bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second messenger–mediated tactile response by a bacterial rotary motor
Authors: Hug Isabelle , Deshpande Siddharth , Sprecher Kathrin S. , Pfohl Thomas , Jenal Urs
Published: October 2017

Elucidating a bacterial sense of touch

Bacteria can adhere to surfaces within the host. This leads to tissue colonization, induction of virulence, and eventually the formation of biofilms—multicellular bacterial communities that resist antibiotics and clearance by the immune system (see the Perspective by Hughes and Berg). Hug
et al.
show that bacteria have a sense of touch that allows them to change their behavior rapidly when encountering surfaces. This tactile sensing makes use of the inner components of the flagellum, a rotary motor powered by proton motif force that facilitates swimming toward surfaces. Thus, the multifunctional flagellar motor is a mechanosensitive device that promotes surface adaptation. In complementary work, Ellison
et al.
elucidate the role of bacterial pili in a similar surface-sensing role.

Science
, this issue p.
531
, p.
535
; see also p.
446
Space and time in the brain
Authors: Buzsáki György , Llinás Rodolfo
Published: October 2017

Nothing is more intuitive, yet more complex, than the concepts of space and time. In contrast to spacetime in physics, space and time in neuroscience remain separate coordinates to which we attach our observations. Investigators of navigation and memory relate neuronal activity to position, distance, time point, and duration and compare these parameters to units of measuring instruments. Although spatial-temporal sequences of brain activity often correlate with distance and duration measures, these correlations may not correspond to neuronal representations of space or time. Neither instruments nor brains sense space or time. Neuronal activity can be described as a succession of events without resorting to the concepts of space or time. Instead of searching for brain representations of our preconceived ideas, we suggest investigating how brain mechanisms give rise to inferential, model-building explanations.
Toughening elastomers using mussel-inspired iron-catechol complexes
Authors: Filippidi Emmanouela , Cristiani Thomas R. , Eisenbach Claus D. , Waite J. Herbert , Israelachvili Jacob N. , Ahn B. Kollbe , Valentine Megan T.
Published: October 2017

Combining stiffness and stretchiness

There is usually a trade-off between making a material stretchy, so that it can absorb energy on deformation, and making a material stiff, so that it does not extend very much when stretched. Mussels have long been an inspiration for developing adhesives that work when wet. Filippidi
et al.
produced an extensible polymeric material containing catechol groups whose mechanical properties were augmented when dry through the addition of iron ions (see the Perspective by Winey). The iron ions lead to sacrificial metal coordination bonds, creating a reversible load-bearing network that does not trade extensibility for stiffness.

Science
, this issue p.
502
; see also p.
449
Small beginnings
Planet of Microbes: The Perils and Potential of Earth's Essential Life Forms
Ted Anton
University of Chicago Press, 2017. 333 pp.
Authors: Wessner David R.
Published: October 2017

Errors and extraneous anecdotes distract from an otherwise engaging tour of life's microbial origins
Sleep on it
Authors: Diering Graham H.
Published: October 2017

Evidence of sleep-induced weakening of synapses lends support for a controversial
hypothesis
Interactions of the Hindgut Mucosa-Associated Microbiome with Its Host Regulate Shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by Cattle
Authors: Wang Ou , McAllister Tim A. , Plastow Graham , Stanford Kim , Selinger Brent , Guan Le Luo
Published: October 2017

Cattle are the primary carrier of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7, a foodborne human pathogen, and those shedding >10
4
CFU/gram of feces of
E. coli
O157:H7 are defined as supershedders (SS). This study investigated the rectoanal junction (RAJ) mucosa-associated microbiota and its relationship with host gene expression in SS and in cattle from which
E. coli
O157:H7 was not detected (nonshedders [NS]), aiming to elucidate the mechanisms involved in supershedding. In total, 14 phyla, 66 families, and 101 genera of RAJ mucosa-associated bacteria were identified and
Firmicutes
(61.5 ± 7.5%),
Bacteroidetes
(27.9 ± 6.4%), and
Proteobacteria
(5.5 ± 2.1%) were the predominant phyla. Differential abundance analysis of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified 2 OTUs unique to SS which were members of
Bacteroides
and
Clostridium
and 7 OTUs unique to NS which were members of
Coprococcus
,
Prevotella
,
Clostridium
, and
Paludibacter
. Differential abundance analysis of predicted microbial functions (using PICRUSt [phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states]) revealed that 3 pathways had higher abundance (log
2
fold change, 0.10 to 0.23) whereas 12 pathways had lower abundance (log
2
fold change, −0.36 to −0.20) in SS. In addition, we identified significant correlations between expression of 19 differentially expressed genes and the relative abundance of predicted microbial functions, including nucleic acid polymerization and carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Our findings suggest that differences in RAJ microbiota at both the compositional and functional levels may be associated with
E. coli
O157:H7 supershedding and that certain microbial groups and microbial functions may influence RAJ physiology of SS by affecting host gene expression.

IMPORTANCE
Cattle with fecal
E. coli
O157:H7 at >10
4
CFU per gram of feces have been defined as the supershedders, and they are responsible for the most of the
E. coli
O157:H7 spread into farm environment. Currently, no method is available for beef producers to eliminate shedding of
E. coli
O157:H7 in cattle, and the lack of information about the mechanisms of supershedding greatly impedes the development of effective methods. This study investigated the role of the rectoanal junction (RAJ) mucosa-associated microbiome in
E. coli
O157:H7 shedding, and our results indicated that the compositions and functions of RAJ microbiota differed between supershedders and nonshedders. The identified relationship between the differentially abundant microbes and 19 previously identified differentially expressed genes suggests the role of host-microbial interactions involved in
E. coli
O157:H7 supershedding. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the supershedding phenomenon which is essential for the development of strategies, such as the use of directly fed microbials, to reduce
E. coli
O157:H7 shedding in cattle.
Can Interspecies Hybrid Zygosaccharomyces rouxii Produce an Allohaploid Gamete?
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Uehara Kenji , Tsukioka Yuichiro
Published: October 2017

In soy sauce manufacturing,
Candida versatilis
plays a role in the production of volatile flavor compounds, such as volatile phenols, but limited accessible information on its genome has prevented further investigation regarding aroma production and breeding. Although the draft genome sequence data of two strains of
C. versatilis
have recently been reported, these strains are not similar to each other. Here, we reassess the draft genome sequence data for strain t-1, which was originally reported to be
C. versatilis
, and conclude that strain t-1 is most probably not
C. versatilis
but a gamete of hybrid
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 region of the 26S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence indicated that strain t-1 is more similar to the genus
Zygosaccharomyces
than to
C. versatilis
. Moreover, we found that the genome of strain t-1 is composed of haploid genome content and divided into two regions that show approximately 100% identity with the T or P subgenome derived from the natural hybrid
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
, such as NBRC110957 and NBRC1876. We also found a chromosome crossing-over signature in the scaffolds of strain t-1. These results suggest that strain t-1 is a gamete of the hybrid
Z. rouxii
, generated by either meiosis or chromosome loss following reciprocal translocation between the T and P subgenomes. Although it is unclear why strain t-1 was misidentified as
C. versatilis
, the genome of strain t-1 has broad implications for considering the evolutionary fate of an allodiploid.

IMPORTANCE
In yeast, crossing between different species sometimes leads to interspecies hybrids. The hybrid generally cannot produce viable spores because dissimilarity of parental genomes prevents normal chromosome segregation during meiotic division, leading to a dead end. Thus, only a few natural cases of homoploid hybrid speciation, which requires mating between 1n gametes of hybrids, have been described. However, a recent study provided strong evidence that homoploid hybrid speciation is initiated in natural populations of the budding yeast, suggesting the potential presence of viable 1n gametes of hybrids. The significance of our study is finding that the strain t-1, which had been misidentified as
Candida versatilis
, is a viable 1n gamete derived from hybrid
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
.
Compartmentalization of the Carbaryl Degradation Pathway: Molecular Characterization of Inducible Periplasmic Carbaryl Hydrolase from Pseudomonas spp
Authors: Kamini  , Shetty Dasvit , Trivedi Vikas D. , Varunjikar Madhushri , Phale Prashant S.
Published: October 2017

Pseudomonas
sp. strains C5pp and C7 degrade carbaryl as the sole carbon source. Carbaryl hydrolase (CH) catalyzes the hydrolysis of carbaryl to 1-naphthol and methylamine. Bioinformatic analysis of
mcbA
, encoding CH, in C5pp predicted it to have a transmembrane domain (Tmd) and a signal peptide (Sp). In these isolates, the activity of CH was found to be 4- to 6-fold higher in the periplasm than in the cytoplasm. The recombinant CH (rCH) showed 4-fold-higher activity in the periplasm of
Escherichia coli
. The deletion of Tmd showed activity in the cytoplasmic fraction, while deletion of both Tmd and Sp (Tmd+Sp) resulted in expression of the inactive protein. Confocal microscopic analysis of
E. coli
expressing a (Tmd+Sp)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein revealed the localization of GFP into the periplasm. Altogether, these results indicate that Tmd probably helps in anchoring of polypeptide to the inner membrane, while Sp assists folding and release of CH in the periplasm. The N-terminal sequence of the mature periplasmic CH confirms the absence of the Tmd+Sp region and confirms the signal peptidase cleavage site as Ala-Leu-Ala. CH purified from strains C5pp, C7, and rCHΔ(Tmd)a were found to be monomeric with molecular mass of ∼68 to 76 kDa and to catalyze hydrolysis of the ester bond with an apparent

K
m

and
V
max
in the range of 98 to 111 μM and 69 to 73 μmol · min
−1
· mg
−1
, respectively. The presence of low-affinity CH in the periplasm and 1-naphthol-metabolizing enzymes in the cytoplasm of
Pseudomonas
spp. suggests the compartmentalization of the metabolic pathway as a strategy for efficient degradation of carbaryl at higher concentrations without cellular toxicity of 1-naphthol.

IMPORTANCE
Proteins in the periplasmic space of bacteria play an important role in various cellular processes, such as solute transport, nutrient binding, antibiotic resistance, substrate hydrolysis, and detoxification of xenobiotics. Carbaryl is one of the most widely used carbamate pesticides. Carbaryl hydrolase (CH), the first enzyme of the degradation pathway which converts carbaryl to 1-naphthol, was found to be localized in the periplasm of
Pseudomonas
spp. Predicted transmembrane domain and signal peptide sequences of
Pseudomonas
were found to be functional in
Escherichia coli
and to translocate CH and GFP into the periplasm. The localization of low-affinity CH into the periplasm indicates controlled formation of toxic and recalcitrant 1-naphthol, thus minimizing its accumulation and interaction with various cellular components and thereby reducing the cellular toxicity. This study highlights the significance of compartmentalization of metabolic pathway enzymes for efficient removal of toxic compounds.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mesorhizobium sophorae ICMP 19535
T
, a Highly Specific, Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiont of New Zealand Endemic
Sophora
spp
Authors: De Meyer Sofie E. , Nguyen Dung Tuan , Wang Penghao , Andrews Mitchell
Published: October 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Mesorhizobium sophorae
ICMP 19535
T
. This strain was isolated from
Sophora microphylla
root nodules and can nodulate and fix nitrogen with this host and also with
Sophora prostrata
,
Sophora longicarinata
, and
Clianthus puniceus
. The genome consists of 8.05 Mb.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Temperate Klebsiella pneumoniae Phage KPP5665-2
Authors: Carl Gaby , Jäckel Claudia , Grützke Josephine , Hertwig Stefan , Grobbel Mirjam , Malorny Burkhard , Rau Jörg , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Hammerl Jens A.
Published: October 2017

We describe here the genome sequence of the novel temperate
Klebsiella pneumoniae
phage KPP5665-2 isolated from a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain recovered from milk in Germany in 2016. The phage exhibited a narrow host range and a siphoviridal morphology. KPP5665-2-related prophage sequences were detected in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of various
Klebsiella
species isolates.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis Strain CGMCC 12426, an Efficient Poly-γ-Glutamate Producer
Authors: Dong Hui , Chang Jinglin , He Xin , Hou Qinlian , Long Wei
Published: October 2017

Bacillus subtilis
CGMCC 12426 is an efficient producer of poly-γ-glutamate with regular stereochemistry. Here, the complete genome sequence of
B. subtilis
CGMCC 12426 is presented, which may facilitate the design of rational strategies for further strain improvements with industrial potential.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group 1 Subgroup 1A Strain 1802/KB Isolated from Rice
Authors: Nadarajah Kalaivani , Mat Razali Nurhani , Cheah Boon Huat , Sahruna Nur Syafiqah , Ismail Ismanizan , Tathode Madhura , Bankar Kiran
Published: October 2017

Sheath blight, caused by
Rhizoctonia solani
anastomosis group 1 subgroup 1A (AG1-1A), is one of the most devastating rice diseases worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
R. solani
AG1-1A strain 1802/KB isolated from a popular Malaysian rice variety. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second reported representative genome from AG1-1A.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus paralicheniformis 14DA11, Exhibiting Resistance to Clindamycin and Erythromycin
Authors: Lee Jong-Hoon , Jeong Do-Won
Published: October 2017

Bacillus paralicheniformis
14DA11, exhibiting resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin, was isolated from a Korean fermented soybean food product. The complete genome of strain 14DA11 includes genes that potentially contribute to the antibiotic resistance.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Fruiting Myxobacterium Nannocystis exedens DSM 71
Authors: Treuner-Lange Anke , Bruckskotten Marc , Rupp Oliver , Goesmann Alexander , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: October 2017

In response to starvation, members of the order
Myxococcales
form morphologically very different fruiting bodies. To determine whether fruiting myxobacteria share a common genetic program that leads to fruiting body formation, we sequenced and assembled the genome of
Nannocystis exedens
DSM 71 as two contigs with a total GC content of 72%.
Is Laser Acupuncture An Effective Complementary Therapy for Obesity Management? A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Authors: Namazi Nazli , Khodamoradi Kajal , Larijani Bagher , Ayati Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2017

Background

Complementary therapies may increase the success rate of weight loss via a calorie-restricted diet. Acupuncture is a popular complementary therapy for obesity management. To our knowledge, no studies have summarised the effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on obesity.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of LA, in particular with respect to its impact on anthropometric features and appetite in obese adults, by conducting a systematic review of previous clinical trials.

Methods

We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar electronic databases for papers published through October 2016. All clinical trials in English containing either anthropometric indices or appetite parameters were included. Two reviewers independently examined studies based on a predefined form for data extraction and the Jadad scale for quality assessment in order to minimise bias throughout the evaluation.

Results

After screening the papers, seven clinical trials met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. Positive effects of LA therapy were seen in body weight (n=3), body mass index (n=5), waist circumference (n=4), hip circumference (n=3), waist to hip ratio (n=4) and % fat mass (n=3). Appetite parameters were reported in one study, which showed that LA can reduce appetite and increase the sensation of feeling full.

Conclusion

Although some studies have indicated beneficial effects for LA on obesity, the lack of evidence with high methodological quality made it impossible to reach a definitive conclusion about the efficacy of LA for obesity management. Further high-quality, randomised, sham-controlled clinical trials with a larger sample size are needed to shed light on the efficacy of LA for obesity management and weight maintenance.
Devices used for stabilisation of newborn infants at birth
Authors: Roehr Charles C , O’Shea Joyce E , Dawson Jennifer A , Wyllie Jonathan P
Published: October 2017

This review examines devices used during newborn stabilisation. Evidence for their use to optimise the thermal, respiratory and cardiovascular management in the delivery room is presented. Mechanisms of action and rationale of use are described, current developments are presented and areas of future research are highlighted.
Variation in hospital mortality in an Australian neonatal intensive care unit network
Authors: Abdel-Latif Mohamed E , Nowak Gen , Bajuk Barbara , Glass Kathryn , Harley David
Published: October 2017

Background

Studying centre-to-centre (CTC) variation in mortality rates is important because inferences about quality of care can be made permitting changes in practice to improve outcomes. However, comparisons between hospitals can be misleading unless there is adjustment for population characteristics and severity of illness.

Objective

We sought to report the risk-adjusted CTC variation in mortality among preterm infants born <32 weeks and admitted to all eight tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Neonatal Network (NICUS), Australia.

Methods

We analysed routinely collected prospective data for births between 2007 and 2014. Adjusted mortality rates for each NICU were produced using a multiple logistic regression model. Output from this model was used to construct funnel plots.

Results

A total of 7212 live born infants <32 weeks gestation were admitted consecutively to network NICUs during the study period. NICUs differed in their patient populations and severity of illness.

The overall unadjusted hospital mortality rate for the network was 7.9% (n=572 deaths). This varied from 5.3% in hospital E to 10.4% in hospital C. Adjusted mortality rates showed little CTC variation. No hospital reached the +99.8% control limit level on adjusted funnel plots.

Conclusion

Characteristics of infants admitted to NICUs differ, and comparing unadjusted mortality rates should be avoided. Logistic regression-derived risk-adjusted mortality rates plotted on funnel plots provide a powerful visual graphical tool for presenting quality performance data. CTC variation is readily identified, permitting hospitals to appraise their practices and start timely intervention.
Treatment of Advanced Glaucoma Study: a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing primary medical treatment with primary trabeculectomy for people with newly diagnosed advanced glaucoma—study protocol
Authors: King Anthony J , Fernie Gordon , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Burr Jennifer M , Garway-Heath Ted , Sparrow John M , Vale Luke , Hudson Jemma , MacLennan Graeme , McDonald Alison , Barton Keith , Norrie John
Published: October 2017

Background

Presentation with advanced glaucoma is the major risk factor for lifetime blindness. Effective intervention at diagnosis is expected to minimise risk of further visual loss in this group of patients.

Aim

To compare clinical and cost-effectiveness of primary medical management compared with primary surgery for people presenting with advanced open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods

Design: A prospective, pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

Twenty-seven UK hospital eye services.

Participants

Four hundred and forty patients presenting with advanced OAG, according to the Hodapp-Parish-Anderson classification of visual field loss.

Intervention

Participants will be randomised to medical treatment or augmented trabeculectomy (1:1 allocation minimised by centre and presence of advanced disease in both eyes).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome is vision-related quality of life measured by the National Eye Institute—Visual Function Questionnaire-25 at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include generic EQ-5D-5L, Health Utility Index-3 and glaucoma-related health status (Glaucoma Utility Index), patient experience, visual field measured by mean deviation value, logarithm of the mean angle of resolution visual acuity, intraocular pressure, adverse events, standards for driving and eligibility for blind certification. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) based on EQ-5D-5L and glaucoma profile instrument will be estimated.

Results

The study will report the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of medical treatment against augmented trabeculectomy in patients presenting with advanced glaucoma in terms of patient-reported health and visual function, clinical outcomes and incremental cost per QALY at 2 years.

Conclusions

Treatment of Advanced Glaucoma Study will be the first RCT reporting outcomes from the perspective of those with advanced glaucoma.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN56878850, Pre-results.
Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal 3: how ready are the health information systems in low-income and middle-income countries?
Authors: Nabyonga-Orem Juliet
Published: October 2017

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a broader scope and take a holistic multisectoral approach to development as opposed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While keeping the health MDG agenda, SDG3 embraces the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. The broader scope of the SDG agenda, the need for a multisectoral approach and the emphasis on equity present monitoring challenges to health information systems of low-income and middle-income countries. The narrow scope and weaknesses in existing information systems, a multiplicity of data collection systems designed along disease programme and the lack of capacity for data analysis are among the limitations to be addressed. On the other hand, strong leadership and a comprehensive and longer-term approach to strengthening a unified health information system are beneficial. Strengthening country capacity to monitor SDGs will involve several actions: domestication of the SDG agenda through country-level planning and monitoring frameworks, prioritisation of interventions, indicators and setting country-specific targets. Equity stratifiers should be country specific in addressing policy concerns. The scope of existing information systems should be broadened in line with the SDG agenda monitoring requirements and strengthened to produce reliable data in a timely manner and capacity for data analysis and use of data built. Harnessing all available opportunities, emphasis should be on strengthening health sector as opposed to SDG3 monitoring. In this regard, information systems in related sectors and the private sector should be strengthened and data sharing institutionalised. Data are primarily needed to inform planning and decision-making beyond SGD3 reporting requirements.
Sexual orientation identity and tobacco and hazardous alcohol use: findings from a cross-sectional English population survey
Authors: Shahab Lion , Brown Jamie , Hagger-Johnson Gareth , Michie Susan , Semlyen Joanna , West Robert , Meads Catherine
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To assess the association between tobacco and hazardous alcohol use and sexual orientation and whether such an association could be explained by other sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

Cross-sectional household survey conducted in 2014–2016.

Setting

England, UK.

Participants

Representative English population sample (pooled n=43 866).

Main outcomes

Sexual orientation identity (lesbian/gay, bisexual, heterosexual, prefer-not-to-say); current tobacco and hazardous alcohol use (defined as Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Score ≥8). All outcomes were self-reported.

Results

Due to interactions between sexual orientation and gender for substance use, analyses were stratified by gender. Tobacco use prevalence was significantly higher among lesbian/gay (women: 24.9%, 95% CI 19.2% to 32.6%; men: 25.9%, 95% CI 21.3% to 31.0%) and bisexual participants (women: 32.4%, 95% CI 25.9% to 39.6%; men: 30.7%, 95% CI 23.7% to 30.7%) and significantly lower for prefer-not-to-say participants in women (15.5%, 95% CI 13.5% to 17.8%) but not men (22.7%, 95% CI 20.3% to 25.3%) compared with heterosexual participants (women: 17.5%, 95% CI 17.0% to 18.0%; men: 20.4%, 95% CI 19.9% to 21.0%; p<0.001 for omnibus test). Similarly, hazardous alcohol use was significantly more prevalent for lesbian/gay (women: 19.0%, 95% CI 14.0% to 25.3%; men: 30.0%, 25.2%–35.3%) and bisexual participants (women: 24.4%, 95% CI 18.7% to 31.3%; men: 24.3%, 95% CI 17.9% to 32.1%) and lower for prefer-not-to-say participants (women: 4.1%, 95% CI 3.0% to 5.4%; men: 13.7%; 95% CI 11.8% to 16.0%) compared with heterosexuals (women: 8.3%, 95% CI 7.9% to 8.7%; men: 18.4%, 95% CI 17.9% to 18.9%; p<0.001 for omnibus test). However, after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders, tobacco use was similar across all sexual orientation groups among both women and men. By contrast, sexual orientation differences in hazardous alcohol use remained even after adjustment among women but not for bisexual and gay men.

Conclusions

In England, higher rates of tobacco use among sexual minority men and women appear to be attributable to other sociodemographic factors. Higher rates of hazardous alcohol use among sexual minority men may also be attributable to these factors, whereas this is not the case for sexual minority women.
Liver Reptin/RUVBL2 controls glucose and lipid metabolism with opposite actions on mTORC1 and mTORC2 signalling
Authors: Javary Joaquim , Allain-Courtois Nathalie , Saucisse Nicolas , Costet Pierre , Heraud Capucine , Benhamed Fadila , Pierre Rémi , Bure Corinne , Pallares-Lupon Nestor , Do Cruzeiro Marcio , Postic Catherine , Cota Daniela , Dubus Pierre , Rosenbaum Jean , Benhamouche-Trouillet Samira
Published: October 2017

Objective

The AAA+ ATPase Reptin is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and preclinical studies indicate that it could be a relevant therapeutic target. However, its physiological and pathophysiological roles in vivo remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of Reptin in mammalian adult liver.

Design and results

We generated an inducible liver-specific Reptin knockout (RepinLKO) mouse model. Following Reptin invalidation, mice displayed decreased body and fat mass, hypoglycaemia and hypolipidaemia. This was associated with decreased hepatic mTOR protein abundance. Further experiments in primary hepatocytes demonstrated that Reptin maintains mTOR protein level through its ATPase activity. Unexpectedly, loss or inhibition of Reptin induced an opposite effect on mTORC1 and mTORC2 signalling, with: (1) strong inhibition of hepatic mTORC1 activity, likely responsible for the reduction of hepatocytes cell size, for decreased de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol transcriptional programmes and (2) enhancement of mTORC2 activity associated with inhibition of the gluconeogenesis transcriptional programme and hepatic glucose production. Consequently, the role of hepatic Reptin in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease consecutive to a high-fat diet was investigated. We found that Reptin deletion completely rescued pathological phenotypes associated with IR, including glucose intolerance, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hepatic steatosis.

Conclusion

We show here that the AAA +ATPase Reptin is a regulator of mTOR signalling in the liver and global glucido-lipidic homeostasis. Inhibition of hepatic Reptin expression or activity represents a new therapeutic perspective for metabolic syndrome.
Does egg donation for mitochondrial replacement techniques generate parental responsibilities?
Authors: Palacios-González César
Published: October 2017

Children created through mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) are commonly presented as possessing 50% of their mother’s nuclear DNA, 50% of their father’s nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial DNA of an egg donor. This lab-engineered genetic composition has prompted two questions: Do children who are the product of an MRT procedure have threegeneticparents? And, do MRT egg donors have parental responsibilities for the children created? In this paper, I address the second question and in doing so I also address the first one. First, I present a brief account of mitochondrial diseases and MRTs. Second, I examine how MRTs affect the numerical identity of eggs and zygotes. Third, I investigate two genetic accounts of parenthood and MRT egg donation. Fourth, I explore three causal accounts of parenthood and MRT egg donation. My conclusion is that, under the appropriate circumstances, MRT egg donors are parentally responsible for the children created under genetic accounts of parenthood and under causal accounts of parenthood.
Systematic review of universal and targeted workplace interventions for depression
Authors: Wan Mohd Yunus Wan Mohd Azam , Musiat Peter , Brown June S L
Published: October 2017

Depression is increasingly being recognised as a significant mental health problem in the workplace contributing to productivity loss and economic burden to organisations. This paper reviews recently published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of universal and targeted interventions to reduce depression in the workplace. Studies were identified through searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES Full Text, and Global Health and Social Policy and Practice databases. Studies were included if they included an RCT of a workplace intervention for employees targeting depression as the primary outcome. Twenty-two published RCTs investigating interventions utilising various therapeutic approaches were identified. The cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach is the most frequently used in the workplace, while interventions that combine different therapeutic approaches showed the most promising results. A universal intervention in the workplace that combines CBT and coping flexibility recorded the highest effect size (d=1.45 at 4 months’ follow-up). Most interventions were delivered in group format and showed low attrition rates compared with other delivery formats. Although all studies reviewed were RCTs, the quality of reporting is low. Interventions using different therapeutic approaches with different modes of delivery have been used. Most of these interventions were shown to reduce depression levels among employees in the workplace, particularly those that combine more than one therapeutic approaches.
Exacerbation risk and characterisation of the UK’s asthma population from infants to old age
Authors: Bloom Chloe I , Nissen Francis , Douglas Ian J , Smeeth Liam , Cullinan Paul , Quint Jennifer K
Published: October 2017

Background

Few studies have examined the characteristics of a general asthma population; most have focused on more severe patients or severe exacerbations.

Methods

This population-based cohort study, from April 2007 to September 2015, used linked primary and secondary care electronic healthcare records (Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Hospital Episode Statistics). Characteristics of four age cohorts, ‘Under 5s’, ‘5 to 17s’, ‘18 to 54s’, ‘55+’, were described. Exacerbation risk factors, including asthma severity (measured by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) stepwise approach), were assessed using Poisson regression.

Results

424 326 patients with current asthma were eligible (n, median follow-up: ‘Under 5s’=17 320, 1 year; ‘5 to 17s’=82 707, 3.3 years; ‘18 to 54s’=210 724, 4 years; ‘55+’=113 575, 5.1 years). Over 60% of the total study population had mild asthma (BTS steps 1/2). There were differences between the cohort’s characteristics, including by gender, disease severity and exacerbation pattern. The rate of exacerbations was highest in the oldest cohort and lowest in the ‘5 to 17s’ cohort (rate per 10 person-years (95% CI), ‘Under 5s’=4.27 (4.18 to 4.38), ‘5 to 17s’=1.48 (1.47 to 1.50), ‘18 to 54s’=3.22 (3.21 to 3.24), ‘55+’=9.40 (9.37 to 9.42)). In all cohorts, exacerbation rates increased with increasing asthma severity, after adjusting for confounders including gender, socioeconomic status, smoking, body mass index, atopy, rhinitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, anxiety, depression and COPD.

Conclusion

The majority of UK patients with asthma had mild asthma and did not experience an exacerbation during follow-up. Patients aged ≥55 years had the lowest proportion with mild asthma and highest rate of exacerbations; the opposite was found in patients aged between 5 and 18 years.
Atomic data for allowed and forbidden transitions of helium-like neon
Authors: Salhi Dhia Elhak , Jelassi Haikel
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we provide accurate calculations of energy levels, oscillator strengths, and radiative rates of all types of transitions (E1, E2, M1, and M2) for He-like neon. GRASP2K, the latest version of the fully relativistic general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package (GRASP) code, was used to calculate the above-mentioned parameters among the lowest 97 levels. We have also considered relativistic effects by incorporating quantum electrodynamics (QED) and Breit corrections. The radiative lifetimes are reported for all the calculated levels. The present results are in good agreement with already published data in the literature (calculations and experimental data). Several new energy levels were found where no other theoretical or experimental results are available. We expect that our extensive calculations will be useful to experimentalists for identifying the fine-structure levels.
On (q,n)-gonal pseudo-real Riemann surfaces
Authors: Tyszkowska Ewa
Published: October 2017

A compact Riemann surface [Formula: see text] of genus [Formula: see text] is called pseudo-real if it admits an anticonformal automorphism but no anticonformal involution. In this paper, we study pseudo-real [Formula: see text]-gonal Riemann surfaces of genera greater or equal to two; these surfaces have anticonformal automorphisms of prime order [Formula: see text] such that the quotient spaces have genus [Formula: see text].
Theoretical investigation on ESIPT mechanism for a novel Sal-3,4-benzophen system
Authors: Lv Jian , Yang Dapeng
Published: October 2017

In this work, we theoretically investigate the properties of excited state process for a novel salicylidene sal-3,4-benzophen (Sal-3,4-B) system, which contains two intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1-H2[Formula: see text]N3 and O4-H5[Formula: see text]N6). Based on the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods, we find these two hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S1state, while the O4-H5[Formula: see text]N6 one could be largely affected upon the excitation process. Analyses about infrared (IR) vibrational spectra about hydrogen bond moieties also confirm this viewpoint. Frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) depict the nature of electronic excited state and support the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction.Two kinds of stepwise potential energy curves of Sal-3,4-B in the S1state demonstrate that only one proton could be transferred. Also based on constructing potential energy curves, the synergetic situation could be eliminated. Due to the specific ESIPT mechanism for Sal-3,4-B, we successfully explain the previous experiment and provide a reasonable attribution to the second emission peak of experiment.
Sudden change in the behavior of quantum discord for bipartite Gisin states
Authors: Siyouri Fatima-Zahra , Ziane Mustapha , El Baz Morad , Hassouni Yassine
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of quantum correlation for Gisin states based on the bipartite superposed coherent states (SCS). Moreover, we analyze the basis for minimizing the quantum discord (or equivalently basis maximizing the classical correlation) as function of the mixing parameter and the coherent amplitude. We found that for our quantum system, the quantum discord behavior is not smooth and could experience a sudden change (S.C).
Analysis of Semipermeable Crack Growth in Piezoelectric Materials Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Pamnani G. , Bhattacharya S. , Sanyal S.
Published: October 2017

Piezoelectric materials possess special characteristics of electromechanical coupling behavior and thus have found numerous applications such as transducers, sensors, actuators. Fracture of piezoelectric materials has drawn substantial attention of the research community and is being widely investigated for predicting their failure. Most of the research on piezoelectric materials is based on impermeable crack conditions. In the present study semi-permeable crack boundary conditions has been analyzed using the extended finite element method (XFEM). Combined Mechanical and Electrical loading with quasi-static crack growth has been considered on a pre-cracked rectangular plate with crack at its edge and center. Stress intensity factors have been evaluated by interaction integral approach using the asymptotic crack tip fields. Effect of presence of minor cracks and holes have been analyzed on the intensity factors of semi-permeable major crack.
Implicit integration factor method for the nonlinear Dirac equation
Authors: Zhang Jing-Jing , Li Xiang-Gui , Shao Jing-Fang
Published: October 2017

A high-order accuracy time discretization method is developed in this paper to solve the one-dimensional nonlinear Dirac (NLD) equation. Based on the implicit integration factor (IIF) method, two schemes are proposed. Central differences are applied to the spatial discretization. The semi-discrete scheme keeps the conservation of the charge and energy. For the temporal discretization, second-order IIF method and fourth-order IIF method are applied respectively to the nonlinear system arising from the spatial discretization. Numerical experiments are given to validate the accuracy of these schemes and to discuss the interaction dynamics of the NLD solitary waves.
Forecasting of Global Earthquake Energy Time Series
Authors: Raghukanth S. T. G. , Kavitha B. , Dhanya J.
Published: October 2017

This paper explores a new method to model and forecast the global earthquake energy release time series. The ISC-GEM catalogue of global events with magnitude [Formula: see text] is used in this study. The magnitudes of individual events are converted into seismic energy using an empirical relation. The annual earthquake energy time series is constructed by adding the energy releases of all the events in a particular year. Then, the energy time series is decomposed into finite number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique. The periodicities of these IMF’s and their contribution to the total variance of the data are examined to identify the influence of natural phenomenon on earthquake energy release. The artificial neural network technique (ANN) is further used for modeling the energy-time series. The model is verified with an independent subset of data and validated using statistical parameters. The forecast of the annual earthquake energy release is provided for the year 2016.
The geophysics contributions from the
QJEGH
, 1967 – 2015
Authors: Gunn D.
Published: October 2017

This paper reviews the geophysics contributions of the
QJEGH
(and forerunner
QJEG
) over the last 50 years in support of engineering geology, hydrogeology and ground engineering. It includes a brief history of some world and national influences on the ascent of geophysics over this time. The fundamental objectives behind geophysical surveying and monitoring are recapped before presenting contributions, across a range of geophysical methods, within a framework of applications, originally devised by the Geological Society Engineering Group Working Party for Engineering Geophysics in 1988. Three-quarters of the papers reviewed focused on UK geology. Seismic, electrical resistivity and thermal methods accounted for 60% of the contributions, with magnetic, gravity and seismicity accounting for a further 24%. Some contributions are highlighted in each of the applications sections; these were considered exemplars of good practice, of good data, or considered by the reviewer to be innovative (at the time). Tables classifying around 140 papers into geophysical themes will enable practitioners to utilize the Geological Society Online Lyell Collection to review appropriate geological and hydrogeological contexts for successful engineering geophysical applications in support of future engineering.

Supplementary material:
Review papers sorted into geophysical themes and engineering applications is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3903871
Teaching Software Product Lines
Authors: Acher Mathieu , Lopez-Herrejon Roberto E. , Rabiser Rick
Published: October 2017

Software Product Line (SPL) engineering has emerged to provide the means to efficiently model, produce, and maintain multiple similar software variants, exploiting their common properties, and managing their variabilities (differences). With over two decades of existence, the community of SPL researchers and practitioners is thriving, as can be attested by the extensive research output and the numerous successful industrial projects. Education has a key role to support the next generation of practitioners to build highly complex, variability-intensive systems. Yet, it is unclear how the concepts of variability and SPLs are taught, what are the possible missing gaps and difficulties faced, what are the benefits, and what is the material available. Also, it remains unclear whether scholars teach what is actually needed by industry. In this article, we report on three initiatives we have conducted with scholars, educators, industry practitioners, and students to further understand the connection between SPLs and education, that is, an online survey on teaching SPLs we performed with 35 scholars, another survey on learning SPLs we conducted with 25 students, as well as two workshops held at the International Software Product Line Conference in 2014 and 2015 with both researchers and industry practitioners participating. We build upon the two surveys and the workshops to derive recommendations for educators to continue improving the state of practice of teaching SPLs, aimed at both individual educators as well as the wider community.
Crowd-Sourced Data Collection for Urban Monitoring via Mobile Sensors
Authors: Longo Antonella , Zappatore Marco , Bochicchio Mario , Navathe Shamkant B.
Published: October 2017

A considerable amount of research has addressed Internet of Things and connected communities. It is possible to exploit the sensing capabilities of connected communities, by leveraging the continuously growing use of cloud computing solutions and mobile devices. The pervasiveness of mobile sensors also enables the Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) paradigm, which aims at using mobile-embedded sensors to extend monitoring of multiple (environmental) phenomena in expansive urban areas. In this article, we discuss our approach with a cloud-based platform to pave the way for applying crowd sensing in urban scenarios. We have implemented a complete solution for environmental monitoring of several pollutants, like noise, air, electromagnetic fields, and so on in an urban area based on this paradigm. Through extensive experimentation, specifically on noise pollution, we show how the proposed infrastructure exhibits the ability to collect data from connected communities, and enables a seamless support of services needed for improving citizens’ quality of life and eventually helps city decision makers in urban planning.
Adaptive Message Routing and Replication in Mobile Opportunistic Networks for Connected Communities
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Wan Luming , Chen Yawen , Yang Laurence T. , Peng Lizhi
Published: October 2017

Mobile opportunistic networking is a promising technology that can supplement existing cellular and WiFi networks to provide desirable services for smart and connected communities. Message routing is the most compelling challenge in mobile opportunistic networks due to the lack of contemporaneous end-to-end paths and the resource constraints at mobile devices. To improve the probability of successful message delivery, most existing routing schemes use the past contact history to predict future contacts for message forwarding, and exploit message replication and redundancy for multicopy routing. However, most existing prediction-based routing schemes simply use the average pairwise contact probability as the routing metric and neglect the benefits of exploring fine-grained contact information such as pairwise repeated contact patterns to improve the accuracy of predicting future contacts. Moreover, there is no efficient mechanism that can adaptively control message replication in a decentralized manner to achieve both high probability of successful message delivery and low message overhead. To address these problems, we present FGAR, a routing protocol designed for mobile opportunistic networks by leveraging fine-grained contact characterization and adaptive message replication. In FGAR, contact history is characterized in a fine-grained manner with timing information using a sliding window mechanism, and future contacts are predicted based on the fine-grained contact information, thereby improving the accuracy of contact prediction. We further design an efficient message replication scheme in which message replication is controlled in a fully decentralized manner by taking into account the expected message delivery probability, the replication history, and the quality of the encountered device. A replica is generated only when it is necessary to fulfill the expected message delivery probability. We evaluate our scheme through trace-driven simulations, and the simulation results show that FGAR outperforms existing schemes. In comparison with PRoPHET, FGAR can achieve more than 20% improvement on average on successful message delivery, whereas the message overhead has been reduced by a factor up to 15.