bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Nonstoichiometry and Thermodynamic Quantities of La2Ni0.95Al0.05O4.025 + δ
Authors: Jeon Sang‐Yun , Singh Bhupendra , Yoo Young‐Sung , Hwang Jin‐Ha , Song Sun‐Ju 
Published: January 2014

The oxygen nonstoichiometry of La2Ni0.95Al0.05O4.025 + δ (LNAO) is measured as a function of oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and temperature by coulometric titration method and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in 800°C–1000°C temperature range and 10−16‐1 atm pO2 range. The partial molar quantities for mixing of oxygen were calculated and results were compared with the literature results on La2NiO4 + δ (LNO). The variation in activity coefficient of holes versus oxygen nonstoichiometry illustrated an early positive deviation of the activity coefficient of holes from unity, leading to ≈  7 at δ  ≈  0.08, which was lower than the literature value of ≈  14 for La2NiO4  +  δ at δ  ≈  0.08, indicating lesser deviation of LNAO from ideal solution behavior. The effective mass of holes () was 1.02–1.21 times the rest mass (mo), which indicated the band‐like conduction and allowed the effect of the small degree of polaron hopping to be ignored. The comparison of oxygen nonstoichiometry and partial molar quantities showed that incorporation of interstitial oxygen is less favorable in LNAO in comparison to LNO.
Bulb and Root Rot in Lily (Lilium longiflorum) and Onion (Allium cepa) in Israel
Authors: Lebiush‐Mordechai Sara , Erlich Orly , Maymon Marcel , Freeman Stanley , Ben‐David Tslila , Ofek Tal , Palevsky Eric , Tsror (Lahkin) Leah 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn the past 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in reports, from growers and extension personnel, on bulb and root rots in lily (Lilium longiflorum) in Israel. Rot in these plants, when grown as cut flowers, caused serious economic damage expressed in reduction in yield and quality. In lily, the fungal pathogens involved in the rot were characterized as binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium oligandrum, Fusarium proliferatum (white and purple isolates) and F. oxysporum, using morphological and molecular criteria. These fungi were the prevalent pathogens in diseased plants collected from commercial greenhouses. Pathogenicity trials were conducted on lily bulbs and onion seedlings under controlled conditions in a greenhouse to complete Koch's postulates. Disease symptoms on lily were most severe in treatments inoculated with binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, P. oligandrum and F. proliferatum. Plant height was lower in the above treatments compared with the control plants. The least aggressive fungus was R. solani. In artificial inoculations of onion, seedling survival was significantly affected by all fungi. The most pathogenic fungus was F. proliferatum w and the least were isolates of F. oxysporum (II and III). All fungi were successfully re‐isolated from the inoculated plants.
Resolving phenotypic plasticity and species designation in the morphologically challengingCaulerpa racemosa–peltatacomplex (Chlorophyta, Caulerpaceae)
Authors: Belton Gareth S. , van Reine Willem F. Prud'homme , Huisman John M. , Draisma Stefano G. A. , D. Gurgel Carlos Frederico 
Published: December 2013

Although recent molecular studies have indicated the presence of a number of distinct species within theCaulerpa racemosa–peltatacomplex, due to the difficulties presented by high levels of phenotypic plasticity and the large number of synonyms, infra‐specific taxa, and names of uncertain affinity, taxonomic proposals are yet to be made. In this study, we aimed to resolve the taxonomy of the complex and provide an example of how historical nomenclature can best be integrated into molecular based taxonomies. We accomplished this by first determining the number of genetic species within our globally sampled data set through a combination of phylogenetic and species‐delimitation approaches of partial elongation factorTUandRUBISCOlarge subunit gene sequences. Guided by these results, comparative morphological examinations were then undertaken to gauge the extent of phenotypic plasticity within each species, as well as any morphological overlap between them. Our results revealed the presence of 11 distinct species within the complex, five of which showed high levels of phenotypic plasticity and partial overlap with other species. On the basis of observations of a large number of specimens, including type specimens/descriptions, and geographic inferences, we were able to confidently designate names for the lineages.Caulerpa peltata,C. imbricataandC. racemosavars.laetevirens, occidentalisandturbinatawere found to represent environmentally induced forms of a single species, for which the earlier‐describedC. chemnitzia, previously regarded as a synonym ofC. racemosavar.turbinata, is reinstated.C. cylindracea,C. lamourouxii,C. macrodisca,C. nummulariaandC. oligophyllaare also reinstated and two new species,C. macrastat. nov. andC. megadiscasp. nov., are proposed.
Branching and intercellular communication in the Section V cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus, a complex multicellular prokaryote
Authors: Nürnberg Dennis J. , Mariscal Vicente , Parker Jamie , Mastroianni Giulia , Flores Enrique , Mullineaux Conrad W. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe filamentous Section V cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus is one of the most morphologically complex prokaryotes. It exhibits cellular division in multiple planes, resulting in the formation of true branches, and cell differentiation into heterocysts, hormogonia and necridia. Here, we investigate branch formation and intercellular communication in M. laminosus. Monitoring of membrane rearrangement suggests that branch formation results from a randomized direction of cell growth. Transmission electron microscopy reveals cell junction structures likely to be involved in intercellular communication. We identify a sepJ gene, coding for a potential key protein in intercellular communication, and show that SepJ is localized at the septa. To directly investigate intercellular communication, we loaded the fluorescent tracer 5‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate into the cytoplasm, and quantified its intercellular exchange by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Results demonstrate connectivity of the main trichome and branches, enabling molecular exchange throughout the filament network. Necridia formation inhibits further molecular exchange, determining the fate of a branch likely to become a hormogonium. Cells in young, narrow trichomes and hormogonia exhibited faster exchange rates than cells in older, wider trichomes. Signal transduction to co‐ordinate movement of hormogonia might be accelerated by reducing cell volume.
Zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulation act as deterrents towards specialist herbivores and impede the performance of a generalist herbivore
Authors: Kazemi‐Dinan Ardeshir , Thomaschky Sina , Stein Ricardo J. , Krämer Ute , Müller Caroline 
Published: January 2014

SummaryExtraordinarily high leaf metal concentrations in metal hyperaccumulator plants may serve as an elemental defence against herbivores. However, mixed results have been reported and studies using comparative approaches are missing.We investigated the deterrent and toxic potential of metals employing the hyperaccumulatorArabidopsis halleri. Effects of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) on the preferences of three Brassicaceae specialists were tested in paired‐choice experiments using differently treated plant material, including transgenic plants. In performance tests, we determined the toxicity and joint effects of both metals incorporated in an artificial diet on the survival of a generalist.Feeding by all specialists was significantly reduced by metal concentrations from above 1000 μg Zn g−1DWand 18 μg Cd g−1DW. By contrast, metals did not affect oviposition. Generalist survival decreased with increasing concentrations of individual metals, whereby the combination ofZn andCd had an additive toxic effect even at the lowest applied concentrations of 100 μg Zn g−1and 2 μg Cd g−1.Metal hyperaccumulation protects plants from herbivory resulting from deterrence and toxicity against a wide range of herbivores. The combination of metals exacerbates toxicity through joint effects and enhances elemental defence. Thus, metal hyperaccumulation is ecologically beneficial for plants.
Pansclerotic Morphea with Features of Eosinophilic Fasciitis: Distinct Entities or Part of a Continuum?
Authors: Odhav Ashika , Hoeltzel Mark F. , Canty Kristi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractScleroderma is a highly complex disorder in its clinical manifestations and pathogenesis. It has a wide range of clinical manifestations due to varying degrees of vasculopathy, autoimmunity, altered endothelium function, and abnormal fibrosis. The most widely used classification system grouped eosinophilic fasciitis and disabling pansclerotic morphea of childhood into the category of deep morphea. This previous classification does not include a category for overlapping conditions. A proposed new classification includes a new mixed subtype in which a combination of two or more of the previous subtypes is present in the same individual, although eosinophilic fasciitis has been excluded. We present the case of a 4‐year‐old boy who presented with features of disabling pansclerotic morphea and eosinophilic fasciitis simultaneously, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported. This suggests that these diseases are part of a more closely related continuum rather than separate disorders, as currently classified.
Generalized Smooth Muscle Hamartoma with Multiple Congenital Anomalies without the “Michelin Tire Baby” Phenotype
Authors: Janicke Elise C. , Nazareth Michael R. , Rothman Ilene L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe report a patient with generalized smooth muscle hamartoma who presented with many of the variety of congenital anomalies that have been reported in babies with multiple symmetric circumferential rings of folded skin known as Michelin tire baby (MTB) syndrome, but our patient did not show the MTB phenotype. This constellation of findings in the absence of the MTB phenotype has not been previously reported.
Truthmaker Theory Does Not Solve The Gettier Problem
Authors: Vance Chad 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTruthmaker theory has become immensely popular in recent years. So, it is not surprising that we are beginning to see it put to work in other areas of philosophy. Recently, several philosophers have proposed that truthmaker theory is the key to solving the Gettier problem. Edmund Gettier demonstrated that the traditional analysis of knowledge (as justified, true belief) was unsatisfactory. The truthmaker solution proposes that knowledge is a justified, true belief, where the source of one's justification is either identical to, or else causally related to, the state of affairs which makes the believed proposition true. This amendment of the traditional analysis of knowledge purportedly escapes the problems identified by Gettier cases. In this paper, I will examine two particular recent endorsements of this solution – those from Sven Bernecker and Adrian Heathcote – and argue that truthmaker theory is not the key to solving the Gettier problem.
Bloodstream and central line isolates from hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: data from a developing country
Authors: Ali N. , Adil S.N. , Shaikh M.U. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionBloodstream infections (BSIs) and central line infections remain among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients because of prolonged neutropenia and mucosal damage. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and outcome of bacterial and fungal isolates from patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted at the Aga Khan University and Hospital's bone marrow transplant unit. All patients who underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplant with matched sibling/parent donor were included. The study period ranged from April 2004 to December 2012. Transplantation was performed according to institutional protocols. All patients were admitted in single rooms with positive pressure and high‐efficiency particulate air filters. Ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, and valaciclovir were used for standard prophylaxis, which was started at the time of conditioning. All blood cultures were obtained at clinical suspicion of systemic infection, mainly documented as fever (temperature of >38.5°C). BSIs and line infections were defined as isolation of bacterial or fungal pathogen from at least one blood/central line culture.ResultsIn total, 101 of 108 patients developed febrile neutropenia. In the 101 patients, 245 documented febrile episodes occurred. There were 40 culture‐positive episodes and 205 culture‐negative episodes. Of these 40 culture‐positive episodes, 22 patients had bloodstream isolates and 18 had central line isolates. The median ± standard deviation time of febrile neutropenia was day 7 ± 2 days (range: day −3 to day +13). The most common bloodstream isolate was Escherichia coli (n = 9) followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 5). One patient developed Fusarium infection. In central line infections, S. epidermidis was the most common organism (n = 8). In 2 patients with central venous catheters, Candida albicans was the isolate. Transplant‐related mortality from sepsis occurred in 9.2%.ConclusionE.coli was mainly responsible for BSI, while gram‐positive organisms dominated catheter‐related febrile episodes. Transplant‐related mortality due to sepsis was 9%.
Microbicidal Power of Alpha Radiation in Sterilizing Germinating Bacillus anthracis Spores
Authors: Rivera Johanna , Morgenstern Alfred , Bruchertseifer Frank , Kearney John F. , Turnbough Charles L. , Dadachova Ekaterina , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) takes advantage of the specificity and affinity of the antigen-antibody interaction to deliver microbicidal radioactive nuclides to a site of infection. In this study, we investigated the microbicidal properties of an alpha particle-emitting
213
Bi-labeled monoclonal antibody (MAb), EA2-1 (
213
Bi-EA2-1), that binds to the immunodominant antigen on
Bacillus anthracis
spores. Our results showed that dormant spores were resistant to
213
Bi-EA2-1. Significant spore killing was observed following treatment with EA2-1 labeled with 300 μCi
213
Bi; however, this effect was not dependent on the MAb. In contrast, when spores were germinating,
213
Bi-EA2-1 mediated MAb-specific killing in a dose-dependent manner. Dormant spores are very resistant to RIT, and RIT should focus on targeting vegetative cells and germinating spores.
Efficacy of Humanized Carbapenem and Ceftazidime Regimens against Enterobacteriaceae Producing OXA-48 Carbapenemase in a Murine Infection Model
Authors: Wiskirchen Dora E. , Nordmann Patrice , Crandon Jared L. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterobacteriaceae
producing the OXA-48 carbapenemase are emerging worldwide, leaving few treatment options. Efficacy has been demonstrated
in vivo
with ceftazidime against a ceftazidime-susceptible OXA-48 isolate but not with imipenem despite maintaining susceptibility. The relationship between phenotype and
in vivo
efficacy was assessed for OXA-48 producers using humanized regimens of 2 g doripenem every 8 h (q8h; 4 h infusion), 1 g ertapenem q24h, 2 g ceftazidime q8h (2 h inf), and 500 mg levofloxacin q24h. Each regimen was evaluated over 24 h against an isogenic pair (wild-type and OXA-48
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains) and six clinical OXA-48 isolates with and without other extended-spectrum β-lactamases in immunocompetent and neutropenic murine thigh infection models. Efficacy was determined using the change in bacterial density versus 24-h growth controls in immunocompetent studies and 0-h controls in neutropenic studies. Bacterial reductions of ≥1 log CFU were observed with all agents for the wild-type strain. Consistent with low MICs, ceftazidime and levofloxacin exhibited efficacy against the isogenic OXA-48 strain, whereas doripenem did not, despite having a susceptible MIC; no activity was observed with ertapenem, consistent with a resistant MIC. Similar trends were observed for the clinical isolates evaluated. Ceftazidime, levofloxacin, and ertapenem efficacy against isogenic and clinical OXA-48-producing strains correlated well with phenotypic profiles and pharmacodynamic targets, whereas efficacy with doripenem was variable over the MIC range studied. These data suggest that carbapenems may not be a reliable treatment for treating OXA-48 producers and add to previous observations with KPC and NDM-1 suggesting that genotype may better predict activity of the carbapenems than the phenotypic profile.
Role of OmpA in the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Smani Younes , Fàbrega Anna , Roca Ignasi , Sánchez-Encinales Viviana , Vila Jordi , Pachón Jerónimo 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as a nosocomial pathogen with an increased prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. The role of the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in antimicrobial resistance remains poorly understood. In this report, disruption of the
ompA
gene led to decreased MICs of chloramphenicol, aztreonam, and nalidixic acid. We have characterized, for the first time, the contribution of OmpA in the antimicrobial resistance phenotype of
A. baumannii
.
In VitroCharacterization of MK-1439, a Novel HIV-1 Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Authors: Lai Ming-Tain , Feng Meizhen , Falgueyret Jean-Pierre , Tawa Paul , Witmer Marc , DiStefano Daniel , Li Yuan , Burch Jason , Sachs Nancy , Lu Meiqing , Cauchon Elizabeth , Campeau Louis-Charles , Grobler Jay , Yan Youwei , Ducharme Yves , Côté Bernard , Asante-Appiah Ernest , Hazuda Daria J. , Miller Michael D. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTNonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are a mainstay of therapy for treating human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1)-infected patients. MK-1439 is a novel NNRTI with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12, 9.7, and 9.7 nM against the wild type (WT) and K103N and Y181C reverse transcriptase (RT) mutants, respectively, in a biochemical assay. Selectivity and cytotoxicity studies confirmed that MK-1439 is a highly specific NNRTI with minimum off-target activities. In the presence of 50% normal human serum (NHS), MK-1439 showed excellent potency in suppressing the replication of WT virus, with a 95% effective concentration (EC95) of 20 nM, as well as K103N, Y181C, and K103N/Y181C mutant viruses with EC95of 43, 27, and 55 nM, respectively. MK-1439 exhibited similar antiviral activities against 10 different HIV-1 subtype viruses (a total of 93 viruses). In addition, the susceptibility of a broader array of clinical NNRTI-associated mutant viruses (a total of 96 viruses) to MK-1439 and other benchmark NNRTIs was investigated. The results showed that the mutant profile of MK-1439 was superior overall to that of efavirenz (EFV) and comparable to that of etravirine (ETR) and rilpivirine (RPV). Furthermore, E138K, Y181C, and K101E mutant viruses that are associated with ETR and RPV were susceptible to MK-1439 with a fold change (FC) of <3. A two-drugin vitrocombination study indicated that MK-1439 acts nonantagonistically in the antiviral activity with each of 18 FDA-licensed drugs for HIV infection. Taken together, thesein vitrodata suggest that MK-1439 possesses the desired properties for further development as a new antiviral agent.
Nonfunctional Variant 3 Factor H Binding Proteins as Meningococcal Vaccine Candidates
Authors: van der Veen Stijn , Johnson Steven , Jongerius Ilse , Malik Talat , Genovese Alessia , Santini Laura , Staunton David , Ufret-Vincenty Rafael L. , Pickering Matthew C. , Lea Susan M. , Tang Christoph M. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidisis a human-specific pathogen and leading cause of meningitis and septicemia. Factor H binding protein (fHbp), a virulence factor which protectsN. meningitidisfrom innate immunity by binding the human complement regulator factor H (fH) with high affinity, is also a key antigen in vaccines being developed to prevent meningococcal disease. fHbp can be divided into three variant groups (V1, V2, and V3) that elicit limited immunological cross-reactivity. The interaction of fH with fHbp could impair the immunogenicity of this antigen by hindering access to the antigenic epitopes in fHbp, providing the rationale for the development of nonfunctional fHbps as vaccine candidates. Here, we characterized the two nonfunctional V3 fHbps, fHbpT286Aand fHbpE313A, which each contains a single amino acid substitution that leads to a marked reduction in affinity for fH without affecting the folding of the proteins. The immunogenicity of the nonfunctional fHbps was assessed in transgenic mice expressing a single chimeric fH containing domains of human fH involved in binding to fHbp. No differences in anti-V3 fHbp antibody titers were elicited by the wild-type V3 fHbp, V3 fHbpT286A, and V3 fHbpE313A, demonstrating that the nonfunctional fHbps retain their immunogenicity. Furthermore, the nonfunctional V3 fHbps elicit serum bactericidal activity that is equivalent to or higher than that observed with the wild-type protein. Our findings provide the basis for the rational design of next-generation vaccines containing nonfunctional V3 fHbps.
Efficacy of a Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Using ChAd63 and Modified Vaccinia Ankara Expressing Thrombospondin-Related Anonymous Protein as Assessed with Transgenic Plasmodium berghei Parasites
Authors: Bauza Karolis , Malinauskas Tomas , Pfander Claudia , Anar Burcu , Jones E. Yvonne , Billker Oliver , Hill Adrian V. S. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium vivax
is the world's most widely distributed malaria parasite and a potential cause of morbidity and mortality for approximately 2.85 billion people living mainly in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Despite this dramatic burden, very few vaccines have been assessed in humans. The clinically relevant vectors modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and the chimpanzee adenovirus ChAd63 are promising delivery systems for malaria vaccines due to their safety profiles and proven ability to induce protective immune responses against
Plasmodium falciparum
thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) in clinical trials. Here, we describe the development of new recombinant ChAd63 and MVA vectors expressing
P. vivax
TRAP (PvTRAP) and show their ability to induce high antibody titers and T cell responses in mice. In addition, we report a novel way of assessing the efficacy of new candidate vaccines against
P. vivax
using a fully infectious transgenic
Plasmodium berghei
parasite expressing
P. vivax
TRAP to allow studies of vaccine efficacy and protective mechanisms in rodents. Using this model, we found that both CD8
+
T cells and antibodies mediated protection against malaria using virus-vectored vaccines. Our data indicate that ChAd63 and MVA expressing PvTRAP are good preerythrocytic-stage vaccine candidates with potential for future clinical application.