bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breaking the DNA‐binding code of Ralstonia solanacearum TAL effectors provides new possibilities to generate plant resistance genes against bacterial wilt disease
Authors: de Lange Orlando , Schreiber Tom , Schandry Niklas , Radeck Jara , Braun Karl Heinz , Koszinowski Julia , Heuer Holger , Strauß Annett , Lahaye Thomas 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating bacterial phytopathogen with a broad host range. Ralstonia solanacearum injected effector proteins (Rips) are key to the successful invasion of host plants. We have characterized Brg11(hrpB‐regulated 11), the first identified member of a class of Rips with high sequence similarity to the transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors of Xanthomonas spp., collectively termed RipTALs.

Fluorescence microscopy of in planta expressed RipTALs showed nuclear localization. Domain swaps between Brg11 and Xanthomonas TAL effector (TALE) AvrBs3 (avirulence protein triggering Bs3 resistance) showed the functional interchangeability of DNA‐binding and transcriptional activation domains. PCR was used to determine the sequence of brg11 homologs from strains infecting phylogenetically diverse host plants.

Brg11 localizes to the nucleus and activates promoters containing a matching effector‐binding element (EBE). Brg11 and homologs preferentially activate promoters containing EBEs with a 5′ terminal guanine, contrasting with the TALE preference for a 5′ thymine.

Brg11 and other RipTALs probably promote disease through the transcriptional activation of host genes. Brg11 and the majority of homologs identified in this study were shown to activate similar or identical target sequences, in contrast to TALEs, which generally show highly diverse target preferences. This information provides new options for the engineering of plants resistant to R. solanacearum.
Where do roots take up water? Neutron radiography of water flow into the roots of transpiring plants growing in soil
Authors: Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Kim Yangmin X. , Carminati Andrea 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Where and how fast does water flow from soil into roots? The answer to this question requires direct and in situ measurement of local flow of water into roots of transpiring plants growing in soil.

We used neutron radiography to trace the transport of deuterated water (D2O) in lupin (Lupinus albus) roots. Lupins were grown in aluminum containers (30 × 25 × 1 cm) filled with sandy soil. D2O was injected in different soil regions and its transport in soil and roots was monitored by neutron radiography. The transport of water into roots was then quantified using a convection–diffusion model of D2O transport into roots.

The results showed that water uptake was not uniform along roots. Water uptake was higher in the upper soil layers than in the lower ones. Along an individual root, the radial flux was higher in the proximal segments than in the distal segments.

In lupins, most of the water uptake occurred in lateral roots. The function of the taproot was to collect water from laterals and transport it to the shoot. This function is ensured by a low radial conductivity and a high axial conductivity. Lupin root architecture seems well designed to take up water from deep soil layers.
Electromagnetic Interference of Avalanche Transceivers with Cardiac Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: DORENKAMP MARC , BLASCHKE FLORIAN , VOIGT KATHLEEN , FLECK ECKART , GOETZE STEPHAN , ROSER MATTIAS 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAvalanche transceivers are essentials tools in locating persons who were buried by an avalanche. In the past few years, avalanche transceivers have become widely available and affordable, but it is largely unknown whether they are a source of electromagnetic interference for implanted cardiac devices. We aimed to determine the potential interaction between avalanche transceivers and pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).MethodsOne hundred and one patients, 41 with pacemakers and 60 with ICDs, were enrolled (mean age 66 ± 15 years). Four avalanche transceivers (Pieps DSP [Pieps GmbH, Lebring, Austria], Ortovox x1, Ortovox m2, and Ortovox f1 [Otovox Sportartikel GmbH, Taufkirchen, Germany]) were evaluated in transmit as well as in receive mode. Surface electrocardiograms, intracardiac electrograms, and marker channels were continuously recorded and observed by an experienced physician. Electromagnetic interference events were categorized as direct interference with the function of the implanted device itself or as interference with the telemetric communication without compromising device function.ResultsAmong all patients, there was no interference with the intrinsic function of their pacemakers or ICDs. A total of 120 episodes of telemetry interference occurred in 48% of the patients. Of those episodes, 112 of 404 (28%) were observed in transmit and eight of 404 (2%) in receive mode (P < 0.0001). The digital avalanche transceiver (Pieps DSP) was associated with significantly less telemetry interference (20/202; 10%) than the analog transceiver (Ortovox f1) (39/202; 19%) (P = 0.0108).ConclusionsAvalanche transceivers are safe for patients with pacemakers and ICDs. Despite the observed telemetry interferences, the intrinsic function of the implanted devices was never compromised.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Lead with a Floating Atrial Sensing Dipole
Authors: SAFAK ERDAL , SCHMITZ DIETMAR , KONORZA THOMAS , WENDE CHRISTIAN , DE ROS JOSE OLAGUE , SCHIRDEWAN ALEXANDER 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe concept of a single‐lead implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), with a floating dipole, has been proven safe and functional.Methods and ResultsThe studied active‐fixation, steroid‐eluting lead (Linoxsmart S DX, BIOTRONIK SE & Co KG, Berlin, Germany) is one French thinner than its predecessor and coated with lubricious SilGlide to improve lead handling. A dedicated ICD device has a self‐adaptive atrial input stage including a fourfold amplifier. The amplification, filtering, and adapted atrial input stage are located in the Lumax 540 VR‐T DX (BIOTRONIK). The Linoxsmart S DX ICD lead delivers only the signal. The lead was evaluated during implantation; at predischarge; and 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐up examinations. The primary endpoint (efficacy) was the rate of appropriate atrial sensing tests. The secondary endpoint (safety) was freedom from lead‐related invasive reinterventions. Both safety and efficacy were expected to be significantly higher than 90%.The study enrolled 116 patients at 25 clinical sites. Skin‐to‐skin operation time was 52.4 ± 26.2 minutes. The investigators graded lead insertion as “easy” in 87% of patients. Mean P‐wave amplitudes (preamplified) varied from 5.0 to 6.1 mV in different body positions. Both primary and secondary endpoints were met, as 93.8% (364/388; P = 0.005) of specific sensing tests indicated appropriate atrial sensing, and 94.8% (110/116; P = 0.048) of patients were free from reinterventions (lead dislodgement). Analysis of arrhythmia episodes stored in ICDs and elective 24‐hour Holter electrocardiogram tests raised no concerns about lead functionality.ConclusionThe studied ICD lead with a floating atrial sensing dipole met the predefined safety expectation and demonstrated appropriate atrial sensing performance.
Communication of results and disclosure of incidental findings in longitudinal paediatric research
Authors: Anastasova Velizara , Mahalatchimy Aurélie , Rial‐Sebbag Emmanuelle , Antó Boqué Josep Maria , Keil Thomas , Sunyer Jordi , Bousquet Jean , Cambon‐Thomsen Anne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundCommunicating results to research participants is an issue frequently discussed in terms of ethics. It has specific features when involving large‐scale paediatric cohorts. High‐throughput biological explorations reveal also incidental findings of medical relevance. This work analyses existing frameworks for managing such issues and proposes a policy grounded in the experience acquired in the FP7 EU project MeDALL – Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy.MethodsA bibliographical analysis was performed using law, ethics and academic documentation. Empirical data were acquired through informed consent forms from 9 of the 13 cohorts used in MeDALL and from replies to a general questionnaire (n = 10) on ethical issues sent to consortium members. Group discussions and expert consultations were conducted during project meetings.ResultsThe notions of research results and incidental findings remain ambiguous as no agreed definition exists. The most appropriate terms are communication of results and disclosure of incidental findings. No legal norm and no specific guidance govern these issues in paediatric research at European level. Relevant policies depend on decisions in each cohort or project. The policy proposed states that these issues should be discussed during the informed consent process, with due attention to involvement of children, and a balance of interests between children, parents and society. A moral duty for researchers to communicate such information only applies if certain medical and social criteria are met.ConclusionsAs there is no consensus within European Birth cohorts how to deal with results and incidental findings, we propose a general policy.
Stratification of the Radiation Field Inside a Photobioreactor During Microalgae Growth
Authors: Heinrich Josué M. , Niizawa Ignacio , Botta Fausto A. , Trombert Alejandro R. , Irazoqui Horacio A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLight availability is a main issue in autotrophic growth of photosynthetic microorganisms. The change of the suspended cells concentration and that of their chlorophylls content during microalgal growth alters the optical properties of the aqueous suspension. This brings about changes in the properties of the radiation field inside the reactor. In this work, we have computed the evolution in time of the local volumetric rate of absorption of photons inside a photobioreactor by means of a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm previously developed. From this study, we have computed two operational variables that are useful tools for the analysis, performance comparison, optimization and scaling up of photobioreactors: the average rate of photon absorption and the volumetric distribution function of photons absorption rates. Based on these two variables, it is possible to systematically quantify the degree of stratification of the culture medium, which is a decisive aspect that hampers the reactor efficiency regarding the energy usage for biomass production.
Photosynthesis limitations in three fern species
Authors: Gago Jorge , Coopman Rafael E. , Cabrera Hernán Marino , Hermida Carmen , Molins Arántzazu , Conesa Miquel À. , Galmés Jeroni , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Flexas Jaume 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMaximum photosynthesis rates in ferns are generally lower than those of seed plants, but little is known about the limiting factors, which are crucial to understand the evolution of photosynthesis in land plants. To address this issue, a gas exchange/chlorophyll fluorescence analysis was performed in three fern species spanning high phylogenetic range within Polypodiopsida (Osmunda regalis, Blechnum gibbum and Nephrolepis exaltata) to determine their maximum net photosynthesis (AN), stomatal (gs) and mesophyll (gm) conductances to CO2, and the maximum velocity of carboxylation (Vc,max). The in vitro Rubisco specificity factor (SC/O) was also determined. All three species had values for SC/O similar to those typical of seed plants, but values of AN, gs, gm and Vc,max were within the lowest range of those observed in seed plants. In addition, gs was unresponsive to light and CO2, as already described in other fern species. On the contrary, gm varied with changes CO2. A quantitative photosynthesis limitation analysis suggested that early land plants (ferns) presented not only stomatal limitations—which were less adjustable to the environment—but also restricted gm and Vc,max, resulting in limited maximum photosynthesis rates.
Expression analysis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in Porphyra haitanensis (Rhodophyta) sporophytes and gametophytes
Authors: He Linwen , Zhang Xiaojuan , Wang Guangce 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPhosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) catalyzes carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate or decarboxylation of oxaloacetate, which plays an important role in some C4 plants and algae. The full‐length cDNA of the PEPCK gene cloned from Porphyra haitanensis T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), was denoted Phpepck. It had a nucleotide sequence of 2300 bp, including a 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) of 147 bp, a 3′‐UTR of 329 bp and an open reading frame of 1824 bp. The expression of PEPCK in P. haitanensis sporophytes and gametophytes was examined at the levels of transcription, translation and enzyme activity. Both PEPCK abundance and activity were higher in sporophytes than those in gametophytes, suggesting that a C4‐like carbon‐fixation mechanism might be functional in P. haitanensis sporophytes.
Growth, biochemical and enzymatic responses of thermal cyanobacterium Gloeocapsa sp. (Cyanophyceae) to temperature and irradiance
Authors: Gacheva Gergana V. , Gigova Liliana G. , Ivanova Natalia Y. , Pilarski Plamen S. , Lukavský Jaromír 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe present study describes a strain of Gloeocapsa sp. designated as Gacheva 2007/R‐06/1, originally isolated from a geothermal flow located in Rupite, Bulgaria. To evaluate whether this cyanobacterium is locally adapted to hot environment or has the ability to tolerate lower temperatures, its growth, biochemical composition, enzyme isoforms and activity of the main antioxidant enzymes and proteases were characterized under various temperatures and two irradiance levels. The strain was able to grow over the whole temperature range (15–40°C) under two different photon fluence densities – 132 μmol photons m−2 s−1 (unilateral, low light, LL) and 2 × 132 μmol photons m−2 s−1 (bilateral, high light, HL). The best growth occurred at either 34°C and LL or at 36°C and HL, but significant growth inhibition was noted at 15°C and 40°C. Low temperature treatment (15°C) resulted in higher levels of total protein and an increased activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione reductase, as compared to optimum growth temperatures. After simultaneous exposure to 15°C and HL, increases in lipid content and activity of iron superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) were also observed. Cultivation of cells at 40°C enhanced MnSOD, CAT and peroxidase activities, regardless of irradiance level. Increased total protein content and protease activity at 40°C was only associated with the HL treatment. Overall, these results indicate that Gloeocapsa sp. strain Gacheva 2007/R‐06/1 used different strategies to enable cells to efficiently acclimate and withstand adverse low or high temperatures. This strain obviously tolerates a wide range of temperatures below its natural habitat temperature, and does not seem to be locally adapted to its original thermal regime. It behaved as a thermotolerant rather than a thermophilic cyanobacterium, which suggests its wider distribution in nature.
The gradual transformation? The incremental dynamics of macroprudential regulation
Authors: Baker Andrew 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article focuses on the transformatory potential of macroprudential ideas following the financial crash of 2008, examining how they are being mediated by existing institutional contexts and how and why the task of building a new body of technical macroprudential knowledge is proceeding slowly. It is argued that the movement toward a form of macroprudential regulation has a distinctly incremental dynamic that means any macroprudential transformation will be a gradual process that is likely to span a decade or more. Using Peter Hall's framework of three orders of policy change across substantive and temporal dimensions, the article argues that the macroprudential ideational shift can be compared to third order change. In this sense, it was intellectually radical and took place rapidly in a period of around six months. However, intellectual radicalism does not automatically translate into a radical change in regulatory practice, because of a variety of countervailing political, institutional, and informational variables. In this respect, the task of developing first and second order macroprudential policy is proving to be a much more politically contested process. Furthermore, macroprudential policy is being developed by cautious technocrats who rely on the gradual accumulation of data and evidence to justify policy. The result is a distinctly incremental dynamic to macroprudential policy development that displays many of the features of a process that historical institutionalists refer to as “layering.”
Severe obstructive sleep apnoea is independently associated with pulmonary artery dilatation
Authors: Kawano Yoshiyuki , Tamura Akira , Watanabe Toru , Kadota Junichi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveWe hypothesised that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may cause pulmonary artery dilatation through excessively negative intrathoracic pressure generated during inspiratory efforts against the upper airway collapse during obstructive apnoeas. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between OSA severity and pulmonary artery dilatation.MethodsA total of 173 patients who were clinically suspected of having OSA underwent chest radiography and polysomnography. We measured the right descending pulmonary artery diametre (RDPAD) on the chest radiogram and defined an abnormal increase in the RDPAD as RDPAD > 16 mm in males and RDPAD > 15 mm in females.ResultsAn abnormal increase in the RDPAD was more prevalent in patients with severe OSA (46.3%) compared to those with no or mild OSA (14.5%) and those with moderate OSA (21.6%). A univariate logistic regression analysis showed that severe OSA was associated with an abnormal increase in the RDPAD (odds ratio 3.94, 95% confidence interval 1.98‐7.87). After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, smoking history and partial pressure of arterial oxygen, severe OSA still remained significantly associated with an abnormal increase in the RDPAD (odds ratio 4.06, 95% confidence interval 1.82–9.07).ConclusionsSevere OSA is independently associated with an abnormal increase in the RDPAD, suggesting that severe OSA may cause pulmonary artery dilatation.
Focal necrotizing pneumonia is a distinct entity from lung abscess
Authors: Seo Hyewon , Cha Seung‐Ick , Shin Kyung‐Min , Lim Jaekwang , Yoo Seung‐Soo , Lee Jaehee , Lee Shin‐Yup , Kim Chang‐Ho , Park Jae‐Yong 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objective‘Focal necrotizing pneumonia’ was defined as a localized type of necrotizing pneumonia characterized by a single or few cavities of low density without rim enhancement on computed tomography (CT) scan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and course of patients with focal necrotizing pneumonia, thereby elucidating its clinical relevance.MethodsThe present study was conducted retrospectively in patients who had been interpreted as having lung abscess or necrotizing pneumonia on CT scan. Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared between the focal necrotizing pneumonia and lung abscess groups.ResultsOverall, 68 patients with focal necrotizing pneumonia (n = 35) or lung abscess (n = 33) were included in the present study. The frequency of risk factors for aspiration was significantly lower in the focal necrotizing group, compared with the lung abscess group (14.3% vs 45.5%, P = 0.005). Compared with lung abscess, focal necrotizing pneumonia was observed more commonly in non‐gravity‐dependent segments (66% vs 36%, P < 0.001). In addition, a trend towards more common isolation of aerobes as potential pathogens was observed in the focal necrotizing pneumonia group, compared with the lung abscess group (31% vs 12%, P = 0.08). However, in terms of treatment outcomes, a similar high rate of success was observed in both groups: 97%, respectively.ConclusionsCompared to lung abscess, focal necrotizing pneumonia occurs more commonly in non‐gravity‐dependent segments with lower incidence of risk factors for aspiration. Similar to lung abscess, the rate of success for treatment of focal necrotizing pneumonia was high.
The rise and fall of XMRV
Authors: Kakisi O. K. , Robinson M. J. , Tettmar K. I. , Tedder R. S. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYDue to the relatively recent emergence of the human T‐lymphotropic and the human immunodeficiency viruses, enthusiasm for the identification of novel viruses, especially retroviruses, with pathogenic potential in humans, remains high. Novel technologies are now available with the ability to search for unknown viruses, such as gene arrays and new generation sequencing of tissue and other samples. In 2006, chip technology identified a novel retrovirus in human prostate cancer (PCa) tissue samples. Due to close homology to a mouse retrovirus, the virus was named xenotropic murine leukaemia virus‐related virus (XMRV). Ever since the initial disease association with PCa, XMRV has stirred a lot of attention and concern worldwide for the medical community, public health officials and in particular global transfusion services. Public response, in this new era of electronic communication and advocacy was rapid, wide and unprecedented. In this review, we outline the course of biomedical research efforts that were put forward internationally in the process of determining the risk to the human population, the response of the blood banking community and review the current state of knowledge of xenotropic murine retroviruses. Although XMRV is no longer regarded as an infection of humans, a lesson was learnt in modern virology that holds deeper implications for biomedical research, particularly stem cell generation and transplantation practices.
Stability of relevant plasma protein activities in cryosupernatant plasma units during refrigerated storage for up to 5 days postthaw
Authors: Bhakta Varsha , Jenkins Craig , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , Sheffield William P. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundCryosupernatant plasma (CSP) is used in Canada for plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The refrigerated storage time for thawed CSP is limited in many areas to not more than 24 hours postthaw. Because large volumes of CSP are needed for plasma exchange, procedural postponement can lead to product wastage. To determine if CSP storage could be extended, we measured coagulation‐related activities in CSP thawed and stored at 1 to 6°C for up to 5 days.Study Design and MethodsThirty‐six CSP units were thawed, refrigerated, and sampled aseptically at 0, 24, 48, and 120 hours postthaw. Clotting factor activities (Factor [F]V, FVII, FVIII, and fibrinogen) and prothrombin time were measured using an automated coagulation analyzer, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) and ADAMTS13 activities using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsFibrinogen, FVIII, and vWF activities were unchanged from thaw values after 120 hours of storage; ADAMTS13, FV, and FVII activities were significantly lower than at thaw, but mean reductions were only −2.6, −7.7, and −12%, respectively. Losses were proportionately greater in the first 24 hours of refrigerated storage.ConclusionsExtending the refrigerated storage of CSP from 1 to 5 days had little impact on product quality. The retention of more than 97% of initial mean ADAMTS13 activity after 5 days of refrigerated storage suggests that the shelf life of thawed refrigerated CSP could be extended without meaningful losses of its likely most important ingredients. CSP postthaw storage could be aligned to that of refrigerated thawed frozen plasma, currently available for transfusion in some jurisdictions for up to 5 days postthaw.