bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of RPA32 bound to the N‐terminus of SMARCAL1 redefines the binding interface between RPA32 and its interacting proteins
Authors: Xie Si , Lu Yao , Jakoncic Jean , Sun Hongzhe , Xia Jiang , Qian Chengmin 
Published: June 2014

Replication protein A subunit RPA32 contains a C‐terminal domain that interacts with a variety of DNA damage response proteins including SMARCAL1, Tipin, UNG2 and XPA. We have solved the high‐resolution crystal structure of RPA32 C‐terminal domain (RPA32C) in complex with a 26‐amino‐acid peptide derived from the N‐terminus of SMARCAL1 (SMARCAL1N). The RPA32C–SMARCAL1N structure reveals a 1 : 1 binding stoichiometry and displays a well‐ordered binding interface. SMARCAL1N adopts a long α‐helical conformation with the highly conserved 11 residues aligned on one face of the α‐helix showing extensive interactions with the RPA32C domain. Extensive mutagenesis experiments were performed to corroborate the interactions observed in crystal structure. Moreover, the α1/α2 loop of the RPA32C domain undergoes a conformational rearrangement upon SMARCAL1N binding. NMR study has further confirmed that the RPA32C–SMARCAL1N interaction induces conformational changes in RPA32C. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies have also demonstrated that the conserved α‐helical motif defined in the current study is required for sufficient binding of RPA32C. Taken together, our study has provided convincing structural information that redefines the common recognition pattern shared by RPA32C interacting proteins.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates of RPA32C in complex with 26‐aa SMARCAL1 (SMARCAL1N) peptide have been deposited at the Protein Data Bank with accession code 4MQV.Structured digital abstract

RPA32 and SMARCAL1 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

RPA32 and SMARCAL1 bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

RPA32 and SMARCAL1 bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

Tipin and RPA32 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (1, 2)

RPA32 and UNG2 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (1, 2, 3)

SMARCAL1 and RPA32 bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)

UNG2 and RPA32 bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)

Tipin and RPA32 bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)
Distinctive patterns in prokaryotic community composition in response to viral lysis and flagellate grazing in freshwater microcosms
Authors: Pradeep Ram Angia Sriram , Sime‐Ngando Telesphore 
Published: June 2014

Summary

We conducted microcosm experiments to examine the effect of viruses and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (together referred to as top‐down factors) on prokaryotic standing stock and prokaryotic community composition during the clear water phase (autumn season) in the oligotrophic Lake Pavin in France.

In the experimental treatments containing viruses and viruses plus flagellates, the dissolved organic matter released through top‐down activity appeared to stimulate prokaryotic biomass production and viral proliferation.

About 68% of the total prokaryotic abundance detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed the dominance of typical freshwater groups, which included Beta‐proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Cytophaga‐Flavobacterium subgroups at the start of the experiments.

The manipulation of viruses and flagellates (presence or absence) was successful in inducing significant changes in prokaryotic community composition at a broad phylogenetic level, suggesting that prokaryotic lifestyles are influenced by top‐down factors. The Beta‐proteobacteria subgroup, which outgrew other prokaryotic groups in the absence of viruses and flagellates, was strongly suppressed and vulnerable to mortality in the presence of both the factors. Alpha‐proteobacteria and Actinobacteria subgroups grew significantly in the presence of top‐down factors, suggesting that the dissolved organic matter (regenerated nutrients) released through their activity favoured the development of these groups. The Cytophaga‐Flavobacterium subgroup failed to show any functional response in the presence or absence of top‐down factors.

Low prokaryotic diversity in the experimental treatment containing viruses and high diversity in the presence of both top‐down factors were observed. We found synergistic interactions in treatments when both top‐down factors were present, suggesting that the process of nutrient regeneration was crucial in sustaining stable prokaryotic communities.
Evapotranspiration of tropical peat swamp forests
Authors: Hirano Takashi , Kusin Kitso , Limin Suwido , Osaki Mitsuru 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn Southeast Asia, peatland is widely distributed and has accumulated a massive amount of soil carbon, coexisting with peat swamp forest (PSF). The peatland, however, has been rapidly degraded by deforestation, fires, and drainage for the last two decades. Such disturbances change hydrological conditions, typically groundwater level (GWL), and accelerate oxidative peat decomposition. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a major determinant ofGWL, whereas information on theETofPSFis limited. Therefore, we measuredETusing the eddy covariance technique for 4–6 years between 2002 and 2009, including El Niño and La Niña events, at three sites in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The sites were different in disturbance degree: aPSFwith little drainage (UF), a heavily drainedPSF(DF), and a drained burnt ex‐PSF(DB);GWLwas significantly lowered atDF, especially in the dry season. TheETshowed a clear seasonal variation with a peak in the mid‐dry season and a large decrease in the late dry season, mainly following seasonal variation in net radiation (Rn). TheRndrastically decreased with dense smoke from peat fires in the late dry season. AnnualETforced to close energy balance for 4 years was 1636 ± 53, 1553 ± 117, and 1374 ± 75 mm yr−1(mean ± 1 standard deviation), respectively, atUF,DF, andDB. The undrainedPSF(UF) had high and rather stable annualET, independently of El Niño and La Niña events, in comparison with other tropical rainforests. The minimum monthly‐meanGWLexplained 80% of interannual variation inETfor the forest sites (UFandDF); the positive relationship betweenETandGWLindicates that drainage by a canal decreasedETatDFthrough loweringGWL. In addition,ETwas decreased by 16% atDBin comparison withUFchiefly because of vegetation loss through fires.
Extreme temperature events alter demographic rates, relative fitness, and community structure
Authors: Ma Gang , Rudolf Volker H. W. , Ma Chun‐sen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe frequency and magnitude of extreme events are predicted to increase under future climate change. Despite recent advancements, we still lack a detailed understanding of how changes in the frequency and amplitude of extreme climate events are linked to the temporal and spatial structure of natural communities. To answer this question, we used a combination of laboratory experiments, field experiments, and analysis of multi‐year field observations to reveal the effects of extreme high temperature events on the demographic rates and relative dominance of three co‐occurrence aphid species which differ in their transmission efficiency of different agricultural pathogens. We then linked the geographical shift in their relative dominance to frequent extreme high temperatures through a meta‐analysis. We found that both frequency and amplitude of extreme high temperatures altered demographic rates of species. However, these effects were species‐specific. Increasing the frequency and amplitude of extreme temperature events altered which species had the highest fitness. Importantly, this change in relative fitness of species was consistent with significant changes in the relative dominance of species in natural communities in a 1 year long field heating experiment and 6 year long field survey of natural populations. Finally, at a global spatial scale, we found the same relationship between relative abundance of species and frequency of extreme temperatures. Together, our results indicate that changes in frequency and amplitude of extreme high temperatures can alter the temporal and spatial structure of natural communities, and that these changes are driven by asymmetric effects of high temperatures on the demographic rates and fitness of species. They also highlight the importance of understanding how extreme events affect the life‐history of species for predicting the impacts of climate change at the individual and community level, and emphasize the importance of using a broad range of approaches when studying climate change.
MODERNISM'S STRUGGLE FOR THE SOUL: RAINER MARIA RILKE'S DIE AUFZEICHNUNGEN DES MALTE LAURIDS BRIGGE AND INGEBORG BACHMANN'S MALINA
Authors: Minden Michael 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTRainer Maria Rilke's Die Aufzeichnungen des Malte Laurids Brigge and Ingeborg Bachmann's Malina, despite their distance from one another in time and many other profound differences, are, it is argued here, comparable in that they both mimic the modern deformation of the soul in order to mount aesthetic opposition to it. Since the advent of postmodernism in the 1970s, this struggle for the soul belongs to the past. However, a structure of hope for a newly conceived idea of the soul remains in place, even though this structure must remain without a content. Only the complex clear‐sightedness of Modernism could have left such a legacy.
Transplantation and inflammation: implications for the modification of chemokine function
Authors: Barker Catriona E. , Ali Simi , O'Boyle Graeme , Kirby John A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryOxidative stress is a major and recurring cause of damage during inflammation, especially following organ transplantation. Initial ischaemia–reperfusion injury causes the production of many reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and subsequent recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells can lead to further oxidative stress. This stress is well known to cause damage at the cellular level, for example by induction of senescence leading to the production of a characteristic senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Chemokines are an important component of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, recruiting further leucocytes and reinforcing the stress and senescence responses. As well as inducing the production of proteins, including chemokines, oxidative stress can alter proteins themselves, both directly and by induction of enzymes capable of modification. These alterations can lead to important modifications to their biological activity and also alter detection by some antibodies, potentially limiting the biological relevance of some immunochemical and proteomic biomarkers. Peroxynitrite, a reactive nitrogen species generated during inflammation and ischaemia, can cause such modifications by nitrating chemokines. Matrix metalloproteinases, released by many stressed cells, can cleave chemokines, altering function, while peptidylarginine deiminases can inactivate certain chemokines by citrullination. This review discusses the relationship between inflammation and post‐translational modification, focusing on the functional modulation of transplant‐relevant pro‐inflammatory chemokines.
Effect of Si3N4 Addition on Compressive Creep Behavior of Hot‐Pressed ZrB2–SiC Composites
Authors: Mallik Manab , Ray Kalyan Kumar , Mitra Rahul 
Published: June 2014

Compressive creep studies have been carried out on hot‐pressed ZrB2–SiC (ZS) and ZrB2–SiC–Si3N4 (ZSS) composites in air under stress and temperature ranges of 93–140 MPa and 1300°C–1425°C, respectively for time durations of ≈20–40 h. The results of these studies have shown the creep resistance of ZS composite to be greater than that of ZSS. As the temperature is increased from 1300°C to 1425°C, the stress exponent of ZS decreases from 1.7 to 1.1, whereas that of ZSS drops from 1.6 to 0.6. The activation energies for these composites have been found as ≈95 ± 32 kJ/mol at temperatures ≤1350°C, and as ≈470 ± 20 kJ/mol in the range of 1350°C–1425°C. Studies of the postcreep microstructures using scanning and transmission electron microscopy have shown the presence of glassy film with cracks at both ZrB2 grain boundaries and ZrB2–SiC interfaces. These results along with calculated values of activation volumes suggest grain‐boundary sliding as the major damage mechanism, which is controlled by O2− diffusion through SiO2 at ≤1350°C, and by viscoplastic flow of the glassy interfacial film at temperatures ≥1350°C. Studies by transmission electron microscopy have shown formation of crystalline precipitates of Si2N2O near ZrB2–SiC interfaces in ZSS tested at ≥1400°C, which along with stress exponent values <1 suggests that grain‐boundary sliding involving solution‐precipitation‐type mechanism is operative at these temperatures.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a postnatal psychoeducation programme on outcomes of primiparas: study protocol
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Chan Wai‐Chi Sally , Chong Yap Seng , He Hong‐Gu 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo report a trial protocol that evaluates the effectiveness of postnatal psychoeducation programme in improving maternal parental self‐efficacy and social support and in reducing postnatal depression among primiparas.BackgroundPrimiparas encounter physical, psychosocial and newborn care challenges in the early postnatal period. However, primiparas do not receive adequate professional support after early discharge from hospitals, thus hindering their adaptation to new role as mothers and smooth transition to motherhood. Postnatal psychoeducation programmes have been shown to be effective in improving pregnant women's health. However, there is a lack of theory‐based, postnatal psychoeducation interventions for primiparas.DesignA randomized controlled trial of two‐group pretest and repeated posttests is proposed.MethodsThe study will recruit a minimum of 114 primiparas on the day of discharge from a Singaporean public hospital (protocol approved in May 2012). Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (receiving routine care) or an experimental group (receiving a postnatal psychoeducation programme besides routine care). Outcome measures include maternal parental self‐efficacy, social support and postnatal depression. Data will be collected at baseline (on the day of discharge), 6 and 12 weeks postpartum.DiscussionThis will be the first study of its kind that will use rigorous study design to evaluate a theory‐based innovative postnatal psychoeducation programme on maternal outcomes. The study may identify a potentially effective way of enhancing primiparas' self‐efficacy and social support, which may in turn reduce their risk of postnatal depression. The Sigma Theta Tau International Upsilon Eta Chapter funded this study.
Paediatric end‐of‐life care in the home care setting (PELICAN HOME) – a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Eskola Katri , Bergstraesser Eva , Zimmermann Karin , Cignacco Eva 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAims(a) To explore parental experiences and needs during their child's end‐of‐life care at home; (b) to explore patient's characteristics and current provision of paediatric end‐of‐life care in the home care setting in Switzerland; and (c) to determine influencing system factors impacting end‐of‐life care at home.BackgroundParental experiences/needs and paediatric end‐of‐life care services in the home care setting are influenced by national healthcare policy, determinants of the family and the individual patient. In Switzerland, there is a lack of information about the provision of paediatric end‐of‐life care at home and related parent's experiences/needs.DesignSub‐study of the nationwide multicenter study ‘Paediatric End‐of‐Life CAre Needs in Switzerland’ using a concurrent qualitative embedded mixed methods design.MethodsData will be collected from January–May 2014 through community care organizations and children's hospitals. The study includes approximately 40–50 families whose child (0–18 years) died in the years 2011–2012 due to a cardiological, neurological or oncological condition and spent at least 21 days at home during the last 4 weeks of life. Qualitative data will be collected through semi‐structured interviews with parents and analysed by ‘thematic analysis’. Quantitative data about patient's characteristics will be obtained from patient's medical charts and parental experiences/needs through the parental questionnaire. Appropriate descriptive and inference statistical methods will be used for data analysis.DiscussionThis study will provide comprehensive basic information about parental needs and patient characteristics for the provision of paediatric end‐of‐life care and may promote the development of family‐centred paediatric end‐of‐life care services at home.Study registration: The PELICAN‐study is registered in the database of Clinical Trial gov. Study ID‐number: NCT 01983852.
Cutaneous melanoma in Iceland: changing Breslow's tumour thickness
Authors: Stefansson H. , Tryggvadottir L. , Olafsdottir E.J. , Mooney E. , Olafsson J.H. , Sigurgeirsson B. , Jonasson J.G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of cutaneous melanoma increased dramatically in Iceland during the last two decades of the 20th century.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the trend in Breslow's tumour thickness during the years 1980–2009.MethodsThe population‐based Icelandic Cancer Registry provided information on all cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in the country during the study period, a total of 854 cases. Incidence rates were stratified according to gender, age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis and Breslow's tumour thickness.ResultsWhen stratified by gender and age, the incidence of thin (≤1.0 mm) melanomas increased dramatically in all subgroups. The increase in thin (≤1.0 mm) melanomas was more apparent in women or 2.6 per 100 000 in 1980–1989 to 13.3 in 2000–2009 and especially in young (<50 years) women or from 1.6 to 12.2 per 100 000 during the same period compared to an increase from 0.2 to 3.4 per 100 000 for young (<50 years) men (P < 0.05). In intermediate thickness (1.01–4.0 mm) tumours, the incidence increased only in men over the age of 50 from 2.1 in 1980–1989 to 11.3 per 100 000 in 2000–2009 (P < 0.05). The incidence of thick melanomas (>4 mm) did not increase. The median Breslow's thickness declined from 2.15 mm in 1980–1989 to 0.9 mm in 2000–2009 in males and from 1.0 to 0.6 mm in females for the same period (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe rise in melanoma incidence in individuals under 50 years and in women over 50 years was confined to thin tumours. However, among older males there was also an increased incidence of tumours of an intermediate thickness. This could indicate that future melanoma educational campaigns in Iceland should be directed at older individuals, and that older men may need special attention regarding suspicious nevi.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of vitiliginous hair follicle melanocyte reservoir: is it retained?
Authors: Seleit I. , Bakry O.A. , Abdou A.G. , Dawoud N.M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is an acquired depigmentaion of skin and hair. The presence of white hair within vitiligo lesions is considered a bad prognostic sign since these lesions are difficult to repigment. Melanocyte reservoir was not extensively studied in vitiliginous white hair.ObjectiveTo evaluate pigment cell reservoir in vitiliginous black and white hair.MethodUsing immunohistochemical technique, skin biopsies from 30 vitiligo patients (including either black or white hair) and 10 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects were examined. Human Melanoma Black‐45 (HMB‐45) was used for detecting active melanocytes and Tyrosinase Related Protein 2 (TRP2) for detecting the whole melanocyte lineage including melanocyte stem cells (MelSC).ResultsAbout 61.1% of black hair was positive for HMB‐45 and 83.3% was positive for TRP2. About 25% of white hair was positive for HMB‐45 and 75% retained TRP2 positivity. Follicular HMB‐45 expression and TRP2 expression percentage were significantly lower in white than black hair (P = 0.05, 0.04 respectively). Epidermal HMB‐45 and TRP2 expression percentages were significantly higher in lesions containing black rather than white hair (P < 0.001, P = 0.05 respectively). Black hair was significantly associated with histologically pigmented hair follicles (P = 0.049), and with residual interfollicular melanin pigment (P = 0.007).ConclusionMelanocytes, either active (melanotic) or inactive (amelanotic which may include MelSC), are not totally absent from vitiliginous white hair. However, intact melanocyte reservoir was observed more in black than white hair. This may add avenues for future research about the possibility of white vitiliginous hair to repigment.
Decision for biological treatment in real life is more strongly associated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) than with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)
Authors: Hägg D. , Sundström A. , Eriksson M. , Schmitt‐Egenolf M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundFollowing the establishment of the National Quality Registry for systemic psoriasis treatment (PsoReg), the two psoriasis outcome measurements, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), are now integrated in clinical practice in Sweden. According to current guidelines, the initiation of a biological treatment should depend on a combination of the physician's (PASI) and the patients’ assessment of the disease impact on a health‐related quality of life measure (DLQI).ObjectiveTo evaluate if either of the two measures, PASI or DLQI, is more strongly associated with initiation of biological therapy.MethodsThe study is based on 2216 patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis who were biological naïve at enrolment to PsoReg. The relationship between the two measures PASI and DLQI and initiation of biological treatment (as outcome) were estimated by a logistic regression and a Cox proportional hazard's model with combinations of PASI and DLQI as independent variables.ResultsThe adjusted regression models showed that patients with high PASI score and low DLQI score had a higher chance to receive biological treatment compared to patients with low PASI score and high DLQI score.ConclusionThe decision to initiate biological treatment is more strongly associated with PASI than with DLQI. However, since the DLQI reflects both socio‐economic costs and patient suffering better than PASI, the relevance of the DLQI may be underestimated in clinical practice.