bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis reveals a global alkyl‐quinolone‐independent regulatory role for PqsE in facilitating the environmental adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to plant and animal hosts
Authors: Rampioni Giordano , Pustelny Christian , Fletcher Matthew P. , Wright Victoria J. , Bruce Mary , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Heeb Stephan , Cámara Miguel , Williams Paul 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe quorum sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa constitutes a sophisticated genome‐wide gene regulatory network employing both N‐acylhomoserine lactone and 2‐alkyl‐4‐quinolone (AQ) signal molecules. AQ signalling utilizes 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (PQS) and its immediate precursor, 2‐heptyl‐4‐quinolone (HHQ). AQ biosynthesis requires the first four genes of the pqsABCDE operon and while the biochemical function of pqsE is not known, it is required for the production of secondary metabolites such as pyocyanin. To gain insights into the relationship between the AQ stimulon, the PqsE stimulon and the regulatory function of PqsE, we constructed a pqsE inducible mutant (pqsEind) and compared the transcriptomes of the induced and uninduced states with a pqsA mutant. Of 158 genes exhibiting altered expression in the pqsA mutant, 51% were also affected in the pqsE mutant. Following induction of pqsE, 237 genes were differentially expressed compared with the wild‐type strain. In the pqsEind strain, pqsA was highly expressed but following induction both pqsA expression and AQ biosynthesis were repressed, revealing a negative autoregulatory role for PqsE. Furthermore, pqsE was required for swarming motility and virulence in plant and animal infection models in the absence of AQs, while mature biofilm development required both pqsA and pqsE. Taken together these data reveal that PqsE is a key regulator within the QS circuitry facilitating the environmental adaptation of P. aeruginosa.
Seasonality of vegetation fires as modified by human action: observing the deviation from eco‐climatic fire regimes
Authors: Le Page Yannick , Oom Duarte , Silva João M. N. , Jönsson Per , Pereira José M. C. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  In any region affected, fires exhibit a strong seasonal cycle driven by the dynamic of fuel moisture and ignition sources throughout the year. In this paper we investigate the global patterns of fire seasonality, which we relate to climatic, anthropogenic, land‐cover and land‐use variables.Location  Global, with detailed analyses from single 1°× 1° grid cells.Methods  We use a fire risk index, the Chandler burning index (CBI), as an indicator of the ‘natural’, eco‐climatic fire seasonality, across all types of ecosystems. A simple metric, the middle of the fire season, is computed from both gridded CBI data and satellite‐derived fire detections. We then interpret the difference between the eco‐climatic and observed metrics as an indicator of the human footprint on fire seasonality.Results  Deforestation, shifting cultivation, cropland production or tropical savanna fires are associated with specific timings due to land‐use practices, sometimes largely decoupled from the CBI dynamics. Detailed time series from relevant locations provide comprehensive information about these practices and how they are adapted to eco‐climatic conditions.Main conclusions  We find a great influence of anthropogenic activities on global patterns of fire seasonality. The specificity of the main fire practices and their easy identification from global observation is a potential tool to support land‐use monitoring efforts. Our results should also prove valuable in the development of a methodological approach for improving the representation of anthropogenic fire practices in dynamic global vegetation models.
The determinants of service exports from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Kandilov Ivan T. , Grennes Thomas 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have become important exporters of many types of services to Western Europe. We identify the sources of CEE’s advantages over competing exporters, such as India, China and Brazil, using disaggregated data on service exports and a novel estimation technique for the gravity equation. Our results indicate that the importance of geographical distance varies substantially across types of service exports. Geography is important for exports of construction services, but it has a negligible impact on computer‐related services. However, the relative quality of legal institutions influences trade across a broad range of service categories. The results demonstrate that aggregating services that are not homogeneous could conceal important differences in the effects of geographical distance and other variables on the pattern of service trade.
Class and gender inequalities in different types of welfare states: the Social Citizenship Indicator Program (SCIP)
Authors: Korpi Walter 
Published: April 2010

Korpi W. Class and gender inequalities in different types of welfare states: the Social Citizenship Indicator Program (SCIP)Int J Soc Welfare 2010: ••: ••–••© 2010 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and International Journal of Social Welfare.This article considers the role of legislated welfare state institutions as mediators of effects of political and structural forces on citizens' levels of living of relevance to inequalities in health and mortality. The focus is on institutional structures of welfare state programmes relevant to class inequality, as indicated by income inequalities, and to gender inequality, conceived of as differences in agency. I introduce the Social Citizenship Indicator Program, a database providing quantitative and qualitative information on structures of main social insurance programmes in 18 countries from 1930 to 2000, on about 300,000 data points. It is used to delineate types of distributive institutions of relevance for income inequality. Institutions relevant for gendered agency inequality affect choices by women, especially mothers, between unpaid and paid work. Driving forces behind the emergence of differences in distributive institutions are discussed, and patterns of class and gender inequalities are outlined.
Public pension institutions and old‐age mortality in a comparative perspective
Authors: Norström Thor , Palme Joakim 
Published: April 2010

Norström T, Palme J. Public pension institutions and old‐age mortality in a comparative perspectiveInt J Soc Welfare 2010: ••: ••–••© 2010 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and International Journal of Social Welfare.The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of changes in pension rights on old‐age mortality. We made a distinction between two dimensions of pension benefits, one of providing basic security (BASIC), and the other of providing income security (INCOME). Analyses were based on data for 18 OECD countries during the post‐war period. The outcome comprised old‐age excess mortality, defined as the ratio of the mortality rate 65+ to the mortality rate in the age group 30–59 years. The latter was regarded as a proxy for unobserved factors potentially related to old‐age mortality as well as pension rights. The pooled cross‐sectional time series data were analysed through fixed effects modelling. The results suggest that BASIC (but not INCOME) has a beneficial impact on old‐age excess mortality, which was statistically significant. We interpret the results in terms of the poverty‐reducing effects of pension entitlements with a basic security orientation.
Sequential treatment with biologics: switching from efalizumab to etanercept in 35 patients with high‐need psoriasis
Authors: Antoniou C , Dessinioti C , Vergou T , Stratigos AJ , Avgerinou G , Kostaki M , Katsambas A 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Use of biological agents has been shown to be an efficacious approach in psoriasis, when traditional treatments fail. However, there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of switching from one biological agent to another.Objectives  We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of etanercept as a sequential treatment in patients previously treated with efalizumab, and to evaluate different transition strategies from efalizumab to etanercept.Methods  We present a retrospective study in patients with high‐need plaque psoriasis who were unable to continue efalizumab and were immediately switched to etanercept.Results  We included 35 patients during a 4.5‐year period. At 24 weeks of etanercept therapy, 57% of patients had a PASI reduction of 75%, suggesting that alternating between biological agents is feasible. We used three different switching approaches: (i) etanercept in combination with cyclosporine as bridge therapy, (ii) etanercept in combination with methotrexate as bridge therapy, (iii) etanercept monotherapy. Combination therapy was efficacious in all patients, including eight patients with rebound phenomenon with efalizumab. Etanercept was discontinued in two patients as a result of serious adverse events that consisted of an oral squamous cell carcinoma and a diffuse B‐cell‐non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.Conclusions  In our experience, it seems that etanercept alone may not be sufficient when transitioning from efalizumab in high‐need patients with severe worsening or rebound of psoriasis. In such patients, combination of etanercept with cyclosporine or methotrexate is a more effective approach. Non‐response to efalizumab did not preclude clinical response after switching to etanercept.
Fragrance contact allergy in Iran
Authors: Firooz A , Nassiri‐Kashani M , Khatami A , Gorouhi F , Babakoohi S , Montaser‐Kouhsari L , Davari P , Dowlati Y 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Fragrances are considered as one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. About 1–4% of the general population suffer from fragrance contact allergy (FCA).Objectives  To determine the frequency of FCA and its clinical relevance in a sample of Iranian patients with history of contact and/or atopic dermatitis from January 2004 to December 2008.Methods  Standardized patch testing with 28‐allergen screening series recommended by the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group and European Standard Series was used at six dermatological clinics in Iran. Fragrance allergens comprised of fragrance mix I (FM I), Myroxylon pereirae (MP; balsam of Peru), Lyral®, turpentine and FM II.Results  Fragrance contact allergy was detected in 7.2% of the patients. The frequency of positive reactions to FM I, MP and FM II were 3.7% (41/1105), 2.8% (32/1135) and 1.1% (3/267) respectively. 82.4% of the reactions to fragrance allergens were clinically relevant. The most common involved areas were hands (68.4%) and face (35.4%). Fragrance allergy predominantly affected women aged more than 40 years (P = 0.008). Positive reaction to more than two allergens was significantly higher in FCA patients compared with other contact dermatitis patients (P < 0.0001), and FM I, nickel and MP were the most frequent allergens in these patients.Conclusions  Despite less frequency of FCA in comparison with some European countries, its clinical relevance in Iranian patients seems to be high. It mostly affects the hands and the face predominantly in women aged more than 40 years.
Skin disorders in Korean patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and their association with a CD4 lymphocyte count: a preliminary study
Authors: Kim T‐G , Lee K‐H , Oh S‐H 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Dermatological disorders are quite common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients. However, cutaneous findings in Korean HIV‐infected patients have not been properly investigated.Objective  To investigate the spectrum of dermatological disorders in Korean HIV‐infected individuals according to a CD4 lymphocyte count.Methods  A retrospective clinical study was carried out from June 2002 to January 2008. We comprehensively collected information regarding HIV‐associated skin problems, laboratory data and the history of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Results  Ninety‐nine HIV‐seropositive patients (mean age: 39.6 ± 11.3 years, males: 94.9%) were included in this study. Of them, 55 patients (55.6%) presented with at least one skin problem. The four most common dermatological disorders were eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (18.6%), symptomatic syphilis (comprising of primary and secondary syphilis) (17.1%), seborrhoeic dermatitis (17.1%) and condyloma acuminatum (12.8%). The group with a CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 × 106 cells/L showed a significantly higher prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma compared with the group with a CD4 lymphocyte count > 200 × 106 cells/L (P = 0.014). Condyloma was more prevalent in the group with a CD4 count > 200 × 106 cells/L (P = 0.022). The patients treated with HAART had a lower prevalence of neurosyphilis compared with the non‐treated group (P = 0.018).Conclusions  Diverse dermatological conditions were demonstrated in Korean HIV‐infected patients. Kaposi sarcoma was associated with a low CD4 lymphocyte count, but condyloma was associated with a high CD4 lymphocyte count. The prevalence of syphilis in our study was higher than that of Western countries. HAART seemed to be associated with the low prevalence of neurosyphilis.
Evidence for coupling between steady‐state and dynamic extracellular dopamine concentrations in the rat striatum
Authors: Wang Yuexiang , Moquin Keith F. , Michael Adrian C. 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 150–159.AbstractA previous study from our laboratory demonstrated the presence within the rat striatum of dopaminergic terminals in different dynamical states, determined at least in part by the extent to which terminals are subject to autoinhibition. The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the basal tonic extracellular dopamine concentration contributes to the variable extent of autoinhibition. We probed basal extracellular dopamine concentrations using a previously demonstrated strategy that utilizes intrastriatal microinfusion of kynurenate, a substance that according to voltammetric measurements decreases extracellular dopamine from its basal concentration. In the striatum, however, we find that the response to kynurenate infusion is itself heterogeneous, allowing a broad classification of sites within the striatum as kynurenate‐insensitive and kynurenate‐sensitive, respectively. These newly identified kynurenate‐insensitive and sensitive sites yield substantially and significantly different evoked dopamine release as measured by voltammetry during electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the local basal concentration of dopamine is responsible for the variable extent of autoinhibition within the striatum and support the conclusion that the steady state and dynamical components of extracellular dopamine in this brain region are coupled.
Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate deficiency causes a loss of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase in patients and human neuroblastoma cells, implications for aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase and vitamin B6 deficiency states
Authors: Allen George F. G. , Neergheen Viruna , Oppenheim Marcus , Fitzgerald Julia C. , Footitt Emma , Hyland Keith , Clayton Peter T. , Land John M. , Heales Simon J. R. 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 87–96.AbstractPyridoxal 5′‐phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6, is an essential cofactor for multiple enzymes, including aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase that catalyses the final stage in the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. In two patients with inherited disorders of vitamin B6 metabolism, we observed reductions in plasma aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase activity. In one patient, this change was related to an increase in Km for pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate. Furthermore, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐deficient human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were found to exhibit reduced levels of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase activity and protein but with no alteration in expression. Further reductions in activity and protein were observed with the addition of the vitamin B6 antagonist 4‐deoxypyridoxine, which also reduced aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase mRNA levels. Neither pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate deficiency nor the addition of 4‐deoxypyridoxine affected aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase stability over 8 h with protein synthesis inhibited. Increasing extracellular availability of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate was not found to have any significant effect on intracellular pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate concentrations or on aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase. These findings suggest that maintaining adequate pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate availability may be important for optimal treatment of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency and l‐dopa‐responsive conditions.
RanBPM contributes to TrkB signaling and regulates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐induced neuronal morphogenesis and survival
Authors: Yin Yu‐Xia , Sun Zong‐Peng , Huang Shu‐Hong , Zhao Ling , Geng Zhao , Chen Zhe‐Yu 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 110–121.AbstractTropomyosin‐related kinase (Trk) B is a receptor tyrosine kinase for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which plays a critical role in neuronal survival, differentiation and morphogenesis. Ran‐binding protein in the microtubule‐organizing center (RanBPM) is a cytosolic scaffold protein that has been shown to interact with protein‐tyrosine kinase receptor MET, Axl/Sky, and TrkA in addition to the pan‐neurotrophin receptor pan‐neurotrophin receptor 75 kDa. In this study, we report RanBPM is a novel TrkB‐interacting protein that contributes to BDNF‐induced MAPK and Akt activation together with neuronal morphogenesis and survival. Over‐expression of RanBPM in PC1210 cells (PC12 cells stably over‐expressing TrkB) can significantly enhance BDNF‐induced MAPK and Akt activation. Moreover, RanBPM can promote BDNF‐induced hippocampal neuronal morphogenesis and enhance BDNF‐mediated trophic effects after serum deprivation, while siRNA knock down of RanBPM in cells has the opposite effects. Together, these results suggest that RanBPM may modulate TrkB‐mediated downstream signaling and biological functions.
Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area, northeast Greenland
Authors: WAGNER BERND , BENNIKE OLE , CREMER HOLGER , KLUG MARTIN 
Published: April 2010

Wagner, B., Bennike, O., Cremer, H. & Klug, M. 2010: Late Quaternary history of the Kap Mackenzie area, northeast Greenland.Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 492–504. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00148.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.The Kap Mackenzie area on the outer coast of northeast Greenland was glaciated during the last glacial stage, and pre‐Holocene shell material was brought to the area. Dating of marine shells indicates that deglaciation occurred in the earliest Holocene, before 10 800 cal. a BP. The marine limit is around 53 m a.s.l. In the wake of the deglaciation, a glaciomarine fauna characterized the area, but afterc. one millennium a more species‐rich marine fauna took over. This fauna includedMytilus edulisandMysella sovaliki, which do not live in the region at present; the latter is new to the Holocene fauna of northeast Greenland. The oldestM. edulissample is dated toc. 9500 cal. a BP, which is the earliest date for the species from the region and indicates that the Holocene thermal maximum began earlier in the region than previously documented. This is supported by driftwood dated toc. 9650 cal. a BP, which is the earliest driftwood date so far from northeastern Greenland and implies that the coastal area was at least partly free of sea ice in summer. As indicated by former studies, the Storegga tsunami hit the Kap Mackenzie area atc. 8100 cal. a BP. Loon Lake, at 18 m a.s.l., was isolated from the sea atc. 6200 cal. a BP, which is distinctly later than expected from existing relative sea‐level curves for the region.
P–T–X controls on phase stability and composition in LTMP metabasite rocks – a thermodynamic evaluation
Authors: PHILLIPS G. , HAND M. , OFFLER R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe stability of pumpellyite + actinolite or riebeckite + epidote + hematite (with chlorite, albite, titanite, quartz and H2O in excess) mineral assemblages in LTMP metabasite rocks is strongly dependent on bulk composition. By using a thermodynamic approach (THERMOCALC), the importance of CaO and Fe2O3 bulk contents on the stability of these phases is illustrated using P–T and P–X phase diagrams. This approach allowed P–T conditions of ∼4.0 kbar and ∼260 °C to be calculated for the growth of pumpellyite + actinolite or riebeckite + epidote + hematite assemblages in rocks containing variable bulk CaO and Fe2O3 contents. These rocks form part of an accretionary wedge that developed along the east Australian margin during the Carboniferous–Triassic New England Orogen. P–T and P–X diagrams show that sodic amphibole, epidote and hematite will grow at these conditions in Fe2O3‐saturated (6.16 wt%) metabasic rocks, whereas actinolite and pumpellyite will be stable in CaO‐rich (10.30 wt%) rocks. With intermediate Fe2O3 (∼3.50 wt%) and CaO (∼8.30 wt%) contents, sodic amphibole, actinolite and epidote can coexist at these P–T conditions. For Fe2O3‐saturated rocks, compositional isopleths for sodic amphibole (Al3+ and Fe3+ on the M2 site), epidote (Fe3+/Fe3+ + Al3+) and chlorite (Fe2+/Fe2+ + Mg) were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of these cation exchanges as thermobarometers in LTMP metabasic rocks. Based on these calculations, it is shown that Al3+ in sodic amphibole and epidote is an excellent barometer in chlorite, albite, hematite, quartz and titanite buffered assemblages. The effectiveness of these barometers decreases with the breakdown of albite. In higher‐P stability fields where albite is absent, Fe2+‐Mg ratios in chlorite may be dependent on pressure. The Fe3+/Al and Fe2+/Mg ratios in epidote and chlorite are reliable thermometers in actinolite, epidote, chlorite, albite, quartz, hematite and titanite buffered assemblages.
Extent of neocortical resection and surgical outcome of epilepsy: Intracranial EEG analysis
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Kim Hyun Kyung , Lee Sang Kun , Chu Kon , Chung Chun Kee 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is an important process in the presurgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery. The objective of this study was to identify the ideal resection margin in neocortical epilepsy guided by subdural electrodes. For this purpose, we investigated the relationship between the extent of resection guided by subdural electrodes and the outcome of epilepsy surgery.Methods:  Intracranial EEG studies were analyzed in 177 consecutive patients who had undergone resective epilepsy surgery. We reviewed various intracranial EEG findings and resection extent. We analyzed the relationships between the surgical outcomes and intracranial EEG factors: the frequency, morphology, and distribution of ictal‐onset discharges, the propagation speed, and the time lag between clinical and intracranial ictal onset. We also investigated whether the extent of resection, including the area showing ictal rhythm and various interictal abnormalities—such as frequent interictal spikes, pathologic delta waves, and paroxysmal fast activity—influenced the surgical outcome.Results:  Seventy‐five patients (42%) were seizure free. A seizure‐free outcome was significantly associated with a resection that included the area showing ictal spreading rhythm during the first 3 s or included all the electrodes showing pathologic delta waves or frequent interictal spikes. However, subgroup analysis revealed that the extent of resection did not affect the surgical outcome in lateral temporal lobe epilepsy.Conclusions:  The extent of resection is closely associated with surgical outcome, especially in extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Resection that includes the area with total pathologic delta waves and frequent interictal spikes predicts a good surgical outcome.