bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.): allergenicity and molecular characterization of pollen after plant exposure to elevated NO2
Authors: Zhao Feng , Elkelish Amr , Durner Jörg , Lindermayr Christian , Winkler J. Barbro , Ruёff Franziska , Behrendt Heidrun , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Holzinger Andreas , Kofler Werner , Braun Paula , von Toerne Christine , Hauck Stefanie M. , Ernst Dieter , Frank Ulrike 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRagweed pollen is the main cause of allergenic diseases in Northern America, and the weed has become a spreading neophyte in Europe. Climate change and air pollution are speculated to affect the allergenic potential of pollen. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of NO2, a major air pollutant, under controlled conditions, on the allergenicity of ragweed pollen.Ragweed was exposed to different levels of NO2 throughout the entire growing season, and its pollen further analysed. Spectroscopic analysis showed increased outer cell wall polymers and decreased amounts of pectin. Proteome studies using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry indicated increased amounts of several Amb a 1 isoforms and of another allergen with great homology to enolase Hev b 9 from rubber tree. Analysis of protein S‐nitrosylation identified nitrosylated proteins in pollen from both conditions, including Amb a 1 isoforms. However, elevated NO2 significantly enhanced the overall nitrosylation. Finally, we demonstrated increased overall pollen allergenicity by immunoblotting using ragweed antisera, showing a significantly higher allergenicity for Amb a 1. The data highlight a direct influence of elevated NO2 on the increased allergenicity of ragweed pollen and a direct correlation with an increased risk for human health.
RAC1 P29S regulates PD‐L1 expression in melanoma
Authors: Vu Ha Linh , Rosenbaum Sheera , Purwin Timothy J. , Davies Michael A. , Aplin Andrew E. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWhole exome sequencing of cutaneous melanoma has led to the detection of P29 mutations in RAC1 in 5–9% of samples, but the role of RAC1 P29 mutations in melanoma biology remains unclear. Using reverse phase protein array analysis to examine the changes in protein/phospho‐protein expression, we identified cyclin B1, PD‐L1, Ets‐1, and Syk as being selectively upregulated with RAC1 P29S expression and downregulated with RAC1 P29S depletion. Using the melanoma patient samples in TCGA, we found PD‐L1 expression to be significantly increased in RAC1 P29S patients compared to RAC1 WT as well as other RAC1 mutants. The finding that PD‐L1 is upregulated suggests that oncogenic RAC1 P29S may promote suppression of the antitumor immune response. This is a new insight into the biological function of RAC1 P29S mutations with potential clinical implications as PD‐L1 is a candidate biomarker for increased benefit from treatment with anti‐PD1 or anti‐PD‐L1 antibodies.
First‐episode psychosis is associated with oxidative stress: Effects of short‐term antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Sarandol Asli , Sarandol Emre , Acikgoz Hacer Ebru , Eker Salih Saygin , Akkaya Cengiz , Dirican Melehat 
Published: July 2015

AimsIn the present study, our aim was to investigate the oxidative–antioxidative systems in unmedicated first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients at the beginning and after short‐term treatment.MethodsThis study consisted of 29 patients who experienced an FEP and 25 control subjects. In order to investigate the oxidative status, we determined plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, oxidizability of red blood cells, oxidation and oxidizability of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins (apo B‐basal MDA and apo B‐ΔMDA). In order to evaluate the antioxidative defense, we measured serum total antioxidative capacity, uric acid, albumin, total bilirubin and vitamin E levels and serum paraoxonase/arylesterase, whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and red blood cell superoxide dismutase activities before and after 6 weeks of treatment in patients with FEP.ResultsPlasma MDA and apo B‐basal MDA levels and red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity were significantly higher and serum arylesterase and whole blood‐GPx activities were lower in the FEP group than those of the healthy control group. There were not any significant changes in the oxidative and antioxidative system parameters (except increased vitamin E levels) after treatment.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that FEP is accompanied by oxidative stress. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of oxidative stress in the physiopathologic mechanisms of FEP, so that oxidative and antioxidative system parameters can be used in the management of these patients. In accordance with psychiatric evaluation, for a better management, patients with FEP may require a multidisciplinary approach, including oxidative and antioxidative system parameters.
The Sceptical Paradox and the Nature of the Self
Authors: Cheng Tony 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn interpretation, understanding does not become something different. It becomes itself. Such interpretation is grounded existentially in understanding; the latter does not arise from the former. – Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, §32In the present article, I attempt to relate Saul Kripke's “sceptical paradox” to some issues about the self; specifically, the relation between the self and its mental states and episodes. I start with a brief reconstruction of the paradox, and venture to argue that it relies crucially on a Cartesian model of the self: the sceptic regards the Wittgensteinian “infinite regress of interpretation” as the foundation of his challenge, and this is where he commits the crucial mistake. After the diagnosis, I attempt to sketch my own model of the self and its mental states and episodes. This tentative picture binds meaning and the self together, stressing the subjective aspect of meaning without committing the same fallacy. The solution ventured here is relatively independent of the secondary literatures on the sceptical paradox of following rules, for it aims to provide a new angle to understand and meet the challenge presented by the sceptic.
Functional Characterization of a LOV‐Histidine Kinase Photoreceptor from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
Authors: Kraiselburd Ivana , Gutt Alexander , Losi Aba , Gärtner Wolfgang , Orellano Elena G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe blue‐light (BL) absorbing protein Xcc‐LOV from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri is composed of a LOV‐domain, a histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator. Spectroscopic characterization of Xcc‐LOV identified intermediates and kinetics of the protein's photocycle. Measurements of steady state and time‐resolved fluorescence allowed determination of quantum yields for triplet (ΦT = 0.68 ± 0.03) and photoproduct formation (Φ390 = 0.46 ± 0.05). The lifetime for triplet decay was determined as τT = 2.4–2.8 μs. Fluorescence of tryptophan and tyrosine residues was unchanged upon light‐to‐dark conversion, emphasizing the absence of significant conformational changes. Photochemistry was blocked upon cysteine C76 (C76S) mutation, causing a seven‐fold longer lifetime of the triplet state (τT = 16–18.5 μs). Optoacoustic spectroscopy yielded the energy content of the triplet state. Interestingly, Xcc‐LOV did not undergo the volume contraction reported for other LOV domains within the observation time window, although the back‐conversion into the dark state was accompanied by a volume expansion. A radioactivity‐based enzyme function assay revealed a larger HK activity in the lit than in the dark state. The C76S mutant showed a still lower enzyme function, indicating the dark state activity being corrupted by a remaining portion of the long‐lived lit state.
Effects of iron on growth and reflectance spectrum of the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis viridis
Authors: Chi Guangyu , Huang Bin , Ma Jian , Shi Yi , Chen Xin 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIron is an important factor in algal blooms because it is involved in cyanobacterial pigment biosynthesis and therefore has the ability to influence the pigment status of algal cells. This role in pigment biosynthesis offers the opportunity for rapid monitoring of iron availability to cyanobacteria through spectral reflectance characterization. In the present study, the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis viridis was cultured with different levels of iron. Cell density, cellular content of iron and photosynthetic pigments, and spectral reflectivity of M. viridis were determined daily during the course of the culture experiment. The results showed that at the lowest iron concentration (0.01 μM) the growth of M. viridis was seriously limited, and the maximal cell density was only approximately 6.4% of the density observed with an iron concentration of 18 μM. Iron availability dramatically affected chlorophyll a, carotenoid and phycocyanin content, with the greatest impact on chlorophyll a. The iron‐induced changes in content and ratios of pigments were detectable through spectral reflectance. Eleven spectral indices previously developed for the estimation of concentrations and/or ratios of pigments and a newly proposed chlorophyll a/phycocyanin index were found to be suitable for generating sensitive regression models between cellular iron content and spectral parameters. The comprehensive application of key sensitive spectral indices and regression equations should help to support monitoring and diagnosis of iron availability to cyanobacteria via remote sensing.
Trait absorption is related to enhanced emotional picture processing and reduced processing of secondary acoustic probes
Authors: Benning Stephen D. , Rozalski Vincent , Klingspon Kara L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTrait absorption reflects a propensity to have one's attention drawn to engaging sensory or imaginal experiences. It is related to self‐reported levels of positive and negative emotionality, but little work has examined whether absorption is related to greater levels of basic emotional processing. We used the late positive potential (LPP) to pictures and P3 response to subsequent startle probes during those pictures to examine how absorption was related to initial emotional processing and reactivity to a second stimulus. Across genders, absorption was positively related to LPP amplitude to emotional versus neutral pictures at PZ, and it was negatively related to overall P3 amplitude to startle probes at FZ. Thus, absorption appears to index greater processing of emotional material at the cost of reduced processing of subsequent incoming stimuli.
Representation and Collaboration: Exploring the Role of Shared Identity in the Collaborative Process
Authors: Conner Thaddieus W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPublic managers must regularly engage and interact with stakeholders in the external environment to deliver meaningful policy outcomes. Examining the motivations behind such behavior is a critical component of understanding management in the modern era. Some studies suggest that actors with similar interests are more likely to form collaborative partnerships. Using an original mail survey of 150 American Indian education directors in public school districts, this article examines how shared identity and individual attitudes affect levels of interaction with Native American communities. Findings suggest that public school officials who share both a racial and a tribal/co‐ethnic identity with Native American nations in their service area have higher levels of interaction with these groups than public school officials who are either members of Native American nations outside their service area or non‐Indian. This research has broad implications for incorporating theories of representation and social construction into our understanding of collaboration.
Mental Causation is Not Just Downward Causation
Authors: Engelhardt Jeff 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAccording to a popular model of mental causation, an irreducible mental cause M1 brings about an irreducible mental effect M2 by bringing about M2's supervenience base (ground, realizer, etc.), P2. Call this ‘the Downward Causation View’. This paper raises doubts about the Downward Causation View on grounds that M1 does not cause M2 immediately and there is no causal chain from M1 to M2. Prima facie, then, M1 does not cause M2 on this view. But a theory of mental causation ought to account for how some mental phenomena cause other mental phenomena; so rival theories are to be preferred. After setting out the problem, I consider replies; all fail.
Microsite determinants of variability in seedling and cutting establishment in tropical forest restoration plantations
Authors: Douterlungne David , Ferguson Bruce G. , Siddique Ilyas , Soto‐Pinto Lorena , Jímenez‐Ferrer Guillermo , Gavito Mayra E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPlantations are frequently established on abandoned pasture lands to speed forest recovery. This strategy requires matching a tree species mix with the prevailing microenvironmental conditions. In four degraded pastures of the Mexican Lacandon rainforest, we planted 2,400 trees of 6 species (Guazuma ulmifolia, Inga vera, Ochroma pyramidale, Trichospermum mexicanum, Bursera simaruba, and Spondias mombin) to (1) test survival, initial growth, and establishment costs; (2) evaluate whether vegetative cuttings outperform direct seeding or transplants of nursery‐raised seedlings; (3) determine tree response to herbaceous dominance and soil compaction; and (4) scrutinize the results' consistency across sites and sampling scales of tree–microenvironment interactions (individual tree vs. averaged plot responses). After 2 years, overall survival and growth rates were high for 2 of 3 nursery‐raised species. Contrary to expectations, all seedlings outperformed the cuttings while direct seeding resulted in a cost‐effective option of intermediate efficacy. The impact of soil resistance to root penetration on tree biomass accumulation was species dependent while bulk density was not relevant. Soil‐covering, herbaceous vegetation accelerated growth in 3 of 4 tested species during the dry season. At this initial stage of forest restoration in abandoned pastures, Guazuma and Trichospermum were the most restoration‐effective species. Costs can be reduced by using direct‐seeding Inga and avoiding weeding during the dry season. Finally, our results demonstrate how species selection trials can be misleading due to site variations in tree response and to sampling scales that fail to account for small‐scale environmental heterogeneity. We recommend ways to improve the design of restoration trials.
Secreted mucins and airway bacterial colonization in non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Suarez‐Cuartin Guillermo , Rodrigo‐Troyano Ana , Fardon Thomas C. , Finch Simon , Mateus Eder Freddy , Garcia‐Bellmunt Laia , Castillo Diego , Vidal Silvia , Sanchez‐Reus Ferran , Restrepo Marcos I. , Chalmers James D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveSecreted mucins play a key role in antibacterial defence in the airway, but have not previously been characterized in non‐cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis patients. We aim to investigate the relationship between secreted mucins levels and the presence of bacterial colonization due to potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPM) in the airways of stable bronchiectasis patients.MethodsClinically stable bronchiectasis patients were studied prospectively at two centres. Patients with other pulmonary conditions were excluded. Spontaneous sputum was subject to bacterial culture, and secreted mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B) were measured in sputum supernatants by ELISA.ResultsA total of 50 patients were included. PPM were identified from sputum samples in 30 (60%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 10) and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 10) as the most common PPM. There were no baseline differences among airway colonized and non‐colonized patients. Patients with airways colonized by PPM presented higher levels of airway MUC2. No differences in MUC5AC levels were found among groups, whereas MUC5B levels were undetectable. Patients with P. aeruginosa colonization expressed the highest levels of MUC2. High levels of MUC2 and MUC5AC are also correlated with disease severity using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index.ConclusionsAirway MUC2 levels were higher in bronchiectasis patients colonized with PPM compared with those without airway colonization, especially in patients with P. aeruginosa. These findings suggest that airway‐secreted mucins levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway infection in non‐CF bronchiectasis.
‘God is in the details’: visual culture of closeness in the circle of Cardinal Reginald Pole
Authors: de la Verpillière Lorraine 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAs one of the most important political and religious figures of the mid sixteenth century, Cardinal Reginald Pole (1500–58) has been the subject of valuable historical studies. Although the English prelate was also a humanist, part of a vast intellectual and artistic network he established during his travels to Italy, Flanders, Spain and England, Pole has yet to receive the attention he deserves in History of Art. This article aims at re‐appreciating the artistic patronage of the cardinal, in spite of the difficulties raised by the lack of surviving artworks he commissioned and his apparent insensitivity to visual arts. It will be shown that Pole and his religious circle, the spirituali, tried to develop a visual culture of their own, influenced by their religious beliefs and meditational practices. Building on Michelangelo's famous presentation drawings to Vittoria Colonna – the Pietà and the Crucifixion – as well as on painted and drawn works deriving from them by the hand of other artists, this paper examines Pole and his friends’ preference for sober, small‐sized and confidential artworks, suggesting the genre of the miniature as a promising avenue of research as regards to Pole's patronage.
IRF4 Deficiency Leads to Altered BCR Signalling Revealed by Enhanced PI3K Pathway, Decreased SHIP Expression and Defected Cytoskeletal Responses
Authors: Budzyńska P. M. , Niemelä M. , Sarapulov A.V. , Kyläniemi M.K. , Nera K.‐P. , Junttila S. , Laiho A. , Mattila P.K. , Alinikula J. , Lassila O. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe graded expression of transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) regulates B cell development and is critical for plasma cell differentiation. However, the mechanisms, by which IRF4 elicits its crucial tasks, are largely unknown. To characterize the molecular targets of IRF4 in B cells, we established an IRF4‐deficient DT40 B cell line. We found that in the absence of IRF4, the expression of several molecules involved in BCR signalling was altered. For example, the expression of B cell adaptor for PI3K (BCAP) was upregulated, whereas the SHIP (SH2‐containing Inositol 5?‐Phosphatase) expression was downregulated. These molecular unbalances were accompanied by increased BCR‐induced calcium signalling, attenuated B cell linker protein (BLNK) and ERK activity and enhanced activity of PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Further, the IRF4‐deficient cells showed dramatically diminished cytoskeletal responses to anti‐IgM cross‐linking. Our results show that IRF4 has an important role in the regulation of BCR signalling and help to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of B cell development and germinal centre response.
Rejection Reactivity, Executive Function Skills, and Social Adjustment Problems of Inattentive and Hyperactive Kindergarteners
Authors: Motamedi Mojdeh , Bierman Karen , Huang‐Pollock Cynthia L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study examined emotional reactivity to rejection and executive function (EF) skills as potential mediators of the social behavior problems of inattentive and hyperactive kindergarteners. Participants included 171 children, including 107 with clinical levels of ADHD symptoms, 23 with sub‐clinical levels of ADHD symptoms, and 41 typically developing children (63 percent male; 73 percent Caucasian, 11 percent African‐American, 4 percent Latino/Hispanic, 1 percent Asian, and 11 percent multiracial; Mage = 5.2 years). Inattention (but not hyperactivity) was uniquely associated with poor EF, social withdrawal, and aggression. In structural equation models, EF skills mediated the associations between inattention and both aggression and social withdrawal. Hyperactivity (but not inattention) was uniquely associated with rejection reactivity and each contributed uniquely to aggression. Findings suggest that difficulties with emotion regulation may warrant more attention in early interventions planned for children with high levels of ADHD symptoms.
Evaluation of mesotherapy as a transdermal drug delivery tool
Authors: Kim S. , Kye J. , Lee M. , Park B. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere has been no research about the exact mechanism of transdermal drug delivery during mesotherapy.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate whether the commercial mesogun can be an appropriate technique for a transdermal drug delivery.Materials and MethodsWe injected blue ink into the polyurethane foam or pig skin with three types of mesotherapy using a commercial mesogun, or local made intradermal injector, or a manual injection of syringe. To assess the internal pressure of the cylinder and drug delivery time, we designed the evaluation setup using a needle tip pressure transducer.ResultAll types of injectors induced adequate penetration of blue ink into the polyurethane foam without backflow. In the pig skin, blue ink leaked out rapidly with the backward movement of the needle in the commercial mesogun in contrast to the local made injector or the manual injection of syringe. When the time for backward movement of the syringe approaches 1000 ms, the cylinder pressure of the syringe is saturated at around 25 mmHg which can be translated into the dermal pressure of the pig skin.ConclusionThere should be sufficient time between the insertion and withdrawal of the needle of injector for the adequate transdermal drug delivery and it must be considered for mesotherapy.
Genetic association of complement component 2 polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chen H.‐H. , Tsai L.‐J. , Lee K.‐R. , Chen Y.‐M. , Hung W.‐T. , Chen D.‐Y. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractComplement component 2 (C2), an early member of the classical pathway, mainly participates in apoptotic cell clearance. We hypothesize that C2 polymorphism may confer genetic susceptibility to complement dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The major aim of our study was to investigate the clinical and serological associations of C2 variants in Chinese patients with SLE. The single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs2844455, G/A SNP) located in the intron region of C2 gene was genotyped by direct sequencing in 95 SLE patients and 95 matched normal control subjects. The gene expression profiles were generated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR. Our results showed that the AA genotype was observed more frequently in SLE patients than in normal control subjects (22.1% vs 9.5%, P < 0.05). The A allele was strongly associated with the occurrence of hair loss, photosensitivity and anti‐cardiolipin antibodies; whereas, the G allele was associated with lower frequencies of these clinical presentations. Relative expression levels were significantly lower in patients with the AA genotype [median: 18.86, interquartile range (IQR) 11.36–22.43, P = 0.002] than in those with the GG genotype (35.76, IQR: 19.33–49.71). As expected, we confirmed the A allele as a risk factor for SLE development in a Chinese population, in contrast, the G allele might be a protective factor against the pathogenic autoantibody formation and cutaneous manifestations in SLE patients.