bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome and Transcriptome Sequences of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B301D-R
Authors: Dudnik Alexey , Dudler Robert 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Strains of the plant pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
are commonly found in the phylosphere and are able to infect a number of agriculturally important crops. Here, we report a high-quality draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. syringae B301D-R, isolated from pears, which is a model strain for phytotoxin research in
P. syringae
.
Reduced magnetisation transfer ratio in cognitively impaired patients at the very early stage of multiple sclerosis: a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study
Authors: Faiss J H , Dähne D , Baum K , Deppe R , Hoffmann F , Köhler W , Kunkel A , Lux A , Matzke M , Penner I K , Sailer M , Zettl U K 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesCognitive impairment belongs to the core symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can already be present at the very early stages of the disease. The present study evaluated cognitive functioning after the first clinical presentation suggestive of MS and brain tissue damage in a non-lesion focused MRI approach by using magnetisation transfer imaging (MTI).Setting and participants47 patients (15 men and 32 women; mean age: 31.17 years) after the first clinical event suggestive of MS were recruited in six different MS centres in Germany and underwent a neuropsychological test battery including tests for attention, memory and executive function as well as depression and fatigue. MTI and conventional MRI measures (T1/T2 lesion load) were assessed. In addition, Magnetisation Transfer Ratio (MTR) maps were calculated. Primary outcome measure was the investigation of cognitive dysfunction in very early MS in correlation to MRI data.Results55.3% of patients with MS failed at least one test parameter. Specifically, 6% were reduced in working memory, 14.9% in focused attention, 25.5% in figural learning and up to 14.9% in executive function. When the sample was subdivided into cognitively impaired and preserved, MTR scores within the cognitively impaired subgroup were significantly lower compared with the preserved group (t(43)=2.346, p=0.02*). No significant differences between the two groups were found in T2-weighted and T1-weighted lesion volume.ConclusionsAfter the first MS-related clinical event, 55.3% of patients showed distinct cognitive deficits. Cognitively impaired patients had significantly lower whole brain MTR, but no differences in focal brain lesion volumes supporting the idea that early cognitive deficits may be related to diffuse loss of brain tissue integrity.
Apoptotic enteropathy caused by antimetabolites and TNF-α antagonists
Authors: Soldini Davide , Gaspert Ariana , Montani Matteo , Reineke Tanja , Rogler Gerhard , Odze Robert , Weber Achim 
Published: April 2014

AimsTo investigate whether drugs others than mycophenolic acid and ipilimumab might cause graft-versus-host-like apoptotic enteropathy, the clinicopathological findings in four patients were examined who had developed watery diarrhoea and apoptotic enteropathy (three cases from colon and one case from ileal pouch) after intake of antimetabolites (methotrexate and capecitabine) and/or tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors (etanercept and infliximab).MethodsThe clinical charts, endoscopy reports and intestinal biopsies from all endoscopies were reviewed for all patients. Biopsies were evaluated semiquantitatively for apoptosis of basal crypts, dilated damaged crypts, defined as cystically dilated crypts with flattened degenerated epithelium containing apoptotic debris and few neutrophils, and mucosal architecture. Further, the presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes, chronic inflammatory cells in the lamina propria and mucosal ulcerations was recorded and immunohistochemical analysis for human cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus was performed.ResultsEndoscopic examination revealed normal mucosa in two patients, whereas the other two showed focal ulcerations. Histological changes included increased apoptosis of basal crypts, the presence of dilated damaged crypts and architecture distortion. In all cases, a temporal association between drug intake and/or dose increase, and onset of diarrhoea, was observed, and no convincing evidence of other potentially underlying causes of colitis/enteritis was found, including infections.ConclusionsPathologists should be aware of the expanding spectrum of drugs that can cause apoptotic enteropathy, including antimetabolites and tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors.
The transition from Variscan collision to continental break-up in the Alps: insights from the comparison between natural data and numerical model predictions
Authors: Spalla Maria Iole , Zanoni Davide , Marotta Anna Maria , Rebay Gisella , Roda Manuel , Zucali Michele , Gosso Guido 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Records of Variscan structural and metamorphic imprints in the Alps indicate that before Pangaea fragmentation, the continental lithosphere was thermally and mechanically perturbed during Variscan subduction and collision. A diffuse igneous activity associated with high-temperature (HT) metamorphism, accounting for a Permian–Triassic high thermal regime, is peculiar to the Alpine area and has been interpreted as induced either by late-orogenic collapse or by lithospheric extension and thinning leading to continental rifting. Intra-continental basins hosting Permian volcanic products have been interpreted as developed either in a late-collisional strike-slip or in a continental rifting setting. Two-dimensional finite element models have been used to shed light on the transition between the late Variscan orogenic evolution and lithospheric thinning that, since Permian–Triassic time, announced the opening of Tethys. Comparison of model predictions with a broad set of natural metamorphic, structural, sedimentary and igneous data suggests that the late collisional gravitational evolution does not provide a thermo-mechanical outline able to justify mantle partial melting, evidenced by emplacement of huge gabbro bodies and regional-scale high-temperature metamorphism during Permian–Triassic time. An active extension is required to obtain model predictions comparable with natural data inferred from the volumes of the Alpine basement that were poorly reactivated during Mesozoic–Tertiary convergence.
Blood mRNA Expression Profiling Predicts Survival in Patients Treated with Tremelimumab
Authors: Saenger Yvonne , Magidson Jay , Liaw Bobby , de Moll Ellen , Harcharik Sara , Fu Yichun , Wassmann Karl , Fisher David , Kirkwood John , Oh William K. , Friedlander Philip 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Tremelimumab (ticilimumab, Pfizer), is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Ipilimumab (Yervoy, BMS), another anti-CTLA-4 antibody, is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Biomarkers are needed to identify the subset of patients who will achieve tumor control with CTLA-4 blockade.
Experimental Design: Pretreatment peripheral blood samples from 218 patients with melanoma who were refractory to prior therapy and receiving tremelimumab in a multicenter phase II study were measured for 169 mRNA transcripts using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A two-class latent model yielded a risk score based on four genes that were highly predictive of survival (P &lt; 0.001). This signature was validated in an independent population of 260 treatment-naïve patients with melanoma enrolled in a multicenter phase III study of tremelimumab.
Results: Median follow-up was 297 days for the training population and 386 days for the test population. Expression levels of the 169 genes were closely correlated across the two populations (r = 0.9939). A four-gene model, including cathepsin D (CTSD), phopholipase A2 group VII (PLA2G7), thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), and interleukin 1 receptor–associated kinase 3 (IRAK3), predicted survival in the test population (P = 0.001 by log-rank test). This four-gene model added to the predictive value of clinical predictors (P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusions: Expression levels of CTSD, PLA2G7, TXNRD1, and IRAK3 in peripheral blood are predictive of survival in patients with melanoma treated with tremelimumab. Blood mRNA signatures should be further explored to define patient subsets likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(12); 3310–8. ©2014 AACR.
Deficiency of Endothelial
Cxcr4
Reduces Reendothelialization and Enhances Neointimal Hyperplasia After Vascular Injury in Atherosclerosis-Prone Mice
Authors: Noels Heidi , Zhou Baixue , Tilstam Pathricia V. , Theelen Wendy , Li Xiaofeng , Pawig Lukas , Schmitz Corinna , Akhtar Shamima , Simsekyilmaz Sakine , Shagdarsuren Erdenechimeg , Schober Andreas , Adams Ralf H. , Bernhagen Jürgen , Liehn Elisa A. , Döring Yvonne , Weber Christian 
Published: April 2014

Objective—
The Cxcl12/Cxcr4 chemokine ligand/receptor axis mediates the mobilization of smooth muscle cell progenitors, driving injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. This study aimed to investigate the role of endothelial Cxcr4 in neointima formation.

Approach and Results—

β-Galactosidase staining using bone marrow x kinase (
Bmx
)
-CreER

T2

reporter mice and double immunofluorescence revealed an efficient and endothelial-specific deletion of
Cxcr4
in
Bmx-CreER

T2+

compared with
Bmx-CreER

T2−

Cxcr4-floxed
apolipoprotein E–deficient (
Apoe
−/−
) mice (referred to as
Cxcr4

EC-KO

ApoE
−/−
and
Cxcr4

EC-WT

ApoE
−/−
, respectively). Endothelial
Cxcr4
deficiency significantly increased wire injury–induced neointima formation in carotid arteries from
Cxcr4

EC-KO

ApoE
−/−
mice. The lesions displayed a higher number of macrophages, whereas the smooth muscle cell and collagen content were reduced. This was associated with a significant reduction in reendothelialization and endothelial cell proliferation in injured
Cxcr4

EC-KO

ApoE
−/−
carotids compared with
Cxcr4

EC-WT

ApoE
−/−
controls. Furthermore, stimulation of human aortic endothelial cells with chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) significantly enhanced their wound-healing capacity in an in vitro scratch assay, an effect that could be reversed with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Also, flow cytometric analysis showed a reduced mobilization of Sca1
+
Flk1
+
Cd31
+
and of Lin
−
Sca1
+
progenitors in
Cxcr4

EC-KO

ApoE
−/−
mice after vascular injury, although Cxcr4 surface expression was unaltered. No differences could be detected in plasma concentrations of Cxcl12, vascular endothelial growth factor, sphingosine 1-phosphate, or Flt3 (fms-related tyrosine kinase 3) ligand, all cytokines with an established role in progenitor cell mobilization. Nonetheless, double immunofluorescence revealed a significant reduction in local endothelial Cxcl12 staining in injured carotids from
Cxcr4

EC-KO

ApoE
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

Endothelial
Cxcr4
is crucial for efficient reendothelialization after vascular injury through endothelial wound healing and proliferation, and through the mobilization of Sca1
+
Flk1
+
Cd31
+
cells, often referred to as circulating endothelial progenitor cells.
Associations Between Body Mass Index and Development of Metabolic Disorders in Fertile Women—A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Schmiegelow Michelle Dalgas , Andersson Charlotte , Køber Lars , Andersen Søren Skøtt , Norgaard Mette Lykke , Jensen Thomas Bo , Gislason Gunnar , Berger Siv Mari , Torp‐Pedersen Christian 
Published: April 2014

Background

Metabolic disorders are relatively uncommon in young women, but may increase with obesity. The associations between body mass index (
BMI
) and risks of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in apparently healthy, young women have been insufficiently investigated, and are the aims of this study.

Methods and Results

Women giving birth during the years 2004–2009, with no history of cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, pregnancy‐associated metabolic disorders, diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia were identified in nationwide registers. Women were categorized as underweight (
BMI
<18.5 kg/m
2
), normal weight (
BMI
=18.5 to <25 kg/m
2
), overweight (
BMI
=25 to <30 kg/m
2
), obese‐I (
BMI
=30 to <35 kg/m
2
), obese‐
II
(
BMI
=35 to <40 kg/m
2
), and obese‐
III
(
BMI
≥40 kg/m
2
). We assessed risks by Poisson regression models (adjusted for age, calendar year; reference=normal weight). The cohort comprised 252 472 women with a median age of 30.4 years (
IQR
=27.2;33.7) and a median follow‐up of 5.5 years (
IQR
=3.9;6.8). In total, 2029 women developed diabetes, 3133 women developed hypertension, and 1549 women developed dyslipidemia. Rate ratios (
RR
s) of diabetes were: 0.84 (95% confidence interval [
CI
]=0.62 to 1.14) for underweight, 2.63 (
CI
=2.36 to 2.93) for overweight, 4.83 (
CI
=4.27 to 5.47) for obese grade‐I, 7.17 (
CI
=6.10 to 8.48) for obese grade‐II, and 6.93 (
CI
=5.47 to 8.79) for obese grade‐III women. For hypertension, corresponding
RR
s were 0.86 (
CI
=0.69 to 1.09), 1.82 (
CI
=1.67 to 1.98), 2.81 (
CI
=2.52 to 3.13), 3.92 (
CI
=3.36 to 4.56), and 5.69 (
CI
=4.71 to 6.89), and for dyslipidemia,
RR
s were 1.18 (
CI
=0.85 to 1.65), 2.01 (
CI
=1.75 to 2.31), 3.11 (
CI
=2.61 to 3.70), 4.64 (
CI
=3.66 to 5.87), and 3.72 (
CI
=2.53 to 5.48).

Conclusions

In this nationwide study of fertile, apparently healthy women, pre‐pregnancy
BMI
was strongly associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia within 5.5 years following childbirth.
Perceptual Learning: Tactile Letter Recognition Transfers Across Body Surfaces
Authors: Arnold Gabriel , Auvray Malika 
Published: April 2014

Visual-to-tactile sensory substitution devices are designed to assist visually impaired people by converting visual stimuli into tactile stimuli. The important claim has been made that, after training with these devices, the tactile stimuli can be moved from one body surface to another without any decrease in performance. This claim, although recurrent, has never been empirically investigated. Moreover, studies in the field of tactile perceptual learning suggest that performance improvement transfers only to body surfaces that are closely represented in the somatosensory cortex, i.e. adjacent or homologous contralateral body surfaces. These studies have however mainly used discrimination tasks of stimuli varying along only one feature (e.g., orientation of gratings) whereas, in sensory substitution, tactile information consists of more complex stimuli. The present study investigated the extent to which there is a transfer of tactile letter learning. Participants first underwent a baseline session in which the letters were presented on their belly, thigh, and shin. They were subsequently trained on only one of these body surfaces, and then re-tested on all of them, as a post-training session. The results revealed that performance improvement was the same for both the trained and the untrained surfaces. Moreover, this transfer of perceptual learning was equivalent for adjacent and non-adjacent body surfaces, suggesting that tactile learning transfer occurs independently of the distance on the body. A control study consisting of the same baseline and post-training sessions, without training in between, revealed weaker improvement between the two sessions. The obtained results support the claim that training with sensory substitution devices results in a relative independence from the stimulated body surface.
Inhibitors of endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme lead to an amplification of the morphological changes and an upregulation of the substance P system in a muscle overuse model
Authors: Song Yafeng , Stål Per S , Yu Ji-Guo , Lorentzon Ronny , Backman Clas , Forsgren Sture 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously observed, in studies on an experimental overuse model, that the tachykinin system may be involved in the processes of muscle inflammation (myositis) and other muscle tissue alterations. To further evaluate the significance of tachykinins in these processes, we have used inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), substances which are known to terminate the activity of various endogenously produced substances, including tachykinins.MethodsInjections of inhibitors of NEP and ACE, as well as the tachykinin substance P (SP), were given locally outside the tendon of the triceps surae muscle of rabbits subjected to marked overuse of this muscle. A control group was given NaCl injections. Evaluations were made at 1 week, a timepoint of overuse when only mild inflammation and limited changes in the muscle structure are noted in animals not treated with inhibitors. Both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were examined morphologically and with immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).ResultsA pronounced inflammation (myositis) and changes in the muscle fiber morphology, including muscle fiber necrosis, occurred in the overused muscles of animals given NEP and ACE inhibitors. The morphological changes were clearly more prominent than for animals subjected to overuse and NaCl injections (NaCl group). A marked SP-like expression, as well as a marked expression of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) was found in the affected muscle tissue in response to injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors. The concentration of SP in the muscles was also higher than that for the NaCl group.ConclusionsThe observations show that the local injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors led to marked SP-like and NK-1R immunoreactions, increased SP concentrations, and an amplification of the morphological changes in the tissue. The injections of the inhibitors thus led to a more marked myositis process and an upregulation of the SP system. Endogenously produced substances, out of which the tachykinins conform to one substance family, may play a role in mediating effects in the tissue in a muscle that is subjected to pronounced overuse.
Oscillatory difference equations and moment problems
Authors: Ferreira José M , Pinelas Sandra , Ruffing Andreas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we first consider some new oscillatory results with respect to the discrete Hermite polynomials of type I, respectively, type II and the Heim-Lorek polynomials. In the second part, we investigate the oscillatory and boundedness properties of the related orthogonality measures and the functions representing them. The polynomials considered so far in this article are closely related to the concept of the Wess-Ruffing discretization.
Motor recovery patterns in arm muscles: coupled bilateral training and neuromuscular stimulation
Authors: Kang Nyeonju , Idica Jerelyne , Amitoj Bhullar , Cauraugh James H 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Neuromuscular stimulation coupled with bilateral movements facilitates functional motor recovery of the upper extremities post stroke. This study investigated electromyography activation patterns during training. The leading question asked: Do EMG activation patterns show rehabilitative effects of coupled bilateral movement training on wrist and fingers extension, elbow extension, and shoulder abduction?

Methods
Twelve stroke volunteers completed nine hours of coupled bilateral movement training on three sets of joints in their arms. Neuromuscular stimulation on the impaired limb assisted wrist and fingers extension, elbow extension, and shoulder abduction. Mean activation level data were analyzed in a three-way completely within-subjects ANOVA (Training Day × Movement Type × Trial Block: 3 × 3 × 3).

Results
The analysis revealed three important findings: (a) activation levels in Days 5 and 6 were significantly higher than Days 1 and 2, (b) muscle activation patterns increased across trial blocks, and (c) movements for the shoulder joint/girdle as well as wrist and fingers demonstrated higher activation than the elbow joint. Further analysis indicated that the muscle activation patterns for shoulder abduction were positively associated with force stabilization (ratio of good variability relative to bad variability) during bilateral force production.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that capability to increase muscle activity during the three joint movements was improved after training. There appears to be higher muscle activation in the primary proximal and distal muscles necessary for motor control improvement.
A New Benzylidene-based Fluorophore Polymer as “Turn on” Fluorescent Chemosensor Selectively for Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Lim Wan Leng , Kobayashi Takaomi , Aota Hiroyuki , Oo Chuan Wei 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Benzylidene polyester was successfully synthesized and highly intense fluorescence of a Cu2+–benzylidene complex was observed. The reason for the significantly enhanced fluorescence “turn on” was elucidated for efficient and effective detection of Cu2+ ion.
Predictors of Access to Sex Education for Children With Intellectual Disabilities in Public Schools
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Schmidt Marcelo , Chesnut Steven , Wei Tianlan , Richman David 
Published: April 2014

AbstractData from the National Longitudinal Transition Study—2 (SRI International, 2002) were analyzed to identify variables that predicted whether individuals with intellectual disability (ID) received sex education in public schools across the United States. Results suggested that individuals receiving special education services without ID were only slightly more likely to receive sex education than students with mild ID (47.5% and 44.1%, respectively), but the percentage of students with moderate to profound ID that received sex education was significantly lower (16.18%). Analysis of teacher opinions and perceptions of the likelihood of the students benefiting from sex education found that most teachers indicated that students without ID or with mild ID would benefit (60% and 68%, respectively), but the percentage dropped to 25% for students with moderate to profound ID. Finally, across all students, the only significant demographic variable that predicted receipt of sex education was more expressive communication skills. Results are discussed in terms of ensuring equal access to sex education for students with ID in public schools.
The transition to digital television in Greece: Now what?
Authors: Papathanassopoulos Stylianos 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of digital television in Greece. By examining the latest digital developments in the middle of financial crisis, it suggests that the Greek government adopted a purely market-driven approach leaving the private forces to take up digital terrestrial television. The closure of the public broadcaster, ERT, has accelerated the neo-liberal market-driven policy and Greece has ended up as one of the countries that have left the development of digital terrestrial television entirely to the private sector.