bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negative supercoiling of DNA by gyrase is inhibited in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium during adaptation to acid stress
Authors: Colgan Aoife M. , Quinn Heather J. , Kary Stefani C. , Mitchenall Lesley A. , Maxwell Anthony , Cameron Andrew D.S. , Dorman Charles J. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryDNA in intracellular Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium relaxes during growth in the acidified (pH 4–5) macrophage vacuole and DNA relaxation correlates with the upregulation of Salmonella genes involved in adaptation to the macrophage environment. Bacterial ATP levels did not increase during adaptation to acid pH unless the bacterium was deficient in MgtC, a cytoplasmic‐membrane‐located inhibitor of proton‐driven F1F0 ATP synthase activity. Inhibiting ATP binding by DNA gyrase and topo IV with novobiocin enhanced the effect of low pH on DNA relaxation. Bacteria expressing novobiocin‐resistant (NovR) derivatives of gyrase or topo IV also exhibited DNA relaxation at acid pH, although further relaxation with novobiocin was not seen in the strain with NovR gyrase. Thus, inhibition of the negative supercoiling activity of gyrase was the primary cause of enhanced DNA relaxation in drug‐treated bacteria. The Salmonella cytosol reaches pH 5–6 in response to an external pH of 4–5: the ATP‐dependent DNA supercoiling activity of purified gyrase was progressively inhibited by lowering the pH in this range, as was the ATP‐dependent DNA relaxation activity of topo IV. We propose that DNA relaxation in Salmonella within macrophage is due to acid‐mediated impairment of the negative supercoiling activity of gyrase.
Positive autoregulation and repression of transactivation are key regulatory features of the Candida glabrata Pdr1 transcription factor
Authors: Khakhina Svetlana , Simonicova Lucia , Moye‐Rowley W. Scott 
Published: January 2018

SummaryResistance to azole drugs, the major clinical antifungal compounds, is most commonly due to gain‐of‐function (GOF) substitution mutations in a gene called PDR1 in the fungal pathogen Candida glabrata. PDR1 encodes a zinc cluster‐containing transcription factor. GOF forms of Pdr1 drive high level expression of downstream target gene expression with accompanying azole resistance. PDR1 has two homologous genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, called ScPDR1 and ScPDR3. This study provides evidence that the PDR1 gene in C. glabrata represents a blend of the properties found in the two S. cerevisiae genes. We demonstrated that GOF Pdr1 derivatives are overproduced at the protein level and less stable than the wild‐type protein. Overproduction of wild‐type Pdr1 increased target gene expression but to a lesser extent than GOF derivatives. Site‐directed mutagenesis of Pdr1 binding sites in the PDR1 promoter provided clear demonstration that autoregulation of PDR1 is required for its normal function. An internal deletion mutant of Pdr1 lacking its central regulatory domain behaved as a hyperactive transcription factor that was lethal unless conditionally expressed. A full understanding of the regulation of Pdr1 will provide a new avenue of interfering with azole resistance in C. glabrata.
The common bean COK‐4 and the Arabidopsis FER kinase domain share similar functions in plant growth and defence
Authors: Azevedo Rafhael Felipin , Gonçalves‐Vidigal Maria Celeste , Oblessuc Paula Rodrigues , Melotto Maeli 
Published: January 2018

SummaryReceptor‐like kinases are membrane proteins that can be shared by diverse signalling pathways. Among them, the Arabidopsis thaliana FERONIA (FER) plays a role in the balance between distinct signals to control growth and defence. We have found that COK‐4, a putative kinase encoded in the common bean anthracnose resistance locus Co‐4, which is transcriptionally regulated during the immune response, is highly similar to the kinase domain of FER. To assess whether COK‐4 is a functional orthologue of FER, we expressed COK‐4 in the wild‐type Col‐0 and the fer‐5 mutant of Arabidopsis and evaluated FER‐associated traits. We observed that fer‐5 plants show an enhanced apoplastic and stomatal defence against Pseudomonas syringae. In addition, the fer‐5 mutant shows reduced biomass, smaller guard cell size, greater number of stomata per leaf area, fewer leaves, faster transition to reproductive stage and lower seed weight per plant than the wild‐type Col‐0. Except for the stomatal complex length and number of stomata, COK‐4 expression in fer‐5 lines partially or completely rescued both defence and developmental defects of fer‐5 to the wild‐type level. Notably, COK‐4 may have an additive effect to FER, as the expression of COK‐4 in Col‐0 resulted in enhanced defence and growth phenotypes in comparison with wild‐type Col‐0 plants. Altogether, these findings indicate that the common bean COK‐4 shares at least some of the multiple functions of the Arabidopsis FER kinase domain, acting in both the induction of plant growth and regulation of plant defence.
Disruption of the methionine cycle and reduced cellular gluthathione levels underlie potex–potyvirus synergism in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: De Swarnalok , Chavez‐Calvillo Gabriela , Wahlsten Matti , Mäkinen Kristiina 
Published: January 2018

SummaryInfection caused by the synergistic interaction of two plant viruses is typically manifested by severe symptoms and increased accumulation of either virus. In potex–potyviral synergism, the potyviral RNA silencing suppressor helper component proteinase (HCPro) is known to enhance the pathogenicity of the potexvirus counterpart. In line with this, Potato virus X (PVX; genus Potexvirus) genomic RNA (gRNA) accumulation and gene expression from subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) are increased in Nicotiana benthamiana by Potato virus A (PVA; genus Potyvirus) HCPro expression. Recently, we have demonstrated that PVA HCPro interferes with the host cell methionine cycle by interacting with its key enzymes S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine synthetase (SAMS) and S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH). To study the involvement of methionine cycle enzymes in PVX infection, we knocked down SAMS and SAHH. Increased PVX sgRNA expression between 3 and 9 days post‐infiltration (dpi) and upregulation of (–)‐strand gRNA accumulation at 9 dpi were observed in the SAHH‐silenced background. We found that SAMS and SAHH silencing also caused a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) concentration, specifically in PVX‐infected plants between 2 and 9 dpi. Interestingly, HCPro expression in PVX‐infected plants caused an even stronger reduction in GSH levels than did SAMS + SAHH silencing and a similar level of reduction was also achieved by knocking down GSH synthetase. PVX sgRNA expression was increased in the GSH synthetase‐silenced background. GSH is a major antioxidant of plant cells and therefore GSH shortage may explain the strong oxidative stress and severe symptoms observed during potex–potyvirus mixed infection.
Mimicking Adie's pupils in the early phase of meningeal neurosyphilis
Authors: Seki Misa , Takeda Takahiro , Ito Eiichi , Iijima Mutsumi , Kitagawa Kazuo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report on a patient who presented at our hospital with complaints of bilateral pupillary dilatation and abnormal ocular movement. These symptoms gradually worsened over a few months. After subsequent serological and CSF examinations, he was diagnosed with meningeal neurosyphilis. His pupillary abnormality was marked by deficits of the light reflex and accommodation reaction. Pilocarpine tests demonstrated less hypersensitivity in the bilateral pupils, which indicated preganglionic parasympathetic pupillary involvement. The symptoms improved with penicillin injection therapy. This case provides evidence of pupillary parasympathetic denervation associated with meningeal involvement in the early phase of neurosyphilis. It could be distinguished from a classical Adie's tonic pupil caused by postganglionic long‐standing denervation.
Successful hematopoietic cell transplantation following cardiac transplantation in two pediatric patients
Authors: Phelan Rachel , Smith Angela R. , Orchard Paul J. , Ameduri Rebecca K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report two patients who underwent cardiac transplantation at a young age and subsequently required a HCT for varied indications. Despite the challenges associated with HCT following cardiac transplant, including need for altered immunosuppression, toxicities related to chemotherapy exposure, and infection risks, both patients are currently alive and well. There is a paucity of such successful cases documented in the literature, and these cases highlight the critical importance of an experienced, multidisciplinary team when caring for this patient population.
Principles of alemtuzumab immunoablation in hematopoietic cell transplantation for non‐malignant diseases in children: A review
Authors: Guilcher Gregory M. T. , Shah Ravi , Shenoy Shalini 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlemtuzumab is a humanized mAb targeted to CD52. Alemtuzumab is highly immunosuppressive with the ability to deplete T and B cells (in addition to other immune cell lines). A growing understanding of the PKs, dosing, and timing of administration of alemtuzumab has allowed for the study of its use as a conditioning agent for allogeneic HCT. The highly immunosuppressive properties of the drug are particularly appealing in the setting of non‐malignant HCT, where GVHD provides no clinical benefit and relapse of malignancy is not applicable. In addition, the degree of immune suppression achieved with alemtuzumab has allowed for a reduction in the intensity of myeloablative cytotoxic agents included in some HCT conditioning regimens, allowing for fewer acute and late toxicities. This review paper will provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanism of action, PKs, dosing, and timing of alemtuzumab, a brief description of its use in various allogeneic HCT protocols for non‐malignant conditions and a summary of the data regarding its use for GVHD therapy. The goal of this review was to provide an understanding as to how alemtuzumab might be safely incorporated into HCT conditioning regimens for children with non‐malignant disease, allowing for expanded access to curative HCT therapy.
Variability of pulsed energy outputs from three dermatology lasers during multiple simulated treatments
Authors: Britton Jason 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundDermatology laser treatments are undertaken at regional departments using lasers of different powers and wavelengths. In order to achieve good outcomes, there needs to be good consistency of laser output across different weeks as it is custom and practice to break down the treatments into individual fractions. Departments will also collect information from test patches to help decide on the most appropriate treatment parameters for individual patients.ObjectivesThe objective of these experiments is to assess the variability of the energy outputs from a small number of lasers across multiple weeks at realistic parameters.MethodsThe energy outputs from 3 lasers were measured at realistic treatment parameters using a thermopile detector across a period of 6 weeks.ResultsAll lasers fired in single‐pulse mode demonstrated good repeatability of energy output. In spite of one of the lasers being scheduled for a dye canister change in the next 2 weeks, there was good energy matching between the two devices with only a 4%‐5% variation in measured energies.ConclusionsBased on the results presented, clinical outcomes should not be influenced by variability in the energy outputs of the dermatology lasers used as part of the treatment procedure.
Disaccharide combinations and the expression of enolase3 and plasma membrane Ca2+ATPase isoform in sturgeon sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Xi MD , Li P , Du H , Qiao XM , Liu ZG , Wei QW 
Published: January 2018

ContentsAcipenser sinensis and Acipenser dabryanus are critically endangered species, so germplasm conservation via cryopreservation of sperm is necessary. Disaccharides can act as membrane‐impermeable cryoprotectants, and enolase3 (ENO3) and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoform (PMCA2) are proteins associated with sperm quality. We considered seven characteristics of sperm quality in cultured brood stock from A. sinensis and A. dabryanus. We tested use of sucrose or trehalose alone and in combination at different concentrations for cryopreservation of A. dabryanus sperm. A low concentration of sucrose plus trehalose (S15T15) was optimal. Mixing of the extender with sucrose, lactose, or trehalose alone or with pairwise mixtures revealed that a mixture of lactose and trehalose (L15T15) gave the best results for both A. sinensis and A. dabryanus. Enolase3 and PMCA2 expression levels were measured in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm via Western blotting. Relative ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels were examined, and the relationship between disaccharide composition, sperm quality and protein expression was explored in A. sinensis. The results showed that relative ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels were the highest at L15T15 in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm. There were significant positive correlations between ENO3 expression and percentage membrane integrity, and between PMCA2 expression and sperm motility parameters (percentage of motile sperm, curvilinear velocity, straight‐line velocity and average path velocity; p < .05) in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm. Our results indicate the optimal disaccharide combination and concentrations for cryopreservation of A. sinensis and A. dabryanus sperm and suggest that ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels could serve as a valuable indicator of sperm quality in A. sinensis.
Predictors of beef calf temperament at weaning and its impact on temperament at breeding and reproductive performance
Authors: Kasimanickam VR , Abdel Aziz RL , Williams HM , Kasimanickam RK 
Published: January 2018

ContentsTwo experiments were conducted to determine (i) factors influencing calf temperament at weaning, (ii) association between heifer–calf temperament at weaning and temperament at breeding and (iii) effect of heifer–calf temperament on pregnancy rate per artificial insemination (P/AI). In experiment 1, beef cows and their calves (n = 285) from three farms were used. Sire docility estimated progeny difference (EPD) score, birth type (normal or assisted), calf gender, calf behaviour (during 1st 4 weeks) and calf health status (until weaning) were recorded. Cows and calves were assigned a temperament score (0—calm; 1—excitable), and all cows were given a body condition score (BCS, 1–9; 1—emaciated; 9—obese) at weaning. Calf's illness (p < .05), low sire docility EPD score (p < .05), altered gait (p < .05), altered resting behaviour (p < .01), reduced/no play behaviour (p < .05) and cow excitable temperament (p < .001) increased calf excitable temperament at weaning. In experiment 2, replacement heifer–calves (n = 758) from 12 farms were assigned a temperament score at weaning and later at breeding. Blood from 40 calves at weaning and 31 heifers at initiation of synchronization (same animals) was collected by coccygeal venipuncture for determination of circulating cortisol and substance P concentrations. Heifers were assigned a BCS and reproductive tract score (RTS, 1–5; 1—immature, acyclic; 5—mature, cyclic), synchronized for fixed time AI, observed for oestrus and were artificially inseminated. Cortisol concentrations were increased in excitable heifer–calves compared to calm heifer–calves at weaning (p < .05), and substance P was increased in excitable compared to calm females both at weaning and breeding (p < .05). Low sire EPD docility score (p < .01), heifer–calf excitable temperament at weaning increased excitable temperament at breeding (p < .01). Controlling for BCS categories (p < .01), oestrous expression (p < .0001) and temperament at breeding by oestrous expression (p < .05), the calf's excitable temperament at weaning (p < .001) reduced P/AI (Calm, 62.7 (244/389) vs. Excitable, 53.4% (197/369); p < .01). In conclusion, selection of docile cows and sires with greater docility EPD score should be given consideration to reduce calf excitement. Temperament in beef female can be detected earlier in their life and could be used as a tool in the selection process and to improve their performances.
Controls on the formation of stratabound dolostone bodies, Hammam Faraun Fault block, Gulf of Suez
Authors: Hirani Jesal , Bastesen Eivind , Boyce Adrian , Corlett Hilary , Gawthorpe Rob , Hollis Cathy , John Cédric M. , Robertson Hamish , Rotevatn Atle , Whitaker Fiona 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDolomitization is commonly associated with crustal‐scale faults, but tectonic rejuvenation, diagenetic overprinting and a fluid and Mg mass‐imbalance often makes it difficult to determine the dolomitization mechanism. This study considers differential dolomitization of the Eocene Thebes Formation on the Hammam Faraun Fault block, Gulf of Suez, which has undergone a simple history of burial and exhumation as a result of rifting. Stratabound dolostone bodies occur selectively within remobilized sediments (debrites and turbidites) in the lower Thebes Formation and extend into the footwall of, and for up to 2 km away from, the Hammam Faraun Fault. They are offset by the north–south trending Gebel fault, which was active during the earliest phases of rifting, suggesting that dolomitization occurred between rift initiation (26 Ma) and rift climax (15 Ma). Geochemical data suggest that dolomitization occurred from evaporated (ca 1·43 concentration) seawater at less than ca 80°C. Geothermal convection is interpreted to have occurred as seawater was drawn down surface‐breaching faults into the Nubian sandstone aquifer, convected and discharged into the lower Thebes Formation via the Hammam Faraun Fault. Assuming a ca 10 Myr window for dolomitization, a horizontal velocity of ca 0·7 m year−1 into the Thebes Formation is calculated, with fluid flux and reactivity likely to have been facilitated by fracturing. Although fluids were at least marginally hydrothermal, stratabound dolostone bodies do not contain saddle dolomite and there is no evidence of hydrobrecciation. This highlights how misleading dolostone textures can be as a proxy for the genesis and spatial distribution of such bodies in the subsurface. Overall, this study provides an excellent example of how fluid flux may occur during the earliest phases of rifting, and the importance of crustal‐scale faults on fluid flow from the onset of their growth. Furthermore, this article presents a mechanism for dolomitization from seawater that has none of the inherent mass balance problems of classical, conceptual models of hydrothermal dolomitization.
Genesis of island dolostones
Authors: Ren Min , Jones Brian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCenozoic ‘island dolostones’ are found on islands throughout the oceans of the world. Due to their geological youth and lack of deep burial, these dolostones provide an opportunity to resolve some of the mysteries surrounding the dolomite problem. In island dolostone bodies, which are of variable size and variable dolomitization, the petrographic and geochemical properties of the dolostones are characterized by geographic and stratigraphic variations. In the larger island‐wide dolostone bodies, like those found on Grand Cayman, there are progressive increases in mole %Ca (%Camean: 53·9 to 57·6%), depletion of the heavier 18O and 13C isotopes (δ18Omean: 3·6 to 2·1‰ VPDB; δ13Cmean: 3·1 to 1·4‰ VPDB), and changes from fabric‐retentive to fabric‐destructive fabrics and a decrease in the amount of dolomite cement from the coastal areas towards the centres of the islands, similar to the Little Bahama Bank. These changes define geographically concentric zones that parallel the coastlines and reflect geochemical modification of the dolomitizing fluid through water–rock interactions, mixing with meteoric water and the changes in the rate and flux of seawater as it flowed from coasts to island interiors. The pattern of dolomitization, however, is not consistent from island to island because geographic and stratigraphic variations, specific to each island, influenced groundwater flow pattern (for example, geometry and size of the islands; the porosity and permeability of the precursor limestone), the duration of the dolomitization reaction, and other factors. The geographic extent of dolomitization and variation in dolomite stoichiometry of island dolostones may be comparable to the reaction stages established in high‐temperature laboratory experiments.
Morphometric analysis of slipface processes of an aeolian dune: Implications for grain‐flow dynamics
Authors: Cornwall Carin , Jackson Derek W. T. , Bourke Mary C. , Cooper J. Andrew G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGrain flows are an integral part of sand dune migration; they are a direct response to the local wind regime and reflect complex interactions between localized over‐steepening of a dune slipface and complex turbulent airflow on the lee slope. Grain flows are primarily responsible for delivering sediment to the base of a dune, thus driving slipface advancement; yet, there are few constraints on their morphological and spatial characteristics or the amount of sediment that is redistributed by these flows. Using a combination of high‐resolution terrestrial laser scanning and video recordings, four distinct grain‐flow types are identified based on morphology and area on a dune slipface. Grain‐flow morphologies range from small, superficial flows to larger flows that affect greater portions of the slipface, moving significant amounts of sediment. Detailed field observations are presented of the dynamics of lee slopes, including measurements of the initiation location, thickness, magnitude and frequency statistics of grain flows, as well as volume estimates of redistributed sediment for each grain flow observed. High‐resolution laser scans enable accurate quantification of bulk sediment transfer from individual grain flows and can be used to study grain flows in a variety of environments. A categorization of grain‐flow morphologies is presented that links styles of flows with wind strength and direction, turbulent airflow, sediment deposition and environment.
Farmers’ Associations: Their Resources and Channels of Influence. Evidence from Poland
Authors: Milczarek‐Andrzejewska Dominika , Śpiewak Ruta 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article aims to contribute to the existing studies on the influence of interest groups on agricultural policies. The goal of the article is to assess the tangible and intangible resources of farmers’ associations in Poland, as well as the channels they use to influence agricultural policy. With this aim, an interdisciplinary model based on exchange theory was elaborated. The article draws on two empirical sources: first, in‐depth interviews with leaders; and secondly, a survey with members of these organisations. According to the leaders, farmers’ associations may influence agricultural policy only to a small degree. This results from their insufficient resources, especially those that are useful for politicians (e.g., expert knowledge). The second obstacle stems from the lack of unity and cooperation between these associations. However, members of farmers’ organisations paint a very different picture of farmers’ organisations: regardless of the type of organisation they belong to, they perceive it as very active and well‐endowed with tangible and intangible resources.