bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A general protein O‐glycosylation system within the Burkholderia cepacia complex is involved in motility and virulence
Authors: Lithgow Karen V. , Scott Nichollas E. , Iwashkiw Jeremy A. , Thomson Euan L. S. , Foster Leonard J. , Feldman Mario F. , Dennis Jonathan J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are pathogens of humans, plants, and animals. Burkholderia cenocepacia is one of the most common Bcc species infecting cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and its carriage is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we characterized a general O‐linked protein glycosylation system in B. cenocepacia K56‐2. The PglLBc O‐oligosaccharyltransferase (O‐OTase), encoded by the cloned gene bcal0960, was shown to be capable of transferring a heptasaccharide from the Campylobacter jejuni N‐glycosylation system to a Neisseria meningitides‐derived acceptor protein in an Escherichia coli background, indicating that the enzyme has relaxed specificities for both the sugar donor and protein acceptor. In B cenocepacia K56‐2, PglLBc is responsible for the glycosylation of 23 proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that these proteins are modified with a trisaccharide HexNAc‐HexNAc‐Hex, which is unrelated to the O‐antigen biosynthetic process. The glycosylation sites that were identified existed within regions of low complexity, rich in serine, alanine, and proline. Disruption of bcal0960 abolished glycosylation and resulted in reduced swimming motility and attenuated virulence towards both plant and insect model organisms. This study demonstrates the first example of post‐translational modification in Bcc with implications for pathogenesis.
Equity–Efficiency Optimizing Resource Allocation: The Role of Time Preferences in a Repeated Irrigation Game
Authors: Van Campenhout Bjorn , D'Exelle Ben , Lecoutere Els 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe study repeated water allocation decisions among small scale irrigation users in Tanzania. In a treatment replicating water scarcity conditions, convexities in production make that substantial efficiency gains can be obtained by deviating from equal sharing, leading to an equity–efficiency trade‐off. In a repeated game setting, it becomes possible to reconcile efficiency with equity by rotating the person who receives the largest share, but such a strategy requires a longer run perspective. Correlating experimental data from an irrigation game with individual time preference data, we find that less patient irrigators are less likely to use a rotation strategy.
Danger signal adenosine via adenosine 2a receptor stimulates growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis in primary gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Spooner R. , DeGuzman J. , Lee K.L. , Yilmaz Ö. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryExtracellular signaling during inflammation and chronic diseases involves molecules referred to as ‘Danger Signals’ (DS), including the small molecule adenosine. We demonstrate that primary gingival epithelial cells (GEC) express a family of G‐protein coupled receptors known as adenosine receptors, including the high‐affinity receptors A1 and A2a and low‐affinity receptors A2b and A3. Treatment of Porphyromonas gingivalis‐infected GEC with the A2a receptor‐specific agonist CGS‐21680 resulted in elevated intracellular bacterial replication as determined by fluorescence microscopy and antibiotic protection assay. Additionally, A2a receptor antagonism and knockdown via RNA interference significantly reduced metabolically active intracellular P. gingivalis. Furthermore, analysis of anti‐inflammatory mediator cyclic AMP (cAMP) following A2a receptor selective agonist CGS‐21680 stimulation induced significantly higher levels of cAMP during P. gingivalis infection, indicating that adenosine signaling may attenuate inflammatory processes associated with bacterial infection. This study reveals that the GEC express functional A2a receptor and P. gingivalis may use the A2a receptor coupled DS adenosine signaling as a means to establish successful persistence in the oral mucosa, possibly via downregulation of the pro‐inflammatory response.
Abscisic acid, H2O2 and nitric oxide interactions mediated cold‐induced S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase in Medicago sativa subsp. falcata that confers cold tolerance through up‐regulating polyamine oxidation
Authors: Guo Zhenfei , Tan Jiali , Zhuo Chunliu , Wang Congying , Xiang Bin , Wang Zengyu 
Published: February 2014

SummaryS‐adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) is the key enzyme catalysing the formation of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), a precursor of polyamines and ethylene. To investigate the potential role of SAMS in cold tolerance, we isolated MfSAMS1 from the cold‐tolerant germplasm Medicago sativa subsp. falcata and analysed the association of SAM‐derived polyamines with cold tolerance. The expression of MfSAMS1 in leaves was greatly induced by cold, abscisic acid (ABA), H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO). Our data revealed that ABA, H2O2 and NO interactions mediated the cold‐induced MfSAMS1 expression and cold acclimation in falcata. SAM, putrescine, spermidine and spermine levels, ethylene production and polyamine oxidation were sequentially altered in response to cold, indicating that SAMS‐derived SAM is preferentially used in polyamine synthesis and homeostasis during cold acclimation. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also induced in response to cold and showed correlation with polyamine oxidation. Overexpression of MfSAMS1 in tobacco resulted in elevated SAM levels, but polyamine levels and ethylene production in the transgenic plants were not significantly changed. Compared to the wild type, transgenic plants had increased levels of apoplastic H2O2, higher transcript levels of genes involved in polyamine synthesis and oxidation, and higher activities of polyamine oxidation and antioxidant enzymes. The results showed that overexpression of MfSAMS1 promoted polyamine synthesis and oxidation, which in turn improved H2O2‐induced antioxidant protection, as a result enhanced tolerance to freezing and chilling stress in transgenic plants. This is the first report demonstrating that SAMS plays an important role in plant tolerance to cold via up‐regulating polyamine oxidation.
Genotype × year interaction and broad‐sense heritability of architectural characteristics in rose bush
Authors: Crespel Laurent , Le Bras Camille , Relion Daniel , Morel Philippe 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe effect of genotype factors, year and their interaction was assessed on six architectural variables of eight cultivars of rose bush. Plants were grown in pots in a greenhouse in the spring of 2011 and 2012, two highly contrasted years in terms of the quantity of cumulative radiation, with a relative deviation (for 2012 compared to 2011) ranging from −24.6% (April) to +13.7% (March). Their architecture was digitized at two observation scales, the plant and the axis. Highly significant genotype (G) and year (Y) effects were revealed for all of the variables measured, as well as a G × Y interaction. Concerning the year effect, it was significantly higher in 2012 and for all of the variables measured. The G × Y interaction was due to (i) different genotype groupings according to year, (ii) difference response amplitudes between years according to genotype. Broad‐sense heritability was calculated for each of these variables. It was moderate to high, ranging from 48% for the length of long axes to 98% for the number of metamers on long axes.
Development and characterization of a new set of 164 polymorphic EST‐SSR markers for diversity and breeding studies in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.)
Authors: Cubry Philippe , Pujade‐Renaud Valérie , Garcia Dominique , Espeout Sandra , Le Guen Vincent , Granet Françoise , Seguin Marc 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDespite its economic importance and recent genome release, the need for molecular tools for Hevea brasiliensis is high. In the frame of a disease resistance study, EST sequences were retrieved from public database or generated by sequencing SSH libraries. Sequences were trimmed and microsatellite motifs searched using an ad hoc bioinformatic pipeline, and pairs of primers for the amplification of candidate markers were generated. We found a total of 10 499 unigenes from both sources of sequences, and 673 microsatellites motifs were detected using the default parameters of the pipeline. Two hundred sixty‐four primer pairs were tested and 226 (85.6%) successfully amplified. Out of the amplified candidate markers, 164 exhibited polymorphism. Relationships based on dendrograms using simple matching index and diversity statistics based on EST‐SSRs were compared with Genomic SSRs, showing the potentialities of EST‐derived microsatellites for resistance studies but also for population genetics approaches.
Infantile Crohn's disease is one of the risk factors for catheter‐related bloodstream infection
Authors: Koike Yuhki , Uchida Keiichi , Inoue Mikihiro , Ide Shozo , Hashimoto Kiyoshi , Matsushita Kohei , Otake Kohei , Ohkita Yoshiki , Araki Toshimitsu , Kobayashi Minako , Mohri Yasuhiko , Kusunoki Masato 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCentral venous catheterization is recognized as a lifeline that is important for chemotherapy or nutritional support in pediatric patients with malignant disease and intestinal failure. This study analyzed the risk of infection with Broviac line use among these patients at a single Japanese center.MethodsTwo hundred and four Broviac lines were inserted in patients in the pediatric ward from January 2003 to October 2011. We analyzed the risk of catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CR‐BSI) using clinical characteristics including underlying disease, sepsis history, inserted situation, drug use, and laboratory data at the time of Broviac insertion or before CR‐BSI.ResultsDuring the study period, data from a total of 15 lines were excluded because of missing blood culture data. In the remaining 189 Broviac lines, 52 lines developed CR‐BSI. On univariate analysis, leukemia, infantile Crohn's disease, sepsis history before Broviac insertion, existence of a stoma opening, and immunosuppressant use before CR‐BSI were risk factors for CR‐BSI. On multivariate logistic regression analysis infantile Crohn's disease, sepsis history before Broviac insertion, and immunosuppressant use before CR‐BSI were independently associated with CR‐BSI (P = 0.015, P = 0.045, and P = 0.043, respectively).ConclusionsInfantile Crohn's disease carries a high risk for CR‐BSI because of its pathological condition, the therapeutic drugs required, and surgical intervention.
Addressing the Community/Public Health Nursing Shortage through a Multifaceted Regional Approach
Authors: Young Staci , Acord Lea , Schuler Sue , Hansen Judith M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDespite increasing needs resulting from emerging societal and health care issues, the number of trained community/public health (C/PH) nurses in the United States is facing a precipitous decline. Numerous factors contribute to this shortage including an aging workforce, a poorly funded public health system, inconsistencies in C/PH nursing educational approaches and opportunities, and a shortage of sites for clinical training. Determined to address the C/PH nursing shortage in their region, a consortium of public health professionals, university deans and faculty, and state nursing leaders in southeastern Wisconsin came together to address these issues from three perspectives: (a) curricular analysis and redesign, (b) expansion of clinical placement opportunities, and (c) paid community/public health nursing internships for seniors in baccalaureate nursing programs. This article outlines briefly the activities undertaken related to curricular review and clinical placements, and then describes in detail the approach, challenges and results of the senior internship program. Together, these programs produced long‐lasting results including an unprecedented level of collaboration between academic institutions and public health nursing professionals, the expansion of both traditional and nontraditional clinical sites in the region, and a transformative learning experience for seventeen senior nursing students from five participating universities.
Sequential effects in continued visual search: Using fixation‐related potentials to compare distractor processing before and after target detection
Authors: Körner Christof , Braunstein Verena , Stangl Matthias , Schlögl Alois , Neuper Christa , Ischebeck Anja 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTo search for a target in a complex environment is an everyday behavior that ends with finding the target. When we search for two identical targets, however, we must continue the search after finding the first target and memorize its location. We used fixation‐related potentials to investigate the neural correlates of different stages of the search, that is, before and after finding the first target. Having found the first target influenced subsequent distractor processing. Compared to distractor fixations before the first target fixation, a negative shift was observed for three subsequent distractor fixations. These results suggest that processing a target in continued search modulates the brain's response, either transiently by reflecting temporary working memory processes or permanently by reflecting working memory retention.
Domestic airborne pollutants and asthma and respiratory symptoms in middle age
Authors: Mészáros Desiree , Burgess John , Walters E. Haydn , Johns David , Markos James , Giles Graham , Hopper John , Abramson Michael , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Matheson Melanie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe role of indoor air pollution as a risk factor for asthma and respiratory symptoms in middle age is unclear. We investigated associations between indoor air pollution sources and (i) asthma phenotypes and (ii) asthma‐related respiratory symptoms in middle‐aged adults.MethodsSubjects (n = 5729) who participated in the 2004 survey of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study completed respiratory and home environment questionnaires. Associations between indoor air pollution sources, and asthma phenotypes and asthma‐related respiratory symptoms were estimated.ResultsRecent mould in the home was associated with current asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.26; 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.50), wheeze (OR 1.34; 1.17–1.54) and nocturnal chest tightness (OR 1.30; 1.12–1.51). Stratified by atopy and gender, recent mould was associated with current non‐atopic asthma only in males (OR 3.73; 1.29–10.80). More rooms affected by mould were associated with significant trends for current asthma, wheeze and nocturnal chest tightness. Home environmental tobacco smoke was associated with doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR 1.25; 1.02–1.53), wheeze (OR 1.69; 1.41–2.03), nocturnal chest tightness (OR 1.54; 1.26–1.88), with current asthma only in non‐smokers (OR 2.09; 95%: 1.30–3.35) and with current asthma only in males (OR 1.74; 95%: 1.25–2.42). Among heating appliances, reverse cycle air conditioning was negatively associated with doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR 0.84; 0.70–1.00). Neither electric nor gas stove use was associated with either asthma phenotype or with asthma‐related respiratory symptoms.ConclusionsIn middle age, reducing home exposure to mould and environmental tobacco smoke might reduce asthma and asthma‐related respiratory symptoms.
Evaluation of Take‐Home Exposure and Risk Associated with the Handling of Clothing Contaminated with Chrysotile Asbestos
Authors: Sahmel J. , Barlow C. A. , Simmons B. , Gaffney S. H. , Avens H. J. , Madl A. K. , Henshaw J. , Lee R. J. , Van Orden D. , Sanchez M. , Zock M. , Paustenbach D. J. 
Published: February 2014

The potential for para‐occupational (or take‐home) exposures from contaminated clothing has been recognized for the past 60 years. To better characterize the take‐home asbestos exposure pathway, a study was performed to measure the relationship between airborne chrysotile concentrations in the workplace, the contamination of work clothing, and take‐home exposures and risks. The study included air sampling during two activities: (1) contamination of work clothing by airborne chrysotile (i.e., loading the clothing), and (2) handling and shaking out of the clothes. The clothes were contaminated at three different target airborne chrysotile concentrations (0–0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter [f/cc], 1–2 f/cc, and 2–4 f/cc; two events each for 31–43 minutes; six events total). Arithmetic mean concentrations for the three target loading levels were 0.01 f/cc, 1.65 f/cc, and 2.84 f/cc (National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety [NIOSH] 7402). Following the loading events, six matched 30‐minute clothes‐handling and shake‐out events were conducted, each including 15 minutes of active handling (15‐minute means; 0.014–0.097 f/cc) and 15 additional minutes of no handling (30‐minute means; 0.006–0.063 f/cc). Percentages of personal clothes‐handling TWAs relative to clothes‐loading TWAs were calculated for event pairs to characterize exposure potential during daily versus weekly clothes‐handling activity. Airborne concentrations for the clothes handler were 0.2–1.4% (eight‐hour TWA or daily ratio) and 0.03–0.27% (40‐hour TWA or weekly ratio) of loading TWAs. Cumulative chrysotile doses for clothes handling at airborne concentrations tested were estimated to be consistent with lifetime cumulative chrysotile doses associated with ambient air exposure (range for take‐home or ambient doses: 0.00044–0.105 f/cc year).
Sediment colour reflectance spectroscopy as a proxy for wet/dry cycles at Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russia, during Marine Isotope Stages 8 to 12
Authors: Wei Jeremy H. , Finkelstein David B. , Brigham‐Grette Julie , Castañeda Isla S. , Nowaczyk Norbert 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMarine Isotope Stage 11 has been proposed as an analogue for the present interglacial interval; yet, terrestrial climate records from both this region and time interval are rare. The sediments deposited at Lake El'gygytgyn (67°30′N, 172°5′E) in Far East Russia contain a 3·56 Ma record of climate variability. This study presents a high‐resolution record of sediment colour change from Marine Isotope Stage 8 to 12 (ca 275 to 475 ka) and demonstrates the link between lake catchment processes and climate variability. The hue colour parameter, calculated from data collected via colour reflectance spectroscopy in the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nm), exhibits correspondence with global climate records. Determining the source of sediment colour changes was achieved through detailed mineralogical and sedimentological methods, and linked to colour changes through a series of colour sensitivity tests. Mineralogical data, measured by X‐ray diffraction, reveal fluctuations in concentrations of clay minerals corresponding to colour changes. Further analyses of the clay mineral assemblages show no change in relative clay mineral abundances, yet demonstrate a lake catchment dominated by physical weathering processes. Using measured mineral abundances, reconstructions of sediment colour based on colour reflectance mineral standards link mineral and clay mineral content to overall sediment colour. Colour sensitivity tests demonstrate the ability of iron oxide minerals to stain sediments red. Additionally, colour sensitivity to organic matter content was tested, suggesting that organic content drives variability in the red portion of the spectrum and darkens the overall colour signal. Sediment colour is then ultimately linked to physical weathering of bedrock minerals, with small amounts of chemical weathering producing iron oxides during wet intervals. Fluctuations in the sediment colour reveal a high‐resolution record of wet/dry cycles, and provide new information about wet periods for the Russian Arctic region not yet understood from other lake proxy records.
Assessment of SIAscopy in the triage of suspicious skin tumours
Authors: Sgouros D. , Lallas A. , Julian Y. , Rigopoulos D. , Zalaudek I. , Longo C. , Moscarella E. , Simonetti V. , Argenziano G. 
Published: February 2014

Background/purposeSpectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis (SIAscopy) is a non‐invasive, computerized technique for the diagnosis of pigmented skin tumours. The analysis is based on the evaluation of skin chromophores, i.e. melanin, haemoglobin and collagen within the epidermis and papillary dermis. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic validity of SIAscopy in the detection of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers compared to the clinical‐dermoscopic diagnosis and the histopathologic results of the excised lesions.MethodsIn total, 188 lesions of 180 patients were examined by dermoscopy and SIAscopy. A SIAscopy scoring system was first compared with the clinical‐dermoscopic diagnosis and then with the histopathologic diagnosis of the excised lesions.ResultsWith respect to the clinical‐dermoscopic evaluation, SIAscopy had sensitivity and specificity values of 85.7% and 65.4% respectively. Of the 188 evaluated lesions, 44 were excised with histopathologic examination revealing 31 malignant tumours, including 18 melanomas. With respect to histopathology SIAscopy had a sensitivity of 83.9%. Seven of the 13 benign excised lesions were scored as malignant by SIAscopy resulting in a specificity of 46.1%.ConclusionSIAscopy cannot replace the standard of care in skin cancer diagnosis, which includes clinical and dermoscopic examination. However, considering that the technique does not require specific training and expertise, it might represent an additional, relatively cost‐effective tool to select lesions for referral.
Tumor necrosis factor haplotype diversity in Mestizo and Native populations of Mexico
Authors: Castro‐Martínez X. H. , Leal‐Cortés C. , Flores‐Martínez S. E. , García‐Zapién A. G. , Sánchez‐Corona J. , Portilla‐de Buen E. , Gómez‐Espinel I. , Zamora‐Ginez I. , Pérez‐Fuentes R. , Islas‐Andrade S. , Revilla‐Monsalve C. , Guerrero‐Romero F. , Rodríguez‐Morán M. , Mendoza‐Carrera F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe so‐called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) block includes the TNFA, lymphotoxin alpha and beta (LTA and LTB) genes with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and microsatellites with an allele frequency that exhibits interpopulation variability. To date, no reports have included both SNPs and microsatellites at the TNF block to study Mestizo or Amerindian populations from Mexico. In this study, samples of five Mexican Mestizo populations (Durango, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Tierra Blanca) and four native‐Mexican populations (North Lacandonians, South Lacandonians, Tepehuanos, and Yaquis) were genotyped for two SNPs (LTA+252A>G and TNFA–308G>A) and four microsatellites (TNFa, d, e, and f), to analyze the genetic substructure of the Mexican population. Allele and haplotype frequencies, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and interpopulation genetic relationships were calculated. There was significant LD along almost all of the TNF block but the lowest D′ values were observed for the TNFf–TNFd pair. Mestizos showed higher allele and haplotype diversity than did natives. The genetic differentiation level was reduced among Mestizos; however, a slightly, but significant genetic substructure was observed between northern and southern Mexican Mestizos. Among the Amerindian populations, the genetic differentiation level was significantly elevated, particularly in both North and South Lacandonians. Furthermore, among Southern Lacandonians, inhabitants of Lacanja town were the most differentiated from all the Mexicans analyzed. The data presented here will serve as a reference for further population and epidemiological studies including these TNF polymorphisms in the Mexican population.