3,408 research outputs found
The PAS domain-containing histidine kinase RpfS is a second sensor for the diffusible signal factor of <em>Xanthomonas campestris</em>
Summary: A cell-cell signalling system mediated by the fatty acid signal DSF controls the virulence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) to plants. The synthesis and recognition of the DSF signal depends upon different Rpf proteins. DSF signal generation requires RpfF whereas signal perception and transduction depends upon the sensor RpfC and regulator RpfG. Detailed analyses of the regulatory roles of different Rpf proteins have suggested the occurrence of further sensors for DSF. Here we have used a mutagenesis approach coupled with high-resolution transcriptional analysis to identify XC_2579 (RpfS) as a second sensor for DSF in Xcc. RpfS is a complex sensor kinase predicted to have multiple Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) domains, a histidine kinase domain and a C-terminal receiver (REC) domain. Isothermal calorimetry showed that DSF bound to the isolated N-terminal PAS domain with a Kd of 1.4μM. RpfS controlled expression of a sub-set of genes distinct from those controlled by RpfC to include genes involved in type IV secretion and chemotaxis. Mutation of XC_2579 was associated with a reduction in virulence of Xcc to Chinese Radish when assayed by leaf spraying but not by leaf inoculation, suggesting a role for RpfS-controlled factors in the epiphytic phase of the disease cycle.</p
A Spectacular H Complex in Virgo: Evidence for a Collision Between M86 and NGC 4438 and Implications for Collisional ISM Heating of Ellipticals
Deep wide-field H+[NII] imaging around the Virgo cluster giant
elliptical galaxy M86 reveals a highly complex and disturbed ISM/ICM. The most
striking feature is a set of H filaments which clearly connect M86 with
the nearby disturbed spiral NGC 4438 (23=120 kpc projected away), providing
strong evidence for a previously unrecognized collision between them.
Spectroscopy of selected regions show a fairly smooth velocity gradient between
M86 and NGC 4438, consistent with the collision scenario. Such a collision
would impart significant energy into the ISM of M86, probably heating the gas
and acting to prevent the gas from cooling to form stars. We propose that cool
gas stripped from NGC 4438 during the collision and deposited in its wake is
heated by shocks, ram pressure drag, or thermal conduction, producing most of
the H filaments. Some H filaments are associated with the
well-known ridge of bright X-ray emission to the NW of the nucleus, suggesting
that the collision is responsible for peculiarities of M86 previously ascribed
to other effects. M86 is radio-quiet, thus AGN heating is unlikely to play a
significant role. The M86 system has implications for understanding the role of
gravitational interactions in the heating of the ISM in ellipticals, and how
collisions in clusters transform galaxies.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures. For high-resolution images, see
http://www.astro.yale.edu/tal/research/index.htm
Analysis of lesion localisation at colonoscopy: outcomes from a multi-centre U.K. study
Background:
Colonoscopy is currently the gold standard for detection of colorectal lesions, but may be limited in anatomically localising lesions. This audit aimed to determine the accuracy of colonoscopy lesion localisation, any subsequent changes in surgical management and any potentially influencing factors.
Methods:
Patients undergoing colonoscopy prior to elective curative surgery for colorectal lesion/s were included from 8 registered U.K. sites (2012–2014). Three sets of data were recorded: patient factors (age, sex, BMI, screener vs. symptomatic, previous abdominal surgery); colonoscopy factors (caecal intubation, scope guide used, colonoscopist accreditation) and imaging modality. Lesion localisation was standardised with intra-operative location taken as the gold standard. Changes to surgical management were recorded.
Results:
364 cases were included; majority of lesions were colonic, solitary, malignant and in symptomatic referrals. 82% patients had their lesion/s correctly located at colonoscopy. Pre-operative CT visualised lesion/s in only 73% of cases with a reduction in screening patients (64 vs. 77%; p = 0.008). 5.2% incorrectly located cases at colonoscopy underwent altered surgical management, including conversion to open. Univariate analysis found colonoscopy accreditation, scope guide use, incomplete colonoscopy and previous abdominal surgery significantly influenced lesion localisation. On multi-variate analysis, caecal intubation and scope guide use remained significant (HR 0.35, 0.20–0.60 95% CI and 0.47; 0.25–0.88, respectively).
Conclusion:
Lesion localisation at colonoscopy is incorrect in 18% of cases leading to potentially significant surgical management alterations. As part of accreditation, colonoscopists need lesion localisation training and awareness of when inaccuracies can occur
Impact of target site distribution for Type I restriction enzymes on the evolution of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) populations.
A limited number of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones are responsible for MRSA infections worldwide, and those of different lineages carry unique Type I restriction-modification (RM) variants. We have identified the specific DNA sequence targets for the dominant MRSA lineages CC1, CC5, CC8 and ST239. We experimentally demonstrate that this RM system is sufficient to block horizontal gene transfer between clinically important MRSA, confirming the bioinformatic evidence that each lineage is evolving independently. Target sites are distributed randomly in S. aureus genomes, except in a set of large conjugative plasmids encoding resistance genes that show evidence of spreading between two successful MRSA lineages. This analysis of the identification and distribution of target sites explains evolutionary patterns in a pathogenic bacterium. We show that a lack of specific target sites enables plasmids to evade the Type I RM system thereby contributing to the evolution of increasingly resistant community and hospital MRSA
Predictive validity of the CriSTAL tool for short-term mortality in older people presenting at Emergency Departments: a prospective study
Differential Requirement for Satellite Cells During Overload-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy in Growing Versus Mature Mice
Background: Pax7+ satellite cells are required for skeletal muscle fiber growth during post-natal development in mice. Satellite cell-mediated myonuclear accretion also appears to persist into early adulthood. Given the important role of satellite cells during muscle development, we hypothesized that the necessity of satellite cells for adaptation to an imposed hypertrophic stimulus depends on maturational age.
Methods: Pax7CreER-R26RDTA mice were treated for 5 days with vehicle (satellite cell-replete, SC+) or tamoxifen (satellite cell-depleted, SC-) at 2 months (young) and 4 months (mature) of age. Following a 2-week washout, mice were subjected to sham surgery or 10 day synergist ablation overload of the plantaris (n = 6–9 per group). The surgical approach minimized regeneration, de novo fiber formation, and fiber splitting while promoting muscle fiber growth. Satellite cell density (Pax7+ cells/fiber), embryonic myosin heavy chain expression (eMyHC), and muscle fiber cross sectional area (CSA) were evaluated via immunohistochemistry. Myonuclei (myonuclei/100 mm) were counted on isolated single muscle fibers.
Results: Tamoxifen treatment depleted satellite cells by ≥90% and prevented myonuclear accretion with overload in young and mature mice (p \u3c 0.05). Satellite cells did not recover in SC- mice after overload. Average muscle fiber CSA increased ~20% in young SC+ (p = 0.07), mature SC+ (p \u3c 0.05), and mature SC- mice (p \u3c 0.05). In contrast, muscle fiber hypertrophy was prevented in young SC- mice. Muscle fiber number increased only in mature mice after overload (p \u3c 0.05), and eMyHC expression was variable, specifically in mature SC+ mice.
Conclusions: Reliance on satellite cells for overload-induced hypertrophy is dependent on maturational age, and global responses to overload differ in young versus mature mice
Aql X-1 in Outburst and Quiescence
We present photometry and spectroscopy of the soft x-ray transient Aql X-1.
Optical photometry during an active state shows a strong (0.6 mag peak-to-peak)
modulation at a period of 19 hours. Infrared (K'-band) photometry during a
quiescent state limits any ellipsoidal variations to <0.07 mag (peak-to-peak),
which implies an inclination i<31 (90% limit). Spectroscopy in a quiescent
state shows at most very small radial velocity variations, which implies a very
low inclination of i<12 (90% limit). The low inclination is rather unexpected
given the large photometric modulation seen in the active state. The upper
limit to the equivalent width of the anomalous Li 6707A line is <0.3A, which is
similar to the measured strength of this line in several other x-ray
transients.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ, 12 pages, 5 figure
Cross-sectional survey of users of internet depression communities
Background: Internet-based depression communities provide a forum for individuals to
communicate and share information and ideas. There has been little research into the health status
and other characteristics of users of these communities.
Methods: Online cross-sectional survey of Internet depression communities to identify depressive
morbidity among users of Internet depression communities in six European countries; to
investigate whether users were in contact with health services and receiving treatment; and to
identify user perceived effects of the communities.
Results: Major depression was highly prevalent among respondents (varying by country from 40%
to 64%). Forty-nine percent of users meeting criteria for major depression were not receiving
treatment, and 35% had no consultation with health services in the previous year. Thirty-six
percent of repeat community users who had consulted a health professional in the previous year
felt that the Internet community had been an important factor in deciding to seek professional help.
Conclusions: There are high levels of untreated and undiagnosed depression in users of Internet
depression communities. This group represents a target for intervention. Internet communities can
provide information and support for stigmatizing conditions that inhibit more traditional modes of
information seeking
Analysis of detector performance in a gigahertz clock rate quantum key distribution system
We present a detailed analysis of a gigahertz clock rate environmentally robust phase-encoded quantum key distribution (QKD) system utilizing several different single-photon detectors, including the first implementation of an experimental resonant cavity thin-junction silicon single-photon avalanche diode. The system operates at a wavelength of 850 nm using standard telecommunications optical fibre. A general-purpose theoretical model for the performance of QKD systems is presented with reference to these experimental results before predictions are made about realistic detector developments in this system. We discuss, with reference to the theoretical model, how detector operating parameters can be further optimized to maximize key exchange rates
Bostonia: The Boston University Alumni Magazine. Volume 32
Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University's main alumni publication, which covers alumni and student life, as well as university activities, events, and programs
- …