bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunits perform distinct functional roles in the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Shin Joon‐Hee , Kim Jung‐Eun , Malapi‐Wight Martha , Choi Yoon‐E. , Shaw Brian D. , Shim Won‐Bo 
Published: March 2013

SummaryFusarium verticillioides is a pathogen of maize causing ear rot and stalk rot. The fungus also produces fumonisins, a group of mycotoxins linked to disorders in animals and humans. A cluster of genes, designated FUM genes, plays a key role in the synthesis of fumonisins. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of fumonisin biosynthesis is still incomplete. We have demonstrated previously that Cpp1, a protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit, negatively regulates fumonisin production and is involved in cell shape maintenance. In general, three PP2A subunits, structural A, regulatory B and catalytic C, make up a heterotrimer complex to perform regulatory functions. Significantly, we identified two PP2A regulatory subunits in the F. verticillioides genome, Ppr1 and Ppr2, which are homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc55 and Rts1, respectively. In this study, we hypothesized that Ppr1 and Ppr2 are involved in the regulation of fumonisin biosynthesis and/or cell development in F. verticillioides, and generated a series of mutants to determine the functional role of Ppr1 and Ppr2. The PPR1 deletion strain (Δppr1) resulted in drastic growth defects, but increased microconidia production. The PPR2 deletion mutant strain (Δppr2) showed elevated fumonisin production, similar to the Δcpp1 strain. Germinating Δppr1 conidia formed abnormally swollen cells with a central septation site, whereas Δppr2 showed early hyphal branching during conidia germination. A kernel rot assay showed that the mutants were slow to colonize kernels, but this is probably a result of growth defects rather than a virulence defect. Results from this study suggest that two PP2A regulatory subunits in F. verticillioides carry out distinct roles in the regulation of fumonisin biosynthesis and fungal development.
The influence of cis‐acting P1 protein and translational elements on the expression of Potato virus Y helper‐component proteinase (HCPro) in heterologous systems and its suppression of silencing activity
Authors: Tena Fernández Fátima , González Inmaculada , Doblas Paula , Rodríguez César , Sahana Nandita , Kaur Harpreet , Tenllado Francisco , Praveen Shelly , Canto Tomas 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIn the Potyvirus genus, the P1 protein is the first N‐terminal product processed from the viral polyprotein, followed by the helper‐component proteinase (HCPro). In silencing suppression patch assays, we found that Potato virus Y (PVY) HCPro expressed from a P1‐HCPro sequence increased the accumulation of a reporter gene, whereas protein expressed from an HCPro sequence did not, even with P1 supplied in trans. This enhancing effect of P1 has been noted in other potyviruses, but has remained unexplained. We analysed the accumulation of PVY HCPro in infiltrated tissues and found that it was higher when expressed from P1‐HCPro than from HCPro sequences. Co‐expression of heterologous suppressors increased the steady‐state level of mRNA expressed from the HCPro sequence, but not that of protein. This suggests that, in the absence of P1 upstream, either HCPro acquires a conformation that affects negatively its activity or stability, or that its translation is reduced. To test these options, we purified HCPro expressed in the presence or absence of upstream P1, and found no difference in purification pattern and final soluble state. By contrast, alteration of the Kozak context in the HCPro mRNA sequence to favour translation increased partially suppressor accumulation and activity. Furthermore, protein activity was not lower than in protein expressed from P1‐HCPro sequences. Thus, a direct role for P1 on HCPro suppressor activity or stability, by influencing its conformation during translation, can be excluded. However, P1 could still have an indirect effect favouring HCPro accumulation. Our data highlight the relevance of cis‐acting translational elements in the heterologous expression of HCPro.
Starch metabolism and antiflorigenic signals modulate the juvenile‐to‐adult phase transition in Arabidopsis
Authors: MATSOUKAS IANIS G. , MASSIAH ANDREA J. , THOMAS BRIAN 
Published: March 2013

Knowledge of how environment influences juvenility could help with crop scheduling in commercial horticulture, decrease time to flowering and reduce waste with resulting benefits for the environment through lower inputs and energy required per unit of marketable product.In the manuscript, using an experimental assay that allows the length of the juvenile phase to be estimated in response to floral competence, and several mutants impaired in different genetic pathways, we show that multiple inputs influence the timing of the juvenile‐to‐adult phase transition in Arabidopsis.
The Nurse's First Visit
Authors: Foley Edna L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHome visiting was an important component of the Public Health Nurse's (PHN) role in the early twentieth century. In this reprint, originally published in 1918 and reprinted in 1926, Edna Foley discusses the significance of the first visit the PHN makes to a family. Critical themes in the paper include the importance of first impressions, communication and observation skills, obtaining the statistical data needed by the agency and collaboration with other community social service agencies. Many of the themes and strategies discussed by Foley are cogent to PHNs and visiting nurses in the contemporary health care arena.
The Argument for Subject Body Dualism from Transtemporal Identity Defended
Authors: Nida‐Rümelin Martine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn my argument for subject body dualism criticized by Ludwig I use the locution of a genuine and factual difference between two possibilities. Ludwig distinguishes three interpretations of this locution. According to his analysis the argument does not go through on any of these interpretations. In my response I agree that the argument is unsuccessful if ‘factual difference’ is understood in the first way. The second reading—according to a plausible understanding—cannot be used for the argument either. The discussion of this reading raises fundamental issues about different notions of propositional content. I disagree with Ludwig's diagnosis with respect to the third reading. Contrary to Ludwig's claim, there is no modal error involved if ‘factual difference’ is understood in the third way. Ludwig's objection to the argument according to its third reading can be answered by pointing out that every individual has its identity conditions necessarily. At this point fundamental and general metaphysical issues (concerning the link between identity conditions and the nature of ontological categories and between transworld and transtemporal identity) prove relevant. Finally, I make more explicit how ‘factual difference’ should be understood in the context of the argument (this is a fourth reading not considered by Ludwig) and explain how this reading strengthens the argument (compared to the third reading) by weakening its central premise. I conclude that Ludwig's attempt at undermining the argument from transtemporal identity for subject body dualism is unsuccessful.
Multidimensional Social Exclusion and the ‘Rural‐Urban Divide’ in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Spoor Max 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRural areas in the transition countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia are often excluded from the fruits of economic growth. In this paper it is argued that this exclusion goes beyond the mere ‘rural‐urban divide’ caused by unequal income distribution. Social exclusion, measured by three dimensions, exclusion from economic life, exclusion from social services, and exclusion from civic life and social networks, is captured by an innovative multidimensional exclusion index (MEI), developed in the Regional Human Development Report. The empirical base for the MEI is a set of large household surveys in six transition countries, Kazakhstan, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine, held in the period September‐November 2009, during the height of the economic crisis. Special emphasis is given to the location factor, showing that social exclusion is overall stronger in rural areas in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in particular caused by the stronger influence of the second dimension, exclusion from social services, which includes access and quality to public utilities.
Immune modulation and lack of alloimmunization following transfusion with pathogen‐reduced platelets in mice
Authors: Jackman Rachael P. , Muench Marcus O. , Heitman John W. , Inglis Heather C. , Law Jacqueline P. , Marschner Susanne , Goodrich Raymond P. , Norris Philip J. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundTransfusion of allogeneic blood products can lead to alloimmunization, impacting success of subsequent transfusions and solid organ transplants. Pathogen reduction using riboflavin and ultraviolet B (UVB) light has been shown to eliminate the immunogenicity of white blood cells (WBCs) in vitro through down regulation of surface adhesion molecules, effectively blocking cell–cell conjugation and direct presentation. We sought to determine if this loss of immunogenicity is extended in vivo where indirect presentation of allogeneic antigens can occur.Study Design and MethodsBALB/cJ mice were transfused with either untreated or riboflavin and UVB–treated C57Bl/6J platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) containing WBCs. Circulating alloantibody and allospecific splenocyte cytokine responses were measured.ResultsPathogen reduction of allogeneic WBC‐enriched PRP using riboflavin and UVB light before transfusion prevented alloimmunization, with a loss of both alloantibody generation and priming of secondary cytokine responses ex vivo. When mice given treated transfusions were subsequently given untreated transfusions, they produced normal levels of alloantibodies but had reduced secondary cytokine responses ex vivo. This immune modulation was antigen specific and was dependent on the presence of WBCs in the treated product.ConclusionsUVB plus riboflavin treatment of WBC‐enriched PRP effectively blocks alloimmunization and modulates immune responses to subsequent exposures.
Screening blood donors for diabetes: analysis of use, accuracy, and cost
Authors: Lenhard M. James , Maser Raelene E. , Kolm Paul , Healy Michael J. , Seshadri Prakash 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe objective was to determine if a free, voluntary diabetes screening program as a part of the blood donation process might be cost‐effective.Study Design and MethodsDuring the first 6 months of the program, 26,415 donors were screened using a single random plasma glucose (RPG) level. All donors were asked to eat before donation. Low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups were formed based on RPG levels (<140, 140‐200, and >200 mg/dL). Contact with a telephone questionnaire was made with 139 of 178 (78%) of the persons in the high‐risk group with 33 new cases of diabetes diagnosed by the donor's physician and 26 donors indicating that they were not diagnosed with diabetes. Sex‐ and age‐matched donors in the low‐ and moderate‐risk groups were contacted and administered the same questionnaire.ResultsThe three risk groups were similar, except for body mass index (28.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2 vs. 29.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2 vs. 32.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2, p < 0.001). The discriminative effectiveness of screening was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AROC) curve. The AROC curve was 0.950 (95% confidence interval, 0.920‐0.979) for the identification of diabetes. Using a RPG cutoff of 200 mg/dL, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 82%, and positive predictive value was 56%. Cost analyses showed that the mean cost to screen, per donor, was less than $1. Cost per case identified was estimated to be less than $500 for a RPG cutoff of 200 mg/dL.ConclusionsScreening during the blood donation process appears to be accurate, convenient, and inexpensive.
Sustained remissions of immune thrombocytopenia associated with the use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists
Authors: Ghadaki Bahareh , Nazi Ishac , Kelton John G. , Arnold Donald M. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThrombopoietin receptor agonists (TRAs) are effective treatments for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, continuous therapy is generally required to maintain platelet (PLT) count responses.Study Design and MethodsIn this case series, we describe ITP patients from our practice who achieved durable responses to the TRAs romiplostim and eltrombopag. Patients were classified as having a definite TRA‐induced remission if PLT counts increased above 100 × 109/L after TRA treatment and remained above 100 × 109/L even after the medication was discontinued; or a possible TRA‐induced remission if PLT counts increased above 100 × 109/L, remained elevated for at least 3 months after the medication was discontinued, but a subsequent relapse occurred or the effect of other disease‐modifying therapies could not be excluded.ResultsOf 31 patients with chronic ITP treated with TRAs in our practice, nine patients achieved a PLT count response with either romiplostim (n = 6) or eltrombopag (n = 3) that was maintained even after the medications were discontinued. Three patients met criteria for a definite TRA‐induced remission, each after exposure to romiplostim. Patients had ITP for a median of 7.8 years and had failed a median of four prior therapies including eight patients who had a splenectomy. We documented a progressive decline in anti‐glycoprotein IIbIIIa PLT autoantibodies in one patient while on treatment.ConclusionSome patients with ITP can achieve sustained PLT count responses after the use of TRAs. This observation raises the possibility that these agents may restore immune tolerance to PLT antigens in some patients and supports the practice of down titrating the dose.
The effect of volume replacement during therapeutic leukapheresis on white blood cell reduction in patients with extreme leukocytosis
Authors: Kurnaz Fatih , Sivgin Serdar , Pala Cigdem , Yildirim Rahsan , Baldane Suleyman , Kaynar Leylagul , Solmaz Musa , Ozturk Ahmet , Eser Bulent , Cetin Mustafa , Unal Ali 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundExtreme leukocytosis, generally defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count of more than 100 × 109/L consisting largely of blast cells, especially when accompanied by clinical signs and symptoms of leukostasis or hyperviscosity, often predicts a poor clinical outcome in patients with acute leukemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of volume replacement (VR) during therapeutic leukapheresis (TA) procedure on early mortality rate and WBC reduction.Study Design and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 29 patients who underwentTAfrom 2007 to 2011. Fifteen of the patients underwentTAprocedure withVRand 14 of the patients underwentTAprocedure withoutVR.ResultsWBC reduction was significantly higher in patients who underwentTAwithVR(p < 0.001). Early mortality rate was significantly lower in leukemia patients who underwentTAwithVRthan in patients who underwentTAwithoutVR(p < 0.01); early mortality rates were 6.7% for 7‐day and 13.8% for 100‐day survivals. The mortality rates in theTAwithoutVRgroup, however, were 42.9 and 71.4% for 7‐ and 100‐day survivals, respectively.ConclusionDecreased early mortality rate inTAwithVRgroup may be associated with prompt reduction ofWBCs achieved withTAwithVRand may also be associated with removal of the cytokines related to leukostasis.TAwithVRwould give more time for induction chemotherapy and increased overall survival rate.
Cusp eigenforms and the hall algebra of an elliptic curve
Authors: Fratila Dragos 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe give an explicit construction of the cusp eigenforms on an elliptic curve defined over a finite field, using the theory of Hall algebras and the Langlands correspondence for function fields and${\mathrm{GL} }_{n} $. As a consequence we obtain a description of the Hall algebra of an elliptic curve as an infinite tensor product of simpler algebras. We prove that all these algebras are specializations of a universal spherical Hall algebra (as defined and studied by Burban and Schiffmann [On the Hall algebra of an elliptic curve I, Preprint (2005), arXiv:math/0505148 [math.AG]] and Schiffmann and Vasserot [The elliptic Hall algebra, Cherednik Hecke algebras and Macdonald polynomials, Compositio Math. 147(2011), 188–234]).
Ellipsoid embeddings and symplectic packing stability
Authors: Buse O. , Hind R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe prove packing stability for rational symplectic manifolds. This will rely on a general symplectic embedding result for ellipsoids which assumes only that there is no volume obstruction and that the domain is sufficiently thin relative to the target. We also obtain easily computable bounds for the Embedded Contact Homology capacities which are sufficient to imply the existence of some symplectic volume filling embeddings in dimension 4.
BREAST THERMOGRAPHY AS A POTENTIAL NON-CONTACT METHOD IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER: A REVIEW
Authors: ETEHADTAVAKOL MAHNAZ , NG EDDIE Y. K. 
Published: March 2013

This review paper discusses recent research achievements in medical thermography with concerns about the possibility of early breast cancer detection. With the advancements in infrared (IR) technology, image processing methods, and the pathophysiological-based knowledge of thermograms, IR screening is sufficiently mature to be utilized as a first-line complement to both health managing and clinical prognosis. In addition, it explains the performance and environmental conditions in identifying thermography for breast tumor imaging under strict indoor controlled environmental circumstances. An irregular thermogram is indicated as a significant biological risk marker for the presence or growth of breast tumors. Breast thermography is completely non-contact, with no form of radiation and compression. It is useful for all women of all ages, for pregnant and breastfeeding women, for women with implants, for women with dense or fibrocystic breasts, for women on hormone replacement therapy, and for pre or post menopausal women.Breast thermography is specifically worthwhile during the early stages of fast tumor growth, which is not yet recognizable by mammography as thermography is a physiological test while mammography is an anatomical one. Often, physiological changes precede anatomical changes. This early detection of irregular tissue liveliness gives breast thermography the potential to be greatly useful and economical as an imaging program and provides the opportunity to apply non-invasive treatment to reform breast tissue activity. The non-radiating nature of thermography also permits repeated images. Thus, changes can be compared over time and the results of protective approaches can be observed to ensure utmost care of breast cells.
HUMAN RECOGNITION BASED ON PLANTAR PRESSURE PATTERNS DURING GAIT
Authors: LIN YU-CHIH , LIN YU-TZU 
Published: March 2013

Recognizing individuals by their gait is a new biometric methodology, which employs dynamic features derived from tracking gait. Instead of the image processing techniques used in most existing studies, our previous study initialized the work of investigating gait recognition in terms of biomechanics. The experimental results showed that the angles and forces of the lower limb joints were reliable features for recognition of individuals, which can provide us with a considerable amount of information in the field of computer science and thus help in developing a more efficient recognition method, which is also more computationally efficient than current image processing methods. Encouraged by the early results, in this study, we proposed a people recognition method based on plantar pressure patterns, which can be used in a concealed manner. We hoped to prove the feasibility of using foot pressure for individual recognition.Two different plantar pressure parameter measurement schemes are discussed: (1) the characteristic parameters and (2) the pressure values of each sensor cell in each frame. The self-organizing map (SOM) neuron network algorithm was used in both schemes for data classification. In order to improve the recognition rate, a support vector machine (SVM) was used as the data classification algorithm for the all-sensor-values method. High recognition rates were achieved with the second method, i.e., using all the sensor cell values of the foot pressure pattern during walking, regardless of the algorithm used. It is suggested that the foot pressure distribution of gait is a suitable feature for gait recognition. Both SOM and SVM can be feasible classifiers for foot pressure-based features.
Agonist Antibodies to TNFR Molecules That Costimulate T and NK Cells
Authors: Melero Ignacio , Hirschhorn-Cymerman Daniel , Morales-Kastresana Aizea , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Wolchok Jedd D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTherapy for cancer can be achieved by artificially stimulating antitumor T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes with agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAb). T and NK cells express several members of the TNF receptor (TNFR) family specialized in delivering a costimulatory signal on their surface. Engagement of these receptors is typically associated with proliferation, elevated effector functions, resistance to apoptosis, and differentiation into memory cells. These receptors lack any intrinsic enzymatic activity and their signal transduction relies on associations with TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) adaptor proteins. Stimulation of CD137 (4-1BB), CD134 (OX40), and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR (GITR; CD357) promotes impressive tumor-rejecting immunity in a variety of murine tumor models. The mechanisms of action depend on a complex interplay of CTL, T-helper cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, and vascular endothelium in tumors. Agonist mAbs specific for CD137 have shown signs of objective clinical activity in patients with metastatic melanoma, whereas anti-OX40 and anti-GITR mAbs have entered clinical trials. Preclinical evidence suggests that engaging TNFR members would be particularly active with conventional cancer therapies and additional immunotherapeutic approaches. Indeed, T-cell responses elicited to tumor antigens by means of immunogenic tumor cell death are amplified by these immunostimulatory agonist mAbs. Furthermore, anti-CD137 mAbs have been shown to enhance NK-mediated cytotoxicity elicited by rituximab and trastuzumab. Combinations with other immunomodulatory mAb that block T-cell checkpoint blockade receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 are also promising. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 1044–53. ©2013 AACR.