improve the investigation of ecological relationships between fungi and phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems.
Native California soils are selective reservoirs for multidrug‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Hollowell Amanda C. , Gano Kelsey A. , Lopez Gabriel , Shahin Kareem , Regus John U. , Gleason Nathaniel , Graeter Stefanie , Pahua Victor , Sachs Joel L.
Published: January 2015

Soil bacteria can exhibit extensive antibiotic resistomes and act as reservoirs of important antibiotic resistance traits. However, the geographic sources and evolutionary drivers of resistance traits are poorly understood in these natural settings. We investigated the prevalence, spatial structure and evolutionary drivers of multidrug resistance in natural populations of Bradyrhizobium, a cosmopolitan bacterial lineage that thrives in soil and aquatic systems as well as in plant and human hosts. We genotyped > 400 isolates from plant roots and soils across California and assayed 98 of them for resistance traits against 17 clinically relevant antibiotics. We investigated the geographic and phylogenetic structure of resistance traits, and analysed correlations of resistance with strain abundance, host infection capacity and in vitro fitness. We found: (i) multidrug resistance at all sites, (ii) subsets of resistance traits that are spatially structured and (iii) significant associations between resistance traits and increased strain abundance or host infection capacity. Our results highlight multiple selective factors that can result in the spread of resistance traits in native Bradyrhizobium populations.
Macroeconomy and Financial Market Effects of Oil Price Changes: A Comparison of Large Net Oil‐Producer and Oil‐Consumer Countries
Authors: Sotoudeh M. Ali , Worthington Andrew C.
Published: January 2015

This paper considers variation in the effects of oil price changes on the economies of large net oil‐producer and large net oil‐consumer countries using a bias‐corrected, least squares dummy variable approach, Granger causality tests and monthly data from May 1986 to January 2013. We find that oil prices Granger cause most macro aspects of net oil producers but not those of net oil consumers. In contrast, oil prices exert a greater influence on financial markets in net oil consumers than in net oil producers. Overall, we identify substantial differences in the responses of the macroeconomy and financial markets to oil price changes in the two groups of countries.
Identification of response classes from heavy metal‐tolerant soil microbial communities by highly resolved concentration‐dependent screenings in a microfluidic system
Authors: Kürsten Dana , Möller Frances , Gross Gregor Alexander , Lenk Claudia , Visaveliya Nikunjkumar , Schüler Tim , Köhler Johann Michael
Published: January 2015

One of the most important constituents in soil is the microflora, mainly containing bacteria and fungi with high metabolic versatility and very complex intra‐ and interspecific interactions. Co‐occurrence of several micro‐organism species in soil regulates growth or suppression of single species, either by mutual tolerance or by induction of defence mechanisms, which may result in the release of secondary metabolites for growth suppression of coexisting species. Accumulations of heavy metals in soils can further affect the growth of soil microbial communities; this however is strongly dependent on the capability of micro‐organisms to tolerate heavy metals. Until now, there is no fast and reliable method available to study the growth of microbial communities in highly resolved concentration spaces with environmentally relevant toxic substances such as heavy metals and to identify the tolerance thresholds of micro‐organism communities of selected soils.

Here, we present a new methodological approach for the assessment of the growth–response behaviour of soil microbial communities in response to increasing heavy metal concentration (copper) using the droplet‐based micro‐segmented flow technique. Therefore, micro‐organism‐containing soil slurries from contact with metal artefacts from archaeological excavations and from the surface of early copper‐mining areas were studied by separate cultivation in segments in the sub‐μL range and growth, and fluorescence was characterized after cultivation by combined micro‐flow‐through photometry and fluorimetry.

Highly resolved dose–response data provided copper tolerance thresholds of the soil communities of the different soils. Concentration‐dependent growth patterns of the micro‐organisms in the segments could be observed and allowed to distinguish response groups with characteristic distribution of photometric and fluorimetric measurement values.

It is assumed that these response groups are caused by a sample characteristic growth of metal‐tolerant microbial communities with characteristic critical metal concentrations for growth inhibition. The clear transitions between the groups in small concentration intervals are probably due to sharp transitions between growth and no growth of dominant micro‐organism species at the critical metal concentration. The investigations demonstrate the potential of droplet‐based microfluidic techniques for ultra‐miniaturized ecological studies and its suitability for the assessment of tolerance thresholds of soil microbial communities from heavy metal‐contaminated areas.
Effectiveness of Nursing Process Use in Primary Care
Authors: Pérez Rivas Francisco Javier , Martín‐Iglesias Susana , Pacheco del Cerro José Luis , Minguet Arenas Cristina , García López Montserrat , Beamud Lagos Milagros
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To determine whether patients assigned to primary care nurses who use the nursing process (use of NANDA‐I, NIC, and NOC) achieve better intermediate health outcomes than the population assigned to nurses who do not use the nursing process.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross‐sectional study conducted in 34 primary healthcare centers of Area 11 of the Community of Madrid (Spain) based on electronic health records.

Findings

The extension of health care provided was greater in nurses who used the nursing process. Patients assigned to these nurses have better control of their chronic diseases and incur lower drug costs.

Conclusions

The use of the nursing process can lead to improved health of populations.

Implications

The development of strategies is necessary to ensure greater use of the nursing process among nurses in primary care.
A content analysis of oral health messages in Australian mass media
Authors: Jones K , Merrick J , Beasley C
Published: January 2015

Background

Social analysis regarding oral health and oral health promotion are almost non‐existent in the Australian context. The usefulness of such exploration lies in framing and informing research methodologies and health promotion initiatives, and can improve our understanding of oral health behaviours and their social contexts.

Methods

We conducted a systematic content analysis of a random sample of popular Australian magazines, newspapers and television shows from May to September 2012. Our sample included the top three best‐selling magazines, six weekly newspapers, one from each available Australian state, and the four highest ranked Australian prime time television shows and their associated commercials.

Results

Data comprised 72 hours of prime time television and 14,628 pages of hardcopy media. Seventy‐one oral health related media ‘incidents’ were counted during a five‐month period. Only 1.5% of incidents referenced fluoride and only two made dietary references. Women were represented almost six times more than men and the majority of oral health related incidents conveyed no social context (63%).

Conclusions

Oral health messages conveyed in Australian media fail to provide a social context for preventive or health‐promoting behaviours. In light of increased levels of oral disease and retention of natural teeth, more community based oral health promotion and support for oral health literacy would be prudent in the Australian context.
The Agency of the Muslim IR Researcher in Developing a Theory of Islamic Agency in International Relations
Authors: Alruwaih Meshari
Published: January 2015

The article proposes a framework for generating Islamic‐based knowledge on International Relations (IR) that takes advantage of the explanatory power of western IR theory without adherence to its philosophical foundation. To this end, the article proposes that Islamic engagement with western IR theory should commence at the foundational level. It articulates Islam as a foundational commitment held by Muslim IR researchers different from foundational commitments in the discipline. More pointedly, it focuses on agency, specifically, Islamic agency in IR as a theoretical effort that demonstrates that Islamic foundational commitments are necessary for Islamic‐based knowledge production. The article concludes not by calling on Muslim IR researchers to “abandon” the study of Western‐oriented IR, but by calling on them to first bring on board their Islamic knowledge and worldview, and only then to assess Western conceptualizations of the social arrangements of IR accordingly.
Pathways to Stability for Transition Governments in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Kugler Jacek , Bagherpour Amir , Abdollahian Mark , Singer Ashraf
Published: January 2015

Selectorate theory posits that within each society, there is a political selectorate containing a winning coalition. This coalition, comprised of societal individuals, groups, and entities, selects the national leader whose aim is political survival. The original version of the theory suggested that the selectorate expands in step with the ability of the leader to provide private or public goods to its supporters in various combinations. This study expands selectorate theory to the recent revolutions across Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With various regimes optimizing economic allocations, we believe that political survival in MENA societies is gained and maintained by concurrently fulfilling rising religious preferences. Stable MENA regimes also meet religious demands. Thus, leaders that ignore religious tides do so at their own peril. Addressing religious demands as the selectorate expands maximizes stability and reduces autocratic tendencies. We present selectorate and stakeholder assessments of six MENA societies during the Arab Spring. We find that selectorate expansion, regime stability, and regime survival depend as much on religiosity as on private–public payoffs optimization. Our results have striking implications for democratic preference promulgation and regime stability.
Pharmacokinetics of bromide in adult sheep following oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Quast TA , Combs MD , Edwards SH
Published: January 2015

Objective

To determine the pharmacokinetics of bromide in sheep after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) doses.

Procedure

SixteenMerino sheep were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and given 120 mg/kg bromide, as sodium bromideIVor potassium bromidePO. Serum bromide concentrations were determined by colorimetric spectrophotometry.

Results

AfterIVadministration the maximum concentration (Cmax) was 822.11 ± 93.61 mg/L, volume of distribution (Vd) was 0.286 ± 0.031 L/kg and the clearance (Cl) was 0.836 ± 0.255 mL/h/kg. AfterPOadministration theCmaxwas 453.86 ± 43.37 mg/L and the time of maximum concentration (Tmax) was 108 ± 125 h. The terminal half‐life (t½) of bromide afterIVandPOadministration was 387.93 ± 115.35 h and 346.72 ± 94.05 h, respectively. The oral bioavailability (F) of bromide was 92%. No adverse reactions were noted in either treatment group during this study. The concentration versus time profiles exhibited secondary peaks, suggestive of gastrointestinal cyclic redistribution of the drug.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

When administeredPO, bromide in sheep has a long half‐life (t½) of approximately 14 days, with good bioavailability. Potassium bromide is a readily available, affordable salt with a long history of medical use as an anxiolytic, sedative and antiseizure therapy in other species. There are a number of husbandry activities and flock level neurological conditions, including perennial ryegrass toxicosis, in which bromide may have therapeutic or prophylactic application.