bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stoichiometry and interactome of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex are conserved across multiple cell lines
Authors: Sharifi Tabar Mehdi , Mackay Joel P. , Low Jason K. K.
Published: March 2019

The nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase complex (NuRD) is a widely conserved regulator of gene expression. The determination of the subunit composition of the complex and identification of its binding partners are important steps towards understanding its architecture and function. The question of how these properties of the complex vary across different cell types has not been addressed in detail to date. Here, we set up a two‐step purification protocol coupled to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry to assess NuRD composition and interaction partners in three different cancer cell lines, using label‐free intensity‐based absolute quantification (iBAQ). Our data indicate that the stoichiometry of the NuRD complex is preserved across our three different cancer cell lines. In addition, our interactome data suggest ZNF219 and SLC25A5 as possible interaction partners of the complex. To corroborate this latter finding, in vitro and cell‐based pull‐down experiments were carried out. These experiments indicated that ZNF219 can interact with RBBP4, GATAD2A/B and chromodomain helicase DNA binding 4, whereas SLC25A5 might interact with MTA2 and GATAD2A.
Low‐cycle fatigue behavior of rolled WE43‐T5 magnesium alloy
Authors: Ghorbanpour Saeede , McWilliams Brandon A. , Knezevic Marko
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the main results from an investigation into the strength and low‐cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of a rolled plate of WE43 Mg alloy in its T5 condition at room temperature. The alloy was found to exhibit small tension/compression yield asymmetry and small anisotropy being stronger in transverse direction (TD) than in rolling direction (RD) along with some anisotropy in strain hardening. The LCF tests were conducted under strain‐controlled conditions with the strain amplitudes ranging from 0.6% to 1.4% without the mean strain component. While the stress amplitudes during the LCF were higher for tests along TD than RD, the LCF life was similar for both directions. As revealed by electron microscopy, the fractured surfaces under tension consisted mainly of microvoid coalescence with some transgranular facets, while those fractured in LCF showed a combination of intergranular fracture and transgranular facets with minor content of microvoid coalescence.
The GeoPT Proficiency Testing Programme as a Scheme for the Certification of Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Potts Philip J. , Webb Peter C. , Thompson Michael
Published: March 2019

ISO Guide 35:2017 provides, for the first time, an alternative way of characterising certified reference materials using proficiency testing. In this paper, the properties of assigned values derived from the well‐established GeoPT proficiency testing scheme are examined. This scheme, designed for laboratories that undertake the routine analysis of silicate rocks and related materials, routinely has over 100 participants contributing results. Following a detailed assessment of the metrological properties of GeoPT assigned values in relation to Guide 35 recommendations, it is demonstrated that these values may be regarded as certified values, provided a number of criteria are met. These criteria include the following: a demonstration of sufficient homogeneity of the candidate CRM; circulation, when judged to be appropriate, of an established matrix‐matched CRM for co‐analysis in that round; the robust statistical analysis of data sets using GeoPT established criteria; a decision whether assigning a value is justified (including a requirement of a minimum of fifteen valid results); and an expert group to manage the certification and the maintenance of appropriate records. In summary, the GeoPT proficiency testing scheme, subject to the arrangements summarised above, is considered to be competent for the certification of geological reference materials.
Overland movement and migration phenology in relation to breeding of Arctic Terns Sterna paradisaea
Authors: Redfern Chris P. F. , Bevan Richard M.
Published: March 2019

It is often implicitly assumed that seabirds migrate using marine environments, but this assumption is increasingly being challenged by electronic tracking data. The arrival and departure routes of Arctic Terns breeding on the North Sea coast of the United Kingdom (UK) are unknown but there has been speculation about the possibility of overland migration. Analysis of light‐level geolocator data from birds breeding on the Farne Islands suggests that these birds arrived and left their North Sea colony overland via the Irish Sea, rather than taking coastal routes along the east coast of the UK and through the English Channel. In addition, some departing birds may enter the North Atlantic by crossing Ireland rather than through the Irish Sea. The direction of arrival in spring had a more southerly orientation than the direction of autumn departure. The geolocator data allow migration phenology in relation to breeding to be defined and indicated that the birds arrived around 15 days before the first eggs were laid in the colony. Departure timing may be determined by seasonal progression and not markedly influenced by breeding success. This study supports the idea that overland migration may be a more widespread and consistent strategy for seabirds than has been realized.
Penetration depth of irrigants into root dentine after sonic, ultrasonic and photoacoustic activation
Authors: Galler K. M. , Grubmüller V. , Schlichting R. , Widbiller M. , Eidt A. , Schuller C. , Wölflick M. , Hiller K.‐A. , Buchalla W.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To compare penetration depths of endodontic irrigants into the dentinal tubules of extracted teeth when using several activation methods.

Methodology

The root canals of 90 extracted human teeth were prepared to size 40, .06 taper. The straight and round‐shaped root canals were distributed randomly into six groups, and final irrigation was performed with EDTA and sodium hypochlorite as follows: (I) manual dynamic activation, (II) Ultrasonic, (III) Sonic, (IV) PIPS (photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming, (V) SWEEPS (shock‐wave enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming) and (0) control without final irrigation or activation. Subsequently, methylene blue was inserted into the canals and activated according to the groups (I–V). Teeth were sectioned horizontally, imaged under a light microscope, and dye penetration depths were measured in six sections per tooth and 24 points on a virtual clock‐face per section. Data were analysed statistically by nonparametric tests for whole teeth and separately for coronal, middle and apical thirds.

Results

Penetration of dye into the dentinal tubules was lowest for the controls. Median penetration depths amounted to 700–900 μm for groups I–V with differences in the apical thirds between group I and the other test groups. Minimum penetration depths were significantly greater for PIPS in the apical thirds (P ≤ 0.046).

Conclusions

Greater penetration depths occurred in the apical thirds for ultrasonic, sonic and laser‐induced activation compared to manual dynamic activation. PIPS was associated with deeper penetration of irrigants. The novel SWEEPS mode did not increase irrigant penetration.
Parental financial support: A safety net for young adults with debt problems
Authors: Majamaa Karoliina , Rantala Kati
Published: March 2019

Parental financial support benefits young adults in societies with decreasing welfare‐state support and a pattern of early home‐leaving. This article focuses on the association between young adults’ debt problems and parental financial support: the extent to which indebted young adults receive financial help from their parents. We also investigate the extent to which specific benefits are associated with debt problems or parental financial support. The data were gathered in an online survey conducted among 18‐to‐35‐year‐old Finns (n = 1,019). The results revealed, first, that many parents safeguard their indebted adult children’s lives by means of financial support and second, that heavy cash‐welfare‐benefit users are particularly likely to receive parental financial support. Our analysis also revealed that the prevalence of debt problems as well as of parental financial support were especially high among those who had received social assistance, sickness benefit or labour‐market subsidy within the previous 12 months. In a society open to new social risks as well as to debt problems, young people who lack financial support from their parents have a rockier transition to adulthood than those who receive support.
An expert recommendation on salt intake and blood pressure management in Chinese patients with hypertension: A statement of the Chinese Medical Association Hypertension Professional Committee
Authors: Sun Ningling , Mu Jianjun , Li Yuming ,   Working Committee of Salt evaluation, Blood Pressure Management, Chinese Medical Association Hypertension Professional Committee, Hypertension Group, Chinese Society of Cardiology
Published: March 2019

The occurrence of hypertension is influenced by combined actions of genetic and environmental factors. Among environmental factors, high salt intake is considered as one of the most important and critical dietary factors. High salt intake is closely related to the incidence and mortality of cardiac and cerebrovascular events, as well as ventricular hypertrophy, renal damage, and other target organ damages. The existing data show that the daily sodium salt intake of Chinese population is significantly higher than that of European and American populations, and it generally exceeds the standard. Therefore, sodium and potassium intake in patients with hypertension should be actively assessed to carry out targeted treatment, which is an important strategy in blood pressure management. According to the characteristics of high prevalence of hypertension, high sodium salt intake, and low blood pressure control rate in China, Chinese Medical Association Hypertension Professional Committee believes that it is necessary to promote salt restriction and formulate the assessment of salt intake and clinical process of blood pressure management according to the current status of sodium intake.
Retinol/inflammation affect stemness and differentiation potential of gingival stem/progenitor cells via Wnt/β‐catenin
Authors: Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Hein Daniela , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: March 2019

Background and objective

Inflammatory cytokines impact the course of periodontal disease, repair, and regeneration. Vitamin A and its metabolites are inflammation‐modulatory biomolecules, affecting cellular pluripotency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of retinol and periodontal inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β/TNF‐α/IFN‐γ) on pluripotency and proliferative properties of gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G‐MSCs), for the first time.

Material and methods

Human G‐MSCs (n = 5) were STRO‐1 immuno‐magnetically sorted, characterized and expanded in basic medium (control group), in basic medium with IL‐1β (1 ng/mL), TNF‐α (10 ng/mL), and IFN‐γ (100 ng/mL) (inflammatory group), in basic medium with retinol (20 μmol/L) (retinol group) and with retinol added to the inflammatory group (inflammatory/retinol group). β‐catenin levels at 1 hour, cellular proliferation over 14 days, and colony‐forming units (CFUs) at 14 days were investigated. Pluripotency gene expressions were examined at 1, 3, and 5 days via reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Multilineage differentiation potential was evaluated, following 5 days priming, using qualitative and quantitative histochemistry and RT‐PCR.

Results

G‐MSCs were CD14−, CD34−, CD45−, CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and showed mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells’ hallmarks, CFUs, and multilineage differentiation potential. Intracellular β‐catenin significantly declined in the stimulated groups (P < 0.001, Friedman test). Cellular proliferation at 72 hours was most prominent in the control and inflammatory group [Median cell numbers (Q25/Q75); 6806 (4983/7312) and 5414 (4457/7230), respectively], followed by an upsurge in the retinol group. At 14 days, the retinol group exhibited the highest CFUs [Median CFUs (Q25/Q75); 35 (20/58), P = 0.043, Wilcoxon signed‐rank]. Nanog was most expressed in the inflammatory and retinol group [Median gene expression/PGK1 (Q25/Q75); 0.0006 (0.0002/0.0014) and 0.0005 (0.0003/0.0008)]. Inflammation significantly upregulated Sox2 expression [0.0002 (0.0008/0.0005)], while its expression was diminished in the retinol and inflammatory/retinol group (P < 0.001, Friedman test). Inflammatory/retinol group exhibited the highest multilineage differentiation potential.

Conclusion

Controlled short‐term inflammatory/retinol stimuli activate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, affecting G‐MSCs’ pluripotency, proliferation, and differentiation. The present findings provide further insights into the inflammatory‐regenerative interactions and their modulation potential for G‐MSCs‐mediated periodontal repair/regeneration.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) as a factor mediating the relationship between obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Warbrick Ian , Rabkin Simon W.
Published: March 2019

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a common condition with an increased mortality, is strongly associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The latter two conditions are associated with increased epicardial fat that can extend into the heart. This review advances the proposition that hypoxia‐inhibitory factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) maybe a key factor producing HFpEF. HIF‐1α, a highly conserved transcription factor that plays a key role in tissue response to hypoxia, is increased in adipose tissue in obesity. Increased HIF‐1α expression leads to expression of a potent profibrotic transcriptional programme involving collagen I, III, IV, TIMP, and lysyl oxidase. The net effect is the formation of collagen fibres leading to fibrosis. HIF‐1α is also responsible for recruiting M1 macrophages that mediate obesity‐associated inflammation, releasing IL‐6, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β with increased expression of thrombospondin, pro α2 (I) collagen, transforming growth factor β, NADPH oxidase, and connective tissue growth factor. These factors can accelerate cardiac fibrosis and impair cardiac diastolic function. Inhibition of HIF‐1α expression in adipose tissue of mice fed a high‐fat diet suppressed fibrosis and reduces inflammation in adipose tissue. Delineation of the role played by HIF‐1α in obesity‐associated HFpEF may lead to new potential therapies.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Grade Retention in a National Sample of US Children*
Authors: Hinojosa Melanie Sberna , Hinojosa Ramon , Bright Melissa , Nguyen Jenny
Published: March 2019

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include extreme economic hardship, abuse, neglect, household and family dysfunction, and exposure to community violence. Children with ACEs are at a higher risk of developing mental, physical, and developmental disorders that can lead to difficulty in school. Using the 2012 National Survey of Children's Health, we use multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between ACEs and grade retention and the moderating effects of race/ethnicity on this relationship. Results indicate that specific ACEs are related to higher rates of grade retention (economic hardship, parental incarceration, neighborhood violence, and witnessing domestic violence). Children reporting three or more ACEs were at a significantly higher risk of grade retention compared to children with zero reported ACEs. Further, patterns differed among black children in the sample with higher numbers of ACEs not increasing retention rates for black children compared to white children. This study improves our understanding of the relationship between ACEs and grade retention, but also raises questions about differing patterns among racially and ethnically diverse student populations that warrants further study.
The Phenomenological Film Collective: Introducing a cinematic‐phenomenological research method for social advocacy filmmaking
Authors: Gupta Nisha
Published: March 2019

This paper introduces the vision for the Phenomenological Film Collective (pfcollective.com), a research and filmmaking group which utilizes phenomenological research in the service of social advocacy filmmaking. I outline the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of developing a “cinematic‐phenomenological research method” for PFCollective in order to illuminate lived experiences of sociocultural oppression for public viewership via cinematography. The roots of cinematic phenomenology are situated within the theoretical framework of liberation psychology, which calls on psychologists to pursue research that can facilitate consciousness‐raising and social justice across society. The paper provides a methodological overview of existential‐hermeneutic phenomenological research and discusses how its research findings can be disseminated to the widespread public in artistic formats. I demonstrate how filmmaking is an appropriate aesthetic language through which to disseminate phenomenological research about lived experiences of oppression, grounding this proposition in phenomenological philosophy and liberation psychology. I outline the procedural steps for conducting cinematic‐phenomenological research to produce phenomenological films about oppressive sociocultural phenomena. The paper concludes with suggestions for academic disciplines to become more interdisciplinary in our collective pursuit for social advocacy and change.
An Analysis of the Determinants of the Multiplex Urban Networks in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhang Weiyang , Derudder Ben , Wang Jianghao , Witlox Frank
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the determinants of the spatial and topological structure of three types of urban networks within the Yangtze River Delta. These networks consist of transport infrastructure links, business interactions in producer services firms, and leisure mobility. The influence of distance, size, administrative borders, landform contiguity, cultural affinities, economic alliances and administrative rank are examined. We position our findings as an empirical elaboration of the formation of multiplex urban networks. Our results show that in spite of significant correlations between all of these explanatory factors and the three urban networks, only some factors affect each of the three networks. More specifically, the business network has a weak dependence on distance and cultural affinities; intercity mobility is closely related to the size of cities’ populations and distance; and landform patterns remain a fundamental basis for intercity transport linkages. Our results highlight China’s hierarchical‐administrative specifics in the shaping of urban networks.
Oral iron supplementation is not associated with short‐term risk of infections: results from the Danish Blood Donor Study
Authors: Kaspersen Kathrine Agergård , Dinh Khoa Manh , Mikkelsen Susan , Petersen Mikkel Steen , Erikstrup Lise Tornvig , Pedersen Ole Birger , Sørensen Erik , Hjalgrim Henrik , Rigas Andreas , Nielsen Kaspar Rene , Ullum Henrik , Erikstrup Christian
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Blood donors are at increased risk of developing iron deficiency, and several studies have recommended iron supplementation for this group. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral iron supplementation on risk of infections among healthy blood donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 82,062 participants from the Danish Blood Donor Study who completed a questionnaire on health‐related items including use of oral iron supplementation. Infection outcomes were ascertained by using ICD‐10 codes in the Danish National Patient Register and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes in the Danish Prescription Register. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was used as the statistical model. Risk estimates are presented as crude hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

During 19,978 person‐years of observation, 6983 donors redeemed at least one prescription of antimicrobials. Similarly, during 19,829 person‐years of observation, 242 donors were treated for infection at a hospital. Use of oral iron supplementation was not associated with redeemed prescriptions of antimicrobials in any strata: premenopausal women—HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91‐1.10; postmenopausal women—HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.87‐1.32; and men—HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84‐1.21. In addition, use of oral iron supplementation was not associated with risk of hospital‐based treatment for infection.

CONCLUSION

In a large cohort of blood donors, use of oral iron supplementation was not associated with subsequent short‐term risk of infection. These findings are important to help understanding the safety of using oral iron supplementation among blood donors and the general population.
Reliability of different sets of criteria in diagnosing canine atopic dermatitis applied to a population of 250 dogs seen in a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Brément Thomas , Laly Marie J. , Combarros Daniel , Guillemaille Dorian , Bourdeau Patrick J. , Bruet Vincent
Published: March 2019

Background

Different sets of criteria are available in veterinary dermatology for the diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD); there are limited data to assess their reliability.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the discriminative and predictive ability of four sets in diagnosing cAD in a population of dogs with different skin diseases.

Animals

Two hundred and fifty dogs examined in the dermatology unit of a veterinary teaching hospital.

Methods and materials

Dogs were diagnosed with cAD, flea infestation (FI), flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH), sarcoptic mange (SM) and other skin diseases (OD). FI, FBH and SM were pooled in one group of dermatoses mimicking cAD (MD). All nonatopic dogs were grouped as a “global population” (GP). Four criteria sets were applied to all dogs. For each set of criteria, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), likelihood ratios (LR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated.

Results

When applied to the GP, sensitivities ranged from 54 to 83%, specificities from 68 to 75% and PPVs from 35 to 43%. NPVs ranged from 87 to 94%. LRs and DORs were poor. When applied to MD, sensitivities remained unchanged, specificities and PPV were mildly higher, whereas NPVs were mildly lower and LRs and DORs were comparable.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study showed that each set of criteria had a low diagnostic reliability when used alone. The use of more discriminant criteria integrated into a thorough clinical approach excluding MDs should be considered.
Differential effects of anaesthesia on the contractility of lymphatic vessels in vivo
Authors: Bachmann Samia B. , Proulx Steven T. , He Yuliang , Ries Miriam , Detmar Michael
Published: March 2019

Key points

Contractility of lymphatic collectors is essential for the functionality of the lymphatic system and, thus, for lymph flow.

Previously published rates of lymphatic collectors in mice vary from 1.1 to 17 contractions/min with little agreement between investigators.

In this study, we focused on the effects of different anaesthesia regimens on lymphatic vessel contractility using in vivo imaging approaches.

We show that isoflurane and pentobarbital have an inhibitory effect on lymphatic contractility compared to mice under other anaesthesia regimens and in awake conditions.

These results should help to establish a standardization of lymphatic contraction studies in mice and may also have relevance for patients undergoing anaesthesia during surgery.

Contractions of collecting lymphatic vessels are essential for the function of the lymphatic vascular system, due to the lack of a central pump to drive flow. A wide range of physiological contraction frequencies and strengths have been reported in previous in vivo studies in mice. This is probably due to the different types of anaesthesia that have been used and which might have exerted direct influences on lymphatic vessel function. We investigated six commonly used anaesthesia regimens for their influence on lymphatic vessel contractility using near‐infrared in vivo imaging approaches. Non‐invasive imaging of the lymphatic leg collector revealed distinct effects of the anaesthesia regimens with reduced contraction activity under isoflurane and pentobarbital anaesthesia. Isoflurane also reduced the contractility of near‐infrared dye‐loaded vessels during invasive imaging of the lymphatic flank collector whereas the combination of ketamine/xylazine/acepromazine had no major effects. The transport time of a lymphatic‐specific dye from the skin through the lymphatic vasculature to the systemic bloodstream was also delayed under isoflurane anaesthesia. Based on these results, we recommend use of combinations of ketamine and medetomidine for future non‐invasive studies and of ketamine, xylazine and acepromazine for invasive studies. Beyond their importance for facilitating the interpretation and planning of animal studies, our findings might also have relevance for human patients undergoing anaesthesia for surgical procedures.
Measurements of mid-frequency bottom-interacting signals and geoacoustic inversion in Jinhae Bay, Southeast Korea
Authors: Kwon Hyuckjong , Choi Jee Woong , Ryang Woo-Hun , Son Su-Uk , Jung Seom-kyu
Published: March 2019

Measurements of bottom-interacting signals over a frequency range of 4–12 kHz were made at two different sites in shallow water off the southeast coast of Korea. Although the distance between the sites was less than 20 km, the geological properties of surficial sediments were different. The surficial sediment at the site located on the north side was dominated by mud, and the measured bottom loss showed typical characteristics of sediment with a sound speed lower than the water sound speed. In addition, some interesting arrivals, which seemed to be reflected from a sub-sediment interface, were observed immediately following bottom arrivals in the frequency range of 4–8 kHz of some datasets. In contrast, sediment at the site located to the south was dominated by sandy mud, and the bottom loss showed typical characteristics of sediment with a higher sound speed. Geoacoustic parameters of surficial sediment were estimated using a simulated annealing method with an objective function comparing the measured bottom loss data with the Rayleigh reflection model. Surficial layer thickness was estimated based on arrival-time differences between bottom reflected and sub-bottom reflected signals. Inversion results are discussed in comparison with a bottom model constructed based on seismic data and core samples.
Review on tube model based constitutive equations for polydisperse linear and long-chain branched polymer melts
Authors: Narimissa Esmaeil , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: March 2019

Rheological equations of state are of great importance for characterization of polymer melts and for simulation of polymer processing. This concise review considers tube model based constitutive equations developed in the last 40 years since the original publication of Doi and Edwards in 1978. The emphasis is on the concepts, assumptions, and material parameters introduced to model nonlinear viscoelasticity of polydisperse linear and long-chain branched polymer melts. Linear viscoelasticity is assumed to be known, either from linear-viscoelastic modeling or by experimental characterization. The scope is limited to constitutive equations which are based on the linear-viscoelastic relaxation modulus and can be expressed in terms of integral, differential, or integro-differential equations.

Multimode models based on the concept of preaveraged stretch require a large number of nonlinear model parameters. Relaxing the assumption of a constant tube diameter, the number of nonlinear model parameters can be drastically reduced to 2 or 3, independent of the number of Maxwell modes needed to represent the linear viscoelasticity.
Frequency Distributions of Target-Directed Movements: Examining Spatial Variability in Its Wider Context
Authors: Roberts James W.
Published: March 2019

Investigations of visually guided target-directed movement frequently adopt measures of within-participant spatial variability to infer the contribution of planning and control. The present study aims to verify this current trend by exploring the distribution of displacements at kinematic landmarks with a view to understand the potential sources of variability. Separate sets of participants aiming under full visual feedback conditions revealed a comparatively normal distribution for the displacements at peak velocity and movement end. However, there was demonstrable positive skew in the displacement at peak acceleration and a significant negative skew at peak deceleration. The ranges of the distributions as defined by either ±1SD or ±34.13th percentile (equivalent to an estimated 68.26% of responses) also revealed differences at peak deceleration. These findings indicate that spatial variability in the acceleration domain features highly informative systematic, as well as merely inherent, sources of variability. Implications for the further quantification of trial-by-trial behavior are discussed.
MroQ Is a Novel Abi-Domain Protein That Influences Virulence Gene Expression in
Staphylococcus aureus
via Modulation of Agr Activity
Authors: Marroquin Stephanie , Gimza Brittney , Tomlinson Brooke , Stein Michelle , Frey Andrew , Keogh Rebecca A. , Zapf Rachel , Todd Daniel A. , Cech Nadja B. , Carroll Ronan K. , Shaw Lindsey N.
Published: March 2019

Numerous factors have, to date, been identified as playing a role in the regulation of Agr activity in
Staphylococcus aureus
, including transcription factors, antisense RNAs, and host elements. Herein we investigated the product of SAUSA300_1984 (termed MroQ), a transmembrane Abi-domain/M79 protease-family protein, as a novel effector of this system.
Control of
Staphylococcus aureus
Quorum Sensing by a Membrane-Embedded Peptidase
Authors: Cosgriff Chance J. , White Chelsea R. , Teoh Wei Ping , Grayczyk James P. , Alonzo Francis
Published: March 2019

Gram-positive bacteria process and release small peptides, or pheromones, that act as signals for the induction of adaptive traits, including those involved in pathogenesis. One class of small signaling pheromones is the cyclic autoinducing peptides (AIPs), which regulate expression of genes that orchestrate virulence and persistence in a range of microbes, including staphylococci, listeriae, clostridia, and enterococci.
Redefining the Small Regulatory RNA Transcriptome in Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 2 Strain D39
Authors: Sinha Dhriti , Zimmer Kurt , Cameron Todd A. , Rusch Douglas B. , Winkler Malcolm E. , De Lay Nicholas R.
Published: March 2019

Recent work has shown that sRNAs play crucial roles in
S. pneumoniae
pathogenesis, as inactivation of nearly one-third of the putative sRNA genes identified in one study led to reduced fitness or virulence in a murine model. Yet our understanding of sRNA-mediated gene regulation in
S. pneumoniae
has been hindered by limited knowledge about these regulatory RNAs, including which sRNAs are synthesized by different
S. pneumoniae
strains. We sought to address this problem by developing a sensitive sRNA detection technique to identify sRNAs in
S. pneumoniae
D39. A comparison of our data set reported here to those of other RNA-seq studies for
S. pneumoniae
strain D39 and TIGR4 has provided new insights into the
S. pneumoniae
sRNA transcriptome.
Guinea Fowl Coronavirus Diversity Has Phenotypic Consequences for Glycan and Tissue Binding
Authors: Bouwman Kim M. , Delpont Mattias , Broszeit Frederik , Berger Renaud , Weerts Erik A. W. S. , Lucas Marie-Noëlle , Delverdier Maxence , Belkasmi Sakhia , Papanikolaou Andreas , Boons Geert-Jan , Guérin Jean-Luc , de Vries Robert P. , Ducatez Mariette F. , Verheije Monique H.
Published: March 2019

Avian coronaviruses cause major global problems in the poultry industry. As causative agents of huge economic losses, the detection and understanding of the molecular determinants of viral tropism are of ultimate importance. Here, we set out to study those parameters and obtained in-depth insight into the virus-host interactions of guinea fowl coronavirus (GfCoV). Our data indicate that diversity in GfCoV viral attachment proteins results in differences in degrees of affinity for glycan receptors, as well as altered avidity for intestinal tract tissues, which might have consequences for GfCoV tissue tropism and pathogenesis in guinea fowls.
Dehydrojuncusol, a Natural Phenanthrene Compound Extracted from
Juncus maritimus
, Is a New Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Replication
Authors: Sahuc Marie-Emmanuelle , Sahli Ramla , Rivière Céline , Pène Véronique , Lavie Muriel , Vandeputte Alexandre , Brodin Priscille , Rosenberg Arielle R. , Dubuisson Jean , Ksouri Riadh , Rouillé Yves , Sahpaz Sevser , Séron Karin
Published: March 2019

Tens of millions of people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Recently marketed direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) targeting HCV proteins have enhanced the efficacy of treatment. However, due to its high cost, this new therapy is not accessible to the vast majority of infected patients. Furthermore, treatment failures have also been reported due to the appearance of viral resistance. Here, we report on the identification of a new HCV inhibitor, dehydrojuncusol, that targets HCV NS5A and is able to inhibit RNA replication of replicons harboring resistance mutations to anti-NS5A DAAs used in current therapy. Dehydrojuncusol is a natural compound isolated from
Juncus maritimus
, a halophilic plant species that is very common in coastlines worldwide. This molecule might serve as a lead for the development of a new therapy that is more accessible to hepatitis C patients in the future.
A DNase from a Fungal Phytopathogen Is a Virulence Factor Likely Deployed as Counter Defense against Host-Secreted Extracellular DNA
Authors: Park Hee-Jin , Wang Weiwei , Curlango-Rivera Gilberto , Xiong Zhongguo , Lin Zeran , Huskey David A. , Hawes Martha C. , VanEtten Hans D. , Turgeon B. Gillian
Published: March 2019

We document that the absence of a single gene encoding a DNase in a fungal plant pathogen results in significantly reduced virulence to a plant host. We compared a wild-type strain of the maize pathogen
Cochliobolus heterostrophus
and an isogenic mutant lacking a candidate secreted DNase-encoding gene and demonstrated that the mutant is reduced in virulence on leaves and on roots. There are no previous reports of deletion of such a gene from either an animal or plant fungal pathogen accompanied by comparative assays of mutants and wild type for alterations in virulence. We observed DNase activity, in fungal culture filtrates, that is Mg
2+
dependent and induced when plant host leaf material is present. Our findings demonstrate not only that fungi use extracellular DNases (exDNases) for virulence, but also that the relevant molecules are deployed in above-ground leaves as well as below-ground plant tissues. Overall, these data provide support for a common defense/counter defense virulence mechanism used by animals, plants, and their fungal and bacterial pathogens and suggest that components of the mechanism might be novel targets for the control of plant disease.
Comprehensive Virulence Gene Profiling of Bovine Non-
aureus
Staphylococci Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Naushad Sohail , Naqvi S. Ali , Nobrega Diego , Luby Christopher , Kastelic John P. , Barkema Herman W. , De Buck Jeroen
Published: March 2019

Non-
aureus
staphylococci (NAS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens from milk in dairy cattle worldwide. The virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms by which these bacteria cause udder infection are not fully known. We determined the distribution and associations of 191 VFs in 25 NAS species and investigated the relationship between VFs and disease. Although the overall number of VFs was not associated with disease severity, increasing numbers of toxin and host immune evasion genes specifically were associated with more severe disease outcomes. These findings suggest that the development of disease and the interactions of VFs with the host are complex and determined by the interplay of genes rather than just the presence of virulence genes. Together, our results provide foundational genetic knowledge to other researchers to design and conduct further experiments, focusing on understanding the synergy between VFs and roles of individual NAS species in IMI and characterizing species-specific effects on udder health.
Adrenaline can restart the heart, but is no good for the brain
Authors: Cook Rob , Davidson Peter , Martin Rosie
Published: March 2019

The study

A randomised trial of epinephrine in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Perkins GD, Ji C, Deakin CD, Quinn T, Nolan JP, Scomparin C, Regan S, Long J, Slowther A, Pocock H, Black JJM, Moore F, Fothergill RT, Rees N, O’Shea L, Docherty M, Gunson I, Han K, Charlton K, Finn J, Petrou S, Stallard N, Gates S, Lall R for the PARAMEDIC2 Collaborators

Published on 18 July 2018
N Engl J Med
2018;379:711-21.

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research HTA Programme (project number 12/127/126).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to:
https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000639/adrenaline-can-restart-the-heart-but-is-no-good-for-the-brain
Impact of eye clinic liaison officers: a qualitative study in UK ophthalmology clinics
Authors: Llewellyn Mark , Hilgart Jennifer , Joshi Puja , Williams Aelwyn
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To explore the impact of eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs, also known as sight loss advisors) on the processes, functions and quality of ophthalmology clinics through the experiences of ophthalmology staff in the UK.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

UK hospital ophthalmology clinics.

Participants

Health and social care professionals in the UK.

Results

ECLOs who had a presence in hospital ophthalmology clinics were seen as valuable in streamlining processes within the clinic, particularly in relation to the certification of visual impairment process, and providing continuity of care for patients when they were discharged from medical treatment. ECLOs also saved staff time in the clinic, as they were often responsible for providing emotional and practical support for patients living with sight loss.

Conclusions

ECLOs are well placed in ophthalmology clinics. They can relieve pressure on clinical staff by taking on information giving and referring duties, allowing other staff to focus on their clinical responsibilities. The impact of ECLOs may depend on efficient communication with the clinical team, being trusted by other staff and having a good knowledge of local and national sight loss support services outside of the hospital setting. Further research could enhance our understanding of how much time and associated costs ECLOs substitute in the ophthalmology clinic.
Multimorbidity of cardiometabolic diseases: prevalence and risk for mortality from one million Chinese adults in a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zhang Dudan , Tang Xun , Shen Peng , Si Yaqin , Liu Xiaofei , Xu Zhe , Wu Jinguo , Zhang Jingyi , Lu Ping , Lin Hongbo , Gao Pei
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The evolution of multimorbidity describes the continuum from a healthy status to the development of a single disease and further progression to multimorbidity with additional diseases. We investigated the evolution of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and risk for mortality in a Chinese population.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study using data from the CHinese Electronic health Records Research in Yinzhou (CHERRY) study, with 5.43 million person–years follow-up (median 5.16 years).

Participants

Data for 1 038 704 adults (total 22 750 deaths) were analysed.

Exposure

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as ever being diagnosed with two or more of three diseases: hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted HRs were calculated for all-cause mortality.

Results

The cardiometabolic disease status of 105 209 (10.1%) individuals changed during the follow-up. The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity increased from 2.41% (95% CI: 2.38% to 2.44%) to 5.94% (95% CI: 5.90% to 5.99%). Baseline multimorbidity status showed the HR (95% CI) was 1.37 (1.33 to 1.42) in those with one disease, 1.71 (1.64 to 1.79) in those with two diseases and 2.22 (2.00 to 2.46) in those with three diseases. The highest HRs were observed for CVD only (3.31, 95% CI: 3.05 to 3.59) or diabetes and CVD (3.12, 95% CI: 2.37 to 4.11). Those with hypertension only had the lowest HR (1.26, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.30). Longitudinal data showed the HRs (95% CI) in patients with one, two and three diseases were 1.36 (1.32 to 1.41), 2.03 (1.96 to 2.10) and 2.16 (2.05 to 2.29), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in a general Chinese population increased more than doubled over 5 years, indicating rapid evolution of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. A history of CVD dominates the risk for mortality. A complementary strategy for primary and secondary prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is needed in China.
Data Reconstructing Algorithm in Unreliable Links Based on Matrix Completion for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhai Shuang , Qian Zhihong , Yang Bingtao , Wang Xue
Published: March 2019

In heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, the data collection method based on compressed sensing technology is susceptible to packet loss and noise, which leads to a decrease in data reconstruction accuracy in unreliable links. Combining compressed sensing and matrix completion, we propose a clustering optimization algorithm based on structured noise matrix completion, in which the cluster head transmits the compressed sampling data and compression strategy to the base station. The algorithm we proposed can reduce the energy consumption of the node in the process of data collection, redundant data and transmission delay. The rank-1 matrix completion algorithm constructs an extremely sparse observation matrix, which is adopted by the sink node to complete the reconstruction of the whole network data. Simulation experiments show that the proposed algorithm reduces network transmission data, balances node energy consumption, improves data transmission efficiency and reconstruction accuracy, and extends the network life cycle.
Stable subgroups and Morse subgroups in mapping class groups
Authors: Kim Heejoung
Published: March 2019

For a finitely generated group, there are two recent generalizations of the notion of a quasiconvex subgroup of a word-hyperbolic group, namely a stable subgroup and a Morse or strongly quasiconvex subgroup. Durham and Taylor [M. Durham and S. Taylor, Convex cocompactness and stability in mapping class groups, Algebr. Geom. Topol.  15(5) (2015) 2839–2859] defined stability and proved stability is equivalent to convex cocompactness in mapping class groups. Another natural generalization of quasiconvexity is given by the notion of a Morse or strongly quasiconvex subgroup of a finitely generated group, studied recently by Tran [H. Tran, On strongly quasiconvex subgroups, To Appear in Geom. Topol., preprint (2017), arXiv:1707.05581 ] and Genevois [A. Genevois, Hyperbolicities in CAT (0) cube complexes, preprint (2017), arXiv:1709.08843 ]. In general, a subgroup is stable if and only if the subgroup is Morse and hyperbolic. In this paper, we prove that two properties of being Morse and stable coincide for a subgroup of infinite index in the mapping class group of an oriented, connected, finite type surface with negative Euler characteristic.
MICROSTRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF MOSO BAMBOO (Phyllostachys pubescensMAZEL) SURFACE AFTER UV RADIATION
Authors: YU HAIXIA , PAN XIN , YANG WEIMING , ZHANG WENFU , ZHUANG XIAOWEI
Published: March 2019

Bamboo material is widely used in outdoor applications. However, they are easily degraded when exposed to sunlight, their smooth surface will gradually turn to rough, and small cracks will appear and finally develop to large cracks. The paper presents a first-time investigation on the microstructure changes in the tangential section of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) radiated by artificial UV light. The results showed that the cracks mainly appeared at intercellular spaces of fibers where lignin content was high, the parenchyma cell walls and neighbor pits where the cell wall was very thin and more vulnerable than the other parts. In addition, the part of raised area and pit cavity tended to absorb more UV light radiation and showed more and larger cracks than the otherwhere. Cracks at the intercellular spaces of fibers were larger and bigger than those on the parenchyma cell walls. The cracks on the pits of the parenchyma cell walls normally appeared at one pit and then extended to the several surrounding pits. Bordered pits cavity showed more and larger cracks than the pits on the thin wall cells. The simple pits on the thick wall cells and the fiber cells were unaffected by UV radiation.
GROWTH STRUCTURE EFFECT ON THE CORROSION RESISTANCE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CrNx COATING
Authors: DU JIAOJIAO , ZHOU HAIBIN , SUN CAIXIA , KOU HAIJIANG , MA ZHONGWEI , WANG XIAOYAN , DAI JINGJIE
Published: March 2019

A new approach was adopted to improve the corrosion behavior of the chromium nitride (CrNx) hard coating through magnetron sputtering deposition at different nitrogen flow rates. The influence of the nitrogen flow rates on the chemical composition, microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion behavior in artificial seawater of the CrNx coatings was investigated. The results show that with the increase of the nitrogen flow rates, the growth structure of the coatings varied from dense granular growth to coarse columnar growth. Increasing the nitrogen flow rates was helpful to decrease the Cr/N ratio and induce the phase transforming from mixed hexagonal Cr2N and face-centered cubic CrN to single CrN. However, the coatings under different nitrogen flow rates significantly improved the corrosion resistance and hardness of the steel substrate. Furthermore, at high nitrogen flow rate, the coating had high corrosion velocity and low protective capability against the substrate corrosion due to the fast corrosion channels acted by the columnar grain boundaries. While at the middle nitrogen flow rate, the coating with CrN phase, densely granular growth structure and moderate grain size resulted in excellent corrosion resistance and highest hardness.
FINANCIAL CONTAGION IN LARGE, INHOMOGENEOUS STOCHASTIC INTERBANK NETWORKS
Authors: WALTERS NADINE , ZYL GUSTI VAN , BEYERS CONRAD
Published: March 2019

We consider the fraction of nodes that default in large, stochastic, inhomogeneous financial networks following an initial shock to the system. Results for deterministic sequences of networks are generalized to stochastic networks to account for interbank lending relationships that change frequently. A general class of inhomogeneous stochastic networks is proposed for use in systemic risk research, and we illustrate how results that hold for Erdős–Rényi networks can be generalized to the proposed network class. The network structure of a system is determined by interbank lending behavior which may vary according to the relative sizes of the banks. We then use the results of the paper to illustrate how network structure influences the systemic risk inherent in large banking systems.
Characterization of prime ideals, filters in ABAs
Authors: Swamy U. M. , Chudamani R. , Krishna Rao K.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we discuss several properties of ideals, filters, annihilators and maximisors in a general Almost Distributive Lattices (ADLs) and in particular, Almost Boolean Algebras (ABAs). Also, we characterize extreme ideals and filters. Further, several equivalent conditions are obtained in terms of ideals and filters for an ADL to become an ABA.