bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ca2+-stabilized adhesin helps an Antarctic bacterium reach out and bind ice
Authors: Vance Tyler D. R. , Olijve Luuk L. C. , Campbell Robert L. , Voets Ilja K. , Davies Peter L. , Guo Shuaiqi 
Published: June 2014

The large size of a 1.5-MDa ice-binding adhesin [MpAFP (Marinomonas primoryensis antifreeze protein)] from an Antarctic Gram-negative bacterium, M. primoryensis, is mainly due to its highly repetitive RII (Region II). MpAFP_RII contains roughly 120 tandem copies of an identical 104-residue repeat. We have previously determined that a single RII repeat folds as a Ca2+-dependent immunoglobulin-like domain. Here, we solved the crystal structure of RII tetra-tandemer (four tandem RII repeats) to a resolution of 1.8 Å. The RII tetra-tandemer reveals an extended (~190-Å × ~25-Å), rod-like structure with four RII-repeats aligned in series with each other. The inter-repeat regions of the RII tetra-tandemer are strengthened by Ca2+ bound to acidic residues. SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) profiles indicate the RII tetra-tandemer is significantly rigidified upon Ca2+ binding, and that the protein's solution structure is in excellent agreement with its crystal structure. We hypothesize that &gt;600 Ca2+ help rigidify the chain of ~120 104-residue repeats to form a ~0.6 μm rod-like structure in order to project the ice-binding domain of MpAFP away from the bacterial cell surface. The proposed extender role of RII can help the strictly aerobic, motile bacterium bind ice in the upper reaches of the Antarctic lake where oxygen and nutrients are most abundant. Ca2+-induced rigidity of tandem Ig-like repeats in large adhesins might be a general mechanism used by bacteria to bind to their substrates and help colonize specific niches.
Combination of bexarotene and the retinoid CD1530 reduces murine oral-cavity carcinogenesis induced by the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide
Authors: Tang Xiao-Han , Osei-Sarfo Kwame , Urvalek Alison M. , Zhang Tuo , Scognamiglio Theresa , Gudas Lorraine J. 
Published: June 2014

SignificanceOral-cavity squamous-cell carcinoma is one of the most common human cancers in the world. About 60–70% of oral-cavity carcinoma cases are diagnosed only after the tumors have become locally advanced. Therefore, in addition to treatment, prevention of oral cancer is a very important goal. In this study, we found that the combination of the drugs bexarotene and CD1530 was more effective than either drug alone in preventing oral carcinogenesis in our mouse model of human oral and esophageal cancers. We envision that the combination of bexarotene and CD1530 could potentially be applied to humans at a high risk for oral cancer, as a very effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of human oral cancer.
Probing nuclear pore complex architecture with proximity-dependent biotinylation
Authors: Kim Dae In , KC Birendra , Zhu Wenhong , Motamedchaboki Khatereh , Doye Valérie , Roux Kyle J. 
Published: June 2014

Significance
Proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) is a readily accessible method for identifying protein associations that occur in living cells. Fusion of a promiscuous biotin ligase to a bait protein for expression in live cells enables covalent biotin labeling, and thus identification, of proteins proximate to the bait. Here we used BioID to probe the organization of the nuclear pore complex, a large structure that regulates molecular transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. These studies enhance our understanding of major subcomplexes within the nuclear pore complex and demonstrate the utility of BioID for studying the organization of large protein assemblies. Additionally, we have measured the labeling radius of BioID, thus enabling the rational application of this method and more meaningful data interpretation.
Susceptibility of Koi and Yellow Perch to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus by Experimental Exposure
Authors: Palmer Alexander D. , Emmenegger Eveline J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a novirhabdoviral pathogen that originated in western North America among anadromous Pacific salmonids. Severe disease epidemics in the late 1970s resulting from IHNV's invasion into farmed Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in North America, Asia, and Europe emphasized IHNV's ability to adapt to new hosts under varying rearing conditions. Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and Koi Carp Cyprinus carpio (hereafter, “Koi”) are aquaculture-reared fish that are highly valued in sport fisheries and the ornamental fish trade, respectively, but it is unknown whether these fish species are vulnerable to IHNV infection. In this study, we exposed Yellow Perch, Koi, and steelhead (anadromous Rainbow Trout) to IHNV by intraperitoneal injection (106 PFU/fish) and by immersion (5.7×105 PFU/mL) for 7 h, and monitored fish for 28 d. The extended immersion exposure and high virus concentrations used in the challenges were to determine if the tested fish had any level of susceptibility. After experimental exposure, Yellow Perch and Koi experienced low mortality (&lt;6%) compared with steelhead (&gt;35%). Virus was found in dead fish of all species tested and in surviving Yellow Perch by plaque assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), with a higher prevalence in Yellow Perch than Koi. Infectious virus was also detected in Yellow Perch out to 5 d after bath challenge. These findings indicate that Yellow Perch and Koi are highly resistant to IHNV disease under the conditions tested, but Yellow Perch are susceptible to infection and may serve as possible virus carriers.
Received July 29, 2013; accepted November 22, 2013
Risk Factors Associated with Enteric Septicemia of Catfish on Mississippi Commercial Catfish Farms
Authors: Cunningham Fred L. , Jack S. W. , Hardin David , Wills Robert W. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A gram-negative bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, is the cause of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), which is one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases in farm-raised catfish. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ESC mortalities and are reported by farm personnel. To identify risk factors a catfish management database was developed. The odds ratios (OR) of the final multivariable logistic regression model were: (1) volume of the pond (OR, 0.56), (2) interval from harvest until a mortality event (OR, 1.49), (3) interval from stocking until a mortality event (OR, 0.52), (4) nitrite measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 3.49), (5) total ammonia measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 20.48), and (6) sum of feed fed for 14 d prior to the disease outbreak (OR, 1.02), all of which were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with ESC occurrence. This study showed that some commonly recorded production variables were associated with ESC outbreaks and if monitored could help identify “at risk” ponds prior to disease outbreaks.
Received September 18, 2013; accepted December 17, 2013
The bHLH142 Transcription Factor Coordinates with TDR1 to Modulate the Expression of EAT1 and Regulate Pollen Development in Rice
Authors: Ko Swee-Suak , Li Min-Jeng , Sun-Ben Ku Maurice , Ho Yi-Cheng , Lin Yi-Jyun , Chuang Ming-Hsing , Hsing Hong-Xian , Lien Yi-Chen , Yang Hui-Ting , Chang Hung-Chia , Chan Ming-Tsair 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Male sterility plays an important role in F1 hybrid seed production. We identified a male-sterile rice (Oryza sativa) mutant with impaired pollen development and a single T-DNA insertion in the transcription factor gene bHLH142. Knockout mutants of bHLH142 exhibited retarded meiosis and defects in tapetal programmed cell death. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses showed that bHLH142 is specifically expressed in the anther, in the tapetum, and in meiocytes during early meiosis. Three basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, UDT1 (bHLH164), TDR1 (bHLH5), and EAT1/DTD1 (bHLH141) are known to function in rice pollen development. bHLH142 acts downstream of UDT1 and GAMYB but upstream of TDR1 and EAT1 in pollen development. In vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that bHLH142 and TDR1 proteins interact. Transient promoter assays demonstrated that regulation of the EAT1 promoter requires bHLH142 and TDR1. Consistent with these results, 3D protein structure modeling predicted that bHLH142 and TDR1 form a heterodimer to bind to the EAT1 promoter. EAT1 positively regulates the expression of AP37 and AP25, which induce tapetal programmed cell death. Thus, in this study, we identified bHLH142 as having a pivotal role in tapetal programmed cell death and pollen development.
Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Humphries Stuart , Morrell Lesley J. , Wilkinson David M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryEusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments.Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator‐safe, long‐lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.
No Influence of Exogenous Hyaluronan on the Behavior of Human Cancer Cells or Endothelial Cell Capillary Formation
Authors: Seino Satoshi , Takeshita Fumitaka , Asari Akira , Masuda Yasunobu , Kunou Masaaki , Ochiya Takahiro 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHyaluronan (HA), a type of glycosaminoglycan used to construct the extracellular matrix, is involved in the proliferation and motility of cells, including cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether exogenous HA has an influence on cancer in vitro and in vivo. High‐molecular‐weight HA (900 kDa) and low‐molecular‐weight HA (10 kDa) were added to several types of cancer cell lines in vitro, and proliferation and invasion were assessed. The effect of HA on capillary formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also analyzed. The results showed that both types of HA had no apparent effect on cellular proliferation, invasion, or capillary formation. In an animal study, the 2 types of HA were orally administered to tumor‐bearing mice at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/d for 4 wk. Analysis using an in vivo imaging system revealed that tumor proliferation and metastasis were not greatly altered by HA administration. Furthermore, CD31 immunohistochemical staining revealed no obvious change in tumor microvessels. Taken together, these results demonstrate that exogenously administered HA has little effect on cancer. This study may support the safety of various forms of HA administration, including oral intake.
Metabolism of the Hepatotoxic Compound Sophoraflavanone G in Rat Liver Microsomes
Authors: Chen Ping , Zhang Xiuwen , Huang Taomin , Yu Qianqian , Cheng Nengneng 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOur study aimed at investigating the metabolic characteristics of sophoraflavanone G (SFG), one of the hepatotoxic constituents of Sophora flavescens, in rat liver microsomes (RLMs). SFG was metabolized to 3 phase I metabolites, di‐hydroxylated SFG (M1), mono‐hydroxylated SFG (M2), dehydrogenated product of mono‐hydroxylated SFG (M3) and 3 SFG glucuronides (M4, M5, and M6) by RLMs. The formation kinetics of M2 conformed to biphasic kinetics in RLMs. The formation kinetics of M4 and M5 best‐fitted the Hill equation kinetics. Chemical inhibition studies found that CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 were the major enzymes responsible for the formation of M2, and the formation of M4 and M5 may be catalyzed by multiple UGT1A isoforms.
Efficient and sensitive identification and quantification of airborne pollen using next‐generation DNA sequencing
Authors: Kraaijeveld Ken , de Weger Letty A. , Ventayol García Marina , Buermans Henk , Frank Jeroen , Hiemstra Pieter S. , den Dunnen Johan T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPollen monitoring is an important and widely used tool in allergy research and creation of awareness in pollen‐allergic patients. Current pollen monitoring methods are microscope‐based, labour intensive and cannot identify pollen to the genus level in some relevant allergenic plant groups. Therefore, a more efficient, cost‐effective and sensitive method is needed. Here, we present a method for identification and quantification of airborne pollen using DNA sequencing. Pollen is collected from ambient air using standard techniques. DNA is extracted from the collected pollen, and a fragment of the chloroplast gene trnL is amplified using PCR. The PCR product is subsequently sequenced on a next‐generation sequencing platform (Ion Torrent). Amplicon molecules are sequenced individually, allowing identification of different sequences from a mixed sample. We show that this method provides an accurate qualitative and quantitative view of the species composition of samples of airborne pollen grains. We also show that it correctly identifies the individual grass genera present in a mixed sample of grass pollen, which cannot be achieved using microscopic pollen identification. We conclude that our method is more efficient and sensitive than current pollen monitoring techniques and therefore has the potential to increase the throughput of pollen monitoring.
The “Dual‐Pathway” Strategy after Acute Coronary Syndrome: Rivaroxaban and Antiplatelet Agents in the ATLAS ACS 2‐TIMI 51 Trial
Authors: Cohen Marc , Iyer Deepa 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency often associated with an occlusive coronary event with consequent myocardial underperfusion. Patients require immediate antiplatelet therapy and long‐term antithrombotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of recurrence. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or in combination with a platelet P2Y12 inhibitor (dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) has become the clinically accepted antithrombotic prophylaxis for patients post‐ACS. Historically, studies assessing the utility of adding oral anticoagulants (OACs) have not demonstrated a clinical benefit with regard to acceptable bleeding risk. Studies with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin demonstrated a potential to reduce the risk of subsequent death by reinfarction but this benefit was offset by increases in bleeding. Results from studies of two targeted non‐VKA OACs also proved disappointing, with little or no apparent reduction in the rate of ischemic events seen. However, the recent ATLAS studies assessing rivaroxaban (an oral factor Xa inhibitor) in patients with ACS demonstrated a reduction in the composite endpoint of deaths from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke, and a reduction in the rate of stent thrombosis. This review provides an overview of the pivotal studies in which the addition of OACs to antiplatelet therapy (the so‐called “dual‐pathway” approach) has been investigated for the management of patients post‐ACS and considers the results of the ATLAS studies and their potential impact on the management of patients after an acute event.
Maternal stress associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Cox Angela , Ostring Genevieve , Piper Susan , Munro Jane , Singh‐Grewal Davinder 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess parental stress levels of mothers of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) aged between 2–12 years and compare with those reported for other chronic childhood illnesses.MethodologyMothers of children aged between 2–12 years with JIA were recruited from hospital‐based outpatient clinics. Maternal stress was measured by using the Parenting Stress Index Long Form (PSI). The physician assessing the child completed an active joint count, a physician's global assessment and recorded the C‐reactive protein and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate if one was clinically indicated.ResultsThe mothers recruited had children with a mean age of 6 years. The mean total stress score of mothers of children with JIA measured by the PSI was 235.4 (95% CI 218.5–252.3) was greater than the mean total stress scores for mothers of normal children at 222.8 (95% CI 221.4–224.2). It was also greater than children with other chronic disorders such as insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), 218.1 (95% CI 204.7–231.6) and profound deafness, 221.7 (95% CI 206.4–237.0). One third of mothers had total PSI scores that were in the clinical range (Total PSI > 260), indicating a need for intervention.ConclusionJIA should be regarded as a significant illness in which maternal stress is at least equivalent to that associated with the care of children with other chronic diseases of childhood.
Optimal rates of 2,4‐dichlophenoxyacetic acid foliar application for control of common scab in potato
Authors: Thompson H.K. , Tegg R.S. , Corkrey R. , Wilson C.R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractApplications of the synthetic auxin 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) to the foliage of potato plants can reduce common scab, a tuber disease. However, in prior research effective applications at 200 mg L−1 2,4‐D resulted in phytotoxic side effects with reduced tuber yield and quality. This study showed that minimal significant threshold rates from 8.3 to 23.6 mg L−1 2,4‐D reduced disease incidence in pot trials, and from 10.8 to 41.0 mg L−1 minimised disease severity in both pot and field trials. In only one pot trial, significant phytotoxicity was found with rates of 100 mg L−1 or greater, reducing mean total tuber mass per plot and 38 mg L−1 or greater, reducing mean mass per tuber. Notably, within the field trial, a more reliable plant growth system for estimation of yield, no significant impacts were observed. Disease control was associated with decreased sensitivity of tubers to thaxtomin A, the phytotoxin produced by the common scab pathogen essential for disease induction. The amount of residual 2,4‐D in tubers at harvest varied with cultivar, Russet Burbank accumulating more 2,4‐D than Desiree. Application rates less than 100 mg L−1 resulted in levels of 2,4‐D below the Australian standard maximum residue limit. These data suggest that applications of 2,4‐D at low rates could provide a commercially suitable control strategy for common scab.
Effects of human presence on the long‐term trends of migrant and resident shorebirds: evidence of local population declines
Authors: Martín B. , Delgado S. , de la Cruz A. , Tirado S. , Ferrer M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study examines the responses to human presence of the most abundant shorebird species in an important coastal migration staging area (Los Lances Beach, southern Spain). Long‐term census data were used to assess the relationship between bird abundances and human densities and to determine population trends. In addition, changes in individual bird behaviour in relation to human presence were evaluated by direct observation of a shorebird resident species. Our results show that a rapid increase in the recreational use of the study area in summer has dramatically reduced the number of shorebirds and gulls which occur, limiting the capacity of the site as a post‐breeding stop‐over area. In addition, the presence of people at the beach significantly reduced the time that resident species spent consuming prey. Negative effects of human presence on bird abundance remain constant over the study period, showing no habituation to human disturbance in any of the studied species. Moreover, although intense human disturbance at Los Lances Beach occurs mainly in summer, the human presence observed is sufficient to have a negative impact on the long‐term trends of a resident shorebird species. The impacts of disturbance detected on shorebirds and gulls may be reversible through management actions that decrease human presence. We suggest a minimum distance of 80 m for any track or walkway from those areas where shorebirds are usually present, particularly during spring and summer, as well as an appropriate fencing in the most sensitive area.
Treatment with a nicotine vaccine does not lead to changes in brain activity during smoking cue exposure or a working memory task
Authors: Havermans Anne , Vuurman Eric F. , van den Hurk Job , Hoogsteder Philippe , van Schayck Onno C. P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTo assess whether immunization attenuates nicotinic stimulation of the brain and elucidate brain and behavioural responses during exposure to smoking cues and a working memory task.DesignRandomized, placebo‐controlled parallel‐group, repeated‐measures design.SettingMaastricht University, the Netherlands.ParticipantsForty‐eight male smokers were randomized to receive five injections with either 400 μg/ml of the 3′‐aminomethylnicotine Pseudomonas aeruginosa r‐Exoprotein‐conjugated vaccine or placebo. Subjects were tested on two occasions, once after a nicotine challenge and once after a placebo challenge, and were asked to refrain from smoking 10 hours before testing.MeasurementsReaction‐times and accuracies were recorded during an n‐back task. Moreover, regional blood oxygenated level‐dependent (BOLD) response was measured during this task and during smoking cue exposure.FindingsGreater activation was found in response to smoking cues compared to neutral cues in bilateral trans‐occipital sulcus (P < 0.005); however, this effect did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. There was no difference in brain activity to smoking cues between the treatment groups and no effects of acute nicotine challenge were established. For the n‐back task we found working memory load‐sensitive increases in brain activity in several frontal and parietal areas (P < 0.0025). However, no effects of immunization or nicotine challenge were observed.ConclusionNo significant effects of immunization on brain activity in response to a nicotine challenge were established. Therefore this vaccine is not likely to be an effective aid in smoking cessation.
Just say ‘know’: how do cannabinoid concentrations influence users' estimates of cannabis potency and the amount they roll in joints?
Authors: Freeman Tom P. , Morgan Celia J. A. , Hindocha Chandni , Schafer Gráinne , Das Ravi K. , Curran H. Valerie 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAims(1) To determine whether measured concentrations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in individuals' own cannabis predict their estimates of drug potency and actual titration; and (2) to ascertain if these effects are influenced by frequency of use and cannabis type.DesignCross‐sectional, naturalistic.SettingParticipants' own homes.ParticipantsA total of 247 cannabis users in the United Kingdom: 152 ‘recreational’ (1–24 days/month) and 95 ‘daily’ (≥25 days/month).MethodsParticipants rated their own cannabis for its potency (1–10) and type (‘resin’, ‘herbal’, ‘skunk’) before smoking it in front of the researcher. The amount of cannabis (g) used in their joints was recorded and an additional sample was analysed for THC and CBD concentrations (%).FindingsTHC concentrations were related negatively to the amount of cannabis used [unstandardized regression coefficient: b = −0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.017, −0.002]. Potency estimates were predicted by increasing THC (b = 0.055, 95% CI = 0.020, 0.090) and decreasing CBD (b = −0.160, 95% CI = −0.284, −0.062), and both of these associations were mediated by cannabis type (THC: b = 0.018, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.037; CBD: b = −0.105, 95% CI = −0.198, −0.028). Potency estimates were more reflective of THC as frequency of use increased (b = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.007) and were 7.3 times more so in daily (partial r = 0.381) than recreational users (r = 0.052).ConclusionsWhen using their own cannabis in a naturalistic setting, people titrate the amount they roll in joints according to concentrations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but not cannabidiol (CBD). Recreational users thus show poor understanding of cannabis potency.