bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and biochemical characterization of EDTA monooxygenase and its physical interaction with a partner flavin reductase
Authors: Jun Se‐Young , Lewis Kevin M. , Youn Buhyun , Xun Luying , Kang ChulHee 
Published: February 2016

SummaryEthylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) is currently the most abundant organic pollutant due to its recalcitrance and extensive use. Only a few bacteria can degrade it, using EDTA monooxygenase (EmoA) to initiate the degradation. EmoA is an FMNH2‐dependent monooxygenase that requires an NADH:FMN oxidoreductase (EmoB) to provide FMNH2 as a cosubstrate. Although EmoA has been identified from Chelativorans (ex. Mesorhizobium) sp. BNC1, its catalytic mechanism is unknown. Crystal structures of EmoA revealed a domain‐like insertion into a TIM‐barrel, which might serve as a flexible lid for the active site. Docking of MgEDTA2− into EmoA identified an intricate hydrogen bond network connected to Tyr71, which should potentially lower its pKa. Tyr71, along with nearby Glu70 and a peroxy flavin, facilitates a keto‐enol transition of the leaving acetyl group of EDTA. Further, for the first time, the physical interaction between EmoA and EmoB was observed by ITC, molecular docking and enzyme kinetic assay, which enhanced both EmoA and EmoB activities probably through coupled channelling of FMNH2.
The coat protein of Alfalfa mosaic virus interacts and interferes with the transcriptional activity of the bHLH transcription factor ILR3 promoting salicylic acid‐dependent defence signalling response
Authors: Aparicio Frederic , Pallás Vicente 
Published: February 2016

SummaryDuring virus infection, specific viral component–host factor interaction elicits the transcriptional reprogramming of diverse cellular pathways. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) can establish a compatible interaction in tobacco and Arabidopsis hosts. We show that the coat protein (CP) of AMV interacts directly with transcription factor (TF) ILR3 of both species. ILR3 is a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) family member of TFs, previously proposed to participate in diverse metabolic pathways. ILR3 has been shown to regulate NEET in Arabidopsis, a critical protein in plant development, senescence, iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. We show that the AMV CP–ILR3 interaction causes a fraction of this TF to relocate from the nucleus to the nucleolus. ROS, pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (PR1) mRNAs, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) contents are increased in healthy Arabidopsis loss‐of‐function ILR3 mutant (ilr3.2) plants, which implicates ILR3 in the regulation of plant defence responses. In AMV‐infected wild‐type (wt) plants, NEET expression is reduced slightly, but is induced significantly in ilr3.2 mutant plants. Furthermore, the accumulation of SA and JA is induced in Arabidopsis wt‐infected plants. AMV infection in ilr3.2 plants increases JA by over 10‐fold, and SA is reduced significantly, indicating an antagonist crosstalk effect. The accumulation levels of viral RNAs are decreased significantly in ilr3.2 mutants, but the virus can still systemically invade the plant. The AMV CP–ILR3 interaction may down‐regulate a host factor, NEET, leading to the activation of plant hormone responses to obtain a hormonal equilibrium state, where infection remains at a level that does not affect plant viability
Democracy, Hybrid Regimes, and Infant Mortality: A Cross‐National Analysis of Sub‐Saharan African Nations*
Authors: Wullert Katherine E. , Williamson John B. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThere is an extensive literature analyzing the relationship between democracy and infant mortality; however, findings are mixed. Some studies find a significant inverse relationship, while others conclude that no such relationship exists. We seek to take the debate in a new direction, overlooked in prior research, by providing a theoretical rational for and empirical evidence of a quadratic relationship, in which countries with components of both autocracy and democracy have higher infant mortality.MethodsWe test lagged, cross‐sectional models on a sample of 47 Sub‐Saharan African nations.ResultsWe find that a quadratic model better explains cross‐national variation in infant mortality than the linear alternative. Infant mortality tends to be higher in hybrid regimes, relative to both autocracies and democracies. Hybrids appear to be politically unstable, which may in part account for their greater infant mortality.ConclusionHybrid regimes exist in precarious positions with detrimental consequences for population health.
Alignment of Educational and Occupational Expectations Influences on Young Adult Educational Attainment, Income, and Underemployment*
Authors: Schmitt‐Wilson Sarah , Faas Caitlin 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveEducational and occupational ambitions are on the rise for adolescents in the United States and there is a national push for more postsecondary education. However, most young adults do not hold bachelor's degrees and many jobs do not require them. The objectives of this study were to focus on the need for aligned expectations and the longitudinal effect on educational attainment, personal income, and underemployment.MethodsThe methods used the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) to examine how aligned expectations in 12th grade predict educational attainment, income, and underemployment at age 26.ResultsResults suggest aligned expectations in adolescence are predictive of educational attainment. Contrary to authors’ hypotheses, aligned expectations do not influence personal income or underemployment. Gender analyses revealed differences in the importance of aligned expectations.ConclusionIn conclusion, the alignment process during high school will be important for future research focused on postsecondary educational goals.
Molecular basis of Bombay phenotype in Mashhad, Iran: identification of a novel FUT1 deletion
Authors: Zanjani D. S. , Afzal Aghaee M. , Badiei Z. , Mehrasa R. , Roodsarabi A. , Khayyami M. E. , Shahabi M. 
Published: February 2016

Background and objectivesBombay phenotype is characterized by the lack of H substance both on red blood cell (RBC) surface and in body secretions. Mutations of fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) and fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) genes are resulted in this rare phenotype.Materials and methodsFive unrelated patients were tested by hemagglutination and adsorption/elution techniques for the presence of ABH antigens. The saliva specimens were analysed by hemagglutination inhibition method. The exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene were sequenced to determine ABO genotype. The coding fragments of FUT1 and FUT2 were amplified and sequenced by specific primers.ResultsSerologic investigation confirmed Bombay phenotype in all individuals. FUT1 molecular analysis revealed a novel large deletion. Also two novel homozygous mutations were detected; one was a missense mutation (392T>C, L131P) and the other a three nucleotide deletion (668_670delACT, Y224del). FUT2 sequencing showed one reported null allele (428G>A, W143X) and one homozygous deletion of FUT2.ConclusionAlthough FUT2 deletion has been reported, this is the first report of FUT1 deletion. Finding two FUT1 novel alleles in Iranian people is indicative of mutation diversity in this gene.
BREAST CANCER AUGMENTATION USING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH OF REAL TIME SQUARE-ROI MARKER IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Lee Rechard , Bade Abdullah 
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research is to develop a real-time Square-ROI marker identification and verification techniques by integrating the enhanced contour-corner approach. To enhance the conventional contour and corner approach, we proposed a smoothing and adaptive thresholding to the input stream captured via a webcam and then apply subpixel corner detection in order to obtain better and accurate corner points. For testing purposes, two sets of experiment have been set up to evaluate the proposed technique. The first experiment conducted by drawing a series of square-ROI on a paper. The subsequent experiment conducted with the use of a mannequin. İnitially, during the experiment, the visual sensor (webcam) was positioned at 60 cm from the hand-drawn square-ROI in order to find the optimal distance needed by the proposed technique to define a marker. From the experiments, it reveals that the recognition technique in both testing setup was able to capture the real scene and convert the captured frame into a grey-scale image. Our evaluations on the series of square-ROI dataset shows that the proposed methods are robust to illumination changes and ROI’s size, low in computation time, and greater in accuracy.
Significant radiation reduction in interventional fluoroscopy using a novel eye controlled movable region of interest
Authors: Balter Stephen , Simon Dan , Itkin Max , Granada Juan F. , Melman Haim , Dangas George 
Published: February 2016

Purpose:This paper reports the first results obtained using a novel technology called eye controlled region of interest (ECR) that substantially reduces both staff and patient irradiation during an interventional fluoroscopy procedure without interfering with workflow. Its collimator includes a partially x‐ray attenuating plate with a nonattenuating aperture. An eye tracker follows the operator's gaze to automatically position the aperture to the clinical region of interest (CROI) anywhere in the image in real‐time.Methods:Experiments were performed in a swine model using a mobile fluoroscope with a 30 cm image intensifier and manual control of fluoroscopic factors. The factory collimator and image display monitor were replaced with different components for this study. The full 30 cm field‐of‐view (FOV) of the image intensifier was irradiated at normal levels, and served as a baseline, when ECR was disengaged. With ECR engaged, most of the 30 cm FOV was irradiated to less than 20% of normal levels while the CROI was normally irradiated. Animal irradiation was determined by physical KAP (kerma area product) measurements. Operator irradiation was characterized by air kerma and air kerma rate measurements near the operator. Data were collected from three pairs of interventions in each of five swine models.Results:When ECR was engaged, KAP was reduced to 0.22 (p < 0.001) of baseline and operator irradiation to 0.27 (p < 0.001) of baseline. Overall procedure time had a borderline increase (p = 0.07) but fluoroscopy time was unchanged (p = 0.36) (Wilcoxon signed rank). Measured staff and patient radiation reductions are consistent with this collimator's design. Subjective impressions of imaging improvements are consistent with less scatter reaching the CROI. Engaging ECR reduced irradiation without subjectively or objectively increasing operator workload.Conclusions:The first in vivo evaluation of ECR demonstrated that this technology has objectively reduced KAP and operator irradiation by approximately 75% without interfering with the performance of fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures. In addition, reduced scatter production subjectively improved device visualization. These findings indicate the practicability of achieving better radiation optimization.
Restoration Priority Index Development of Degraded Tropical Forest Landscape in Batang Toru Watershed, North Sumatera Indonesia
Authors: Samsuri Samsuri , Jaya I Nengah Surati , Kusmana Cecep , Murtilaksono Kukuh 
Published: February 2016

Forest degradation has been important in the context of global issues since it contributes to the global climate change significanly.Â Forest degradation of tropical rain forest area reduces global biological resources and has impact on occurence of poverty in community.Â It also increases forest fragmentation and decreases forest connectivity as wildlife habitat.Â To improve the connectivity, landscape restoration approach is used. Â This paper describes the forest landscape restoration priority index to decide where the site gets restoration priority. Â Restoration index is constructed by four factors indices that are index of forest degradation, forest connectivity, forest fragmentation, and socio economic of forest communities. Batang Toru forest landscape was getting pressure during the period 1989-2013. Â Forest landscape fragmentation degree increased in the period 1989-2013, while the degree of connectivity tends to increase. Â Forest connectivity index effects the restoration index more than other. Â It implies that connectivity of Batang Toru forest landscape needs to be maintained and enhanced. It will provide proper habitat and reduce loss of biodiversity. Restoration index classifies Batang Toru forest landscape into low, medium and high priority for restoration. Sub-watershed of Sarula has high restoration index value so that it must be restored firstly.
A Multivariate Quantile-Matching Bias Correction Approach with Auto- and Cross-Dependence across Multiple Time Scales: Implications for Downscaling
Authors: Mehrotra Rajeshwar , Sharma Ashish 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
A novel multivariate quantile-matching nesting bias correction approach is developed to remove systematic biases in general circulation model (GCM) outputs over multiple time scales. This is a significant advancement over typical quantile-matching alternatives available for bias correction, as they implicitly assume that correction of individual variable attributes will lead to correction of dependence biases between multiple variables. Furthermore, existing approaches perform bias correction at a given time scale (e.g., daily), whereas applications often require biases to be addressed at more than one time scale (such as annual in the case of most water resources planning projects). The proposed approach addresses all these issues, and additionally attempts to correct for lag-1 dependence (and cross-dependence) attributes across multiple time scales. The approach is called multivariate recursive quantile nesting bias correction (MRQNBC). The fidelity of the approach is demonstrated by applying it to a vector of CSIRO Mk3 GCM atmospheric variables and comparing the results with the commonly used quantile-matching approach. Following this, the implications of the approach in hydrology- and water resources–related applications are demonstrated by feeding the bias-corrected data to a rainfall downscaling model and comparing the downscaled rainfall attributes for current and future climate. The proposed approach is shown to represent the variability and persistence related attributes better and can thus be expected to have important consequences for the simulation of occurrence and intensity of extreme events such as floods and droughts in downscaled simulations, of importance in various climate impact assessment applications.
Response of the Baiu Rainband to Northwest Pacific SST Anomalies and Its Impact on Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Matsumura Shinji , Horinouchi Takeshi , Sugimoto Shiori , Sato Tomonori 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The Pacific–Japan (PJ) teleconnection pattern leads to a meridional precipitation dipole between the subtropics and East Asia in the summer of El Niño decaying years. However, observational analysis and model experiments indicate that increased sea surface temperature (SST) in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region, where a strong northward-decreasing SST gradient occurs, induces a northward shift of baiu rainfall with the subtropical jet, forming a tripolar precipitation anomaly pattern over the northwest Pacific. In July, the leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode for precipitation represents the meridional dipole between subtropical and baiu rainfalls, while EOF-2 features the northward-shifted baiu rainband. The PJ atmospheric forcing increases KOE SST, which enhances northward shifts in the subtropical jet and baiu rainband, resulting in oceanic forcing over the KOE. In experiments using a regional climate model the subtropical jet response to KOE SST forcing explains about 20% of the anomalies in the control experiment. The northward-shifted baiu condensational heating also enhances the northward shift of the subtropical jet with a northeastward extension. In August when the baiu rainband disappears, the northward shift of the subtropical jet is enhanced mainly by KOE SST variability. During the summer, as a result of increased KOE SST and the northward-shifted baiu heating, cyclonic anomalies intensify over the Sea of Okhotsk and anticyclonic anomalies intensify over the northwest Pacific, affecting the western Pacific subtropical high. The results suggest that air–sea interaction over the KOE must be considered to better understand the summer northwest Pacific climate.
Evolution of the Diurnal Precipitation Cycle with the Passage of a Madden–Julian Oscillation Event through the Maritime Continent
Authors: Vincent Claire L. , Lane Todd P. 
Published: February 2016

Changes in the diurnal precipitation cycle as the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) propagates through the Maritime Continent are investigated to explore the processes behind seaward-propagating precipitation northeast of New Guinea. Satellite rainfall estimates from TRMM 3B42 and the Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH) are combined with simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with a horizontal resolution of 4 km. Comparison with 24-h rain gauge measurements indicates that both satellite estimates and the WRF Model exhibit systematic biases. Despite these biases, the changing patterns of offshore precipitation with the passage of the MJO show good consistency between satellite estimates and the WRF Model. In the few days prior to the main MJO envelope, light background wind, relatively clear skies, and an increasingly moist environment promote favorable conditions for the diurnal precipitation cycle. Two distinct processes are identified: 100–200 km from the coast, precipitation moves offshore as a squall line with a propagation speed of 3–5 m s−1. Farther offshore, precipitation propagates with a speed close to 18 m s−1and is associated with an inertia–gravity wave generated by diurnally oscillating heating from radiative and moist convective processes over the land. A gravity wave signature is evident even after the MJO active period when there is little precipitation. By correcting for the background flow perpendicular to the coast, potential temperature anomalies for the lead-up, active, and follow-on MJO periods are shown to collapse to a remarkably invariant shape for a given time of day.
Is delayed surgery related to worse outcomes in native left-sided endocarditis?
Authors: Tepsuwan Thitipong , Rimsukcharoenchai Chartaroon , Tantraworasin Apichat , Woragidpoonpol Surin , Schuarattanapong Suphachai , Nawarawong Weerachai 
Published: February 2016

Background Timing of surgery in the management of infective endocarditis is controversial, and there is still no definite conclusion on how early the surgery should be performed. This study focuses on the outcomes of surgery during the active period of infective endocarditis in consideration of the duration after diagnosis. Methods One hundred and thirty-four patients with active native valve infective endocarditis who underwent surgery from January 2006 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided in 2 groups based on timing of surgery: early group (first week after diagnosis, n = 37) and delayed group (2 to 6 weeks after diagnosis, n = 97). Results Compared to the delayed group, the early group had significantly more patients in New York Heart Association class IV (81% vs. 43.3%), more mechanically ventilated (54.1% vs. 18.6%), more on inotropic support (62.2% vs. 38.1%), and hence a worse EuroSCORE II (14.8% vs. 8.8%). Operative mortality was comparable (5.4% vs. 10.3%) and 7-year survival was similar (77.4% vs. 74.6%). On multivariable regression analysis, delayed surgery did not impact on short- and long-term outcomes. Preoperative cardiac arrest and infection with Haemophilus, Actinobacillus, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, or Kingella were risk factors for higher operative mortality. Predictors of poor 7-year survival were diabetes mellitus and acute renal failure. Conclusions Delayed surgery is not associated with worse outcomes. Both early and delayed approaches are safe and provide acceptable results. Timing of surgery should be tailored to each patient’s clinical status, not based on duration of endocarditis alone.
The classic saphenofemoral junction and its anatomical variations
Authors: Souroullas Panos , Barnes Rachel , Smith George , Nandhra Sandip , Carradice Dan , Chetter Ian 
Published: February 2016

Background The intraoperative anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction can vary from the ‘textbook’ description of six independent proximal tributaries: three medial – superficial external pudendal, deep external pudendal and the posteromedial thigh branch – and three lateral – superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac and the anterolateral thigh branch. Varicose veins can recur following inadequate initial open surgery with failure to identify, ligate and divide these tributaries. An appreciation of common anatomical variations could minimise recurrence rates following surgery. This study aimed to identify common anatomical variations within our patient cohort. Methods This prospective observational study documented diagrammatically the anatomy of saphenofemoral junction in a consecutive series of 172 patients undergoing unilateral, primary saphenofemoral junction ligation for symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency. Diagrams recorded the number of tributaries and their relationship to the saphenofemoral junction, the existence of bifid systems and the relationship of the external pudendal artery to the saphenofemoral junction. Results In sum, 110 women and 62 men with a mean age of 47.2 (IQR 21–77) years were studied. The median number of saphenofemoral junction tributaries was 4 (IQR 0–7). In 74 cases (43.0%), at least one tributary drained directly into the common femoral vein (IQR 0–4), commonly the deep external pudendal (91.9%). The anterolateral thigh branch was identified in 62 cases (35.8%) and the posteromedial thigh branch in 93 cases (53.8%). The external pudendal artery was identified in 150 cases (87.2%) and was superficial to the great saphenous vein in 36 cases (20.9%). Conclusions Significant variations exist in the saphenofemoral junction anatomy. Familiarity with anatomical saphenofemoral junction variations is imperative to ensure operative success and reduce recurrence. Thorough dissection of the common femoral vein is necessary not only to ensure all proximal tributaries are identified and ligated but also as a safety mechanism in preventing avulsion trauma of direct common femoral vein tributaries.