bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Crc protein participates in down‐regulation of the Lon gene to promote rhamnolipid production and rhl quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yang Nana , Ding Shuting , Chen Feifei , Zhang Xue , Xia Yongjie , Di Hongxia , Cao Qiao , Deng Xin , Wu Min , Wong Catherine C.L. , Tian Xiao‐Xu , Yang Cai‐Guang , Zhao Jing , Lan Lefu 
Published: January 2015

SummaryRhamnolipid acts as a virulence factor during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Here, we show that deletion of the catabolite repression control (crc) gene in P. aeruginosa leads to a rhamnolipid‐negative phenotype. This effect is mediated by the down‐regulation of rhl quorum sensing (QS). We discover that a disruption of the gene encoding the Lon protease entirely offsets the effect of crc deletion on the production of both rhamnolipid and rhl QS signal C4‐HSL. Crc is unable to bind lon mRNA in vitro in the absence of the RNA chaperon Hfq, while Crc contributes to Hfq‐mediated repression of the lon gene expression at a posttranscriptional level. Deletion of crc, which results in up‐regulation of lon, significantly reduces the in vivo stability and abundance of the RhlI protein that synthesizes C4‐HSL, causing the attenuation of rhl QS. Lon is also capable of degrading the RhlI protein in vitro. In addition, constitutive expression of rhlI suppresses the defects of the crc deletion mutant in rhamnolipid, C4‐HSL and virulence on lettuce leaves. This study therefore uncovers a novel posttranscriptional regulatory cascade, Crc‐Hfq/Lon/RhlI, for the regulation of rhamnolipid production and rhl QS in P. aeruginosa.
Destabilization of interaction between cytokinin signaling intermediates AHP1 and ARR4 modulates Arabidopsis development
Authors: Verma Vivek , Sivaraman Jayaraman , Srivastava Anjil Kumar , Sadanandom Ari , Kumar Prakash P. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Eukaryotic two‐component signaling involves the His–Asp–His–Asp multistep phosphorelay (MSP). In Arabidopsis thaliana, cytokinin‐mediated MSP signaling intermediates include histidine kinases (HKs), histidine phosphotransfer proteins (Hpts) and response regulators (RRs). The structure–function relationship of interaction between Hpt (e.g. AHP1) and RR (e.g. ARR4) is poorly understood.

Using a homology model and yeast two‐hybrid analysis, we identified key amino acids of ARR4 at the AHP1–ΔARR4(16–175) interaction interface. Mutating them in Arabidopsis (arr3,4,5,6,8,9 hextuple mutant background) and performing root length assays provided functional relevance, and coimmunoprecipitation (coIP) assay provided biochemical evidence for the interaction.

The homology model mimics crystal structures of Hpt–RR complexes. Mutating selected interface residues of ARR4 either abolished or destabilized the interaction. D45A and Y96A mutations weakened interaction with AHP1, and exhibited weaker rescue of root elongation in the hextuple mutants. CoIP analysis using cytokinin‐treated transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings provided biochemical evidence for weakened AHP1–ARR4 interaction. The relevance of the selected residues for the interaction was further validated in two independent pairs of Hpt–RR proteins from Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa).

Our data provide evidence of a link between Hpt–RR interaction affinity and regulation of downstream functions of RRs. This establishes a structure–function relationship for the final step of a eukaryotic MSP signal cascade.
Functional analysis of a Wheat Homeodomain protein, TaR1, reveals that host chromatin remodelling influences the dynamics of the switch to necrotrophic growth in the phytopathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Lee Jack , Orosa Beatriz , Millyard Linda , Edwards Martin , Kanyuka Kostya , Gatehouse Angharad , Rudd Jason , Hammond‐Kosack Kim , Pain Naomi , Sadanandom Ari 
Published: January 2015

Summary

A distinguishing feature of Septoria leaf blotch disease in wheat is the long symptomless growth of the fungus amongst host cells followed by a rapid transition to necrotrophic growth resulting in disease lesions. Global reprogramming of host transcription marks this switch to necrotrophic growth. However no information exists on the components that bring about host transcriptional reprogramming.

Gene‐silencing, confocal‐imaging and protein–protein interaction assays where employed to identify a plant homeodomain (PHD) protein, TaR1 in wheat that plays a critical role during the transition from symptomless to necrotrophic growth of Septoria.

TaR1‐silenced wheat show earlier symptom development upon Septoria infection but reduced fungal sporulation indicating that TaR1 is key for prolonging the symptomless phase and facilitating Septoria asexual reproduction. TaR1 is localized to the nucleus and binds to wheat Histone 3. Trimethylation of Histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) and lysine 36 (H3K36) are found on open chromatin with actively transcribed genes, whereas methylation of H3K27 and H3K9 are associated with repressed loci. TaR1 specifically recognizes dimethylated and trimethylated H3K4 peptides suggesting that it regulates transcriptional activation at open chromatin.

We conclude that TaR1 is an important component for the pathogen life cycle in wheat that promotes successful colonization by Septoria.
Isometric partitioning of hydraulic conductance between leaves and stems: balancing safety and efficiency in different growth forms and habitats
Authors: DRAKE PAUL L. , PRICE CHARLES A. , POOT PIETER , VENEKLAAS ERIK J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecent advances in modelling the architecture and function of the plant hydraulic network have led to improvements in predicting and interpreting the consequences of functional trait variation on CO2 uptake and water loss. We build upon one such model to make novel predictions for scaling of the total specific hydraulic conductance of leaves and shoots (kL and kSH, respectively) and variation in the partitioning of hydraulic conductance. Consistent with theory, we observed isometric (slope = 1) scaling between kL and kSH across several independently collected datasets and a lower ratio of kL and kSH, termed the leaf‐to‐shoot conductance ratio (CLSCR), in arid environments and in woody species. Isometric scaling of kL and kSH supports the concept that hydraulic design is coordinated across the plant. We propose that CLSCR is an important adaptive trait that represents the trade‐off between efficiency and safety at the scale of the whole plant.
Cutaneous Angiomyolipoma Masquerading as a Neurofibroma in a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: Carrau Diana , Kahwash Samir , Pearson Gregory 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAngiomyolipomas are benign tumors composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and adipose tissue that are frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis. Cutaneous angiomyolipomas are rare and typically present in men in the fifth or sixth decade of life. We present a case of a cutaneous angiomyolipoma masquerading as a neurofibroma in a 13‐year‐old boy with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1.
Molluscum Contagiosum: To Treat or Not to Treat? Experience with 170 Children in an Outpatient Clinic Setting in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Basdag Hatice , Rainer Barbara M. , Cohen Bernard A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDespite the high prevalence of molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children, epidemiologic data on this common self‐limited viral infection is limited. In this report we review our experience with the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, management, and time to resolution of MC in 170 children. A retrospective medical chart review and telephone survey were conducted on children younger than 16 years of age evaluated for MC in the Division of Pediatric Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, Maryland, from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. Of 170 children with MC, 51.8% were female and 77.1% were Caucasian. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years and 46.5% had a history of atopic dermatitis (AD). Children with AD had significantly more MC lesions than those without (p < 0.05); 72.9% of children did not receive any treatment. MC lesions completely cleared within 12 months in 45.6% of treated and 48.4% of untreated children and within 18 months in 69.5% of treated and 72.6% of untreated children. Treatment (if any), sex, race, diagnosing physician, number of lesions at diagnosis, number of anatomic locations, or history of AD did not predict time to resolution of MC lesions. MC lesions completely resolved in approximately 50% of children within 12 months and in 70% within 18 months. Treatment did not shorten the time to resolution.
Atypical Presentations of Terra Firma‐Forme Dermatosis
Authors: Thomas Richard Scott , Collins Jeffrey , Young Russel John , Bohlke Angela 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTerra firma‐forme dermatosis is a benign dermatologic condition that presents as dirt‐colored patches and plaques, mainly affecting children and adolescents. It is resistant to conventional washing with soap and water but is easily treated with isopropyl alcohol. Clinical awareness of this condition provides a quick, simple resolution. Here we present two cases involving 14‐year‐old girls with uncommon presentations of terra firma‐forme dermatosis. One case involved an upper extremity and the other presented with a history of knee brace occlusion. After diagnosis, both patients were successfully treated with weekly isopropyl alcohol applications.
Recessive Bullous Dermolysis of the Newborn in Preterm Siblings with a Missense Mutation in Type VII Collagen
Authors: Boccaletti Valeria , Zambruno Giovanna , Castiglia Daniele , Magnani Cinzia , Tognetti Elena , Fabrizi Giuseppe , Cortelazzi Chiara , Pagliarello Calogero , Di Nuzzo Sergio 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBullous dermolysis of the newborn is a dominant or recessive inherited subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa characterized by the tendency to spontaneously stop blistering within the first months of life. Here we report two siblings with bullous dermolysis of the newborn who were born prematurely and have a novel recessive mutation, p.Pro2259Leu, in the triple helix domain of type VII collagen. We discuss the possible relationship between genotype and prematurity and clinical manifestations in these patients.
Nickel Ferrule Applicators: A Source of Nickel Exposure in Children
Authors: Jacob Sharon E. , Silverberg Jonathan I. , Rizk Christopher , Silverberg Nanette 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEye makeup has been investigated for nickel content and found to have no direct association with nickel allergy and cosmetic dermatitis. However, the tools used (e.g., eyelash curlers, hairdressing scissors, hair curlers, and eye shadow and makeup applicators) may be sources. Nickel is ubiquitous and a wide range of sources have been reported, and makeup applicators (ferrules) now join the list.
Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of measles–rubella combined vaccine in school‐entry‐aged subjects with naturally acquired measles immunity
Authors: Kumagai Takuji , Ihara Toshiaki , Nakayama Tetsuo , Nagata Nobuo , Kamiya Hitoshi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe reintroduction of measles–rubella combined (MR) vaccination to Japan raised concerns about adverse events as well as immunogenicity related to booster immunization in subjects with naturally acquired immunity to measles or rubella.MethodsThe time course of reactogenicity and antibody responses in recipients with pre‐existing immunity to measles through natural infection was observed. Eighteen children aged 80–104 months received MR booster vaccination; 16 of them had had previous rubella vaccination.ResultsThere were virtually no clinical reactions related to booster vaccination, and a highly significant antibody response to rubella antigen, whereas the antibody rise to measles was statistically significant but poor.ConclusionsVaccination of individuals already immune is not harmful. Booster immunization to rubella for Japanese children is vitally important.
Why Reflective Equilibrium? III: Reflective Equilibrium as a Heuristic Tool
Authors: Eng Svein 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn A Theory of Justice (1971), John Rawls introduces the concept of “reflective equilibrium.” Although there are innumerable references to and discussions of this concept in the literature, there is, to the present author's knowledge, no discussion of the most important question: Why reflective equilibrium? In particular, the question arises: Is the method of reflective equilibrium applicable to the choice of this method itself? Rawls's drawing of parallels between Kant's moral theory and his own suggests that his concept of “reflective equilibrium” is on a par with Kant's concept of “transcendental deduction.” Treating these two approaches to justification as paradigmatic, I consider their respective merits in meeting the reflexive challenge, i.e., in offering a justification for choice of mode of justification. In the first part of this enquiry (Eng 2014a), I raised the issue of the reflexivity of justification and questioned whether the reflexive challenge can be met within the framework of A Theory of Justice. In the second part (Eng 2014b), I outlined a Kantian approach that represents a paradigmatic alternative to Rawls. In this third and final part, I shall argue that Rawls's reflective equilibrium cannot justify the choice of itself and that in the broader perspective thus necessitated, we cannot escape the metaphysical issues integral to the Kantian approach.
A Bayesian Approach for The Analysis of Triadic Data In Cognitive Social Structures
Authors: Swartz Tim B. , Gill Paramjit S. , Muthukumarana Saman 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe paper proposes a fully Bayesian approach for the analysis of triadic data in social networks. Inference is based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods as implemented in the software package WinBUGS. We apply the methodology to two data sets to highlight the ease with which cognitive social structures can be analysed.
Antibiotic Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Receiving CRRT: Underdosing is Overprevalent
Authors: Lewis Susan J. , Mueller Bruce A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPublished CRRT drug dosing algorithms and other dosing guidelines appear to result in underdosed antibiotics, leading to failure to attain pharmacodynamic targets. High mortality rates persist with inadequate antibiotic therapy as the most important risk factor for death. Reasons for unintended antibiotic underdosing in patients receiving CRRT are many. Underdosing may result from lack of the recognition that better hepatic function in AKI patients yields higher nonrenal antibiotic clearance compared to ESRD patients. Other factors include the variability in body size and fluid composition of patients, the serious consequence of delayed achievement of antibiotic pharmacodynamic targets in septic patients, potential subtherapeutic antibiotic concentrations at the infection site, and the influence of RRT intensity on antibiotic concentrations. Too often, clinicians weigh the benefits of overcautious antibiotic dosing to avoid antibiotic toxicity too heavily against the benefits of rapid attainment of therapeutic antibiotic concentrations in critically ill patients receiving CRRT. We urge clinicians to prescribe antibiotics aggressively for these vulnerable patients.
Costs, consequences, and cost‐effectiveness of strategies for Babesia microti donor screening of the US blood supply
Authors: Goodell Alex J. , Bloch Evan M. , Krause Peter J. , Custer Brian 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundBabesia microti is regarded as the foremost infectious risk to the US blood supply for which a regulatory‐approved screening test is unavailable. More than 160 cases of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti (TTB) have been reported to date, yet there is little consensus regarding a mitigation strategy.Study Design and MethodsThis study sought to assess the cost‐utility of donation screening by mode of testing (immunofluorescence assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and combinations thereof) as well as extent of geographic inclusion (4‐state, 7‐state, 20‐state, or national screening). A discrete‐time Markov cohort model to simulate the outcomes of B. microti infection and survival of the transfused population was developed. Seroprevalence was estimated by extrapolating babesiosis claims from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test performance was estimated from clinical diagnostics and limited donor screening studies, while transmissibility was estimated as a weighted average of three studies. Results are reported as the cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) for each strategy compared to no screening.ResultsGiven model inputs, 4‐state and 7‐state ELISA in combination with PCR would cost $5.2 million and $6.6 million/QALY, respectively. Cost‐effectiveness for 20‐state and national screening strategies were less favorable.ConclusionTargeted screening in states with the highest seroprevalence of infection is likely to exceed an implicit threshold of $1 million/QALY often used in blood safety. However, the proportion of donor‐seronegative parasitemia, transmissibility, and clinical outcomes resulting from TTB are uncertain.
Differences in gene flow in a twofold secondary contact zone of pond turtles in southern Italy (Testudines: Emydidae:Emys orbicularis galloitalica,E. o. hellenica,E. trinacris)
Authors: Vamberger Melita , Stuckas Heiko , Sacco Francesco , D'Angelo Stefania , Arculeo Marco , Cheylan Marc , Corti Claudia , Lo Valvo Mario , Marrone Federico , Wink Michael , Fritz Uwe 
Published: January 2015

Using virtually range‐wide sampling for three pond turtle taxa (Emys orbicularis galloitalica,E. o. hellenica,E. trinacris), we analyse gene flow across their southern Italian contact zone. Based on population genetic analyses of 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial marker, we show that the general genetic pattern matches well with the current taxon delimitation. Yet, single individuals with conflicting genetic identity suggest translocation of turtles by humans. In addition, we identify in south‐western France and the vicinity of Rome populations being heavily impacted by introduced turtles. Cline analyses reveal that the major genetic break betweenE. o. galloitalicaandE. o. hellenicacorresponds well with the currently accepted intergradation zone in southern Italy. However, introgression is largely unidirectional fromE. o. galloitalicaintoE. o. hellenica. In the distribution range of the latter subspecies, genetic footprints ofE. o. galloitalicaare evident along most of the Italian east coast. Our results corroborate thatE. o. galloitalicawas introduced long ago in Corsica and Sardinia and naturalized there. Gene flow betweenE. orbicularisandE. trinacrisis negligible, with the Strait of Messina matching well with the narrow cline centre between the two species. This contrasts with other Mediterranean freshwater turtle species with extensive transoceanic gene flow. Compared to the two subspecies ofE. orbicularis, the SicilianE. trinacrisshows an unexpectedly strong population structuring, a finding also of some relevance for conservation. The differences between the two taxon pairsE. orbicularis/E. trinacrisandE. o. galloitalica/E. o. hellenicasupport their current taxonomic classification and make them attractive objects for follow‐up studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of speciation by comparing their properties.
Assessment of potential advantages of relevant ions for particle therapy: A model based study
Authors: Grün Rebecca , Friedrich Thomas , Krämer Michael , Zink Klemens , Durante Marco , Engenhart‐Cabillic Rita , Scholz Michael 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:Different ion types offer different physical and biological advantages for therapeutic applications. The purpose of this work is to assess the advantages of the most commonly used ions in particle therapy, i.e., carbon (12C), helium (4He), and protons (1H) for different treatment scenarios.Methods:A treatment planning analysis based on idealized target geometries was performed using the treatment planning software TRiP98. For the prediction of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) that is required for biological optimization in treatment planning the local effect model (LEM IV) was used. To compare the three ion types, the peak‐to‐entrance ratio (PER) was determined for the physical dose (PERPHY S), the RBE (PERRBE), and the RBE‐weighted dose (PERBIO) resulting for different dose‐levels, field configurations, and tissue types. Further, the dose contribution to artificial organs at risk (OAR) was assessed and a comparison of the dose distribution for the different ion types was performed for a patient with chordoma of the skull base.Results:The study showed that the advantages of the ions depend on the physical and biological properties and the interplay of both. In the case of protons, the consideration of a variable RBE instead of the clinically applied generic RBE of 1.1 indicates an advantage in terms of an increased PERRBE for the analyzed configurations. Due to the fact that protons show a somewhat better PERPHY S compared to helium and carbon ions whereas helium shows a higher PERRBE compared to protons, both protons and helium ions show a similar RBE‐weighted dose distribution. Carbon ions show the largest variation of the PERRBE with tissue type and a benefit for radioresistant tumor types due to their higher LET. Furthermore, in the case of a two‐field irradiation, an additional gain in terms of PERBIO is observed when using an orthogonal field configuration for carbon ions as compared to opposing fields. In contrast, for protons, the PERBIO is almost independent on the field configuration. Concerning the artificial lateral OAR, the volume receiving 20% of the prescribed RBE‐weighted dose (V20) was reduced by over 35% using helium ions and by over 40% using carbon ions compared to protons. The analysis of the patient plan showed that protons, helium, and carbon ions are similar in terms of target coverage whereas the dose to the surrounding tissue is increasing from carbon ions toward protons. The mean dose to the brain stem can be reduced by more than 55% when using helium ions and by further 25% when using carbon ions instead of protons.Conclusions:The comparison of the PERRBE and PERPHY S of the three ion types suggests a strong dependence of the advantages of the three ions on the dose‐level, tissue type, and field configuration. In terms of conformity, i.e., dose to the normal tissue, a clear gain is expected using carbon or helium ions compared to protons.