bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Wheat CCAAT Box-Binding Transcription Factor Increases the Grain Yield of Wheat with Less Fertilizer Input
Authors: Qu Baoyuan , He Xue , Wang Jing , Zhao Yanyan , Teng Wan , Shao An , Zhao Xueqiang , Ma Wenying , Wang Junyi , Li Bin , Li Zhensheng , Tong Yiping 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Increasing fertilizer consumption has led to low fertilizer use efficiency and environmental problems. Identifying nutrient-efficient genes will facilitate the breeding of crops with improved fertilizer use efficiency. This research performed a genome-wide sequence analysis of the A (NFYA), B (NFYB), and C (NFYC) subunits of Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and further investigated their responses to nitrogen and phosphorus availability in wheat seedlings. Sequence mining together with gene cloning identified 18 NFYAs, 34 NFYBs, and 28 NFYCs. The expression of most NFYAs positively responded to low nitrogen and phosphorus availability. In contrast, microRNA169 negatively responded to low nitrogen and phosphorus availability and degraded NFYAs. Overexpressing TaNFYA-B1, a low-nitrogen- and low-phosphorus-inducible NFYA transcript factor on chromosome 6B, significantly increased both nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and grain yield under differing nitrogen and phosphorus supply levels in a field experiment. The increased nitrogen and phosphorus uptake may have resulted from the fact that that overexpressing TaNFYA-B1 stimulated root development and up-regulated the expression of both nitrate and phosphate transporters in roots. Our results suggest that TaNFYA-B1 plays essential roles in root development and in nitrogen and phosphorus usage in wheat. Furthermore, our results provide new knowledge and valuable gene resources that should be useful in efforts to breed crops targeting high yield with less fertilizer input.
Antioxidant soybean tar Glyteer rescues T‐helper‐mediated downregulation of filaggrin expression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Takei Kenjiro , Mitoma Chikage , Hashimoto‐Hachiya Akiko , Uchi Hiroshi , Takahara Masakazu , Tsuji Gaku , Kido‐Nakahara Makiko , Nakahara Takeshi , Furue Masutaka 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSoybean tar Glyteer (Gly) has been widely used for the treatment of various inflammatory skin diseases in Japan since 1924 as an alternative to coal tar remedy. Recently, coal tar has been shown to induce barrier repair in atopic dermatitis via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In this study, we demonstrated that Gly activated AhR by inducing its cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation in keratinocytes. The AhR ligation by Gly was biologically active, with significant and dose‐dependent upregulation of CYP1A1 expression, which is a specific marker for AhR activation. Gly upregulated the expression of filaggrin in an AhR‐dependent manner because its enhancing effect was completely abrogated in AhR‐knockdown keratinocytes. T‐helper (Th)2 cytokines inhibited the expression of filaggrin; however, Gly completely restored the Th2‐mediated inhibition of filaggrin expression. Furthermore, Gly coordinately upregulated a series of epidermal differentiation complex genes, including involucrin, loricrin and hornerin. In addition, Gly exhibited potent antioxidant activity through the activation of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) and downstream antioxidant enzymes such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), which actually inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α or benzo[α]pyrene. In conclusion, antioxidant Gly rescues the downregulated expression of filaggrin (and plausibly other barrier proteins) in a Th2‐skewed milieu via AhR activation, which may partly explain its empirical anti‐inflammatory therapeutic effects.
Demographic and clinical features of systemic sclerosis patients with anti‐RNA polymerase III antibodies
Authors: Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Toki Sayaka , Yamada Kazuya , Uchiyama Akihiko , Ishikawa Osamu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAnti‐RNA polymerase III antibody (RNAP) is primarily detected in diffuse cutaneous type systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) patients and strongly associated with renal crisis. Additionally, there has been increasing evidence that cancer in SSc patients is associated with RNAP. The aim of this study was to examine the demographic and clinical features of SSc patients with RNAP. Among 246 SSc patients, 5.7% were positive for RNAP, 20.7% were positive for anti‐topoisomerase I antibody (Topo I) alone and 39.4% were positive for anticentromere antibody (ACA) alone. The modified Rodnan total skin score (mRTSS) in SSc patients with RNAP (19.1 ± 2.6) was significantly higher than those in SSc patients with Topo I (11.5 ± 1.1) and patients with ACA (4.4 ± 0.4). Furthermore, among SSc patients with RNAP, the levels of RNAP were positively correlated with mRTSS. Renal crisis is also significantly more prevalent in SSc patients with RNAP than patients without RNAP. Male sex, dcSSc subtype, digital vasculopathy, including digital ulcers and acro‐osteolysis, interstitial lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis complications were prevalent in SSc patients with RNAP and patients with Topo‐I. Primary biliary cirrhosis and Sjögren's syndrome were more in SSc patients with RNAP and patients with ACA compared with patients with Topo 1. No significant difference in the frequency of complications, including Raynaud's phenomenon, pulmonary artery hypertension and malignancy was observed between the three groups. Thus, measurement of RNAP in SSc patients is useful for the diagnosis and risk stratification of severe manifestation, such as renal crisis and severe skin sclerosis.
Epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in Poland according to the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland (ECAP) study
Authors: Sybilski Adam J. , Raciborski Filip , Lipiec Agnieszka , Tomaszewska Aneta , Lusawa Adam , Samel‐Kowalik Piotr , Walkiewicz Artur , Krzych‐Fałta Edyta , Samoliński Bolesław 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEpidemiological studies (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ISAAC], The European Community Respiratory Health Survey [ECRHS]) revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of our study is to present the epidemiology and the risk factors of AD in a Polish population. A total of 18 617 subjects were selected. The sample included respondents in eight cities and one rural area each over 150 000 citizens. The study had two parts: (i) questionnaire survey conducted among all respondents (response rate, 64.4%); and (ii) allergological examination performed among 25.7% with skin prick test (SPT) with 15 aeroallergens. AD was identified in 3.91% of subjects, more often in females, living in the cities, with a mother and/or father with atopy and with a higher education and higher economic status. Comorbidities of AD were atopic rhinitis (AR) in 26.17% and AR and asthma in 14.6%. AD was diagnosed by allergologists in 311 subjects (6.5%). Positive SPT occurred in 66.9% persons with AD (house dust mite, 33.1%; grasses/crop plants, 30.6%). Of the patients, 9.5% with perennial versus 9.3% seasonal and 9.6% with polyvalent versus 9.0% monovalent sensitization had AD. AD prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but risk factor profile is similar to other countries. AD is more frequent in female, well‐educated individuals, of high socioeconomic status, with atopic parents and who live in a city. Seasonal and monovalent atopy play a more essential role in subjects with AD compared with AR and asthma.
The offset‐midpoint travel‐time pyramid for P‐wave in 2D transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis
Authors: Hao Qi , Stovas Alexey 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTFor pre‐stack phase‐shift migration in homogeneous isotropic media, the offset‐midpoint travel time is represented by the double‐square‐root equation. The travel time as a function of offset and midpoint resembles the shape of Cheops’ pyramid. This is also valid for transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis. In this study, we extend the offset‐midpoint travel‐time pyramid to the case of 2D transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis. The P‐wave analytical travel‐time pyramid is derived under the assumption of weak anelliptical property of the tilted transverse isotropy media. The travel‐time equation for the dip‐constrained transversely isotropic model is obtained from the depth‐domain travel‐time pyramid. The potential applications of the derived offset‐midpoint travel‐time equation include pre‐stack Kirchhoff migration, anisotropic parameter estimation, and travel‐time calculation in transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis.
Spillover Effects of the Affordable Care Act? Exploring the Impact on Young Adult Dental Insurance Coverage
Authors: Shane Dan M. , Ayyagari Padmaja 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo assess whether the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) dependent coverage health insurance mandate had a spillover impact on young adult dental insurance coverage and whether any observed effects varied by household income.DataMedical Expenditure Panel Surveys from 2006 through 2011.Study DesignWe employed a difference‐in‐difference regression approach comparing changes in insurance rates for young adults ages 19–25 years to changes in insurance rates for adults ages 27–30 years. Separate regressions were estimated by categories of household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to understand whether the mandate had heterogeneous spillover effects.ResultsPrivate dental insurance increased by 6.7 percentage points among young adults compared to a control group of 27–30‐year olds. Increases were concentrated at middle‐income levels (125–400 percent FPL).ConclusionsThe dependent coverage mandate provision of the Affordable Care Act has not only increased health insurance rates among young adults but also dental insurance coverage rates.
Does a Physician's Attitude toward a Patient with Mental Illness Affect Clinical Management of Diabetes? Results from a Mixed‐Method Study
Authors: Welch Lisa C. , Litman Heather J. , Borba Christina P.C. , Vincenzi Brenda , Henderson David C. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo determine whether physician's attitudes toward patients with comorbid mental illness affect management of a chronic disease.Data SourceA total of 256 primary care physicians interviewed in 2010.Study DesignThis randomized factorial experiment entailed physicians observing video vignettes of patient‐actors with poorly controlled diabetes. Patients were balanced across age, gender, race, and comorbidity (schizophrenia with bizarre or normal affect, depression, eczema).Data CollectionPhysicians completed structured and semistructured interviews plus chart notes about clinical management and attitudes.Principal FindingsPhysicians reported more negative attitudes for patients with schizophrenia with bizarre affect (SBA). There were few differences in clinical decisions measured quantitatively or in charting, but qualitative data revealed less trust of patients with SBA as reporters, with more reliance on sources other than engaging the patient in care. Physicians often alerted colleagues about SBA, thereby shaping expectations before interactions occurred.ConclusionsResults are consistent with common stereotypes about people with serious mental illness. Vignettes did not include intentional indication of unreliable reporting or danger. Reducing health care disparities requires attention to subtle aspects of managing patients—particularly those with atypical affect—as seemingly slight differences could engender disparate patient experiences over time.
Oscillatory Rheology and Creep Behavior of Barley β‐d‐glucan Concentrate Dough: Effect of Particle Size, Temperature, and Water Content
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Thomas Linu , Al‐Attar Hasan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSmall amplitude oscillatory rheology and creep behavior of β‐glucan concentrate (BGC) dough were studied as function of particle size (74, 105, 149, 297, and 595 μm), BGC particle‐to‐water ratio (1:4, 1:5, and 1:6), and temperature (25, 40, 55, 70, and 85 °C). The color intensity and protein content increased with decreasing particle size by creating more surface areas. The water holding capacity (WHC) and sediment volume fraction increased with increasing particle size from 74 to 595 μm, which directly influences the mechanical rigidity and viscoelasticity of the dough. The dough exhibited predominating solid‐like behavior (elastic modulus, G′ > viscous modulus, G″). A discrete retardation spectrum is employed to the creep data to obtain retardation time and compliance parameters, which varied significantly with particle size and the process temperature. Creep tests exhibited more pronounced effect on dough behavior compared to oscillatory measurement. The protein denaturation temperature was insignificantly increased with particle fractions from 107 to 110 °C. All those information could be helpful to identify the particle size range and WHC of BGC that could be useful to produce a β‐d‐glucan enriched designed food.
Use of lectins to in situ visualize glycoconjugates of extracellular polymeric substances in acidophilic archaeal biofilms
Authors: Zhang R. Y. , Neu T. R. , Bellenberg S. , Kuhlicke U. , Sand W. , Vera M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBiofilm formation and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by meso‐ and thermoacidophilic metal‐oxidizing archaea on relevant substrates have been studied to a limited extent. In order to investigate glycoconjugates, a major part of the EPS, during biofilm formation/bioleaching by archaea on pyrite, a screening with 75 commercially available lectins by fluorescence lectin‐binding analysis (FLBA) has been performed. Three representative archaeal species, Ferroplasma acidiphilum DSM 28986, Sulfolobus metallicus DSM 6482T and a novel isolate Acidianus sp. DSM 29099 were used. In addition, Acidianus sp. DSM 29099 biofilms on elemental sulfur were studied. The results of FLBA indicate (i) 22 lectins bound to archaeal biofilms on pyrite and 21 lectins were binding to Acidianus sp. DSM 29099 biofilms on elemental sulfur; (ii) major binding patterns, e.g. tightly bound EPS and loosely bound EPS, were detected on both substrates; (iii) the three archaeal species produced various EPS glycoconjugates on pyrite surfaces. Additionally, the substratum induced different EPS glycoconjugates and biofilm structures of cells of Acidianus sp. DSM 29099. Our data provide new insights into interactions between acidophilic archaea on relevant surfaces and also indicate that FLBA is a valuable tool for in situ investigations on archaeal biofilms.
Pathogenic and commensal Escherichia coli from irrigation water show potential in transmission of extended spectrum and AmpC β‐lactamases determinants to isolates from lettuce
Authors: Njage Patrick M. K. , Buys Elna M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThere are few studies on the presence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases and AmpC β‐lactamases (ESBL/AmpC) in bacteria that contaminate vegetables. The role of the production environment in ESBL/AmpC gene transmission is poorly understood. The occurrence of ESBL/AmpC in Escherichia coli (n = 46) from lettuce and irrigation water and the role of irrigation water in the transmission of resistant E. coli were studied. The presence of ESBL/AmpC, genetic similarity and phylogeny were typed using genotypic and phenotypic techniques. The frequency of β‐lactamase gene transfer was studied in vitro. ESBLs/AmpC were detected in 35 isolates (76%). Fourteen isolates (30%) produced both ESBLs/AmpC. Prevalence was highest in E. coli from lettuce (90%). Twenty‐two isolates (48%) were multi‐resistant with between two and five ESBL/AmpC genes. The major ESBL determinant was the CTX‐M type (34 isolates). DHA (33% of isolates) were the dominant AmpC β lactamases. There was a high conjugation efficiency among the isolates, ranging from 3.5 × 10−2 to 1 × 10−2 ± 1.4 × 10−1 transconjugants per recipient. Water isolates showed a significantly higher conjugation frequency than those from lettuce. A high degree of genetic relatedness between E. coli from irrigation water and lettuce indicated possible common ancestry and pathway of transmission.
A chromosomally encoded T7 RNA polymerase‐dependent gene expression system for Corynebacterium glutamicum: construction and comparative evaluation at the single‐cell level
Authors: Kortmann Maike , Kuhl Vanessa , Klaffl Simon , Bott Michael 
Published: December 2014

SummaryCorynebacterium glutamicum has become a favourite model organism in white biotechnology. Nevertheless, only few systems for the regulatable (over)expression of homologous and heterologous genes are currently available, all of which are based on the endogenous RNA polymerase. In this study, we developed an isopropyl‐β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG)‐inducible T7 expression system in the prophage‐free strain C. glutamicum MB001. For this purpose, part of the DE3 region of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) including the T7 RNA polymerase gene 1 under control of the lacUV5 promoter was integrated into the chromosome, resulting in strain MB001(DE3). Furthermore, the expression vector pMKEx2 was constructed allowing cloning of target genes under the control of the T7lac promoter. The properties of the system were evaluated using eyfp as heterologous target gene. Without induction, the system was tightly repressed, resulting in a very low specific eYFP fluorescence (= fluorescence per cell density). After maximal induction with IPTG, the specific fluorescence increased 450‐fold compared with the uninduced state and was about 3.5 times higher than in control strains expressing eyfp under control of the IPTG‐induced tac promoter with the endogenous RNA polymerase. Flow cytometry revealed that T7‐based eyfp expression resulted in a highly uniform population, with 99% of all cells showing high fluorescence. Besides eyfp, the functionality of the corynebacterial T7 expression system was also successfully demonstrated by overexpression of the C. glutamicum pyk gene for pyruvate kinase, which led to an increase of the specific activity from 2.6 to 135 U mg−1. It thus presents an efficient new tool for protein overproduction, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches with C. glutamicum.
Production of 2‐ketoisocaproate with Corynebacterium glutamicum strains devoid of plasmids and heterologous genes
Authors: Vogt Michael , Haas Sabine , Polen Tino , van Ooyen Jan , Bott Michael 
Published: December 2014

Summary2‐Ketoisocaproate (KIC), the last intermediate in l‐leucine biosynthesis, has various medical and industrial applications. After deletion of the ilvE gene for transaminase B in l‐leucine production strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum, KIC became the major product, however, the strains were auxotrophic for l‐isoleucine. To avoid auxotrophy, reduction of IlvE activity by exchanging the ATG start codon of ilvE by GTG was tested instead of an ilvE deletion. The resulting strains were indeed able to grow in glucose minimal medium without amino acid supplementation, but at the cost of lowered growth rates and KIC production parameters. The best production performance was obtained with strain MV‐KICF1, which carried besides the ilvE start codon exchange three copies of a gene for a feedback‐resistant 2‐isopropylmalate synthase, one copy of a gene for a feedback‐resistant acetohydroxyacid synthase and deletions of ltbR and iolR encoding transcriptional regulators. In the presence of 1 mM l‐isoleucine, MV‐KICF1 accumulated 47 mM KIC (6.1 g l−1) with a yield of 0.20 mol/mol glucose and a volumetric productivity of 1.41 mmol KIC l−1 h−1. Since MV‐KICF1 is plasmid free and lacks heterologous genes, it is an interesting strain for industrial application and as platform for the production of KIC‐derived compounds, such as 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol.
Endoluminal thoracic aortic repair in the octogenarian and nonagenarian: The New Zealand experience
Authors: Buckenham Tim , Pearch Ben , Wright Isabel 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to review the New Zealand‐wide experience of thoracic endovascular aortic repair to determine effect of age on outcome.MethodsThis was an observational, retrospective analytic study comparing two age groups. The New Zealand Thoracic Aortic Stent (NZTAS) registry was reviewed for patient demographics, indications for repair, risk factors, technical success, complications, length of hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality.ResultsThe 264 patients were divided into two groups: <80 (Group I, n = 245) and >80 years on the day of the procedure (Group II, n = 19). Group II comprised 11 males and 8 females with a mean age (range) of 84 (80–90) years. Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons's scoring system for risk factors, there was no significant difference between the groups. Technical success was 84% (n = 16) in Group II. The mean hospital stay in Group II was 20 (2–90) days and the in‐hospital mortality 16% (n = 3). None of these outcomes was significantly different to those in the under 80 group (Group I).ConclusionsData from NZTAS registry show outcomes and risk factors do not significantly differ between the two age groups.
Evaluation for fracture patterns around the wrist on three‐dimensional extremity computed tomography, especially focused on the triquetrum
Authors: Oh Eunsun , Kim Hyun‐joo , Hong Seongsook , Hwang Jiyoung , Lim Hyunkyung , Park Sungtae , Hwang Junghwa 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionTo describe fracture patterns of triquetrum and analyse them according to fracture classifications, anatomy of intrinsic carpal ligaments and comparison with other wrist fractures.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 297 three‐dimensional extremity computed tomographies (CTs) on wrist fractures from October 2007 to January 2012. We initially classified the fractures according to the involved bones and analyzed them according to the patterns of triquetrum fractures, associated carpal bone fractures and presence of combined distal radius fractures. We also correlated the fracture patterns with the patient's injury patterns.ResultsA total of 297 CTs and 291 patients were included (162 males and 129 females; mean age, 47.8 years). There were a total of 131 carpal bone fractures in 102 patients of 102 CTs. Triquetrum fractures were the most commonly observed cases (36 cases/27.5%). For the triquetrum fractures, the following types were observed: 26 dorsal, five volar, two comminuted fractures are observed in triquetrum. Three other triquetrum fractures show combined forms of other carpal bone fractures. For the combined distal radius fractures, 10 dorsal and two volar fractures were shown. Out of 187 distal radius fractures, 20 showed carpal bone fractures (10.7%). There were no differences in injury patterns according to the fracture patterns. The most common pattern of injury was falling on the outstretched hand, followed by fall from height.ConclusionThe dorsum of triquetrum is more frequently fractured than the volar aspect. The number of carpal bone fractures among the patients who have distal radius fractures is higher than usual expectation.