bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal regulation of the autophosphorylation of enzyme INtr by glutamine and α‐ketoglutarate in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ro , Park Young‐Ha , Kim Miri , Kim Yeon‐Ran , Park Soyoung , Peterkofsky Alan , Seok Yeong‐Jae 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIn addition to the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (sugar PTS), most proteobacteria possess a paralogous system (nitrogen phosphotransferase system, PTSNtr). The first proteins in both pathways are enzymes (enzyme Isugar and enzyme INtr) that can be autophosphorylated by phosphoenolpyruvate. The most striking difference between enzyme Isugar and enzyme INtr is the presence of a GAF domain at the N‐terminus of enzyme INtr. Since the PTSNtr was identified in 1995, it has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes in many proteobacteria and many of these regulations have been shown to be dependent on the phosphorylation state of PTSNtr components. However, there has been little evidence that any component of this so‐called PTSNtr is directly involved in nitrogen metabolism. Moreover, a signal regulating the phosphorylation state of the PTSNtr had not been uncovered. Here, we demonstrate that glutamine and α‐ketoglutarate, the canonical signals of nitrogen availability, reciprocally regulate the phosphorylation state of the PTSNtr by direct effects on enzyme INtr autophosphorylation and the GAF signal transduction domain is necessary for the regulation of enzyme INtr activity by the two signal molecules. Taken together, our results suggest that the PTSNtr senses nitrogen availability.
Regulation of V‐nitrogenase genes in Anabaena variabilis by RNA processing and by dual repressors
Authors: Pratte Brenda S. , Sheridan Ryan , James Jessie A. , Thiel Teresa 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAnabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 fixes nitrogen in specialized cells called heterocysts using either a Mo‐nitrogenase or a V‐nitrogenase. V‐nitrogenase structural genes, vnfDGK, as well as vnfEN form an operon with ava4025, located upstream of vnfDG that is repressed by fixed nitrogen and by Mo. The ava4025‐vnfDGKEN operon is under the control of a Mo‐repressible promoter located nearly 600 bp upstream of ava4025. Levels of vnfDG transcript were about 500‐fold higher than ava4025, the first gene of the operon. This may be the result of RNA processing at a site 87 bp upstream of vnfDG that was initially identified as the transcription start site. A strain with a deletion in the coding region of ava4025 grew diazotrophically with Mo or with V. Two similar proteins, VnfR1 and VnfR2, whose genes are located some distance from the ava4025‐vnfDGKEN operon, each repressed transcription from the ava4025‐vnfDGKEN promoter and a mutant lacking both VnfR1 and VnfR2 made the V‐nitrogenase in the presence of Mo. Overexpression of the V‐nitrogenase in the double vnfR1 vnfR2 mutant resulted in decreased activity of the Mo‐nitrogenase. VnfR1 bound specifically, in vitro, to a region upstream of the ava4025 promoter.
The biosynthetic gene cluster for sophorolipids: a biotechnological interesting biosurfactant produced by Starmerella bombicola
Authors: Van Bogaert Inge N. A. , Holvoet Kevin , Roelants Sophie L. K. W. , Li Bing , Lin Yao‐Cheng , Van de Peer Yves , Soetaert Wim 
Published: March 2013

SummarySophorolipids are promising biological derived surfactants or detergents which find application in household cleaning, personal care and cosmetics. They are produced by specific yeast species and among those, Starmerella bombicola (former Candida bombicola) is the most widely used and studied one. Despite the commercial interest in sophorolipids, the biosynthetic pathway of these secondary metabolites remained hitherto partially unsolved. In this manuscript we present the sophorolipid gene cluster consisting of five genes directly involved in sophorolipid synthesis: a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, two glucosyltransferases, an acetyltransferase and a transporter. It was demonstrated that disabling the first step of the pathway – cytochrome P450 monooxygenase mediated terminal or subterminal hydroxylation of a common fatty acid – results in complete abolishment of sophorolipid production. This phenotype could be complemented by supplying the yeast with hydroxylated fatty acids. On the other hand, knocking out the transporter gene yields mutants still able to secrete sophorolipids, though only at levels of 10% as compared with the wild type, suggesting alternative routes for secretion. Finally, it was proved that hampering sophorolipid production does not affect cell growth or cell viability in laboratory conditions, as can be expected for secondary metabolites.
Population genetic structure and taxonomy of the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) at its southernmost range limit: New Zealand waters
Authors: Stockin Karen A. , Amaral Ana R. , Latimer Julie , Lambert David M. , Natoli Ada 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNew Zealand is the southernmost limit of the common dolphin's (genus Delphinus) distribution in the Pacific Ocean. In this area, common dolphins occur in both coastal and oceanic habitats, exhibit seasonal and resident occurrence, and present high morphological variability. Here we investigated the population structure and the taxonomic identity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) within New Zealand waters using 14 microsatellite loci, 577 bp of the mtDNA control region, and 1,120 bp of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene across 90 individuals. We found high genetic variability and evidence of population expansion. Phylogenetic analyses conducted to clarify the taxonomic status of New Zealand common dolphins did not show any clustering reflecting geographic origin or morphotypes. The microsatellite analysis showed genetic differentiation between Coastal and Oceanic putative populations, while mtDNA revealed significant genetic differentiation only between the Hauraki Gulf and other putative groups. Our results suggest that differences in habitat choice and possible female site fidelity may play a role in shaping population structure of New Zealand common dolphins.
A parietal‐to‐frontal shift in the P300 is associated with compensation of tactile discrimination deficits in late middle‐aged adults
Authors: Reuter Eva‐Maria , Voelcker‐Rehage Claudia , Vieluf Solveig , Winneke Axel H. , Godde Ben 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTactile perception declines with age on both behavioral and neurophysiological levels. Less well understood is how neurophysiological changes relate to tactile discrimination performance in middle adulthood. A tactile discrimination task was conducted while ERPs were measured in three groups of healthy adults aged 20 to 66 years. Accuracy was lowest in late middle adulthood (56–66 years) while somatosensory ERP components (P50, N70, P100, N140) were comparable across age groups. The cognitive P300 revealed age‐related differences in scalp distribution typical for older adults to already be present in late middle adulthood. Increased recruitment of frontal cognitive processes was positively related to performance in later middle adulthood. Our results further the understanding of age‐related differences in tactile perception during middle adulthood and the importance of cognitive processes to compensate for age‐related decline.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Resistance Exercises That Promote Maximal Muscle Activity of the Rotator Cuff in Normal Shoulders
Authors: Ganderton Charlotte , Pizzari Tania 
Published: March 2013

Background There are numerous resistance exercises that can be used to activate the rotator cuff. However, the optimal exercises to achieve maximal muscle activation in supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to identify the optimal resistance exercises for producing maximal muscle activation of the rotator cuff in normal shoulders. Methods A literature search was completed using six key databases - MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTdiscus and Cochrane Library (from inception to January 2012). The search yielded 452 records using terms relating to rotator cuff, exercise, and electromyography. Eighteen papers remained after duplicates were removed and selection criteria applied. Quality assessment, data extraction and data synthesis of included papers was undertaken. Results Prone horizontal abduction at 90–100° with external rotation, push-up-plus, empty can and full can produced greatest activity in supraspinatus; prone horizontal abduction at 90–100° with full external rotation, standing external rotation at 0° abduction and the push-up-plus exercise produced greatest activity in infraspinatus and push-up-plus and shoulder flexion exercise in subscapularis. There was limited data for teres minor. Discussion Exercises to elicit maximal activity of supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis in normal shoulders were identified.
High‐frequency use of over‐the‐counter analgesics among adolescents: reflections of an emerging difficult life, a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Skarstein Siv , Rosvold Elin O. , Helseth Sølvi , Kvarme Lisbeth G. , Holager Tanja , Småstuen Milada C. , Lagerløv Per 
Published: March 2013

AimsTo examine characteristics of 15‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents who used over‐the‐counter analgesics daily to weekly (high‐frequency users) as compared to those who used less or no analgesics (low‐frequency users). Further to analyse the differences in pain experience, lifestyle, self‐esteem, school attendance and educational ambition.MethodsAn anonymous cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study. The questionnaire covered the use of over‐the‐counter analgesics, pain experience, sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, self‐esteem, school absence and future educational plans. The study took place in the 10th grade in six junior high schools in a medium‐sized town in Norway. The local sales data for analgesics and antipyretics were close to the national average. We invited 626 adolescents to participate. Of the 367 adolescents (59%) who responded, 51% were girls. Associations between the frequency of use of over‐the‐counter analgesic and the mentioned variables were analysed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 26% (42 boys and 48 girls) used over‐the‐counter analgesics daily to weekly. These high‐frequency users experienced more widespread pain, slept less, had more paid spare‐time work, drank more caffeinated drinks, participated more often in binge drinking, had lower self‐esteem, less ambitious educational plans and more frequent school absence than did the low‐frequency users. These associations remained significant when controlling for gender, cultural background and self‐evaluated economic status.ConclusionAdolescent, who are high‐frequency users of over‐the‐counter analgesics, suffer more pain and have identifiable characteristics indicative of complex problems. Their ability to handle stress appears to be discordant with the kind of situations to which they are exposed. The wear and tear associated with allostatic mechanisms counteracting stress may heighten their pain experience.
As the Current Account Turns: Disaggregating the Effects of Current Account Reversals in Industrial Countries
Authors: Craighead William D. , Hineline David R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper extends the study of current account (CA) reversals by considering the implications for the composition of output and employment. It is shown that decreases in CA deficits imply increases in tradable relative to non‐tradable output and/or declines in investment. The impact of CA ‘rebalancing’ should therefore be expected to vary considerably across sectors of an economy. This intersectoral variation is studied by examining the dynamics of output, employment and prices using data for 55 sectors of the economy during 14 industrial country reversal episodes. The output and employment declines associated with CA reversals are most clearly evident in investment‐related sectors, while sectors related to primary commodities generally perform relatively well following reversals. Reversals are also followed by increases in relative inflation for tradable goods sectors.
A hybrid metal artifact reduction algorithm for x‐ray CT
Authors: Zhang Yanbo , Yan Hao , Jia Xun , Yang Jian , Jiang Steve B. , Mou Xuanqin 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:Presence of metal artifacts is a major reason of degradation of computed tomography image quality and there is still no standard solution to this issue. A class of recently investigated metal artifact reduction (MAR) methods based on forward projection of a prior image that is artifact‐free to replace the metal affected projection data have shown promising results. However, usually it is hard to get a good prior image which is close to the true image without artifacts. This work aims at creating a good prior image so that the forward projection can replace the metal affected projection data well.Methods:The proposed method consists of four steps based on the forward projection MAR framework. First, metal implants in the reconstructed image are segmented and the corresponding metal traces in the projection domain are identified. Then the prior image is obtained by two steps. A processed precorrected image is generated as an initial prior image first and then in the next step it is used as the initial image of the iterative reconstruction from the unaffected projection data to generate a better prior image. In order to deal with severe artifacts, the iteration incorporates the total variation minimization constraint as well as a novel constraint which forces the soft tissue region near metal to be as flat as possible. Finally, the projection is completed using forward projection of the prior image and the corrected image is reconstructed by FBP. A linear interpolation MAR method and two recently reported forward projection based methods are performed simultaneously for comparison.Results:The proposed method shows outstanding performance on both phantoms' and patients' datasets. This approach can reduce artifacts dramatically and restore tissue structures near metal to a large extent. Unlike competing MAR methods, it can effectively prevent introduction of new artifacts and false structures. Moreover, the proposed method has the lowest RMSE in regions of both soft tissue and bone tissue among the corrected images and is ranked as the best method for evaluation, by radiologists.Conclusions:Both subjective and quantitative evaluations of the results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm, compared to that of the competing methods. This method offers a remarkable improvement of the image quality.
Patterns of patient specific dosimetry in total body irradiation
Authors: Akino Yuichi , McMullen Kevin P. , Das Indra J. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:Total body irradiation (TBI) has been used for bone marrow transplant for hematologic and immune deficiency conditions. The goal of TBI is to deliver a homogeneous dose to the entire body, with a generally accepted range of dose uniformity being within ±10% of the prescribed dose. The moving table technique for TBI could make dose uniform in whole body by adjusting couch speed. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate the actual dose by calculation and hencein vivo dosimetry (IVD) is routinely performed. Here, the authors present patterns of patient‐specific IVD in 161 TBI patients treated at our institution.Methods:Cobalt‐60 teletherapy unit (Model C9 Cobalt‐60 teletherapy unit, Picker X‐ray Corporation) with customized moving bed (SITI Industrial Products, Inc., Fishers, IN) were used for TBI treatment. During treatment, OneDoseTM (Sicel Technology, NC) Metal Oxide‐silicon Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor detectors were placed at patient body surface; both entrance and exit side of the beam at patient head, neck, mediastinum, umbilicus, and knee to estimate midplane dose. When large differences (>10%) between the prescribed and measured dose were observed, dose delivery was corrected for subsequent fractions by the adjustment of couch speed and/or bolus placement. Under IRB exempt status, the authors retrospectively analyzed the treatment records of 161 patients who received TBI treatment between 2006 and 2011.Results:Across the entire cohort, the median ± SD (range) percent variance between calculated and measured dose for head, neck, mediastinum, umbilicus, and knee was −2.3 ± 10.2% (−66.2 to +35.3), 1.1 ± 11.5% (−62.2 to +40.3), −1.9 ± 9.5% (−66.4 to +46.6), −1.1 ± 7.2% (−35.2 to +42.9), and 3.4 ± 12.2% (−47.9 to +108.5), respectively. More than half of treatments were within ±10% of the prescribed dose for all anatomical regions. For 80% of treatments (10%–90%), dose at the umbilicus was within ±10%. However, some large differences greater than 35% were also found at several points. For one case, the knee received double the prescribed dose. When the dose differences for multiple fractions were averaged, compliance (±10%) between the prescription and measured dose was improved compared to the dose difference of the first single fraction, for example, as at umbilicus, which improved from 83.9% to 98.5%.Conclusions:Actual dose measurement analysis of TBI patients revealed a potentially wide variance from the calculated dose. Based from their IVD method for TBI using Cobalt‐60 irradiator and moving table, ±10% over entire body is hard to achieve. However, it can be significantly improved with immediate feedback after the first fraction prior to subsequent treatments.
Association of γδ T Cells with Disease Severity and Mortality in Septic Patients
Authors: Andreu-Ballester Juan C. , Tormo-Calandín Constantino , Garcia-Ballesteros Carlos , Pérez-Griera J. , Amigó Victoria , Almela-Quilis Amadeo , Ruiz del Castillo Juan , Peñarroja-Otero Carlos , Ballester Ferran 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTGamma-delta T cells are the most abundant of all epithelial-resident lymphocytes and are considered a first line of defense against pathogens in the mucosa. Our objective was to confirm the reduction in γδ T cell subsets and its relationship with mortality in patients with sepsis. We studied 135 patients with sepsis attended in the emergency department and intensive care unit of two hospitals and compared them with a similar control group of healthy subjects. The αβ and γδ T cell subsets were determined via flow cytometry according to the stage of the sepsis and its relationship with mortality. All the lymphocyte subsets were reduced with respect to the corresponding subsets in the control group. All the γδ T cell populations decreased significantly as the septic picture worsened. Furthermore, γδ T cells showed decreases at days 2, 3, and 4 from the start of sepsis. Twenty-six patients with sepsis died (19.3%). The γδ T cells, specifically, the CD3+CD56+γδ T cells, were significantly reduced in those septic patients who died. Our results indicate that, during sepsis, γδ T cells show the largest decrease and this reduction becomes more intense when the septic process becomes more severe. Mortality was associated with a significant decrease in γδ T cells.
Direct Bacterial Identification in Positive Blood Cultures by Use of Two Commercial Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Systems
Authors: Chen Jonathan H. K. , Ho Pak-Leung , Kwan Grace S. W. , She Kevin K. K. , Siu Gilman K. H. , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Yam Wing-Cheong 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTMatrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of bacteria and fungi was recently introduced in microbiology laboratories. This technology could greatly improve the clinical management of patients and guidance for chemotherapy. In this study, we used a commercial MALDI Sepsityper extraction method to evaluate the performance of two commercial MALDI-TOF MS systems, the Vitek MS IVD (bioMérieux) and the Microflex LT Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics) for direct bacterial identification in positive blood cultures. In 181 monomicrobial cultures, both systems generated genus to species level identifications for >90% of the specimens (Biotyper, 177/181 [97.8%]; Vitek MS IVD, 167/181 [92.3%]). Overall, the Biotyper system generated significantly more accurate identifications than the Vitek MS IVD system (P= 0.016; 177 versus 167 out of 181 specimens). The Biotyper system identified the minority species among polymicrobial blood cultures. We also compared the performance of an in-house extraction method with that of the Sepsityper on both MALDI-TOF MS systems. The in-house method generated more correct identifications at the genus level than the Sepsityper (96.7% versus 93.5%) on the Biotyper system, whereas the two methods exhibited the same performance level (88.0% versus 88.0%) on the Vitek MS IVD system. Our study confirmed the practical advantages of MALDI-TOF MS, and our in-house extraction method reduced the reagent cost to $1 per specimen, with a shorter turnaround time of 3 h, which is highly cost-effective for a diagnostic microbiology service.
Rapid Spread of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Variant in Odisha, Eastern India, in 2008 and 2009
Authors: Khuntia H. K. , Pal B. B. , Samal S. K. , Kar S. K. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

The emergence and spread of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 El Tor variant strains causing severe diarrhea has been witnessed worldwide in recent years. In the state of Odisha, India, the spread of the
V. cholerae
O1 El Tor variant strains was studied during outbreaks in 2008 and 2009. Analysis of 194
V. cholerae
O1 Ogawa strains revealed that
V. cholerae
O1 El Tor variant strains are spreading gradually throughout the state, causing outbreaks replacing typical
V. cholerae
O1 El Tor biotype strains.
Septic Arthritis Caused by Noncapsulated Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Le Quellec Sandra , Gaillot Olivier , Chotel Franck , Freydière Anne-Marie , Laurent Frédéric , Vandenesch François , Doléans-Jordheim Anne 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Since the introduction of type b
Haemophilus influenzae
vaccination, noncapsulated
H. influenzae
has become responsible for most cases of invasive
H. influenzae
diseases. In our two cases of septic arthritis, we isolated strains with β-lactamase-positive amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance (BLPACR). Thus, the increasing prevalence of BLPACR should be taken into account when empirical therapy is chosen for septic arthritis.
CD4 and CD8 T Cells Directly Recognize Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68-Immortalized Cells and Prevent Tumor Outgrowth
Authors: Liang Xiaozhan , Crepeau Rebecca L. , Zhang Weijun , Speck Samuel H. , Usherwood Edward J. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

There has been extensive research regarding T cell recognition of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed cells; however, less is known regarding the recognition of B cells immortalized by gamma-2 herpesviruses. Here we show that B cells immortalized by murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68, γHV-68) can be controlled by either CD4 or CD8 T cells
in vivo
. We present evidence for the direct recognition of infected B cells by CD4 and CD8 T cells. These data will help in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches combating gamma-2 herpesvirus-related disease.